bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic impact of primary surgery in human papillomavirus‐independent, advanced or metastatic endocervical adenocarcinoma: A bi‐institutional retrospective study
Authors: Seo Jun‐Hyeong , Yang Tyan‐Shin , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Cho Won Kyung , Lai Yen‐Ling , Chen Jung , Chen Yu‐Li , Lee Yoo‐Young
Published: February 2025

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic impact of primary surgery on patients with HPV‐independent, advanced or metastatic endocervical adenocarcinoma (EAC) who typically exhibit poor survival outcomes and resistance to conventional therapies such as chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

A bi‐institutional retrospective study was conducted at Samsung Medical Center and Taiwan National University Hospital. Between 2001 and 2023, 92 patients with HPV‐independent advanced or metastatic EAC were included. Patients were divided into two groups: 54 (58.7%) underwent primary surgery and 38 (41.3%) received non‐surgical treatments, including definitive radiotherapy or palliative chemotherapy. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results

The surgery group demonstrated significantly improved outcomes, with a median PFS of 19.2 months, compared with 10.0 months in the non‐surgery group (P < 0.001). Median OS was not reached in the surgery group, whereas it was 24.1 months in the non‐surgery group (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that non‐surgical treatment was an independent predictor of poor PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–4.29; P = 0.013) and OS (HR 3.25; 95% CI 1.37–7.73; P = 0.008). Additionally, the recurrence rate was significantly lower in the surgery group (55.6%) than in the non‐surgery group (84.2%; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Primary surgery significantly improves survival outcomes in patients with HPV‐independent advanced or metastatic EAC. These findings suggest that surgery should be considered as part of a multimodal treatment strategy for this aggressive subtype, highlighting the need for individualized therapeutic approaches beyond standard chemoradiotherapy protocols.
Gas vector and surface tension reducer to enhance biofuel production through syngas fermentation with Clostridium carboxidivorans
Authors: Correa Mariana Mattos Pereira do Nascimento , Gonçalves Robson Corrêa , Benevenuti Carolina Santos Jordani , Ferreira Tatiana Felix , Amaral Priscilla Filomena Fonseca
Published: February 2025

Background

Syngas fermentation using acetogenic bacteria as biocatalysts has emerged as an alternative for a carbon‐neutral economy. One of the major challenges in syngas fermentation is gas–liquid mass transfer. In this work, the surfactant Tween®80 (0.15%) and perfluorodecalin (PFC, 20% v/v) – a gas vector—were added to the fermentation medium with Clostridium carboxidivorans to increase acetic acid, ethanol, and butanol production through gas–liquid mass transfer improvement. The production of biofuels and biochemicals was evaluated in heterotrophic (non‐syngas) and mixotrophic (with syngas) fermentations.

Results

Although higher biomass was achieved in heterotrophy, mixotrophic fermentation resulted in 27% higher ethanol production, and in presence of butanol, which was not detected in the first condition. Acetic acid concentration was not affected. Gaseous fermentation in serum flasks with Tween®80 and PFC increased the production of butanol and acetic acid by 1.3‐fold compared with syngas fermentation without these compounds. Ethanol production was similar in both conditions. In the bioreactor, the productivity of the total metabolites was 3.3‐fold higher with Tween®80 and PFC.

Conclusions

The combination of Tween® 80 and PFC enhances metabolite production even without syngas and improves gas–liquid mass transfer during syngas fermentation, offering a promising solution to overcome mass transfer challenges in this process. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Performance of electronic medical record tool in predicting 6‐month mortality in hospitalized patients with cancer
Authors: Kulkarni Nita S. , Landler Matthew P. , Cohen Elaine R. , Wayne Diane B. , Szmuilowicz Eytan
Published: February 2025

Background

A systematic tool to identify hospitalized patients with high mortality risk may be beneficial for targeting palliative care to those in greatest need.

Objective

Evaluate the performance of the End‐of‐life Index (EOLI; Epic Systems Corporation) in identifying patients at the highest 6‐month mortality risk among hospitalized patients with cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of adults with cancer admitted to oncology services in a 959‐bed hospital between July 1 and December 31, 2023. We evaluated EOLI score performance in determining mortality risk using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The primary outcome was 6‐month mortality for patients with an EOLI score above and below the optimal threshold value. Secondary outcomes included in‐hospital mortality, 30‐day mortality, length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) utilization, palliative care consultation, do‐not‐resuscitate status on discharge, and discharge disposition.

Results

The EOLI score had moderate accuracy in identifying patients at higher risk of 6‐month mortality (AUC: 0.71) with an optimal threshold value of 40. For patients with EOLI > 40 and < 40, the 6‐month mortality was 45.9% and 16.3%, respectively (p < .001). Patients with EOLI > 40 had higher ICU utilization (12.4% vs. 6.5%, p = .002) and were more likely to be discharged to a location other than home (13.5% vs. 5.3%; p < .001).

