bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging long short‐term memory networks and transfer learning for the soft‐measurement of flue gas flowrate from coal‐fired boilers
Authors: Lu Jiahui , Tang Hongjian , Duan Lunbo
Published: August 2024

The dynamic operation and deep peak‐shaving of power‐generating units cause significant fluctuations in flue gas flowrate, thus affecting the accuracy of CO2 emissions measured by continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS). This study established a long short‐term memory network with an attention mechanism (LSTM‐AM) for the soft measurement of the flue gas flowrate in real‐time. First, flue gas flowrate data and continuous operation parameters over 25 days were sampled from a typical 660 MW coal‐fired boiler in China. Then, a carbon balance model was established to verify the data reliability. The LSTM‐AM model was trained and testified at the 660 MW coal‐fired boiler. Results show that the LSTM‐AM model significantly surpassed the pristine LSTM model without attention, the convolutional neural network (CNN) with LSTM, and the static support vector regression (SVR) model in the real‐time prediction of flue gas flowrate. Finally, the LSTM‐AM model was generalized to a 630 MW coal‐fired power unit via transfer learning, which was further demonstrated to outperform the model re‐trained from scratch. This work manifests the feasibility of deep learning for the soft measurement of flue gas flowrate, which is promising to solve data‐lagging issues when measuring CO2 emissions from coal‐fired power plants.
Impact of citric acid on guar gum carboxymethylcellulose crosslinked blend films
Authors: Morais Marcos Antonio Pereira , Silva Mauricio , Barros Maria , Halley Peter , Almeida Yeda , Vinhas Gloria
Published: August 2024

This research intends to create biodegradable packaging films using solution casting method. The films are composed of guar gum, carboxymethylcellulose, and blends of these materials with citric acid as a crosslinking agent. The concentration of citric acid ranges from 10 to 30% (w w−1). This study performs a curing treatment at 140°C for 30 min on the dried films containing the crosslinking additive to promote the esterification between the polymeric matrix and the crosslinking agent. The thin films have a smooth, homogeneous, and transparent aspect. Although the crosslinking reaction – evidenced by FTIR spectra – does not affect the thickness of the material, it causes a slight color variation making the samples assume a yellowish shade. Moreover, the crosslinking process enhances the water resistance, decreases the crystallinity index, and improves the water vapor barrier and thermal resistance of the films. The SEM images reveal the excess of unreacted crosslinking agent accumulated on the samples; these particles work as a plasticizer, affecting the morphology of the films as well as their water resistance, crystallinity, and thermal resistance.
Archaeological LiDAR in Mediterranean Karst Landscapes. A Multiproxy Dating Method for Archaeological Landscape and a Case Study From Prehistoric Kras Plateau (Slovenia)
Authors: Lozić Edisa , Štular Benjamin
Published: August 2024

The case study area is a small but typical prehistoric landscape in the Kras Plateau on the north coast of the central Mediterranean. The Late Bronze and Iron Age Kras Plateau was an emblematic Mediterranean archaeological landscape dotted with numerous hillforts. Since the mid‐20th century, the landscape had been overgrown with some of the most archaeology‐hostile vegetation, severely impeding landscape archaeology until archaeological LiDAR revealed thousands of archaeological features that attest to a carefully constructed and managed agro‐pastoral landscape. However, these discoveries were hampered by insecure chronology typical of any LiDAR guided analysis. This case study meticulously documented two prehistoric hillforts and a previously unknown agro‐pastoral landscape with hundreds of archaeological features. The focus of the article, however, was on establishing a more precise and objective dating method. We proposed a multiproxy method to date the archaeological landscape. It combines relative dating using remote sensing data and historical maps; dating based on historical context; relative stratigraphic dating; indirect dating based on associated archaeological finds; and dating by association. Particularly, we focused on the association‐based dating of archaeological features. We proposed a method based on the concept of taskscapes that relies on kernel density estimation. Using these methods, we objectively demonstrated that agro‐pastoral landscape features documented with archaeological LiDAR were contemporaneous with Late Bronze Age and Iron Age hillforts and have no connection to the post‐medieval landscape. The latter has important methodological implications for the prehistoric archaeology of Mediterranean karst landscapes, where backdating post‐Medieval landscapes is a common practise.
Dry‐Pressed Fabrication of Lithium‐Ion Electrodes Over 500 μm Thick
Authors: Hu Kedi , Fu William , West Alan C. , Steingart Daniel A.
Published: August 2024

