bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transport Properties with Multiple Functions of Fe@C60‐GNR Single Molecule
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Hu Yangyang , Han Lu , Dong Yuqi , Rehman Munir Ur , Shang Yan , Yang Zhaodi , Wang Ya , Pei Lei , Yu Hong , Zhang Guiling
Published: January 2024

Encouraged by the successful fabrication of C60‐GNR (GNR=graphene nanoribbon) single‐molecule transistors in experiments, four Fe‐containing derived double‐layered devices of Fe@C60‐GNR are designed by employing different electrode linkages and their transport properties are investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) and nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) methods. Regardless of electrode connection, all these devices give rise to a smaller negative differential resistance (NDR) peak at V=0.2 and a higher peak at 1.2 V, suggesting their stable maneuverability as molecular devices and good candidates for developing on(off)‐off(on)‐on(off) current switches. The macroscopic NDR performance depends on the delocalization character and the crossing mechanism of the frontier orbitals. The peak‐to‐valley current ratios (Rmax) range from 454 to 2737, determined by the electrode linkage. Such a large Rmax‐value is necessary for developing dynamic random‐access memory (DRAM) cells. Encapsulating the Fe atom inside C60 not only improves the conductivity but also introduces the spin‐polarized transport property. The spin‐filtering efficiency (SFE) of almost all devices oscillates up and down in response to the bias voltage, indicating the possibility of designing on(off)‐off(on)‐on(off) spin switches and up‐down spin switches. All these fascinating properties provide an important clue for designing similar molecular devices with multiple functions by trapping magnetic transition metal atoms inside fullerenes.
In‐Cell 19F NMR of Proteins: Recent Progress and Future Opportunities
Authors: Chai Zhaofei , Li Conggang
Published: January 2024

In vitro, 19F NMR methodology is preferably selected as a complementary and straightforward method for unveiling the conformations, dynamics, and interactions of biological molecules. Its effectiveness in vivo has seen continuous improvement, addressing challenges faced by conventional heteronuclear NMR experiments on structured proteins, such as severe line broadening, low signal‐to‐noise ratio, and background signals. Herein, we summarize the distinctive advantages of 19F NMR, along with recent progress in sample preparation and applications within the realm of in‐cell NMR. Additionally, we offer insights into the future directions and prospects of this methodology based on our understanding.
Biomass‐Derived Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Bai Yu‐Lin , Zhang Chen‐Chen , Rong Feng , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Wang Kai‐Xue
Published: January 2024

The environmental impact from the waste disposal has been widely concerned around the world. The conversion of wastes to useful resources is important for the sustainable society. As a typical family of wastes, biomass materials basically composed of collagen, protein and lignin are considered as useful resources for recycle and reuse. In recent years, the development of carbon material derived from biomasses, such as plants, crops, animals and their application in electrochemical energy storage have attracted extensive attention. Through the selection of the appropriate biomass, the optimization of the activation method and the control of the pyrolysis temperatures, carbon materials with desired features, such as high‐specific surface area, variable porous framework, and controllable heteroatom‐doping have been fabricated. Herein, this review summarized the preparation methods, morphologies, heteroatoms doping in the plant/animal‐derived carbonaceous materials, and their application as electrode materials for secondary batteries and supercapacitors, and as electrode support for lithium‐sulfur batteries. The challenges and prospects for the controllable synthesis and large‐scale application of biomass‐derived carbonaceous materials have also been outlooked.
Boron‐ and Oxygen‐Doped π‐Extended Helical Nanographene with Circularly Polarised Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Venugopal Geethu , Kumar Viksit , Badrinarayan Jadhav Ashok , Dongre Sangram D. , Khan Abujunaid , Gonnade Rajesh , Kumar Jatish , Santhosh Babu Sukumaran
Published: January 2024

Helical nanographenes have garnered substantial attention owing to their finely adjustable optical and semiconducting properties. The strategic integration of both helicity and heteroatoms into the nanographene structure, facilitated by a boron‐oxygen‐based multiple resonance (MR) thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), elevates its photophysical and chiroptical features. This signifies the introduction of an elegant category of helical nanographene that combines optical (TADF) and chiroptical (CPL) features. In this direction, we report the synthesis, optical, and chiroptical properties of boron, oxygen‐doped Π‐extended helical nanographene. The π‐extension induces distortion in the DOBNA‐incorporated nanographene, endowing a pair of helicenes, (P)‐B2NG, and (M)‐B2NG exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence with glum of −2.3×10−3 and +2.5×10−3, respectively. B2NG exhibited MR‐TADF with a lifetime below 5 μs, and a reasonably high fluorescence quantum yield (50 %). Our molecular design enriches the optical and chiroptical properties of nanographenes and opens up new opportunities in multidisciplinary fields.
Synthesis and Identification of decarbamoyloxySaxitoxins in Toxic Microalgae and their Reactions with the Oxygenase, SxtT, Reveal Saxitoxin Biosynthesis
Authors: Hakamada Mayu , Tokairin Chihiro , Ishizuka Hayate , Adachi Kanna , Osawa Toma , Aonuma Shiori , Hirozumi Ryosuke , Tsuchiya Shigeki , Cho Yuko , Kudo Yuta , Konoki Keiichi , Oshima Yasukatsu , Nagasawa Kazuo , Yotsu‐Yamashita Mari
Published: January 2024

