bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An open‐source implementation of tree‐based scan statistics
Authors: Russo Massimiliano , Wang Shirley V.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We develop an open‐source R package to implement tree‐based scan statistics (TBSS) analyses.

Methods

TBSS are data mining methods used by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control. They simultaneously screen thousands of hierarchically aggregated outcomes to identify unsuspected adverse effects of drugs or vaccines, accounting for multiple comparisons. The general structure of TBSS is highly adaptable, with four essential components: (1) a hierarchical outcome structure, (2) a test statistic to be computed for each element of the hierarchy, (3) an algorithm to generate data replicates under a null distribution, and (4) observed outcomes at the lower level of the hierarchy. We encode the general TBSS framework in a convenient R package that offers user‐friendly functions for the most used TBSS methods. To illustrate the performance of our software, we evaluated two examples of archetypical TBSS analyses previously analyzed using proprietary, closed‐source TreeScan™ software. The first considers the risk of congenital malformations associated with first‐trimester exposure to valproate, and the second compares exposure to newly prescribed canagliflozin with a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor in adults affected by type 2 diabetes.

Results

The results of the original studies are replicated.

Conclusions

The diffusion of an open‐source implementation of TBSS can enhance innovation of TBSS methods and foster collaborations. We offer an intuitive R package implementing standard TBSS methods with accompanying tutorials. Our unified object‐oriented implementation allows expert users to extend the framework, introduce new features, or enhance existing ones.
Tissue‐adhesive, antibacterial, naturally‐derived polymer hydrogels as wound dressings for infected and chronic wound healing
Authors: Shen Yuanyuan , Zhang Zhen , Chen Xuesi , He Chaoliang
Published: March 2024

Bacterial infections are common during skin wound healing, which can interrupt the healing process, delay wound healing and seriously affect the quality of life. Long‐term antibiotic treatment may lead to the development of drug resistance. Traditional bandages, sponges, films, and textiles are commonly single‐functional, and usually fail to satisfy the complicated needs of wound healing process. In recent years, antibacterial hydrogel dressings have received extensive attention for treatment of infected and chronic wounds, which can serve as biocompatible, multifunctional platforms for both promoting tissue regeneration and inhibiting bacterial infection. Cationic polymers with inherent antibacterial properties have been used as the hydrogel backbone, and metal ions and metal nanoparticles can be loaded in the hydrogels to enhance the antibacterial effects. Besides, various drugs and bioactive factors have been incorporated to provide the hydrogel with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities in complicated environment of chronic wound healing. Additionally, the tissue adhesion of hydrogel dressings can have advantages in fixing the dressings at wound sites and promoting the dressing‐tissue interactions. In this review, we focus on the designing strategies for tissue‐adhesive, antibacterial, naturally‐derived polymer hydrogels for treating infected and chronic wounds. The typical tissue adhesion mechanisms and antibacterial mechanisms of the hydrogel dressings are summarized. Finally, the prospects and challenges in the further development of multi‐functional hydrogels to treat infected and chronic wounds are proposed.
Identification and characterization of impurities in an insecticide, commercial chlorantraniliprole using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kannoujia Jyoti , Chirra Nagaraju , Rodda Ramesh , Shaikh Asif , Maddala Nagaraju , Kantevari Srinivas , Sripadi Prabhakar
Published: March 2024

Rationale

Ensuring the global safety and effectiveness of agrochemicals has become imperative. An in‐depth understanding of impurity profiles of products is crucial, especially for high‐demand agrochemicals, where impurities may be more toxic and persistent than original agrochemicals. This study focuses on the detection and identification of impurities in a commercial chlorantraniliprole (CAP), an anthranilic diamide class broad‐spectrum insecticide.

Methods

Commercial CAP was collected from an agrochemical supplier in India and was analyzed using a high‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array (HPLC‐PDA) (Agilent 1260; wavelength, 220 nm) with a Zorbax RP SB‐C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) (Agilent 6545 quadrupole time of flight (Q‐TOF)) techniques to identify the impurities. The impurities were isolated by preparative HPLC using a Zorbax‐DB C18 (250 × 9.4 mm, 5 μm) column. liquid chromatography– tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) experiments (Q‐TOF) were performed on CAP and its impurities to obtain their structural data.

Results

HPLC‐PDA analysis of CAP showed four major impurities (IM‐1 to IM‐4) ranging from 0.76% to 4.1%. The positive ion electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra of CAP and its impurities showed dominant [M + H]+ ions in addition to [M + Na]+, [M + K]+, and [2M + Na]+ ions. High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) data provided the elemental composition of the compounds, and isotopic distribution patterns revealed the number of Cl and/or Br atoms present in them. The structures of impurities were proposed based on the LC–MS/MS) data and further confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data on isolated impurities/synthesis.

