bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Évaluation du changement en psychothérapie
Authors: Thurin Jean-Michel
Published: July 2009

Après avoir démontré l’efficacité d’interventions psychothérapiques sur différents problèmes et troubles (études de résultats), avoir réuni ces études pour affirmer l’efficacité globale de « la psychothérapie » (méta-analyses), puis avoir essayé (sans succès) de distinguer l’efficacité relative des principales approches, la recherche en psychothérapie s’est recentrée ces dernières années sur deux questions qui intéressent particulièrement les cliniciens : « Pourquoi et comment » une psychothérapie marche-t-elle (agit-elle) ? Ce recentrage de la recherche sur le changement, sa dynamique et sa chronologie au cours du processus psychothérapique modifie complètement la perspective précédente qui cherchait à démontrer l’activité d’une ou plusieurs « gélules » psychothérapiques pour des troubles focalisés définis. Il conduit à prendre en compte les variables individuelles et d’interaction du patient tout autant que les « principes actifs » de la psychothérapie mis en œuvre par le praticien dans différentes situations psychopathologiques. Il aborde indirectement des questions théoriques qui relient l’abord d’une situation à un modèle causal particulier. Sur le plan méthodologique, il amène à privilégier les études intensives de cas plutôt que les études de groupe (ce qui permet la prise en compte de la variabilité individuelle et interindividuelle), à définir des configurations de variables actives à différents temps de la psychothérapie (car l’approche et la technique se modifient pour s’ajuster à l’évolution du patient) et à élargir les indicateurs de changement aux fonctionnements psychiques (ils se réduisaient souvent avant à la réduction des symptômes). On est ainsi passé des études de résultats à des études processus-résultats beaucoup plus fines et ajustées à la clinique des cas complexes. Ces études de cas ont cependant une limite : leur faible capacité de généralisation. Pour pallier ce problème, le principe est de réunir et de comparer l’évolution de cas analogues méthodologiquement ajustés et de mettre en relation leurs changements avec les principales caractéristiques de la psychothérapie au cours de son processus.
Characteristics of 340B Hospitals Receiving Medicare Part B Repayments
Authors: Nikpay Sayeh
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study compared the characteristics of 340B hospitals that did not receive a lump sum payment with hospitals in the program that did receive payment.
Characteristics and Health Care Utilization of Patients With Housing Insecurity in the ED
Authors: Ball Madeleine A. Z. , Sack Daniel E. , Druffner Sophia A. , Jones Ian , Wrenn Jesse O. , Sexton Mitchell M. , Shinn Marybeth , Hess Jennifer J.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Unstable housing and homelessness can exacerbate adverse health outcomes leading to increased risk of chronic disease, injury, and disability. However, emergency departments (EDs) have no universal method to identify those at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.

Objective

To describe the extent of housing insecurity among patients who seek care in an urban ED, including chief concerns, demographics, and patterns of health care utilization.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included all adult patients presenting to the ED at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), an urban tertiary care, level I trauma center in the Southeast US, from January 5 to May 16, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of ED visits at which patients screened positive for housing insecurity. Secondary outcomes included prevalence of insecurity by chief concerns, demographics, and patterns of health care utilization.

Results

Of all 23 795 VUMC ED visits with screenings for housing insecurity (12 465 visits among women [52%]; median age, 47 years [IQR, 32-48 years]), in 1185 (5%), patients screened positive for current homelessness or housing insecurity (660 unique patients); at 22 610 visits (95%), the screening result was negative. Of visits with positive results, the median age of patients was 46 years (IQR, 36-55 years) and 829 (70%) were among male patients. Suicide and intoxication were more common chief concerns among visits at which patients screened positive (132 [11%] and 118 [10%], respectively) than among those at which patients screened negative (220 [1%] and 335 [2%], respectively). Visits with positive results were more likely to be among patients who were uninsured (395 [33%] vs 2272 [10%]) and had multiple visits during the study period. A higher proportion of positive screening results occurred between 8 pm and 6 am. The social work team assessed patients at 919 visits (78%) with positive screening results.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of 23 795 ED visits, at 5% of visits, patients screened positive for housing insecurity and were more likely to present with a chief concern of suicide, to be uninsured, and to have multiple visits during the study period. This analysis provides a call for other institutions to introduce screening and create tailored care plans for patients experiencing housing insecurity to achieve equitable health care.
Insights into conformational changes in cytochrome b during the early steps of its maturation
Authors: Carlström Andreas , Ott Martin
Published: April 2024

Membrane proteins carrying redox cofactors are key subunits of respiratory chain complexes, yet the exact path of their folding and maturation remains poorly understood. Here, using cryo‐EM and structure prediction via Alphafold2, we generated models of early assembly intermediates of cytochrome b (Cytb), a central subunit of complex III. The predicted structure of the first assembly intermediate suggests how the binding of Cytb to the assembly factor Cbp3‐Cbp6 imposes an open configuration to facilitate the acquisition of its heme cofactors. Moreover, structure predictions of the second intermediate indicate how hemes get stabilized by binding of the assembly factor Cbp4, with a concomitant weakening of the contact between Cbp3‐Cbp6 and Cytb, preparing for the release of the fully hemylated protein from the assembly factors.
Protein insertion into the inner membrane of mitochondria: routes and mechanisms
Authors: Kizmaz Büsra , Nutz Annika , Egeler Annika , Herrmann Johannes M.
Published: April 2024

