bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study on matrix resins in two low‐density polyethylene based cable insulation materials with different voltage grades
Authors: Huang Yanqin , Zhao Yan , Wei Fuqing , Wang Fushan , Gao Yan , Zhang Hongxing , Feng Jiachun
Published: January 2024

In industry, crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation is usually produced from crosslinkable compounds consisting of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and additives, which known as “cable materials”. Considering that in addition to additives, the structure of matrix resin is a key factor in determining the property of XLPE, it is worthy to study the structure requirements of matrix resin for the development of cable materials with different voltage grades. In this work, the structure of matrix resins of a high voltage grade and an extra high voltage grade cable material were comparatively investigated. Interestingly, it was found that the matrix resins have no significant difference in chain structure parameters including molecular weight and its distribution and vinyl content between two samples, and their crystalline structure as well as the melt rheology and melting crystallization behavior are also very similar. These results suggest that these matrix resins may not substantially differ. Our work shows that cable materials with different voltage grades are not necessarily diverge in terms of matrix resin structure, and it could be possible to develop higher grade cable materials using the same matrix resin as lower grade counterparts.
Controlling the wax crystallization behaviors via the ratio of phenyl to aliphatic branches in block copolymer synthesized by RAFT copolymerization
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Yan Shuiliang , Li Xinyuan , Xiao Peng , Niu Meifei , Pi Yanfu , Xu Jun
Published: January 2024

The precipitation and deposition of waxes in high waxy crude oil often result in the low throughput and clogging of pipeline. Adding polymers is a practical approach to solve these problems. In this study, poly(styrene‐co‐docosyl maleate)s (PSDMs) were synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The chemical structure and molecular weight of copolymers were characterized using Fourier infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The ratio of phenyl to aliphatic branches varies from 10:8 to 25:8. The crystallization and morphology of waxes in model oil were investigated by x‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized light microscopy. The cold flow behaviors of crude oil were evaluated by rheological methods. With the increase of the ratio of phenyl to aliphatic branches, the crystallinity, viscosity, and yield stress of crude oil first increase and then decrease. In the presence of PSDM‐2, the crystallinity and enthalpy of phase transition (ΔH) are reduced by 44.2% and 48.9%. Thus, the pour point, viscosity, and yield stress of crude oil are reduced by 6.0°C, 76.8% and 77.4%, respectively. Therefore, well‐defined PSDMs are promising to be remarkable flow improvers for waxy crude oils.
Screening of insect immune suppressors using a recombinant phospholipase A2 of a lepidopteran insect
Authors: Jin Gahyeon , Kim Yonggyun
Published: January 2024

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes phospholipids at the sn‐2 position to release free fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (AA) or its precursor. The free AA is then oxygenated into different eicosanoids, which mediate the diverse physiological processes in insects. Any inhibition of the PLA2 catalysis would give rise to serious malfunctioning in insect growth and development. An onion moth, Acrolepiopsis sapporensis, encodes four different PLA2 genes (As‐PLA2A–As‐PLA2D), in which As‐PLA2A is dominantly expressed at all developmental stages and in different larval tissues. RNA interference of the As‐PLA2A expression significantly reduced the PLA2 activity of A. sapporensis, which suffered from immunosuppression. A recombinant As‐PLA2A protein was purified from a bacterial expression system, which exhibited a typical Michaelis—Menten kinetics and hence susceptible to a specific inhibitor to sPLA2 and dithiothreitol. A total of 19 bacterial metabolites derived from Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus were screened against the recombinant As‐PLA2A. Five potent metabolites were highly inhibitory and followed a competitive enzyme inhibition. These five inhibitors suppressed the immune responses of A. sapporensis by inhibiting hemocyte‐spreading behavior and phenoloxidase activity. However, an addition of AA could significantly rescue the immunosuppression induced by the selected inhibitors. These studies suggest that the recombinant As‐PLA2A protein can be applied for high‐throughput screening of insect immunosuppressive compounds.
Mesomorphism Modulation of Perfluorinated Janus Triphenylenes by Inhomogeneous Chain Substitution Patterns
Authors: Zhang Kai‐Li , Yu Wen‐Hao , Zhao Ke‐Qing , Hu Ping , Wang Bi‐Qin , Donnio Bertrand
Published: January 2024

