bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Nickel Catalyst during the Growth of ZnO Nanowalls Investigated by Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Park SungMin , Jung WooYoung , Park ChanGyung
Published: January 2013

The synthesis of ZnO nanowalls using Ni as the catalyst has been studied. ZnO nanowalls were prepared using a (110) α-sapphire substrate coated with a Ni film. ZnO nanowalls were grown using a mixture of ZnO and graphite powders as a source at 950 °C and 15 Torr in a tube furnace. Heating led to the formation of Ni networks. The networks provided nucleation sites for the nucleation and growth of ZnO nanowalls. During the growth phase of the ZnO nanowalls, diffusion of Ni and Al was not expected because the Ni–Sapphire system is known to be nonreactive. However, the results obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT) revealed that Al diffused into both the network interface and grain boundary of the ZnO nanowalls. The growth mechanism of the ZnO nanowalls can be inferred from these results, namely, the ZnO nanowall growth was associated with the oxidation of the Ni networks and the interlayers formed between ZnO and the sapphire substrate. APT revealed Al diffusion through the interface via the grain boundaries among the Ni networks, ZnO nanowalls, and Al2O3 substrate.
Detection of Micro-Bubbles in Thin Polymer Films by Means of Acoustic Resonant Spectroscopy
Authors: Tohmyoh Hironori , Ikarashi Hidetomo
Published: January 2013

This paper describes an acoustical method for detecting small scattering sources in thin polymer films with high sensitivity. The technique monitors the acoustic resonance occurring between water, the film and a metallic plate, and an accurate measurement of the ultrasonic attenuation in the film at the resonant frequency is made. Micro-bubbles in the film cause the ultrasonic attenuation in the film to increase.
Ficus carica L. (Fig) promotes nerve regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush
Authors: Sugita Satoshi , Tamura Kotaro , Hashizume Kohjiro , Minegishi Yoshihiko , Ota Noriyasu
Published: June 2024

Peripheral nerve injuries result in significant loss of motor and sensory function, and the slow rate of nerve regeneration can prolong recovery time. Thus, approaches that promote axonal regeneration are critical to improve the outcomes for patients with peripheral nerve injuries. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ficus carica L. (fig) and Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. (cranberry), which are rich in phytochemicals with demonstrable and diverse medicinal properties, on nerve regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush. Our investigation revealed that fig extract, but not cranberry extract, prevented the decline in muscle weight and nerve conduction velocity induced by nerve crush. The fig extract also mitigated motor function impairment, myelin thinning, and axon diameter reduction, indicating its potential to promote nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the fig extract enhanced macrophage infiltration into the nerve tissue, suggesting that it could ameliorate nerve injury by promoting tissue repair via increased macrophage infiltration. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of the fig extract as a novel agent promoting nerve regeneration. Further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the action of fig extracts is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications for patients with peripheral nerve injuries.
Langer reflects on 37 years heading Washington State's drug/alcohol office
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

Michael Langer, Single State Authority (SSA) for Washington State, first intended in 1986 to, as he put it, “help out for a couple of months.” His expertise was alcohol and drugs. Shortly after he joined, crack cocaine became a huge public issue; then there was the federal drug omnibus bill, and Washington followed up with its own omnibus bill in 1988. Should anyone forget, this was a time of significant growth and public investment in treatment, prevention, and recovery support services in the state.
CODAC's Hurley presents on mobile methadone at Europad
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

To say presenting at the European Opiate Addiction Treatment Association (EUROPAD) conference is a feather in the cap of any U.S. opioid treatment program (OTP) is putting it mildly, so big congratulations to Linda Hurley, who presented at the meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal last week. This is particularly true because compared with Europe, the U.S. regulatory system for OTPs is inflexible, but there have been changes, and Hurley, who is president/CEO of CODAC Behavioral Healthcare based in Providence, Rhode Island, was an ideal choice. Her topic was providing methadone and buprenorphine from a mobile medical unit.
Tuning CO2 Electrocatalytic Reduction Path for High Performance of Li‐CO2 Battery
Authors: Wang Zhen , Deng Li , Yang Xue‐Rui , Lin Jin‐Xia , Cao De‐Quan , Liu Jun‐Ke , Tong Zhen , Zhang Jing , Bai Gao‐Yang , Luo Yu‐Xi , Yin Zu‐Wei , Zhou Yao , Li Juntao
Published: June 2024

