bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering the Activity of a Newly Identified Arylalkylamine N‐Acetyltransferase in the Acetylation of 5‐Hydroxytryptamine
Authors: Wang Qing , Li Congcong , Yuan Bo , Yu Aiqun , Qu Ge , Sun Zhoutong
Published: March 2024

Arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT) serves as a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of melatonin by transforming 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) to N‐acetyl‐5‐hydroxytryptamine (NAS), while its low activity may hinder melatonin yield. In this study, a novel AANAT derived from Sus scrofa (SsAANAT) was identified through data mining using 5‐HT as a model substrate, and a rational design of SsAANAT was conducted in the quest to improving its activity. After four rounds of mutagenesis procedures, a triple combinatorial dominant mutant M3 was successfully obtained. Compared to the parent enzyme, the conversion of the whole‐cell reaction bearing the best variant M3 exhibted an increase from 50 % to 99 % in the transformation of 5‐HT into NAS. Additionally, its catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) was enhanced by 2‐fold while retaining the thermostability (Tm>45 °C). In the up‐scaled reaction with a substrate loading of 50 mM, the whole‐cell system incorporating variant M3 achieved a 99 % conversion of 5‐HT in 30 h with an 80 % yield. Molecular dynamics simulations were ultilized to shed light on the origin of improved activity. This study broadens the repertoire of AANAT for the efficient biosynthesis of melatonin.
Design‐of‐Experiments‐Based Optimisation of Vanillin Yield from Kraft Lignin Using Pulse Electrolysis and Thermolysis
Authors: Brix Ann Cathrin , Otávio Orzari Luiz , Krysiak Olga A. , Cechanaviciutè Ieva A. , Banko Lars , Ludwig Alfred , Campos Janegitz Bruno , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: March 2024

The electrification of the production of fine chemicals has received increased interest in combating petrochemical routes with a high carbon footprint. Oxidising biomass from waste streams with concomitant hydrogen production, such as the transformation of lignin to vanillin, would be a great asset. Here, we show the combination of activity screening using a scanning droplet cell on a thin‐film Ni−Fe library and performance testing in a flow‐through cell with pulse electrolysis. The identified optimal Ni−Fe material composition was prepared on Ni foam with a polymer/metal precursor spray method. Full factorial and Doehlert matrix designs were employed to better comprehend each parameter‘s effects on the complex system. The best conditions for the electrooxidation of Kraft lignin at room temperature were at E1st=1.36 V vs RHE, t1st=1 s for the first pulse and E2nd=1.60 V vs RHE and t2nd=15 s for the second pulse, leading to the significantly improved production of 2.15 μmols of vanillin at room temperature. Pulsed chronopotentiometry was demonstrated to be a cost‐effective and robust technique with a simple setup for the valorisation of Kraft lignin. Combined with a subsequent thermolysis step, 8.05 μmols of vanillin were obtained.
Do anticipated government environmental audits promote corporate social responsibility? Evidence from China
Authors: Tan Jianhua , Chan Kam C. , Niu Runkai
Published: March 2024

We examine the impact of China's announcements of upcoming government environmental audits (GEAs) on firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR). We hypothesize that firms, especially heavily polluting firms, engage in more CSR to proactively burnish their public image to weather forthcoming adverse outcomes from a GEA. Our baseline findings confirm that firms respond to the government's GEA announcement by engaging in more CSR. Additional analysis suggests that reputation concerns and environmental fines mediate the impact of GEA announcements on CSR. Cross‐sectional analyses show that the effect of GEA announcements on CSR is more salient for firms: (1) in a business environment in which GEAs are more effective, (2) that CSR engagement is critically important, or (3) that CSR can serve some special function. Overall, our findings imply that it is generally a good government policy to implement GEAs.
Three‐phase common‐ground‐type photovoltaic inverter without shoot‐through problem
Authors: Yao Zhilei , He Xiangyu
Published: March 2024

Since there are common mode leakage current (CMLC) and shoot‐through problems in the conventional three‐phase transformerless photovoltaic (PV) inverters, the three‐phase common‐ground‐type transformerless dual‐buck inverters (DBIs) are derived. By shorting the neutral point of the three‐phase load and the negative terminal of the PV panel, the CMLC is eliminated. The DBIs has no shoot‐through problem and there is no current flowing through the body diode of the SiC metal oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET). The three‐phase DBI combined with a buck‐boost converter is taken as an example to illustrate the operating principle of the derived inverters. The control strategy of the inverter is given. A prototype is built to validate the proposed inverter. Finally, comparison among the proposed inverter and other three‐phase inverters is given.
Extraordinary stability of surfactant‐free bubbles suspended in ultrasound
Authors: Ji Xiaoliang , Zhong Wenxuan , Liu Kangqi , Jiang Yichen , Chen Hongyue , Zhao Wei , Zang Duyang
Published: March 2024

