bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spray coagulation reduces the use of hemostatic forceps for intraoperative bleeding in gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Ishikawa Yumiko , Goto Osamu , Nakagome Shun , Habu Tsugumi , Kirita Kumiko , Koizumi Eriko , Higuchi Kazutoshi , Noda Hiroto , Onda Takeshi , Omori Jun , Akimoto Naohiko , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: July 2024

Aims

During intraoperative bleeding in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), switching to spray coagulation may be beneficial compared with the continuous use of swift coagulation and can reduce the need for hemostatic forceps. We retrospectively assessed the effectiveness of spray modes on intraoperative bleeding during gastric ESD.

Methods and Results

A total of 316 bleeding events (156 in the Swift group and 160 in the Spray group) were consecutively recorded. In the Swift group, hemostasis was performed using the swift mode with a retracted tip of the needle‐type knife, followed by the hemostatic forceps. In the Spray group, bleeding was treated in a stepwise manner: the swift mode, the spray mode, and the hemostatic forceps. All bleeding events were assigned to one of two groups by an endoscopist who retrospectively reviewed the videos. We compared the use of hemostatic forceps, the total hemostatic time, and the cumulative hemostasis rate between the two groups.

The use of hemostatic forceps was significantly lower in the Spray group than in the Swift group (32.7% vs. 13.8%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the total hemostatic time (Swift group, 20 s.; Spray group, 16 s.; P = 0.42), whereas the cumulative hemostasis rate with the knife was significantly higher in the Spray group (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

The results suggested that spray coagulation from the tip of the needle‐type knife could reduce the use of hemostatic forceps. In gastric ESD, spray coagulation may facilitate the hemostasis of intraoperative bleeding.
Design, synthesis, biological evaluation of a new tricyclicthiazolopy‐rimidinone derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Zeng Yan , Nie Lifei , Liu Liu , Bozorov Khurshed , Zhao Jiangyu
Published: July 2024

The novel serious of tricyclicthiazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidinone were designed and synthesized as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor agents. The main factors affecting the reactions of syntheses and the structure–activity relationships (SARs) were investigated as well. All compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS. The in vitro enzyme assays proved that most of the compounds effectively inhibited AChE in the micromolar range with little cytotoxicity. Especially the compound G15 exhibited the best inhibitory activity against AChE with IC50 values of 4.41 ± 0.46 μM. Furthermore, kinetic analysis and molecular modeling studies pointed out the competitive inhibition manner of G15 on AChE. Thus, the derivative G15 can be considered a promising leading compound on AChE.
Central American climate extreme trends: A statistical analysis of CLIMDEX indices
Authors: Alfaro‐Córdoba Marcela , Mora‐Sandí Natali P. , Hidalgo Hugo G. , Alfaro Eric J.
Published: July 2024

Precipitation and temperature extremes from daily data indexed using the CLIMDEX methodology were calculated over the Central American region. The data comprises the coarsened versions of the Climate Hazards and Infrared Precipitation with stations (CHIRPs) and the corresponding data set for temperature (CHIRTs) from the year 1981 to 2020 and 1983 to 2016, respectively. The objective is to detect trend patterns in extremes in recent periods, use novel statistical techniques for assessing the trend significance and study the monthly and annual trends for each of the indices. Trends of extreme temperature indices show more consistent, robust and widespread significant results according with the observed warming of the region. Significant extreme precipitation indices trends are more localized, and therefore harder to analyse, but it seems that one robust result from several indices is the trend toward more intense extreme precipitation events in Costa Rica. The findings of this work suggest possible impacts in human and environmental systems across the region.
Persistently elevated joint contact stress after periacetabular osteotomy is associated with joint failure at minimum 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: Aitken Holly D. , Goetz Jessica E. , Glass Natalie A. , Miller Aspen , Rivas Dominic J. L. , Westermann Robert W. , McKinley Todd O. , Willey Michael C.
Published: July 2024

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a common treatment for prearthritic hip dysplasia. The goal of this investigation was to determine if computationally assessed hip contact mechanics are associated with joint failure at minimum 10‐year follow‐up. One hundred patients with hip dysplasia (125 hips) completed patient‐reported outcomes an average of 13.8 years (range 10.0–18.0 years) after PAO. 63/125 hips were classified as having failed: 26 converted to total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 37 with significant disability indicated by modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) ≤ 70. Differences in discrete element analysis‐computed contact mechanics were compared between (1) preserved and failed hips, (2) preserved hips and hips that failed by THA, and (3) preserved hips and hips that failed by mHHS ≤ 70. Failed hips had significantly higher preoperative contact stress and exposure metrics (p < 0.001–0.009) than preserved hips. Failed hips also had significantly higher postoperative peak contact stress (p = 0.018), higher mean contact stress (p < 0.001), and smaller contact area (p = 0.044). When assessed based on type of failure, hips that failed by THA had significantly higher postoperative contact stress and exposure metrics than preserved hips (p < 0.001–0.020). In hips that failed by mHHS ≤ 70, mean postoperative contact stress exposure was significantly higher compared to preserved hips (p = 0.043). Despite improved radiographic measures of dysplasia after PAO, pathologic joint contact mechanics can persist and predict treatment failure at minimum 10 years after surgery. Operative and nonoperative techniques specifically intended to reduce harmful contact mechanics in dysplastic hips may have the potential to further improve clinical outcomes after PAO.
Association of Amniotic Fluid Volume and Fetal Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Parameters in Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Sayres Lauren , Sahi Roopjit K. , Straub Heather , Peek Emma , Hobbins John C.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of oligohydramnios, brain sparing, and cardiac dysfunction among a cohort of fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