Conclusion

The quality and impurities of CAP, a popular insecticide, must be assessed and described for its efficacy and safety. In this study, four impurities of CAP were detected using HPLC and successfully characterized using LC‐HRMS, LC–MS/MS, and NMR data. The method is useful for verifying the purity of CAP as well as helping in the identification of its possible impurities.
Penalized weighted smoothed quantile regression for high‐dimensional longitudinal data
Authors: Song Yanan , Han Haohui , Fu Liya , Wang Ting
Published: March 2024

Quantile regression, known as a robust alternative to linear regression, has been widely used in statistical modeling and inference. In this paper, we propose a penalized weighted convolution‐type smoothed method for variable selection and robust parameter estimation of the quantile regression with high dimensional longitudinal data. The proposed method utilizes a twice‐differentiable and smoothed loss function instead of the check function in quantile regression without penalty, and can select the important covariates consistently using the efficient gradient‐based iterative algorithms when the dimension of covariates is larger than the sample size. Moreover, the proposed method can circumvent the influence of outliers in the response variable and/or the covariates. To incorporate the correlation within each subject and enhance the accuracy of the parameter estimation, a two‐step weighted estimation method is also established. Furthermore, we prove the oracle properties of the proposed method under some regularity conditions. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulation studies and two real examples.
Microscopic‐Level Insights into P‐O‐Induced Strong Electronic Coupling Over Nickel Phosphide with Efficient Benzyl Alcohol Electrooxidation
Authors: Chen Lin , Yu Chang , Song Xuedan , Dong Junting , Han Yingnan , Huang Hongling , Zhu Xiuqing , Xie Yuanyang , Qiu Jieshan
Published: March 2024

Electrooxidation of biomass into fine chemicals coupled with energy‐saving hydrogen production for a zero‐carbon economy holds great promise. Advanced anode catalysts determine the cell voltage and electrocatalytic efficiency greatly, further the rational design and optimization of their active site coordination remains a challenge. Herein, a phosphorus‐oxygen terminals‐rich species (Ni2P‐O‐300) via an anion‐assisted pyrolysis strategy is reported to induce strong electronic coupling and high valence state of active nickel sites over nickel phosphide. This ultimately facilitates the rapid yet in‐situ formation of high‐valence nickel with a high reaction activity under electrochemical conditions, and exhibits a low potential of 1.33 V vs. RHE at 10 mA cm−2, exceeding most of reported transition metal‐based catalysts. Advanced spectroscopy, theoretical calculations, and experiments reveal that the functional P‐O species can induce the favorable local bonding configurations for electronic coupling, promoting the electron transfer from Ni to P and the adsorption of benzyl alcohol (BA). Finally, the hydrogen production efficiency and kinetic constant of BA electrooxidation by Ni2P‐O‐300 are increased by 9‐ and 2.8‐ fold compared with the phosphorus‐oxygen terminals‐deficient catalysts (Ni2P‐O‐500). This provides an anion‐assisted pyrolysis strategy to modulate the electronic environment of the Ni site, enabling a guideline for Ni‐based energy/catalysis systems.
Space‐Confined Growth of Ultrathin P‐Type GeTe Nanosheets for Broadband Photodetectors
Authors: Qu Junyu , Cheng Haodong , Lan Huiping , Zheng Biyuan , Luo Ziyu , Yang Xin , Yi Xiao , Wu Guangcheng , Chen Shula , Pan Anlian
Published: March 2024

As p‐type phase‐change degenerate semiconductors, crystalline and amorphous germanium telluride (GeTe) exhibit metallic and semiconducting properties, respectively. However, the massive structural defects and strong interface scattering in amorphous GeTe films significantly reduce their performance. In this work, two‐dimensional (2D) p‐type GeTe nanosheets are synthesized via a specially designed space‐confined chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, with the thickness of the GeTe nanosheets reduced to 1.9 nm. The space‐confined CVD method improves the crystallinity of ultrathin GeTe by lowering the partial pressure of the reactant gas, resulting in GeTe nanosheets with excellent p‐type semiconductor properties, such as a satisfactory on/off ratio of 105. Temperature‐dependent electrical measurements demonstrate that variable‐range hopping and optical‐phonon‐assisted hopping mechanisms dominate transport behavior at low and high temperatures, respectively. GeTe devices exhibit significantly high responsivity (6589 and 2.2 A W−1 at 633 and 980 nm, respectively) and detectivity (1.67 × 1011 and 1.3 × 108 Jones at 633 and 980 nm, respectively), making them feasible for broadband photodetectors in the visible to near‐infrared range. Furthermore, the fabricated GeTe/WS2 diode exhibits a rectification ratio of 103 at zero gate voltage. These satisfactory p‐type semiconductor properties demonstrate that ultrathin GeTe exhibits enormous potential for applications in optoelectronic interconnection circuits.
Optimized Lithium Ion Coordination via Chlorine Substitution to Enhance Ionic Conductivity of Garnet‐Based Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Wang Shuhan , Zeng Ting , Wen Xiaojuan , Xu Haoyang , Fan Fengxia , Wang Xinxiang , Tian Guilei , Liu Sheng , Liu Pengfei , Wang Chuan , Zeng Chenrui , Shu Chaozhu
Published: March 2024