Saxitoxin (STX, 1) is a representative compound of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) that are produced by marine dinoflagellates and freshwater cyanobacteria. Although several pathways have been proposed for the biosynthesis of STX, the order of ring and side chain hydroxylation, and formation of the tricyclic skeleton have not been well established. In this study, 12,12‐dideoxy‐decarbamoyloxySTX (dd‐doSTX, 2), the most reduced STX analogue having the tricyclic skeleton, and its analogues, 12β‐deoxy‐doSTX (12β‐d‐doSTX, 3), 12α‐deoxy‐doSTX (12α‐d‐doSTX, 4), and doSTX (5), were synthesized, and these compounds were screened in the toxic microalgae using high‐resolution LCMSMS. dd‐doSTX (2) and 12β‐d‐doSTX (3) were identified in the PSTs‐producing dinoflagellates (Alexandrium catenella, A. pacificum, and/or Gymnodinium catenatum) and in the cyanobacterium Dolichospermum circinale (TA04). doSTX (5), previously isolated from the dinoflagellate G. catenatum, was also identified in D. circinale (TA04). Furthermore, the conversion of 2 to 3, and 4 to 5, by SxtT with VanB, a reported Rieske oxygenase and its redox partner in STX biosynthesis, was confirmed. These results support that 2 is a possible biosynthetic precursor of STX, and that ring and side‐chain hydroxylations proceed after cyclization.
Efficient asynchronous federated learning with sparsification and quantization
Authors: Jia Juncheng , Liu Ji , Zhou Chendi , Tian Hao , Dong Mianxiong , Dou Dejing
Published: January 2024

While data is distributed in multiple edge devices, federated learning (FL) is attracting more and more attention to collaboratively train a machine learning model without transferring raw data. FL generally exploits a parameter server and a large number of edge devices during the whole process of the model training, while several devices are selected in each round. However, straggler devices may slow down the training process or even make the system crash during training. Meanwhile, other idle edge devices remain unused. As the bandwidth between the devices and the server is relatively low, the communication of intermediate data becomes a bottleneck. In this article, we propose time‐efficient asynchronous federated learning with sparsification and quantization, that is, TEASQ‐Fed. TEASQ‐Fed can fully exploit edge devices to asynchronously participate in the training process by actively applying for tasks. We utilize control parameters to choose an appropriate number of parallel edge devices, which simultaneously execute the training tasks. In addition, we introduce a caching mechanism and weighted averaging with respect to model staleness to further improve the accuracy. Furthermore, we propose a sparsification and quantitation approach to compress the intermediate data to accelerate the training. The experimental results reveal that TEASQ‐Fed improves the accuracy (up to 16.67% higher) while accelerating the convergence of model training (up to twice faster).
Thermal‐Driven Orderly Assembly of Ir‐atomic Chains on α‐MnO2 with Enhanced Performance for Acidic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Gao Junan , Wu Xiaokuan , Teng Xin , Zhang Kuo , Zhao Hong , Li Jianwei , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2024

The development of acid‐stable oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts is essential for high‐performance acidic water electrolysis. Herein, we report the results of one‐dimensional (1D) nanorods (NRs) IrCeMnO@Ir containing ~20 wt . % Iridium (Ir) as an efficient anode electrocatalyst, synthesized via a one‐step cation exchange strategy. Owing to the presence of 1D channels of the nanorod architecture and the unique electronic structure, the IrCeMnO@Ir exhibited 69 folds more mass activity than that of commercial IrO2 as well as over 400 h stability with only a 20 mV increase in overpotential. DFT calculations and control experiments demonstrated that CeO2 serves as an electron buffer to accelerate the kinetics of the rate‐determined step for the significantly enhanced activity and suppress the over‐oxidation of Ir species as well as their dissolution for impressively promoted stability under practical conditions. Our work opens up a feasible strategy to boost OER activity and stability simultaneously.
Pennycress domestication and improvement efforts
Authors: Basnet Pawan , Ellison Shelby
Published: January 2024

Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) is a winter annual weed species that is distributed globally in temperate regions. The possibility of pennycress inclusion in the corn–soybean cropping system in the midwestern United States has garnered increasing attention from farmers. Growing pennycress offers environmental benefits—reducing soil erosion and nitrate leaching, improving water quality, early‐season pollinator food, and economic benefits—higher seed oil percentage, increased net profit, crop diversification, and biodiesel/renewable jet fuel production. The prospect of pennycress as a cover/oilseed cash crop in the United States is supported by several private and public research institutions. Here, we have discussed the rise of pennycress as a breakthrough oilseed crop in the last decade and explored recent developments in pennycress genetics and genomics research, which could pave the way for pennycress improvement and sustainable pennycress inclusion in the midwestern United States.
CO2 Electroreduction To Syngas With Tunable Composition In An Artificial Leaf
Authors: Veenstra Florentine L. P. , Cibaka Thérèse , Martín Antonio J. , Weigand Daniel , Kirchhoff Joachim , Smirnov Vladimir , Merdzhanova Tsvetelina , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: January 2024

