bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interaction between vegetation patchiness and tidal flows in a shortleaf seagrass meadow
Authors: da Silva Tiago D. , Mullarney Julia C. , Pilditch Conrad A. , Coco Giovanni
Published: September 2024

Seagrasses are critical coastal habitats that provide numerous ecosystem services. The inherent patchiness within meadows exerts a significant influence on the flow‐vegetation interaction, which, in turn, affects the array of services provided by these environments. We present field observations of vegetation distribution and hydrodynamic measurements within and surrounding an approximately 2 m diameter gap (bare sediment) in a fragmented seagrass meadow. We show that variability in mean flows and turbulence is correlated with meadow structure at small (O (100 m)) and large (O (102 m)) spatial scales. Our observations reveal that bare gaps within seagrass meadows lead to faster flows and lower bed elevations. Despite slower flow speeds above the dense seagrass adjacent to the gap, the rates of dissipation of turbulent energy above the vegetation are typically around an order of magnitude larger than above the bare bed. Associated with this enhanced dissipation of turbulent energy, we observed a dominance of down‐deceleration events promoting fluid exchange and mixing and driving mass flux into the canopy. Analysis of directional variograms demonstrates that the major continuity axis within NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) imagery (used as a proxy for vegetation biomass) coincides with the major axis of flow on both gap and meadow scales. Conversely, along the axis of minor flow variance, vegetation remains dense and exhibits greater uniformity. These findings indicate a feedback mechanism between seagrass meadow patchiness and spatial structure through flow modification, which may be beneficial for plant development.
Current emerging therapeutic targets and clinical investigational agents for schizophrenia: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Ye Na , Wang Qi , Li Yue , Zhen Xuechu
Published: September 2024

Since the first discovery of antipsychotics in the 1950s, targeting dopaminergic drugs has manifested to well manage the positive symptoms of schizophrenia with limited efficacy for the negative and cognitive symptoms. In past decades, extensive efforts have been undertaken towards the development of innovative agents that can effectively stabilize the dopamine and serotonin systems or target to nondopaminergic pathways, leading to various promising drug candidates entering into clinical trials. Notably, the sigma‐2, 5‐HT2A, and α1A receptor antagonist roluperidone, as well as a fixed‐dose combination of the M1/4 receptor agonist KarXT, have been submitted for NDA applications. The dual agonist ulotaront, which targets TAAR1 and 5‐HT1A receptors, and the GlyT1 inhibitor iclepertin have advanced into phase 3 clinical trials. Nevertheless, satisfactory therapeutic strategies for schizophrenia remain elusive. This review highlights current clinical endeavors in developing novel chemical small‐molecule entities and fixed‐dose combinations for the treatment of schizophrenia since 2017, thus facilitating the efficient development of the next generation of antipsychotics.
Compact 13–34 GHz ultrawideband on‐chip bandpass filter using the coupled meandered line
Authors: Hong Xu , Zhang Shengkang , Jiang Yan , Zhu Jinfeng , Shi Yongrong , Feng Linping , Wu Xiaoming , Zhou Jianyang
Published: September 2024

This article presents an ultrawideband (UWB) bandpass filter (BPF) using integrated passive device technology on a GaAs substrate. This bandpass filter uses a multistage coupled line to achieve an ultrawide passband. The filter with a 3 dB fractional bandwidth can achieve a UWB of 106.1% (11.8–38.5 GHz). Introducing short‐circuit capacitors and two open microstrip lines between coupling lines achieved two transmission zeros on both sides of the passband and excellent frequency selectivity. Furthermore, to improve impedance matching performance within the ultrawide passband, a step impedance resonator (SIR) structure was adopted for the coupling line. To demonstrate the working mechanism of the proposed BPF, an LC equivalent circuit model was proposed and analyzed to investigate transmission poles and zeros. The suggested filter was fabricated into a small size of 1.4 × 0.85 mm2. According to the measurement results, the filter's insertion loss in the 13–34 GHz range was less than 2 dB, and its return loss exceeded −12 dB. The improved performance of the suggested filter was validated by the consistency between simulation results and measured findings.
Local and whole‐body SAR in UHF body imaging: Implications for SAR matrix compression
Authors: Fiedler Thomas M. , Ladd Mark E. , Orzada Stephan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Transmit arrays for body imaging have characteristics of both volume and local transmit coils. This study evaluates two specific absorption rate (SAR) aspects, local and whole‐body SAR, of arrays for body imaging at 7 T and also for a 3 T birdcage.

Methods

Simulations were performed for six antenna arrays at 7 T and one 3 T birdcage. Local SAR matrices and the whole‐body SAR matrix were computed and evaluated with random shims. A set of reduced local SAR matrices was determined by removing all matrices dominated by the whole‐body SAR matrix.

Results

The results indicate that all RF transmit coils for body imaging in this study are constrained by the local SAR limit. The ratio between local and whole‐body SAR is nevertheless smaller for arrays with large FOV, as these arrays also expose a larger part of the human body.

By using the whole‐body SAR matrix, the number of local SAR matrices can be reduced (e.g., 33.3% matrices remained for an 8‐channel local array and 89.7% for a 30‐channel remote array; 12.1% for the 3 T birdcage).

