bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating theory with the nanoreactor concept to synthesize hollow carbon sphere‐encapsulated PtNi alloys for enhanced H2 generation
Authors: Wu Yufeng , Song Minwei , Zhao Ziyi , Wang Guang‐Hui , Wang Changlong , Astruc Didier
Published: March 2024

The rational design of efficient bimetallic nanoparticle (NP) catalysts is challenging due to the lack of theoretical understanding of active components and insights into the mechanisms of a specific reaction. Here, we report the rational design of nanoreactors comprising hollow carbon sphere‐confined PtNi bimetallic NPs (PtNi@HCS) as highly efficient catalysts for hydrogen generation via ammonia borane hydrolysis in water. Using both density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, the effects of an active PtNi combination and the critical synergistic role of a hollow carbon shell on the molecule diffusion adsorption behaviors are explored. Kinetic isotope effects and theoretical calculations allow the clarification of the mechanism, with oxidative addition of an O–H bond of water to the catalyst surface being the rate‐determining step. The remarkable catalytic activity of the PtNi@HCS nanoreactor was also utilized for successful tandem catalytic hydrogenation reactions, using in situ‐generated H2 from ammonia borane with high efficiency. The concerted design, theoretical calculations, and experimental work presented here shed light on the rational elaboration of efficient nanocatalysts and contribute to the establishment of a circular carbon economy using green hydrogen.
Highly Stable Self‐Regenerating Organic Multi‐Redox Systems derived from Bicyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes (BICAACs)
Authors: Das Arpan , Saha Sukanta , Maji Subir , Sarkar Pallavi , Jose Anex , Bhatt Madhur Mahesh , Bhunia Anup , Dutta Arnab , Pati Swapan K. , Mandal Swadhin K.
Published: March 2024

An extended class of organic multi‐redox systems was derived from bicyclic(alkyl)amino carbenes (BICAACs). The highly‐conjugated system undergoes a total of 4 redox events spanning a 1.8 V redox range. These organic compounds exhibited four different stable redox states (dication, radical cation, neutral and radical anion), and all of them were characterized either by single crystal X‐ray study and/or various spectroscopic studies. Three of the four redox states are stable to air and moisture. The availability of stable multiple redox states demonstrated promise towards their efficacy in the symmetric H‐cell charge/discharge cycling. Among various redox states, the dication/neutral state works efficiently and continuously for 1500 cycles in 2e− charge/discharge process outside glovebox in commercially available DMF with minimum capacity loss (retaining nearly 90 % Coulombic efficiency). Surprisingly, the efficiency of the redox cycle was retained even if the system was exposed to air for 30 days when it slowly regenerated to the initial deep blue radical cation, and it exhibited another 100 charge/discharge cycles with a minimal capacity loss. Such a stable H‐cell cycling ability is not well known among organic molecule‐based systems.
Synthesis and Isolation of a Homochiral Nanohoop Composed of a Tröger's Base and Hexaparaphenylene
Authors: Yoshigoe Yusuke , Shimada Hirotaka , Takaki Takuya , Imai Yoshitane , Saito Shinich
Published: March 2024

Invited for the cover of this issue are Yusuke Yoshigoe, Hirotaka Shimada, and Shinichi Saito at the Tokyo University of Science, and Takuya Takaki and Yoshitane Imai at Kindai University. The image depicts a witch with a racemic pair of our nanohoops, TB[6]CPPs, chanting words shown in the font of a magical world. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202304059.
Targeting HER2/HER3 co‐mutations in metastatic breast cancer: Case reports of exceptional responders to trastuzumab and pertuzumab therapy
Authors: Blas Page E. , Rodriguez Esther San Roman , Williams Heather L. , Levin Maren K. , Bell Joshua S. K. , Pierobon Mariaelena , Barrett Alexander S. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , O'Shaughnessy Joyce A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Overexpression of HER2 plays an important role in cancer progression and is the target of multiple therapies in HER2‐positive breast cancer. Recent studies have also highlighted the presence of activating mutations in HER2, and HER3 that are predicted to enhance HER2 downstream pathway activation in a HER2‐dependent manner.

Methods

In this report, we present two exceptional responses in hormone receptor‐positive, HER2‐nonamplified, HER2/HER3 co‐mutated metastatic breast cancer patients who were treated with the anti‐HER2‐directed monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab.

Results

Both patients acheived exceptional responses to treatment, suggesting that combined trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and endocrine therapy could be a highly effective therapy for these patients and our observations could help prioritize trastuzumab deruxtecan as an early therapeutic choice for patients whose cancers have activating mutations in HER2.
Cardiovascular Evaluation of Etrasimod, a Selective Sphingosine 1‐phosphate Receptor Modulator, in Healthy Adults: Results of a Randomized, Thorough QT/QTc Study
Authors: Darpo Borje , Connor Kalvin , Cabell Christopher H. , Grundy John S.
Published: March 2024