In stationary storage, thick electrodes can minimize inactive material components to increase energy density and decrease cost, but they face challenges in performance and manufacturability. This work discusses a method to fabricate thick‐format lithium‐ion electrodes and a model to explore transport constraints for functional thick electrodes. Thick lithium iron phosphate (LFP) electrodes were fabricated using a solvent‐free pressing process that adopts methods from alkaline electrode manufacturing for low‐cost scale‐up. LFP electrodes with thicknesses up to 1 mm and capacities up to ~15 mAh/cm2 exhibited good rate performance (~98 % utilization at C/10, ~95 % at C/5, ~76 % at C/2). A physics‐based LFP half‐cell model was developed to aid in characterizing transport within these thick electrodes, revealing opportunities to further improve performance by decreasing tortuosity.
Folate and Vitamin B12 Status in Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Haryana, India: Estimating Population‐Based Prevalence for Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Das Reena , Duggal Mona , Rosenthal Jorge , Kankaria Ankita , Senee Hari K. , Jabbar Shameem , Kaur Manmeet , Kumar Vishal , Bhardwaj Swati , Singh Neha , Dhanjal Gursharan S. , Kumar Akash , Rose Charles E. , Bhatia Rita , Gupta Rachita , Dalpath Suresh , Crider Krista S. , Zhang Mindy , Pfeiffer Christine M. , Gupta Rakesh , Mehta Rajesh , Raina Neena , Yeung Lorraine F.
Published: August 2024

Background

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in pregnant women are associated with increased risk for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, including neural tube defects (NTDs).

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in two rural areas in Ambala District, Haryana, India in 2017 to assess baseline folate and vitamin B12 status among women of reproductive age (WRA) and predict the prevalence of NTDs. We calculated the prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency by demographic characteristics among 775 non‐pregnant, non‐lactating WRA (18–49 years). Using red blood cell (RBC) folate distributions and an established Bayesian model, we predicted NTD prevalence. All analyses were conducted using SAS‐callable SUDAAN Version 11.0.4 to account for complex survey design.

Results

Among WRA, 10.1% (95% CI: 7.9, 12.7) and 9.3% (95% CI: 7.4, 11.6) had serum (<7 nmol/L) and RBC folate (<305 nmol/L) deficiency, respectively. The prevalence of RBC folate insufficiency (<748 nmol/L) was 78.3% (95% CI: 75.0, 81.3) and the predicted NTD prevalence was 21.0 (95% uncertainly interval: 16.9, 25.9) per 10,000 live births. Prevalences of vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 pg/mL) and marginal deficiency (≥200 pg/mL and ≤300 pg/mL) were 57.7% (95% CI: 53.9, 61.4) and 23.5% (95% CI: 20.4, 26.9), respectively.

Conclusions

The magnitude of folate insufficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency in this Northern Indian population is a substantial public health concern. The findings from the survey help establish the baseline against which results from future post‐fortification surveys can be compared.
Propolis suppresses atopic dermatitis through targeting the MKK4 pathway
Authors: Cho Ye‐Ryeong , Han Eui Jeong , Heo Eun , Jayasinghe Arachchige Maheshika Kumari , Won Jihyun , Lee Soohwan , Kim Taegun , Kim Sung‐Kuk , Lim Seokwon , Woo Soon Ok , Han Gyoonhee , Kang Wonku , Ahn Ginnae , Byun Sanguine
Published: August 2024

Propolis is a natural resinous substance made by bees through mixing various plant sources. Propolis has been widely recognized as a functional food due to its diverse range of beneficial bioactivities. However, the therapeutic effects of consuming propolis against atopic dermatitis (AD) remain largely unknown. The current study aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of propolis against AD and explore the active compound as well as the direct molecular target. In HaCaT keratinocytes, propolis inhibited TNF‐α‐induced interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 secretion. It also led to a reduction in chemokines such as monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and macrophage‐derived chemokine (MDC), while restoring the levels of barrier proteins, filaggrin and involucrin. Propolis exhibited similar effects in AD‐like human skin, leading to the suppression of AD markers and the restoration of barrier proteins. In DNCB‐induced mice, oral administration of propolis attenuated AD symptoms, improved barrier function, and reduced scratching frequency and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In addition, propolis reversed the mRNA levels of AD‐related markers in mouse dorsal skin. These effects were attributed to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), the active compound identified by comparing major components of propolis. Mechanistic studies revealed that CAPE as well as propolis could directly and selectively target MKK4. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that propolis may be used as a functional food agent for the treatment of AD.
A Hydrogen Bonded Non‐Porous Organic‐Inorganic Framework for Measuring Cysteine in Blood Plasma and Endogenous Cancer Cell
Authors: Ghosh Riya , Pradhan Debjani , Debnath Snehasish , Mansingh Arushi , Nagesh Narayana , Chatterjee Pabitra B.
Published: August 2024