The production of Li2CO3/C through CO2 reduction reaction in nonaqueous systems is a complex four‐electron, multi‐step process, and the short existence time of intermediate monomers is not conducive to observation, which causes great difficulties in clarifying and regulating the CO2 reduction path. Herein, ferrocene (Fc) as a functional additive into the electrolyte can stabilize the discharge intermediates and favor the occurrence of the two‐electron reaction path during CO2RR, which leads to more stable operation of the Li‐CO2 battery; with the assistance of Fc, the CO2 reduction pathway in Li‐CO2 battery is also clarified. Theoretical calculation analysis combined with experimental characterization observation confirms that Fc can shorten the CO2 reduction distance through interaction with CO2 and affecting the solvent environment around Li+, stabilize intermediate products to clarify the discharge path. The existence time of intermediates and discharge depth of the battery are key factors affecting the CO2 reduction pathway. The Li2C2O4 formed by CO2 reduction through the 2‐electron pathway is more favorable for the reversible operation of the Li‐CO2 battery than Li2CO3/C through the 4‐electron pathway. This work provides inspiration for clarifying the reaction mechanism and regulating the CO2 reduction pathway to improve the electrochemical performance of Li‐CO2 battery in the future.
Bi‐Metallic Phosphide Electrocatalyst‐Integrated Li2S Cathode for High‐Performance Anode‐Free Li–S Batteries
Authors: Sul Hyunki , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: June 2024

Sluggish redox kinetics and severe polysulfide shuttling are major hurdles for the commercialization of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Transition‐metal compound catalysts offer a promising solution by providing excellent polysulfide adsorption capabilities, outstanding catalytic activities, and homogeneous nucleation control of Li2S2/Li2S. The electronic structure of transition‐metal sites in catalysts can also be fine‐tuned through bi‐metallic coupling, which can further improve the catalytic activities. In this study, bi‐metallic nickel molybdenum phosphide is co‐synthesized with Li2S and carbon through a carbothermal reduction process, forming a cathode composite (Li2S @ NixMoyPz @ C). This process is not only advantageous for large‐scale manufacturing due to its simplicity, but also ensures homogeneous integration and distribution of the catalyst within the cathode composite. Furthermore, applying Li2S as an active material allows the creation of an anode‐free cell configuration, enhancing the overall cell energy density. The anode‐free cell with the Li2S @ NixMoyPz @ C composite cathode demonstrates an outstanding capacity retention of 50% over 300 cycles at a negative‐to‐positive capacity (N/P) ratio of 1. Additionally, the bi‐metallic phosphide integrated Li2S cathode composite delivers a remarkable anode‐free pouch cell performance of 703 mA h g−1 (on Li2S basis) under the challenging conditions of an E/Li2S ratio of 4.5.
Ordered Transfer from 3D‐Oriented MOF Superstructures to Polymeric Films: Microfabrication, Enhanced Chemical Stability, and Anisotropic Fluorescent Patterns
Authors: Brandner Lea A. , Marmiroli Benedetta , Linares‐Moreau Mercedes , Barella Mariano , Abbasgholi‐NA Behnaz , Velásquez‐Hernández Miriam de J. , Flint Kate L. , Dal Zilio Simone , Acuna Guillermo P. , Wolinski Heimo , Amenitsch Heinz , Doonan Christian J. , Falcaro Paolo
Published: June 2024

Films and patterns of 3D‐oriented metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) afford well‐ordered pore structures extending across centimeter‐scale areas. These macroscopic domains of aligned pores are pivotal to enhance diffusion along specific pathways and orient functional guests. The anisotropic properties emerging from this alignment are beneficial for applications in ion conductivity and photonics. However, the structure of 3D‐oriented MOF films and patterns can rapidly degrade under humid and acidic conditions. Thus, more durable 3D‐ordered porous systems are desired for practical applications. Here, oriented porous polymer films and patterns are prepared by using heteroepitaxially oriented N3‐functionalized MOF films as precursor materials. The film fabrication protocol utilizes an azide–alkyne cycloaddition on the Cu2(AzBPDC)2DABCO MOF. The micropatterning protocol exploits the X‐ray sensitivity of azide groups in Cu2(AzBPDC)2DABCO, enabling selective degradation in the irradiated areas. The masked regions of the MOF film retain their N3‐functionality, allowing for subsequent cross‐linking through azide‐alkyne coupling. Subsequent acidic treatment removes the Cu ions from the MOF, yielding porous polymer micro‐patterns. The polymer has high chemical stability and shows an anisotropic fluorescent response. The use of 3D‐oriented MOF systems as precursors for the fabrication of oriented porous polymers will facilitate the progress of optical components for photonic applications.
Genetic Engineering Bacillus thuringiensis Enable Melanin Biosynthesis for Anti‐Tumor and Anti‐Inflammation
Authors: Chen Meng , Guo Bingbing , Cheng Hui , Wang Weiyi , Jin Junyi , Zhang Yingyi , Deng Xiaolian , Yang Wenjun , Wu Chenyao , Gao Xiang , Yu Dehong , Feng Wei , Chen Yu
Published: June 2024