Etrasimod is an investigational, once‐daily, oral, selective sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 1,4,5 modulator used as an oral treatment option for immune‐mediated inflammatory disorders. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled, parallel‐group, healthy adult study investigated etrasimod's effect on the QT interval and other electrocardiogram parameters. All participants received etrasimod‐matched placebo on day 1. Group A received once‐daily, multiple ascending doses of etrasimod (2‐4 mg) on days 1‐14 and moxifloxacin‐matched placebo on days 1 and 15. Group B received etrasimod‐matched placebo on days 1‐14 and either moxifloxacin 400 mg or moxifloxacin‐matched placebo on days 1 and 15. The primary analysis was a concentration‐QTc analysis using a corrected QT interval by Fridericia (QTcF). The etrasimod concentration‐QTc analysis predicted placebo‐corrected change from baseline QTcF (ΔΔQTcF) values and associated 90% confidence intervals remained <10 milliseconds over the observed etrasimod plasma concentration range (≤279 ng/mL). Etrasimod was associated with mild, transient, asymptomatic heart rate slowing that was most pronounced on day 1 (2 mg, first dose). The largest‐by‐time point mean placebo‐corrected changes in heart rate from time‐matched day −1 baseline (∆∆HR) on days 1, 7 (2 mg, last dose), and 14 (4 mg, last dose) were −15.1, −8.5, and −6.0 bpm, respectively. Etrasimod's effects on PR interval were small, with the largest least squares mean placebo‐corrected change from baseline in PR interval (∆∆PR) being 6.6 milliseconds. No episodes of atrioventricular block were observed. Thus, multiple ascending doses of etrasimod were not associated with clinically relevant QT/QTc effects in healthy adults and only had a mild, transient, and asymptomatic impact on heart rate.
High‐Dimensional Methods of Single‐Cell Microglial Profiling to Enhance Understanding of Neuropathological Disease
Authors: Spiteri Alanna G. , Pilkington Katherine R. , Wishart Claire L. , Macia Laurence , King Nicholas J.C.
Published: March 2024

Microglia are the innate myeloid cells of the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma, functionally implicated in almost every defined neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder. Current understanding of disease pathogenesis for many neuropathologies is limited and/or lacks reliable diagnostic markers, vaccines, and treatments. With the increasing aging of society and rise in neurogenerative diseases, improving our understanding of their pathogenesis is essential. Analysis of microglia from murine disease models provides an investigative tool to unravel disease processes. In many neuropathologies, bone‐marrow‐derived monocytes are recruited to the CNS, adopting a phenotype similar to that of microglia. This significantly confounds the accurate identification of cell‐type‐specific functions and downstream therapeutic targeting. The increased capacity to analyze more phenotypic markers using spectral‐cytometry‐based technologies allows improved separation of microglia from monocyte‐derived cells. Full‐spectrum profiling enables enhanced marker resolution, time‐efficient analysis of >40 fluorescence parameters, and extraction of cellular autofluorescence parameters. Coupling this system with additional cytometric technologies, including cell sorting and high‐parameter imaging, can improve the understanding of microglial phenotypes in disease. To this end, we provide detailed, step‐by‐step protocols for the analysis of murine brain tissue by high‐parameter ex vivo cytometric analysis using the Aurora spectral cytometer (Cytek), including best practices for unmixing and autofluorescence extraction, cell sorting for single‐cell RNA analysis, and imaging mass cytometry. Together, this provides a toolkit for researchers to comprehensively investigate microglial disease processes at protein, RNA, and spatial levels for the identification of therapeutic targets in neuropathology. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Processing the mouse brain into a single‐cell suspension for microglia isolation

Basic Protocol 2: Staining single‐cell mouse brain suspensions for microglial phenotyping by spectral cytometry

Basic Protocol 3: Flow cytometric sorting of mouse microglia for ex vivo analysis

Basic Protocol 4: Processing the mouse brain for imaging mass cytometry for spatial microglia analysis
Steady State and Time‐Dependent Fluorescent Peptide Assays for Protein Kinases
Authors: Sammons Rae M. , Devkota Ashwini K. , Kaoud Tamer S. , Warthaka Mangalika , Cho Eun Jeong , Dalby Kevin N.
Published: March 2024

Protein kinases catalyze the phosphorylation of proteins most commonly on Ser, Thr, and Tyr residues and regulate many cellular events in eukaryotic cells, such as cell cycle progression, transcription, metabolism, and apoptosis. Protein kinases each have a conserved ATP‐binding site and one or more substrate‐binding site(s) that exhibit recognition features for different protein substrates. By bringing ATP and a substrate into proximity, each protein kinase can transfer the γ phosphate of the ATP molecule to a hydroxyl group of the target residue on the substrate. In such a way, signaling pathways downstream from the substrate can be regulated based on the phosphorylated versus dephosphorylated status of the substrate. Although there are a number of ways to assay the activity of protein kinases, most of them are technically cumbersome and/or are indirect or based on quenched reactions. This protocol describes an assay employing a fluorescent peptide substrate to detect phosphorylation by protein kinases in real time. The assay is based on the principle that the phosphorylation of the peptide substrate leads to an increase in the fluorescence emission intensity of an appended fluorophore. We extend the application of this assay to an example of how to assess time‐dependent covalent inhibition of kinases as well. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Measuring protein kinase activity using fluorescent peptides

Alternate Protocol: Measuring protein kinase activity using a fluorescence plate reader