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Javier Pérez‐Ramírez at ETH Zürich, which collaborated with the group of Tsvetelina Merdzhanova at Forschungszentrum Jülich. The image shows how artificial leaves, able to recycle carbon dioxide into syngas of variable composition, could be integrated with chemical plants. The Research Article itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202301398.
How paediatric nursing can leverage the age of artificial intelligence to improve health outcomes and quality of care?
Authors: Bende Pranay
Published: January 2024

The comprehensive holistic care for paediatric patients is essential but artificial intelligence is playing a vital role where accuracy with limited duration a constructive health care services can be delivered to the children where indirectly nurses are getting technically skilled and more developed then the previous nursing services.
Diagnostic models for predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda Category III in an endemic region
Authors: Kasap Zeliha Aydın , Kurt Burçin , Özsağır Elif , Ercin Mustafa Emre , Güner Ali
Published: January 2024

Background

This study aims to develop a diagnostic model to help physicians determine whether thyroid nodules categorized as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) in category III of the Bethesda system are benign or malignant preoperatively. To create a diagnostic model for predicting thyroid nodules' benign or malignant with AUS cytology based on clinical, ultrasonographic, and cytopathological findings.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study involving patients (>19) at risk of thyroid cancer who had thyroidectomy after an AUS cytology. The dataset consists of 53 variables 204 nodules from 183 patients. Binary logistic regression and factor analysis methods were used to identify risk factors for malignancy. Finally, four prediction models were developed using different approaches, based on clinical, pathological clinical + pathological, and the factors.

Results

A total of 88 (48.1%) of 183 patients diagnosed with AUS were benign and 95 (51.9%) the malignant. After determining risk factors, four prediction models were developed based on different approaches to assist physicians in deciding to detect AUS nodules early. It was seen that bilaterality was found to be a risk factor for malignancy in the clinical model (pbilaterality = .03) and it was also seen that the pathological variables pale chromatin and irregular contours in the oncocyte variables were risk factors for malignancy (ppalechromatin = .02, pirregularcontoursintheoncocyte = .04). The best model obtained sensitivity and specificity values are 73% and 87% based on clinical and pathological variables.

Conclusion

This comprehensive study may provide a more in‐depth understanding of AUS and make a notable contribution to healthcare professionals before surgery.
The role of autophagy in insulin resistance and glucolipid metabolism and potential use of autophagy modulating natural products in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Xiaoxue , Ding Wenwen , Chen Ziyi , Lai Kaiyi , Liu Ying
Published: January 2024

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a severe, long‐term condition characterised by disruptions in glucolipid and energy metabolism. Autophagy, a fundamental cellular process, serves as a guardian of cellular health by recycling and renewing cellular components. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the vital role that autophagy plays in T2DM, we conducted an extensive search for high‐quality publications across databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciFinder and used keywords like ‘autophagy’, ‘insulin resistance’, and ‘type 2 diabetes mellitus’, both individually and in combinations. A large body of evidence underscores the significance of activating autophagy in alleviating T2DM symptoms. An enhanced autophagic activity, either by activating the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase and sirtuin‐1 signalling pathways or inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signalling pathway, can effectively improve insulin resistance and balance glucolipid metabolism in key tissues like the hypothalamus, skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Furthermore, autophagy can increase β‐cell mass and functionality in the pancreas. This review provides a narrative summary of autophagy regulation with an emphasis on the intricate connection between autophagy and T2DM symptoms. It also discusses the therapeutic potentials of natural products with autophagy activation properties for the treatment of T2DM conditions. Our findings suggest that autophagy activation represents an innovative approach of treating T2DM.
Evolution of two‐pore domain potassium channels and their gene expression in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Park Sung Jun , Silic Martin R. , Staab Peyton L. , Chen Jiapei , Zackschewski Ethan L. , Zhang GuangJun
Published: January 2024

Background

The two‐pore domain potassium (K2P) channels are a major type of potassium channels that maintain the cell membrane potential by conducting passive potassium leak currents independent of voltage change. They play prominent roles in multiple physiological processes, including neuromodulation, perception of pain, breathing and mood control, and response to volatile anesthetics. Mutations in K2P channels have been linked to many human diseases, such as neuronal and cardiovascular disorders and cancers. Significant progress has been made to understand their protein structures, physiological functions, and pharmacological modifiers. However, their expression and function during embryonic development remain largely unknown.

Results

We employed the zebrafish model and identified 23 k2p genes using BLAST search and gene cloning. We first analyzed vertebrate K2P channel evolution by phylogenetic and syntenic analyses. Our data revealed that the six subtypes of the K2P genes have already evolved in invertebrates long before the emergence of vertebrates. Moreover, the vertebrate K2P gene number increased, most likely due to two whole‐genome duplications. Furthermore, we examined zebrafish k2p gene expression during early embryogenesis by in situ hybridization. Each subgroup's genes showed similar but distinct gene expression domains with some exceptions. Most of them were expressed in neural tissues consistent with their known function of neural excitability regulation. However, a few k2p genes were expressed temporarily in specific tissues or organs, suggesting that these K2P channels may be needed for embryonic development.