Garnet‐type solid‐state electrolytes attract abundant attentions due to the broad electrochemical window and remarkable thermal stability while their poor ionic conductivity obstructs their widespread application in all‐solid‐state batteries. Herein, the enhanced ionic conductivity of garnet‐type solid electrolytes is achieved by partially substituting O2− sites with Cl− anions, which effectively reduce Li+ migration barriers while preserving the highly conductive cubic phase of garnet‐type solid‐state electrolytes. This substitution not only weakens the anchoring effect of anions on Li+ to widen the size of Li+ diffusion channel but also optimizes the occupancy of Li+ at different sites, resulting in a substantial reduction of the Li+ migration barrier and a notable improvement in ionic conductivity. Leveraging these advantageous properties, the developed Li6.35La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O11.85‐Cl0.15 (LLZTO‐0.15Cl) electrolyte demonstrates high Li+ conductivity of 4.21×10−6 S cm−1. When integrated with LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode and metallic lithium anode, the LLZTO‐0.15Cl electrolyte enables the solid‐state battery to operate for more than 100 cycles with a high capacity retention of 76.61% and superior Coulombic efficiency of 99.48%. This work shows a new strategy for modulating anionic framework to enhance the conductivity of garnet‐type solid‐state electrolytes.
Amino‐Acid‐Encoded Bioinspired Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Multimorphological Nanocarriers
Authors: Huang Yifan , Yang Guokun , Yu Zian , Tong Tong , Huang Yan , Zhang Qianzijing , Hong Yajian , Jiang Jun , Zhang Guozhen , Yuan Yue
Published: March 2024

Supramolecular self‐assembly has emerged as an efficient tool to construct well‐organized nanostructures for biomedical applications by small organic molecules. However, the physicochemical properties of self‐assembled nanoarchitectures are greatly influenced by their morphologies, mechanical properties, and working mechanisms, making it challenging to design and screen ideal building blocks. Herein, using a biocompatible firefly‐sourced click reaction between the cyano group of 2‐cyano‐benzothiazole (CBT) and the 1,2‐aminothiol group of cysteine (Cys), an amino‐acid‐encoded supramolecular self‐assembly platform Cys(SEt)‐X‐CBT (X represents any amino acid) is developed to incorporate both covalent and noncovalent interactions for building diverse morphologies of nanostructures with bioinspired response mechanism, providing a convenient and rapid strategy to construct site‐specific nanocarriers for drug delivery, cell imaging, and enzyme encapsulation. Additionally, it is worth noting that the biodegradation of Cys(SEt)‐X‐CBT generated nanocarriers can be easily tracked via bioluminescence imaging. By caging either the thiol or amino groups in Cys with other stimulus‐responsive sites and modifying X with probes or drugs, a variety of multi‐morphological and multifunctional nanomedicines can be readily prepared for a wide range of biomedical applications.
High‐Sensitivity Photoelectrochemical Ultraviolet Photodetector with Stable pH‐Universal Adaptability Based on Whole Single‐Crystal Integrated Self‐Supporting 4H‐SiC Nanoarrays
Authors: Wang Hulin , Li Weijun , Gloginjić Marko , Petrović Srdjan , Krupska Tetyana V. , Turov Vladimir V. , Zhao Jialong , Yang Weiyou , Du Zhentao , Chen Shanliang
Published: March 2024

Emerging photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetectors (PDs) have notable advantages over conventional PDs and have attracted extensive attention. However, harsh liquid environments, such as those with high corrosivity and attenuation, substantially restrict their widespread application. Moreover, most PEC PDs are constructed by assembling numerous nanostructures on current collector substrates, which inevitably contain abundant interfaces and defects, thus greatly weakening the properties of PDs. To address these challenges, a high‐performance pH‐universal PEC ultraviolet (UV) PD based on a whole single‐crystal integrated self‐supporting 4H‐SiC nanopore array photoelectrode is constructed, which is fabricated using a two‐step anodic oxidation approach. The PD exhibits excellent photodetection behavior, with high responsivity (218.77 mA W−1), detectivity (6.64 × 1013 Jones), external quantum efficiency (72.47%), and rapid rise/decay times (17/48 ms) under 375 nm light illumination with a low intensity of 0.15 mW cm−2 and a bias voltage of 0.6 V, which is fall in the state‐of‐the‐art of the wide‐bandgap semiconductor‐based PDs reported thus far. Furthermore, the SiC PEC PD exhibits excellent photoresponse and long‐term operational stability in pH‐universal liquid environments. The improved photodetection performance of the SiC PEC PD is primarily attributed to the synergistic effect of the nanopore array structure, integrated self‐supporting configuration, and single‐crystal structure of the whole photoelectrode.
Micropatterned Strain Domain in Graphene on Cu Substrates: Correlation with Facet Structures
Authors: Moon Joonhee , Kang Jin Hyoun , Park Jaesung
Published: March 2024

Metallic catalysts have emerged as prominent materials for graphene growth because the choice of the substrate significantly influences the properties of graphene. Among metallic catalysts, Cu is a highly promising catalytic substrate because it facilitates the growth of monolayer graphene. However, the growth process often induces strain and structural deformations that affect the electronic properties and device performance of graphene. In this study, we present the first observation of micropatterned strain domains in graphene grown on Cu substrates using chemical vapor deposition. Distinct strain‐induced shifts and broadening in the Raman peaks by employing Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy are revealed, demonstrating the unique structural characteristics within the patterned domains. Furthermore, a strong correlation between the strain patterns in graphene and the facet structures of the underlying Cu surface is established. Our findings reveal intriguing variations in strain within the patterned domains and along the line boundaries, offering valuable insights into the intricate interactions between graphene and the Cu surface. These observed strain patterns and their spatial correlations with the Cu facet structures provide crucial guidance for designing graphene‐based devices with tailored strain engineering.
Anti‐pollutant effect of oleic acid against urban particulate matter is mediated via regulation of AhR‐ and TRPV1‐mediated signaling in vitro
Authors: Choi Seoyoung , Yang Seyoung , Kim Ji Woong , Kwon Kitae , Oh Sae Woong , Yu Eunbi , Han Su Bin , Kang Soo Hyun , Lee Jung Hyun , Ha Heejun , Yoo Jeong Kyun , Kim Su Young , Kim Young Soo , Cho Jae Youl , Lee Jongsung
Published: March 2024