An imbalance in cysteine (Cys) levels in the cells and plasma has been identified as the risk indicator for various human diseases. The structural similarity of cysteine with its congener homocysteine and glutathione offers challenges in its measurement. Herein, we report a hydrogen‐bonded organic‐inorganic framework of Cu(II) (HOIF) for the selective detection of cysteine over other biothiols. The non‐fluorescent HOIF showed 12‐fold green emission in the presence of cysteine. The monomeric unit of HOIF is stabilized via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, resulting in a non‐porous network structure. Non‐interference from homocysteine, glutathione, and other competitive bio‐analytes revealed explicit affinity of HOIF for cysteine. Fluorimetric titration showed a wide working concentration window (650 nM–800 μM) for measuring cysteine in an aqueous medium. The mechanistic investigation involving HRMS, EPR, and UV‐vis spectroscopic studies revealed the decomplexation of HOIF with Cys, resulting in a fluorescence turn‐on response from the luminescent ligand. Validation using a commercial dye, “Cysteine Green”, confirmed the prospect of HOIF for early diagnostic purposes. Utilizing the fluorescence turn‐on property of HOIF in the presence of cysteine, we measured cysteine quantitatively in the blood plasma samples. Bio‐imaging of endogenous cysteine in cancer cells indicated the ability of HOIF to monitor the intracellular cysteine.
Main‐Group Elements Enhance Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction of Vanadium‐Based Single Atom Catalysts Through d‐p Orbital Hybridization
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Hu Riming , Zhu Ruochen , Xue Liang , Yang Shuaijun , Nie Yong , Yu Jiayuan , Jiang Xuchuan
Published: August 2024

Developing active sites with flexibility and diversity is crucial for single atom catalysts (SACs) towards sustainable nitrogen fixation at ambient conditions. Herein, the effects of doping main group metal elements (MGM) on the stability, catalytic activity, and selectivity of vanadium‐based SACs is systematically investigated based on density functional theory calculations. It is found that the catalytic activity of V site can be significantly enhanced by the synergistic effect between MGM and vanadium atoms. More importantly, a volcano curve between the catalytic activity and the adsorption free energy of NNH* can be established, in which V−Pb dimer embedded on N‐coordinated graphene (VPb‐NG) exhibits optimal NRR activity due to its location at the top of volcano. Further analysis of electronic structures reveals that the unoccupancy ratio (eg/t2g) of V site is dramatically increased by the strong d‐p orbital hybridization between V and Pb atoms, subsequently, N2 is activated to a larger extent. These interesting findings may provide a new path for designing active sites in SACs with excellent performance.
Peripheral immune biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibition of solid tumours
Authors: Goswami Meghali , Toney Nicole J. , Pitts Stephanie C. , Celades Carolina , Schlom Jeffrey , Donahue Renee N.
Published: August 2024

Background

With the rapid adoption of immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer comes the pressing need for readily accessible biomarkers to guide immunotherapeutic strategies and offer insights into outcomes with specific treatments. Regular sampling of solid tumour tissues outside of melanoma for immune monitoring is not often feasible; conversely, routine, frequent interrogation of circulating immune biomarkers is entirely possible. As immunotherapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, in particular, are more widely used in first‐line, neoadjuvant, and metastatic settings, the discovery and validation of peripheral immune biomarkers are urgently needed across solid tumour types for improved prediction and prognostication of clinical outcomes in response to immunotherapy, as well as elucidation of mechanistic underpinnings of the intervention. Careful experimental design, encompassing both retrospective and prospective studies, is required in such biomarker identification studies, and concerted efforts are essential for their advancement into clinical settings.

Conclusion

In this review, we summarize shared immune features between the tumour microenvironment and systemic circulation, evaluate exploratory peripheral immune biomarker studies, and discuss associations between candidate biomarkers with clinical outcomes. We also consider integration of multiple peripheral immune parameters for better prediction and prognostication and discuss considerations in study design to further evaluate the clinical utility of candidate peripheral immune biomarkers for immunotherapy of solid tumours.

Highlights

Peripheral immune biomarkers are critical for improved prediction and prognostication of clinical outcomes for patients with solid tumours treated with immune checkpoint inhibition.

Candidate peripheral biomarkers, such as cytokines, soluble factors, and immune cells, have potential as biomarkers to guide immunotherapy of solid tumours.

Multiple peripheral immune parameters may be integrated to improve prediction and prognostication.

The potential of peripheral immune biomarkers to guide immunotherapy of solid tumours requires critical work in biomarker discovery, validation, and standardization.
The role of maximal inspiratory pressure on functional performance in adults with heart failure
Authors: Shah Rohan V. , Cahalin Lawrence P. , Haus Jacob M. , Allsup Kelly , Delligatti Amanda , Wolf Cody , Checko (Scioli) Erica R. , Aragam Jayashri R. , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Byard Thomas D. , Forman Daniel E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Exercise intolerance is common among adults with heart failure (HF) and is a strong prognostic indicator. We examined maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) as an indicator of maximal and submaximal exercise capacity in older HF patients.

Methods

Fifty‐one patients age ≥ 50 years with HF underwent MIP testing via the PrO2 device. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2), 6 min walk distance (6MWD), 30 s sit‐to‐stand test (STS), gait speed (GS), grip strength and lower extremity muscle strength [one‐repetition maximum (1RM)] were measured. Correlation and exploratory multiple regression analyses investigated relationships between MIP, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), age, body mass index (BMI) and physical function. MIP was then stratified by median (64 cm H2O), and endpoints were compared between median groups.