Support Protocol: Labeling peptides with sox fluorophore

Basic Protocol 2: Measuring time‐dependent ATP‐competitive inhibition of protein kinases using fluorescent peptides
The Compatibility of COFs Cathode and Optimized Electrolyte for Ultra‐Long Lifetime Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Wei Yifan , Li Zhonglin , Liu Yongyao , Ji Zhenyu , Zou Shuixiang , Zhou Yuzhe , Yan Shuai , Chen Cheng , Wu Mingyan
Published: March 2024

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (RAZIBs) are attractive due to their affordability, safety, and eco‐friendliness. However, their potential is limited by the lack of high‐capacity cathodes and compatible electrolytes needed for reliable performance. Herein, we have presented a compatibility strategy for the development of a durable and long‐lasting RAZIBs. The covalent organic frameworks (COFs) based on anthraquinone (DAAQ‐COF) is created and utilized as the cathode, with zinc metal serving as the anode. The electrolyte is made up of an aqueous solution containing zinc salts at various concentrations. The COF cathode has been designed to be endowed with a rich array of redox‐active groups, enhancing its electrochemical properties. Meanwhile, the electrolyte is formulated using triflate anions, which have exhibited superiority over sulfate anions. This strategy lead to the development of an optimized COF cathode with fast charging capability, high Coulombic efficiency (nearly 100 %) and long‐term cyclability (retention rate of nearly 100 % at 1 A g−1 after 10000 cycles). Moreover, through experimental analysis, a co‐insertion mechanism involving Zn2+ and H+ in this cathode is discovered for the first time. These findings represent a promising path for the advancement of organic cathode materials in high‐performance and sustainable RAZIBs.
Carbohydrate antigen 125 concentrations across the ejection fraction spectrum in chronic heart failure: The EMPEROR programme
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Packer Milton , Sattar Naveed , Butler Javed , Pocock Stuart J. , Anker Stefan D. , Maldonado Sandra González , Panova‐Noeva Marina , Sumin Mikhail , Masson Serge , Zannad Faiez , Januzzi James L.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Vascular congestion may lead to an increase of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA‐125). The role of CA‐125 as a biomarker of congestion or for prognosis across the full ejection fraction (EF) spectrum of chronic heart failure (HF) remains unknown.

Methods and results

Serum CA‐125 was measured in 1111 study participants from the EMPEROR‐Reduced and EMPEROR‐Preserved trials. Congestive signs and symptoms were evaluated across CA‐125 tertiles. Cox regression was used to study the association with outcomes. The primary outcome was a composite of first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular (CV) death. No significant association was present between baseline CA‐125 levels and congestive signs or symptoms. In the overall population, higher CA‐125 levels were not associated with an increased risk of primary outcome (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: hazard ratio [HR] 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–1.96; p‐trend = 0.11). However, higher CA‐125 levels were associated with an increased risk of primary outcome in patients with HF and reduced EF (HFrEF; tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: HR 2.25 [95% CI 1.30–3.89]), but not among patients with preserved EF (HFpEF; tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: HR 0.68 [95% CI 0.38–1.21]); interaction‐p = 0.02). Patients in the upper CA‐125 tertile also showed the steepest estimated glomerular filtration rate decline over time (p‐trend = 0.03). The effect of empagliflozin to reduce the risk of CV death or HF hospitalization appeared to be attenuated in those with lower baseline CA‐125 levels (interaction‐p‐trend = 0.09).

Conclusion

Across the range of EF in patients with chronic HF enrolled in the EMPEROR trials, the majority of whom did not have clinical evidence of congestion, CA‐125 concentrations were not significantly associated with congestive signs or symptoms. CA‐125 concentrations may predict HF hospitalization/CV death in patients with HFrEF, but not those with HFpEF.

Clinical Trial Registration: EMPEROR‐Reduced (NCT03057977), EMPEROR‐Preserved (NCT03057951).
Phytochemicals in recovered seed oils from by‐products of common quince (Cydonia oblonga) and Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica)
Authors: Górnaś Paweł , Rudzińska Magdalena , Ratusz Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

Nearly 100% of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) and common quince (Cydonia oblonga) fruits are processed. It generates large amounts of seeds. One of the possible utilization of seeds is oil recovery. Seeds of both quinces were tested for their oil recovery using two methods—solvent‐free protocol by mechanical press and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) applying n‐hexane, and phytochemistry of obtained oils was studied. The oil yield was nearly twice higher from common quince than Japanese quince (20.9% and 11.2%, respectively) for UAE. Compared to UAE, screw‐pressed allowed for 67% oil recovery. In general, the phytochemical profile of both quince seed oils was similar with some differences in the content of individual compounds. The two quince seed oils were dominated by the same molecules in different compound groups: fatty acids—linoleic acid; tocochromanols—α‐tocopherol; phytosterols—β‐sitosterol, and triterpenoid—squalene. Common quince seed oil was richer in tocochromanols, squalene, and linoleic acid, whereas Japanese quince seed oil was richer in phytosterols. The present study showed the oil potential of fruit industry by‐products and the relatively high oil recovery by the environmentally friendly/healthy technique of extraction (solvent‐free) to achieve ultimately high‐quality products in a “Natural‐Safe‐Green” strategy.