Urban Particulate Matter (UPM) induces skin aging and inflammatory responses by regulating skin cells through the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Although oleic acid, an unsaturated free fatty acid (FFA), has some functional activities, its effect on UPM‐induced skin damage has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated signaling pathways on how oleic acid is involved in attenuating UPM induced cell damage. UPM treatment increased XRE‐promoter luciferase activity and increased translocation of AhR to the nucleus, resulting in the upregulation of CYP1A1 gene. However, oleic acid treatment attenuated the UPM effects on AhR signaling. Furthermore, while UPM induced activation of TRPV1 and MAPKs signaling which activated the downstream molecules NFκB and AP‐1, these effects were reduced by cotreatment with oleic acid. UPM‐dependent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction of cellular proliferation were also attenuated by the treatment of oleic acid. These data reveal that cell damage induced by UPM treatment occurs through AhR signaling and TRPV1 activation which in turn activates ERK and JNK, ultimately inducing NFκB and AP‐1 activation. These effects were reduced by the cotreatment of oleic acid on HaCaT cells. These suggest that oleic acid reduces UPM‐induced cell damage through inhibiting both the AhR signaling and activation of TRPV1 and its downstream molecules, leading to a reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokine and recovery of cell proliferation.
Emergent teaching movements in leadership development: Group relations, case‐in‐point, and intentional emergence
Authors: Weng John , Werner Linnette , Steffensmeier Tim
Published: March 2024

In a post‐pandemic context, the need for leadership students to navigate ambiguous conditions and examine their automatic responses to authority has increased. Yet, common approaches to teaching leadership, such as group discussions and simulations, overlook the potential for using development spaces as living laboratories. This article explores three emergent‐based pedagogies (group relations, case‐in‐point, and intentional emergence) that de‐center the instructor, prioritize co‐creation and emergence, and provide living laboratories for students to examine their assumptions and default behaviors related to leadership.
The classroom as laboratory: A theoretical grounding of the intentional emergence framework for leadership development
Authors: Werner Linnette , Fink Alexander
Published: March 2024

Leadership development, like other professional areas such as medicine, teaching, and law, requires students to become as adept at practicing leadership as they are at understanding the theory behind it. For example, K‐12 teachers have student teaching, medical students have residencies, cadavers, and virtual reality‐but where is the learning laboratory for leadership? The intentional emergence (IE) pedagogy provides a framework for instructors and learners that both honors the role of the instructor as a goal/outcome‐setter while also embracing the complexities of the leadership development space as a living laboratory and practice field for leadership. Additionally, IE attempts to bring unconscious and default behaviors to the foreground so that critical components of leadership development such as power, privilege, and identities can be seen and included.
A Microcosm of the outside world: Intentional emergence around current events, factions, and polarization
Authors: Hellstrom David , Steiner Jenny P.
Published: March 2024

Teaching leadership in today's world requires a combination of introducing theory and best practices, as well as allowing moments that are happening in real‐time, both current events and interactions from the “laboratory” of the classroom, to affect the teaching agenda. Instructors can lean into the model of Intentional Emergence (IE) to help guide them toward welcoming these “real‐life moment” as vital parts of the curriculum. The authors review inside events, outside events, and Temporary Authority Skills Challenges (or TASCs) as examples of IE pedagogy.
Attending to the complexities of leadership learning and practice: Emergent‐based assessment and evaluation strategies
Authors: Soria Krista M. , Kliewer Brandon W.
Published: March 2024

In emergence‐based leadership education, the knowledge and experiences co‐created in the classroom may violate some of the assumptions behind traditional teaching and learning assessment methods. Thus, traditional assessment, evaluation, and outcomes for courses utilizing emergence‐based methods, such as intentional emergence, case‐in‐point, dialogic group process consultations, and group relations/dynamics, are counterintuitive and must be reconsidered. We provide recommendations regarding how to conduct assessment when utilizing emergence‐based teaching methods in leadership education. We review the use of inductive forms of assessment and provide recommendations for broadening learning outcomes and engaging in learning outcomes beyond the knowledge domain.
PRMT5-mediated homologous recombination repair is essential to maintain genomic integrity of neural progenitor cells
Authors: Wang Ya-Jun , Cao Jian-Bo , Yang Jing , Liu Tong , Yu Hua-Li , He Zi-Xuan , Bao Shi-Lai , He Xiao-Xiao , Zhu Xiao-Juan
Published: March 2024

