bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small forested watershed weathers effects of climate change better than a nearby urban watershed in Northern Virginia, USA
Authors: Porter Aaron J. , Rice Karen C.
Published: March 2024

South Fork Quantico Creek (SFQ; 19.8 square kilometre (km2), forested) and Fourmile Run (4MR; 32.4‐km2, urban) are small watersheds in northern Virginia, United States. Precipitation and streamflow data for both watersheds were examined from water year (WY) 1952 through 2022. Temporal changes in hydrologic metrics were identified by calculating trends in annual precipitation, annual peak flow, mean daily flow, minimum daily flow, stream flashiness, and the runoff ratio. The impact of climate and urbanization on watershed hydrology was assessed by computing trends on both raw and precipitation‐adjusted data. Despite increasing precipitation in both watersheds, increasing monotonic trends in most hydrologic metrics were observed only in 4MR. At 4MR, the long‐term trend in annual peak flow was non‐linear, thus trends were calculated on separate periods. Annual peak flow increased from WY 1952 through 1968, coinciding with a period of rapid urbanization. During WY 1969 through 1981, annual peak flows decreased, coinciding with construction of a flood channelization project. Trends for both periods were robust to precipitation adjustment. From WY 1982 through 2022, no change in the precipitation‐adjusted annual peak flows occurred, suggesting annual peak flows increased due to climate factors during this period. Comparison of area‐normalized hydrologic metrics between the two watersheds revealed higher flows in 4MR than SFQ across all flows, not just high flows. Runoff ratio and stream flashiness also were higher in 4MR. Differences in hydrologic metrics between the two watersheds were driven primarily by differences in land use, land cover, and modifications to the water balance related to urbanization. Climate change has altered watershed hydrology at both sites, but extensive urbanization in 4MR has altered the hydrology more than that of SFQ. We conclude that urban watersheds are likely at greater risk of increased flooding than less developed areas as the climate intensifies.
Germline variants of DNA repair and immune genes in lymphoma from lymphoma‐cancer families
Authors: Wang Xiaogan , Deng Lijuan , Ping Lingyan , Shi Yunfei , Wang Haojie , Feng Feier , Leng Xin , Tang Yahan , Xie Yan , Ying Zhitao , Liu Weiping , Zhu Jun , Song Yuqin
Published: March 2024

The genetic predisposition to lymphoma is not fully understood. We identified 13 lymphoma‐cancer families (2011–2021), in which 27 individuals developed lymphomas and 26 individuals had cancers. Notably, male is the predominant gender in lymphoma patients, whereas female is the predominant gender in cancer patients (p = .019; OR = 4.72, 95% CI, 1.30–14.33). We collected samples from 18 lymphoma patients, and detected germline variants through exome sequencing. We found that germline protein truncating variants (PTVs) were enriched in DNA repair and immune genes. Totally, we identified 31 heterozygous germline mutations (including 12 PTVs) of 25 DNA repair genes and 19 heterozygous germline variants (including 7 PTVs) of 14 immune genes. PTVs of ATM and PNKP were found in two families, respectively. We performed whole genome sequencing of diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), translocations at IGH locus and activation of oncogenes (BCL6 and MYC) were verified, and homologous recombination deficiency was detected. In DLBCLs with germline PTVs of ATM, deletion and insertion in CD58 were further revealed. Thus, in lymphoma‐cancer families, we identified germline defects of both DNA repair and immune genes in lymphoma patients.
Revealing genes associated with cervical cancer in distinct immune cells: A comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Li Ning , Yi Huan , Sun Wen , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Deqiang , Ji Jianguang
Published: March 2024

Human papillomavirus can be contracted by sexually active women. However, only a small proportion of these infections persist and have the potential to progress into cervical cancers, indicating a significant involvement of the immune system in cervical cancer development. Despite this, our understanding of the precise contributions of genes from different immune cell types in cervical cancers remains limited. Therefore, the primary objective of our study was to investigate the potential causal relationships between specific immune cell genes and the development of cervical cancers. By accessing expression quantitative trait loci datasets of 14 distinct immune cell types and genome wide association study of cervical cancers, we employed the summary data‐based Mendelian randomization (SMR) along with multi‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based SMR to identify significant genes associated with cervical cancers. Colocalization analysis was further conducted to explore the shared genetic causality. A total of 10 genes across 11 immune cell types (26 significant gene‐trait associations) were found to be associated with cervical cancers after false discovery rate correction. Notably, the ORMDL3, BRK1 and HMGN1 gene expression levels showed significant association with cervical cancer in specific immune cell types, respectively. These associations were supported by strong evidence of colocalization analyses. Our study has identified several genes in different immune cells that were associated with cervical cancer. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and provide more comprehensive insights into the association between these gene expressions and cervical cancer risk.
Improved senescent cell segmentation on bright‐field microscopy images exploiting representation level contrastive learning
Authors: Çelebi Fatma , Boyvat Dudu , Ayaz‐Guner Serife , Tasdemir Kasim , Icoz Kutay
Published: March 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells which have multi‐lineage differentiation and self‐renewal potentials. Accurate estimation of total number of senescent cells in MSCs is crucial for clinical applications. Traditional manual cell counting using an optical bright‐field microscope is time‐consuming and needs an expert operator. In this study, the senescence cells were segmented and counted automatically by deep learning algorithms. However, well‐performing deep learning algorithms require large numbers of labeled datasets. The manual labeling is time consuming and needs an expert. This makes deep learning‐based automated counting process impractically expensive. To address this challenge, self‐supervised learning based approach was implemented. The approach incorporates representation level contrastive learning component into the instance segmentation algorithm for efficient senescent cell segmentation with limited labeled data. Test results showed that the proposed model improves mean average precision and mean average recall of downstream segmentation task by 8.3% and 3.4% compared to original segmentation model.
PAPR reduction using model‐driven hybrid algorithms in the 6G NOMA waveform
Authors: Kumar Arun , Gaur Nishant , Nanthaamornphong Aziz
Published: March 2024