Practical applications: Production of fruit each year, especially those used for processing, for example, common quince (C. oblonga), has been increasing in recent years, likely, so has processing and amounts of generated by‐products, including seeds. To reduce the costs, CO2 emissions, and other environmental safety aspects of production, different techniques of plant oil recovery are considered. The extraction method affects oil yield as well as its phytochemical composition. The generated information in the present study can contribute to improved effectiveness of the use of plant material thereby providing environmental, health, and economic benefits.
Mechanical‐wear behavior and microstructure analysis of Al2214 alloy with B4C and graphite particles hybrid composites
Authors: Kambaiah Revanna , Suresh Ramappa , Nagaral Madeva , Auradi Virupaxi , Anjinappa Chandrashekar , Garse Komal , Pandhare Amar Pradeep , Wodajo Anteneh Wogasso
Published: March 2024

In the present work, hybrid composites made of Al2214 alloy with B4C and graphite were produced by using a liquid metallurgical process. Al2214 alloy was utilized to create hybrid composites that had 1.5–6 wt% of B4C particles and a constant 3 wt% of graphite particles. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was done on the produced composites. The density, hardness, ultimate, yield strength, and elongation as a percentage were carried out using ASTM E8 for tensile and E10 standard for hardness test. The wear behavior of Al2214‐B4C and graphite composites was examined as per ASTM G99 standard using a wear testing device under a variety of loads and rotation speeds. Graphite and boron carbide particles were equally dispersed throughout the Al2214 alloy, according to SEM photographs. Graphite and B4C particles were detected in the Al2214 alloy by EDS and XRD analyses. The density of Al alloy composites was decreased by adding dual particles to the matrix. The Al2214 alloy's hardness, ultimate strength, yield strength, and wear resistance were all enhanced by the inclusion of dual particles, which increased these properties by 15.4%, 40.4%, and 46.7%, respectively. The presence of hybrid particles in the Al2214 alloy was revealed by EDS and XRD patterns. The density of Al alloy composites was decreased by adding dual particles to the matrix. Tensile force micrographs provided further evidence of the unique fracture behaviors shown by the Al2214 alloy and its composites. In order to examine the wear mechanisms and different morphologies of worn surfaces, scanning electron micrographs were taken.
Laser Etching Post‐Processing to Create Low‐Tortuosity Structured Electrodes for Advanced Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Honglin , Zhang Xiaoqing , Yuan Wei , Wang Pei , Zhang Tong , Wu Xuyang , Wang Chun , Jiang Simin , Ye Yintong , Tang Yong
Published: March 2024

Constructing low‐tortuosity structure is a facile and effective strategy to significantly improve the electrochemical performances of thick electrodes of batteries. In this study, the low‐tortuosity structured electrodes with an array grooved structure are fabricated using a method of laser etching post‐processing, promoting excellent electrochemical performance of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The effects of laser post‐processing parameters including the etching shape, interval, and scan number on the structures and electrochemical performances of the prepared electrodes are investigated. Results show that the array grooved structures of the laser‐treated electrodes not only reduce the tortuosity to enhance the ion transfer efficiency, but also provide extra space to accommodate more electrolyte, which helps strengthen the electrochemical reaction kinetics of the electrodes. The proposed electrode with a parallelogram etching shape, an interval of 0.1 mm, and a scan number of 10 can produce a high rate capacity of 120.7 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 and an outstanding cycle performance with a high capacity maintenance rate of 97.8% after 200 cycles. This study validates a new method to create low‐tortuosity electrodes for SIBs by optimizing the process parameter, which can be potentially extended to the fabrication of other advanced energy storage devices.
LiDAR topo‐bathymetry for riverbed elevation assessment: A review of approaches and performance for hydrodynamic modelling of flood plains
Authors: Frizzle Catherine , Trudel Mélanie , Daniel Sylvie , Pruneau Antoine , Noman Juzer
Published: March 2024

Topo‐bathymetric LiDAR (TBL) can provide a continuous digital elevation model (DEM) for terrestrial and submerged portions of rivers. This very high horizontal spatial resolution and high vertical accuracy data can be promising for flood plain mapping using hydrodynamic models. Despite the increasing number of papers regarding the use of TBL in fluvial environments, its usefulness for flood mapping remains to be demonstrated. This review of real‐world experiments focusses on three research questions related to the relevance of TBL in hydrodynamic modelling for flood mapping at local and regional scales: (i) Is the accuracy of TBL sufficient? (ii) What environmental and technical conditions can optimise the quality of acquisition? (iii) Is it possible to predict which rivers would be good candidates for TBL acquisition? With a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.16 m, results from real‐world experiments confirm that TBL provides the required vertical accuracy for hydrodynamic modelling. Our review highlighted that environmental conditions, such as turbidity, overhanging vegetation or riverbed morphology, may prove to be limiting factors in the signal's capacity to reach the riverbed. A few avenues have been identified for considering whether TBL acquisition would be appropriate for a specific river. Thresholds should be determined using geometric or morphological criteria, such as rivers with steep slopes, steep riverbanks, and rivers too narrow or with complex morphologies, to avoid compromising the quality or the extent of the coverage. Based on this review, it appears that TBL acquisition conditions for hydrodynamic modelling for flood mapping should optimise the signal's ability to reach the riverbed. However, further research is needed to determine the percentage of coverage required for the use of TBL as a source of bathymetry in a hydrodynamic model, and whether specific river sections must be covered to ensure model performance for flood mapping.
Battery degradation: Impact on economic dispatch
Authors: Schade Curd , Egging‐Bratseth Ruud
Published: March 2024