The inner membrane of mitochondria contains hundreds of different integral membrane proteins. These proteins transport molecules into and out of the matrix, they carry out multifold catalytic reactions and they promote the biogenesis or degradation of mitochondrial constituents. Most inner membrane proteins are encoded by nuclear genes and synthesized in the cytosol from where they are imported into mitochondria by translocases in the outer and inner membrane. Three different import routes direct proteins into the inner membrane and allow them to acquire their appropriate membrane topology. First, mitochondrial import intermediates can be arrested at the level of the TIM23 inner membrane translocase by a stop‐transfer sequence to reach the inner membrane by lateral insertion. Second, proteins can be fully translocated through the TIM23 complex into the matrix from where they insert into the inner membrane in an export‐like reaction. Carriers and other polytopic membrane proteins embark on a third insertion pathway: these hydrophobic proteins employ the specialized TIM22 translocase to insert from the intermembrane space (IMS) into the inner membrane. This review article describes these three targeting routes and provides an overview of the machinery that promotes the topogenesis of mitochondrial inner membrane proteins.
Engineering a Hierarchy of Disorder: A New Route to Synthesize High‐Performance 3D Nanoporous All‐Carbon Materials**
Authors: Lee Jong Hak , Loh N. Duane , Yeo Zhen Yuan , Ong Yong Kang , Balakrishnan Deepan , Limpo Carlos Maria Alava , Datta Abhik , Cetin Cagdas , Ning Shoucong , Wong Clarissa , Shi Jian , Hou Fuchen , Lin Junhao , Minamikawa Tadahiro , Ito Tomonori , Kamisuki Hiroyuki , Pennycook Stephen , Matsudaira Paul , Özyilmaz Barbaros
Published: April 2024

A new nanoporous amorphous carbon (NAC) structure that achieves both ultrahigh strength and high electrical conductivity, which are usually incompatible in porous materials is reported. By using modified spark plasma sintering, three amorphous carbon phases with different atomic bonding configurations are created. The composite consisted of an amorphous sp2‐carbon matrix mixed with amorphous sp3‐carbon and amorphous graphitic motif. NAC structure has an isotropic electrical conductivity of up to 12 000 S m−1, Young's modulus of up to ≈5 GPa, and Vickers hardness of over 900 MPa. These properties are superior to those of existing conductive nanoporous materials. Direct investigation of the multiscale structure of this material through transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and machine learning‐based electron tomography revealed that the origin of the remarkable material properties is the well‐organized sp2/sp3 amorphous carbon phases with a core–shell‐like architecture, where the sp3‐rich carbon forms a resilient core surrounded by a conductive sp2‐rich layer. This research not only introduces novel materials with exceptional properties but also opens new opportunities for exploring amorphous structures and designing high‐performance materials.
Recent advances on the DNA interaction properties of Schiff bases and their metal complexes
Authors: Yadav Anshul , Poonia Kavita
Published: April 2024

Cancer has become the second leading reason for death in the world. Cell biology states that the bulk of anti‐cancer medications focuses on DNA. A study of how complexes of metals interact with DNA is crucial in creation of the effective chemotherapy drugs. The interactions of DNA with Schiff base and their metal complexes are a thrust area for many researchers, and many papers have reported on them. An amino molecule reacts with carbonyl group to form a variety of chemicals called Schiff bases. Many studies have shown that Schiff bases have compounds that affect biological processes. Due to their potential use as novel reagents for biotechnology and medicine, the research of interactions between transition metal complexes and nucleic acids has grown significantly during the past few decades. It was shown that several metal Schiff base complexes may intercalate DNA. Small molecules can attach themselves to DNA through different ways, such as intercalation and groove binding. The main method to measure nuclease activity was gel electrophoresis, and the ligand alone had much lower activity than the complex. To set the stage for this analysis, a brief overview of Schiff bases and their complexes is provided. Further, this review provides an overview of the DNA interactions brought forth by Schiff base metal complexes. It also draws attention to new developments in the study of Schiff bases and their metal complexes and their prospective use as a bioactive core for DNA cleavage and binding.
How sustainability shapes consumer preferences on special occasions
Authors: Dasmi Costanza , Diletta Acuti , Mazzoli Valentina , Donvito Raffaele
Published: April 2024

With the aim to guide sustainability strategies of fashion companies, this study explores consumers' interest in sustainable alternatives on special occasions, which have been largely neglected by the literature. Drawing on 35 semistructured interviews and using weddings as the consumption setting, this study first identifies the meanings that are associated with special occasions and defines the role of fashion products in achieving such meanings (uniqueness, achievement of personal goals, emotionality and memory). Second, it reveals how sustainability facilitates or limits the achievement of such goals through fashion products. Finally, it shows how different sustainability strategies affect consumers' inferences and preferences differently. This research offers fashion companies actionable strategies for promotion of sustainable fashion products for special occasions. Specifically, we recommend that marketers consider the associations elicited by different sustainability strategies implementation in the development of their communication and extend the use of and, consequently, the meanings associated with exceptional fashion products.
Nachhaltige Wasserwirtschaft in der Prozessindustrie
Authors: Jungfer Christina , Lucht Uribe Andres , Track Thomas
Published: April 2024