Gravity‐induced drainage is one of the main destabilizing mechanisms for soap bubbles and foams. Here we show that solely through acoustic levitation without introducing any chemical stabilizers, liquid drainage in the bubble film can be completely inhibited, therefore leading to a significant enhancement of bubble lifetime by more than two orders of magnitude and enabling the bubble to survive puncturing by a needle. Based on sound simulation and force analysis, it has been found that acoustic radiation force, exerted on both the inner and outer surfaces of the levitated bubble, acts in opposite directions, thus providing a squeezing effect to the bubble film. The hydrostatic pressure that induces drainage has been balanced by the acoustic radiation pressure exerted on both sides of the film, which is at the origin of the sound stabilization mechanism. This study provides new insights into the interplay between sound and soap bubbles or films, thus stimulating a wide range of fundamental research concerning bubble films and expanding their applications in bio/chemical reactors.
Probabilistic pile reinforced slope stability analysis using load transfer factor considering anisotropy of soil cohesion
Authors: Wen Jiahui , Chu Xuesong , Xu Liang , Yu Guangming , Li Liang
Published: March 2024

A probabilistic limit equilibrium framework combining empirical load transfer factor and anisotropy of soil cohesion is developed to conduct pile‐reinforced slope reliability analysis. The anisotropy of soil cohesion is determined conditioned on that the thrust force direction is parallel to the major principal direction and it is easily combined with load transfer factor, which are related with soil parameters, and pile parameters. The proposed method is illustrated against a homogeneous soil slope. The sensitivity studies of pile parameters on factor of safety (FS; calculated at respective means of soil parameters) and β demonstrated that the anisotropy of soil cohesion tends to pose significant effect on reliability index β than on FS. The effect of anisotropy of soil cohesion on FS is found to be slightly different under different pile locations, whereas its effect on β is observed to be least if piles are drilled at the middle part of slope and more significant effect is observed when piles are drilled at the lower and upper part of slope. The plots from the sensitivity studies provide an alternative tool for pile designs aiming at the target reliability index β. The proposed method contributes to the pile‐reinforced slope stability within limit equilibrium framework.
In‐depth analysis of the power management strategies in electric vehicles
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Jain Vaibhav
Published: March 2024

In electric vehicles, the battery is a key component that calculates vehicle performance. Due to their greater efficiency and the lower cost of power, charging an electric vehicle is more affordable than purchasing gasoline or diesel for travel needs. To increase the battery's lifespan, the accuracy of the battery model for electric vehicles must be enhanced. To operate at their peak efficiency, batteries must be managed properly by a battery management system. This research illustrates the functioning of a rechargeable electric vehicle battery's charging system. There are several types of rechargeable batteries used, including lead acid, lithium‐ion, and nickel‐cadmium batteries. In recent trends, are used in the majority of cars use rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries. In general, accumulated heat, rapid utilization, and total energy throughput have an impact on the battery life of electric vehicles. In this study, 50 papers were analyzed about battery charging in an electric vehicle, which utilized different measures, as well as achievements attained by various methods. This survey reviewed the information from a different journal, along with their advantage, disadvantages, and challenges. The review lays the groundwork for future researchers to gain a deeper understanding of electric vehicles by offering a thorough interpretation of the methods currently in use.
Silver‐doped alginate cryogels as new generation current collectors for lithium‐ion batteries: Structural and electrochemical analysis
Authors: Cetin Yaren Celik , Dursun Halide Nur , Demir Pinar , Uysal Emircan , Ozcelik‐Yesiltepe Duygu , Ates Mehmet Nurullah , Gurmen Sebahattin
Published: March 2024

The development of next‐generation materials for essential components in lithium‐ion batteries, such as collectors, is crucial owing to considerations of performance, cost, and environmental impact. From this perspective, new‐generation material studies are being carried out to increase the performance of current collectors and reduce environmental damage. In this study, a novel biodegradable Ag nanoparticle‐doped calcium alginate cryogel was produced and used as the current collector for Li‐ion batteries to improve performance, reduce environmental damage, and develop new‐generation batteries. The synthesis of Ag NPs was achieved using an inexpensive and environmentally friendly chemical reduction method, followed by their incorporation into the gels. Freeze‐drying was employed to obtain cryogels without the inclusions on the current collector. Structural analysis of both the particles and gels was performed via XRD, SEM, EDS, and FTIR, DSC respectively. The results showed that the synthesized Ag NPs were spherical with an average diameter of 10 nm. The cryogels exhibited desirable chemical structures, as indicated by FTIR analysis. The addition of Ag NPs led to changes in peak positions and intensities, indicating crosslinking homogenization and increased hydrophobicity. Galvanostatic Charge/Discharge Analysis was conducted to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the cryogels as current collectors. The cryogels demonstrated balanced lithiation/delithiation behavior but had a limited operational duration, likely due to structural instability. Postmortem analysis conducted by FTIR and DSC analysis for disassembled cryogels showed the presence of lithium salts from the electrolyte in the structure, and the usage of a solid electrolyte was recommended to improve the system's performance.
Assessing the potential for CO2 storage in saline aquifers in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Weber Nathália , de Oliveira Saulo B. , Cavallari Allan , Morbach Isabela , Tassinari Colombo C. G. , Meneghini Julio
Published: March 2024