Batteries are crucial to manage the rising share of intermittent energy sources and variability in demand. Most technoeconomic models in the literature oversimplify battery degradation representation. Accounting properly for battery degradation allows for better cost tradeoffs and optimal battery usage, especially in dynamic settings. We propose a highly accurate and scalable formulation for battery degradation that considers the combined impact of cycle depth (CD) and state of charge on calendar and cycle aging. This includes a novel way to track charge‐discharge cycles. We test the consequences of battery degradation in a stylized price arbitrage model on battery operation and solution times. When ignoring battery degradation, ex post calculations reveal hidden degradation costs that exceed revenues and hence turn seemingly profitable trades into losing trades. Considering battery degradation leads to smaller CDs and lower average states of charge. Overall, we show that a much‐improved representation of battery degradation is possible at modest computational cost, allowing better decisions and higher profits.
Accurate preoperative prediction of nodal metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Towards optimal management of patients
Authors: Lin Si‐Ying , Li Meng‐Yao , Zhou Chi‐Peng , Ao Wei , Huang Wen‐Yu , Wang Si‐Si , Yu Jia‐Fan , Tang Zi‐Han , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Wang Ting‐Yi , Wang Zhi‐hong , Hua Surong , Randolph Gregory W. , Zhao Wen‐Xin , Wang Bo
Published: March 2024

Objective

To enhance the accuracy in predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) preoperatively in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), refining the “low‐risk” classification for tailored treatment strategies.

Methods

This study involves the development and validation of a predictive model using a cohort of 1004 patients with PTMC undergoing thyroidectomy along with central neck dissection. The data was divided into a training cohort (n = 702) and a validation cohort (n = 302). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent LNM predictors in PTMC, leading to the construction of a predictive nomogram model. The model's performance was assessed through ROC analysis, calibration curve analysis, and decision curve analysis.

Results

Identified LNM predictors in PTMC included age, tumor maximum diameter, nodule‐capsule distance, capsular contact length, bilateral suspicious lesions, absence of the lymphatic hilum, microcalcification, and sex. Especially, tumors larger than 7 mm, nodules closer to the capsule (less than 3 mm), and longer capsular contact lengths (more than 1 mm) showed higher LNM rates. The model exhibited AUCs of 0.733 and 0.771 in the training and validation cohorts respectively, alongside superior calibration and clinical utility.

Conclusion

This study proposes and substantiates a preoperative predictive model for LNM in patients with PTMC, honing the precision of “low‐risk” categorization. This model furnishes clinicians with an invaluable tool for individualized treatment approach, ensuring better management of patients who might be proposed observation or ablative options in the absence of such predictive information.
Effects of COVID‐19 infection risk perception on depressive symptoms among pregnant women in different periods of the COVID‐19 pandemic in China: A mediation model
Authors: Liu Dan , Li Jiayu , Wang Qiwen , Wang Huihao , Liu Xin , Zhai Mengxi , Yu Bin , Yan Hong
Published: March 2024

Objective

The study investigated the mediation mechanisms between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection risk perception and depressive symptoms among pregnant women during the different periods of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Study data were derived from a sample of 463 pregnant women in Hubei Province, the province with the most severe COVID‐19 outbreak in China. Data were collected in two phases (during and after the acute phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic) using the COVID‐19 infection risk perception scales, the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Peritrauma Distress Inventory (PDI). Mediation model analysis was used for data analysis, overall and by groups.

Results

The level of depressive symptoms among pregnant women after the acute phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic was moderate (median, 9.00 [25th percentile, 75th percentile = 5.00, 12.00]), higher than the acute group (median, 7.00 [25th percentile, 75th percentile = 4.50, 10.00]). Perceived stress and traumatic stress fully mediated the relationship between infection worry (total indirect effect, 0.39 [95% confidence interval, 0.24–0.54])/infection possibility (total indirect effect, 0.41 [95% confidence interval, 0.22–0.61]) and depressive symptoms among pregnant women during the acute phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic, whereas the relationship was only fully mediated by perceived stress after the acute pandemic.