Wasser ist für die Prozessindustrie unverzichtbar: Ob als Kühl‐ oder Lösemittel, als Reagens oder Produktbestandteil. Die Chemie‐ und Pharmaproduktion entwickelt sich immer weiter – Wasserstoff, Digitalisierung, Kreislaufführung, neue Produktionsprozesse. Was bedeutet das für die industrielle Wasserwirtschaft?
Reinstes Wasser dank intelligenter Sensorik
Authors: Biniasch Andreas
Published: April 2024

Die Gewinnung von Reinstwasser ist die Königsdisziplin der Wasseraufbereitung. Denn anders als beim herkömmlichen Trinkwasser aus dem Hahn ist die Aufbereitung von Reinstwasser sehr aufwändig. Das stellt auch hohe Anforderungen an die in den Anlagen verbaute Prozesssensorik. Sie möchten mehr über die Herausforderungen der Wassergewinnung weltweit erfahren – und wie wir diese in den einzelnen Ländern unterstützen? Unsere Kolleginnen und Kollegen weltweit berichten von der Situation vor Ort.
Effiziente Wasseraufbereitung gegen Wasserknappheit
Authors: Kremer Matthias
Published: April 2024

Das Monitoring wichtiger Wasserparameter ist eine Grundlage für die Bewertung unterschiedlichster Wasser‐ und Abwasserströme aus Kommunen, der Industrie oder natürlicher Vorkommen. Robuste und automatisierte Online‐Sensorik, sicheres Datenmanagement und die ständige Verfügbarkeit der aktuellen Messdaten und Wasserzustände ist wichtig, um eine effektive Wasseraufbereitung zu ermöglichen und Wasserknappheit zu mildern.
Filtersystem mit hohem Durchsatz spart Energie
Authors: Krause Peter
Published: April 2024

Das Druckniveau am Filter hat einen direkten Einfluss auf den Energieverbrauch einer Pumpe. Daher wirken große Filterflächen und offenporige Filterelemente energiesparend. Von Vorteil ist es, wenn Filter mit großen Oberflächen in kompakten und platzsparend gebauten Filtergehäusen eine hohe Durchsatzleistung erzielen.
Innovative Trenntechnik im Fokus
Authors: Schaub Marius
Published: April 2024

Der Weltmarkt für industrielle Filtration wird in den nächsten Jahren aller Voraussicht nach weiter mit beträchtlicher Rate wachsen. Ein überblick über Trends, die das Wachstum unterstützen und die Branche aktuell bestimmen liefert der Ausblick auf die Filtech 2024.
Tree species occurring in Amazonian wetland forests consistently show broader range sizes and niche breadths than trees in upland forests
Authors: Luize Bruno Garcia , Palma‐Silva Clarisse , Siqueira Tadeu , Silva Thiago Sanna Freire
Published: April 2024

Generally, species with broad niches also show large range sizes. We investigated the relationship between hydrological niche breadth and geographic range size for Amazonian tree species seeking to understand the role of habitat specialization to Amazonian wetlands and upland forests on the current distribution of tree species. We obtained 571,092 valid occurrence points from GBIF and SpeciesLink to estimate the range size and the niche breadth of 76% of all known Amazonian tree species (5150 tree species). Hydrological niche breadth was measured on different unidimensional axes defined by (1) total annual precipitation; (2) precipitation seasonality; (3) actual evapotranspiration; and (4) water table depth. Geographic range sizes were estimated using alpha‐hull adjustments. General linear models were used to relate niche breadth to range size while contrasting tree species occurring and not occurring in wetlands. The hydrological niche breadth of Amazonian tree species varied mostly along the water table depth axis. The average range size for an Amazonian tree species was 751,000 km2 (median of 154,000 km2 and standard deviation of 1,550,000 km2). Niche breadth–range size relationships for Amazonian tree species were positive for all models, and the explanatory power of the models improved when including whether a species occurred in wetlands or in terrestrial uplands. Wetland species had steeper positive slopes for the niche breadth–range size relationship, and consistently larger range sizes for a given niche breadth. Amazonian tree species varied strongly in hydrological niche breadth and range size, but most species had narrow niche breadths and range sizes. Our results suggest that the South American riverscape may have been acting as a corridor for species dispersal in the Neotropical lowlands.
Total Synthesis of Tabernanthine and Ibogaline: Rapid Access to Nosyl Tryptamines
Authors: Hughes Alexander J. , Townsend Steven D.
Published: April 2024

We describe the first total syntheses of tabernanthine and ibogaline. Entry to these iboga alkaloid natural products is enabled by a thermal coupling of indoles and aziridines to furnish the requisite nosyl tryptamine starting materials. This route features a Friedel‐Crafts type alkylation to form the key indole‐isoquinuclidine C−C bond. Finally, a regio‐ and diastereoselective hydroboration‐oxidation enables C−N bond formation to close the isoquinuclidine ring system and deliver tabernanthine and ibogaline in 10 and 14 % yield respectively. Both syntheses were completed in eight steps.
Sensitive data identification for multi‐category and multi‐scenario data
Authors: Cui Yuning , Huang Yonghui , Bai Yongbing , Wang Yuchen , Wang Chao
Published: April 2024