Collaboration between cancer treatment and inflammation management has emerged as an integral facet of comprehensive cancer care. Nevertheless, the development of interventions concurrently targeting both inflammation and cancer has encountered significant challenges stemming from various external factors. Herein, a bioactive agent synthesized by genetically engineering melanin‐producing Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) bacteria, simultaneously achieves eco‐friendly photothermal agent and efficient reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) scavenger benefits, perfectly tackling present toughies from inflammation to cancer therapies. The biologically derived melanin exhibits exceptional photothermal‐conversion performance, facilitating potent photonic hyperthermia that effectively eradicates tumor cells and tissues, thereby impeding tumor growth. Additionally, the RONS‐scavenging properties of melanin produced by B. thuringiensis bacteria contribute to inflammation reduction, augmenting the efficacy of photothermal tumor repression. This study presents a representative paradigm of genetic engineering in B. thuringiensis bacteria to produce functional agents tailored for diverse biomedical applications, encompassing inflammation and cancer therapy.
Deciphering the Transcriptional Regulatory Network Governing Starch and Storage Protein Biosynthesis in Wheat for Breeding Improvement
Authors: Zhao Long , Chen Jinchao , Zhang Zhaoheng , Wu Wenying , Lin Xuelei , Gao Mingxiang , Yang Yiman , Zhao Peng , Xu Shengbao , Yang Changfeng , Yao Yingyin , Zhang Aimin , Liu Dongcheng , Wang Dongzhi , Xiao Jun
Published: June 2024

Starch and seed storage protein (SSP) composition profoundly impact wheat grain yield and quality. To unveil regulatory mechanisms governing their biosynthesis, transcriptome, and epigenome profiling is conducted across key endosperm developmental stages, revealing that chromatin accessibility, H3K27ac, and H3K27me3 collectively regulate SSP and starch genes with varying impact. Population transcriptome and phenotype analyses highlight accessible promoter regions’ crucial role as a genetic variation resource, influencing grain yield and quality in a core collection of wheat accessions. Integration of time‐serial RNA‐seq and ATAC‐seq enables the construction of a hierarchical transcriptional regulatory network governing starch and SSP biosynthesis, identifying 42 high‐confidence novel candidates. These candidates exhibit overlap with genetic regions associated with grain size and quality traits, and their functional significance is validated through expression‐phenotype association analysis among wheat accessions and loss‐of‐function mutants. Functional analysis of wheat abscisic acid insensitive 3‐A1 (TaABI3‐A1) with genome editing knock‐out lines demonstrates its role in promoting SSP accumulation while repressing starch biosynthesis through transcriptional regulation. Excellent TaABI3‐A1Hap1 with enhanced grain weight is selected during the breeding process in China, linked to altered expression levels. This study unveils key regulators, advancing understanding of SSP and starch biosynthesis regulation and contributing to breeding enhancement.
Insights into a Defective Potassium Sulfido Cobaltate: Giant Magnetic Exchange Bias, Ionic Conductivity, and Electrical Permittivity
Authors: Ghazanfari M. Reza , Steinberg Simon , Siemensmeyer Konrad , Vrijmoed Johannes C. , Tallu Mirko , Dehnen Stefanie , Thiele Günther
Published: June 2024