Two isomeric series of compounds with “inverted” chains’ substitution patterns, 7,10‐dialkoxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrafluoro‐6,11‐dimethoxytriphenylene and 6,11‐dialkoxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrafluoro‐7,10‐dimethoxytriphenylene, labelled respectively p‐TPFn and m‐TPFn, and two non‐fluorinated homologous isomers, 3,6‐dibutoxy‐2,7‐dimethoxytriphenylene and 2,7‐dibutoxy‐3,6‐dimethoxytriphenylene, p‐TP4 and m‐TP4, respectively, were synthesized in three steps and obtained in good yields by the efficient transition‐metal‐free, fluoroarene nucleophilic substitution via the reaction of appropriate 2,2’‐dilithium biphenylenes with either perfluorobenzene, C6F6, to yield p‐TPFn and m‐TPFn, or o‐difluorobenzene, C6H4F2, for p‐TP4 and m‐TP4, respectively. The single‐crystal structures of p‐TPF4, m‐TPF4 and p‐TP4, unequivocally confirmed that the cyclization reactions occurred at the expected positions, and that the fluorinated molecules stack up into columns with short separation, a propitious situation for the emergence of columnar mesophases. The mesomorphous properties were found to be greatly affected by both chains’ length and positional isomerism: a Colhex phase is found for p‐TPF4 and m‐TPF4, but mesomorphism vanishes in p‐TPF6, and changes for the isomeric homologs m‐TPFn, with the induction for n≥6 of a lamello‐columnar phase, LamColrec. As expected, both non‐fluorinated compounds are deprived of mesomorphism. These compounds emit blue‐violet colour in solution, independently of the chains’ substitution pattern, and the absolute fluorescence quantum yields can reach up to 46 %. In thin films, fluorescence is slightly redshifted.
Founding the Wnt gene family: How wingless was found to be a positional signal and oncogene homolog
Authors: Baker Nicholas E.
Published: January 2024

The Wnt family of developmental regulators were named after the Drosophila segmentation gene wingless and the murine proto‐oncogene int‐1. Homology between these two genes connected oncogenesis to cell‐cell signals in development. I review how wingless was initially characterized, and cloned, as part of the quest to identify developmental cell‐to‐cell signals, based on predictions of the Positional Information Model, and on the properties of homeotic and segmentation gene mutants. The requirements and cell‐nonautonomy of wingless in patterning multiple embryonic and adult structures solidified its status as a candidate signaling molecule. The physical location of wingless mutations and transcription unit defined the gene and its developmental transcription pattern. When the Drosophila homolog of int‐1 was then isolated, and predicted to encode a secreted proto‐oncogene homolog, it's identity to the wingless gene confirmed that a developmental cell‐cell signal had been identified and connected cancer to development.
Contrasting views on the role of AMPK in autophagy
Authors: Kim Do‐Hyung
Published: January 2024

Efficient management of low energy states is vital for cells to maintain basic functions and metabolism and avoid cell death. While autophagy has long been considered a critical mechanism for ensuring survival during energy depletion, recent research has presented conflicting evidence, challenging the long‐standing concept. This recent development suggests that cells prioritize preserving essential cellular components while restraining autophagy induction when cellular energy is limited. This essay explores the conceptual discourse on autophagy regulation during energy stress, navigating through the studies that established the current paradigm and the recent research that has challenged its validity while proposing an alternative model. This exploration highlights the far‐reaching implications of the alternative model, which represents a conceptual departure from the established paradigm, offering new perspectives on how cells respond to energy stress.
Micro Trojan horses: Engineering extracellular vesicles crossing biological barriers for drug delivery
Authors: Zeng Bin , Li Ying , Xia Jiang , Xiao Yin , Khan Nawaz , Jiang Bin , Liang Yujie , Duan Li
Published: January 2024

The biological barriers of the body, such as the blood–brain, placental, intestinal, skin, and air‐blood, protect against invading viruses and bacteria while providing necessary physical support. However, these barriers also hinder the delivery of drugs to target tissues, reducing their therapeutic efficacy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanostructures with a diameter ranging from 30 nm to 10 μm secreted by cells, offer a potential solution to this challenge. These natural vesicles can effectively pass through various biological barriers, facilitating intercellular communication. As a result, artificially engineered EVs that mimic or are superior to the natural ones have emerged as a promising drug delivery vehicle, capable of delivering drugs to almost any body part to treat various diseases. This review first provides an overview of the formation and cross‐species uptake of natural EVs from different organisms, including animals, plants, and bacteria. Later, it explores the current clinical applications, perspectives, and challenges associated with using engineered EVs as a drug delivery platform. Finally, it aims to inspire further research to help bioengineered EVs effectively cross biological barriers to treat diseases.
Establishing a robust radioligand therapy program: A practical approach for North American centers
Authors: Mittra Erik S. , Wong Rebecca K. S. , Winters Celeste , Brown Adam , Murley Shondra , Kennecke Hagen
Published: January 2024

Radioligand therapy (RLT) is a targeted approach to treating cancer that has been shown to be safe and effective in a variety of disease states, including gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, lymphoma, and most recently, advanced prostate cancer. In the United States, patient access to this therapy is currently variable. Implementation of new RLT programs and expansion of existing programs are needed to broaden patient access to and standardize the delivery of RLT, especially as new therapies are introduced into clinical practice. Drawing from experience in establishing RLT programs in different settings, we have developed practical recommendations for building and implementing a robust RLT program. In this review, we present our recommendations for minimal requirements and optimal requirements, as well as system considerations, and special issues associated with implementing an RLT program in North American centers.
Healthcare costs of cancer among children, adolescents, and young adults: A scoping review
Authors: Nabukalu Doreen , Gordon Louisa G. , Lowe John , Merollini Katharina M. D.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To collate and critically review international evidence on the direct health system costs of children and adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer.

Methods

We conducted searches in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus. Articles were limited to studies involving people aged 0–39 years at cancer diagnosis and published from 2012 to 2022. Two reviewers screened the articles and evaluated the studies using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. The reviewers synthesized the findings using a narrative approach and presented the costs in 2022 US dollars for comparability.