Conclusion

For transmit antenna arrays used for body imaging at 7 T as well as for the 3 T birdcage, all evaluated cases show that the local SAR limit was reached before reaching the whole‐body SAR limit. Nevertheless, the whole‐body SAR matrix can be used to reduce the number of local SAR matrices, which is important to reduce memory and computing time for a virtual observation points (VOP) compression. This step can be included as a pre‐compression prior to a VOP compression.
A data‐assisted physics‐informed neural network (DA‐PINN) for fretting fatigue lifetime prediction
Authors: Wang Can , Xiao Qiqi , Zhou Zhikun , Yang Yongyu , Kosec Gregor , Wang Lihua , Abdel Wahab Magd
Published: September 2024

In this study, we present for the first time the application of physics‐informed neural network (PINN) to fretting fatigue problems. Although PINN has recently been applied to pure fatigue lifetime prediction, it has not yet been explored in the case of fretting fatigue. We propose a data‐assisted PINN (DA‐PINN) for predicting fretting fatigue crack initiation lifetime. Unlike traditional PINN that solves partial differential equations for specific problems, DA‐PINN combines experimental or numerical data with physics equations as part of the loss function to enhance prediction accuracy. The DA‐PINN method, employed in this study, consists of two main steps. First, damage parameters are obtained from the finite element method by using critical plane method, which generates a data set used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) for predicting damage parameters in other cases. Second, the predicted damage parameters are combined with the experimental parameters to form the input data set for the DA‐PINN models, which predict fretting fatigue lifetime. The results demonstrate that DA‐PINN outperforms ANN in terms of prediction accuracy and eliminates the need for high computational costs once the damage parameter data set is constructed. Additionally, the choice of loss‐function methods in DA‐PINN models plays a crucial role in determining its performance.
Land parcellation reduced spatial redundancy resulting in grassland degradation
Authors: Jiao JianXin , Li ShanShan , Wang WenYin , Qi LingYan , Degen A. Allan , Bai YanFu , Jiao Ting , Shang ZhanHuan
Published: September 2024

Degradation is the most immediate threat to biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods of global pastoral grasslands. However, we are still uncertain why grassland degradation is enhanced by the land policy of grassland parcellation. We hypothesized that spatial redundancy of the grazing system, that is, parcellation accelerates land fragmentation and reduces spatial redundancy, leads to land degradation. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between households, livestock and grassland management under the grassland contract policy, and to determine the causes and consequences of grassland fragmentation and degradation.

We interviewed households who received land under the grassland contract policy in typical pastoral areas of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, and then, we employed binary logistic regressions, multinomial logistic regressions and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analyses to examine the relationship between spatial redundancy and grassland–livestock balance.

A very significant (p < 0.001) negative asymptotic exponential trend emerged between grassland area and stocking rate, but with regional differences. Grassland spatial redundancy and stocking rate displayed a significant (r2 = 0.96; p < 0.05) negative asymptotic exponential trend, that is, households with a lower spatial redundancy had a higher stocking rate.

Based on our results, spatial redundancy can be used as one of the key indices to evaluate landscape stability of grazing systems. In any terrestrial ecosystem, the size of spatial redundancy reflects the carrying capacity of the land and determines the delicate relationship between land, animals and population, that is, in equilibrium or non‐equilibrium.

Therefore, taking the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau as an example, we face the spread of grassland degradation caused by the gradual fragmentation of resources under the current grassland contract policy and parcellation in global pastoral areas. Determining the spatial redundancy size of grassland is an important prerequisite for understanding grassland degradation and formulating grassland management strategies. These novel findings have potential beneficial information for resource utilization, especially land management planning in pastoral areas worldwide.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Comprehensive analysis of constitutional mismatch repair deficiency‐associated non‐Hodgkin lymphomas in a global cohort
Authors: Rigaud Charlotte , Forster Victoria J. , Al‐Tarrah Hiba , Attarbaschi Andishe , Bianchi Vanessa , Burke Amos , Burkhardt Birgit , Colas Chrystelle , Devalck Christine , Edwards Melissa , Elitzur Sarah , Garthe Anne‐Kathrin , Goldberg Yael , Guerrini‐Rousseau Léa , Horpaopan Sukanya , Januszkiewicz‐Lewandowska Danuta , Kabíčková Edita , Kratz Christian P. , Loeffen Jan , Pérez‐Alonso Vanessa , Pineda Marta , Minard‐Colin Véronique , Rueda Daniel , Ruiz‐Ponte Clara , Trinquand Amelie , Uyttebroeck Anne , Wimmer Katharina , Auperin Anne , Tabori Uri , Brugieres Laurence
Published: September 2024

Background

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome (CMMRD) is a rare childhood cancer predisposition syndrome associated with a broad spectrum of malignancies, including non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Most patients die due to cancer before the age of 20 years. Limited data exist on CMMRD‐associated lymphomas and their outcome.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including all CMMRD‐associated NHL patients registered before 2020 in the European and North American databases or reported by members of the European Intergroup for Childhood Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma (EICNHL). Events considered to define event‐free survival included relapse/progression, second malignancy (SML), or death, whichever occurred first.