Maintaining genomic stability is a prerequisite for proliferating NPCs to ensure genetic fidelity. Though histone arginine methylation has been shown to play important roles in safeguarding genomic stability, the underlying mechanism during brain development is not fully understood. Protein arginine N-methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a type II protein arginine methyltransferase that plays a role in transcriptional regulation. Here, we identify PRMT5 as a key regulator of DNA repair in response to double-strand breaks (DSBs) during NPC proliferation. Prmt5F/F; Emx1-Cre (cKO-Emx1) mice show a distinctive microcephaly phenotype, with partial loss of the dorsal medial cerebral cortex and complete loss of the corpus callosum and hippocampus. This phenotype is resulted from DSBs accumulation in the medial dorsal cortex followed by cell apoptosis. Both RNA sequencing and in vitro DNA repair analyses reveal that PRMT5 is required for DNA homologous recombination (HR) repair. PRMT5 specifically catalyzes H3R2me2s in proliferating NPCs in the developing mouse brain to enhance HR-related gene expression during DNA repair. Finally, overexpression of BRCA1 significantly rescues DSBs accumulation and cell apoptosis in PRMT5-deficient NSCs. Taken together, our results show that PRMT5 maintains genomic stability by regulating histone arginine methylation in proliferating NPCs.
MR Imaging Characteristics of Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Orbit
Authors: Ziegenfuß Christoph , van Landeghem Natalie , Meier Chiara , Pförtner Roman , Eckstein Anja , Dammann Philipp , Haubold Patrizia , Haubold Johannes , Forsting Michael , Deuschl Cornelius , Wanke Isabel , Li Yan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the orbit is a rare tumor that was first described in 1994. We aimed to investigate its imaging characteristics that may facilitate the differential diagnosis between SFT and other types of orbital tumors.

Material and Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of patients with immunohistochemically confirmed orbital SFT from 2002 to 2022 at a tertiary care center were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor location, size, morphological characteristics, and contrast enhancement features were evaluated.

Results

Of the 18 eligible patients 10 were female (56%) with a mean age of 52 years. Most of the SFTs were oval-shaped (67%) with a sharp margin (83%). The most frequent locations were the laterocranial quadrant (44%), the extraconal space (67%) and the dorsal half of the orbit (67%). A flow void phenomenon was observed in nearly all cases (94%). On the T1-weighted imaging, tumor signal intensity (SI) was significantly lower than that of the retrobulbar fat and appeared predominantly equivalent (82%) to the temporomesial brain cortex, while on T2-weighted imaging its SI remained equivalent (50%) or slightly hyperintense to that of brain cortex. More than half of the lesions showed a homogeneous contrast enhancement pattern with a median SI increase of 2.2-fold compared to baseline precontrast imaging.

Conclusion

The SFT represents a rare orbital tumor with several characteristic imaging features. It was mostly oval-shaped with a sharp margin and frequently localized in the extraconal space and dorsal half of the orbit. Flow voids indicating hypervascularization were the most common findings.
Angst und Depression bei Jugendlichen
Authors: Resch Franz , Parzer Peter
Published: March 2024

Ängste und Depressionen bei Jugendlichen haben schon in den Jahren vor der COVID-19-Pandemie zugenommen und dann im Pandemiegeschehen noch einmal eine deutliche Steigerung erfahren. In diesem Artikel werden die unterschiedlichen klinischen Ausdrucksformen dieser emotionalen Syndrome detailliert dargestellt und auch die Entwicklungswege einer Kombination beider Störungen expliziert. Auch subklinische Formen von Angst und Depression haben schon deutliche klinische Auswirkungen und beeinträchtigen die Entwicklungsaufgaben der Adoleszenz. Die „avolitionale Depression“ (Depression mit schweren Antriebsstörungen) wird als Sonderform erwähnt. Pathogenetische Bausteine – von einer genetischen Vulnerabilität bis zu psychosozialen Belastungsfaktoren – kommen im Licht der Tatsache zur Diskussion, dass Ängste und Depressionen beim weiblichen Geschlecht im Jugendalter etwa doppelt so häufig auftreten wie beim männlichen. Die Einbettung der Störungen in das aktuelle Zeitgeschehen zeigt die besondere Bedeutung der selbstreflexiven Emotion „Scham“ im jugendlichen Entwicklungsprozess. Vor einer Verknappung und Dysfunktionalität des emotionalen Dialogs zwischen wichtigen Bezugspersonen und Kindern muss gewarnt werden. Dessen Rolle für die Selbst- und Affektregulation der Jugendlichen ist nicht zu unterschätzen. Den Abschluss bildet eine Übersicht über die wichtigsten therapeutischen Maßnahmen bei Ängsten und Depressionen im Jugendalter.
A novel numerical modeling of microsecond laser beam percussion micro-drilling of Hastelloy X: experimental validation and multi-objective optimization
Authors: Aghaei Attar Milad , Razmkhah Omid , Ghoreishi Majid , Moradi Mahmoud
Published: March 2024