Results

Overall, the mean healthcare costs for all cancers in the 5 years post diagnosis ranged from US$36,670 among children in Korea to US$127,946 among AYA in the USA.

During the first year, the mean costs among children 0–14 years ranged from US$34,953 in Chile to over US$130,000 in Canada. These were higher than the costs for AYA, estimated at US$61,855 in Canada. At the end of life, the mean costs were estimated at over US$300,000 among children and US$235,265 among adolescents in Canada.

Leukemia was the most expensive cancer type, estimated at US$50,133 in Chile, to US$152,533 among children in Canada. Overall, more than a third of the total cost is related to hospitalizations. All the included studies were of good quality.

Conclusions

Healthcare costs associated with cancer are substantial among children, and AYA. More research is needed on the cost of cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries and harmonization of costs across countries.
Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Herba Epimedii: Enhancing Bone Healing Through Cytoskeletal Regulation of RhoA/Rock1 Pathway
Authors: Huang Xiaowen , Lei Shanshan , Xiong Xuefeng , Wang Xuping , Zhao Lisha , Wang Nani , Wan Na , Li Bin
Published: January 2024

Herba Epimedii is widely used to promote bone healing, and their active ingredients are total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE). Ras homolog gene family member A / Rho‐associated protein kinase (RhoA/Rock), an important pathway regulating the cytoskeleton, has been proven to affect bone formation. However, whether TFE promotes bone healing via this pathway remains unclear. In this study, the therapeutic effects of TFE were estimated using micro‐computed tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining of pathological sections. F‐actin in osteoblasts was stained to investigate the protective effects of TFE on the cytoskeleton. Its regulatory effects on the RhoA/Rock1 pathway were explored using RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis. Besides, flow cytometry, alkaline phosphatase and nodule calcification staining were performed to evaluate the effects on osteogenesis. The bone healing in rats was improved, the cytoskeletal damage in osteoblasts was reduced, the RhoA/Rock1 pathway was downregulated, and osteogenesis was enhanced after TFE treatment. Thus, TFE can promote bone formation at least partially by regulating the expression of key genes and proteins in the cytoskeleton. The findings of this study provided evidence for clinical applications and would contribute to a better understanding of Epimedium’s mechanisms in treating bone defects.
Metabolites Profile of Extracts and Fractions of Erythroxylum mexicanum Kunth by UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS and its Antibacterial, Cytotoxic and Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Hurtado‐Díaz Israel , Ramírez‐Cisneros M. Ángeles , Alvarez Laura , Sánchez‐Carranza Jessica Nayelli , Columba‐Palomares María Crystal , Silva‐Guzmán José Antonio , Cruz‐Sosa Francisco , Bernabé‐Antonio Antonio
Published: January 2024

The present study shows the untargeted metabolite profiling and in vitro antibacterial, cytotoxic, and nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activities of the methanolic leaves extract (MLE) and methanolic stem extract (MSE) of Erythroxylum mexicanum, as well as the fractions from MSE. Using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS), a total of 70 metabolites were identified; mainly alkaloids in the MLE, while the MSE showed a high abundance of diterpenoids. The MSE fractions exhibited differential activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. Notably, the hexane fraction (HSF) against Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615 (MIC=62.5 μg/mL) exhibited a bactericidal effect. The MSE fractions exhibited cytotoxicity against all cancer cell lines tested, with selectivity towards them compared to a noncancerous cell line. Particularly, the HSF and chloroform fraction (CSF) showed the highest cytotoxicity against prostate cancer (PC‐3) cells, with IC50 values of 19.9 and 18.1 μg/mL and selectivity indexes of 3.8 and 4.2, respectively. Both the HSF and ethyl acetate (EASF) fractions of the MSE inhibited NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, with NO production percentages of 50.0 % and 51.7 %, respectively, at a concentration of 30 μg/mL. These results indicated that E. mexicanum can be a source of antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti‐inflammatory metabolites.
A case report of torsion of the gravid uterus caused by pelvic adhesion
Authors: Kim Seokyung , Bae Hyun Ji , Lee Eun Ju , Kwak Dong Wook , In Yang Jeong
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

In this case, a patient experienced rare uterine torsion during pregnancy, detected by MRI. Diagnosis before Cesarean is helpful to achieve better outcomes, highlighting the importance of attention in high‐risk groups.