Conclusions

Effects of risk perception on depressive symptoms varied by periods of COVID‐19. These findings have important implications for developing effective prevention and early psychoeducational intervention strategies for pregnant women with a high risk of depressive symptoms during different periods of emerging infectious diseases.
High‐interest books, choice, and independent reading: Piloting a reading program with male adolescents in Chile
Authors: Cubillos Montserrat , Rousseau Rosario
Published: March 2024

Reading is linked to numerous positive outcomes, including academic achievement, reduced stress, and enhanced life expectancy. However, a significant portion of Chilean adolescents engage in limited reading. Notably, male students tend to exhibit lower levels of reading motivation compared to their female counterparts, with declining reading self‐concept over time. To address this challenge, this study explores the impact of a 9‐month‐long pilot reading program aimed at increasing students' reading motivation and volume in an all‐boys rural school in southern Chile (N = 120), guided by Self‐Determination Theory and adapted from Atwell's reading workshop. The program included four pillars: access to high‐interest print books, 90 min per week of in‐class independent choice, and peer interactions around reading. t‐Tests showed a significant increase in students' reading volume but not in their reading motivation. Nevertheless, multiple regression analyses revealed that, when controlling for students' pre‐program reading motivation, achievement, and volume, post‐program reading motivation and time allocated for independent reading were significantly associated with the number of pages read during the program. Implications for practice and future research avenues are discussed.
A retrospective analysis of the relation between resurgence and renewal of behavior targeted for reduction
Authors: Muething Colin , Ritchey Carolyn M. , Call Nathan A. , Hardee Alexandra M. , Mauzy Courtney R. , Argueta Tracy , McMahon Meara X. H. , Podlesnik Christopher A.
Published: March 2024

Functional communication training (FCT) is an evidence‐based treatment for behavior targeted for reduction that often combines extinction for target responses and arranges functionally equivalent reinforcement for alternative behavior. Long‐term effectiveness of FCT can become compromised when transitioning from clinic to nonclinic contexts or thinning reinforcement schedules for appropriate behavior. Such increases in targeted behavior have been conceptualized as renewal and resurgence, respectively. The relation between resurgence and renewal has yet to be reported. Therefore, the present report retrospectively analyzed the relation between renewal and resurgence in data collected when implementing FCT with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities. We found no relation when evaluating all 34 individuals assessed for resurgence and renewal or a subset of individuals exhibiting both resurgence and renewal. These findings suggest that one form of relapse may not be predictive of another form of relapse.
Legal origin and bank lending behavior in developing countries: The mediating role of revenue diversification
Authors: Kamau Simon , Simo‐Kengne Beatrice D.
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the relationship between legal origin, revenue diversification, and bank lending behavior. The analysis is based on a sample of 2590 commercial banks operating in 139 developing countries from 2004 to 2022. Using various panel data estimation techniques and alternative measures of bank lending behavior, the results indicate that banks in common law countries experience lower levels of loan growth compared to their counterparts in civil law countries. The study results also show that revenue diversification indirectly alleviates the negative effect of loan growth in banks originating from a common law legal origin. Notably, this effect is not observed in banks within low‐income and African countries, highlighting the importance of policies aimed at enhancing institutional capacity within their legal and judicial systems. Overall, the results of this study underscore the significance of legal origins in shaping the lending dynamics of banks in developing countries.
Climatological reference stations: Definitions and requirements
Authors: Merlone Andrea , Beges Gaber , Bottacin Alberto , Brunet Manola , Gilabert Alba , Groselj Drago , Harper Andrew , Hechler Peer , Ivanov Mirjana , Musacchio Chiara , Trewin Blair , Wright William
Published: March 2024

Ground‐based stations are one of many observing systems contributing to the generation of data to evaluate climate trends and variations locally and globally. Networks of stations are made of various numbers of observing sites, equipped with different typologies and varieties of instruments, differently managed and maintained. Among such networks a limited number of stations are required as a reference, to provide top quality traceable measurements and as the top level of a tiered approach; it is these stations which are here designated as Climatological Reference Stations (CRS). At present, there is no agreed definition of the key instrumental and technical features of a CRS, nor are there defined reference measurement procedures. This leads to the situation of a multitude of approaches among different National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), research institutes and other agencies that reduces the comparability of results in space and in time. The lack of CRSs, moreover, is a major contributor to the huge efforts required to harmonize data and detect biases locally, regionally and globally, as in their absence there is a need to fall back on other stations which are more likely to have such biases. This article reports on the outcomes of the work of a group of experts, nominated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Commission for Climatology (CCI), tasked to promote a standardized and agreed concept about the definitions, specifications and technical characteristics of climate reference data and stations for ground‐based networks, with the addition of a practical example of climatological reference station installed in the framework of an European funded project, with the purpose of comparing and confirming the prescribed characteristics and guidance, with respect to practical field use and available instrumentation. The adoption of a unique definition and prescription on the technical setup, measurement procedures and uncertainty evaluation will substantially progress towards a common approach in detecting climate trends. This will improve data comparability in space and time and allow a more robust understanding of climate evolution locally and globally.
Robust passivity analysis for uncertain stochastic switched inertial neural networks with time‐varying delay under a new state‐dependent switching law
Authors: Nasira Banu A. , Banupriya K. , Dhanya V.
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses the problems of passivity and robust passivity for a class of stochastic switched inertial neural networks (SSINNs) with time‐varying parametric uncertainties. First, the original inertial neural networks can be converted into first‐order differential systems using a suitable variable transformation approach. Moreover, by using a proper Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) theory, Jensen's inequality, and the state‐dependent switching (SDS) law approach, several adequate criteria are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to ensure passivity and robust passivity analysis of SSINNs with parametric uncertainties and time‐varying delays. It is demonstrated that the developed SDS law may guarantee the passivity requirements of the above‐considered system made up of all unstable subnetworks. Furthermore, the gains are obtained by solving a set of LMIs that can be easily verified by some standard numerical packages. Ultimately, two examples with numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of the suggested method.
Current methods for hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI human studies
Authors: Larson Peder E. Z. , Bernard Jenna M. L. , Bankson James A. , Bøgh Nikolaj , Bok Robert A. , Chen Albert P. , Cunningham Charles H. , Gordon Jeremy W. , Hövener Jan‐Bernd , Laustsen Christoffer , Mayer Dirk , McLean Mary A. , Schilling Franz , Slater James B. , Vanderheyden Jean‐Luc , von Morze Cornelius , Vigneron Daniel B. , Xu Duan ,   the HP 13C MRI Consensus Group
Published: March 2024