This study underscores the critical role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addresses the potential for CCS projects in saline aquifers in Brazil, one of the world's largest carbon emitters. The country's ability to adopt CCS is significantly influenced by the availability of data related to regional CO2 storage potential and identifying suitable geological framework for CO2 injection. While oil and gas reservoirs have traditionally been prioritized, saline aquifers represent an underexplored and potentially higher capacity storage option. Despite Brazil's 31 sedimentary basins, the data quantity and availability for these contexts remain insufficient for advanced studies on the geological storage of CO2 considering saline aquifers. An initial study was conducted indicating five potential targets in the Paraná and Potiguar Basins for geological storage in saline aquifers based on available public data, mainly drilling data. This review reveals substantial challenges related to the evaluation of Brazil's CO2 storage capacity, such as the lack of modern seismic studies, the absence of a regulatory framework for CO2 storage, and insufficient investment in new well exploration. These challenges necessitate multistakeholder collaboration, the development of a supportive regulatory environment, and investment in extensive site characterization campaigns. Addressing these barriers is fundamental to realizing the country's CCS potential and contributing to global decarbonization efforts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oligocene–Miocene arc magmatic activities associated with the giant Reko Diq porphyry Cu–Au deposit, western Chagai arc, Balochistan, Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Shafi , Liu Junlai , Ullah Inayat , Chen Xiaoyu , Ji Lie , Zahid Muhammad Aleem , Kakar Naseer
Published: March 2024

The Chagai belt to the north of the Afghan block and the east of the Iranian block in the western part of Pakistan is known for occurrence of Oligocene to Miocene calc‐alkaline magmatic belt. The present study discusses the characteristics of episodic magmatic activities that contributed to mineralization for the Reko Diq porphyry complex in the western part of the Chagai belt. U–Pb dating of zircons from volcanic rocks of the Reko Diq porphyry complex yielded ages of 25.8 ± 1.8 and 12.29 ± 0.44 Ma for two phases of magmatic crystallization. Geochemical analyses of whole‐rock rhyolite and dacite indicate that the rock units are peraluminous calc‐alkaline, derived from Andean‐type subduction. The magma was formed due to partial melting of the thickened mafic lower crust in a continental arc setting in relation to the subduction of the Neotethys along the Makran subduction zone. The abundance of zircons, Hf, REE, U/Pb and Th indicates high degrees of magmatic evolution. Moreover, the Sr and Nd isotopic data indicate the fractional contribution of depleted N‐MORB mantle to the Reko Diq magmas through bulk mixing with magmas derived from the lower continental crust. Short‐lived magmatic systems repeated magma injection, and various episodes of hydrothermal fluid flow have led to the formation of porphyry mineralization. Emplacement of the Reko Diq porphyry complex and related Cu–Au mineralization is associated with a series of tectonic–magmatic events at different episodes of the Oligocene–Miocene times.
Local perceptions of anthropogenic and climate factors affecting the use and the conservation of Detarium microcarpum and Detarium senegalense in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: Taonda Adama , Zerbo Issouf , N'Guessan Anny Estelle , N'Dja Kassi Justin , Thiombiano Adjima
Published: March 2024

Understanding local perceptions and the different uses of multipurpose plant species is essential for their sustainable management. Despite this, anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, overexploitation of natural resources, extension of agricultural lands, overgrazing, and bushfires, coupled with the adverse effects of climate change, are contributing to the loss of these species. This study analyses the perceptions of local communities in Burkina Faso regarding the threats to Detarium microcarpum and Detarium senegalense and their implications, aiming to contribute to the effective management and conservation of such species. Through individual semi‐structured and focus group interviews with 465 local people, data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, plant parts used, use categories, threats and their effects, proposed solutions, and perceived conservation strategies. Descriptive statistics (consensus for plant part and relative frequency of citation), component analysis, and non‐parametric analyses were used for data analysis. Results indicated that ethnicity, age, education level, and occupation were the most influential sociodemographic factors in relation to the use of these species. Six plant parts from both Detarium species are used across seven use categories, with fruits (0.40), trunks (0.16), and bark (0.27) being the most exploited. There was consensus among local populations regarding areas of abundance. Threat factors, their effects, and conservation solutions varied significantly according to site status. This study highlights the multipurpose uses of Detarium species throughout Burkina Faso and reveals that threats to these species are linked to the occupation and the status of each site. Sustainable use, effective conservation, and domestication of Detarium species should be considered to promote and sustain the exploitation of non‐timber forest products.
The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder among dental students: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moradi Shayan , Fateh Mohammad Sadegh , Movahed Emad , Mortezagholi Bardia , Amini Mohammad Javad , Salehi Seyyed Amirhossein , Hajishah Hamed , Nowruzi Mahdi , Shafiee Arman
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite the increasing concern, the literature lacks a comprehensive synthesis of the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances among dental students.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review following Cochrane Manual for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA guidelines. Our search, spanning databases like Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, covered data until June 5, 2023. A random effect model was utilized for the meta‐analysis.