The novel potassium sulfido cobaltate, K2[Co3S4] is introduced, with 25% vacancies of the cobalt positions within a layered anionic sublattice. The impedance and dielectric investigations indicate a remarkable ionic conductivity of 21.4 mS cm−1 at room temperature, which is in the range of highest ever reported values for potassium‐ions, as well as a high electrical permittivity of 2650 at 1 kHz, respectively. Magnetometry results indicate an antiferromagnetic structure with giant intrinsic exchange bias fields of 0.432 and 0.161 T at 3 and 20 K respectively, potentially induced by a combination of the interfacial effect of combined magnetic anionic and nonmagnetic cationic sublattices, as well as partial spin canting. The stability of the exchange bias behavior is confirmed by a training effect of less than 18% upon 10 hysteresis cycles. The semiconductivity of the material is determined, both experimentally and theoretically, with a bandgap energy of 1.68 eV. The findings render this material as a promising candidate for both, active electrode material in potassium‐ion batteries, and for spintronic applications.
Charge Transport in Blue Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Shuxin , Lin Wenxin , Feng Haonan , Blom Paul W. M. , Huang Jiangxia , Li Jiahao , Lin Xiongfeng , Guo Yulin , Liang Wenlin , Wu Longjia , Niu Quan , Ma Yuguang
Published: June 2024

Although quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) are extensively studied nowadays, their charge transport mechanism remains a subject of ongoing debate. Here, the hole transport in blue quantum dots (QDs) (CdZnSe/ZnSe/ZnS/CdZnS/ZnS based) is investigated by combining current‐voltage and transient electroluminescence measurements. The study demonstrates that the hole transport in QD thin films is characterized by a trap‐free space‐charge‐limited current with a zero‐field room temperature mobility of 4.4 × 10−11 m2 V−1 s−1. The zero‐field hole mobility is thermally activated with an activation energy of 0.30 eV. Applying the Extended Gaussian Disorder model provides a consistent description of the QD hole current as a function of voltage and temperature. The QD hole mobility is characterized by a hopping distance of 2.8 nm in a Gaussian broadened density of states with a width of 0.12 eV.
Insights into Cation Migration and Intermixing in Advanced Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Shu , Yang Zhuo , Lu Yong , Xie Weiwei , Yan Zhenhua , Chen Jun
Published: June 2024

Cathode materials are the core components of lithium‐ion batteries owing to the determination of the practical voltage and effective energy of the battery system. However, advanced cathodes have faced challenges related to cation migration and cation intermixing. In this review, the study summarizes the structural failure mechanisms due to the cation mixing of advanced cathodes, including Ni‐rich and Li‐rich layered cathodes, spinel, olivine, and disordered rock‐salt materials. This review starts by discussing the structural degradation mechanisms caused by cation intermixing in different cathodes, focusing on the electronic structure, crystal structure, and electrode structure. Furthermore, the optimization strategies for effective inhibition of cation migration and rational utilization of cation mixing are systematically encapsulated. Last but not least, the remaining challenges and proposed perspectives are highlighted for the future development of advanced cathodes. The accurate analysis of cation migration using advanced characterization, precise control of material synthesis, and multi‐dimensional synergistic modification will be the key research areas for cation migration in cathodes. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of cation migration and intermixing in advanced cathodes. The effective inhibition of cation migration and the rational utilization of cation intermixing will emerge as pivotal and controllable factors for the further development of advanced cathodes.
Medical students' reproductive health perspectives: Pre‐ and post‐Roe v Wade reversal
Authors: Jenkins Morgan , Hayslip Margaret , Bruce Channing Freeman , Robin Nathaniel H.
Published: June 2024

The ability to make informed decisions about reproductive health is a cornerstone principle of the practice of prenatal medical genetics. Unfortunately, these reproductive health decisions have become entangled in the current, contentious political climate. This debate reached an inflection point in 2022 with Dobbs v. Jackson when the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) overturned the national right to abortion previously established in Roe v. Wade. This decision prompted a reassessment of the opinions of medical students on reproductive health and abortion. Our study focused on a medical school in Alabama, a conservative state that enacted a restrictive abortion ban following the Dobbs ruling. Two surveys, conducted in 2015 and 2022, explored students' viewpoints on reproductive health topics, including abortion. The comparison revealed a significant shift toward more pro‐choice perspectives among medical students. Notably, religious affiliation did not consistently align with opinions, as many Christian students supported pro‐choice views. Our results suggest that medical students' reproductive health opinions at our institution have shifted to a more pro‐choice position over the last decade.
Development of an Organic Emitter Exhibiting Reverse Intersystem Crossing Faster than Intersystem Crossing
Authors: Okumura Ryosuke , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Shizu Katsuyuki , Fukushima Shohei , Yasuda Yuka , Kaji Hironori
Published: June 2024

In thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)‐based organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), acceleration of reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) and suppression of intersystem crossing (ISC) are demanded to shorten a lifetime of triplet excitons. As a system realizing RISC faster than ISC, inverted singlet‐triplet excited states (iST) with a negative energy difference (ΔEST) between the lowest excited singlet and the lowest triplet states have been gathering much attention recently. Here, we have focused on an asymmetric hexa‐azaphenalene (A6AP) core to obtain a new insight into iST. Based on A6AP, we have newly designed A6AP‐Cz with the calculated ΔEST of −44 meV. The experimental studies of a synthesized A6AP‐Cz revealed that the lifetime of delayed fluorescence (τDF) was only 54 ns, which was the shortest among all organic materials. The rate constant of RISC (kRISC=1.9×107 s−1) was greater than that of ISC (kISC=1.0×107 s−1). The negative ΔEST of A6AP‐Cz was experimentally confirmed from 1) the kRISC and kISC (−45 meV) and 2) the temperature‐dependent τDF. 3) The onsets of fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra at 77 K also supported the evidence of negative ΔEST (−73 meV). This study demonstrated the potential of A6AP as an iST core for the first time.
Myological and osteological approaches to gape and bite force reconstruction in Smilodon fatalis
Authors: Deutsch Ashley R. , Berger Arin , Martens Lara L. , Witt Benjamin R. , Smith Rachel L. J. , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: June 2024

Masticatory gape and bite force are important behavioral and ecological variables. While much has been written about the highly derived masticatory anatomy of Smilodon fatalis, there remains a great deal of debate about their masticatory behaviors. To that end, we establish osteological proxies for masticatory adductor fascicle length (FL) based on extant felids and apply these along with previously validated techniques to S. fatalis to provide estimates of fascicle lengths, maximum osteological gapes, and bite force. While the best correlated FL proxies in extant felids do not predict particularly long fascicles, these proxies may be of value for less morphologically distinct felids. A slightly less well correlated proxy predicts a temporalis FL 15% longer than that of Panthera tigris. While angular maximum bony gape is significantly larger in S. fatalis than it is in extant felids, linear gape at the canine tip and carnassial notch were not significantly different from those of extant felids. Finally, we produce anatomical bite force estimates of 1283.74 N at the canine and 4671.41 N at the carnassial, which are similar in magnitude to estimates not of the largest felids but of the much smaller P. onca, with S. fatalis producing slightly less force at the canines and more at the carnassials. These estimates align with previous predictions that S. fatalis may have killed large prey with canine shearing bites produced, in part, by force contributions of the postcranial muscles.
Integrating routine blood biomarkers and artificial intelligence for supporting diagnosis of silicosis in engineered stone workers
Authors: Sanchez‐Morillo Daniel , León‐Jiménez Antonio , Guerrero‐Chanivet María , Jiménez‐Gómez Gema , Hidalgo‐Molina Antonio , Campos‐Caro Antonio
Published: June 2024

Engineered stone silicosis (ESS), primarily caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica, poses a significant occupational health risk globally. ESS has no effective treatment and presents a rapid progression from simple silicosis (SS) to progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), with respiratory failure and death. Despite the use of diagnostic methods like chest x‐rays and high‐resolution computed tomography, early detection of silicosis remains challenging. Since routine blood tests have shown promise in detecting inflammatory markers associated with the disease, this study aims to assess whether routine blood biomarkers, coupled with machine learning techniques, can effectively differentiate between healthy individuals, subjects with SS, and PMF. To this end, 107 men diagnosed with silicosis, ex‐workers in the engineered stone (ES) sector, and 22 healthy male volunteers as controls not exposed to ES dust were recruited. Twenty‐one primary biochemical markers derived from peripheral blood extraction were obtained retrospectively from clinical hospital records. Relief‐F features selection technique was applied, and the resulting subset of 11 biomarkers was used to build five machine learning models, demonstrating high performance with sensitivities and specificities in the best case greater than 82% and 89%, respectively. The percentage of lymphocytes, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme, and lactate dehydrogenase indexes were revealed, among others, as blood biomarkers with significant cumulative importance for the machine learning models. Our study reveals that these biomarkers could detect a chronic inflammatory status and potentially serve as a supportive tool for the diagnosis, monitoring, and early detection of the progression of silicosis.
Teaching exploration and practice of new engineering medical–engineering integration professional courses under the background of digital education
Authors: Luo Yue , Zhao Shuting , Wen Chuanbiao
Published: June 2024

The Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (referred to as the Ministry of Education) has issued a series of training plans for outstanding engineers in new engineering disciplines, emphasizing accelerating the digital transformation of education and promoting the cultivation of interdisciplinary talents. The teaching purpose of medical–engineering integration professional courses is to cultivate new engineering talents with interdisciplinary backgrounds in medicine and engineering technology. This article aims to cultivate the comprehensive engineering practical ability of new medical information engineering talents to explore a new model based on the deep integration of Massive, Open, Online, and Course, and Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate engineering talent training. This model integrates a variety of teaching methods, such as flipped classroom and project teaching, which is more conducive to achieving the talent training goals of cultivating innovative thinking, interdisciplinary thinking, analysis and problem‐solving abilities, and teamwork skills. This study uses the “Introduction to Digital Healthcare” course as an example to carry out the teaching practice of the new model, showing the practicability and effectiveness of this teaching model in cultivating the comprehensive practical literacy of new engineering talents. In summary, the new model proposed in this article can provide a reference for the teaching of medical information engineering professional courses and also provide a new model of thinking for the teaching of medical–engineering integration professional courses.
Seeds of Hyoscyamus muticus L. subsp. falezlez: Morpho‐Anatomical Features, Phytochemical Investigation and Evidence for Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Ayari‐Guentri Sofia , Saad Somia , Ait Kettout Tassadit , Gaceb‐Terrak Rabéa , Djemouai Nadjette
Published: June 2024

This work aims to describe the morpho‐anatomy and determine the mineral composition of H. muticus L. subsp. falezlez seed, and investigate the influence of extraction solvents (hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol) on contents of total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) and the antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, reducing power and phenanthroline). The mineral content analysis revealed the presence of different elements. The results indicated that the seed extract obtained by methanol exhibited the highest yield and TPC (82.07 % and 27.14±2.2 μg GAE/mg), while the chloroform extract had the maximum TFC (24.63±0.4 μg QE/mg). In addition, all seed extracts showed excellent performances on DPPH scavenging activity. However, methanolic extract was the most effective extraction solvent for scavenging ABTS free radicals (IC50<12.5 μg/mL). Chloroform and petroleum ether extracts were the most potent in phenanthroline activity. GC‐MS analysis identified 28 phytochemical compounds in all extracts and 16 compounds were identified by HPLC/DAD analysis of the methanolic extract. The multivariate analysis results highlighted the influence of solvents on the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of seed extracts. The results suggest that H. muticus L. seeds can be a promising source enriched with bioactive constituents for application in the pharmaceutical industry.
Thrombotic microangiopathy associated with calcineurin inhibitor induction doses in patients with a kidney transplant
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Govea Alfredo , Jalomo‐Martínez Basilio , Evangelista‐Carrillo Luis Alberto , Cerrillos‐Gutiérrez José Ignacio , Medina‐Pérez Miguel
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

We present a case of a 23‐year‐old male who developed thrombotic microangiopathy associated with the induction dose of tacrolimus. Get an early diagnosis and give timely treatment of thrombotic microangiopathy is essential to improve the prognosis of the kidney transplant.
VEXAS syndrome as a cause for multifocal, relapsing head and neck inflammation
Authors: Heeney Aoife , Wu Rachael , Fitzgerald Conall , Orfali Nina , Akasheh Nadim , Magee Conor
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

VEXAS syndrome (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X‐linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) is a novel autoinflammatory syndrome. We describe a case of VEXAS syndrome with upper airway and oral cavity involvement which are not well described in the literature.
Comparing Calcium Sulfate Fouling on Polymeric and Metal Heat Transfer Surfaces
Authors: Pelz Philipp , Schulz Julian , Mavaddat Poorya , Meyer Conrad , Jasch Katharina , Scholl Stephan , von Harbou Erik , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: June 2024

Fouling mitigation provides many challenges in process equipment, especially in heat exchangers. In this work, the fouling behaviors of two polymers are compared to 1.4301 stainless steel (SS) in calcium sulfate solutions. An experimental setup that allows to classify the materials quickly and under varying process conditions is used to determine the fouling behavior. Results are compared to a screening apparatus which can test up to three materials simultaneously. Finally, the cleaning behavior of all three materials is investigated. Results show that polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is superior to SS in mitigating fouling and is easier to clean; however, polyether ether ketone with 30 % talcum (TKT) is not. This is attributed to the surface roughness of the materials.
Differential utilization of the online patient portal for completion of health‐related social needs screening during routine gynecologic cancer care
Authors: Beavis Anna L. , Wethington Stephanie L. , Yu Ruoxi , Topel Kristin M. , Bielman Marie L. , Olson Sarah , Rositch Anne F.
Published: June 2024

Background

Telehealth technologies offer efficient ways to deliver health‐related social needs (HRSN) screening in cancer care, but these methods may not reach all populations. The authors examined patient characteristics associated with using an online patient portal (OPP) to complete HRSN screening as part of gynecologic cancer care.