In the evolving landscape of sixth‐generation (6G) network technologies, Non‐Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) systems are pivotal for achieving enhanced spectral efficiency and network capacity. However, a significant challenge in NOMA systems is the high Peak‐to‐Average Power Ratio (PAPR), which undermines system efficiency by necessitating high‐power amplifiers (HPAs) to operate in their less efficient, non‐linear range. Addressing this, we introduce a novel hybrid approach, the Selective Mapping‐Circular Transformation Method (SLM‐CTM), which ingeniously amalgamates the strengths of Selective Mapping (SLM) and the Circular Transformation Method (CTM) to mitigate PAPR issues. SLM is renowned for its peak power reduction capabilities without adding to system complexity, whereas CTM is valued for its simplicity and controlled signal distortion. The proposed SLM‐CTM strategy employs a blend of linear and nonlinear techniques to effectively lower PAPR in non‐orthogonal NOMA configurations, thereby reducing high‐power peaks while simultaneously enhancing signal quality. This paper delineates the application of the SLM‐CTM algorithm to evaluate critical NOMA parameters such as Power Spectral Density (PSD), Bit Error Rate (BER), and PAPR. Simulation results highlight the efficacy of SLM‐CTM over conventional SLM, demonstrating a significant throughput improvement of 3.2 dB and a PAPR reduction of 4.6 dB, underscoring the potential of SLM‐CTM in elevating the performance of NOMA systems within 6G network.
Adoption determinants of improved cassava varieties and intercropping among East and Central African smallholder farmers
Authors: Mwebaze Paul , Macfadyen Sarina , De Barro Paul , Bua Anton , Kalyebi Andrew , Bayiyana Irene , Tairo Fred , Colvin John
Published: March 2024

A key constraint to cassava productivity in Africa is the lack of adoption of improved cassava varieties tolerant to pests and diseases. To understand the drivers of adoption behavior, we examine the simultaneous adoption of improved cassava varieties and intercropping by 1200 smallholder farmers in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. Using a linear model, we find that varietal characteristics, such as yield and early maturity, are critical drivers of adoption. Access to extension and credit is associated with an increase in the attractiveness of yield‐improving characteristics. We conclude that a more targeted extension approach would increase technology adoption in these countries.
US fiscal policy shocks: Proxy‐SVAR overidentification via GMM
Authors: Gregory Allan W. , McNeil James , Smith Gregor W.
Published: March 2024

Using external instruments, one can recover the effects of individual shocks without fully identifying a vector autoregression (VAR). We show that fully or almost fully instrumenting a VAR—that is, using an instrument for each shock—allows one to overidentify the model by incorporating the condition that the structural shocks are uncorrelated, via the generalized method of moments (GMM). We apply our approach to a fiscal VAR for the United States over 1948–2019, where the overidentifying restrictions are not rejected. The overidentified structural vector autoregression (SVAR) yields (a) greater precision in estimating impulse response functions and multipliers and (b) measures of the effects of nonfiscal shocks even when there is no instrument for them.
Kingfish Ace: Application of Gaming to Help Air Force Leaders Understand Agile Combat Employment
Authors: Pierce Troy B. , Komives Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2024

The use of games to model and understand complex systems has an extensive history in military circles. Gaming is used by commanders at all levels to inform their understanding of the operational environment, evaluate disparate courses of action, and refine future concepts of operation. The current article examines the use of gaming by the U.S. Air Force to mature and promote its Agile Combat Employment operational concept. The case is made that this approach is extensible to allow leaders with varying problem sets a tool to develop a deeper understanding of their leadership options.
Competency in evidence‐based medicine and associated factors among medical radiology technologists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Melesse Girma Tufa , Amde Tewodros , Tezera Robel
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Evidence‐based medicine integrates clinical expertise, patient values and best research evidence in clinical decision‐making. This study aimed to assess evidence‐based medicine knowledge, attitudes, practices and associated factors among medical radiology technologists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 392 medical radiology technologists from May to August 2022 using a self‐administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with evidence‐based medicine practice.