Conclusions

Our phylogenetic and developmental analyses of K2P channels shed light on their evolutionary history and potential roles during embryogenesis related to their physiological functions and human channelopathies.
Genomic insights into differentiation and adaptation of Amorphophallus yunnanensis in the mountainous region of Southwest China
Authors: Gao Yong , Dai Dongqin , Wang Haibo , Wu Weijia , Xiao Penghui , Wu Lifang , Wei Xiaomei , Yin Si
Published: January 2024

The role of geographical isolation and environmental adaptation in driving the differentiation and radiation of species has been a hotspot in evolutionary biology. The extremely complicated and fragmented geography of the mountainous region of Southwest China provides an excellent system for investigating the process of species divergence in heterogeneous habitats. Amorphophallus yunnanensis is a species of extreme habitat preference that resides mainly in the mountainous region of Southwest China. Here, we used restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) to characterize the geographic pattern of genetic variation among 19 populations of A. yunnanensis as well as the genomic basis of environmental adaptation. A pattern of low population genetic diversity and high level of genetic differentiation was observed. The genomic data revealed a clear east–west genetic differentiation, with two distinct genetic lineages corresponding to the Guizhou plateau and Yunnan plateau, respectively. However, we discovered demographic expansion of the Guizhou Plateau lineage and recent hybridization in populations at the contact region. Significant levels of isolation by distance along with isolation by environment were detected. Outlier tests and genome–environment association analyses identified 89 putatively adaptive loci that might play a role in environmental adaptation. Our results suggest that the genetic divergence of A. yunnanensis is attributed to geographical isolation together with divergent selection in the mountainous region of Southwest China.
Study on the resistance characteristics of layered vegetation to overland flow
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zhang Shengtang , Huang Haiping
Published: January 2024

Different types of plants in the vegetation community near the surface of the basin coexist, forming a layered vegetation distribution with high and low plants in the morphology. In order to research the characteristics of flow resistance generated by layered vegetation on slope runoff, a flume experiment was carried out by simulating layered vegetation. The Manning roughness coefficient n was used to characterize the flow resistance of vegetation. Three kinds of vegetation with height combinations of 5 and 7 cm, 6 and 8 cm, and 7 and 9 cm were used for this experiment. By studying the relationship between Manning roughness coefficient n and water depth, it is found that the change of flow resistance of layered vegetation is closely related to the submerged state. The distribution of n shows an inverted “J” type with the increase of water depth. Under the condition of nonsubmerged state and transitional submerged state, n increases with the increase of water depth. The critical point n values of the two states will plummet, and the growth rate of n in the nonsubmerged state is greater than that in the completely submerged state. In the transitional submerged state and completely submerged state, the higher the plant height below the water surface, the higher the corresponding n value and the greater the change rate of n. Formula for predicting overland flow resistance of layered vegetation was established by considering the influence of combined vegetation height and Reynolds number.
Non‐uniform voltage distribution characteristics of metallized film capacitors in flexible HVDC projects
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Teng Shangfu , Liu Shuo , Zhao Zixuan , Wang Cong , Tu Youping
Published: January 2024

The problem of non‐uniform voltage distribution in the internal element of metallized film capacitors in flexible HVDC transmission systems exists, the influence of electrical parameters of dielectric and metal copper row are not considered in the existing metallized film capacitor equivalent circuit model. In this paper, the conductance of biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP) for metalized film capacitors is measured at different electric field intensity and dielectric properties at different frequencies. The current density distribution and voltammetric properties of the metalized film capacitor elements under AC and DC superimposed voltages are calculated by the finite element method, and the voltammetric properties of the copper row considering the skin effect are derived. The equivalent circuit model of the metalized film capacitor under the AC‐DC superposition voltage is proposed. The simulation results of the capacitor equivalent circuit model show that the voltage distribution of the internal elements of the capacitor is uniform at low frequency AC voltages (<102 Hz), and the voltage amplitude and phase difference between the elements of the capacitor gradually increases with increasing AC voltage frequency. At an AC voltage frequency of 105 Hz, the difference in magnitude between the two capacitor elements on the same copper row was up to 2.01% and the phase difference was 13.5%, while the difference in magnitude between capacitors at the same horizontal position on different copper rows was up to 56.8% and the phase difference was 10.44%. The results of this paper provide some guidance for the modeling of the internal components of metalized film capacitors, the calculation of voltage distribution and the structural optimization design.
AFHO‐based link reliable routing and power‐assisted channel allocation protocol in cognitive radio networks for healthcare applications
Authors: Sekar Hemalatha , Appranchi Sumathi
Published: January 2024