Uterine torsion during pregnancy is a rare complication and its risk factors and diagnostic modalities have not yet been clearly defined. Here we present a case of uterine torsion due to unexpected pelvic adhesion. A 34‐years‐old primigravida patient underwent an emergency cesarean section for aggravated maternal preeclampsia symptoms at 34 + 0 weeks of gestation. Intraoperatively, after the baby was out, it was found that the uterus was rotated about 90 degrees to the right by dense pelvic adhesion in posterior uterine wall. In this patient, a rightward vaginal stretch was represented through a retrospective review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before childbirth. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of uterine torsion during pregnancy with MRI. Diagnosing uterine torsion in advance or paying attention to incisions during operative delivery will lead to better management in this condition and good perinatal outcomes.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Ofloxacin in Wastewater Using Mg‐Ni Co‐doped TiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Malhotra Mitresh , Garg Alok , Rawat Manish
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of Mg‐Ni co‐doped TiO2 and its application in the degradation of the pharmaceutical ofloxacin (OFX) under solar irradiation. A wet impregnation method was used to prepare Mg‐Ni co‐doped TiO2. Characterization, optimization, and kinetic studies revealed that the doped TiO2 material is effective in degrading OFX, with potential applications in water treatment or environmental remediation processes. Ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicated that the band gap of TiO2 was reduced due to doping with Mg and Ni. A reduced band gap can enhance the material's photocatalytic properties, which is important for its application in solar‐driven degradation processes. The catalyst dose and OFX concentration for the degradation process were optimized. A catalyst dose of 2 g L−1 and an OFX solution with a concentration of 40 ppm, maintained at pH 5, resulted in the highest degradation efficiency. The degradation process followed first‐order kinetics, suggesting that the rate of degradation increased with increasing doping.
Trifluoromethylated Lithium Borates as Electrolyte Salts for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium‐Ion Batteries with High‐Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Positive Electrodes
Authors: Takahashi Mikihiro , Mori Katsumasa , Katayama Yu , Tsutsumi Hiromori
Published: January 2024

LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) is a promising positive electrode material for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high working voltage; however, its practical application is hindered by the insufficient oxidation resistance of LIB electrolytes. In this study, we aimed to address this issue by evaluating two trifluoromethylated lithium borate compounds lithium difluoro (perfluoropinacolato) borate (PFP‐F2) and lithium difluoro(2‐hydroxy‐3,3,3,3′,3′,3′‐hexafluoroisobutylato) borate (HHIB‐F2) as electrolyte salts for high‐potential LIBs (4.8 V vs. Li/Li+) with LNMO positive electrodes. In full‐cell tests, the cyclability of LIBs containing these salts is superior (60 °C) to that of the cell with lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) as the reference electrolyte salt, which is ascribed to the formation of a positive electrode passivation layer that inhibits the oxidative decomposition of the electrolyte salt and solvent in the former case. Moreover, the oxidative decomposition of trifluoromethylated borates at 4.8 V affords a passivation layer on the negative electrode. Thus, the examined borates hold great promise for the commercialization of high‐energy‐density LNMO‐based LIBs, and the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the negative electrode resulting from the oxidative decomposition products of electrolyte salts is a promising new way to enhance the performance of high‐potential positive electrode LIBs beyond existing levels.
Functional and structural significance of the inner‐arm‐dynein subspecies d in ciliary motility
Authors: Yamamoto Ryosuke , Kon Takahide
Published: January 2024

Motile cilia play various important physiological roles in eukaryotic organisms including cell motility and fertility. Inside motile cilia, large motor‐protein complexes called “ciliary dyneins” coordinate their activities and drive ciliary motility. The ciliary dyneins include the outer‐arm dyneins, the double‐headed inner‐arm dynein (IDA f/I1), and several single‐headed inner‐arm dyneins (IDAs a, b, c, d, e, and g). Among these single‐headed IDAs, one of the ciliary dyneins, IDA d, is of particular interest because of its unique properties and subunit composition. In addition, defects in this subspecies have recently been associated with several types of ciliopathies in humans, such as primary ciliary dyskinesia and multiple morphologic abnormalities of the flagellum. In this mini‐review, we discuss the composition, structure, and motor properties of IDA d, which have been studied in the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and further discuss the relationship between IDA d and human ciliopathies. In addition, we provide future perspectives and discuss remaining questions regarding this intriguing dynein subspecies.
Epidemiology of cervical cancer in Iran in 2016: A nationwide study of incidence and regional variation
Authors: Anjam Majoumerd Alireza , Hosseini Saeed , Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad Hossein , Roshandel Gholamreza , Rahmanian Vahid , Hazar Narjes
Published: January 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is a common, and fatal cancer in women worldwide. This cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women after breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) and the geographical distribution of Cervical Cancer in Iran.

Methods

This study was designed as a descriptive cross‐sectional investigation. The study sample comprised all individuals registered as cervical cancer patients in the National Cancer Registry system in 2016. The crude rate and ASR for each province were computed independently. Furthermore, we employed ArcMap10.5 software and geographic information system to conduct an analysis of the gathered data. In order to ascertain the spatial distribution and clustering of cervical cancer incidence, we utilized Moran's I, which measures spatial autocorrelation.

Results

We studied a total of 808 cases of cervical cancer with a median age to be 52.19 years (IQR≈1.35). Among these cases, 685 (84.7%) were diagnosed based on the pathological reports with morphological verification, while 81 patients (10.1%) were clinically identified, and 42 cases (5.2%) were diagnosed using the death certificate‐only method. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 61% of all cases (n = 497). The ASR of cervical cancer in Iran was 1.90 per 100 000 populations. The provincial ASR ranged from 0.29 to 5.03 per 100 000, with the highest rates observed in Golestan (5.03), East Azerbaijan (4.07), and Ilam (3.72). We found no clustering patterns in the distribution of provincial crude, age‐specific, and age‐standardized incidence rates (p > .05).