The paper investigates the characteristics of the laser beam percussion micro-drilling (LBPMD) process in aerospace nickel-based superalloy Hastelloy X using microsecond pulses. The quality of the drilled hole is crucial in laser beam micromachining, and selecting appropriate process parameters significantly impacts the hole’s quality. The objective is to achieve predefined hole dimensions with minimal taper angles. Additionally, the study focuses on the alteration of pulse width, which is a combination of laser pulse frequency and duty cycle. Laser power (P), duty cycle % (D), focal plane position (FPP), and laser frequency (f) are considered input parameters, while geometric features such as inlet and outlet diameters, hole taper angle, and inlet circularity are examined as process responses. ANOVA is employed to establish significant relationships between process parameters and response variations based on experimental tests. Creating a precise simulation model that accurately accounts for the moving boundary of the target material’s receding surface is a crucial and challenging task in formulating the laser heat conduction problem. It is necessary to simultaneously capture the material’s dynamic front movement and update the boundary conditions of the laser source. To model the micro-drilled hole with LBPMD, the UMESHMOTION and DFLUX subroutines, along with the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) adaptive remesh algorithm in the Abaqus™ software, are utilized. Notably, no previous numerical study has predicted the geometry of micro-drilled holes using this technique. The proposed procedure is validated through the predictions of inlet and outlet hole diameters. Special emphasis is placed on the validation of models. Consequently, the numerical model and statistical model are compared as well as the need to define model applicability. The study demonstrates that all input parameters significantly influence the inlet hole diameter, while the pulse width notably affects the taper angle and circularity. The interaction between high laser frequency and low duty cycle results in reduced pulse duration. Multi-objective optimization is performed to determine the optimal process parameter settings for desired quality characteristics, considering minimum hole taper angle, precise inlet diameter, and maximum inlet circularity of the hole as optimization criteria. The findings show that with the optimized predicted results obtained from the optimal input variables, a composite desirability of 92% can be achieved.
Single-dose Tadalafil Reduces Opening Urethral Pressure: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Trial in Healthy Women
Authors: Christoffersen Thea , Riis Troels , Sonne David P. , Klarskov Niels
Published: March 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

Phosphodiesterase enzymes are widely distributed in female urogenital tissues. Yet, the understanding of their physiological roles and the impact of phosphodiesterase inhibitors on lower urinary tract symptoms in women remains limited. Current hypotheses are conflicting: one suggests that vasodilation might expand the periurethral vascular plexus, leading to increased urethral pressure, whereas the other proposes a relaxation of urethral musculature, resulting in decreased pressure. To further clarify this, we investigated the effect of tadalafil on the opening urethral pressure and voiding function in healthy women.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 24 healthy women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of tadalafil (40 mg) or placebo during their initial visit and then switched to the alternative treatment during their second visit. Opening urethral pressure was measured with urethral pressure reflectometry during both resting and squeezing conditions of the pelvic floor. Subsequently, voiding parameters were recorded.

Results

Compared with placebo, a single dose of tadalafil significantly reduced opening urethral pressure during both resting (-6.8 cmH20; 95% confidence interval [CI], -11.8 to -1.9; p = 0.009) and squeezing conditions (-8.8 cmH20; 95% CI, -14.6 to -3.1; p = 0.005). Voiding parameters did not show significant differences (average flow rate: -0.8 ml/s [95% CI, -2.0 to 0.4; p = 0.2]; maximum flow rate: -1.7 ml/s [95% CI, -4.8 to 1.5; p = 0.3]).

Conclusions

A single dose of 40 mg tadalafil moderately reduced urethral pressure in healthy women, without affecting voiding parameters. The clinical implications of this are yet to be determined.
Validation of a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bloodstream infection prediction score in the hematologic malignancy population
Authors: Gill Emily L. , Gill Christian M. , McEvoy Colleen
Published: March 2024

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) bloodstream infections (BSIs) contribute to significant mortality in hematologic malignancy (HM) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. A risk score to predict SM BSI could reduce time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy (TTAT) and improve patient outcomes. A single center cohort study of hospitalized adults with HM/HSCT was conducted. Patients had ≥ 1 blood culture with a Gram-negative (GN) organism. A StenoSCORE was calculated for each patient. The StenoSCORE2 was developed using risk factors for SM BSI identified via logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted. Sensitivity and specificity for the StenoSCORE and StenoSCORE2 were calculated. Thirty-six SM patients and 534 non-SM patients were assessed. A StenoSCORE ≥ 33 points was 80% sensitive, 68% specific, and accurately classified 69% of GN BSIs. StenoSCORE2 variables included acute leukemia, prolonged neutropenia, mucositis, ICU admission, recent meropenem and/or cefepime exposure. The StenoSCORE2 performed better than the StenoSCORE (ROC AUC 0.84 vs. 0.77). A StenoSCORE2 ≥ 4 points was 86% sensitive, 76% specific, and accurately classified 77% of GN BSIs. TTAT was significantly longer for patients with SM BSI compared with non-SM BSI (45.16 h vs. 0.57 h; p < 0.0001). In-hospital and 28-day mortality were significantly higher for patients with SM BSI compared to non-SM BSI (58.3% vs. 18.5% and 66.7% vs. 26.4%; p-value < 0.0001). The StenoSCORE and StenoSCORE2 performed well in predicting SM BSIs in patients with HM/HSCT and GN BSI. Clinical studies evaluating whether StenoSCORE and/or StenoSCORE2 implementation improves TTAT and clinical outcomes are warranted.
Leaving trusted paths: Estimating corneal keratometric index in cataract surgery eyes with zero-power implants
Authors: Gatinel Damien , Hoffmann Peter C. , Cooke David L. , Chingan Alexandre , Debellemanière Guillaume , Langenbucher Achim , Wendelstein Jascha A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to estimate the corneal keratometric index in the eyes of cataract surgery patients who received zero-power intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Methodology

This retrospective study analyzed postoperative equivalent spherical refraction and axial length, mean anterior curvature radius and aqueous humor refractive index to calculate the theoretical corneal keratometric index value (nk). Data was collected from 2 centers located in France and Germany.