To assess the prevalence of oligohydramnios amongst a large sample of FGR fetuses, we screened a database of ultrasounds of FGR pregnancies from our maternal‐fetal medicine clinics (clinical cohort) for diminished amniotic fluid volume. Using a threshold of a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of <2 cm for “oligohydramnios,” and 2 to 3 cm as a “reduced fluid” group, trends of Doppler values and cardiac parameters were assessed from pregnancies in an ongoing research study (comprehensive cohort).

Results

In the clinical cohort, oligohydramnios was identified in only 2/229 (0.8%) and reduced fluid in 19/229 (8%). In the comprehensive cohort, oligohydramnios was seen in 3/126 (2.3%) and reduced fluid in 14/126 (11.1%). A high rate of cardiac and Doppler abnormalities were observed in the oligohydramnios group of the comprehensive cohort. The patients with oligohydramnios had a distinctly different cardiac phenotype with small (2/3 with cardiac area <5th%) (P = 0.01) and round (3/3 with global sphericity index <5th%) (P = 0.02) hearts.

Conclusion

Oligohydramnios, when present with FGR, is accompanied by high rates of cerebral and cardiovascular abnormalities.
How aluminium additions improve the performance of zinc‐rich organic coatings
Authors: Al‐Nafai Isehaq , Rzeszutek Katarzyna , Lyon Stuart , Jones Christopher , Beaumont Douglas
Published: July 2024

Novel sacrificial zinc‐rich organic coatings, with varying additions of aluminium, were prepared and tested for anticorrosion performance. Electrochemical measurements (potential vs. time and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) were carried out to investigate cathodic protection and barrier performance while neutral salt spray and immersion experiments tested long‐term performance. Analytical scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were used to characterize coatings before and after testing. Formulations containing aluminium significantly outperformed the standard 100% zinc‐rich coating with the greatest improvement occurring at 10%–15% aluminium by volume in the dry film. This improvement was caused by the dispersal of aluminium between zinc particles, which improved packing and enabled greater efficiency in zinc consumption resulting in extended galvanic protection times for steel substrates. The expected zinc corrosion product (basic zinc chloride, simonkolleite) was present within the coating as well as a Zn–Al layered doubled hydroxide. The latter's presence demonstrates that dissolution of aluminium contributed to the longevity of the galvanic action. The new Zn–Al formulations are extremely promising alternatives to standard zinc‐rich epoxy coatings, significantly reducing zinc loading and increasing the sacrificial lifetime.
An integrative review of the decoy effect on choice behavior
Authors: Padamwar Pravesh K. , Dawra Jagrook
Published: July 2024

Since 1982, the decoy effect has been one of consumer behavior literature's most discussed and documented phenomena. It has several managerial implications in gaining strategic advantages, such as product management and profit maximization. Numerous attempts have been made to explain the decoy effect. However, there is no clear consensus in the literature regarding the underlying mechanism of the decoy effect. This paper presents a systematic literature review to integrate the four decades of decoy effect research. We analyze the contribution of literature, establish linkages between them, and provide a holistic view of understanding the decoy effect that is beneficial for academicians and practitioners. We discuss and differentiate four types of decoy alternatives that produce three types of decoy effects: attraction effect, compromise effect, and phantom decoy effect. We provide a comprehensive list of moderating factors of the decoy effect. Further, we critically review and integrate various explanatory models to better understand the underlying mechanism of the decoy effect. Finally, we discuss several promising avenues for future research.
Featured Cover
Authors: Xu Bing‐Bing , Wang Yi‐Fan , Wriggers Peter
Published: July 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Stabilization‐free virtual element method for 2D elastoplastic problems by Bing‐Bing Xu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/nme.7490.