In the realm of cognitive networks, accommodating the increasing need for radio spectrum to facilitate both secondary and primary users stands as an intricate and demanding task. This study introduces a tailored framework for healthcare applications in Cognitive Radio (CR) networks for link reliable routing and power‐assisted channel allocation. Through the integration of Adaptive Fire Hawk Optimization for routing, the strategy addresses optimization complexities while prioritizing robust link quality via optimal hop selection for effective communication. A new routing optimization challenge is formulated, aiming to establish reliable communication pathways and extend link reliability. Moreover, the framework incorporates power‐assisted channel allocation to strategically enhance resource management and overall network performance. The rigorous evaluation demonstrates significant enhancements across key performance metrics, which showcase percentage improvements of 9.86%, 14.56%, 3.85%, 5.06%, 6.94%, and 17.80% for active nodes, delay, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), residual energy, and throughput, respectively. These advancements underscore the proposed approach's efficacy in enhancing CR network performance, particularly for healthcare applications.
Textural dynamic crisping mechanism of crisp grass carp: Oxidative stress, apoptosis, collagen filling, and cross‐linking
Authors: Tang Mi , Shao Ting , Ma Liang , Dai Hongjie , Yong Yu , Feng Xin , Zhang Yuhao
Published: January 2024

Feeding faba beans to freshwater fish could crisp its muscle texture to avoid softening. However, the dynamic crisping mechanism was unclear. Herein, a 120‐day feeding trial was conducted to systemically investigate the textural crisping mechanism of crisp grass carp (CGC) via molecular‐level, gene/protein expression analysis. In the early crisping stage (0–30 days), the total antioxidant capacity significantly decreased (by 16.79%), TUNEL staining and qRT‐PCR results revealed that apoptosis occurred, which was induced by oxidative stress validating by proteomics. Meanwhile, the content of dityrosine and hydroxylysyl pyridinoline rose, thereby substantially increasing the hardness and chewiness of CGC by 37.51% and 40.84%, respectively. With further crisping (30–90 days), Masson staining exhibited collagen gradually filling the gap between myofibrils, the content and cross‐linking degree of collagen further increased, finally elevating the hardness and chewiness of CGC. This study laid a theoretical foundation for producing and supplying aquatic raw materials with different texture characteristics.
Exploring the past through lynchet landscapes in the Vosges Mountains and the Lorraine Plateau (France)
Authors: Keller Benjamin , Vincent Robin , Schwartz Dominique , Ertlen Damien
Published: January 2024

Lynchets are ridges formed by erosion and sediment accumulation downstream of agricultural plots and offer valuable insights into past agricultural activity. These microtopographies cover vast areas and serve as indicators of historical changes in land use. As a result, their ubiquity across Europe makes them particularly interesting. In this study, we propose a geoarchaeological approach to analyze six lynchets, four in the Vosges Mountains and two on the Lorraine Plateau (France). The lynchets can be considered soil archives with no stratigraphic organization or chronological sequence from bottom to top, making it difficult to determine the age of the lynchets and identify changes in land use over time. To this end, we propose the analysis of historical and geo‐historical archives combined with the “pedosedimentary” archives of lynchets through charcoal identification and dating combined with near‐infrared spectroscopy to determine the age, vegetation, and past land use changes associated with lynchet landscapes. By combining these multiple data sources, we are better able to show the chronological development of these ancient agricultural systems and uncover valuable information on landscape history. Charcoal dating suggests a higher frequency of fires from the Middle Ages. The dating aligns with the regional dynamics of anthropogenic fires, indicating a potential use of fire for cultural purposes. We also demonstrate the difficulty of extrapolating the dating of a lynchet to the entire lynchet system. Our results highlight the difficulties of interpreting the formation and dating of lynchets and the lynchet system on the sole basis of charcoal analysis. However, we highlight the value of applying pedoanthracology to lynchets to determine the dynamics of land use change in former fields.
Burnout in emergency department personnel—A continuing concern post pandemic
Authors: Tan Mei Ling , Pek Jen Heng , Wong Shiu Hong
Published: January 2024

Introduction

High incidences of burnout has been reported amongst emergency department (ED) personnel during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Emerging from the pandemic, organisational support for psychological health may dwindle and become secondary to economic priorities. We aimed to ascertain the level of burnout within ED staff at our hospital, identify professional groups, which were more vulnerable and domains, which contributed most towards burnout.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study approximately 8 months after major moves to remove COVID‐19 restrictions in Singapore. Data was collected via a self‐administered survey employing the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Demographics, occupational details, work satisfaction and motivation to stay in the job were also collected and analysed.

Results

A total of 115 ED staff participated. Overall CBI score was 62.3 ± 22.0. Scores for personal, work‐related and client burnout were 64.9 ± 23.2, 61.6 ± 23.1 and 60.4 ± 26.1, respectively. A total of 44.5% had to take medical leave because of burnout. Nurses had higher overall CBI scores than doctors (67.5 ± 20.5 vs. 54.6 ± 23.0, p = 0.01). Those who were satisfied with their present job had lower overall CBI scores compared to those not satisfied (42.7 ± 17.9 vs. 84.0 ± 14.4, p < 0.001). Overall CBI scores were also lower in those motivated compared with those not motivated to continue in their current job (50.1 ± 16.3 vs. 79.0 ± 15.1, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