Findings

The analysis included 74 patients, with 20 having multiple metachronous NHL. The median age at diagnosis was 9.4 years. Previous malignancies were reported in 36% of the patients, café au lait spots in 96%, and consanguinity in 54%. The initial lymphoma subtypes were 53 T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphomas (T‐LBL), four B‐lymphoblastic lymphomas, and 17 mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL). All patients were treated with curative intent, with current chemotherapy regimens adapted to their subtype. The median follow‐up was 8.7 years. After the first lymphoma, the 5‐year event‐free and overall survival rates were, respectively, 23.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 14.9–35.1] and 61.5% [95% CI: 49.6–72.1]. The 5‐year cumulative risk of progression/relapse, SML or death as a first event was 20.8%, 52.9%, and 2.7%.

Interpretation

Standard treatments for sporadic NHL are effective in most CMMRD‐associated NHL cases, but multiple malignancies, including lymphomas, impair prognosis. Future strategies should evaluate the potential of less genotoxic therapies, including immunotherapy, in preventing SMLs while maintaining effective control of NHL.
The TeLeo Program: Tele‐education in pediatric oncology as a tool to support training programs in Latin America
Authors: Sampor Claudia , Alonso Rocio , Durañona Mariana , Gorostegui Maite , Antillón‐Klussmann Federico , Lopes Luiz Fernando , Cappellano Andrea M. , Gonzalez‐Ramella Oscar , Lobos Pablo , Palma Julia , Grynszpancholc Edith , Vasquez Liliana , Morales La Madrid Andrés , Moreira Daniel C. , Cruz Ofelia , Chantada Guillermo
Published: September 2024

The TeLeo Program offers a free‐access 2‐year online learning program to support fellowship programs in pediatric oncology, enhance networking opportunities, and facilitate the exchange of context‐specific, educational content within the pediatric oncology community in training in Latin America. In its first edition beginning in 2021, 185 fellows from 40 centers in 12 Latin American countries were enrolled. Additional courses for other healthcare professionals related to oncology in the region were produced to further support the program. A digital platform was created to allow users to easily access learning activities after registration, with 7075 professionals currently registered.
Re‐Exposure to Culprit Medication Following Adverse Drug Event Diagnosis in Canadian Emergency Department Patients: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wickham Maeve E. , McGrail Kimberlyn M. , Law Michael R. , Cragg Amber , Hohl Corinne M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The magnitude of repeat exposures to culprit medications after hospital discharge is not well studied. We combined prospective cohort data with administrative health data to understand the frequency of repeat exposures to culprit medications after discharge and the risk factors for their occurrence.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of three prospective cohorts of patients who presented to the hospital with an adverse drug event in British Columbia, from 2008 to 2015 (n = 849). We linked prospectively identified adverse drug events to administrative data to examine patterns of redispensing of culprit medications. We used Cox regression to assess risk factors for re‐exposure, and conducted subgroup analyses for essential vs. nonessential medications.

Results

Among 849 diagnosed adverse drug events, 45.2% had subsequent culprit medication redispensing within a year of hospital discharge. The factors associated with re‐exposures included atrial fibrillation, adverse drug event type (e.g. adverse reaction), culprit medication type, and longer historical duration of medication use.

Conclusions

Re‐exposures to culprit medications occurred in almost half of the adverse drug events diagnosed in emergency departments. Many of these were appropriate re‐exposures to essential medications for indications in which the risk of uncontrolled disease likely outweighed the risk of a repeat adverse event. More research is needed to understand re‐exposures to nonessential medications or medications with safer alternatives.
Teachers' emotional intelligence and job satisfaction: The mediating roles of expression of naturally felt emotion and perceived teacher‐student closeness
Authors: Li Mingwei , Cheng Ran , Liu Feifei
Published: September 2024

Global concerns about low levels of teacher job satisfaction (JS) have brought the significance of understanding factors and mechanisms that contribute to this issue. In educational research, the role of emotional intelligence (EI), a critical personal resource, in relation to teachers' JS has emerged as an important topic. Utilizing the Job Demands‐Resources model, the present study proposed a chain mediation model to explore the relationship between teachers' EI and their JS. It specifically examined the roles of expression of naturally felt emotion (ENFE) and perceived teacher‐student closeness as mediators. Data from 503 Chinese primary and secondary school teachers revealed significant correlations among teachers' EI, ENFE, perceived teacher‐student closeness, and JS. Structural equation modeling indicated that EI can significantly predict JS through a sequential mediating effect involving ENFE and perceived teacher‐student closeness. The findings provide insight into the underlying mechanism between teachers' EI and JS. Implications for teacher education practices and directions for future research are discussed.
Association between autistic traits and sleep quality among Chinese junior high school students: The chain mediating roles of self‐control and mindfulness
Authors: Yi Jingchao , Xuan Bin
Published: September 2024

To explore the relationships between autistic traits, self‐control, mindfulness, and sleep quality, and the mechanism underlying these relationships, we recruited a sample of 972 junior high school students who completed a survey consisting of the Chinese version of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory‐short form, Self‐Control Scale, Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure, and Sleep Condition Indicator. The correlation analyses revealed that autistic traits were significantly negatively correlated with self‐control, mindfulness, and sleep quality. Conversely, self‐control was significantly positively correlated with mindfulness and sleep quality in junior high school students. Mediation analyses indicated that self‐control and mindfulness play a chain‐mediating role in the association between autistic traits and sleep quality among junior high school students. In conclusion, enhancing levels of self‐control and mindfulness is essential for improving sleep quality among junior high school students with high levels of autistic traits.
DNA Motifs Hydrogel Microparticles as Gold Nanocatalyst Support Material
Authors: Ishikawa Daisuke , Maruyama Koki , Hara Masahiko
Published: September 2024