Results

From 508 initially identified articles, 45 studies met eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders among dental students was estimated as follows: depression [38%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 32%–44%; I2 = 98%], anxiety [48%, 95% CI: 41%–55%; I2 = 97.7%], and sleep disorders [31%, 95% CI: 24%–38%; I2 = 85.7%]. Subgroup analyses based on geographical regions and assessment scales revealed significant between‐subgroup differences. Meta‐regression identified associations between the prevalence of depression and the year of publication and between the prevalence of anxiety and total sample size, participant age, and year of publication. Publication bias assessments demonstrated a lack of significant bias, strengthening the validity of the findings.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in dental students is significant. This study highlighted the need for targeted interventions and support systems within dental education to alleviate the mental health challenges students face, ultimately ensuring their well‐being and competence as future healthcare providers. Further research should explore the effectiveness of interventions in this population.
Learning to prioritize the public good: Does training in classes, workplaces, and professional societies shape engineers' understanding of their public welfare responsibilities?
Authors: Cech Erin A. , Finelli Cynthia J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Engineers are professionally obligated to protect the safety and well‐being of the public impacted by the technologies they design and maintain. In an increasingly complex sociotechnical world, engineering educators and professional institutions have a duty to train engineers in these responsibilities.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This article asks, where are engineers trained in their public welfare responsibilities, and how effective is this training? We argue that engineers trained in public welfare responsibilities, especially within engineering education, will demonstrate greater understanding of their duty to recognize and respond to public welfare concerns. We expect training in formal engineering classes to be more broadly impactful than training in contexts like work or professional societies.

Data/Methods

We analyze unique survey data from a representative sample of US practicing engineers using descriptive and regression techniques.

Results

Consistent with expectations, engineers who received public welfare responsibility training in engineering classes are more likely than other engineers to understand their responsibilities to protect public health and safety and problem‐solve collectively, to recognize the importance of social consequences and ethical responsibilities in their own jobs, to have noticed ethical issues in their workplace, and to have taken action about an issue that concerned them. Training through other parts of college, workplaces, or professional societies has comparatively little impact. Concerningly, nearly a third of engineers reported never being trained in public welfare responsibilities.

Conclusion

These results suggest that training in engineering education can shape engineers' long‐term understanding of their public welfare responsibilities. They underscore the need for these responsibilities to be taught as a core, non‐negotiable part of engineering education.
Unintended consequences of methadone regulation for opioid use disorder treatment among hospitalized patients
Authors: Calcaterra Susan L. , Dafoe Ashley , Tietbohl Caroline , Thurman Lindsay , Bredenberg Erin
Published: March 2024

Background

In the United States, there are no federal restrictions on the use of methadone to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms when patients are hospitalized with a medical or surgical condition other than addiction. In contrast, in an outpatient setting, methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) is highly regulated by federal and state governments and can only be dispensed from an opioid treatment program (OTP). Discrepancies in regulatory requirements across these settings may lead to barriers in care for patients with OUD.

Objective

Identify how methadone regulation impacts the care of patients with OUD during hospitalization, care transitions, and in the OTP setting.

Methods

We completed 26 interviews with clinicians and social workers working on hospital‐based addiction consultation services across the United States. Study findings are the result of a secondary content analysis of interviews to identifying the word “methadone” and construct themes resulting from the data.

Results

We identified three major themes related to “methadone” for OUD treatment, all of which impacted patient care: (1) limited OTP hours leads to tenuous or delayed hospital discharges; (2) inadequate information‐sharing between hospitals and OTPs leads to delays in care; and (3) methadone regulations create treatment barriers for the most vulnerable patients.

Conclusion

Strict methadone regulations have resulted in unintended consequences for patients with OUD in the hospital setting, during care transitions, and in the OTP setting. Recent and ongoing federal efforts to reform methadone provision may improve some of the reported challenges, but significant hurdles remain in providing safe, equitable care to hospitalized patients with OUD.
Long‐term immunogenicity and safety of heterologous boosting with a SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine (SYS6006) in Chinese participants who had received two or three doses of inactivated vaccine
Authors: Huang Jianying , Qiu Yuanzheng , Luo Lin , Wu Jianyuan , Hu Di , Zhong Xiang , Lin Jiawei , Guo Lixian , Yang Hanyu , Li Chunlei , Wang Xinghuan
Published: March 2024