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Sleep interventions in pediatric oncology: A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Daniel Lauren C. , Catarozoli Corinne , Crabtree Valerie McLaughlin , Bridgeman Matthew , van Litsenburg Raphaele , Irestorm Elin
Published: July 2024

Sleep concerns are common during pediatric cancer treatment and can last into survivorship. The current systematic review sought to identify intervention studies that addressed sleep as a primary or secondary outcome during pediatric cancer treatment up to 5 years after completing treatment. Quality assessment was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The review identified 16 studies with a total of 943 participants that tested a wide range of interventions including psycho‐educational, stress management techniques, medications, and physical activity. Most studies included tested interventions in small samples. None of the included studies had a high risk of bias for all domains, but all included studies had a high risk of bias for at least two risk domains. Several feasible pilot studies were identified that warrant further research to test efficacy. Implications for future research and clinical practice to manage sleep concerns are discussed.
Customizing carrier screening in the Chinese population: Insights from a 334‐gene panel
Authors: Liu Sha , Huang Shuang , Zhang Victor Wei , Cao Liyuan , Liu Haipeng , Wei Xiang , Luo Yuan , Li Yue , Zhou Lin , Li Fuping , Zhu Qian , Liu Hongqian
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the yield and applicability of expanded carrier screening and propose carrier rate screening thresholds suitable for the Chinese population by comparing the current screening panel with the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommended panel of 113 genes.

Methods

Using targeted next‐generation sequencing, a customized panel with 334 genes was performed on 2168 individuals without clinical phenotypes for expanded carrier screening purpose. Variant interpretation followed the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Carrier rates were calculated for each identified variant and each gene. At‐risk couple rates were also assessed. The yield of expanded carrier screening was evaluated through calculating cumulative carrier rate.

Results

Overall, 65.87% of the individuals were found to be carriers of at least 1 disease causing variants. The overall at‐risk couple rate was 11.76%, of which the GJB2:c.109G > A related at‐risk couple rate was 5.78%. The cumulative carrier rate of 334‐panel was 65.53%. When screened genes with gene carrier rate ≥1/1000, the expanded carrier screening can cover over 90% of the cumulative carrier rate and at‐risk couples. A total of 86 genes overlapped with American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics Tier‐3 genes and were attributed to the cumulative carrier rate of 47.33%.

Conclusion

Expanded carrier screening using the 334‐gene panel showed high screening efficiency. A threshold of gene carrier rate ≥1/1000 is recommended for selecting carrier screening genes in the Chinese Han population. This study highlights the importance of customizing screening panels based on the ACMG Tier‐3 genes in conjunction with population‐specific carrier frequencies to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of expanded carrier screening.
Tailoring LLDPE properties with modified palygorskite fillers: A comprehensive study
Authors: da Silva Thais Ferreira , Quinteiro Eduardo , Melo Guilherme Henrique França , de Melo Morgado Guilherme Ferreira , Sundararaj Uttandaraman , Albers Ana Paula Fonseca , Passador Fabio Roberto
Published: July 2024

Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) is a polyolefin known for its superior low‐temperature heat seal ability, low‐temperature tolerance, and bag‐tear resistance which are important features for the polymeric packaging sector. In this work, to improve the mechanical properties and expand the range of applications of LLDPE, the microfibrillar clay mineral palygorskite (PAL) was added. However, the use of PAL as a reinforcing agent for polymers depends on its purification process to extract accessory minerals such as calcite, dolomite, and quartz. In addition to this purification process, two surface modifications were used on the purified PAL (PALp) to improve interactions with LLDPE: silanization with aminosilane (PALs) and organophilization by incorporating an organic compound (PALo). The PAL were characterized according to their morphological properties using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The films of LLDPE/PAL, with varying levels (1, 3, and 5 wt%) and types of PAL (raw PAL, PALp, PALs, and PALo), were prepared by an extrusion process, and films were prepared by compression molding, without preferred orientation. The films were characterized by rheological analyses, tensile tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water vapor permeability. Incorporating modified PAL was significant in enhancing the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. LLDPE/PALs with the addition of 3 wt% PALs showed a 14% increase in elastic modulus (281.08 ± 8.25 MPa) compared to the nanocomposite with 3 wt% of raw PAL (243.43 ± 15.01 MPa).

Highlights

The PAL is a clay mineral with a fibrous morphology and has a low cost.

The technique to purify PAL is a quick, simple, and inexpensive technique.

Comparison between of two technique surface modification of PAL.

The effectiveness of modifications of PAL was confirmed in LLDPE films.

The surface modification with silanization was more effective.
Use of dexmedetomidine during mechanical ventilation in extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight neonates receiving morphine: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Irving Camille , Durrmeyer Xavier , Decobert Fabrice , Dassieu Gilles , Ben Guirat Aroua , Gouyon Béatrice , Tauzin Manon
Published: July 2024