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are unique catalysts due to their increased coordination unsaturation via nanoparticulation. Effective functioning requires an appropriate support to maintain particle dispersion without compromising nanoscale properties. Cross‐linked hydrophilic polymer‐derived hydrogels are ideal supports, particularly for biological and biomedical reactions, due to their aqueous affinity and biocompatibility. However, applications in confined spaces, such as in vivo environments, necessitate hydrogel micronization. This study introduces microsized DNA hydrogels as support for Au catalysts. DNA motif‐composed hydrogel particles exhibit high crosslinking density and produce small Au NPs owing to short DNA strands. This system significantly enhances catalytic efficiency compared to similar‐sized Au NP gel‐supported catalysts and requires minimal gold catalyst. Modulating DNA hydrogel crosslinking density allows easy control of Au NP size and catalytic activity, further improved by increased hydrogel surface area through microparticulation. These findings demonstrate DNA nanotechnology's versatility in tailoring DNA hydrogel properties and Au NP catalytic behavior. Computer‐aided design enables precise particle property and motif arrangement manipulation, offering promising customizable catalytic systems.
A Vip3Af mutant confers high resistance to broad lepidopteran insect pests
Authors: Sun Yajie , Yang Pan , She Mingjun , Lin Chaoyang , Ye Yuxuan , Xu Chao , Shen Zhicheng
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vip3) from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) have been utilized for control of lepidopteran insect pests. The majority of known Vip3 proteins possess exceptional high toxicity against Noctuid insects such as the fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda), beet armyworm (BAW, Spodoptera exigua) and cotton bollworm (CBW, Helicoverpa armigera), but generally have relatively low or even no activity against some very important pest insects, such as Asian corn borer (ACB, Ostrinia furnacalis), European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis), rice stem borer (RSB, Chilo suppressalis) and oriental armyworm (OAW, Mythimna separata).

RESULTS

Here, we report mutant Vip3Af with a single amino acid mutation, Vip3Af‐T686R, which gains significantly higher insecticidal activity against ACB, OAW and BAW, while retaining high activity against FAW, CBW and RSB. Protein proteolytic activation in vitro showed that the proteolytic activation efficiency of the mutant protein was greater than the wild‐type protein in the midgut juice of ACB, OAW and BAW. Transgenic corn expressing this mutant Vip3Af showed high levels of resistance to ACB, OAW, FAW, BAW and CBW.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Vip3Af may be a superior Vip3A mutant for the development of transgenic crops with resistance to a broad range of lepidopteran pest species. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A new mutation in the octopamine receptor associated with amitraz resistance in Varroa destructor
Authors: Hernández‐Rodríguez Carmen Sara , Moreno‐Martí Sara , Emilova‐Kirilova Kristina , González‐Cabrera Joel
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

The acaricide amitraz is now used intensively in many regions to control the honey bee parasite, Varroa destructor, because of the reduced efficacy of pyrethroids and coumaphos caused by resistance evolution. The continued application of amitraz in recent years exerts a very high selection pressure on mites, favouring the evolution of resistance to this acaricide. Mutations N87S and Y215H in the β2‐adrenergic‐like octopamine receptor (Octβ2R), target site of amitraz, have been already associated with resistance to amitraz in France and the USA, respectively.

RESULTS

A new mutation (F290L) in the Octβ2R of V. destructor has been found in mites from Spanish apiaries. The frequency of L290 mutated alleles in colonies increased after consecutive treatments with amitraz. In a field trial, mites from colonies with higher frequency of L290 mutated allele took longer to die compared with those carrying a higher proportion of the wild‐type allele. Lower susceptibility to amitraz was found in apiaries with a high frequency of homozygous mutants.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate the association of the F290L mutation in the octopamine receptor with resistance to amitraz in Spanish populations of V. destructor. Determining the frequency of mutant mites in apiaries may be important for predicting the efficacy of amitraz treatment in the field and would help design appropriate resistance management. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Scanning Tunneling Microscope‐Characterization of Chemical Vapor Deposition‐Graphene: Ripples and Twisted Bi‐layers at Multiple Scales
Authors: Tyagi Mahima , Tiwari Aman Abhishek , Mathew Joshua , Sahdev Deshdeep , Dey Srijata , Chandran Maneesh
Published: September 2024