Results

The median age was 69 years [interquartile range (IQR): 66–73], and the median LVEF was 36.5% (IQR: 30%–45%). Regression identified MIP as an independent predictor for grip strength, 6MWD, 1RM weight and 30 s STS after adjustment for age, BMI and LVEF. MIP greater than the median (n = 25) independently predicted and reflected greater peak VO2 [14.2 (12.8–18.1) vs. 11.5 (9.7–13.0) mL/kg/min; P = 0.0007] as well as 6MWD, 1RM, 30 s STS and GS (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The analysis demonstrates that MIP is a novel biometric for exercise tolerance in adults with HF. Assessments of MIP are safe and convenient, with the potential to enhance routine HF surveillance and provide novel biometrics to guide HF therapeutics.
Functionalized Phosphorus‐Doped Porous Organic Polymers (FPPOPs) ‐Promoted Pd‐Catalyzed Arylation of Hydrosilanes
Authors: Chen Yi‐Lin , Tian Shu‐Yuan , Wang Yan , Lu Si‐Qi , Xu Zheng , Yin Guan‐Wu , Yang Ke‐Fang , Xu Li‐Wen
Published: August 2024

The development of novel catalyst systems, especially as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for Si−C bond ‐forming arylation reaction of hydrosilanes is highly desirable. Herein, we developed a simple and eco‐friendly methodology for construction of functionalized phosphorus‐doped porous organic polymers (FPPOPs) and its heterogeneous palladium catalyst through anchoring on FPPOPs bearing a phosphine ligand, in which the fabrication of FPPOPs was completed through the vinyl‐substituted triphenylphosphine (ViPPh3) and vinyl‐substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (ViPOSS) as well as functional olefins via radical co‐polymerization. All these FPPOPs could act as a phosphine ligand for Pd‐catalyzed arylation of hydrosilanes have been characterized by SEM, FTIR, and X‐RAD. Moreover, the POSS‐based functionalized phosphorus‐doped porous organic polymers (POSS‐PPOPs) proved to be a high efficiency catalyst system for Si−C bond ‐forming arylation of hydrosilanes with aryl iodides and with good yields as well as excellent chemoselectivity with low amount of catalyst under mild conditions. The mechanistic studies supported the effect of functional group on the catalytic activity of Pd/FPPOPs catalyst, which revealed that the weak coordination as well as non‐covalent interaction between porous organic polymers and substrate played important role in the enhancement of chemoselectivity.
Introducing the brief reverse correlation: An improved tool to assess visual representations
Authors: Schmitz Mathias , Rougier Marine , Yzerbyt Vincent
Published: August 2024

The reverse correlation is an innovative method to capture visual representations (i.e., classification images, CIs) of social targets. However, this method necessitates many trials to compute high‐quality CIs, which poses important practical and economic challenges. We introduce a new version of the reverse correlation method, namely, the Brief‐RC. By increasing the number of stimuli (i.e., noisy faces) presented at each trial, the Brief‐RC improves the quality of individual (and average) CIs and lowers the overall task length. In two experiments, assessments by external judges confirmed that the new method delivers equally good (Experiment 1) or higher‐quality (Experiment 2) outcomes than the traditional method for the same number of trials, time length and number of stimuli. The informational values of CIs were also compared using a more objective metric (infoVal). Because the Brief‐RC facilitates the production of higher‐quality individual CIs, social psychology researchers may more easily address a series of relevant research questions.
The curse of objectivity: Choosing objectively better products hinders consumers from receiving help
Authors: Qiu Tian , Lu Jingyi
Published: August 2024

Consumers who desire to be ‘rational’ tend to rely on reason and resist affective influences and thus choose objective options that are superior on quantifiable and measurable attributes but inferior on subjective and malleable attributes. Existing research reveals that consumers experience intrapersonal benefits from choosing objective options. Beyond these benefits, this study reveals the novel and interpersonal curse of choosing objective options that hinders consumers from receiving help. Six studies found that, compared to subjective‐option choosers, objective‐option choosers were considered less warm and received less help. Moreover, this social curse was attenuated when consumers’ choices did not reflect their own preferences. The current research contributes to the literature on objectivity–subjectivity trade‐offs by extending it from the intrapersonal to the interpersonal perspective, and to the literature on helping by revealing how consumption reduces future help received in irrelevant contexts beyond current consumption.
A global database of tsunami deposits
Authors: Ramírez‐Herrera María Teresa , Coca Oswaldo
Published: August 2024

Geomorphic environments play a crucial role in influencing the preservation and characteristics of tsunami deposits. This paper introduces a global database of tsunami deposits, encompassing information on deposit locations, thematic data such as geomorphic environments and proxies and bibliographic details. Additionally, the database features maps incorporating environmental parameters and the precise locations of tsunami deposits. The primary utility of this database lies in assessing progress and identifying gaps in knowledge. It also involves analysing the relationship between environmental parameters and interpreting areas with varying probabilities of tsunami deposit preservation. The files are readily compatible with GIS software and can seamlessly integrate into spatial databases associated with tsunamis or other hazards. This contributes significantly to disaster risk management, enhancing preparedness and response efforts by providing a comprehensive historical dataset on tsunamis. Future applications of the database include the incorporation of modern deposits, boulders and new data from paleotsunami and historical studies. By enhancing data with thematic information, such as dating techniques and creating timelines, the database facilitates a more comprehensive understanding. The correlation between geomorphic environments and proxies aids in selecting sampling sites and identifying suitable proxies for analysis. Encouraging an open‐access approach, this database invites all interested researchers to include and modify additional information. The information compiled for this database serves multiple purposes: (1) assessing the global distribution of tsunami deposits; (2) identifying knowledge gaps in tsunami deposits; (3) guiding the selection of study areas for further research and finally; (4) enabling a meta‐analysis of the information gathered.
Development of coparenting during the transition to parenthood: Integrating parents’ representations with observed interactions
Authors: Pérez Cortés Francisca , León María José , Philipp Diane
Published: August 2024