Analgesia and sedation are often provided during mechanical ventilation in extremely preterm neonates. Opioids and benzodiazepines are the most frequently used agents but can have adverse effects. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha‐2 agonist, might be interesting to spare opioid and benzodiazepine use. The objective of this study was to describe a cohort of mechanically ventilated extremely, preterm infants treated with morphine with or without dexmedetomidine. This was a retrospective, observational, single‐center study in the neonatal intensive care unit of Creteil. We included preterm neonates born before 28 weeks of gestation and/or weighting less than 1000 g hospitalized between July 2017 and June 2020, on mechanical ventilation for at least 72 h and who received morphine with or without dexmedetomidine as a second‐ or third‐line treatment. We described morphine and midazolam exposure, respiratory, and digestive outcomes for patients who received dexmedetomidine and those who did not. Twenty nine preterm infants received morphine and dexmedetomidine, and 44 received morphine without dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine was used in patients of 25.7 [25.1–26.7] weeks, 680 [600–750] g and significantly more often in patients with vascular complications during pregnancy (p = 0.008), intrauterine growth restriction (p = 0.01) and in patients who received higher cumulative doses of morphine (p = 0.01). Morphine and midazolam doses tended to decrease after the introduction of dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine was never discontinued because of side effects. In this study, dexmedetomidine, used as a second or third‐line treatment during mechanical ventilation, was associated with a decrease in morphine and midazolam doses after introduction. Dexmedetomidine was used in a specific population of extremely preterm infants, with severe respiratory disease, who required prolonged mechanical ventilation and high morphine doses. This study highlights the need for pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies in this population, followed by randomized controlled trials and studies on the long‐term effects of dexmedetomidine to determine its place in analgosedation of ventilated preterm infants.
Treating the symptoms or the disease? Analysing the UK Online Safety Act's approach to digital regulation
Authors: Nash Victoria , Felton Lisa
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the pace of Internet regulation around the world has quickened, with states increasingly confident that they can and should hold major platform companies to account. New laws have been developed to address the risks of digital technologies and law‐makers have drawn on familiar regulatory principles and legacy frameworks in addressing them. But the nature of the technologies and the business models supporting them bring new challenges which make it less clear that old approaches will work. To succeed, legislative frameworks must evolve and adapt. Against this backdrop we assess the UK's Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA), which was expected to provide an innovative and broad‐reaching ‘systems‐based’ approach to reducing user risks and harms, particularly in relation to child safety. We argue that although the Act does incorporate measures to regulate platform design, it fails to fully embrace this and faces some challenges in ensuring proportionality and accountability. We conclude that the development of the OSA is hampered by a legacy focus on content controls which may limit its ability to effectively improve online safety, particularly as services evolve.
Effect of PHBV‐g‐MA compatibilizer on the properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)/polylactide blend/Diss fibers biocomposites
Authors: Remila Brahim , Zembouai Idris , Zaidi Lynda , Alane Arezki , Yalaoui Kattia , Kaci Mustapha , Kervoelen Antoine , Bruzaud Stéphane
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the morphology and properties of biocomposites based on a blend of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) 50/50 (w/w) reinforced with untreated (UNDF) and alkali‐treated (ATDF) Diss (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus) fibers at 20 wt. %. Moreover, PHBV‐g‐MA used as the compatibilizer was added at 5 wt. % to the alkali‐treated biocomposites. Morphology, and crystallinity, thermal, thermo‐mechanical, rheological and mechanical properties of PHBV/PLA biocomposites were studied. The study showed that the treated Diss fibers were uniformly dispersed in both PLA and PHBV phases. This results in a good interfacial adhesion between the components, as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further, the results also indicated that the compatibilized biocomposite samples showed an enhancement in crystallinity degree and heat deflection temperature (HDT) passing from 48.7% to 62.4% and 119.2 to 132.9°C, respectively, in comparison with the neat blend. Similar trend is also observed with the tensile data indicating a significant increase in Young's modulus by almost 48.5% compared to PHBV/PLA matrix. This is due to better interactions between Diss fibers and PHBV/PLA matrix. The results suggest the occurrence of a synergistic effect between PHBV‐g‐MA and alkali‐treated Diss fibers in the development of materials with interesting properties and could be a potential means to expand their applications.
Photopolymerization of polyvinylethylene glycol oligomers by thiol‐ene click reaction
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Minghang , Zhang Yong Jian
Published: July 2024

Functional polyvinylethylene glycols (PVEGs) with pendent vinyl groups were synthesized by Pd/B synergistic catalysts and their structures were characterized by 1H NMR and FT‐IR. The photopolymerization of the obtained PVEGs with multifunctional thiols in the presence of a photoinitiator proceeded smoothly via thiol‐ene photo‐click reaction to give a series of crosslinked materials by the variation of the molecular weight of PVEGs and a ratio of thiols and enes. The curing behavior was studied by FT‐IR and the properties of crosslinked materials were characterized by the test of gel content, swelling ratio, and water absorption. The dynamic mechanical analysis, mechanical properties, thermogravimetry, and surface properties of the crosslinked materials were investigated and the performance of coating for the crosslinked film materials was also characterized. The crosslinked film materials can be further functionalized by post‐crosslinking modification through thiol‐ene photo‐click reaction.
Beyond the 10%: Unraveling the genetic diversity in Turkish cystic fibrosis patients not eligible for CFTR modulators
Authors: Yıldız Ceren Ayça , Selçuk Balcı Merve , Karabulut Şeyda , Başer Zeynep Münteha , Yüksel Kalyoncu Mine , Metin Çakar Neval , Akkitap Yiğit Müge Merve , Baysal Eda Esra , Özdemircioğlu Fulya , Uzunoğlu Burcu , Taştan Gamze , Ergenekon Pınar , Gökdemir Yasemin , Erdem Eralp Ela , Karakoç Fazilet , Ata Pınar , Karadağ Bülent
Published: July 2024