Despite numerous limitations, graphene characterization using scanning tunneling microscopy is an important aspect of graphene research. In the present study, an ambient, large effective field of view scanning tunneling microscope (A‐LEF‐STM) is used as a more practical extension of a standard STM for analyzing chemical vapor deposited (CVD)‐graphene: A rigid sample stage, which allows the tip to be relocated to any point over an area of 3.5 × 3.5 mm, is attached to the latter. This simple enhancement allows rough patches spanning hundreds of nanometers on any sample to be easily circumnavigated, almost always without damaging the tip. Ripples and multi‐layer regions including those with twisted bi‐layers, in a graphene sheet grown on a copper foil using CVD, are located using the augmented manoeuvrability, and imaged in high‐definition from micron to angström scales. Insights relating to the resolution with which surfaces of varying roughness can be imaged are developed using simulations and a careful analysis of the scanning process. The enhanced field of view is also utilized to verify the extent of graphene coverage over the entire sample area. The acquired images of single and multi‐layer depositions are carefully interpreted. The applicability of this end‐to‐end characterization process for other samples is also discussed. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential benefits of the A‐LEF‐STM as an eminent characterization tool, complementary to a Raman spectrometer, for CVD‐graphene and other two‐dimensional materials.
Lewis Acid‐Mediated Synthesis of Thiazolo[3,2‐a] Hydrazone‐Based Organic Semiconducting Microwires
Authors: Meenakshy Chandrika Balachandran , Sindhu Swapna Mohanachandran Nair , Vettikkattil Sankaran Nair Sreelakshmi , Al‐Sharifi Haitham K. R. , Deepthi Ani , Sankararaman Sankaranarayana Iyer
Published: September 2024

Organic semiconducting wires have captured broad attention in recent years due to its tremendous applications in various fields. The structural and chemical versatility, easy fabrication, tunable properties, and low cost have made their inevitable presence in electronics and optoelectronics. Herein, the synthesis and characteristic description of a new thiazolo[3,2‐a] hydrazone‐based organic semiconducting microwire synthesized by the Lewis acid‐based condensation reaction between methyl (Z)‐2‐(2‐(2‐methoxy‐2‐oxoethylidene)‐3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydrothiazolo[3,2‐a]indol‐9‐yl)‐2‐oxoacetate and phenyl hydrazine under reflux conditions is reported. The optical, electrical, and semiconducting nature of the material is revealed from the specular reflectance study. When the Tauc plot analysis reveals a direct bandgap of 2.03 eV, the hot probe test suggests the nature of the majority of charge carriers as electrons, indicating the hydrazone as an organic semiconductor. The long wire‐like morphology with a high aspect ratio makes the molecule conceivable for advanced optoelectronic applications.
MicroRNA expression alteration in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review
Authors: Sulastomo Heru , Dinarti Lucia Kris , Hariawan Hariadi , Haryana Sofia Mubarika
Published: September 2024

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is marked by persistent blood clots in pulmonary arteries, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence highlights the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in pulmonary hypertension, though findings on miRNA expression in CTEPH remain limited and inconsistent. This systematic review evaluates miRNA expression changes in CTEPH and their direction. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, we registered our protocol in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024524469). We included studies on miRNA expression in CTEPH with comparative or analytical designs, excluding nonhuman studies, interventions, non‐English texts, conference abstracts, and editorials. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ProQuest. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool assessed bias risk, and results were synthesized narratively. Of 313 unique studies, 39 full texts were reviewed, and 9 met inclusion criteria, totaling 235 participants. Blood samples were analysed using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Seven miRNAs (miR‐665, miR‐3202, miR‐382, miR‐127, miR‐664, miR‐376c, miR‐30) were uniformly upregulated, while nine (miR‐20a‐5p13, miR‐17‐5p, miR‐93‐5p, miR‐22, let‐7b, miR‐106b‐5p, miR‐3148, miR‐320‐a, miR‐320b) were downregulated in CTEPH patients. Two upregulated miRNAs (miR‐127 and miR‐30a) were consistently associated with previous evidence in the mechanism inducing the development of CTEPH, and five downregulated miRNAs (miR‐20‐a, miR‐17‐5p, miR‐93‐5p, let‐7b, miR‐106b‐5p) were associated with a protective effect against CTEPH. We also identified gaps in the literature where the evidence for five upregulated miRNAs (miR‐665, miR‐3202, miR‐382, miR‐664 and miR‐376c) and four downregulated miRNAs (miR‐22, miR‐3148, miR‐320‐a, and miR‐320b) in CTEPH is conflicting. Our findings offer insights into the role of miRNAs in CTEPH and underscore the need for further research to validate these miRNAs as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Causes and obstetric factors associated with timing of neonatal deaths in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Chikandiwa Admire , Mahtab Sana , Nakwa Firdose L. , Umuneza Nadia , Baillie Vicky , Dangor Ziyaad , Velaphi Sithembiso , Adam Yasmin , Wise Amy
Published: September 2024

Objective

Describe characteristics of women whose decedents died during the neonatal period and explore factors associated with postnatal age at time of death.

Methods

Analysis of data collected at the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) South Africa study site. CHAMPS generates cause of death data in children across nine sites in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Postnatal age at time of neonatal death was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier methods. Factors associated with time to neonatal death were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Analyses were conducted in Stata 15.0®. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There were 225 neonatal deaths during the study period, of which 197 (87.5%) had data for mother‐neonate pairs, with 184 (81.7%) neonates having complete data. The median (IQR) maternal age at booking was 27 (23–34) years. Majority (72.3%, 142/197) of women were unmarried, unemployed (76.0%, 149/197) and were booked (85.0%, 141/166). There were 19.5% of women who had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP, 36/184) while 2.7% (5/184) had diabetes mellitus and 31.5% (58/184) were HIV positive. Most were early neonatal deaths (ENND; 79.4%, 146/184) and remainder (20.6%, 38/184) late neonatal deaths (LNND). The main underlying causes of death were prematurity (60.3%, 111/184), intrapartum hypoxia (17.4%, 32/184), neonatal sepsis (10.3%, 19/184) and congenital anomalies (9.2%, 17/184). Intrapartum hypoxia (Adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.23–3.27, p = 0.01), assisted‐vaginal delivery compared to normal vaginal delivery (aHR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.03–3.71, p = 0.04), preterm delivery (aHR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.03–2, p = 0.04), Apgar score <7 at 5 min (aHR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.01–2.31, p = 0.02) and a previous neonatal death ([aHR] = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.10–1.89, p = 0.04) were associated with earlier time to neonatal death.