The transition to parenthood is a significant period of transformation and adjustment for all members of a new family, reshaping relational dynamics that often endure throughout the initial years of a child's life. This qualitative and longitudinal study aimed to explore coparenting representations held by both partners in a parental couple, along with observations of their family interactions, at three distinct points in time, with the aim to better understand the interaction between these representational and behavioral observations. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 17 heterosexual, first‐time parents in Santiago de Chile, during pregnancy and at two different times during the first year of their child's life. Family interactions were assessed using the Lausanne Trilogue Play task (LTP) on all occasions. Three main coparenting representation categories emerged: traditional, ambiguous, and co‐responsible. On observation, approximately half of the couples showed cooperative coparenting interactions, while the other half had conflictual interactions. Couples generally followed stable trajectories over time. Cooperative couples demonstrated co‐responsibility and open dialogue, while conflictual couples tended to follow traditional gender roles with tacit communication styles. This study highlights the importance of promoting co‐responsibility and dialogue for fostering cooperative relational dynamics during the critical transition to parenthood.
Emotion regulation difficulties and differences in autism including demand‐avoidant presentations—A clinical review of research and models, and a proposed conceptual formulation: Neural‐preferencing locus of control (NP‐LOC)
Authors: Greaves Nicky
Published: August 2024

Emotion regulation (ER) difficulties and differences in autism are well documented in both research and clinical literature, negatively impacting well‐being for autistic young people. Emotion dysregulation can significantly decrease access to opportunities to learn life skills and increase the risk of mental health problems in adulthood. This situation intensifies with more extreme demand avoidant presentations. Efforts to increase understanding in this area have therefore been the subject of much attention with conceptual models created to explore possible underlying mechanisms and guide interventions. This clinical review explores the ER literature and conceptual models in autism and offers a formulation—Neural Preferencing Locus of Control (NP‐LOC). NP‐LOC aims to build on existing theory, research and conceptual models by offering different perspectives in ER through a cognitive, developmental formulation related to the core features of autism—in particular, the impact of a strong need to follow preferred agendas and routines, differences in social understanding related to daily demands, and difficulties accessing social support systems—and how these factors relate to perceived safety and control needed for daily functioning. The role of social understanding as a mediating factor in ER and the implications for intervention in autism are discussed, especially for demand avoidant presentations.
R2 should not be used to describe behavioral‐economic discounting and demand models
Authors: Gelino Brett W. , Strickland Justin C. , Johnson Matthew W.
Published: August 2024

Literature concerning operant behavioral economics shows a strong preference for the coefficient of determination (R2) metric to (a) describe how well an applied model accounts for variance and (b) depict the quality of collected data. Yet R2 is incompatible with nonlinear modeling. In this report, we provide an updated discussion of the concerns with R2. We first review recent articles that have been published in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior that employ nonlinear models, noting recent trends in goodness‐of‐fit reporting, including the continued reliance on R2. We then examine the tendency for these metrics to bias against linear‐like patterns via a positive correlation between goodness of fit and the primary outputs of behavioral‐economic modeling. Mathematically, R2 is systematically more stringent for lower values for discounting parameters (e.g., k) in discounting studies and lower values for the elasticity parameter (α) in demand analysis. The study results suggest there may be heterogeneity in how this bias emerges in data sets of varied composition and origin. There are limitations when using any goodness‐of‐fit measure to assess the systematic nature of data in behavioral‐economic studies, and to address those we recommend the use of algorithms that test fundamental expectations of the data.
Positive Trends in Racial Disparities for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Brauer Philip R. , Culbert August A. , Zhang Emily , Xu James R. , Ku Jamie A. , Bottalico Danielle M. , Ciolek Peter J. , Genther Dane J. , Fritz Michael A. , Liu Sara W. , Prendes Brandon L. , Lamarre Eric D.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate national trends in racial disparities for patients undergoing head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Methods

Retrospective analysis using the 2008 to 2021 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients receiving microvascular free tissue transfer were eligible for inclusion. Pediatric patients and those treated by non‐otolaryngologists were excluded. Outcomes were analyzed with univariate and multivariable models.