Sensitive data identification is the prerequisite for protecting critical user and business data. Traditional methods usually only target a certain type of application scenario or a certain type of data, thus making it difficult to meet the needs of enterprise‐level data protection. This paper proposes an introduction to the end‐to‐end sensitive data identification system of Beike Inc. The system consists of the data identification & annotation platform, dataset management platform, and sensitive data identification model, which propose different governance methods for batch data and streaming data respectively. Specifically, we propose a sliding window‐based identification method for long text to improve the identification of streaming data. Evaluation results show that this method can improve the effect of identifying long text sensitive data without losing the ability on short text, for the open source test dataset, the value can be up to 94.15, so it is applicable in diverse scenarios.
Validation of the first‐trimester machine learning model for predicting pre‐eclampsia in an Asian population
Authors: Nguyen‐Hoang Long , Sahota Daljit S. , Pooh Ritsuko K. , Duan Honglei , Chaiyasit Noppadol , Sekizawa Akihiko , Shaw Steven W. , Seshadri Suresh , Choolani Mahesh , Yapan Piengbulan , Sim Wen Shan , Ma Runmei , Leung Wing Cheong , Lau So Ling , Lee Nikki May Wing , Leung Hiu Yu Hillary , Meshali Tal , Meiri Hamutal , Louzoun Yoram , Poon Liona C.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of an artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) model for first‐trimester screening for pre‐eclampsia in a large Asian population.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort study in 10 935 participants with singleton pregnancies attending for routine pregnancy care at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation in seven regions in Asia between December 2016 and June 2018. We applied the AI+ML model for the first‐trimester prediction of preterm pre‐eclampsia (<37 weeks), term pre‐eclampsia (≥37 weeks), and any pre‐eclampsia, which was derived and tested in a cohort of pregnant participants in the UK (Model 1). This model comprises maternal factors with measurements of mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, and serum placental growth factor (PlGF). The model was further retrained with adjustments for analyzers used for biochemical testing (Model 2). Discrimination was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The Delong test was used to compare the AUC of Model 1, Model 2, and the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) competing risk model.

Results

The predictive performance of Model 1 was significantly lower than that of the FMF competing risk model in the prediction of preterm pre‐eclampsia (0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.87 vs. 0.86, 95% CI 0.811–0.91, P = 0.019), term pre‐eclampsia (0.75, 95% CI 0.71–0.80 vs. 0.79, 95% CI 0.75–0.83, P = 0.006), and any pre‐eclampsia (0.78, 95% CI 0.74–0.81 vs. 0.82, 95% CI 0.79–0.84, P < 0.001). Following the retraining of the data with adjustments for the PlGF analyzers, the performance of Model 2 for predicting preterm pre‐eclampsia, term pre‐eclampsia, and any pre‐eclampsia was improved with the AUC values increased to 0.84 (95% CI 0.80–0.89), 0.77 (95% CI 0.73–0.81), and 0.80 (95% CI 0.76–0.83), respectively. There were no differences in AUCs between Model 2 and the FMF competing risk model in the prediction of preterm pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.135) and term pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.084). However, Model 2 was inferior to the FMF competing risk model in predicting any pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.024).

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that following adjustment for the biochemical marker analyzers, the predictive performance of the AI+ML prediction model for pre‐eclampsia in the first trimester was comparable to that of the FMF competing risk model in an Asian population.
Cycle‐factors in oriented graphs
Authors: Wang Zhilan , Yan Jin , Zhang Jie
Published: April 2024

Let be a positive integer. A ‐cycle‐factor of an oriented graph is a set of disjoint cycles of length that covers all vertices of the graph. In this paper, we prove that there exists a positive constant such that for sufficiently large, any oriented graph on vertices with both minimum out‐degree and minimum in‐degree at least contains a ‐cycle‐factor for any . Additionally, under the same hypotheses, we also show that for any sequence with and the number of the equal to 3 is , where is any real number with , the oriented graph contains disjoint cycles of lengths . This conclusion is the best possible in some sense and refines a result of Keevash and Sudakov.
Reflectance confocal microscopy and clinical evaluation of a product containing Silybum marianum fruit extract in monotherapy for acne vulgaris treatment: A prospective study
Authors: Crocco Elisete I. , Alves Renata O. , Carvalho Gustavo S. M. , Silva Rebeca R. A. , Silva Ricardo S. B. , Calbucci Karina B. C. V. , Coutinho Ana L. F. , Andrade Christiano S. , Braga Juliana C. T.
Published: April 2024

Background

Acne is a common pilosebaceous unit chronic inflammatory disease, with a multifactorial pathogenesis. It involves several processes: increased sebum production, alteration of the follicular keratinization process and bacterial colonization by Cutibacterium acnes.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in evaluating the reduction of mild to severe acne lesions in patients treated with an investigational product containing Silybum marianum fruit extract (SMFE).

Methods

Subjects previously examined for counting acne lesions were topically treated in the face, with an investigational product containing SMFE in monotherapy over the course of 60 days (n = 31). They were examined for counting acne lesions. Efficacy and quality of life, tolerability, and safety assessments were performed. The infundibular diameter (ID) measurement of normal and acne skin areas was analyzed using RCM.