ED staff continue to record high rates of burnout as we transit out of the pandemic. Accompanying rates of medical leave and low levels of motivation to remain in the job are serious occupational health concerns. Factors contributing to burnout in at risk groups such as nurses should be further analysed. High mean CBI scores in the personal and work domains indicate that related factors contribute most towards burnout and interventions should be focused accordingly.
Skeletal muscle index impacts the treatment outcome of elderly patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Niiyama‐Uchibori Yui , Okamoto Haruya , Miyashita Akihiro , Mizuhara Kentaro , Kanayama‐Kawaji Yuka , Fujino Takahiro , Tsukamoto Taku , Mizutani Shinsuke , Shimura Yuji , Teramukai Satoshi , Kuroda Junya
Published: January 2024

Sarcopenia is a crucial factor in the physical fitness of elderly individuals. This study investigated the prognostic values of multiple parameters of sarcopenia in association with established prognostic factors in elderly Japanese patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). As candidate indicators for sarcopenia, the skeletal muscle index (SMI) (cm2/m2), the psoas muscle index, the erector spinae muscle index, the visceral fat index, the subcutaneous fat index, and the visceral to subcutaneous fat area ratio at the third lumbar level were assessed by computed tomography at their initial diagnosis in 102 patients with DLBCL over 75 years old those were diagnosed and treated in our institute from 2007 to 2020. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). The median age of patients analyzed was 80 years at diagnosis. The sex‐specific cut‐offs for the indices adopted two approaches: (i) the historical cut‐off values established in the previous study for healthy Japanese individuals (Hamaguchi Y. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2018), and (ii) each sex‐specific lowest quartile in our cohort. As the results, SMI evaluated by the historical cut‐off and sex‐specific lowest quartile was identified as the most influential independent prognostic factor for both OS and PFS among various parameters for sarcopenia. Furthermore, we developed an elderly sarcopenia prognostic index (ESPI). ESPI, which combines SMI evaluated by the historical cut‐off and LDH > ULN, demonstrated statistically significant prognostic impacts on OS and PFS. Moreover, compared to the R‐IPI, ESPI showed the ability to identify intermediate‐risk groups and indicated a trend toward improved predictive accuracy. Our study revealed that SMI is the most appropriate assessment method for evaluating sarcopenia and the critical prognostic factor in OS and PFS of elderly patients with DLBCL.
Testing reliability and validity of practitioner‐rated parental sensitivity: A novel tool for practice
Authors: Forrer Mirte L. , Oosterman Mirjam , Tharner Anne , Schuengel Carlo
Published: January 2024

Improving parental sensitivity is an important objective of interventions to support families. This study examined reliability and validity of parental sensitivity ratings using a novel package of an e‐learning tool and an interactive decision tree provided through a mobile application, called the OK! package. Independent raters assessed parental sensitivity using the OK! package (N = 11 raters) and the NICHD Parental Sensitivity rating scales (N = 22 raters) on the basis of videotaped mother‐child interactions at 10‐ or 12‐months‐old (N = 294) and at 24‐months‐old (N = 204) from the Dutch longitudinal cohort study Generation2. Mothers reported on children's externalizing and internalizing problems and social competence when children were 4 and 7 years old. Results showed excellent single interrater reliability for raters using the OK! package (mean ICC = .79), and strong evidence for convergent validity at 10‐ or 12‐month‐old (r = .57) and 24‐month‐old (r = .65). Prospective associations of neither parental sensitivity rated using the OK! package or the NICHD Parental Sensitivity rating scales with child developmental outcomes were statistically significant (p > .05), with overlapping 95% confidence intervals for both measures. The OK! package provides a promising direction for testing alternatives to current training and instruction modalities.
Child‐focused infant and early childhood mental health consultation: Shifting adult attributions to reduce the risk for preschool expulsion
Authors: Newland Rebecca , Silver Rebecca B. , Herman Rachel , Hartz Karyn , Coyne Alice , Seifer Ronald
Published: January 2024

Infant and early childhood mental health consultation (IECMHC) in early care and education (ECE) settings is a promising approach to support young children. Although research on the effects of IECMHC is encouraging, it is limited by the complexities of the systems in which IECMHC is implemented and the variability in IECMHC models. The current study aims to clearly articulate a statewide, child‐focused, short‐term IECMHC model, assess consultee satisfaction, examine the effects of consultation on children's functioning in the school and home settings, and evaluate changes in teacher perceptions associated with expulsion risk following consultation. In total, 268 children ages 1–5 (69% White, 75% male) and their family and school caregivers participated in consultation in a New England state, and 95 children and caregivers were included in an evaluation subsample. Of this subsample, teachers and ECE administrators, but not families, indicated significant improvement in children's functioning from referral to end of consultation. There was also a significant decrease in children's risk of expulsion, as measured by teachers’ perceptions associated with expulsion decisions. This study contributes to the IECMHC literature by providing results specific to a child‐focused model of consultation and highlighting the possible role of adult attributions for children in ECE.
Chemical, electrochemical, and surface studies of Rosa damascene extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in sulfuric acid environment
Authors: Elabbasy Hanaa M. , Elnagar Mohamed E. , Fouda Abd El‐Aziz S.
Published: January 2024