Results

A total of 5831 head and neck free flap cases were analyzed, 4869 (83.5%) were White, 560 (9.6%) were Black or African American, and 402 (6.9%) were Asian, Native American, or other groups (ANAOG). The proportion of Black or African American patients and ANAOG patients undergoing free tissue transfer increased significantly over the time period (p = 0.047 and p = 0.010, respectively). However, there was a downtrend that started around 2017. In a multivariable model, Black or African American race was not associated with readmission (OR = 0.99 [95% CI 0.74, 1.31], p > 0.05), returning to the operating room (OR = 1.20 [95% CI 0.96, 1.49], p > 0.05), or any post‐operative complication (OR = 0.83 [95% CI 0.68, 1.01], p > 0.05). There were also no significant associations found in the ANAOG population on multivariate analysis (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

The percentage of free tissue transfer performed in patients from minority backgrounds with head and neck cancer has been increasing in the United States. Outcomes after head and neck microvascular reconstruction are similar when stratified by race. However, racial disparities remain and further work is necessary to reduce these disparities.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 135:635–640, 2025
Solving the Contradiction of Work Function and Conductivity in PEDOT:PSS to Achieve High‐Performance Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diode via Aniline Interface Modification
Authors: Shen Wei , He Yanxing , Chen Yanfeng , Chen Shuo , Chen Zhihua , Liu Chenxi , Cui Hao , Liu Suyun , Liu Lihui , Cheng Gang , Chen Shufen
Published: August 2024

Poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is one of the most widely used functional materials for hole transport layer in perovskite light‐emitting diode (LED). Tuning its work function (WF) and conductivity (κ) is a key issue for promoting perovskite LED performance. While decreasing its WF always reduces its κ and vice versa. Solving such contradiction is quite significant for promoting the development and commercialization of perovskite LED. Herein, the aniline (Ani) is employed for PEDOT:PSS interface modification. Ani inserted between PEDOT and PSS to weaken electrostatic interaction between sulfonic acid group in PSS chain and thiophene group in PEDOT chain, which results in increased delocalized electrons to enhance its κ. More importantly, the acid–base reaction decreases high acidity of PEDOT:PSS, which is an effective way to increase its WF and decrease its interface defects density. Meanwhile, such interface modification avoids PEDOT:PSS phase separation and ensures the uniformity of film. After Ani modification, the WF of PEDOT:PSS increase from 5.16 to 5.31 eV, the κ increases from 0.30 to 8.62 S cm−1, and the hole mobility enhances from 0.716 × 10−6 to 1.306 × 10−6 cm2 V−1 s−1. Modified PEDOT:PSS boost CsPbI3 LED achieving a maximum external quantum efficiency of 17.70%.
Single‐cell transcriptomic analysis reveals that the APP–CD74 axis promotes immunosuppression and progression of testicular tumors
Authors: Chen Guo , Wang Wei , Wei Xin , Chen Yulin , Peng Liao , Qu Rui , Luo Yi , He Shengyin , Liu Yugao , Du Jie , Lu Ran , Li Siying , Fan Chuangwen , Chen Sujun , Dai Yi , Yang Luo
Published: August 2024

Testicular tumors represent the most common malignancy among young men. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis and molecular underpinning of testicular tumors remain largely elusive. We aimed to delineate the intricate intra‐tumoral heterogeneity and the network of intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. A total of 40,760 single‐cell transcriptomes were analyzed, encompassing samples from six individuals with seminomas, two patients with mixed germ cell tumors, one patient with a Leydig cell tumor, and three healthy donors. Five distinct malignant subclusters were identified in the constructed landscape. Among them, malignant 1 and 3 subclusters were associated with a more immunosuppressive state and displayed worse disease‐free survival. Further analysis identified that APP–CD74 interactions were significantly strengthened between malignant 1 and 3 subclusters and 14 types of immune subpopulations. In addition, we established an aberrant spermatogenesis trajectory and delineated the global gene alterations of somatic cells in seminoma testes. Sertoli cells were identified as the somatic cell type that differed the most from healthy donors to seminoma testes. Cellular communication between spermatogonial stem cells and Sertoli cells is disturbed in seminoma testes. Our study delineates the intra‐tumoral heterogeneity and the tumor immune microenvironment in testicular tumors, offering novel insights for targeted therapy. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Modeling the thermal behavior of multifunctional syntactic foams containing phase change materials for heat management applications
Authors: Fredi Giulia , Ronconi Giulia , Galvagnini Francesco , Mazzanti Valentina , Zanelli Marco , Mollica Francesco , Dorigato Andrea
Published: August 2024

Syntactic foams are lightweight porous composites obtained by the addition of hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) to a polymer matrix. This work experimentally and numerically investigates the thermal behavior of epoxy‐based syntactic foams with enhanced multifunctionality produced by incorporating microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) as functional fillers, providing thermal energy storage and temperature stabilization due to its large latent heat of melting. Foams are fabricated using varying ratios of HGMs (0–40 vol%) and PCM (0–40 vol%) to achieve tuned densities and thermal properties with a total filler content of up to 40 vol%. A one‐dimensional numerical heat transfer model based on the enthalpy method is presented to simulate the thermal behavior of these materials. The model accurately incorporates the specific heat and thermal conductivity of the foam components, as well as the latent heat absorption during PCM melting (up to 68 J/g). The model is experimentally validated by demonstrating good agreement with the measurements of transient temperature profiles during heating tests on the foam samples. The validated tool is then leveraged to model the thermal response of the foams under a sinusoidally varying heat source, similar to the possible real applicative scenarios. These results can help optimize foam compositions balancing energy storage density, heat transfer properties, and structural support for lightweight energy storage systems. Potential applications include high‐efficiency thermal management in battery packs, electronic cooling, solar energy storage, and sustainable temperature‐controlled buildings.