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by variants of CFTR gene. Over 2000 variants have been identified, and new drugs called CFTR modulators have been developed to target specific defects in the CFTR protein. However, these drugs are only suitable for patients with certain variants of CFTR, and eligibility rates vary depending on race and geographical region. This study aimed to reveal the detailed genotype and clinical characteristics of people with CF (pwCF) at our center in Turkey, a developing country, who are not eligible for CFTR modulators.

Methods

A total of 445 pwCF followed up at Marmara University were reviewed retrospectively. Variants of the patients ineligible to CFTR modulators were classified based on American College of Medical Genetics guidelines, CFTR classification, the change in the encoded protein, and the variant type.

Results

The study revealed that 139 (31.2%) patients weren't eligible for CFTR modulators. There were 60 different variants in the 276 alleles, as two were missing. The majority of patients had missense or nonsense variants, and that the most common variant was c.1545_1546del, which can be said unique to this geography.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of detecting the variants of ineligible patients in detail to guide future approaches for more targeted and effective interventions in CF care. Testing the effectiveness of CFTR modulators for rare or newly occurring variants is crucial to ensure equal access for pwCF to these therapies from different racial backgrounds and ethnic minorities.
Enhancing practicality of deep learning for crop disease identification under field conditions: insights from model evaluation and crop‐specific approaches
Authors: Tian Qi , Zhao Gang , Yan Changqing , Yao Linjia , Qu Junjie , Yin Ling , Feng Hao , Yao Ning , Yu Qiang
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Crop diseases can lead to significant yield losses and food shortages if not promptly identified and managed by farmers. With the advancements in convolutional neural networks (CNN) and the widespread availability of smartphones, automated and accurate identification of crop diseases has become feasible. However, although previous studies have achieved high accuracy (>95%) under laboratory conditions (Lab) using mixed data sets of multiple crops, these models often falter when deployed under field conditions (Field). In this study, we aimed to evaluate disease identification accuracy under Lab, Field, and Mixed (Lab and Field) conditions using an assembled data set encompassing 14 diseases of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). In addition, we investigated the impact of model architectures, parameter sizes, and crop‐specific models (CSMs) on accuracy, using DenseNets, ResNets, MobileNetV3, EfficientNet, and VGG Nets.

RESULTS

Our results revealed a decrease in accuracy across all models from Lab (98.22%) to Mixed (91.76%) to Field (71.55%) conditions. Interestingly, disease classification accuracy showed minimal variation across model architectures and parameter sizes: Lab (97.61–98.76%), Mixed (90.76–92.31%), and Field (68.56–73.81%). Although CSMs were found to reduce inter‐crop disease misclassifications, they also led to a slight increase in intra‐crop misclassifications.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the importance of enriching data representation and volumes over employing new model architectures. Furthermore, the need for more field‐specific images was highlighted. Ultimately, these insights contribute to the advancement of crop disease identification applications, facilitating their practical implementation in farmer's fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A guide to developing population files for physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling in the Simcyp Simulator
Authors: Curry Liam , Alrubia Sarah , Bois Frederic Y. , Clayton Ruth , El‐Khateeb Eman , Johnson Trevor N. , Faisal Muhammad , Neuhoff Sibylle , Wragg Kris , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin
Published: July 2024

The Simcyp Simulator is a software platform widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to conduct stochastic physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. This approach has the advantage of combining routinely generated in vitro data on drugs and drug products with knowledge of biology and physiology parameters to predict a priori potential pharmacokinetic changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion for populations of interest. Combining such information with pharmacodynamic knowledge of drugs enables planning for potential dosage adjustment when clinical studies are feasible. Although the conduct of dedicated clinical studies in some patient groups (e.g., with hepatic or renal diseases) is part of the regulatory path for drug development, clinical studies for all permutations of covariates potentially affecting pharmacokinetics are impossible to perform. The role of PBPK in filling the latter gap is becoming more appreciated. This tutorial describes the different input parameters required for the creation of a virtual population giving robust predictions of likely changes in pharmacokinetics. It also highlights the considerations needed to qualify the models for such contexts of use. Two case studies showing the step‐by‐step development and application of population files for obese or morbidly obese patients and individuals with Crohn's disease are provided as the backbone of our tutorial to give some hands‐on and real‐world examples.
Defect Engineering for Enhanced Silicon Radiofrequency Substrates
Authors: Perrosé Martin , Baron Yoann , Lefaucher Baptiste , Acosta Alba Pablo , Raskin Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2024