Results

Thirty-six eyes were analyzed. The results revealed a mean corneal keratometric index of 1.329 ± 0.005 for traditional axial length (AL) and 1.331 ± 0.005 for Cooke modified axial length (CMAL). Results ranged from minimum values of 1.318/1.320 to maximum values of 1.340/1.340.

Conclusion

The corneal keratometric index is a crucial parameter for ophthalmic procedures and calculations, particularly for IOL power calculation. Notably, the estimated corneal keratometric index value of 1.329/1.331 in this study is lower than the commonly used 1.3375 index. These findings align with recent research demonstrating that the theoretical corneal keratometric index should be approximately 1.329 using traditional AL and 1.331 using CMAL, based on the ratio between the mean anterior and posterior corneal curvature radii (1.22).
Improving precipitation estimates for Turkey with multimodel ensemble: a comparison of nonlinear artificial neural network method with linear methods
Authors: Mesta Buket , Akgun O. Burak , Kentel Elcin
Published: March 2024

Ensemble analysis is proven to provide advantages in climate change impact assessment based on outputs from climate models. Ensembled series are shown to outperform single-model assessments through increased consistency and stability. This study aims to test the improvement of precipitation estimates through the use of ensemble analysis for south and southwestern Turkey which is known to have complex climatic features due to varying topography and interacting climate forcings. The analysis covers an evaluation of the performance of eight regional climate models (RCMs) from the EUR-11 domain available from the CORDEX database. The historical outputs are evaluated for their representativeness of the current climate of the Mediterranean region and its surroundings in Turkey through a comparison with long-term monthly precipitation time series obtained from ground-based precipitation observations by the use of statistical performance indicators and Taylor diagrams. This is followed by a comparative evaluation of three ensemble methodologies, simple average of the models, multiple linear regression for superensemble, and artificial neural networks (ANN). The analysis results show that the overall performance of ensembled time series is better compared to individual RCMs. ANN generally provided the best performance when all RCMs are used as inputs. Improvement in the performance of ensembling due to the use of nonlinear models is further confirmed by fuzzy inference systems (FIS). Both ANN and FIS generated monthly precipitation time series with higher correlations with those of observations. However, extreme events are poorly represented in the ensembled time series, and this may result in inefficiency in the design of various water structures such as spillways and storm water drainage systems that are based on high return period events.
Measurement uncertainty from sampling and its role in validation of measurement procedures
Authors: Ramsey Michael H. , Rostron Peter D.
Published: March 2024

It is now widely accepted that the measurement process usually begins when the primary sample is taken. The uncertainty of measurement (MU) must therefore include contributions that arise from the primary sampling, and also from any physical preparation of the sample which often occurs before the sample reaches the laboratory. Guidance on how to estimate MU that includes that arising from sampling (UfS) has been widely applied to a wide range of application sectors (e.g. food, feed, water, sediment, soil, gases). Recent revision of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html) has also recognised the inclusion of sampling within the measurement process. This recognition has implications for the validation of measurement procedures that include sampling (VaMPIS). The scope of method (or procedure) validation has therefore to be expanded and reassessed, in order to include all of these components. The uncertainty of the measurement value (MU) is a key parameter that encompasses the effects of all the other operating characteristics of the analytical procedure that is traditionally considered during its validation. It has the further advantage that it can also incorporate the uncertainty due to sampling and physical sample preparation, thus providing a single value of uncertainty that derives from the entire measurement procedure. The fitness for purpose (FnFP) of the whole measurement procedure, which is required for validation, can be judged by comparing the estimated MU (including UfS), against a Target MU, however that is set. A case study for the determination of nitrate in glasshouse lettuce shows how this VaMPIS approach can be applied to a whole measurement procedure. The experimental MU is estimated using the Duplicate Method and compared against a Target MU set using the Optimised Uncertainty (OU) method. The measurement procedure published in EU guidance is shown not to be fit for purpose (FFP). However, this approach identifies how that sampling procedure can be modified to achieve FnFP for the whole procedure, by increasing the number of sample increments per batch from 10 to 40.
Therapist perspectives on telehealth-based virtual reality exposure therapy
Authors: Ong Triton , Ivanova Julia , Soni Hiral , Wilczewski Hattie , Barrera Janelle , Cummins Mollie , Welch Brandon M. , Bunnell Brian E.
Published: March 2024