Conclusion

The incidence of cervical cancer in Iran was lower than the global average, and we did not identify any significant disparities in the incidence rates among the provinces. Although there were differences in incidence rates among the areas, these were not clustered. It is crucial to remember that cervical cancer is still a major public health issue in Iran, and in order to lessen the disease's burden, national initiatives to enhance screening, early identification, and access to efficient treatment should continue to be top priorities.
Model of collective violence—Structural and psychological antecedents of pogrom violence
Authors: Winiewski Mikołaj Henryk , Bulska Dominika
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a multidimensional approach to collective violence. Stemming from the literature on collective violence and intergroup relations, a sociostructural model is proposed, functionally connecting the structure of intergroup relations with the variety of collective violence. Three archival databases on anti‐Jewish pogroms in Poland and the Russian Empire at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries are used to demonstrate the variability of types of pogrom violence and its relations with social structure. The results are discussed in light of various intergroup threat theories.
Cognitive‐behavioral therapy for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: A proof‐of‐concept for mechanisms of change and target engagement
Authors: Burton‐Murray Helen , Becker Kendra R. , Breithaupt Lauren , Gardner Elizabeth , Dreier Melissa J. , Stern Casey M. , Misra Madhusmita , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Ljótsson Brjánn , Eddy Kamryn T. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID; CBT‐AR) theoretically targets three prototypic motivations (sensory sensitivity, lack of interest/low appetite, fear of aversive consequences), aligned with three modularized interventions. As an exploratory investigation, we: (1) evaluated change in candidate mechanisms in relationship to change in ARFID severity, and (2) tested if assignment (vs. not) to a module resulted in larger improvements in the corresponding mechanism.

Method

Males and females (N = 42; 10–55 years) participated in an open trial of CBT‐AR.

Results

Decreases in scaled scores for each candidate mechanism had medium to large correlations with decreases in ARFID severity—sensory sensitivity: −0.7 decrease (r = .42, p = .01); lack of interest/low appetite: −0.3 decrease (r = .60, p < .0001); and fear of aversive consequences: −1.1 decrease (r = .33, p = .05). Linear mixed models revealed significant weekly improvements for each candidate mechanism across the full sample (ps < .0001). There were significant interactions for the sensory and fear of aversive consequences modules–for each, participants who received the corresponding module had significantly larger decreases in the candidate mechanism than those who did not receive the module.

Discussion

Sensory sensitivity and fear of aversive consequences improved more if the CBT‐AR module was received, but lack of interest/low appetite may improve regardless of receipt of the corresponding module. Future research is needed to test target engagement in CBT‐AR with adaptive treatment designs, and to identify valid and sensitive measures of candidate mechanisms.

Public Significance

The mechanisms through which components of CBT‐AR work have yet to be elucidated. We conducted an exploratory investigation to test if assignment (vs. not) to a CBT‐AR module resulted in larger improvements in the corresponding prototypic ARFID motivation that the module intended to target. Measures of the sensory sensitivity and the fear of aversive consequences motivations improved more in those who received the corresponding treatment module, whereas the lack of interest/low appetite measure improved regardless of if the corresponding module was received.
Bryophytes enhance nitrogen content in decaying wood via biological interactions
Authors: Oishi Yoshitaka
Published: January 2024

An increase in the nitrogen (N) content in coarse woody debris (CWD) facilitates its decomposition, affecting the cycling of N and other nutrients in forest ecosystems. Bryophytes may increase the N content by transferring the N in bryophyte tissues to the underlying CWD. This study examined whether and how bryophytes increase N content in the underlying CWD using N‐stable isotope ratios (δ15N) as tracers for N sources. The N content and δ15N values in CWD with bryophytes were significantly higher than those in CWD without bryophytes. However, the δ15N values in CWD with bryophytes differed significantly from those in bryophytes on CWD, demonstrating that the N in bryophytes did not cause the increase in N content in CWD. The analyses using δ15N further indicated that the high N content in CWD with bryophytes may be attributed to increased N supply from wood‐decomposing fungi and N‐fixing bacteria. This increase in N content may result from the enhanced moisture content in CWD beneath bryophytes, which facilitates the activity of wood‐decomposing fungi and N‐fixing bacteria. Notably, the influence of bryophytes on the N content in CWD differed between bryophyte life forms: bryophytes that form dense mats increased the N content in CWD, whereas those with loose mats decreased the N content. This difference can be explained by the greater humidity experienced by CWD with bryophytes forming dense mats than that experienced by CWD with bryophytes forming loose mats. Given that the N content in CWD affects the decay processes, the results highlight the importance of biological interactions associated with bryophytes in forest ecosystems.
Template‐Induced Graphitic Nanodomains in Nitrogen‐Doped Carbons Enable High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Li Chun , Song Zihan , Liu Minliang , Lepre Enrico , Antonietti Markus , Zhu Junwu , Liu Jian , Fu Yongsheng , López‐Salas Nieves
Published: January 2024