Methods

From June 2021 to June 2023, patients in a gynecologic oncology clinic completed validated HRSN screening questions either (1) using the OPP (independently before the visit) or (2) in person (verbally administered by clinic staff). The authors examined the prevalence of HRSN according to activated OPP status and, in a restricted subgroup, used stepwise multivariate Poisson regression to identify associations between patient and visit characteristics and using the OPP.

Results

Of 1616 patients, 87.4% (n = 1413) had an activated OPP. Patients with inactive OPPs (vs. activated OPPs) more frequently reported two or more needs (10% vs 5%; p < .01). Of 986 patients in the restricted cohort, 52% used the OPP to complete screening. The final multivariable model indicated that patients were less likely to use the OPP if they were Black (vs. White; adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59–0.83); not employed (vs. employed; aRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68–0.97), or had low measures of OPP engagement (aRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68–0.92). New versus established patients were 21% more likely to use the OPP (aRR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.06–1.38).

Conclusions

Differential use of the OPP suggested that over‐reliance on digital technologies could limit the ability to reach those populations that have social factors already associated with cancer outcome disparities. Cancer centers should consider using multiple delivery methods for HRSN screening to maximize reach to all populations.
First person profile: Dr Carl June
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: June 2024

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. This issue features Dr Carl June, who recently participated on a panel with the FDA to discuss the next steps needed to expand CAR T‐cell therapy into areas other than blood cancers. In addition, articles discuss a new standard of care for bladder cancer and a novel hormone that is safe and effective in men receiving radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
CEO overseas experience and sustainability report disclosure: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Aini Siti Nur , Harymawan Iman , Nasih Mohammad , Kamarudin Khairul Anuar
Published: June 2024

This study examines the relationship between chief executive officers' (CEOs) overseas experience and social responsibility (SR) disclosure, as well as how CEOs from reputable universities can moderate this relationship. Using 488 firm‐year observations from firms listed on the Bursa Efek Indonesia (Indonesian Stock Exchange) and data from the Global Reporting Initiative databases from 2010 to 2021, this study finds a significant negative association between foreign‐educated CEOs (CEO overseas experience) and SR disclosure. This study also finds that CEOs from reputable universities can weaken this relationship. The results are robust to endogeneity tests using the coarsened exact match (CEM) and Heckman's two‐stage regressions. Furthermore, overseas experience CEOs have a significantly negative impact on all dimensions of SR disclosure, except for the environmental and product dimensions. Investors may consider CEOs' foreign education as an additional factor in their investment decisions. This study suggests that firms with CEOs with international exposure tend to exhibit lower levels of SR disclosures. This insight can aid investors in evaluating sustainability and ethical performance by aligning their investment portfolios with CSR objectives and preferences.
Do we have to choose between economic or environmental performance? The case of the ceramic industry cluster
Authors: Vallet‐Bellmunt Teresa , Del‐Corte‐Lora Víctor , Martínez‐Fernández M. Teresa
Published: June 2024

A growing number of academic studies are focusing on firms' sustainability orientation, organizational resilience, and social capital. A key challenge facing companies today is how to maintain or improve economic performance while becoming more sustainable. This research relates sustainability orientation, organizational resilience, and social capital to economic and environmental performance in the ceramic industry cluster of Castellón, Spain. It also analyzes the mediating effect of organizational resilience on the relationship between social capital and both types of performance. The results show that sustainability orientation is linked to environmental performance, while social capital and organizational resilience are linked to economic performance. The results of the analysis of the mediating effect of organizational resilience differ depending on the type of performance. These findings thus suggest that companies should decide what kind of results they want to prioritize in order to direct their efforts at a strategic level, focusing on organizational resilience and social capital if they want to achieve better economic results and on sustainability orientation if they want to improve their environmental performance. This research contributes to the academic literature on environmental and sustainability issues.
Beyond CREA: Evolutionary patterns of non‐allometric shape variation and divergence in a highly allometric clade of murine rodents
Authors: Marcy Ariel E. , Mitchell D. Rex , Guillerme Thomas , Phillips Matthew J. , Weisbecker Vera
Published: June 2024