Results

Most medical radiology technologists (57.7%) had moderate evidence‐based medicine knowledge and 94.9% had favourable attitudes. However, 64.8% demonstrated poor evidence‐based medicine practice. Factors significantly associated with better evidence‐based medicine practice were moderate knowledge (AOR 1.949, 95% CI 1.155–3.291), good statistical understanding (AOR 1.824, 95% CI 1.135–2.930), sufficient time for evidence‐based medicine (AOR 1.892, 95% CI 1.140–3.141), institutional support (AOR 2.093, 95% CI 1.271–3.440) and evidence‐based medicine resource access (AOR 1.653, 95% CI 1.028–2.656).

Conclusion

Despite moderate knowledge and positive attitudes towards evidence‐based medicine, most medical radiology technologists had suboptimal utilisation. Strategies to improve knowledge, ensure dedicated time, provide institutional support and resources could enhance evidence‐based radiology practice.
Discerning the stability behaviour of mavacamten availing liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: In silico toxicity and mutagenicity prediction of degradation products
Authors: Golla Vijaya Madhyanapu , Kalyan Mallika , Gholap Upasana , Padhy Hara Prasad , Ramachandran Roshitha K. , Samanthula Gananadhamu
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to separate, identify, and characterise the degradation products formed when mavacamten is exposed to stress degradation as well as the stability of the drug in various environments and also to understand its degradation chemistry. Prediction of in silico toxicity and mutagenicity was aimed at the observed degradation products. Stress degradation along with stability studies and degradation kinetics were performed on mavacamten, and separation of degradation products was carried out by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Tandem mass spectrometry studies were executed to characterise the structures of degradation products using product ion fragments. Orthogonally, nuclear magnetic resonance experiments were conducted to elucidate the structures having ambiguity in characterising them. Deductive Estimation of Risk from Existing Knowledge and Structure Activity Relationship Analysis using Hypotheses software were used to establish in silico toxicity and mutagenic profiles of mavacamten and its degradation products. Two degradation products of mavacamten found in acidic hydrolytic stress conditions were separated, identified, characterised, and proposed as 1‐isopropylpyrimidine‐2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)‐trione and 1‐phenylethanamine. Mavacamten was found to be stable under different pH and gastrointestinal conditions. The degradation kinetics of mavacamten under 1 N acidic condition followed zero‐order kinetics, and it was degraded completely within 6 h. In silico toxicity and mutagenicity studies revealed that 1‐phenylethanamine can be a skin sensitiser. A high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the separation of degradation products of mavacamten and characterised by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. During the manufacturing and storage of drug product, precautions need to be taken when dealing with acidic solutions as the drug is prone to hydrolysis in acidic conditions. The formation of 1‐phenylethanamine under these conditions is to be monitored as it is a skin sensitiser.
Duration of the preemptive analgesic effects of low‐ and high‐frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in rats with acute inflammatory pain
Authors: Ikemoto Hideshi , Adachi Naoki , Okumo Takayuki , Chuluunbat Oyunchimeg , Hisamitsu Tadashi , Sunagawa Masataka
Published: March 2024

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) activates various pathways to induce antinociceptive effects, based on the frequencies used. This study evaluates the preemptive analgesic effects and their duration of low‐ (LT: 4 Hz) and high‐frequency TENS (HT: 100 Hz) using a rat model of acute inflammatory pain. Acute inflammation was induced by injecting 1% formalin into the hind paws of rats. LT or HT was applied for 30 min before formalin injection. Pain‐related behaviors, such as licking, flinching, and lifting, were recorded for 60 min postinjection. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the number of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK)‐ and c‐fos‐positive cells in the spinal cord. Naloxone, a μ‐opioid receptors (MORs) antagonist, and naltrindole, a δ‐opioid receptors (DORs) antagonist, were administered before TENS application. Pain behavior duration and pERK‐ and c‐fos‐positive cell expression were then measured. LT and HT pretreatment significantly reduced both pain behaviors and the number of pERK‐ and c‐fos‐positive cells postformalin injection. Naloxone and naltrindole partially reversed the effects of LT and HT, respectively. Notably, HT's analgesic effect lasted up to 120 min whereas that of LT persisted for 90 min. LT and HT effectively exerted their preemptive analgesic effects on acute inflammatory pain by inhibiting pERK and c‐fos expression in the spinal cord. HT presented a longer‐lasting effect compared to LT. MOR and DOR activation may contribute to LT and HT's analgesic mechanisms, respectively.
A laboratory study of the failure analysis of copper tube used in the air conditioning heat exchanger
Authors: Wang Zhongqi , Li Haihong , Cheng Dayong , Qin Shiteng , Li Deshan , Zhang Xintao
Published: March 2024

The failure behavior and the failure mechanisms of the copper tube used in the air conditioning heat exchanger were analyzed using macrostructure and microstructure examination and the chemical composition analysis of the corrosion products. Results showed that the corrosion of the exterior surface of the copper tube should be responsible for the failure of the air conditioning heat exchanger. The chemical compositions of the corrosion products mainly included Cu, O, C, P, S, Cl, and so forth. The corrosion mechanisms were electrochemical corrosion under the circumstances of a humid environment, oxygen, and some corrosive medium. The corrosive media were organic carboxylic acids, Cl−, H2S, and SO2, which came from air pollutants, the combustion of fuels, the automobile exhaust, and the industrial waste gas. One or more electrochemical corrosion destroyed the integrity of the copper tube and led to the failure of the air conditioning heat exchanger in advance.
On the completeness of root function system of the Dirac operator with two‐point boundary conditions
Authors: Makin Alexander
Published: March 2024