Conclusion

Intrapartum complications were associated with earlier time to neonatal death. Improving intrapartum care can reduce neonatal deaths.
A Precision Mixture Risk Model to Identify Adverse Drug Events in Subpopulations Using a Case‐Crossover Design
Authors: Shi Yi , Eadon Michael T. , Chen Yao , Sun Anna , Yang Yuedi , Chiang Chienwei , Donneyong Macarius , Su Jing , Zhang Pengyue
Published: September 2024

Despite the success of pharmacovigilance studies in detecting signals of adverse drug events (ADEs) from real‐world data, the risks of ADEs in subpopulations warrant increased scrutiny to prevent them in vulnerable individuals. Recently, the case‐crossover design has been implemented to leverage large‐scale administrative claims data for ADE detection, while controlling both observed confounding effects and short‐term fixed unobserved confounding effects. Additionally, as the case‐crossover design only includes cases, subpopulations can be conveniently derived. In this manuscript, we propose a precision mixture risk model (PMRM) to identify ADE signals from subpopulations under the case‐crossover design. The proposed model is able to identify signals from all ADE‐subpopulation‐drug combinations, while controlling for false discovery rate (FDR) and confounding effects. We applied the PMRM to an administrative claims data. We identified ADE signals in subpopulations defined by demographic variables, comorbidities, and detailed diagnosis codes. Interestingly, certain drugs were associated with a higher risk of ADE only in subpopulations, while these drugs had a neutral association with ADE in the general population. Additionally, the PMRM could control FDR at a desired level and had a higher probability to detect true ADE signals than the widely used McNemar's test. In conclusion, the PMRM is able to identify subpopulation‐specific ADE signals from a tremendous number of ADE‐subpopulation‐drug combinations, while controlling for both FDR and confounding effects.
Harnessing Virtual Insights: A Computational Study on the Molecular Characterization of a Drought‐Inducible RNA‐Binding Protein for Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Rajkhowa Sanchaita , Zaheen Alaiha , Hussain Safrina Zeenat , Barthakur Sharmistha
Published: September 2024

Abiotic stresses, particularly drought and salinity, significantly impact agricultural crop yields, with mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) being no exception. This annual green legume, vital to agricultural systems in Asia, is generally resilient to limited water supply; however, severe drought conditions at critical growth stages can drastically diminish both its quality and yield. Drought stress negatively affects various morpho‐physicochemical properties, impeding plant growth and highlighting the need for sustainable approaches to enhance mung bean's drought tolerance through improved farming practices. In this study, we focused on identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in mung beans. We retrieved the target gene sequence from the NCBI database, but found no direct sequence similarity, which led to the use of homology modeling. The structure of a known protein (PDB ID: 5T9P) was identified as the most suitable template. Motif prediction using the Motif Search tool highlighted specific motifs relevant to drought stress responses. To investigate potential drought‐tolerance mechanisms, we screened ABA agonists using Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed the interactions between these ligands and the modeled protein, shedding light on how they might influence drought tolerance. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the stability and conformational dynamics of the modeled protein across different time scales. Our findings underscore the potential of ABA agonists to modulate physiological responses and enhance drought resistance. This research offers valuable insights into the conformational dynamics of drought‐related proteins in mung beans, elucidating the molecular underpinnings of drought response mechanisms. By advancing our understanding of these processes, our findings provide novel strategies for improving breeding approaches aimed at enhancing crop resilience against water scarcity and other abiotic stresses. This work promises to mitigate the detrimental effects of drought on mung bean yields and supports sustainable agricultural practices, thereby contributing to global food security.
Anticancer Activity of Biogenically Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Using Catharanthus Roseus
Authors: Elumalai Velmurugan , Ramdoss Ramya , Padmanaban Rajashree
Published: September 2024

The aim of this paper was (1) to study the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using whole plant extract of Catharanthus roseus (CR or C. roseus) known to have anticancer effects, (2) to investigate the induction of cell death by CR synthesized SeNPs (CR‐SeNPs) in lung cancer cell line (A549), and (3) to compare their anticancer potential with commercial SeNPs. The formation of polycrystalline CR‐SeNPs with absorption maxima of 275 nm, needle shaped nanorods, with mean diameter of 95 nm and −45mv zeta was demonstrated by XRD, UV‐vis spectroscopy, SEM, and zeta potential measurements. The presence of functional group from CR biomolecules was observed in CR‐SeNPs by FTIR. Cytotoxicity assay against A549 cancer cell line indicated potent anticancer activity (IC50 = 23.180 ± 0.140 µg) for CR‐SeNPs and mechanism of induction of cell death was found to be mediated through apoptotic phenomena through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Notably, a significant increase in apoptosis was observed in the cells treated with CR‐SeNPs than commercial SeNPs treated cells. Nevertheless, lack of toxicity was observed in in vitro (hemolysis assay) and in vivo models. Biologically synthesized nanoparticles may possess higher anticancer properties than commercial SeNPs due to synergism of phytochemicals from CR and SeNPs. Further investigation in the therapeutic mechanisms of CR‐SeNPs is warranted in the in vivo conditions.
Confined Cu Single Sites in ZSM‐5 for Photocatalytic Hydroxylation of Benzene to Phenol
Authors: Zhang Jinwen , Ding Hongxin , Hui Hehua , Yao Qingying , Feng Wenhua , Chen Tian‐xiang , Lo Tsz Woon Benedict , Ren Yuanhang , Ye Lin , Yue Bin , He Heyong
Published: September 2024