The emerging new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) needs booster vaccination. We evaluated the long‐term safety and immunogenicity of heterologous boosting with a SARS‐CoV‐2 messenger RNA vaccine SYS6006. A total of 1000 participants aged 18 years or more who had received two (Group A) or three (Group B) doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivated vaccine were enrolled and vaccinated with one dose of SYS6006 which was designed based on the prototype spike protein and introduced mutation sites. Adverse events (AEs) through 30 days and serious AEs during the study were collected. Live‐virus and pseudovirus neutralizing antibody (Nab), binding antibody (immunoglobulin G [IgG]) and cellular immunity were tested through 180 days. Solicited all, injection‐site and systemic AEs were reported by 618 (61.8%), 498 (49.8%), and 386 (38.6%) participants, respectively. Most AEs were grade 1. The two groups had similar safety profile. No vaccination‐related SAEs were reported. Robust wild‐type (WT) live‐virus Nab response was elicited with peak geometric mean titers (GMTs) of 3769.5 (Group A) and 5994.7 (Group B) on day 14, corresponding to 1602.5‐ and 290.8‐fold increase versus baseline, respectively. The BA.5 live‐virus Nab GMTs were 87.7 (Group A) and 93.2 (Group B) on day 14. All participants seroconverted for WT live‐virus Nab. Robust pseudovirus Nab and IgG responses to wild type and BA.5 were also elicited. ELISpot assay showed robust cellular immune response, which was not obviously affected by virus variation. In conclusion, SYS6006 heterologous boosting demonstrated long‐term good safety and immunogenicity in participants who had received two or three doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivated vaccine.
Availability and utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at children's hospitals
Authors: Pathak Sagar J. , Attard Thomas , Hall Matthew , Arain Mustafa , Heyman Melvin B. , Perito Emily R.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

No study has explored whether availability of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is adequate and equitable across US children's hospitals. We hypothesized that ERCP availability and utilization differs by geography and patient factors.

Methods

Healthcare encounter data from 2009 to 2019 on children with pancreatic and biliary diseases from the Pediatric Health Information System were analyzed. ERCP availability was defined as treatment at a hospital that performed pediatric ERCP during the year of service.

Results

From 2009 to 2019, 37,946 children (88,420 encounters) had a potential pancreatic or biliary indication for ERCP; 7066 ERCPs were performed. The commonest pancreatic diagnoses leading to ERCP were chronic (47.2%) and acute pancreatitis (43.2%); biliary diagnoses were calculus (68.3%) and obstruction (14.8%). No ERCP was available for 25.0% of pancreatic encounters and 8.1% of biliary encounters. In multivariable analysis, children with public insurance, rural residence, or of Black race were less likely to have pancreatic ERCP availability; those with rural residence or Asian race were less likely to have biliary ERCP availability. Black children or those with public insurance were less likely to undergo pancreatic ERCP where available. Among encounters for calculus or obstruction, those of Black race or admitted to hospitals in the West were less likely to undergo ERCP when available.

Conclusions

One‐in‐four children with pancreatic disorders and one‐in‐12 with biliary disorders may have limited access to ERCP. We identified racial and geographic disparities in availability and utilization of ERCP. Further studies are needed to understand these differences to ensure equitable care.
Keeping distance! How infectious disease threat lowers consumers' attitudes toward densely displayed products
Authors: Yi Yanxi , Wang Wangshuai , Karimi Sahar , Katsumata Sotaro , Meng Lu (Monroe)
Published: March 2024

Infectious diseases have been posing frequent and significant threats to us. However, research on how disease threat affects consumer behavior, especially sensory responses, is still limited. In this study, drawing on the theory of compensatory consumption, we show that consumers under disease threat are less willing to buy products presented in a dense display. This is because disease threat activates a high‐density avoidance mindset, which is carried over to the way in which products are placed. Moreover, this effect is mitigated when diseases are noninfectious or when disinfectant products are displayed. A set of four studies, which adopt lab and field settings, using different manipulations and measures, provide convergent evidence for these effects. Specifically, Study 1 examines the main effect of disease threat on product display. Study 2 tests the mediating role of high‐density avoidance mindset as well as the moderating role of disease infectiousness. Study 3 proceeds to explore product type as the other boundary condition. Finally, Study 4 provides real world evidence through a field experiment. Furthermore, in these studies, five alternative explanations were ruled out to further clarify the psychological process. These findings offer valuable insights for retailers regarding product display strategies.
Dosimetry of Large Field Valencia applicators for Cobalt‐60‐based brachytherapy
Authors: Píriz Gustavo H. , Gonzalez‐Sprinberg Gabriel A. , Ballester Facundo , Vijande Javier
Published: March 2024

Background

Non‐melanoma skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and one of the main approaches is brachytherapy. For small lesions, the treatment of this cancer with brachytherapy can be done with two commercial applicators, one of these is the Large Field Valencia Applicators (LFVA).

Purpose

The aim of this study is to test the capabilities of the LFVA to use clinically 60Co sources instead of the 192Ir ones. This study was designed for the same dwell positions and weights for both sources.