Results

The RCM data statistical analysis allowed us to identify two ID patterns, 300–750 µm, with a reduction of 33.33% (p < 0.05) and 900–1050 µm with 73.16% (p < 0.05) reduction after 60 days. The noninflammatory lesions had a mean variation of −44.51% and −67.82% after 30 and 60 days, respectively (t test: p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 after Bonferroni's correction). The inflammatory lesions had a mean variation of −69.31% and −79.40% after 30 and 60 days (t test: p < 0.05 and p = 0.118 after Bonferroni's correction).

Conclusions

The authors demonstrated the effectiveness of the monotherapy scheme with an investigational product containing SMFE through the statistically significant results obtained by the RCM in acneic and nonacneic skin, in addition to the reduction in the number of noninflammatory at the end of the 60 days of clinical follow‐up. Furthermore, the monotherapy scheme with the investigational product proved safe, with no serious adverse events during the entire clinical study. In summary, the use of RCM proved to be effective in assessing the therapeutic response in patients with moderate to severe acne.
Mother's smoking habits affects IL10 methylation but not asthma in Ecuadorian children
Authors: Ochoa‐Avilés Cristina , Ochoa‐Avilés Angélica , Rivas‐Párraga Roque , Escandón Samuel , Santos‐Jesus Talita Dos , Silva Milca de J. , Leão Valderiene , Salinas Marco , Vicuña Yosselin , Baldeón Lucy , Molina‐Cando María José , Morillo Diana , Machuca Marcos , Rodas Claudia , Figueiredo Camila , Neira Vivian Alejandra
Published: April 2024

There is no evidence evaluating the IL10 epigenetic upregulation among mestizo children in a high‐altitude Andean city in Latin America.

Objective

To identify polymorphisms and methylation profiles in the IL10 gene associated with asthma in children aged 5 to 11.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted with asthmatic and non‐asthmatic children aged 5 to 11 years in Cuenca‐Ecuador. Data on allergic diseases and risk factors were collected through a questionnaire for parents. Atopy was measured by skin prick test (SPT) to relevant aeroallergens. Three IL10 single nucleotide polymorphisms were evaluated in all participants, and methylation analysis was performed in 54 participants. Association between risk factors, allergic diseases and genetic factors were estimated using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The results of polymorphisms showed no differences between cases and controls when comparing the SNPs rs3024495, rs3024496, rs1800896 allelic and genotypic frequencies. In the methylation analysis, no differences in the IL10 methylation profile were found between cases and controls; however, the multivariate analysis showed an association between the mother's smoking habits and the IL10 methylation profile.

Conclusion

Smoking habit could be essential as an environmental exposure factor in regulating gene expression in children with asthma.
A study of polarity effect for various ionization chambers in kilovoltage x‐ray beams
Authors: Yousif Yousif A. M. , Daniel John , Healy Brendan , Hill Robin
Published: April 2024

Background

Ionization chambers play an essential role in dosimetry measurements for kilovoltage (kV) x‐ray beams. Despite their widespread use, there is limited data on the absolute values for the polarity correction factors across a range of commonly employed ionization chambers.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the polarity effects for five different ionization chambers in kV x‐ray beams.

Methods

Two plane‐parallel chambers being the Advanced Markus and Roos and three cylindrical chambers; 3D PinPoint, Semiflex and Farmer chamber (PTW, Freiburg, Germany), were employed to measure the polarity correction factors. The kV x‐ray beams were produced from an Xstrahl 300 unit (Xstrahl Ltd., UK). All measurements were acquired at 2 cm depth in a PTW‐MP1 water tank for beams between 60 kVp (HVL 1.29 mm Al) and 300 kVp (HVL 3.08 mm Cu), and field sizes of 2–10 cm diameter for 30 cm focus‐source distance (FSD) and 4 × 4 cm2 – 20 × 20 cm2 for 50 cm FSD. The ionization chambers were connected to a PTW‐UNIDOS electrometer, and the polarity effect was determined using the AAPM TG‐61 code of practice methodology.

Results

The study revealed significant polarity effects in ionization chambers, especially in those with smaller volumes. For the plane‐parallel chambers, the Advanced Markus chamber exhibited a maximum polarity effect of 2.5%, whereas the Roos chamber showed 0.3% at 150 KVp with the 10 cm circular diameter open‐ended applicator. Among the cylindrical chambers at the same beam energy and applicator, the Pinpoint chamber exhibited a 3% polarity effect, followed by Semiflex with 1.7%, and Farmer with 0.4%. However, as the beam energy increased to 300 kVp, the polarity effect significantly increased reaching 8.5% for the Advanced Markus chamber and 13.5% for the PinPoint chamber at a 20 × 20 cm2 field size. Notably, the magnitude of the polarity effect increased with both the field size and beam energy, and was significantly influenced by the size of the chamber's sensitive volume.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that ionization chambers can exhibit substantial polarity effects in kV x‐ray beams, particularly for those chambers with smaller volumes. Therefore, it is important to account for polarity corrections when conducting relative dose measurements in kV x‐ray beams to enhance the dosimetry accuracy and improve patient dose calculations.
Looking to the future: Agendas, directions, and resources for nutrition research
Authors: Heitman Kristen , Hubbard Jane , Easter Linda , Kilkus Jennifer
Published: April 2024