Zeolites with band‐like charge transport properties have exhibited their potential activities in sensing, optics, and electronics. Herein, a precisely designed Cu@ZSM‐5 catalyst is presented with an ultra‐wide bandgap of 4.27 eV, showing excellent photocatalytic activity in hydroxylation of benzene with benzene conversion 27.9% and phenol selectivity 97.6%. The SXRD and Rietveld refinement results illustrate that Cu@ZSM‐5 has an average of 0.8 Cu atoms per unit cell and the single Cu atoms located in the cross‐section of the sinusoidal and straight channels. XANES and EXAFS further demonstrate that the Cu atoms have an oxidation state of +2, coordinated with three OMFI‐framework atoms and one ─OH group. Detailed characterizations demonstrate that the Cu@ZSM‐5 with tailored bandgap is able to enhance the photoinduced electron‐hole separation and hence promote selective hydroxylation of benzene to phenol via the superoxide radical route. This work may open a new way for designing electrically conductive zeolite‐supported photocatalysts.
Thermoelectric Cooling‐Oriented Large Power Factor Realized in N‐Type Bi2Te3 Via Deformation Potential Modulation and Giant Deformation
Authors: Zhang Fudong , He Mingkai , Zhu Lujun , Jia Beiquan , Shi Yalin , Wang Weishuai , Peng Zhanhui , Liang Pengfei , Chao Xiaolian , Yang Zupei , Wu Di
Published: September 2024

Thermoelectric refrigeration, utilizing Peltier effect, has great potential in all‐solid‐state active cooling field near room temperature. The performance of a thermoelectric cooling device is highly determined by the power factor of consisting materials besides the figure of merit. In this work, it is demonstrated that successive addition of Cu and Nd can realize non‐trivial modulation of deformation potential in n‐type room temperature thermoelectric material Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 and result in a significant increment of electron mobility and remarkably enhanced power factor. Following giant hot deformation process improves grain texturing and strengthens inter‐layer interaction in Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 lattice, further pushing the power factor to ≈47 µW cm−1 K−2 at 300 K and maximal figure of merit ZTmax to ≈1.34 at 423 K with average ZTave of ≈1.27 at 300–473 K. Moreover, robust compressive strength is enhanced to ≈146.6 MPa. The corresponding finite element simulations demonstrate large temperature differences ΔT of ≈70 K and a maximal coefficient of performance COP ≈ 10.6 (hot end temperature at 300 K), which can be achieved in a ten‐pair thermoelectric cooling virtual module. The strategies and results as shown in this work can further advance the application of n‐type Bi2Te3 for thermoelectric cooling.
Dynamic analysis of groundwater chemistry from 1997 to 2018 in the eastern part of Yongning County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of northwestern China: Integration of Bayesian water quality assessment and health risk assessment
Authors: Zhou Yahong , Xia Yingqiu , Zhou Jingkai , Dai Yuhan , Ma Yuetao , Xu Tiebing , Liu Zhuo
Published: September 2024

Groundwater is an important part of water resources, with many characteristics: widespreading, steady changing, good water quality, and usable. Therefore, it is an ideal drinking water source. However, with the rapidly economic development and the accelerated urbanization process, the problem of groundwater pollution has become increasingly serious. In this study, the eastern part of Yongning County was taken as the study area, 30 groundwater samples from 1997 to 1998, 2007 to 2008, and 2017 to 2018 were selected for water quality assessment and health risk assessment. The results showed that the groundwater chemical type had a tendency to change from HCO3‐Ca·Mg type to SO4·Cl‐Ca·Mg type, and the rock weathering was the important factor controlling the groundwater hydrochemistry in the eastern part of Yongning County. The water quality evaluation of Mn and As was grade II, and the water quality evaluation of Cu, Zn, Cr6+, Cd, and Mo was grade I. Both carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic risks were higher in children than in adults, the acceptable frequency of adults was higher than that of children, and the area with higher risks was distributed in the central and easternmost regions of Yongning County. As was a more sensitive factor to carcinogenic risk than Cr6+. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the governance of As and the health of children's drinking water. Special attention also should be paid to the water environment protection in the eastern parts of Yongning County. Water quality assessment and health risk assessment in the study area lay a foundation for water pollution control and water environmental protection in the future.

Practitioner Points

The hydrochemical type changes from HCO3‐Ca·Mg type to SO4·Cl‐Ca·Mg type, which is mainly affected by rock weathering.

According to the Bayesian water quality assessment: Mn and As was II, and Cr belongs to I is small.