Conclusions

For hospitalized patients with cancer, the EOLI shows moderate accuracy in identifying patients with a high risk of 6‐month mortality. As a screening tool, the EOLI can be used to identify patients who may benefit from timely palliative care.
Effect of Application of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells After Subglottic Injury: Animal Study
Authors: Ibrahim Ezzeldin , Gaafar Alaa Hazem , Mehanna Radwa Ali , El Achy Samar , Taha Ashraf Hamza
Published: February 2025

Objective

Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is notorious for recurrence and the need for repeated procedures to achieve a satisfactory outcome. This limitation is, at least partly, due to the suboptimal healing process of the airway following trauma. Consequently, innovative interventions are required to improve wound healing, which would reflect on improving the outcome of the management of LTS. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of the application of BM‐MSCs in preventing subglottic acute stenosis following trauma.

Methods

Twenty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 8): two intervention groups and one control group. Subglottic trauma was performed in the three groups. In the intervention groups, bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) were applied either systemically (TS group) or via local injection (TL group). Subglottic specimens from the three groups were compared by histopathological appearance, lamina propria (LP) thickness, and luminal anteroposterior (AP) diameter.

Results

An intense inflammatory reaction was observed in the control specimens, while a mild inflammatory reaction was detected in the two intervention groups. The LP thickness and the AP diameter were significantly different between the control group and the two intervention groups.

Conclusions

In the present animal model, stem cell application, either systemic or local application, can mitigate subglottic inflammation and stenosis after trauma.
Deep Learning for Chromatic Optimization in Dual‐Color Mini‐LEDs for Aircraft Displays
Authors: Gao Fengyun , Zhang Nan , Bai Zelong , Lu Yijun , Chen Zhong , Guo Weijie
Published: February 2025

GaN‐based miniaturized light‐emitting diodes (mini‐LEDs) have emerged as highly promising light sources for high‐performance aircraft cockpit displays. Among these diodes, vertically stacked blue‒green dual‐color mini‐LEDs are fabricated and show excellent color‐tunable properties. When packaged with K2SiF6:Mn4+, an impressive color gamut area ratio of 113.63% NTSC is demonstrated. However, vertical optical crosstalk originates from the photoluminescence (PL) effect of the green epitaxial layer when the blue mini‐LED is powered on, making precise chromatic characteristics difficult to obtain. To address this problem, a deep neural network (DNN) is proposed, which combines forward modeling and inverse design in a tandem architecture. This DNN supports a current modulation scheme that enables precise control of chromaticity coordinates, achieving a Δu′v′ of 0.003. These advancements in materials and device strategies pave the way for developing low color difference, high‐resolution display systems for aircraft cockpits.
Cellulose Based Aerogels Derived From Rice Agro Wastes with Enhanced Antifungal Activity for Topical Management of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Ranjan Rahul , Bhatt Smruti B , Rai Rohit , Kumari Shabnam , Tilak Ragini , Dhar Prodyut
Published: February 2025

With the increased cultivation of rice crop, the problem of accumulating waste biomass after harvesting is becoming a huge challenge, disposal of which through land filling and burning leads to global warming. In this work, abundantly available rice straw waste is strategically functionalized through delignification‐cum‐phosphorylation route to produce smart‐responsive and ultra‐light weight aerogels for topical management of vulvovaginal candidiasis. The prepared aerogels show low density (0.028 g cm−3), high water absorption capacity ∼2381.71%, and charge content (1850 mmol kg−1) of phosphate groups covalently linked to cellulose backbone as evident from XPS and FTIR spectroscopy studies. The aerogels with porous morphology also show cyclic mechanical compressibility and thermal stability due to presence of phosphate groups as evident from high char content (28.5% at 700 °C). The negatively charged aerogels show prolonged storage and release profile of clotrimazole with synergistically strong antifungal response against several Candida species with lowered MIC of ∼0.02µg ml−1. Interestingly, post‐phosphorylation the functionalized aerogels show improved biodegradation of ∼83% within 92 days under soil conditions. This study proposes a low‐cost, facile, eco‐friendly, sustainable approach to convert waste rice biomass into functionalized high‐performance aerogels for potential treatment of vaginal infections improving female reproductive health.
Intraguild Predation and Competitions of Two Stage‐Structured Species in a Seasonal Patchy Model
Authors: Wang Feng‐Bin , Cheng Chang‐Yuan
Published: February 2025

Some creatures interact with not only the same species but also different species by competing resources and even develop intraguild predation (IGP) to improve their survival. Individuals also react for survival according to spatial heterogeneity and seasonal variation of the environment. However, all these creatures' behaviors may change in their different life stages because of varied physiological structures. Considering these concerns, we propose a two‐patch model with environmental seasonality and individuals' two life stages and incorporate intraspecific and interspecific competitions and IGP between two species. We begin by analyzing single‐species models to establish threshold dynamics. This analysis shows that a species will eventually go extinct or exhibit oscillatory population dynamics across both patches, attracting all nonnegative solutions. Next, we explore two‐species models, without and with IGP, and formulate the invasion indices for both species in each scenario. In both cases, we demonstrate that the population tends to die out if the invasion indices are less than one while remaining persistent if the invasion indices exceed one. Finally, we conduct numerical examples to verify the criterion for threshold dynamics and observe some interesting results, including IGP can reverse the competition outcome, IGP can induce ecological diversity, seasonality can facilitate species survival, and prey species can adapt their maturation time against IGP.
Whole liver phase‐based R2 mapping in liver iron overload within a breath‐hold
Authors: Tamada Daiki , Navaratna Ruvini , Weaver Jayse Merle , Hernando Diego , Reeder Scott B.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Diagnosis and treatment monitoring of iron overload increasingly relies on non‐invasive MRI‐based measurement of liver iron concentration (LIC). Liver R2 mapping is known to correlate well with LIC. However, traditional spin‐echo based R2 mapping methods have drawbacks such as long acquisition times and limited volumetric coverage. In this work, we present an optimized phase‐based R2 mapping method to quantify whole‐liver R2 in iron overload patients within a single breathhold.