Methods

The Penelope Monte Carlo code was used to evaluate dose distribution in a water phantom when a 60Co source is considered. The LFVA design and the optimized dwell weights reported for the case of 192Ir are maintained with the only exception of the dwell weight of the central position, that was increased. 2D dose distributions, field flatness, symmetry and the leakage dose distribution around the applicator were calculated.

Results

When comparing the dose distributions of both sources, field flatness and symmetry remain unchanged. The only evident difference is an increase of the penumbra regions for all depths when using the 60Co source. Regarding leakage, the maximum dose within the air volume surrounding the applicator is in the order of 20% of the prescription dose for the 60Co source, but it decreases to less than 5% at about 1 cm distance.

Conclusions

Flatness and symmetry remains unaltered as compared with 192Ir sources, while an increase in leakage has been observed. This proves the feasibility of using the LFVA in a larger range of clinical applications.
CT‐based radiomics for differentiating peripherally located pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma from carcinoid
Authors: Zhang Yi , Yang Xiaohuang , Bi Feng , Wen Lu , Niu Yue , Yang Yanhui , Lin Huashan , Yu Xiaoping
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) and pulmonary carcinoid (PC) are difficult to distinguish based on conventional imaging examinations. In recent years, radiomics has been used to discriminate benign from malignant pulmonary lesions. However, the value of radiomics based on computed tomography (CT) images to differentiate PSP from PC has not been well explored.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the feasibility of radiomics in the differentiation between PSP and PC.

Methods

Fifty‐three PSP and fifty‐five PC were retrospectively enrolled and then were randomly divided into the training and test sets. Univariate and multivariable logistic analyses were carried to select clinical predictor related to differential diagnosis of PSP and PC. A total of 1316 radiomics features were extracted from the unenhanced CT (UECT) and contrast‐enhanced CT (CECT) images, respectively. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to select the most significant radiomics features to construct radiomics models. The clinical predictor and radiomics features were integrated to develop combined models. Two senior radiologists independently categorized each patient into PSP or PC group based on traditional CT method. The performances of clinical, radiomics, and combined models in differentiating PSP from PC were investigated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The diagnostic performance was also compared between the combined models and radiologists.

Results

In regard to differentiating PSP from PC, the area under the curves (AUCs) of the clinical, radiomics, and combined models were 0.87, 0.96, and 0.99 in the training set UECT, and were 0.87, 0.97, and 0.98 in the training set CECT, respectively. The AUCs of the clinical, radiomics, and combined models were 0.84, 0.92, and 0.97 in the test set UECT, and were 0.84, 0.93, and 0.98 in the test set CECT, respectively. In regard to the differentiation between PSP and PC, the combined model was comparable to the radiomics model, but outperformed the clinical model and the two radiologists, whether in the test set UECT or CECT.

Conclusions

Radiomics approaches show promise in distinguishing between PSP and PC. Moreover, the integration of clinical predictor (gender) has the potential to enhance the diagnostic performance even further.
A multiscale differential‐algebraic neural network‐based method for learning dynamical systems
Authors: Huang Yin , Ding Jieyu
Published: March 2024

The objective of dynamical system learning tasks is to forecast the future behavior of a system by leveraging observed data. However, such systems can sometimes exhibit rigidity due to significant variations in component parameters or the presence of slow and fast variables, leading to challenges in learning. To overcome this limitation, we propose a multiscale differential‐algebraic neural network (MDANN) method that utilizes Lagrangian mechanics and incorporates multiscale information for dynamical system learning. The MDANN method consists of two main components: the Lagrangian mechanics module and the multiscale module. The Lagrangian mechanics module embeds the system in Cartesian coordinates, adopts a differential‐algebraic equation format, and uses Lagrange multipliers to impose constraints explicitly, simplifying the learning problem. The multiscale module converts high‐frequency components into low‐frequency components using radial scaling to learn subprocesses with large differences in velocity. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed MDANN method effectively improves the learning of dynamical systems under rigid conditions.
Using anonymized mobility data to reduce inequality in the availability and use of urban parks
Authors: Filazzola Alessandro , Xie Garland , Birchard Katie , Shrestha Namrata , Brown Danny , MacIvor J. Scott
Published: March 2024

Parks are an integral component of cities. Ensuring city residents have equitable and easy access to parks is crucial for human well‐being. In temperate climates, park accessibility is particularly important in the summer months when these green spaces provide an area to recreate, exercise and escape indoor temperatures and heat emanating from paved and built surfaces. However, there are well‐known disparities in park accessibility in cities globally that may threaten the health of city residents, especially with global warming.

We examined some of the largest city parks (>50 ha) in Toronto, Canada, by comparing park activity, housing demographics and daily weather patterns.

We found that parks that provided more green space area per resident were situated in neighbourhoods that had higher proportions of single‐detached housing, higher automobile use and fewer multistorey apartments. We also found a strong correlation between park activity with population density and the number of amenities in the park. Surprisingly, we found no relationship between park activity and daily weather patterns, although park use was higher on weekends and holidays. These results suggest denser communities are at a disadvantage because they have proportionately less park area within walking distance in addition to having no private green spaces (e.g. backyards).