The development and progression of nutrition as a scientific field is ever evolving and complex. Although the history of nutrition research began by exploring specific food components, it has evolved to encompass a more holistic view that considers the impact of dietary patterns over time, interactions with the environment, nutrition's role in disease processes, and public policy related to nutrition health. To guide the future direction of nutrition science, both federal and other professional organizations have established agendas and goals. The Strategic Plan for National Institutes of Health Nutrition Research outlines four goals and five cross‐cutting research areas that are priorities to explore between 2020 and 2030. Similarly, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and other governmental and professional organizations have identified priority areas in their research agendas. Rigorous research studies are needed to explore these areas of interest while also considering practical implementation strategies for translating research into practice. Nutrition clinicians are uniquely positioned to lend expertise in the areas of research design, implementation, advocacy and evidence‐based practice; there are numerous resources to support practitioners in these endeavors.
A Protocolized Approach to Awake Endoscopy With Advanced Programming to Optimize Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Wesson Troy , Saltagi Mohamad Z. , Manchanda Shalini , Stahl Stephanie , Chernyak Yelena , Parker Noah
Published: April 2024

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation is a treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are intolerant to positive airway pressure therapy. In the post‐implant period, awake endoscopy with advanced programming (AEAP) can be employed to optimize apnea‐hypopnea index reduction and/or patient comfort and usage. The report herein describes awake endoscopy with AEAP as a guide to providers involved in post‐implant care. The first 5 consecutive patients were reviewed to provide general understanding of outcomes and safety when implementing such a protocolized approach.
Wage inequality across regions in India: Exploring the role of education and skills
Authors: Azad Parambengal , Hari K. S.
Published: April 2024

This study explores regional differences in wage inequality in India and examine various contributory factors for increasing disparities in wages across different regions in India. Using data from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) 2011–12 and employing RIF regression methodology, the study investigates the influence of the level of education, experience, English and computer skills, gender, age, religion, and other background characteristics on wage inequality. The findings reveal that higher education levels, experience, English, and computer skills significantly contribute to wage disparities across regions. The study highlights the importance of addressing these factors to promote greater equity and inclusivity in the labor market.
Carbon nanotubes for optimizing response stability and speed of acrylate hybrid copolymers humidity sensor
Authors: Yu Xueting , Hu Xuqi , Ma Xu , Chen Guanyin , Ling Yueqiang , Jin Tao , Chen Yufang
Published: April 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one‐dimensional nanomaterials with a hollow structure, high specific surface area and excellent chemical conductivity, which show great potential for application in the field of humidity‐sensitive responsive materials and humidity sensors. In this paper, CNTs were composited with a hybrid copolymer (HAC) of octavinyl POSS/acrylate to prepare the hybrid copolymer composites HAC/CNTs and their humidity sensors, which demonstrated exceptional thermal stability and fast response speed. Among them, acrylic resin serves as a humidity‐sensitive material; POSS introduce a stable three‐dimensional cage skeleton structure to the material; and CNTs are used as conductive fillers, which further enhance the stability of the material, as well as improve the sensitivity and humidity‐sensitive response speed of the material. The experimental findings indicate that the HAC/8.0% CNTs composite material exhibits a remarkable sensitivity of 119.94 KΩ/%RH within the humidity range of 11%–95%RH. Compared with HAC, HAC/8.0% CNTs demonstrate a significant reduction in response/recovery time from 16.0 s/70.0 s to 0.8 s/80.0 s, representing a considerable improvement in response speed; the wet hysteresis is reduced from 0.88 %RH to 0.77 %RH; and the temperature change coefficient is reduced from 0.035 %RH/°C to 0.008 %RH/°C over the temperature range of 20–60°C, indicating superior stability against temperature variation. Meanwhile, the humidity response mechanism of HAC/CNTs was discussed by using complex impedance spectrum. The hybrid copolymer composites, HAC/CNTs, that were prepared in this study have tremendous potential in the development of advanced, high‐performance, and miniaturizable humidity sensing technologies.

Highlights

A hybrid copolymer composite humidity‐sensitive material HAC/CNTs is prepared.

HAC/CNTs are compounds consisting of CNTs and POSS/acrylate hybrid copolymer.

POSS improve the skeleton structural stability of acrylic resins.

CNTs enhance the sensitivity and response speed of humidity sensor.

The HAC/8.0% CNTs have higher response stability and faster response speed.
Improvement of Photoconductivity in a‐Oriented α‐Ga2O3 Thin Films Grown on Sapphire Substrates by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Uno Kazuyuki , Yamaoka Keishi
Published: April 2024