MRI with hyperpolarized (HP) 13C agents, also known as HP 13C MRI, can measure processes such as localized metabolism that is altered in numerous cancers, liver, heart, kidney diseases, and more. It has been translated into human studies during the past 10 years, with recent rapid growth in studies largely based on increasing availability of HP agent preparation methods suitable for use in humans. This paper aims to capture the current successful practices for HP MRI human studies with [1‐13C]pyruvate—by far the most commonly used agent, which sits at a key metabolic junction in glycolysis. The paper is divided into four major topic areas: (1) HP 13C‐pyruvate preparation; (2) MRI system setup and calibrations; (3) data acquisition and image reconstruction; and (4) data analysis and quantification. In each area, we identified the key components for a successful study, summarized both published studies and current practices, and discuss evidence gaps, strengths, and limitations. This paper is the output of the “HP 13C MRI Consensus Group” as well as the ISMRM Hyperpolarized Media MR and Hyperpolarized Methods and Equipment study groups. It further aims to provide a comprehensive reference for future consensus, building as the field continues to advance human studies with this metabolic imaging modality.
Tailored and universal parallel transmit broadband pulses for homogeneous 3D excitation of the human heart at 7T
Authors: Aigner Christoph Stefan , Dietrich‐Conzelmann Sebastian , Lutz Max , Krüger Felix , Schmitter Sebastian
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To research and evaluate the performance of broadband tailored kT‐point pulses (TP) and universal pulses (UP) for homogeneous excitation of the human heart at 7T.

Methods

Relative 3D ‐maps of the thorax were acquired from 29 healthy volunteers. TP and UP were designed using the small‐tip‐angle approximation for a different composition of up to seven resonance frequencies. TP were computed for each of the 29 ‐maps, and UPs were calculated using 22 ‐maps and tested in seven testcases. The performance of the pulses was analyzed using the coefficient of variation (CV) in the 3D heart volumes. The 3D gradient‐echo (GRE) scans were acquired for the seven testcases to qualitatively validate the ‐predictions.

Results

Single‐ and double‐frequency optimized pulses achieved homogeneity in flip angle (FA) for the frequencies they were optimized for, while the broadband pulses achieved uniformity in FA across a 1300 Hz frequency range.

Conclusion

Broadband TP and UP can be used for homogeneous excitation of the heart volume across a 1300 Hz frequency range, including the water and the main six fat peaks, or with longer pulse durations and higher FAs for a smaller transmit bandwidth. Moreover, despite large inter‐volunteer variations, broadband UP can be used for calibration‐free 3D heart FA homogenization in time‐critical situations.
The mediating role of psychological capital on the relationship between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour among Chinese nurses
Authors: Zhang Guowen , Lin Wenfeng , Song Guiqi , Chen Juanjuan , Li Huiping , Sun Liqin , Cheng Baozhen , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

Aim

To explore the mediating role of psychological capital between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour among Chinese nurses.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

In December 2021, online surveys were delivered among nurses from 37 hospitals in Anhui Province by convenience sampling approach. The data was collected using the Chinese version of the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Nurse Psychological Capital Questionnaire and Nurse Innovative Behaviour Scale. The structural equation model and bootstrap test examined the mediating role of psychological capital between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour.

Results

3495 Chinese nurses from 37 Anhui Province hospitals participated in this study. The mean item score of authentic leadership was 3.25 (SD 0.83), psychological capital was 4.85 (SD 0.89), and innovative behaviour was 2.82 (SD 0.84). Authentic leadership perceived by nurses, psychological capital, and innovative behaviour were statistically significant and positively correlated with each other (r = 0.524 ~ 0.806, p < 0.01). Psychological capital significantly mediated the association between authentic leadership and innovative behaviour (β = 0.449, p < 0.001), and its mediating effect accounted for 76.75% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Results suggest the importance of developing nurse managers' authentic leadership to foster nurses' psychological capital and innovation behaviour.
Reactive melt‐grafting of maleic anhydride onto olefin block copolymer toward high‐performance polar polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Kou Yu , Ma Yuqi , Li Jialiang , Zhang Shilong , Cao Jiaxun , Deng Hua , Zhu Yanling , Zhao Yongsheng , Qin Jianbin , Zhang Guangcheng
Published: March 2024