As was the main carcinogenic factor, Mn was the main non‐carcinogenic factor, and the risk was higher in children than adults.
Analysis and calculation of scour critical velocity of suspended particles in a storm sewer
Authors: Wei Haodong , Xie Yuling , Zhou Changfeng , Tao Yang , Zhou Jingqin , Liu Cuiyun
Published: September 2024

The suspended particles in storm sewer can be easily washed away and migrated. However, few studies analyzed the scouring state of suspended particles in pipelines, and also, there was a lack of quantitative calculation. This study simulated the scouring process of suspended particles in a storm sewer with different pipe materials, and mathematical models were built for the scour critical velocity. The results showed that with the increase of particle size, density and the roughness of the pipe wall, the scour resistance of suspended particles increased, and the scouring rate decreased; therefore, the corresponding scour critical velocity increased. In accordance with the scouring rates of quartz sand and zeolite at different flow velocities in the storm sewer, the scouring state of the suspended particles could be divided into three types: no scouring, minor scouring, and massive scouring. The scour critical velocity ranges of quartz sand and zeolite with two densities in four kinds of pipes were determined, and mathematical models for the scour critical velocity of suspended particles were established. After verification, the difference rate between the calculated values and measured values was in the range of −10.56% to 6.63%, and the two values had good consistency.

Practitioner Points

Scour resistance of suspended particles increases with particle size or density.

The smaller the roughness of the pipe wall, the higher the scouring rate.

Higher flow velocity leads to a higher scouring rate.

As scouring rate rises, no scouring, minor or massive scouring occur in sequence.

Difference between the calculated and measured values is from –10.56% to 6.63%.
Impact of India's flagship national health mission on governance, human resources for health, and the health system: A scoping review
Authors: Golechha Mahaveer , Bohra Tasneem , Rana Ritu , Panchamia Jallavi
Published: September 2024

The National Health Mission (NHM) was launched in India in 2005 to improve population health by restructuring the health system and enhancing primary care. After nearly 20 years, it is essential to review its impact on the health system. This scoping review is the first of its kind which aimed to review and synthesize research on the effects of the NHM on human resources for health and governance, and its overall impact on the health system. We identified 46 research articles, 19 (41%) on human resources for health, 17 (37%) on governance, and 14 (30%) studying the overall impact. Most of the research on human resources was focused on the ASHA program and RKS and VHSNC dominated governance research. Maternal and child health studies dominated the health system impact literature. Outcomes show a partial achievement of the NHM's goals. Health workforce supplementation has improved access to healthcare in rural areas but remains inadequate to rising demand. Similarly, decentralization mechanisms have improved accountability, however, more community empowerment is needed. Healthcare demand has staggered to primary care facilities and improvements in some population health indicators have been observed, but social inequities and poor care quality remain. Further research and policy initiatives are needed to address several issues such as rational resource deployment, career progression for contractually hired care providers and ASHA, building health awareness at the grassroots for better community representation, and increased attention to non‐communicable diseases, mental health, and the impacts of aging and climate change.
How Much Do Women Build Open Source Infrastructure?
Authors: Qiu Huilian Sophie , Zhao Zihe H , Yu Tielin Katy , Dabbish Laura , Vasilescu Bogdan
Published: September 2024

Huilian Sophie Qiu, Zihe H. Zhao, Tielin Katy Yu, Laura Dabbish, and Bogdan Vasilescu
Toward More Gender-Inclusive Game Jams and Hackathons
Authors: Gama Kiev , Paganini Lavinia , Prado Rafa , Ferraz Claudia , Coutinho Dayanne , Mendes Wendy , Pinto Gustavo , Valença George
Published: September 2024

Kiev Gama, Lavinia Paganini, Rafa Prado, Claudia Ferraz, Dayanne Coutinho, Wendy Mendes, Gustavo Pinto, and George Valença
UI Development Experiences of Programmers with Visual Impairments in Product Teams
Authors: Pandey Maulishree , Bondre Sharvari , Kameswaran Vaishnav , Rao Hrishikesh , O’Modhrain Sile , Oney Steve
Published: September 2024

Maulishree Pandey, Sharvari Bondre, Vaishnav Kameswaran, Hrishikesh Rao, Sile O’Modhrain, and Steve Oney
Purely flavored leptogenesis from a sudden mass gain of right-handed neutrinos
Authors: Zhao Zhen-hua , Zhang Jing , Wu Xiang-Yi
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we would like to point out that in the scenario that the right-handed neutrinos suddenly gain some masses much larger than the temperature of the Universe at that time so that the washout effects for the lepton asymmetry generated from their decays can be neglected safely, the purely flavored leptogenesis scenario (in which the total CP asymmetries for the decays of the right-handed neutrinos are vanishing and the successful leptogenesis is realized by virtue of the flavor non-universality of the washout effects) cannot work in the usual way any more. For this problem, we put forward that the flavor non-universality of the conversion efficiencies from the flavored lepton asymmetries to the baryon asymmetry via the sphaleron processes may play a crucial role. And we will study if the requisite baryon asymmetry can be successfully reproduced from such a mechanism in the scenarios that the right-handed neutrino masses are hierarchical and nearly degenerate, respectively. A detailed study shows that this mechanism can be viable in both these two scenarios.