To develop an environmentally acceptable corrosion inhibitor Rosa damascene extract (RD) served as the main ingredient in H2SO4 pickling processes. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), technique of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), polarization (PP) curves, and tests of weight loss (WL) have all been utilized to examine the inhibitory behavior of Rosa damascene on C‐steel corrosion in 1 M H2SO4 environment. The results show that the extract effectively inhibited the Zn′ corrosion in 1 M H2SO4. The inhibition was more effective at higher concentrations and temperatures. The inhibitory efficiency increased to 93.5% at a higher applied temperature (45°C) and higher Rosa damascene concentration (300 ppm). However, utilizing the weight loss method at potassium iodide addition, the inhibitory effectiveness of 300 ppm of Rosa damascene was synergistically increased from 75.0% to 96.1% at 25°C. Temkin isotherm was congruent with the adsorption process that produced the inhibitory impact on the C‐steel. The chemical adhesion of the Rosa damascene extract to the surface of the C‐steel was determined by the free energy of adsorption (ΔGoads = 40.5 kJ/mol.). In H2SO4 solution, corrosion of C‐steel may be prevented by the powerful inhibitor Rosa damascene extract.
Atomic force microscopy of spherical intermediates on the pathway to fibril formation of influenza A virus nuclear export protein
Authors: Koroleva Olga N. , Kuzmina Natalia V. , Dubrovin Evgeniy V. , Drutsa Valeriy L.
Published: January 2024

The nuclear export protein of the influenza A virus (NEP) is involved in many important processes of the virus life cycle. This makes it an attractive target for the treatment of a disease caused by a virus. Previously it has been shown, that recombinant variants of NEP are highly prone to aggregation in solution under various conditions with the formation of amyloid‐like aggregates. In the present work, the amyloid nature of NEP aggregates was evidenced by Congo red binding assays. Atomic force microscopy has shown that NEP can form two types of spherical nanoparticles, which provide an alternative pathway for the formation of amyloid‐like fibrils. Type I of these “fibrillogenic” spheres, formed under physiological conditions, represents the micelle‐like particles with height 10–60 nm, which can generate worm‐like flexible fibrils with the diameter 2.5–4.0 nm, length 20–500 nm and the Young's modulus ~73 MPa. Type II spherical aggregates with size of about 400–1000 nm, formed at elevated temperatures, includes fractions of drop‐like and vesicle‐like particles, generating more rigid amyloid‐like fibrils with height of ~8 nm, and length of up to 2 μm. The hypothetical mechanism of fibril formation via nanospherical structures was suggested.

Research Highlights

AFM has revealed two types of the influenza A virus nuclear export protein spherical aggregates.

They provide an alternative pathway for the formation of amyloid‐like fibrils.

The mechanism of fibril formation via spherical structures is suggested.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals the mechanism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation in lung adenocarcinoma by KRAS mutation
Authors: Xu Long , Ding Renquan , Song Shuxi , Liu Junling , Li Jingyu , Ju Xing , Ju Baozhao
Published: January 2024

Background

Aberrant activation of the phosphatidlinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been shown to play an important role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The effect of KRAS mutations, one of the important signatures of LUAD, on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in LUAD remains unclear.

Methods

The Seurat package and principal component analysis were used for cell categorization of single‐cell RNA sequencing data of LUAD. The AUCell score was used to assess the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Meanwhile, using the gene expression profiles and mutation profiles in the The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, LUAD patients were categorized into KRAS‐mutant (KRAS‐MT) and KRAS‐wild‐types (KRAS‐WT), and the corresponding enrichment scores were calculated using gene set enrichment analysis analysis. Finally, the subpopulation of cells with the highest pathway activity was identified, the copy number variation profile of this subpopulation was inscribed using the inferCNV package and the CMap database was utilized to make predictions for drugs targeting this subpopulation.

Results

There is higher PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activity in LUAD epithelial cells with KRAS mutations, and high expression of KRAS, PIK3CA, AKT1 and PDPK1. In particular, we found significantly higher levels of pathway activity and associated gene expression in KRAS‐MT than in KRAS‐WT. We identified the highest pathway activity on a subpopulation of GRB2+ epithelial cells and the presence of amplified genes within its pathway. Finally, drugs were able to target GRB2+ epithelial cell subpopulations, such as wortmannin, palbociclib and angiogenesis inhibitor.

Conclusions

The present study provides a basic theory for the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway as a result of KRAS mutations.
[3 + 2] Cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to dichloropropenes and 1,3‐dichlorobut‐2‐ene: A regioselectivity issue
Authors: Shilova Alexandra N. , Shatokhina Nina S. , Kondrashov Evgeniy V.
Published: January 2024

The reaction of nitrile oxides with 2,3‐dichloroprop‐1‐ene, 1,3‐dichloroprop‐1‐ene, and 1,3‐dichlorobut‐2‐ene leads to 5‐(chloromethyl)isoxazoles, 4‐(chloromethyl)isoxazoles, or to mixtures of both regioisomers. The direction of cycloaddition and reactivity of substrate is determined by the steric hindrance at the terminal carbon atom of the alkene double bond. It has been found that the isomeric products of cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to 1,3‐dichloropropene have significantly different dehydrochlorination capabilities. The experimental data on the regioselectivity of cycloaddition and the relative reactivity of substrates are in agreement with the results of quantum chemical calculations.
Associations of Intracranial Artery Length and Branch Number on Time‐of‐Flight MRA With Cognitive Impairment in Hypertensive Older Males
Authors: Chen Zhensen , Liu Wenjin , Balu Niranjan , Chen Li , Ortega Dakota , Huang Xiaoqin , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Yang Junwei , Yuan Chun
Published: January 2024

Background

Hypertension‐induced impairment of the cerebral artery network contributes to cognitive impairment. Characterizing the structure and function of cerebral arteries may facilitate the understanding of hypertension‐related pathological mechanisms and lead to the development of new indicators for cognitive impairment.