Theory and Methods

A recently developed phase‐based R2 mapping method is optimized in this study to improve estimation of high R2 values using reduced TR, spatial averaging, and R1 correction. Using Bloch equation simulations, the proposed optimization method was evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of fat on R2 bias was investigated through simulations. The feasibility of the optimized phase‐based R2 method was assessed in healthy volunteers and patients with iron overload and compared to reference STEAM‐MRS R2 measurements.

Results

Simulations demonstrate that a shorter TR extends the dynamic range of R2 estimation to higher values and that averaging of signal phase before R2 estimation is necessary when R2 is high. Phantom experiments also demonstrate reduced phase‐based R2 bias using R1 correction. Good agreement (1.5 T: r2 = 0.76, 3.0 T: r2 = 0.70) between the modified phase‐based R2 method and reference STEAM R2 was found in healthy volunteers and iron overload patients over a wide range of LIC values.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed phase‐based R2 method to accurately measure whole‐liver R2 mapping in severe iron overloaded patients during a single breathhold.
An evaluation of the coax monopole antenna as a transmit array element for head imaging at 14 T
Authors: Budé Lyanne M. I. , Vat Koen , Voogt Ingmar J. , Zivkovic Irena , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In comparison to dipole antennas, the coax monopole antenna (CMA) diminishes the possibility of cable‐coil coupling. This greatly facilitates cable routing in spatially restricted environments, such as head coil arrays. With the outlook of a 14T MRI system being installed at the Donders Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, this study aims to optimize the CMA for an eight‐channel head array at 14 T and compare its performance with an array of fractionated dipole antennas.

Methods

Both antenna designs were optimized for head imaging at 14 T using single‐channel finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations at 596 MHz. Eight‐channel simulations were then used on a human model to evaluate and specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions. For both antenna types, prototype arrays were built by placing eight elements on a 26‐cm‐diameter cylindrical holder. These prototype arrays were used for S11 and S12 evaluation.

Results

The optimal dimensions of the CMA were a length of 20 cm and a gap position of 4 cm. The fractionated dipole was optimal for a length of 25 cm. Evaluation of 100 000 random shims revealed that the CMA performs with lower SAR efficiency, although the SAR efficiencies are similar in CP mode. Measured S11 and S12 levels were both lower for the CMA.

Conclusion

The coax monopole would be an excellent candidate for head coil arrays at 14T MRI. Although the CMA is expected to perform with lower SAR efficiency than the fractionated dipole, its single‐ended design will facilitate elements placement and cable‐routing, especially in a spatially restricted environment.
Improving ungated steady‐state cardiac perfusion using transition bands
Authors: Mendes Jason K. , Le Johnathan V. , Arai Andrew E. , Ranjan Ravi , DiBella Edward V. R. , Adluru Ganesh
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Although gated first‐pass contrast‐enhanced sequences are the clinical standard for cardiovascular MR perfusion, some patient conditions necessitate using ungated steady‐state sequences. However, through‐plane cardiac motion and blood flow into the left ventricle can disrupt the magnetization steady state of the tissue, and perfusion quantification based on a steady‐state assumption will contain errors. The tissue magnetization steady‐state disruption can be eliminated with a proposed sequence modification that simultaneously excites transition bands with no change in the sequence resolution or timing parameters.

Theory and Methods

The proposed sequence modification simultaneously excites two transition bands adjacent to the imaged region. The transition bands experience the same consistent excitation history as the imaged slices. Thus, any tissue that moves into an imaged slice location from a transition band location will not disrupt the magnetization steady state. Gradient dephasing and radiofrequency spoiling are used to null the transition band signal so that it does not contribute to the reconstructed images. Transition bands were added to a two‐dimensional ungated steady‐state radial FLASH (fast low‐angle shot) sequence with simultaneous multiband imaging on a PRISMA 3T MRI scanner. Phantom, normal canine, and human subject data are presented.