Herein, high‐resistivity silicon substrates with specific He+ ion implantations to mitigate the parasitic surface conduction effect are studied. Several postimplantation thermal annealing conditions are investigated. Substrate performance is assessed at radiofrequencies (RFs) using the small‐signal characterization of coplanar waveguides (CPW) structures. The best effective resistivity (ρeff) of 4 kΩ cm is achieved with the wafer annealed at 600 °C for 2 h. This ρeff value is also stable as a function of DC bias applied to the CPWs. Those high RF performances originate from the nature of the defects created by ion implantation. Defects are deeply analyzed using spectroscopy measurement and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Combining these measurements, it is shown that {311} defects are probably responsible for the achieved high RF performances. Finally, the link between charge carriers trapping in the RF domain and defects nature is discussed to develop a defects engineering strategy for low‐loss RF substrates. The proposed fabrication method enables the fabrication of RF passivation layer locally over the wafer, and thus the cointegration of RF devices with fully depleted silicon‐on‐insulator technology.
Improving young children's peer collaboration in early educational settings: A systematic review
Authors: Burns Samantha , Yu Esther , Brathwaite Leah , Masum Maisha , White Linda , Dhuey Elizabeth , Perlman Michal
Published: July 2024

Peer collaboration is a foundational skill that emerges in early childhood. Children spend significant time in early educational settings, making it an important setting where young children can learn how to collaborate with peers. However, research on how to support children's collaboration effectively is limited and findings in this area have been inconsistent. This systematic review synthesises the effectiveness of interventions designed to enhance peer collaboration among children aged zero to six in early educational settings. The searches were conducted in Education Resource Information Centre (ERIC), PsycINFO, Education Resource, and Child Development and Adolescent Studies. A total of 18 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Included interventions targeted five components of peer collobaration: (1) communication skills; (2) ability to share goals; (3) collaborative products; (4) knowledge exchange; and (5) collaborative prosocial skills. The structure and implementation of the interventions were examined. Diverse strategies such as grouping children based on criteria, evaluations of collaborative products, role assignments, and adult observation and guidance were used to enhance young children's peer collaboration. The interventions primarily focused on children's direct engagement in tasks, with limited attention given to educators. The systematic review found mixed results regarding the impact of interventions on children's peer collaboration. Our findings provide researchers, policy makers and educators with empirical guidance on how to support this skill in young children.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Early educational settings are in a unique position to support children's peer collaboration. This study synthesised research on how to support the development of peer collaboration in these settings.

Why the new findings matter

This study identified heterogeneity in how peer collaboration is supported and measured. Findings about the effectiveness of interventions were mixed.

Implications for policy makers

The heterogeneity in measures found in this study highlights the need to develop and utilise consistent measures of peer collaboration. It is important for interventions to identify the specific type of peer collaboration skills that they target and tailor interventions accordingly. Future studies should continuously aim to ensure the quality of research and the replicability and clarity of intervention procedures across contexts for integration of evidence. Finally, more research is needed to understand how to support process‐oriented collaboration outcomes in children.
Delivering sustainable development via social innovation: Cases of social entrepreneurship in South Korea and Singapore
Authors: Yoon Semee , Ho Jae‐Yun
Published: July 2024

Social innovation is a useful mechanism to address unmet needs in local societies and tackle wicked problems through innovative products and services. Policymakers and practitioners have increasingly become interested in effective policies and strategies for facilitating social innovation to deliver sustainable development; however, a lack of coherent analytical framework persists. To address this gap, we propose the Social Innovation System framework, by adapting the Technological Innovation Systems approach widely used in innovation management and policy. Providing a holistic and comprehensive perspective to explore complex interactions among different actors and institutions involved in social innovation, our framework allows more systematic understanding of the development of social entrepreneurship and relevant ecosystems. We employ this framework to analyze social innovation ecosystems in South Korea and Singapore. The results indicate systemic challenges to overcome owing to the collective and interactive nature of social innovation.
A latent variable approach to jointly modeling longitudinal and cumulative event data using a weighted two‐stage method
Authors: Abbott Madeline R. , Nahum‐Shani Inbal , Lam Cho Y. , Potter Lindsey N. , Wetter David W. , Dempsey Walter H.
Published: July 2024

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA), a data collection method commonly employed in mHealth studies, allows for repeated real‐time sampling of individuals' psychological, behavioral, and contextual states. Due to the frequent measurements, data collected using EMA are useful for understanding both the temporal dynamics in individuals' states and how these states relate to adverse health events. Motivated by data from a smoking cessation study, we propose a joint model for analyzing longitudinal EMA data to determine whether certain latent psychological states are associated with repeated cigarette use. Our method consists of a longitudinal submodel—a dynamic factor model—that models changes in the time‐varying latent states and a cumulative risk submodel—a Poisson regression model—that connects the latent states with the total number of events. In the motivating data, both the predictors—the underlying psychological states—and the event outcome—the number of cigarettes smoked—are partially unobservable; we account for this incomplete information in our proposed model and estimation method. We take a two‐stage approach to estimation that leverages existing software and uses importance sampling‐based weights to reduce potential bias. We demonstrate that these weights are effective at reducing bias in the cumulative risk submodel parameters via simulation. We apply our method to a subset of data from a smoking cessation study to assess the association between psychological state and cigarette smoking. The analysis shows that above‐average intensities of negative mood are associated with increased cigarette use.
Biomass‐Derived Porous Carbon Materials for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Lv Yaokang , Huang Lin , Chen Chao , Cai Zhiwei , Ruhlmann Laurent
Published: July 2024