α‐Ga2O3 is a suitable material for UV‐C optical devices owing to its optical absorption edge wavelength. In this study, α‐Ga2O3 thin films are grown on c‐, a‐, m‐, n‐, and r‐oriented sapphire substrates by mist chemical vapor deposition. Furthermore, their structural fluctuations, (normal direction of the surface) and (rotational direction on the surface), are examined. As a result, the a‐oriented α‐Ga2O3 thin films exhibit the smallest and . Based on the results of the previous examination, metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) photodetectors are fabricated using c‐ and a‐oriented α‐Ga2O3 thin films and their photoconducting properties are characterized. Under D2 lamp light illumination, the MSM photodetector using a‐oriented films produces photocurrent four to six times greater than those using c‐oriented films. The visible‐light rejection ratios are at 10 V and 105.2 at 24 V. The photoresponsivity is estimated to be 2.2 A W−1 under the illumination of a D2 UV lamp and 24 V bias voltage. In these results, it is suggested that the a‐oriented α‐Ga2O3 thin film exhibits a higher in‐plane carrier mobility than the c‐oriented film. Thus, a‐oriented α‐Ga2O3 films are more suitable than c‐oriented α‐Ga2O3 films for fabricating MSM photodetectors.
Accelerating Nonequilibrium Green Functions Simulations: The G1–G2 Scheme and Beyond
Authors: Bonitz Michael , Joost Jan‐Philip , Makait Christopher , Schroedter Erik , Kalsberger Tim , Balzer Karsten
Published: April 2024

The theory of nonequilibrium Green functions (NEGF) has seen a rapid development over the recent three decades. Applications include diverse correlated many‐body systems in and out of equilibrium. Very good agreement with experiments and available exact theoretical results could be demonstrated if the proper selfenergy approximations were used. However, full two‐time NEGF simulations are computationally costly, as they suffer from a cubic scaling of the computation time with the simulation duration. Recently the G1–G2 scheme that exactly reformulates the generalized Kadanoff–Baym ansatz with Hartree–Fock propagators (HF‐GKBA) into time‐local equations is introduced, which achieves time‐linear scaling and allows for a dramatic speedup and extension of the simulations (Schluenzen et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2020, 124, 076601). Remarkably, this scaling is achieved quickly, and also for high‐level selfenergies, including the nonequilibrium GW and T‐matrix approximations (Joost et al. Phys. Rev. B 2020, 101, 245101). Even the dynamically screened ladder approximation is now feasible (Joost et al. Phys. Rev. B 2022, 105, 165155), and also applications to electron‐boson systems are demonstrated. Herein, an overview on recent results that are achieved with the G1–G2 scheme is presented. Problems and open questions are discussed and further ideas of how to overcome the current limitations of the scheme and present are presented. The G1–G2 scheme is illustrated by presenting applying it to the excitation dynamics of Hubbard clusters, to optical excitation of graphene, and to charge transfer during stopping of ions by correlated materials.
Improved Thermal Stability and Oxygen‐Barrier Performance of SiO2 Thin Films by Modifying Amorphous Network Structure
Authors: Xiong Hui , Yang Deng , Chen Zhilin , Jiang Yuxin , Gao Junhua , Cao Hongtao
Published: April 2024

Due to low‐refractive‐index and grain‐boundary‐free features, amorphous SiO2 thin films possess inherent advantages in serving as antireflective and protective layers against atmosphere. However, under high‐temperature and/or oxidation harsh environment, the thermodynamic instability of SiO bonds and “depolymerization” process among tetrahedral units [SiO4] would result in their insufficient thermal stability and oxygen‐barrier failure. By taking amorphous network former, small element electronegativity, and high oxide dissociation energy into considerations, low‐level Zr dopant is introduced to induce short‐ and medium‐range structural modification in amorphous SiO2 thin films, aiming to shorten SiO bond length and enhance network connectivity, respectively. As expected, the fabricated SiZrO thin films exhibit superior thermal stability and oxygen‐barrier performance without sacrificing their low‐index attribute. The Zr doping significantly elevates the oxygen‐inward‐diffusion activation energy from 0.94 to 1.95 eV in SiO2 network. Further, utilizing as protective layer for W‐SiO2 cermet, the SiZrO can effectively prevent the oxidation of W nanoparticles caused by oxygen inward diffusion. Undoubtedly, the exploration of amorphous SiZrO thin films offers exciting prospects for the application of functional coatings and devices under extreme conditions.
Convex distributed robust model predictive control for collision and obstacle avoidance
Authors: Sun Haidi , Xie Huahui , Dai Li , Xia Yuanqing
Published: April 2024

The article proposes a convex distributed robust model predictive control algorithm for collision avoidance in multi‐agent systems with additive disturbances, which utilizes the concept of tube model predictive control to address the disturbances. To tackle the coupled collision avoidance constraints, each agent integrates assumed nominal position and input trajectories from its neighbors, rather than relying on actual ones. Compatibility constraints are then designed using the normal vector of the constructed separating hyperplanes for collision avoidance and the residual collision avoidance margin of the optimal solutions at the last time step to restrict deviations between assumed and actual trajectories and ensure consistency among the agents. The nonconvex collision and obstacle avoidance constraints are convexified using the concept of safe sets, transforming them into time‐varying closed polyhedral constraints while accounting for the impact of disturbances. Particularly, the residual collision avoidance margin is incorporated into the construction of safe sets for the satisfaction of coupled collision avoidance constraints. Consequently, the original collision avoidance optimal control problems can be efficiently and simultaneously solved for all agents using standard quadratic programming techniques. Under the design of local terminal constraint sets for each agent, the proposed algorithm ensures a rigorous analysis of robust constraint satisfaction for collision avoidance constraints, as well as an assessment of recursive feasibility and closed‐loop stability. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated through an illustrative example, and simulation results validate its ability to successfully achieve collision and obstacle avoidance even in the presence of disturbances.
Event‐based adaptive finite‐time control scheme with improved performance assurance for nonlinear Markov jumping systems
Authors: Song Xiaona , Zhang Junjie , Ahn Choon Ki , Song Shuai
Published: April 2024