Results

Transition bands reduce the amount of tissue magnetization disruption to the steady state without adding artifacts to the imaged slices. Myocardial blood flow maps from a selected normal canine study and a normal human subject show good uniformity and consistency to literature values for all slices. Perfusion estimates with the proposed method also demonstrate good consistency with saturation‐recovery methods commonly used for myocardial perfusion imaging.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that the proposed transition bands can reduce quantification errors resulting from blood flow into the left ventricle and through‐plane cardiac and respiratory motion. There is no loss of image‐acquisition efficiency, and temporal resolution is unchanged with this technique.
Communication of Voice‐Related Complications in Thyroidectomy: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Kao Derek D. , Jensen Catherine B. , Bacon Elizabeth , Hogikyan Norman D. , Roman Benjamin R. , Pitt Susan C.
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to characterize patient–surgeon discussions of voice‐related complications during thyroidectomy for low‐risk thyroid cancer.

Study Design

A qualitative study.

Setting

Three academic medical centers.

Methods

Pre‐operative clinic visits between 14 surgeons (6 otolaryngologists and 8 endocrine surgeons) and 49 patients with low‐risk (cT1‐2, N0) thyroid cancer were audio‐recorded and transcribed. Qualitative analysis was used to evaluate surgeon counseling strategies and patient concerns related to voice.

Results

Patients aged from 20 to 77 years old were predominantly female (77.6%) and white (89.9%). Surgeons presented risk with negative framing and numerical percentages (1%‐4%) and/or qualified the risk as “low” or “small” for a lobectomy, but a “much bigger deal” for bilateral nerve injury in total thyroidectomy. At a minimum, surgeons referred to voice dysfunction as “voice change.” Some further described “hoarseness” or the “inability to project voice.” Other surgeons imitated what voice dysfunction would sound like. A few surgeons probed the importance of voice to a patient's life. One surgeon imparted that having a voice‐related complication “can be really emotional.” Patients responded with varying degrees of concern about voice changes after surgery, from feeling “super concerned … about losing [their] voice” to feeling “ok” with it “as long as [they're] around to deal with it.”

Conclusion

Significant variability exists in how surgeons describe and set expectations about voice‐related complications. The degree to which patients value voice‐related outcomes differed based on their occupation and hobbies, but this was tempered by their cancer diagnosis. Further research is needed to identify optimal disclosure of voice‐related risks and expectations.
Normal‐Weight Offspring of Parents With Diet‐Induced Obesity Display Altered Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Czechowski Paul , Hoffmann Anne , Dommel Sebastian , Jais Alexander , Blüher Matthias , Klöting Nora
Published: February 2025

Objective

A Western diet is associated with obesity, and the link between parental and offsprings' obesity is unclear. Among mice, this study examined how parents' Western diets affect their male offspring's obesity risk. This study further explored whether early exposure to obesogenic diets from either parent influences offsprings' long‐term weight gain.

Methods

Three‐week‐old C57BL6/NTac mice were assigned to a Western diet (WD) or control diet (CD), given from six to 14 weeks old. Adults from these dietary groups were then mated to create four breeding combinations: CD/CD, CD/WD, WD/CD, and WD/WD. Weight gain trajectories were studied in parents (P) and offspring (F1), along with gene expression in four tissues of male offspring. Non‐linear mixed effect modeling and q‐mode PCA were used to assess the influence of sex, litter size, and parental diet on gene expression, before describing gene expression in more detail.

Results

Offsprings' weight gain was mainly influenced by sex and litter size, with no significant impact from parental diet. At the same time, gene expression differences among offspring, particularly between WD/WD and CD/CD offspring, were linked to genes associated with inflammation, stress response, and other obesity‐relevant processes.

Conclusions

Obegenesic diet of two parents with obesity, rather than only one, likely alters the risks of metabolic disease in male mice even at normal weights.
Can centralization of environmental regulations reduce firm emissions? Evidence from county‐prefecture centralization reforms in China
Authors: Cao Xun , Wu Mingqin
Published: February 2025

Drawing on a natural experiment generated by prefecture‐level centralization reforms in China in the early 2000s, we study whether a centralized regulatory system delivers better environmental outcomes in a developing country context. We examine the impact of centralization reforms on firm air pollution emissions using a difference‐in‐differences estimation strategy. We find that centralization reform reduces firm air pollution intensities in total waste air, SO2, and soot. This effect is robust when we control for contemporaneous environmental policy changes and SOE reforms and when we use alternative differences‐in‐differences estimations. We perform placebo tests to further demonstrate that the relationship is unlikely a function of a selection effect and omitted variables. Empirical tests on mechanisms reveal that pollution reduction is mainly due to increased pollution removals during the end‐of‐pipe treatment stage while there is little evidence that centralization increases firm scale of production, productivity, efficiency, and innovation efforts. We show that such firm responses are likely a function of increased regulatory enforcement brought by the reform. Finally, we test whether a centralization reform drives local firms away (i.e., a spillover effect) and we find no supporting evidence.
Enhancing child–nature interactions through design: An empirical study of the emotions, perspectives and experiences of nature among South Korea's urban Generation Alpha children
Authors: Myung Jaeyoung , Choe Min , Baek Joon Sang
Published: February 2025

Urban Generation Alpha faces challenges in forming nature connection because of limited access to green spaces and high digital media exposure. Although childhood experiences with nature are crucial for developing a sense of nature connection, there is a limited theoretical and methodological foundation for child–nature interaction design specifically geared towards fostering a sense of nature connection.