Research of electrocatalysts based on biomass derived porous carbon materials become one of promising strategies to boost the development of carbon cycle and energy storage technologies. As substitutes for precious metals in electrocatalysis, many biomass derived porous carbon materials exhibit excellent chemical stability, interface chemical inertness, strong structural mechanical strength and high conductivity. However, significant efforts are still needed to develop environmentally friendly, scalable and low‐cost synthetic methods to provide biomass‐derived carbonaceous materials with electrocatalytic performance that is comparable to, or even surpasses, that of existing precious metal catalysts. In this mini‐review, the main synthesis methods, electrocatalytic performances and working principle of biomass derived porous carbon materials have been summarized and discussed. The perspectives of doping strategy for these electrocatalyst candidates have been emphasized in the discussion.
Modular and Photoreversible Polymer–Nanoparticle Hydrogels via Host–Guest Interactions
Authors: Bernhard Stéphane , Ritter Lauritz , Müller Marco , Guo Wenqing , Guzzi Elia A. , Bovone Giovanni , Tibbitt Mark W.
Published: July 2024

Polymer–nanoparticle (PNP) hydrogels are a class of nanocomposite materials showing potential as injectable platforms for biomedical applications. Their design is limited by incomplete knowledge of how the binding motif impacts the viscoelastic properties of the material and is generally constrained to non‐responsive supramolecular interactions. Expanding the scope of available interactions and advancing the understanding of how defined interactions influence network formation would accelerate PNP hydrogel design. To address this gap in the design of PNP hydrogels, the study designs and investigates a tunable platform based on beta‐cyclodextrin (βCD) host–guest cross‐links between functionalized polymers and nanoparticles. A host‐functionalized polymer (βCD hyaluronic acid) and guest harboring block co‐polymer (poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(lactic acid)) NPs are synthesized. The presence and accessibility for binding of the host and guest moieties are characterized via isothermal titration calorimetry. PNP hydrogels with varying concentrations of functionalized polymer and NPs reveal a limited window of concentrations for gelation. It is hypothesized that network formation is governed by the capacity of polymer chains to effectively bridge NPs, which is related to the host–guest ratios present in the system. Further, photo‐responsive guests are incorporated to engineer photoreversible gelation of PNP hydrogels via exposure to specific wavelengths of light.
Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Lysosomal Cell Death Through Reactive Oxygen Species in Rat Liver Cell Clone 9
Authors: Hsu Chien‐Sheng , Chang Shu‐Hao , Yang Rei‐Cheng , Lee Cheng‐Han , Lee Ming‐Sheng , Kao Jun‐Kai , Shieh Jeng‐Jer
Published: July 2024

In sepsis, bacterial components, particularly lipopolysaccharide (LPS), trigger organ injuries such as liver dysfunction. Although sepsis induces hepatocyte damage, the mechanisms underlying sepsis‐related hepatic failure remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the LPS‐treated rat hepatocyte cell line Clone 9 not only induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis but also increased the expression of the autophagy marker proteins LC3‐II and p62, and decreased the expression of intact Lamp2A, a lysosomal membrane protein. Additionally, LPS increased lysosomal membrane permeability and galectin‐3 puncta formation, and promoted lysosomal alkalization in Clone 9 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of caspase‐8 and cathepsin D (CTSD) suppressed the activation of caspase‐3 and rescued the viability of LPS‐treated Clone 9 cells. Furthermore, LPS induced CTSD release associated with lysosomal leakage and contributed to caspase‐8 activation. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) not only diminished ROS generation and increased the cell survival rate, but also decreased the expression of activated caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 and increased the protein level of Lamp2A in LPS‐treated Clone 9 cells. These results demonstrate that LPS‐induced ROS causes lysosomal membrane permeabilization and lysosomal cell death, which may play a crucial role in hepatic failure in sepsis. Our results may facilitate the development of new strategies for sepsis management.
Trimester‐specific association between fetal growth and physical activity in pregnant women: total physical activity vs moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise
Authors: Hu J. , Ma Y. , Sun M. , Wan N. , Liu B. , Zheng L. , Liu C. , Qiao C. , Wei J. , Wen D.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the trimester‐specific associations between maternal total physical activity level vs moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise and fetal growth disorders.