This article investigates the adaptive finite‐time control design with performance assurance for nonlinear Markov jumping systems. First, the radial basis function neural networks are applied to tackle unknown nonlinear terms. Subsequently, within the framework of the command‐filtered backstepping control, the new error compensation signals are devised to remove the effect caused by filter error. Additionally, an adaptive finite‐time prescribed performance control law with an event‐triggered mechanism is developed to achieve a balance between tracking performance and bandwidth consumption, which ensures that the closed‐loop system is practically finite‐time stable in mean square and guarantees that the tracking error adjusts to the predetermined area. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to verify the validity and superiority of the devised scheme.
Effective communication in a crisis requires advance planning
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2024

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — From cybercrime, on‐campus violence, student deaths, and natural disasters to academic scandals and faculty/staff misconduct, there's no shortage of potential crises that can hit college campuses. In the midst of a crisis, higher education administrators often find themselves unprepared to manage communications effectively, which only exacerbates the problem, according to James Haggerty, J.D., CEO of PRCG/Haggerty LLC, a strategic crisis communications firm. He spoke at Stetson University's Annual National Conference on Higher Education Law and Policy.
10 tips to make difficult conversations easier
Authors: Schwebel David C.
Published: April 2024

The world of higher education offers plenty of rewarding pleasures; consider commencement, award ceremonies, and student “a‐ha” moments, among others. We also face daily stresses and challenges. One less rewarding duty is the delivery of difficult news. This need arises for multiple reasons, including policy violations, negative performance reviews, academic dishonesty, and conflict resolution.
Think long‐term, embrace persistence, flexibility
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2024

Kate Magro's background in domestic and international relief work, helping communities recover from political instability and natural disasters, contributed to her becoming a more effective and innovative student affairs professional. As a self‐described task‐oriented, driven individual, working in those unstable, unpredictable environments where “nothing works as you anticipated,” taught her the importance of flexibility. It came down to finding out “the overarching goal and how to be flexible about getting there,” said Magro, now Associate Vice President for Student Development at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Co‐instructor and Field Supervisor for PBAU's international and community development program.
Preparation and Properties of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer Based on Chain Transfer Agents with Various Structures
Authors: Zhang Liran , Huang Chunlong , Wang Dongmin , Shi Jiajia
Published: April 2024

Polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) is a common admixture in high performance concrete. In the design of PCE molecules, it is necessary to ensure that the molecular weight of the polymer is moderate and the acid‐ether ratio is appropriate to improve the dispersion effect. Chain transfer agent is usually added in the synthesis of PCE to adjust the molecular weight and distribution of PCE. In this study, three sulfhydryl chain transfer agents with different electron‐withdrawing groups or electron‐donating groups were synthesized by nucleophilic addition reaction based on sodium hydrosulfide method. Then, three kinds of PCE containing sulfhydryl chain transfer agent were prepared and compared with commercial β‐mercaptopropionic acid superplasticizers. The yield stress and plastic viscosity of cement paste samples prepared by PCE−A and PCE−M were close to those prepared by PCE−P. PCE−M and PCE−A prepared by chain transfer agent with electron‐withdrawing group had higher dispersion and retention capacity than PCE−P, and had more obvious delay of cement hydration and lower hydration accumulated heat. Therefore, the optimization of molecular structure of chain transfer agent is helpful to improve the properties of concrete superplasticizer.
Oxindoline Containing Thiazolidine‐4‐one Tethered Triazoles Act as Antimitotic Agents by Targeting Microtubule Dynamics
Authors: Shahjahan S. , Naraharisetti Lakshmi T. , Begum Alia , Yakkala Prasanna A. , Lakshmi Soukya P.S. , Godugu Chandraiah , Begum Sajeli A. , Kamal Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Oxindoline containing thiazolidine‐4‐ones linked triazole hybrids (24 a–l) series were synthesized by multistep synthesis and tested for their cytotoxic activity against four human cancer cell lines. Significantly higher susceptibility was observed in liver (HepG2) cancer cells. Among them conjugates 24 c and 24 e exhibited promising cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 1.64 μM, and 2.07 μM respectively when compared to the standard 5‐fluorouracil (IC50=20.8 μM) against the HepG2 cell line. Later on, these compounds changed the morphology of HepG2 cells and significantly inhibited colony formation in HepG2 in a dose‐dependent manner. The scratch assay divulged that these compounds decreased wound size and inhibited cell migration. Interestingly, they induced the cell cycle arrest at the S phase. Moreover, the DCFDA assay indicated ROS production proportionate to compound dose and AO/Eb staining revealed increased apoptotic cell count with higher doses. The tubulin polymerization assay reveals that they inhibited the microtubules and acted as antimitotic agents. In‐silico results of these conjugates also support their tubulin inhibitory properties. Interestingly, these compounds have adequate ADME‐toxicity parameters. Based on free energy calculation results, it was observed that these inhibitors influence the conformational flexibility of the target tubulin protein.