The paper is concerned with the completeness property of root functions of the Dirac operator with summable complex‐valued potential and nonregular boundary conditions. We also obtain an explicit form for the fundamental solution system of the considered operator.
Game‐theoretic approaches to product introduction strategies for durable products
Authors: Pirayesh Neghab Davood , Restrepo Diaz Jorge , Cevik Mucahit , Wahab M. I. M.
Published: March 2024

New product demand continuously fluctuates throughout the life of the product. As a result, markets typically experience high volatility. Most companies operate in highly competitive industries where the product volume supplied by the competitors significantly affects production plans. These conditions necessitate companies to be flexible and rapidly adapt to such volatility. In this study, we investigate the product introduction strategies under two microeconomic theories: real‐option valuation and game theory. Specifically, we develop a real‐option valuation framework with a flexible capacity based on two game‐theoretic models, namely, Stackelberg and Cournot, in a duopoly market where competitors have either perfect or imperfect information. Furthermore, we construct a lattice to discretize the demand evolution and adopt a regime‐switching approach to characterize the stochastic product lifetime. We conduct an extensive numerical study and compare net present values (NPVs) and optimal capacities obtained from the game‐theoretic models. Our results show that under perfect information, the Stackelberg competition generates more supply with lower prices and less total
than the Cournot competition. Moreover, we find that, compared to the fixed‐capacity system, the flexible capacity system increases the
in the Stackelberg game (by 5.5%) more than in the Cournot game (by 3.3%). We provide further results on the performance of the companies based on detailed sensitivity analysis for various model parameters. In particular, we observe that fixed and variable production and installation costs majorly impact capacity allocation decisions and profits.
A comparative study of machine learning in predicting the mechanical properties of the deposited AA6061 alloys via additive friction stir deposition
Authors: Qiao Qian , Liu Quan , Pu Jiong , Shi Haixia , Li Wenxiao , Zhu Zhixiong , Guo Dawei , Qian Hongchang , Zhang Dawei , Li Xiaogang , Kwok C. T. , Tam L. M.
Published: March 2024

Additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) provides strong flexibility and better performance in component design, which is controlled by the process parameters. It is an essential and difficult task to tune those parameters. The recent exploration of machine learning (ML) exhibits great potential to obtain a suitable balance between productivity and set parameters. In this study, ML techniques, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and artificial neural network (ANN), are applied to predict the mechanical properties of the AFSD‐based AA6061 deposition. Expect for the stable parameters (temperature, force and torque) in situ monitored by the self‐developed process‐aware kit during the AFSD process and the other factors (rotation speed, traverse speed, feed rate and layer thickness) are also set as input variables. The output variables are microhardness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Prediction results show that the ANN model performs the best prediction accuracy with the highest R2 (0.9998) and the lowest mean absolute error (MAE, 0.0050) and root mean square error (RMSE, 0.0063). Furthermore, analysis suggests that the feed rate (24.8%/24.1%) and layer thickness (25.6%/26.6%) indicate a higher contribution that affects the mechanical properties.
Dissipative structures for the system of Moore–Gibson–Thompson thermoelasticity in the whole space
Authors: Pellicer Marta , Quintanilla Ramon , Ueda Yoshihiro
Published: March 2024

We investigate the dissipative structure for the system of Moore–Gibson–Thompson (MGT) thermoelasticity in the whole space. To analyze the dissipative structure, it is very useful to rewrite the equations into a symmetric hyperbolic system and apply the so‐called stability condition. When we rewrite our system into the symmetric hyperbolic form in the multidimensional case, it is important to take the constraint conditions into account. Indeed, the stability condition with the constraint conditions guarantees the dissipative property for our system in some cases. In this paper, we introduce the stability condition with constraints for the general problem and apply this argument to the system of MGT thermoelasticity. Furthermore, we discuss the optimality of the decay estimates we obtain, together with the no regularity‐loss phenomenon.
A semi‐analytical procedure to determine the ion recombination correction factor in high dose‐per‐pulse beams
Authors: Bancheri Julien , Seuntjens Jan
Published: March 2024

Background

The conventional theories and methods of determining the ion recombination correction factor, such as Boag theory and the related two voltage method and Jaffé plot extrapolation, do not seem to yield accurate results in FLASH /high dose per pulse (DPP) beams (10 mGy DPP). This is due to the presence of a large free electron fraction that distorts the electric field inside the chamber sensitive volume. To understand the influence of these effects on the ion recombination correction factor and to develop new expressions for it, it is necessary to re‐visit the underlying physics.

Purpose

To present a mathematical procedure to develop an analytical expression for the ion recombination correction factor. The expression is the basis for an extrapolation method so the correction factor can be determined in a clinical setting.