We recommend revising municipal zoning around certain parks and the creation of new green spaces as methods to balance park provisioning in the city. Our findings suggest that designing and maintaining accessible, amenity‐rich parks is an important strategy for promoting health and well‐being in urban populations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Establishing the sensitivity and specificity of the gynaecological cancer distress screen
Authors: Seib Charrlotte , Harbeck Emma , Anderson Debra , Porter‐Steele Janine , Nehill Caroline , Sanmugarajah Jasotha , Perrin Lewis , Shannon Catherine , Cabraal Nimithri , Jennings Bronwyn , Otton Geoffrey , Adams Catherine , Mellon Anne , Chambers Suzanne
Published: March 2024

Objective

Nuanced distress screening tools can help cancer care services manage specific cancer groups' concerns more efficiently. This study examines the sensitivity and specificity of a tool specifically for women with gynaecological cancers (called the Gynaecological Cancer Distress Screen or DT‐Gyn).

Methods

This paper presents cross‐sectional data from individuals recently treated for gynaecological cancer recruited through Australian cancer care services, partner organisations, and support/advocacy services. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the DT‐Gyn against criterion measures for anxiety (GAD‐7), depression (patient health questionnaire), and distress (IES‐R and K10).

Results

Overall, 373 individuals aged 19–91 provided complete data for the study. Using the recognised distress thermometer (DT) cut‐off of 4, 47% of participants were classified as distressed, while a cut‐off of 5 suggested that 40% had clinically relevant distress. The DT‐Gyn showed good discriminant ability across all measures (IES‐R: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.82–0.90; GAD‐7: AUC = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.85–0.93; K10: AUC = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.85–0.92; PHQ‐9: AUC = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.81–0.89) and the Youden Index suggested an optimum DT cut‐point of 5.

Conclusions

This study established the psychometric properties of the DT‐Gyn, a tool designed to identify and manage the common sources of distress in women with gynaecological cancers. We suggest a DT cut point ≥5 is optimal in detecting ‘clinically relevant’ distress, anxiety, and depression in this population.
Local perceptions of the benefits versus negative impacts of weedy grasses in central Madagascar, with a focus on the genus Digitaria
Authors: Randrianarimanana Noro Fenitra Harimbao , Rakotomalala Nantenaina Herizo , MacKinnon Lorna , Rakotoarinivo Mijoro , Randriamampianina Jean‐Augustin , Ralimanana Hélène , Ryan Philippa , Vorontsova Maria Sergeevna
Published: March 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Plants and agricultural practices are an integral part of human food systems and well‐being. Here, an example of an ethnobotanical research approach is provided to increase our understanding of the relationship between plants and human activities in Madagascar, where the agricultural sector is the local economy basis. This research examines weeds of the Poaceae family, assessing their recognition and societal impacts, and quantifying farmers' perception of the Poaceae weed's status in cropping systems. A better understanding of farmers' weed knowledge will strengthen our ability to inclusively support rural highland Malagasy food systems, incorporating science with traditional knowledge.

Research on the perceptions and knowledge of Poaceae weeds was conducted in three areas of Madagascar's central highlands: Itremo massif, Ambohidray village and Vakinankaratra region. This work aims to identify the best‐known species and understand their roles in crop and livestock systems. Additionally, it presents detailed data on Digitaria species.

The approach was based on field surveys and farmer's interviews, with plant voucher specimens and photographs to facilitate identification. Relative frequency of citations, confidence interval, and use values indexes were calculated to assess cultural significance.

We carried out 111 interviews, where 87 taxa were mentioned, of which 51 are Poaceae, including 11 Digitaria species. Farmers classify the Poaceae weeds in three ways: their impacts on agricultural activities, use category and vegetative growth patterns, the latter especially significant for Digitaria. Locally common grasses are perceived as weeds when they are abundant and cause yield loss. The most damaging species is Digitaria humbertii, confirmed by half of the interviews. More than 40% of the farmers use Poaceae weeds in composting, more than 20% as fodder, and more than 8% as medicine.

Overall, 67% of the species mentioned are judged useful. The diversity of useful species and the associated indigenous knowledge is important to the local communities, but, weeds are still perceived as negative generally. The Poaceae are overall neglected in Malagasy ethnobotany, and an in‐depth analysis of farmer knowledge is needed. The data obtained will be useful for future studies and the conservation of agrobiodiversity, especially endemic species that are not widely known.
COVID‐19 herd immunity in Lebanon: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Maatouk Christopher , Germanos Orestis , Aad Anna‐Maria , Gandour Georges , Buban Julian M. A. , Maatouk Ralph , Zeina Michelle , Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: March 2024