Methods

We analyzed 2062 mother–neonate pairs participating in the longitudinal China Medical University Birth Cohort Study. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity level of women during the three trimesters. A higher level of total physical activity was defined as meeting or exceeding the cohort‐specific 75th percentile, and a higher level of exercise was defined according to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Fetal growth disorder was defined as small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) or large‐for‐gestational age (LGA) at birth.

Results

Of the neonates included in this study, 7.1% were SGA and 15.5% were LGA. A higher level of total physical activity during the first trimester (adjusted relative risk (aRR), 0.62 (95% CI, 0.42–0.91)) and second trimester (aRR, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.41–0.95)) was associated with a lower risk of SGA, and a higher level of total physical activity during the third trimester was associated with a lower risk of LGA (aRR, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.54–0.97)). When analyzing physical activity by subtype, a higher level of occupational physical activity during the first and second trimesters was associated negatively with SGA risk, and higher levels of occupational and low‐intensity physical activity during the first trimester were associated negatively with LGA risk. No significant association was found between maternal adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and risk of fetal growth disorders.

Conclusions

A higher total physical activity level during the first and second trimesters was associated with a decreased risk of SGA, whereas a higher total physical activity level in the third trimester was associated with a decreased risk of LGA. Pregnant women should be advised to increase their total physical activity levels instead of focusing on engaging in only moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Reactions of the Geminal Dicarbanion Li2[C(SPPh2)2] with Selenium and Tellurium
Authors: Wang Tongtong , Xu Maotong , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: July 2024

The reactions of the dianion [Li2(Et2O)1.5][(SPh2P)2C] 1 with Se and Te were explored and shown to be dependent on the stoichiometry. The species, [Li2(THF)3(SPh2P)2CSe2] 2, [Li2(THF)4(SPh2P)2CSe4C(PPh2S)2] 3, [Li2(THF)3(SPh2P)2CTe2] 4 and [Li2(THF)3Et2O][(SPh2P)2CTe3C(PPh2S)2] 5 have been isolated and structurally characterized in the solid state. While these products proved to be remarkably sensitive to light and air, the characterization of these products demonstrates that ability of the dianion to intercept short chalcogenide chains of E2–4.
Predictive modeling through physics‐informed neural networks for analyzing the thermal distribution in the partially wetted wavy fin
Authors: Karthik Kalachar , Sowmya Ganeshappa , Sharma Naman , Kumar Chandan , Ravikumar Shashikala Varun Kumar , Alur Shivaprakash Siddesh , Muhammad Taseer , Gill Harjot Singh
Published: July 2024

The heat transport analysis and thermal distribution in partially wetted wavy profiled fin are investigated in the current study. Convective, radiative effects and temperature‐dependent thermal conductivity are all considered in this heat transfer analysis. The dimensional governing temperature equations of the partially wetted wavy extended surface are nondimensionalized utilizing the appropriate dimensionless terms. Further, the resulting nondimensional thermal equations of the wavy fin are solved by employing Physics‐Informed Neural Network (PINN). The values of the temperature equations obtained by the numerical procedure Runge Kutta Fehlberg's fourth‐fifth (RKF‐45) order scheme are compared with PINN outcomes. The results are portrayed with the aid of tables, and the significance of several dimensionless constraints on the partially wet wavy fin is exhibited using graphical illustrations. A rise in the thermal conductivity parameter values enhances the wavy fin's thermal profile. The temperature of the wavy fin diminishes as the convective‐conductive parameter, temperature ratio parameter, and radiation‐conduction parameter upsurges.
The Displaced
Authors: Höglund Johan
Published: July 2024

This chapter discusses the question of climate migration and reads a series of texts that follow climate refugees as they cross, or are prevented from crossing, heavily guarded US national or state borders. The chapter shows how some American Climate Emergency Narratives employ allegory to cast the racialized climate refugee as a border-scaling monster, but it also reveals how even texts that seek to critique the racist ideology that informs extractive capitalist border-thinking focus on the future plights of the white majority.
Effects of Coal Metakaolin on Compressive Strength and Microstructure of Cemented Soil
Authors: Liu Jianping , Chen Weimin , Zhang Jixia , Xie Xiangqian , Xie Guoshuai
Published: July 2024

In this paper, compressive strength tests are conducted on the cemented soil with five coal metakaolin (CMK) contents to study the effects of CMK on the cemented soil compressive strength and microstructure. It is found that CMK can enhance the strength of cemented soil. Especially, when the CMK content is 3%, its compressive strength is obviously higher than that of unmixed CMK cemented soil. The effects of CMK on the strength of cemented soil is analyzed and discussed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy image (SEM) analysis. The strength mechanism of cemented soil with CMK is explained by the analysis of hydration products and microstructures of cemented soil. The reason for the macroscopic mechanical property change of cemented soil is proved by the microscopic mechanism. In addition, the relationship of cemented soil compressive strength and age is statistically analyzed. The statistical formula is set up to predict the long-term compressive strength of cemented soil by age. The predicted strength agrees well with the measured strength, indicating that the statistical formula has good predictability.