Methods

A semi‐analytical solution method, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), is used to solve the partial differential equations (PDEs) describing the charge carrier physics, including space charge and free electrons. The electron velocity and attachment rate are modeled as functions of the electric field strength. An expression for the charge collection efficiency and ion recombination correction factor are developed. A fit procedure based on this expression is used to compare it to measured data from previously published articles. Another fit procedure using a general equation is also proposed and compared to the data.

Results

The series obtained for the charge collection efficiency and the ion recombination correction factor are determined to be asymptotic series and the optimal truncation established. The ion recombination correction factor exhibits a dependency due to the free electron presence. The fit using this expression agrees well with measured data as long as (1) the DPP is below 1 Gy for chambers with a 1 mm plate separation and (2) when the DPP is below 3 Gy for chambers with a 0.5 mm plate separation. In these DPP ranges, the deviation between measured and fit value did not exceed 6%. In both chamber cases the voltage range where the fit applies decreases as DPP increases. The general equation yielded comparable results.

Conclusions

The HPM was shown to be applicable to a complex system of PDEs and generate meaningful and novel solutions, as they include both space charge and free electrons. The HPM also lends itself to other chamber geometries. The fit procedure was also shown to yield accurate results for the ion recombination correction up to the 1 Gy DPP level.
SimpleNMR: An interactive graph network approach to aid constitutional isomer verification using standard 1D and 2D NMR experiments
Authors: Hughes Eric , Kenwright Alan M.
Published: March 2024

Despite progress in computer automated solutions, constitutional isomer verification by NMR using one‐ and two‐dimensional data sets is still, in the main, a manual, user‐intensive activity that is challenging for a number of reasons. These include the problem of simultaneously keeping track of the information from a number of separate NMR experiments and the difficulty of another researcher subsequently verifying the assignments made without having to independently repeat the whole analysis. This paper describes a graphical interactive approach that overcomes some of these problems. By using concepts used to visualise graph networks, we have been able to represent the NMR data in a manner that highlights directly the link between the different NMR experiments and the molecule of interest. Furthermore, by making the graph networks interactive, a user can easily validate and correct the assignment and understand the decisions made in arriving at the solution. We have developed a usable proof‐of‐concept computer program, ‘simpleNMR’, written in Python to illustrate the ideas and approach.
Dependence of critical temperature on doping and oxygen reduction in Nd2-xCexCuO4-δ${\rm Nd}_{2{\hbox{-}}x}{\rm Ce}_x{\rm CuO}_{4{\hbox{-}}\delta}$ superconductor
Authors: Yayeh Zewdie , Kahsay Gebregziabher , Negussie Tamiru , Ketema Ababay
Published: March 2024

In this work, we have investigated the possible dependence of critical temperature (Tc) on cerium doping and oxygen reduction in oxide superconductor 2‐xCexCu (LCCO, L = Nd, Eu Pr) by employing the Green's function (GF) technique. Besides, we have shown the interconnection between electron doping and subtle oxygen reduction variability in the system by using Tikhonov regularization method (TRM). Within the above methods, both parameters of superconducting critical temperature (Tc) and antiferromagnetic transition temperature (TN) are calculated quantitatively by considering the electron doping followed by annealing and magnetic ordering for NCCO system. It is demonstrated that when the magnetic ordering is applied, Tc is suppressed whereas TN is enhanced. On the other hand, for electron doping, the values of these parameters become vice‐versa. It is shown that, with further electron doping, the antiferromagnetic state leads to higher frustration. However, it subtly persists up to about, . The critical temperature of NCCO occurs in the range of between 0.05 and 0.27 with at The antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase and superconducting (SC) phase diagrams are established in compact form and the coexistence between the two states is demonstrated. The current finding is compatible with previous results.
Changes in suicidal ideation during treatment among patients with major depressive disorder: A 6‐month naturalistic follow‐up study
Authors: Sato Aoi , Sugawara Norio , Kawamata Yasushi , Yasui‐Furukori Norio
Published: March 2024

Aim

There is limited evidence regarding predictors of changes in suicidal ideation (SI) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The objective of this study was to describe changes in SI over a 6‐month period and identify their predictors from naturalistic observations of MDD patients.

Methods

In the cross‐sectional analysis, we examined 257 patients with MDD at the first‐visit assessment. Among the patients, 119 who completed the 6‐month assessment (completers) were included in the longitudinal analysis. For the evaluation of depressive symptoms, including SI, the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology‐Japanese version was administered at both the first‐visit and follow‐up assessments. At baseline, we also administered the Japanese version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory to assess personality traits and the PRIME Screen‐Revised to assess psychotic symptoms.

Results

In the cross‐sectional analysis of first‐visit patients, 36.2% (93/257) exhibited SI. Among completers, 14.3% (17/119) had prolonged SI. Among the completers with SI at the first‐visit assessment, 38.6% (17/44) had SI at the follow‐up assessment (prolonged SI). In linear regression models including all completers, prolonged SI was positively associated with endorsement of suspiciousness/persecutory ideas and negatively associated with higher age.