COVID‐19 hit Lebanon at the worst time, amid an economic downward spiral and national protests regarding living conditions and political corruption. The first case was found on February 21, 2020, and the first batch of vaccines arrived on March 24, 2021. Although neither natural infection nor mass vaccination truly provided herd immunity, the latter was a more effective way to handle the pandemic, and Lebanon fell short on that path. During the pandemic, a myriad of factors complicated its response to the virus. Thanks to the COVAX program, the country received 1086,720 doses donated and 1626,390 deliveries. All in all, over 5.8 million doses have been administered. A total of 2.74 million people received at least one dose, and 2.4 million had a complete primary vaccination series. However, around 98% of the population were infected with the virus. Issues that stopped the vaccination campaigns include a lack of trust in government officials and news media, leading to false information propagating and remaining unchallenged online. Other factors include the economic collapse, which led to the Lebanese currency losing over 98% of its initial worth. Some Lebanese people might find themselves either unable to reach proper health facilities or unwilling to adopt the narrative pushed by the political elite. Poverty also worsened affected infected individuals’ prognosis and mortality. A bigger emphasis must be put on reaching individuals with disabilities or in low‐income areas, as they were the most affected by the pandemic. Problems these communities face include the lack of funding for special education schools and the lack of accessibility to medical information promoted by the government. Lebanon must learn from the issues that arose during this pandemic and focus on fixing them in advance to prepare for any other health emergency that might turn up in the future.
Neurotensin induces sustainable activation of the ErbB–ERK1/2 pathway, which is required for developmental competence of oocytes in mice
Authors: Okamoto Asako , Nakanishi Tomoya , Tonai Shingo , Shimada Masayuki , Yamashita Yasuhisa
Published: March 2024

Purpose

LH induces the expression of EGF‐like factors and their shedding enzyme (ADAM17) in granulosa cells (GCs), which is essential for ovulation via activation of the ErbB–ERK1/2 pathway in cumulus cells (CCs). Neurotensin (NTS) is reported as a novel regulator of ovulation, whereas the NTS‐induced maturation mechanism in oocytes remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the role of NTS in the expression of EGF‐like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity, during oocyte maturation and ovulation in mice.

Methods

The expression and localization in GC and CC were examined. Next, hCG and NTS receptor 1 antagonist (SR) were injected into eCG‐primed mice, and the effects of SR on ERK1/2 phosphorylation were investigated. Finally, we explored the effects of SR on the expression of EGF‐like factors and ErbBs, and ADAM17 activity in GC and CC.

Results

NTS was significantly upregulated in GC and CC following hCG injection. SR injection suppressed oocyte maturation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. SR also downregulated part of the expression of EGF‐like factors and their receptors, and ADAM17 activity.

Conclusions

NTS induces oocyte maturation through the sustainable activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway by upregulating part of the EGF‐like factor‐induced pathway during oocyte maturation in mice.
Control of coupled nonaffine multiagent stochastic systems by classical PID
Authors: Yuan Shuo
Published: March 2024

The classical PID (proportional‐integral‐derivative) control is the most basic and widely used control algorithm in engineering systems by far. Whether PID control can effectively deal with coupled multiagent uncertain nonlinear dynamics is well worth investigating. In this article, a class of PID controlled multiagent stochastic systems with coupled uncertain dynamics is considered, where the control input is nonaffine. Each agent has its own regulation objective, and only has access to its own regulation error information for PID feedback. First, a PID parameter set will be constructed explicitly based on some prior knowledge about the nonlinear functions, such that the overall multiagent system can be stabilized globally in the mean square sense, as long as the PID parameters are chosen from the constructed set. Moreover, the regulation error will be proven to have an upper bound proportional to the noise intensity along the reference signal. Furthermore, it will be shown that the regulation error of each agent can be arbitrarily small by choosing the PID parameters suitably large. Finally, the theoretical results will be verified by simulations.
Collider bias in strategy and management research: An illustration using women CEO's effect on other women's career outcomes
Authors: Frake Justin , Hagemann Andreas , Uribe Jose
Published: March 2024

Research Summary

Collider bias can cause spurious correlations when researchers condition on a variable that is caused by—or shares a common cause with—both the outcome and the exposure variable. Despite its threat to inference, empirical research in strategy and management has largely overlooked the issue of collider bias. We distinguish colliders from other threats to identification and estimation and illustrate its importance with replications of published work suggesting that having a woman CEO reduces the career outcomes (compensation and representation) of other women executives. After accounting for collider bias, we find no evidence that women CEOs damage the career outcomes of other women in their organizations. We close by providing generalizable approaches to identify and mitigate the risk of collider bias in applied research.

Managerial Summary

Collider bias is a type of statistical problem that can generate misleading results in empirical research. Although research in strategy and management has given substantial attention to other types of statistical problems, the issue of collider bias has not received sufficient scrutiny. We illustrate this point with replications of published work suggesting that having a woman CEO reduces the career outcomes of other women executives. After accounting for collider bias, we find no evidence that women CEOs damage the career outcomes of other women in their organizations. We provide advice for detecting and addressing collider bias in empirical research.