Purpose

To investigate the associations between morphological features of the intracranial arteries distal to the circle of Willis on time‐of‐flight MRA (TOF‐MRA) and cognitive performance in a hypertensive cohort.

Study Type

Prospective observational study.

Population

189 hypertensive older males (mean age 64.9 ± 7.2 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

TOF‐MRA sequence with a 3D spoiled gradient echo readout and arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging sequence with a 3D stack‐of‐spirals fast spin echo readout at 3T.

Assessment

The intracranial arteries were segmented from TOF‐MRA and the total length of distal arteries (TLoDA) and number of arterial branches (NoB) were calculated. The mean gray matter cerebral blood flow (GM‐CBF) was extracted from arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging. The cognitive level was assessed with short‐term and long‐term delay‐recall auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) scores, and with montreal cognitive assessment.

Statistical Tests

Univariable and multivariable linear regression were used to analyze the associations between TLoDA, NoB, GM‐CBF and the cognitive assessment scores, with P < 0.05 indicating significance.

Results

TLoDA (r = 0.314) and NoB (r = 0.346) were significantly correlated with GM‐CBF. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that TLoDA and NoB, but not GM‐CBF (P = 0.272 and 0.141), were significantly associated with short‐term and long‐term delay‐recall AVLT scores. These associations remained significant after adjusting for GM‐CBF.

Data Conclusion

The TLoDA and NoB of distal intracranial arteries on TOF‐MRA are significantly associated with cognitive impairment in hypertensive subjects.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
A flexible energy management for distributed energy supplied smart home in microgrid connection with grid‐connection/islanding mode functionality
Authors: Büyük Mehmet
Published: January 2024

In this study, a flexible control approach is presented for smart home with DES system in microgrid connection. The smart home with DES has operation capability under GC‐Mode and I‐Mode functions with the proposed control algorithm. The control algorithm is also developed in terms of international standards IEEE 929 and IEC 61727 for grid connection requirements. Additionally, a PLL‐less control algorithm is embedded in the proposed control algorithm for the active/reactive power management and the grid synchronization. Thus, slow dynamic response and calculation burden issues in controller is avoided and the power flow capability of the grid‐connected DES in smart home is enhanced. Furthermore, the coordinate transformation is fulfilled for the power flow control in the control loop via the generation of cosine and sinus functions. Besides, the mathematical formulations of the proposed control algorithm are presented in detail. To show the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm, a smart home with a photovoltaic DES model is designed and constructed in a simulation environment. The proposed control method is tested under various operation cases such as dynamic environmental conditions, GC‐Mode/I‐Mode, reactive power support and voltage variations. The proposed method shows efficient performance under applications of the different operation situations. Moreover, the international requirements are satisfied for GC‐Mode and I‐Mode transitions.
Rethinking trauma‐related psychopathology in the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP)
Authors: Levin‐Aspenson Holly F. , Greene Ashley L.
Published: January 2024

Research on trauma exposure and its consequences has made tremendous progress in elucidating the role of traumatic life events in the development and maintenance of psychopathology as well as in evaluating interventions aimed at addressing the personal and public burden of trauma‐related psychopathology. However, there is growing concern that problems with predominant definitions of posttraumatic syndrome (e.g., content coverage and scope, within‐category heterogeneity, excessive diagnostic comorbidity) limit further efforts to fully conceptualize trauma‐related psychopathology and deliver appropriate, personalized interventions. As demonstrated by an impressive body of research over the past several years, the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) presents a compelling alternative to traditional nosologies in terms of empirically based characterizations of psychopathology phenotypes, with evidence of strong utility for research and clinical applications. However, HiTOP's primary focus on descriptive psychopathology has resulted in an unacceptable gap regarding the conceptualization of trauma‐related psychopathology from a dimensional, transdiagnostic perspective. We see an important opportunity to clarify what HiTOP can offer the field of traumatic stress research and articulate a future for trauma‐related psychopathology within HiTOP. We argue for disaggregating psychopathology symptoms from their purported causes and, instead, developing a detailed taxonomy of traumatic events alongside an ever‐evolving HiTOP model. Doing so will help identify empirically based phenotypes of trauma‐related psychopathology that (a) go beyond the traditional PTSD criterion sets and (b) allow for the possibility that different features of traumatic experiences (e.g., type, duration, subjective meaning) may be associated with different symptom sequelae across different psychopathology spectra.