Conclusion

More than one‐third of completers who had SI at the first‐visit assessment experienced prolonged SI (SI at follow‐up). Our findings can help clinicians predict the course of MDD by identifying associated demographic and clinical characteristics.
Acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐lignin thermoplastic rubber adhesive for enhanced metal‐to‐metal joining
Authors: Yu Zeyang , Kanbargi Nihal , Gupta Sumit , Shin Yongsoon , Qiao Yao , Bowland Christopher C. , Merkel Daniel R. , Simmons Kevin L. , Naskar Amit K.
Published: March 2024

With the growing requirement for lightweight structural materials in automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure applications, multi‐material joints made with adhesive have attracted intense research interest. Commercial thermoset adhesives are one‐time cures, and difficult to disassemble the bonded components for repair and recycling. Our prior work with a thermoplastic acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐lignin rubber (ABL) addresses this sustainability/recycling challenge, but the adhesive exhibits deficient joining strength compared to standard thermosets. Here, we modify the ABL matrix by loading particulate fillers to enhance its modulus and toughness. The goal is to manufacture a cure‐free thermoplastic adhesive system with a simple dispensing protocol and characteristic ductility combined with a high yield stress for improved shear strength of a bonded joint. Fumed silica (FS) and epoxidized glass spheres (EGS) were used as fillers in the ABL to promote the dispersion of lignin particles that tailored the functionalities and free energy components of the adhesive surface. With optimal loading of FS (5 wt%) and EGS (30 wt%) in the ABL adhesive matrix, the lap‐shear strength of the bonded aluminum joint was elevated by 128%, compared to the neat ABL, reaching 21 MPa, which is 90% of the performance of a commercial epoxy‐based adhesive.

Highlights

A partly renewable filler‐toughened thermoplastic adhesive has been developed.

This thermoplastic gives nearly equivalent performance of adhesively bonded aluminum joint compared to standard thermosets.

Experimental and simulation data help understand the adhesive reinforcing mechanism by the fillers.
Biocompatible colloidal feedstock for material extrusion processing of bioceramic‐based scaffolds
Authors: Ferrández‐Montero A. , Ortega‐Columbrans P. , Eguiluz A. , Sanchez‐Herencia A. J. , Detsch R. , Boccaccini A. R. , Ferrari B.
Published: March 2024

Nowadays an enormous effort has been made to impulse the incorporation of additive manufacturing (AM) approaches in the biomedical sector. One of the most recognized biomaterials for this end is bioceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HA), but unfortunately, ceramics present a lack of accessible technologies based on AM. Consequently, the development of new methodologies which enable the manufacture of bioceramic‐based scaffolds is imperative. A large number of publications on polymer–ceramic composite processed by Material Extrusion are available, so far, the maximum ceramic loading reached is still a parameter to improve. Recently an alternative colloidal processing technique to prepare ceramic‐based composite feedstock for material extrusion has been proposed. It has been demonstrated that tailoring the surface of the ceramic particles enables the processing of high ceramic loading composites by AM. This article shows the potential of the colloidal approach to process biocompatible PLA/HA feedstock increasing the homogeneity of the bioceramic phase into the composite. The feedstock characterization shows that HA surface modification makes possible the successful dispersion and the ceramic load increase without modifying the biocompatibility. The ceramic load increase does not modify the melting properties of the polymeric matrix required for the 3D printing process. This methodology allows for the first time the development of a final 3D printed composite structure with contents up to 72 wt% of HA by Material Extrusion. This colloidal approach paves the way to transfer the use of additive manufacturing techniques mainly devoted to polymeric biomaterials to other types of biomaterials such as bioceramics.

Highlights

A colloidal approach for 3D printing of PLA/HA composites is proposed.

HA surface modification made possible a load increase with high dispersion.

The characterization of a PLA/HA feedstock for 3D printing is established.

Biocompatible PLA/HA feedstock is processed by AM in customized structures.

Colloidal approach allows the processing of 3D structures with 72 wt% of HA.
Facile synthesis of rapamycin‐loaded PEG‐b‐PLA nanoparticles and their application in immunotherapy
Authors: Li Yudong , Scheerstra Jari F. , Liu Yuechi , Wauters Annelies C. , Wang Jianhong , Wu Hanglong , Patiño Tania , Llopis‐Lorente Antoni , van Hest Jan C. M. , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A.
Published: March 2024

Poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(lactide) (PEG‐b‐PLA) micro‐ and nanoparticles (NPs) have been intensively investigated for applications in biomedicine, due to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, which allows them to be used as sustained release systems. Current methods for preparing PEG‐b‐PLA NPs typically require two different steps that include polymer synthesis and NP assembly, with the necessary intermediate polymer purification and the use of a variety of organic solvents in the process. In order to facilitate the biomedical application of PEG‐b‐PLA NPs, it is of great interest to develop a strategy to formulate the NPs in a simplified manner. Here, we report a straightforward method to construct PEG‐b‐PLA NPs through a sequential two‐step process without intermediate work‐up, which involves synthesizing the polymer in a water‐miscible organic solvent that is, N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), followed by addition of water to the polymer solution. In this way, large NPs (~600 nm) were prepared. We comprehensively characterized the NPs using turbidity studies, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. We further demonstrated the ability of the NPs to encapsulate drugs, exemplified in the immunotherapeutic agent rapamycin, with relatively high encapsulation efficiency. In vitro drug release tests showed that rapamycin‐encapsulating NPs had comparable sustained‐release profiles at different pH conditions, highlighting the broad application window of our NP platform. Moreover, in vitro T cell suppression assays revealed that rapamycin‐loaded NPs exhibited similar inhibitory performance to free rapamycin on CD8+ cells at all rapamycin concentrations and on CD4+ cells at high and intermediate rapamycin concentrations, while the performance of the NPs was superior on CD4+ at low rapamycin concentration. Overall, this work provides a route for the scalable synthesis of biocompatible PEG‐b‐PLA NPs, which can be extended to other polymeric NPs, with potential in biomedical applications such as immunotherapy.
“Pathways”: A hope‐enhancing intervention for patients undergoing treatment for advanced lung cancer
Authors: McLouth Laurie E. , Shelton Brent J. , Bursac Vilma , Burris Jessica L. , Cheavens Jennifer S. , Weyman Kaitlyn , Peterman Amy H. , Corum Lauren , Studts Jamie L. , Arnold Susanne M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract (249/250)

Objective

Observational data suggest hope is associated with the quality of life and survival of people with cancer. This trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of “Pathways,” a hope intervention for people in treatment for advanced lung cancer.

Methods

Between 2020 and 2022, we conducted a single‐arm trial of Pathways among participants who were 3–12 weeks into systemic treatment. Pathways consisted of two individual sessions delivered during infusions and three phone calls in which participants discussed their values, goals, and goal strategies with a nurse or occupational therapist. Participants completed standardized measures of hope and goal interference pre‐ and post‐intervention. Feasibility was defined as ≥60% of eligible patients enrolling, ≥70% of participants completing three or more sessions, ≥70% of participants completing post‐assessments, and mean acceptability ratings ≥7 out of 10 on intervention relevance, helpfulness, and convenience. Linear regression fixed effects models with covariates modeled pre–post changes in complete case analysis and multiple imputation models.

Results

Fifty two participants enrolled: female (59.6%), non‐Hispanic White (84.6%), rural (75.0%), and with low educational attainment (51.9% high school degree or less). Except for enrollment (54%), feasibility and acceptability markers were surpassed (77% adherence, 77% retention, acceptability ratings ≥8/10). There was moderate improvement in hope and goal interference from pre‐to post‐intervention (d = 0.51, p < 0.05 for hope; d = −0.70, p < 0.005 for goal interference).

Conclusions

Strong feasibility, acceptability, and patient‐reported outcome data suggest Pathways is a promising intervention to increase hope and reduce cancer‐related goal interference during advanced lung cancer treatment.
Migratory birds: Dehumanization of migrant workers in West Hungary
Authors: Jankó Ferenc , Czirfusz Márton , Berki Márton
Published: March 2024

The region of West Hungary surrounding Sopron has experienced large migrant worker inflows from rural Hungary and neighbouring countries into low‐skilled jobs in pre‐COVID‐19 years. This research interviewed workers, labour market intermediaries, employers, and hosts to explore how the fundamental humanity of migrant workers is denied in the labour process. The paper draws on geographical research examining the embodied agency of workers and analyses the literature on dehumanization to highlight the construction of dehumanization narratives in the social relations of migrant recruitment, training, employment, and accommodation. Theoretically, the paper argues that production and reproduction sites require consideration when examining the dehumanization of migrant labour. The empirical part of the paper contributes to the literature by unpacking various dehumanization strategies involving social boundary‐making based on nationality, ethnicity, and gender.
Recyclable CS/r‐GO Polymer Nanocomposites: Green Synthesis and Characterizations
Authors: Dhayal Vimala , Leel Narendra Singh , Hasan Prince Mufti Ziaul , Darwesh Reem , Quraishi Abdul Mosawir , Hashmi Sonia Zeba , Kumar Shalendra , Dalela Saurabh , Singh Jasgurpreet , Alvi Parvez Ahmad
Published: March 2024

The study herein is directed toward the tuning of various properties of recyclable and biocompatible polymer: chitosan (CS) via incorporating the variable wt% of r‐GO in the polymer. The CS/r‐GO polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are prepared in the form of free‐standing film by solution mixing and casting technique. To search the potential applications, the prepared PNCs are characterized in terms of structural, photoluminescence (PL), surface morphology, optical, and Raman spectra. The crystalline size and microstrain both are enhanced with rise in wt% of r‐GO nanofiller. Raman spectra confirm that as the wt% of r‐GO increases, there is a minor shift toward a smaller wavenumber in the locations of the D, G, and 2D bands, while the intensity ratios ) increase. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy results are capable of offering details regarding the surface quality for the interface purposes. The characteristic peaks and their broadening in PL spectra, chromaticity coordinates, dominant wavelength, and correlated color temperature are altered with variation of r‐GO wt.%. The optical bandgap, refractive index, and Urbach energy are found to tune with varying the nanofiller wt.%. These results suggest that CS/r‐GO PNC may be the potential candidate for possible application in fabricating the tunable optoelectronic devices.
Upside–Down Annealing of Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors and its Analysis Using Hydrogen‐Diffusion Model
Authors: Park SeongJin , Kim Kang , Park Sang‐Hee Ko
Published: March 2024