Sodium‐ion capacitors (SICs) have great potential in energy storage due to their low cost, the abundance of Na, and the potential to deliver high energy and power simultaneously. This article demonstrates a template‐assisted method to induce graphitic nanodomains and micro‐mesopores into nitrogen‐doped carbons. This study elucidates that these graphitic nanodomains are beneficial for Na+ storage. The obtained N‐doped carbon (As8Mg) electrode achieved a reversible capacity of 254 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, the As8Mg‐based SIC device achieves high combinations of power/energy densities (53 W kg−1 at 224 Wh kg−1 and 10 410 W kg−1 at 51 Wh kg−1) with outstanding cycle stability (99.7% retention over 600 cycles at 0.2 A g−1). Our findings provide insights into optimizing carbon's microstructure to boost sodium storage in the pseudocapacitive mode.
The costs of chronic pain—Long‐term estimates
Authors: Stubhaug Audun , Hansen Johan Liseth , Hallberg Sara , Gustavsson Anders , Eggen Anne Elise , Nielsen Christopher Sivert
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic pain is a condition with severe impact on many aspects of life, including work, functional ability and quality of life, thereby reducing physical, mental and social well‐being. Despite the high prevalence and burden of chronic pain, it has received disproportionally little attention in research and public policy and the societal costs of chronic pain remain largely unknown. This study aimed to describe the long‐term healthcare and work absence costs of individuals with and without self‐identified chronic pain.

Methods

The study population were participants in two Norwegian population health studies (HUNT3 and Tromsø6). Participants were defined as having chronic pain based on a self‐reported answer to a question on chronic pain in the health studies in 2008. Individuals in the study population were linked to four national register databases on healthcare resource use and work absence.

Results

In our study, 36% (n = 63,782) self‐reported to have chronic pain and the average years of age was 56.6. The accumulated difference in costs between those with and without chronic pain from 2010 to 2016 was €55,003 (CI: 54,414–55,592) per individual. Extrapolating this to the entire population suggests that chronic pain imposes a yearly burden of 4% of GDP. Eighty per cent of the costs were estimated to be productivity loss.

Conclusion

Insights from this study can provide a greater understanding of the extent of healthcare use and productivity loss by those with chronic pain and serve as an important basis for improvements in rehabilitation and quality of care, and the education of the public on the burden of chronic pain.

Significance

This was the first study to estimate the economic burden associated with chronic pain in the general population using linked individual‐level administrative data and self‐reported survey answers. We provide calculations showing that annual costs of chronic pain may be as high as €12 billion or 4% of GDP. Findings from this study highlight the need for a greater understanding of the substantial healthcare use and productivity losses among individuals with chronic pain.
Designing Next‐Generation Thermal Energy Storage Systems with Nanoparticle‐Based Hybrid Phase Change Materials: A Computational Analysis
Authors: Chavan Santosh , Venkateswarlu Bhumarapu , Kim Sung Chul , Joo Sang Woo
Published: January 2024

The disparity between the supply and demand for thermal energy has encouraged scientists to develop effective thermal energy storage (TES) technologies. In this regard, hybrid nano‐enhanced phase‐change materials (HNePCMs) are integrated into a square enclosure for TES system analysis. Several HNePCMs are formulated with different highly conductive nanoparticles in varying proportions. For the numerical study, three HNePCMs, namely HNePCM‐1, HNePCM‐2, and HNePCM‐3, are employed to investigate melting characteristics and energy‐storage capacity analysis. The outcomes of the analysis are determined by examining several variables, such as mass fraction, enthalpy, and temperature, concerning the melting and heat‐transfer processes. In the results, it is indicated that HNePCM‐1_10% yields the best thermal performance as compared to the other HNePCM_8% and HNePCM_5% case studies. Furthermore, the melting time is shortened for HNePCM‐1_10%, HNePCM‐2_10%, and HNePCM‐3_10% by 20%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. The enthalpy of HNePCM‐1 exhibits greater enhancement compared to HNePCM‐2 and HNePCM‐3, respectively. The enhancement in energy‐storage capacity for HNePCM‐1_10%, HNePCM‐2_10%, and HNePCM‐3_10% is 18.69%, 16.66%, and 6.85% higher than that of the base material. Thus, HNePCMs are demonstrated to be more efficient materials and are emerging as potential materials to augment the performance of TES applications.
Chemical modification of linoleic acid via catalytic epoxidation of corn oil: A sustainable approach
Authors: Kasmin Nur Daniesya , Azmi Intan Suhada , Nurherdiana Silvana Dwi , Yusof Fahmi Asyadi Md , Jalil Mohd Jumain
Published: January 2024

Epoxidized corn oil is of great interest because they are derived from sustainable, renewable natural resources and are environmentally friendly. There is a lack of extensive research on optimizing process parameters for the epoxidation of corn oil, which serves as the raw material. In this study, the epoxidation of corn oil was carried out by reacting formic acid and hydrogen peroxide, employing an in situ peracids mechanism. The findings revealed that the optimal reaction conditions for producing epoxidized corn oil with the highest oxirane content were a catalyst type of sulfuric acid, reaction temperature of 35°C, a molar ratio of formic acid to linoleic acid of 1:1, and a molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to linoleic acid of 1.75:1. By employing these optimal conditions, the maximum relative conversion of palm oleic acid to oxirane was achieved at 82%. After 100 iterations, the reaction rate constant based on optimized epoxidized corn oil production was obtained as follows:  = 0.13 mol L−1 min−1,  = 37.07 mol L−1 min−1, and  = 10.00 mol L−1 min−1. The findings validated the kinetic model by showing good agreement between the simulation and experimental data.
A review of recent control techniques of drooped inverter‐based AC microgrids
Authors: Issa Walid , Sharkh Sulieman , Abusara Mohammad
Published: January 2024