Highlights

Foams with 0–40 vol% PCM and 0–40 vol% HGM show up to 68 J/g latent heat.

1D numerical model accurately captures thermal conductivity and PCM phase change.

Validated model simulates thermal response under sinusoidal heat, optimizing foam composition.

Foams act as thermal reservoirs, maintaining up to 5°C lower surface temperatures than epoxy.
Shade signals activate distinct molecular mechanisms that induce dormancy and inhibit flowering in vegetative axillary buds of sorghum
Authors: Kebrom Tesfamichael H.
Published: August 2024

Shoot branches grow from axillary buds and play a crucial role in shaping shoot architecture and determining crop yield. Shade signals inactivate phytochrome B (phyB) and induce bud dormancy, thereby inhibiting shoot branching. Prior transcriptome profiling of axillary bud dormancy in a phyB‐deficient mutant (58M, phyB‐1) and bud outgrowth in wild‐type (100M, PHYB) sorghum genotypes identified differential expression of genes associated with flowering, plant hormones, and sugars, including SbCN2, SbNCED3, SbCKX1, SbACO1, SbGA2ox1, and SbCwINVs. This study examined the expression of these genes during bud dormancy induced by shade and defoliation in 100M sorghum. The aim was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms activated by shade in axillary buds by comparing them with those activated by defoliation. The expression of marker genes for sugar levels suggests shade and defoliation reduce the sugar supply to the buds and induce bud dormancy. Intriguingly, both shade signals and defoliation downregulated SbNCED3, suggesting that ABA might not play a role in promoting axillary bud dormancy in sorghum. Whereas the cytokinin (CK) degrading gene SbCKX1 was upregulated solely by shade signals in the buds, the CK inducible genes SbCGA1 and SbCwINVs were downregulated during both shade‐ and defoliation‐induced bud dormancy. This indicates a decrease in CK levels in the dormant buds. Shade signals dramatically upregulated SbCN2, an ortholog of the Arabidopsis TFL1 known for inhibiting flowering, whereas defoliation did not increase SbCN2 expression in the buds. Removing shade temporarily downregulated SbCN2 in dormant buds, further indicating its expression is not always correlated with bud dormancy. Because shade signals also trigger a systemic early flowering signal, SbCN2 might be activated to protect the buds from transitioning to flowering before growing into branches. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that shade signals activate two distinct molecular mechanisms in sorghum buds: one induces dormancy by reducing CK and sugars, whereas the other inhibits flowering by activating SbCN2. Given the agricultural significance of TFL1‐like genes, the rapid regulation of SbCN2 by light signals in axillary buds revealed in this study warrants further investigation to explore its potential in crop improvement strategies.
Reproductive Concerns Among Young Adult Women With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hu Li , Xu Binbin , Chau Pui Hing , Lok Kris Yuet Wan , Kwok Jojo Yan Yan , Choi Edmond Pui Hang , Lau Ying
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Systemic cancer treatments pose threats to fertility, leading to concerns regarding fertility and parenthood in young adult women with breast cancer (YAWBC). This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on reproductive concerns (RCs) among YAWBC and identify areas where further research in needed.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Nine English and Chinese databases were searched for studies from inception to June 2023. A meta‐analysis was employed to pool RC levels measured using the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer scale (RCAC scale; possible total scores: 18–90). Narrative synthesis was conducted in cases where a meta‐analysis could not be performed.

Results

Twenty‐four cross‐sectional studies across seven countries were included in this review. The prevalence of RCs among YAWBC ranged from 21.75% to 80%. The pooled mean total score on the overall RCAC scale was 55.84 (95% confidence interval: 53.26–58.43). “Personal health,” “child's health,” and “fertility potential” were the top three types of RCs among YAWBC. Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors were found to be associated with RCs among YAWBC. Additionally, significant correlations among RCs, nonadherence to treatment, depression, and quality of life were also identified among YAWBC.

Conclusion

RCs are a common issue among YAWBC, and age, parenthood status, fertility desire, and chemotherapy treatment are important factors associated with RCs among these women. Further research is needed to clarify RC‐related factors to provide evidence aimed at tailoring interventions to mitigate RCs among YWBC.
Getting allometry right at the Oak Ridge free‐air CO2 enrichment experiment: Old problems and new opportunities for global change experiments
Authors: Norby Richard J. , Warren Jeffrey M. , Iversen Colleen M. , Walker Anthony P. , Childs Joanne
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments provide essential data on forest responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 for evaluations of climate change impacts on humanity. Understanding and reducing the uncertainty in the experimental results is critical to ensure scientific and public confidence in the models and policy initiatives that derive therefrom. One source of uncertainty is the estimation of tree biomass using mathematical relationships between biomass and easily obtained and non‐destructive measurements (allometry). We evaluated the robustness of the allometric relationships established at the beginning of a FACE experiment and discuss the challenges and opportunities for the new generation of FACE experiments.