Hydrogen plays a crucial role in controlling the electrical characteristics of oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs). The conductivity of the semiconductor can be modulated by controlling the amount of hydrogen in the active layer. In this study, a thermal annealing of the sample in an inverted orientation (referred to as “upside‐down annealing”) is introduced. The impact of this approach on the hydrogen content within the In2O3 active layer is examined through the lens of a hydrogen diffusion model. By time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis, a hydrogen diffusion model for the TFT is established, and it is demonstrated that upside–down annealing is an effective method for preventing hydrogen depletion caused by out‐diffusion. A bottom‐gate bottom‐contact TFT is fabricated to analyze electrical characteristics. By employing different post‐thermal annealing methods on the device, it is discovered that the upside–down annealing enhances the device's performance significantly up to mobility of 22.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, which surpasses more than twice the mobility achieved with the traditionally oriented, “straight” annealed TFT.
Curculigoside, a traditional Chinese medicine monomer, ameliorates oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease mouse model via suppressing ferroptosis
Authors: Gong Yuhang , Wang Yanan , Li Yanfeng , Weng Fanglin , Chen Tong , He Ling
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder where oxidative stress, induced by ferroptosis, has been linked to neuronal damage and cognitive deficits. The objective of this study is to investigate if the potential therapeutic agent, Curculigoside (CUR), could ameliorate AD by inhibiting ferroptosis. The potential therapeutic targets, such as GPX4 and SLC7A11, were identified using weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). Concurrently, CUR was also screened against these potential targets using various analytical methods. For the in vivo studies, intragastric administration of CUR significantly ameliorated cognitive impairment in AD model mice induced by scopolamine and okadaic acid (OA). In vitro, CUR protected neuronal cells by altering the levels of ferroptosis‐related specific markers in OA and scopolamine‐induced neurotoxicity. The administration of CUR through intragastric route significantly reduced the levels of AD‐promoting factors (such as Aβ1–42, p‐tau) and ferroptosis‐promoting factors in the hippocampus and cortex of AD mice. Furthermore, CUR up‐regulated the expression of GPX4 and decreased the expression of SLC7A11 in the ferroptosis signaling pathway, thereby increasing the ratio of glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in vivo and vitro. In conclusion, the cumulative results suggest that the natural compound CUR may serve as a promising therapeutic agent to ameliorate AD by inhibiting ferroptosis.
Pulmonary vascular pressure respiratory swings in COPD and ILD candidates for lung transplantation: Large but different
Authors: Grignola Juan C. , Calabuig Alvaro , Trujillo Pedro , Bravo Carles , Azpiroz Fernando , Messeguer Manuel López , Domingo Enric
Published: March 2024

We analyzed the effect of respiratory swings on interpreting intravascular pulmonary vascular pressures (PVPs) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) candidates for lung transplantation (LTx) and the role of the alterations in pulmonary function tests on the dynamic respiratory variations. Twenty‐eight consecutive patients were included. All patients underwent a complete hemodynamic study (right atrial, mean pulmonary arterial, and pulmonary arterial occlusion pressures [RAP, mPAP, and PAOP]‐) and pulmonary function testing (force vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], and residual volume [RV]). A subgroup of 10 patients underwent simultaneous esophageal pressure (PES). All hemodynamic parameters and PES were collected during apnea after an unforced expiration (ee) and during spontaneous breathing averaging five respiratory cycles (mrc). The respiratory swing (osc) was estimated as the difference between maximum–minimum values of pressures during the respiratory cycle. Intravascular RAPee, mPAPee, and PAOPee were higher than mrc values (p < 0.05), leading to 11% of pulmonary hypertension (PH) misdiagnosis and 37% of postcapillary PH misclassification. PAOPosc of COPD was higher than ILD patients and RAPosc (p < 0.05). Only PAOPosc correlated with FVC, FEV1, and RV (p < 0.05). ILD PESmrc was lower than COPD (p < 0.05), and it was associated with a significantly higher transmural than intravascular RAPmrc, mPAPmrc, and PAOPmrc. PESmrc was significantly correlated with FVC. Transmural mPAPmrc and PAOPmrc readings determined around 20% of reclassification of the patients compared to ee measurements. Candidates for LTx showed large respiratory swings in PVP, which were correlated with pulmonary function alterations. mrc PVP would be more closely approximated to the true transmural PVP leading to PH reclassification. Adjusting PVP for PES should be considered in COPD and ILD candidates of LTx with severe alterations in pulmonary functional tests and suspicion of a PESmrc far from 0. PES respiratory swings could be different in ILD to COPD patients.