As the penetration of distributed generation (DG) systems in the grid is increasing, the challenge of combining large numbers of DGs in the power systems has to be carefully clarified and managed. The control strategy and management concept of the interconnected systems should be flexible and reliable to handle the various types of DGs. This can be suitably met by microgrids. This paper introduces the microgrid structure and elements and states the main objectives that should be achieved by the microgrid controllers and each DG controller in both operation modes (grid‐connected and island mode). It also presents the challenges of having multiple DG units in a microgrid in terms of accurate power control/sharing, voltage and frequency regulation, power management between DGs, different renewable energy sources integration and deployment, seamless mode transfer, and the modeling issues. The centralized and decentralized control techniques as potential solutions have been discussed and compared by highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. Furthermore, the recent control techniques for drooped alternating current microgrids and the main proposed solutions and contributions in the literature have been exposed to finally overcome the droop control limitations and obtain a flexible and smart distributed power system.
Child and adolescent foraging: New directions in evolutionary research
Authors: Pretelli Ilaria , Crittenden Alyssa N. , Dounias Edmond , Friant Sagan , Koster Jeremy , Kramer Karen L. , Mangola Shani M. , Saez Almudena Mari , Lew‐Levy Sheina
Published: January 2024

Young children and adolescents in subsistence societies forage for a wide range of resources. They often target child‐specific foods, they can be very successful foragers, and they share their produce widely within and outside of their nuclear family. At the same time, while foraging, they face risky situations and are exposed to diseases that can influence their immune development. However, children's foraging has largely been explained in light of their future (adult) behavior. Here, we reinterpret findings from human behavioral ecology, evolutionary medicine and cultural evolution to center foraging children's contributions to life history evolution, community resilience and immune development. We highlight the need to foreground immediate alongside delayed benefits and costs of foraging, including inclusive fitness benefits, when discussing children's food production from an evolutionary perspective. We conclude by recommending that researchers carefully consider children's social and ecological context, develop cross‐cultural perspectives, and incorporate children's foraging into Indigenous sovereignty discourse.
Bromelia longipedicellata and Bromelia stellata (Bromeliaceae): Two new species from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Monteiro Raquel Fernandes , Forzza Rafaela Campostrini
Published: January 2024

Two new species of Bromelia L. (Bromelioideae, Bromeliaceae) endemic to the Amazon are described, increasing to 16 the number of species recorded from the Brazilian part of the biome. Bromelia longipedicelata is characterized by a lax inflorescence emerging from the leaf rosette, primary bracts ovate with entire margins, floral bracts linear‐lanceolate, shorter than the pedicel, flower 5.8–8 cm long, sepals elliptic and rounded, and petals ca. 60 mm long. Bromelia stellata has a floccose leaf sheath, inflorescence embedded in the leaf rosette, floral bract linear and completely tomentose, sepal linear‐elliptic, asymmetric, lepidote to pannose, and apex acute‐attenuate. Detailed descriptions, comparisons with similar species, illustrations, and comments on their etymologies, distributions, habitats, conservation status, and morphology are provided. An identification key to the Bromelia species of the Brazilian Amazonia is also presented.
The viscosity‐enhancing effect of carob bean gum and sodium carboxymethylcellulose when added to infant formula
Authors: Baert Kyara , Ombecq Mathieu , Van Winckel Myriam , Henry Silke , Tommelein Eline , Vanhoorne Valérie
Published: January 2024

Despite limited supporting evidence, the practice of thickening breast milk or infant formula with commercially available thickening agents is prevalent. This study explored the viscosity‐enhancing impact of carob bean gum (CBG) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) when added to infant formula at various concentrations and for different thickening durations. The findings indicate that thickening leads to an exponential increase in milk viscosity, from 25% of the recommended dosage onward. This suggests that minor adjustments in dosage can significantly impact formula thickness, underscoring the importance of accurately dosing and preparing infant milk. The considerable variability in viscosity also emphasizes the need for thoughtful selection of teat size, considering the energy expenditure of the sucking infant. When using 50% of the recommended CBG dose or 25% of NaCMC, the resulting viscosity matches that of a commercially available casein‐based formula containing CBG for anti‐regurgitation. In the case of CBG, a viscosity plateau is only reached after 30 min. Therefore, educating parents on the correct handling and preparation steps for CBG‐thickened infant milk is crucial, including a 30‐min waiting period to achieve the intended thickening effect.
High‐resolution dataset of nocturnal air temperatures in Bern, Switzerland (2007–2022)
Authors: Burger Moritz , Gubler Moritz , Brönnimann Stefan
Published: January 2024