To address this gap, this study aimed to understand how urban Generation Alpha in South Korea perceives their nature connection and explore design opportunities to enhance it. We conducted qualitative research in Seoul and Incheon, using semi‐structured interviews with 47 children and 15 parents to explore the sense of nature connection and nature experiences of Generation Alpha.

The results showed that a mismatch between the children's and parents' perceived nature connection, limited and negative nature experiences, and anthropocentric value systems hinder children's sense of nature connection.

In response to this, we proposed the following design opportunities: integrating virtual and vicarious nature experiences with direct experiences could supplement the limited exposure of Generation Alpha to nature and help develop a stronger sense of nature connection; a ludic design tailored to the attitude of children towards nature can overcome negative emotions such as fear or disgust, enhancing positive feelings through playful engagement; and a speculative design that encourages critical thinking can equip Generation Alpha to confront information about environmental problems with ecocentric views and constructive hope.

This research contributes to human–nature interaction design by highlighting the limitations of existing research and informing the development of effective programs and strategies to engage children with nature and foster their sense of nature connection.
Carbohydrate Polymers, Polymeric Nano Drugs, and Nanoparticles Are Used for Advanced Drug Delivery and Therapeutics in Ocular Diseases
Authors: Hatamie Shadie , Shih Po‐Jen , Chen Bo‐Wei , Hatami Niloofar
Published: February 2025

Nanotechnology has recently attracted research attention, given its wide applications in biomedicine. Novel nontoxic nano drugs functionalized with carbohydrate polymers are widely used in in vivo bioresearch, but their application to the ocular system remains challenging. Nanostructured materials and nanoparticles functionalized with carbohydrate polymers and other biological macromolecules are clinically used as nano eye drops, incorporated into therapeutic contact lenses, and used as nano wafers and nanofibers. Moreover, they can be used as drug delivery, therapeutic, and bioimaging systems for eye diseases. In this review, nano ophthalmology therapeutic and drug delivery systems based on nanostructured materials and nanoparticles conjugated with carbohydrate polymers were investigated. Meanwhile, increasing the effect of the nano‐drug mucoadhesion by using the polymer complexes and polysaccharides is discussed. The design of pioneering nanomaterials has enabled the development of effective therapies in ophthalmology.
Inhaled Epoprostenol in Children With Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Single‐Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Scalone Eleanor J. , Woodruff Alan G. , Saha Amit K. , Wright John M. , Dixon Kristopher L. , Bass Andora L. , Walsh Michael J. , McCrory Michael C.
Published: February 2025

Background

Inhaled epoprostenol (iEpo) may improve oxygenation in adults with hypoxic respiratory failure, but any effect in children with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (pARDS) is unknown.

Methods

Retrospective observational cohort study 2017–2022 at a single pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of children who met criteria for pARDS and received iEpo for ≥ 6 h.

Results

18 children were included, with a median age of 2.9 years (IQR 1.4–7.9), severe pARDS in 14/18 (78%), and pulmonary hypertension in 8/18 (44%). Median OSI immediately pre‐iEpo initiation was 22.9 (IQR 16.1–27.3), at 6 h was 16.8 (IQR 12.6–27.5, p = 0.57 vs. pre‐initiation) and at 12 h was 15.1 (IQR 10.7–27.5, p = 0.48 vs. pre‐initiation). Discontinuity regression demonstrated a change in the slope (rate of change) of OSI from increasing slope of +0.60/hr to decreasing slope of −1.38/hour in the 12 h pre‐ versus post‐ iEpo initiation (p < 0.001). At 6 h after iEpo initiation, most patients (12/18, 67%) had a decrease in OSI and 5/18 (28%) were responders with a decrease of ≥ 20%. Responders did not differ significantly by presence of pulmonary hypertension, severity of pARDS, or age. The majority of responders (4/5, 80%) had improvement in OSI by 1 h after initiation of iEpo and all (5/5, 100%) had improvement by 4 h after iEpo initiation.

Conclusion

Rate of change of OSI improved significantly after initiation of iEpo in a cohort children with pARDS, with heterogeneity of response that was not associated with pHTN or other clinical factors evaluated. Improvement in OSI was seen by 4 h in all responders.
Construction of Novel Neutral Polymer Bonding Agent by Grafting Multifunctional Pendants for Strengthening the Mechanical Properties of F2313/DAAF‐based PBX
Authors: Dong Kongyu , Li Xiaodong , Han Xu , Ji Yumei , Yang Yike , Liu Feng
Published: February 2025