The block structure of olefin block copolymer (OBC) elastomer gives it good elasticity and heat resistance relative to other polyolefin elastomers. However, the non‐polar nature of OBC chains limits its comprehensive properties like dyeing and toughening for polar engineering plastics. In this work, maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were selected as a typical polar monomer and a radical initiator to modify the polarity of OBC elastomer. During the melt‐grafting process, the DCP content was tuned to optimize the grafting efficiency while the MA‐to‐OBC ratio was fixed at 5 wt%. It was found that all the melt‐grafting reactions show high efficiency and can be finished in 3 min at 170 °C. With the increase of DCP content, the estimated grafting degree of OBC‐g‐MA elastomer increases from 0.40% to 1.16% along with increased gel content from 4.27% to 22.44%. A suitable grafting process was obtained with a DCP content of 3.0 wt% by balancing grafting efficiency and final mechanical properties. The optimized OBC‐g‐MA elastomer with a grafting degree of 0.92% has a mechanical strength of 17.15 MPa, a Young's modulus of 26.35 MPa, elongation of 1564% and strain recovery of 59.73%. Additionally, the contact angle test shows that polar grafting can increase surface hydrophilicity while excessive crosslinking promotes hydrophobicity. Therefore, our work has demonstrated the feasibility of the reactive melt‐grafting method to prepare OBC‐g‐MA elastomer and can also provide a processing reference for other chemical functionalization of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
High‐Resolution Patterning of Conductive Microstructures by Electrostatic Deposition of Aerosol Au Nanoparticles through the Dielectric Mask
Authors: Efimov Alexey , Patarashvili Anton , Maslennikov Dmitry , Davydov Vladislav , Kornyushin Denis , Ghorbani Fard Mohammad Reza , Labutov Dmitry , Torgunakov Vitaly , Zebreva Margarita , Ivanov Victor
Published: March 2024

A new approach of electrostatically focusing nanoparticles through an electrical tape mask to form narrow <10 μm and conductive microstructures is developed and investigated in this work. The presented approach is similar to deposition of material through a stencil and allows one to obtain lines 15 times smaller than the width of the gap in the mask. It is proposed to use ordinary polyvinyl chloride (PVC) electrical tape as a mask instead of expensive photo or electronic resists. The work investigates the influence of a mask thickness (height) of 60–180 μm, a gap width of 120–380 μm, a substrate potential of 0.1–5 kV, and a deposition time of 10 and 120 min on the geometry and electrical properties of the lines. Charged Au nanoparticles 60 nm in size synthesized by spark discharge are the building blocks of microstructures. Numerical modeling of the process of focusing nanoparticles in COMSOL qualitatively confirms the found experimental dependencies. The electrical resistivity of the sintered lines is 6.34 times higher than that of bulk gold. The developed approach makes it possible to obtain high‐aspect microstructures and supports operation at atmospheric pressure.
Physics‐based and data‐driven approaches for lifetime estimation under variable conditions: Application to organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Helal Sara , BenSaïda Ahmed , Abed Fidaa , El‐Amin Mohamed F. , Majid Mohammed A. , Kittaneh Omar
Published: March 2024

The prognosis of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) not only requires early detection of a bearing defect, but also the capability to predict their life data under all operational scenarios. The use of sophisticated machine learning (ML) algorithms is undoubtedly becoming an increasingly exciting research direction, as these algorithms can yield high predictive models with minimal domain expertise. The central question of this perspective is: how well can ML models advance our ability to forecast the lifetime of OLEDs compared to the physics‐based models? In this paper, data‐driven methods, feed‐forward neural networks (FFNN), support vector machines (SVMs), k‐nearest neighbors (KNNs), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and decision trees (DTs), are used to predict the lifetime and reliability of OLEDs through analyzing the lumen degradation data collected from the accelerated lifetime test. The final predicted results indicate that both the data‐driven and our physics‐based OLED lifetime models fit well the experimental data. The main drawback of the former method is that their efficacy is highly contingent on the quantity and quality of the operational dataset. Among all these methods, much more reliability information (time to failure) and the highest prediction accuracy can be achieved by FFNN.
Usage of cause‐effect graphs for reliability analysis of an embedded IoT alarm software system
Authors: Cogo Ehlimana , Cogo Emir , Karabegović Almir , Omanović Samir , Bešić Ingmar
Published: March 2024

Software is a part of most complex systems used for different purposes in today's world. The reliability of these systems must be verified before putting them to use, because their malfunction may lead to catastrophic failure, the loss of human lives, or huge costs. Software reliability can be verified by performing black‐box testing, without knowledge of the complex internal structure of these systems. In this work, an embedded IoT alarm system for detection of intruders and potential robbery is proposed. It is composed of three subsystems: embedded IoT, web‐server, and mobile phone subsystems. Cause‐effect graphing technique was applied for generating three types of black‐box test suites, by using the forward‐propagation and two different minimization algorithms. These test suites were used for black‐box testing the system, which was performed after injecting a maximum of 12 faults into the system in 100 iterations. The resulting software quality and reliability metrics showed that the forward‐propagation algorithm always achieves maximum fault detection rate (FDR), and this algorithm should be used when the highest demand for reliability must be met. The optimized minimization should only be used in cases where testing is very expensive, because it did not find faults in all testing iterations. The basic optimization retained high FDR, while reducing the impact of the minimized test suite and achieved a significant increase of test effect coverage values.