To prepare for a hotter future, information on intra‐urban temperature distributions is crucial for cities worldwide. In recent years, different methods to compute high‐resolution temperature datasets have been developed. Such datasets commonly originate from downscaling techniques, which are applied to enhance the spatial resolution of existing data. In this study, we present an approach based on a fine‐scaled low‐cost urban temperature measurement network and a formerly developed land use regression approach. The dataset covers mean nocturnal temperatures of 16 summers (2007–2022) of a medium‐sized urban area with adapted land cover data for each year. It has a high spatial (50 m) and temporal (daily) resolution and performs well in validation (RMSEs of 0.70 and 0.69 K and mean biases of +0.41 and −0.19 K for two validation years). The dataset can be used to examine very detailed statistics in space and time, such as first heatwave per year, cumulative heat risks or inter‐annual variability. Here, we evaluate the dataset with two application cases regarding urban planning and heat risk assessment, which are of high interest for both researchers and practitioners. Due to potential biases of the low‐cost measurement devices during daytime, the dataset is currently limited to night‐time temperatures. With minor adaptions, the presented approach is transferable to cities worldwide in order to set a basis for researchers, city administrations and private stakeholders to address their heat mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Source‐based morphometry reveals structural brain pattern abnormalities in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Ge Ruiyang , Ching Christopher R. K. , Bassett Anne S. , Kushan Leila , Antshel Kevin M. , van Amelsvoort Therese , Bakker Geor , Butcher Nancy J. , Campbell Linda E. , Chow Eva W. C. , Craig Michael , Crossley Nicolas A. , Cunningham Adam , Daly Eileen , Doherty Joanne L. , Durdle Courtney A. , Emanuel Beverly S. , Fiksinski Ania , Forsyth Jennifer K. , Fremont Wanda , Goodrich‐Hunsaker Naomi J. , Gudbrandsen Maria , Gur Raquel E. , Jalbrzikowski Maria , Kates Wendy R. , Lin Amy , Linden David E. J. , McCabe Kathryn L. , McDonald‐McGinn Donna , Moss Hayley , Murphy Declan G. , Murphy Kieran C. , Owen Michael J. , Villalon‐Reina Julio E. , Repetto Gabriela M. , Roalf David R. , Ruparel Kosha , Schmitt J. Eric , Schuite‐Koops Sanne , Angkustsiri Kathleen , Sun Daqiang , Vajdi Ariana , van den Bree Marianne , Vorstman Jacob , Thompson Paul M. , Vila‐Rodriguez Fidel , Bearden Carrie E.
Published: January 2024

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is the most frequently occurring microdeletion in humans. It is associated with a significant impact on brain structure, including prominent reductions in gray matter volume (GMV), and neuropsychiatric manifestations, including cognitive impairment and psychosis. It is unclear whether GMV alterations in 22q11DS occur according to distinct structural patterns. Then, 783 participants (470 with 22q11DS: 51% females, mean age [SD] 18.2 [9.2]; and 313 typically developing [TD] controls: 46% females, mean age 18.0 [8.6]) from 13 datasets were included in the present study. We segmented structural T1‐weighted brain MRI scans and extracted GMV images, which were then utilized in a novel source‐based morphometry (SBM) pipeline (SS‐Detect) to generate structural brain patterns (SBPs) that capture co‐varying GMV. We investigated the impact of the 22q11.2 deletion, deletion size, intelligence quotient, and psychosis on the SBPs. Seventeen GMV‐SBPs were derived, which provided spatial patterns of GMV covariance associated with a quantitative metric (i.e., loading score) for analysis. Patterns of topographically widespread differences in GMV covariance, including the cerebellum, discriminated individuals with 22q11DS from healthy controls. The spatial extents of the SBPs that revealed disparities between individuals with 22q11DS and controls were consistent with the findings of the univariate voxel‐based morphometry analysis. Larger deletion size was associated with significantly lower GMV in frontal and occipital SBPs; however, history of psychosis did not show a strong relationship with these covariance patterns. 22q11DS is associated with distinct structural abnormalities captured by topographical GMV covariance patterns that include the cerebellum. Findings indicate that structural anomalies in 22q11DS manifest in a nonrandom manner and in distinct covarying anatomical patterns, rather than a diffuse global process. These SBP abnormalities converge with previously reported cortical surface area abnormalities, suggesting disturbances of early neurodevelopment as the most likely underlying mechanism.
Acute and definitive management of oropharyngeal hemorrhage in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx
Authors: Araujo Ana V. , Wax Mark K. , Clayburgh Daniel R. , Andersen Peter E. , Chandra Ravi A. , Li Ryan J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Massive oropharyngeal bleeding post‐chemoradiotherapy is a life‐threatening condition that requires emergent management.

Methods

This retrospective case series included 11 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who suffered from massive bleeding during or following treatment with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Details of acute and definitive management of oropharyngeal bleeding are reported.

Results

Nine of 11 hemorrhagic events occurred a mean (SD) of 88.6 days (53.6) after radiotherapy. Airway intubation and embolization were performed in 10 of 11 patients, followed by surgery in 7 of 11 patients. The most commonly embolized vessels were the external carotid and lingual arteries. At the time of discharge, 3 of 11 patients had a tracheostomy, and 7 of 11 continued to use a gastrostomy tube. Four patients died.

Conclusions

Hemorrhagic complications in oropharyngeal cancer treatment require emergent responses. Developing a workflow for coordination between multidisciplinary teams can maximize probability of survival and decrease morbidity.