The weaker interface interaction between fluoropolymer binder matrix (F2313) and 3,3ʹ‐diamino‐4,4ʹ‐azoxyfurazan (DAAF) energetic solid particles tends to the formation of “de‐wetting” during fabrication, transportation, and storage, causing solid grain collapse, further leading to unsatisfactory explosion effect on the polymer bonded explosive (PBX). Adding neutral polymer bonding agent (NPBA) modified with multiple polar groups is currently the most effective way for reinforcing the composite interface of PBX to inhibit de‐wetting. In this contribution, a series of novel NPBA, named 3%FTDI‐NPBA, 5%FTDI‐NPBA, and 10%FTDI‐NPBA, were designed for an F2313/DAAF system by grafting multifunctional FTDI pendants consisting of perfluorobutyl and urethane groups on the side chains of classical NPBA‐1. The chemical structure, thermal stability, interfacial properties, and bonding performances of all FTDI‐NPBA were systematically investigated. As expected, the introduction of multifunctional pendants could effectively bridge the interface gap between F2313 and DAAF. F2313/DAAF/5%FTDI‐NPBA exhibited the best mechanical properties with the Brazilian Disk strength and modulus of 8.16 ± 0.02 MPa and 5.76 ± 0.02 GPa, respectively, 29.52% and 12.50% higher than the system with NPBA‐1. Our multifunctional pendants grafting strategy will provide a viable guide for optimizing NPBA.
Versatile Features of an Antibody Mimetic Peptide and Its Variants
Authors: Dolles Simon , Leukel Simon , Gensberger‐Reigl Sabrina , Rohrhofer Anette , Rauch‐Wirth Lena , Kaygisiz Kübra , Synatschke Christopher V. , Münch Jan , Schmidt Barbara , Pischetsrieder Monika , Eichler Jutta
Published: February 2025

Antibody mimetic peptides have evolved as versatile tools for biomedical applications, based on their ability to interfere with protein–protein interactions. We had previously designed a functional mimic of the broadly neutralizing HIV‐1 antibody b12 that recognizes the CD4 binding site of the HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. The molecular details of the interaction of a linear variant of this peptide (H1H3s) with gp120 have now been characterized through cross‐linking mass spectrometry, confirming the proposed involvement of the CD4 binding site of gp120 in the interaction. In addition, a variant of the b12 mimetic peptide composed mostly of D‐amino acids was shown to be stable towards proteolytic degradation, while the binding and HIV‐1 neutralizing properties were largely preserved. Furthermore, a peptide variant in which aspartate residues were replaced with lysine was shown to strongly enhance infection of cells with HIV‐1 and GALV glycoprotein pseudotyped viral vectors, respectively, introducing this peptide as a tool to facilitate retroviral gene transfer. Collectively, the presented results highlight the versatile potential therapeutic and gene transfer applications of H1H3s and its variants in particular, as well as antibody mimetic peptides in general.
Modeling of Al‐Doped Nanoscale Double‐Material Gate MgZnO/MgO/ZnO High Electron Mobility Transistors for RF and Power Applications
Authors: Vinothkumar Karuppiah , Kaleel Rahuman Abdul Kader
Published: February 2025

In this work, a two‐dimensional (2D) analytical model has been proposed for the Al‐doped nanoscale double‐material‐gate MgZnO/MgO/ZnO (Al‐NS‐DMG‐MZO) high electron mobility transistors to showcase its distinctive capability in mitigating short‐channel effects. The proposed model provides precise predictions of sub‐threshold drain current, channel potential, lateral electric field along the position of the channel, threshold voltage, transconductance, and cut‐off frequency using a finite‐difference method. The proposed methodology involves breaking down the double‐material gate into two separate single‐material gates by discretising a 2D equation into two independent equations. The boundary conditions in our model are formulated based on integrating two one‐dimensional equations. In the presented model, the hot carrier and short‐channel effects are reduced due to the disparity in work functions between the bimetallic gate and the gate near the drain, which helps shield variations in the drain potential. Moreover, a more consistent electric field across the channel enhances charge carrier transfer efficiency. A notable increase in drain current is observed when Al‐doping is incorporated into the MgO layer. The accuracy of the analytical model results has been validated through technology computer‐aided design simulations.
New Method for Remaining Useful Life Prediction Based on Recurrence Multi‐Information Time‐Frequency Transformer Networks
Authors: Lv Shuai , Liu Shujie , Li Hongkun
Published: February 2025

As the critical technology of prognostics and health management (PHM), the remaining useful life (RUL) prediction has received much attention. Deep learning algorithms based on data‐driven stand out among various methods. However, convolutional neural networks/recurrent neural networks (CNNs/RNNs) suffer from design gaps, making it challenging to achieve parallel processing of long‐time series data. In addition, most methods focus only on point prediction but lack uncertainty assessment of prediction results. Therefore, a recurrence multi‐information time‐frequency (RMTF) Transformer network is proposed in this paper, which is a kind of Transformer network based on a slice memory recurrence mechanism (SMRM), with multiple feature extraction encoders, and has the ability to extract time‐frequency features. RMTF Transformer network can realize effective extraction and fusion of long time series information, cross‐time period information, multi‐source information, and time‐frequency information. In addition, a Bayesian neural network (BNN) based on variational inference is used to predict the interval of RUL. The advancedness of our proposed method is verified and compared by the aero‐engines dataset and tool wear dataset. In particular, the RMTF Transformer demonstrates significant advantages over mainstream advanced models under complex operating conditions in two sub‐datasets of CMAPSS, FD002, and FD004. Specifically, for the FD002 dataset, the RMSE is reduced by 8.66%, and the SF is reduced by 23.37%. For the FD004 dataset, the RMSE is lowered by 6.36%, and the SF is decreased by 13.83%. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively predict RUL and assess the uncertainty of the prediction results.
Part B: SLICE‐MSI—A Machine Learning Interface for System Suitability Testing of Mass Spectrometry Imaging Platforms
Authors: Kibbe Russell R. , Mills Quinn , Sohn Alexandria L. , Muddiman David C.
Published: February 2025