Long‐term field experiments to elucidate forest responses to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration require allometric equations to estimate tree biomass from non‐destructive measurements of tree size. We analyzed whether the allometric equations established at the beginning of a free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment in a Liquidambar styraciflua plantation were still valid at the end of the 12 year experiment.

Aboveground woody biomass was initially predicted by an equation that included bole diameter, taper, and height, assuming that including taper and height as predictors would accommodate changes in tree structure that might occur over time and in response to elevated CO2. At the conclusion of the FACE experiment, we harvested 23 trees, measured dimensions and dry mass of boles and branches, and extracted and measured the woody root mass of 10 trees.

Although 10 of the harvested trees were larger than the trees used to establish the allometric relationship, measured aboveground woody biomass was well predicted by the original allometry. The initial linear equation between bole basal area and woody root biomass underestimated final root biomass by 28%, but root biomass was just 21% of total wood mass, and errors in aboveground and belowground estimates were offsetting.

The allometry established at the beginning of the experiment provided valid predictions of tree biomass throughout the experiment. New allometric approaches using terrestrial laser scanning should reduce an important source of uncertainty in decade‐long forest experiments and in assessments of centuries‐long forest biomass accretion used in evaluating carbon offsets and climate mitigation.
Phylogeny and bioprospecting: The diversity of medicinal plants used in cancer management
Authors: Thompson Jamie B. , Hawkins Julie A.
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

As the second‐leading cause of mortality worldwide, cancer is a major focus of drug discovery research. Traditional plant knowledge can guide the search for undiscovered compounds, but the efficacy of this approach for cancer, a highly complex disease affecting diverse tissues, is unknown. We investigated the patterns underlying plant selection for cancer treatment globally, finding certain lineages are repeatedly targeted. While this indicates therapeutic value, their relatedness with plants used for unrelated ethnobotanical uses suggests that plants are probably selected to treat cancer‐associated symptoms, rather than addressing tumour growth. Careful re‐examination and scoring of ethnobotanical reports may make the prediction of lineages for drug discovery more informative.

Cancer is a highly diverse disease and as the second‐leading cause of death worldwide is a focus of drug discovery research. Natural products have been shown to be a useful source of novel molecules for treating cancer. It is likely there are many plants with undiscovered molecules of therapeutic value, however identifying new leads from the vast diversity of plants is very challenging. Traditional knowledge might inform bioprospecting by predicting lineages of plants rich in therapeutically useful molecules.

We characterise the phylogenetic diversity of plants used in traditional cancer management using a comprehensive genus‐level phylogeny of angiosperms, and a list of 597 genera used globally to treat different cancers. We phylogenetically predict which lineages may have elevated potential for drug discovery and assess the quality of the prediction.

We demonstrate the independent and repeated targeting of specific lineages of plants by different peoples in different parts of the world. However, the lineages we report here as rich in plants used in traditional cancer management coincide with those for other ethnobotanical applications and contain few plants with proven anti‐cancer activity.

That the same lineages are used to treat different cancers is suggestive of independent discovery of therapeutic value. However, it is likely that the traditional knowledge explored here is shaped by the selection of plants conferring milder effects for treating wider symptoms, such as tiredness or nausea, rather than for halting tumour growth. Accurate prediction of useful plant lineages for cancer management requires more nuanced information than is commonly provided in ethnobotanical records.
Microstructure Regulation and Mechanical Properties of Mg–6xZn–xY Alloys Containing Icosahedral Quasicrystalline Phases
Authors: Wang Yingnan , Meng Xiaokai , Guo Junhong
Published: August 2024

Mg–6xZn–xY (x = 0.8, 5, and 7 wt%) alloys containing an icosahedral quasicrystal phase (I‐phase) are synthesized, and the effects of Y doping on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg matrix and I‐phase are investigated. The results show that as the Y content increases, the I‐phase content gradually increases, with the distribution of the I‐phase changing from a discontinuous to a continuous network and lamellar structures. Additionally, the eutectic structure (α‐Mg + I‐phase) in the alloys gradually increases, while the Mg matrix area decreases. The tensile strength of the as‐cast alloy initially increases and then decreases, reaching a maximum value at Y = 5. Heat treatment of the Mg–30Zn–5Y alloy reveals an optimal solid solution temperature of 320 °C, resulting in a tensile strength of 175.09 MPa and quasicleavage fracture characteristics. The maximum tensile strength of the alloy is achieved when the I‐phase distribution is continuous and the porosity of the Mg matrix is ≈66%. These results provide guidance for the microstructural design of I‐phase‐reinforced Mg alloys with rare earth elements to enhance their mechanical properties.