Virtual reality (VR) can enhance mental health care. In particular, the effectiveness of VR-based exposure therapy (VRET) has been well-demonstrated for treatment of anxiety disorders. However, most applications of VRET remain localized to clinic spaces. We aimed to explore mental health therapists’ perceptions of telehealth-based VRET (tele-VRET) by conducting semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 18 telemental health therapists between October and December 2022. Interview topics included telehealth experiences, exposure therapy over telehealth, previous experiences with VR, and perspectives on tele-VRET. Therapists described how telehealth reduced barriers (88.9%, 16/18), enhanced therapy (61.1%, 11/18), and improved access to clients (38.9%, 7/18), but entailed problems with technology (61.1%, 11/18), uncontrolled settings (55.6%, 10/18), and communication difficulties (50%, 9/18). Therapists adapted exposure therapy to telehealth by using online resources (66.7%, 12/18), preparing client expectations (55.6%, 10/18), and adjusting workflows (27.8%, 5/18). Most therapists had used VR before (72.2%, 13/18) and had positive impressions of VR (55.6%, 10/18), but none had used VR clinically. In response to tele-VRET, therapists requested interactive session activities (77.8%, 14/18) and customizable interventions components (55.6%, 10/18). Concerns about tele-VRET included risks with certain clients (77.8%, 14/18), costs (50%, 9/18), side effects and privacy (22.2%, 4/18), and inappropriateness for specific forms of exposure therapy (16.7%, 3/18). These results reveal how combining telehealth and VRET may expand therapeutic options for mental healthcare providers and can help inform collaborative development of immersive health technologies.
ZNF692 drives malignant development of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by promoting ALDOA-dependent glycolysis
Authors: Meng Weiwei , Lu Xiaojuan , Wang Guanglei , Xiao Qingyu , Gao Jing
Published: March 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the malignancies with the worst prognosis worldwide, in the occurrence and development of which glycolysis plays a central role. This study uncovered a mechanism by which ZNF692 regulates ALDOA-dependent glycolysis in HCC cells. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of ZNF692, KAT5, and ALDOA in HCC cell lines and a normal liver cell line. The influences of transfection-induced alterations in the expression of ZNF692, KAT5, and ALDOA on the functions of HepG2 cells were detected by performing MTT, flow cytometry, Transwell, cell scratch, and colony formation assays, and the levels of glucose and lactate were determined using assay kits. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were conducted to validate the binding of ZNF692 to the KAT5 promoter, and co-IP assays to detect the interaction between KAT5 and ALDOA and the acetylation of ALDOA. ZNF692, KAT5, and ALDOA were highly expressed in human HCC samples and cell lines, and their expression levels were positively correlated in HCC. ZNF692, ALDOA, or KAT5 knockdown inhibited glycolysis, proliferation, invasion, and migration and promoted apoptosis in HepG2 cells. ZNF692 bound to the KAT5 promoter and promoted its activity. ALDOA acetylation levels were elevated in HCC cell lines. KAT5 bound to ALDOA and catalyzed ALDOA acetylation. ALDOA or KAT5 overexpression in the same time of ZNF692 knockdown, compared to ZNF692 knockdown only, stimulated glycolysis, proliferation, invasion, and migration and reduced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. ZNF692 promotes the acetylation modification and protein expression of ALDOA by catalyzing KAT5 transcription, thereby accelerating glycolysis to drive HCC cell development.
Wintering raptor species distribution in a semiarid Mediterranean region: the relevance of lowlands and open habitats as stopover sites
Authors: Álvarez Mario , León-Ortega Mario , Martínez José E. , Calvo José F. , Jiménez-Franco María V.
Published: March 2024

As land-use cover types affect wintering birds’ strategies, studying their habitat suitability for species conservation is relevant. Predictive spatial models are considered excellent tools for conservation planning and improving our understanding of species distribution. Here we build models to predict the spatial distribution of raptor species that overwinter in SE Spain. We modelled the wintering raptor species distribution based on the presence-only data obtained between 2017 and 2019 and analysed their habitat preferences based on elevation and land-use cover variables. Our results show that altitude and distance to the coastline are the most important environmental factors to affect most species’ habitat suitability. Habitat type-related factors are other important predictors, and raptors subject of this study prefer lowlands and areas close to the coastline for overwintering by selecting open habitats, which include wetlands and irrigated and rainfed crops. This study highlights the importance of the habitat heterogeneity generated by wetlands and herbaceous crops within a low-altitude range as the optimal environment for wintering raptors. Such information should be considered for raptor conservation planning in human-altered landscapes.
A Reformulation of the Browaeys and Chevrot Decomposition of Elastic Maps
Authors: Tape Walter , Tape Carl
Published: March 2024

An elastic map $\mathbf{T}$
T
associates stress with strain in some material. A symmetry of $\mathbf{T}$
T
is a rotation of the material that leaves $\mathbf{T}$
T
unchanged, and the symmetry group of $\mathbf{T}$
T
consists of all such rotations. The symmetry class of $\mathbf{T}$
T
describes the symmetry group but without the orientation information. With an eye toward geophysical applications, Browaeys & Chevrot developed a theory which, for any elastic map $\mathbf{T}$
T
and for each of six symmetry classes $\Sigma $
Σ
, computes the “$\Sigma $
Σ
-percentage” of $\mathbf{T}$
T
. The theory also finds a “hexagonal approximation”—an approximation to $\mathbf{T}$
T
whose symmetry class is at least transverse isotropic. We reexamine their theory and recommend that the $\Sigma $
Σ
-percentages be abandoned. We also recommend that the hexagonal approximations to $\mathbf{T}$
T
be replaced with the closest transverse isotropic maps to $\mathbf{T}$
T
.