Rationale

The field of mass spectrometry imaging is currently devoid of standardized protocols or commercially available products designed for system suitability testing of MSI platforms. Machine learning is an approach that can quickly and effectively identify complex patterns in data and use them to make informed classifications, but there is a technical barrier to implementing these algorithms. Here we package the machine learning algorithms into a user‐friendly interface to make community‐wide implementation of this protocol possible.

Methods

The software package is built entirely in the Python language using the PySimpleGUI library for the construction of the interface, Pandas and Numpy libraries for data formatting and manipulation, and the Scikit‐Learn library for the implementation of machine learning algorithms. Training data is collected on an instrument under clean and compromised conditions that can then be used to evaluate model performance and to train models prior to interrogating unknown samples before, during, or after experiments.

Results

Detailed instructions are provided for the effective use of the SLICE‐MSI software package to use machine learning to evaluate instrument condition of MSI platforms. File formatting and generalizable steps are clearly described to make the implementation of this package easy for multiple labs and different MSI platform configurations.

Conclusions

In this protocol, we demonstrate SLICE‐MSI, a machine learning graphical user interface for efficient and easy implementation of QC instrument classification of mass spectrometry imaging platforms.
Speculators and time series momentum in commodity futures markets
Authors: Uhl Björn
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we analyze the relationship between speculators in commodity futures markets and generic time series momentum (TSMOM) traders as well as the impact of this relationship on the subsequent TSMOM strategy performance. We find strong empirical evidence across all commodity markets that speculators in commodity markets tend to trade a TSMOM strategy, which confirms the results found by Boos and Grob (Journal of Financial Markets 64, 100774). On the basis of this result, we also ascertain whether the degree of such alignment has an impact on the performance of the TSMOM strategy. We find that there is weak, but statistically significant and robust evidence to suggest that the higher the degree of alignment between speculators and a generic TSMOM strategy, the lower the realized performance of trading TSMOM in these markets. Albeit we find little evidence that this can be exploited in a dynamic investment strategy, this negative relationship suggests that if a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) trades commodity futures markets which are less commonly traded by other CTAs, these markets may not only increase the internal diversification of their fund but these markets may also have a higher TSMOM Sharpe ratio by themselves. Consequently, our analysis provides valuable insights into improving the portfolio construction of CTAs.
Bayesian Hierarchical Penalized Spline Models for Immediate and Time‐Varying Intervention Effects in Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trials
Authors: Wu Danni , Park Hyung G. , Grudzen Corita R. , Goldfeld Keith S.
Published: February 2025

Stepped wedge cluster randomized trials (SWCRTs) often face challenges related to potential confounding by time. Traditional frequentist methods may not provide adequate coverage of an intervention's true effect using confidence intervals, whereas Bayesian approaches show potential for better coverage of intervention effects. However, Bayesian methods remain underexplored in the context of SWCRTs. To bridge this gap, we propose two innovative Bayesian hierarchical penalized spline models. Our first model accommodates large numbers of clusters and time periods, focusing on immediate intervention effects. To evaluate this approach, we compared this model to traditional frequentist methods. We then extend our approach to account for time‐varying intervention effects, conducting a comprehensive comparison with an existing Bayesian monotone effect curve model and alternative frequentist methods. The proposed models were applied in the Primary Palliative Care for Emergency Medicine stepped wedge trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Through extensive simulations and real‐world application, we demonstrate the robustness of our proposed Bayesian models. Notably, the Bayesian immediate effect model consistently achieves the nominal coverage probability, providing more reliable interval estimations while maintaining high estimation accuracy. Furthermore, our proposed Bayesian time‐varying effect model represents a significant advancement over the existing Bayesian monotone effect curve model, offering improved accuracy and reliability in estimation while also achieving higher coverage probability than alternative frequentist methods. To the best of our knowledge, this marks the first development of Bayesian hierarchical spline modeling for SWCRTs. Our proposed models offer promising tools for researchers and practitioners, enabling more precise evaluation of intervention impacts.
Adaptive Use of Co‐Data Through Empirical Bayes for Bayesian Additive Regression Trees
Authors: Goedhart Jeroen M. , Klausch Thomas , Janssen Jurriaan , van de Wiel Mark A.
Published: February 2025

For clinical prediction applications, we are often faced with small sample size data compared to the number of covariates. Such data pose problems for variable selection and prediction, especially when the covariate‐response relationship is complicated. To address these challenges, we propose to incorporate external information on the covariates into Bayesian additive regression trees (BART), a sum‐of‐trees prediction model that utilizes priors on the tree parameters to prevent overfitting. To incorporate external information, an empirical Bayes (EB) framework is developed that estimates, assisted by a model, prior covariate weights in the BART model. The proposed EB framework enables the estimation of the other prior parameters of BART as well, rendering an appealing and computationally efficient alternative to cross‐validation. We show that the method finds relevant covariates and that it improves prediction compared to default BART in simulations. If the covariate‐response relationship is non‐linear, the method benefits from the flexibility of BART to outperform regression‐based learners. Finally, the benefit of incorporating external information is shown in an application to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma prognosis based on clinical covariates, gene mutations, DNA translocations, and DNA copy number data.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed α‐Alkylation of Arylacetonitriles with Primary Alcohols: N‐heterocyclic Carbene‐Amine's Promotional Influence
Authors: Wei Xurui , Cai Xiuju , Huang Ming
Published: February 2025

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed α‐alkylation of nitriles with alcohols is an environmentally benign reaction, and the development of simple and efficient catalysts for this transformation is a growing area of research. In this study, we report a serial of bidentate N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ruthenium complexes with different extra donors for the α‐alkylation of nitriles with alcohols. Through adjusting extra donors and backbone of the NHC ligands, the catalytic activities of these complexes could be controlled. The ruthenium complex (Ru3) bearing an amine donor and a benzimidazolium backbone exhibited the highest catalytic activity. A large variety of α‐alkylated nitriles were obtained in 30%–88% yields, by using 1 mol% ruthenium complex (Ru3) and a catalytic amount of Cs2CO3 (20 mol%). Detailed control experiments and deuterium‐labeling experiments suggested that the reaction proceeds via borrowing hydrogen pathway.
A Sustainable Approach to Improve Properties of PVC‐CNT Nanocomposites Using Waste Eggshell as Biofiller and Heat Stabilizer
Authors: Dutta Nipu , Nath Saurav Sankar , Dutta Riku , Baishya Jurita , Borah Nupur , Maji Tarun Kumar
Published: February 2025

Bio‐based polymer nanocomposites were prepared using polyvinyl chloride, waste eggshell, and carbon nanotube via melt mixing followed by compression molding technique. The eggshell and the complex of tannic acid with calcium oxide derived from eggshell were used as biofiller and heat stabilizer respectively. Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f‐MWCNT) and epoxidized soyabean oil were employed as inforcing nanofiller and compatibilizer during the preparation of the nanocomposite. The ratio of Polymer to biofiller was maintained at 60:40 and the amount of nanofiller varied from 0 to 0.75 phr. The nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) study. Thermal analysis, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and water absorption tests were also done for the nanocomposites. Nanocomposite with 0.25 phr loaded functionalized carbon nanotube showed maximum improvement in overall properties.
Enhancing Military Performance and Stress Management Through Mindfulness Training: The Role of Fronto‐Limbic Network and Sequential Mediation Analysis
Authors: Kim Jin Hyung , Kim Hakseung , Lee Seho , Kim Sung Ha , Park Sung Soo , Hong Chang Woo , Kwon Ki Tae , Lee Seung Hun , Kim Hyun‐Ji , Kim Kyoung Soo , Kim Jung Bin , Choi Hoon , Kim Dong‐Joo
Published: February 2025

Mindfulness training (MT) has been shown to be effective at managing emotions and stress. However, the underlying neural mechanism of MT is yet unclear and attempts to explore the effects of MT on both psychological factors and performance outcomes remain unexplored. Physiological questionnaire, performance measures, and EEG‐based Functional connectivity (FC) in the fronto‐limbic network were analyzed in both the MT (N = 39) and control (N = 43) groups. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate group‐wise differences, within‐group longitudinal change, and sequential mediation effects. MT group maintained their stress coping capacity and demonstrated improved performance during the military training weeks. There was an increase in FC between the frontal and limbic regions in all frequency bands (i.e., delta, theta, alpha, and beta) in the MT group, yielding a higher FC than the control group in the final week. Furthermore, changes in these FC and changes in stress coping capacities played a sequential mediation role in the association between the MT and changes in military performance. This study demonstrated that MT was effective for military personnel under stressful conditions, in terms of managing stress coping capacity via changes in fronto‐limbic FC, and improving task performance.
Exploring the Acceptability of Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources Management: Insights From Swiss Organizations
Authors: Revillod Guillaume
Published: February 2025

This study looks at perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in human resources (HR) management within Swiss organizations. Based on a survey experiment provided to 324 private and public HR professionals, it explores how UTAUT's predictors—performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions—as well as top management support, the Private/Public dimension and control variables—age, gender, time with organization and hierarchical position—influence their acceptability of four different type of AI HR tools. To do this, this article is based on a multiple regression method. Its main findings are that, irrespective of the type of tool, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence positively influence the acceptability of the HR AI tools studied, whereas working in a public organization has systematically a negative influence. This makes a significant contribution to the literature by offering valuable insights into how these factors collectively shape the willingness of HR professionals to embrace AI technologies in their practices. It also offers an overview of the levers that organizations aiming to adopt these AI tools could act upon.