The shared functions of the skull are thought to result in common evolutionary patterns in mammalian cranial shape. Craniofacial evolutionary allometry (CREA) is a particularly prominent pattern where larger species display proportionally elongate facial skeletons and smaller braincases. It was recently proposed that CREA arises from biomechanical effects of cranial scaling when diets are similar. Thus, deviations from CREA should occur with changes in cranial biomechanics, for example due to dietary change. Here, we test this using 3D geometric morphometric analysis in a dataset of Australian murine crania, which are highly allometric. We contrast allometric and non‐allometric variation in the cranium by comparing evolutionary mode, allometry, ordinations, as well as allometry, integration, and modularity in functional modules. We found evidence of stabilising selection in allometry‐containing and size‐free shape, and substantial non‐allometric variation aligned with dietary specialisation in parallel with CREA. Integration among cranial modules was higher, and modularity lower, with size included, but integration between rostrum and cranial vault, which are involved in the CREA pattern, dropped dramatically after size removal. Our results thus support the hypothesis that CREA is a composite arising from selection on cranial function, with substantial non‐allometric shape variation occurring alongside CREA where dietary specialisation impacts selection on gnawing function. This emphasises the need to research mammalian cranial evolution in the context of allometric and non‐allometric selection on biomechanical function.
Habitat suitability of biocrust communities in a cold desert ecosystem
Authors: Power Sarah N. , Thomas Valerie A. , Salvatore Mark R. , Barrett John E.
Published: June 2024

Drylands are unique among terrestrial ecosystems in that they have a significant proportion of primary production facilitated by non‐vascular plants such as colonial cyanobacteria, moss, and lichens, i.e., biocrusts, which occur on and in the surface soil. Biocrusts inhabit all continents, including Antarctica, an increasingly dynamic continent on the precipice of change. Here, we describe in‐situ field surveying and sampling, remote sensing, and modeling approaches to assess the habitat suitability of biocrusts in the Lake Fryxell basin of Taylor Valley, Antarctica, which is the main site of the McMurdo Dry Valleys Long‐Term Ecological Research Program. Soils suitable for the development of biocrusts are typically wetter, less alkaline, and less saline compared to unvegetated soils. Using random forest models, we show that gravimetric water content, electrical conductivity, and snow frequency are the top predictors of biocrust presence and biomass. Areas most suitable for the growth of dense biocrusts are soils associated with seasonal snow patches. Using geospatial data to extrapolate our habitat suitability model to the whole basin predicts that biocrusts are present in 2.7 × 105 m2 and contain 11–72 Mg of aboveground carbon, based on the 90% probability of occurrence. Our study illustrates the synergistic effect of combining field and remote sensing data for understanding the distribution and biomass of biocrusts, a foundational community in the carbon balance of this region. Extreme weather events and changing climate conditions in this region, especially those influencing snow accumulation and persistence, could have significant effects on the future distribution and abundance of biocrusts and therefore soil organic carbon storage in the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
A new open‐source solver for early detection of atherosclerosis based on hemodynamics and LDL transport simulation
Authors: Molina Jorge , Obaid Daniel Rhys , Ademiloye A. S.
Published: June 2024

This article presents a new open‐source solver within the OpenFOAM framework, to provide a cost‐free alternative to commercial software for simulating blood flows and the transport of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) in arteries. The proposed algorithm utilizes the velocity field obtained from the hemodynamics computation to solve an advection‐diffusion equation governing a passive scalar variable, that represents the cholesterol concentration in blood. Moreover, two customized boundary conditions, namely periodic pulsatile inflow and LDL blood‐to‐wall transfer law, as well as a non‐Newtonian viscosity model, are included in the code to achieve more realistic results. The solver is first validated by reproducing two benchmark tests, the classical lid‐driven cavity experiment including heat transport, and a constricted tube simulating a stenosed artery. The results obtained were in good agreement with existing literature and experimental measurements, thus confirming the accuracy and robustness of the proposed open‐source solver. Finally, hemodynamics and LDL transport are computed in two arteries, one of them obtained by segmentation from an anonymized clinical patient. Stress and LDL concentration at the vessel's wall are employed to calculate significant descriptors revealing dangerous areas where atherosclerotic plaques could emerge. In the studied cases, the main branch of the artery, and especially the vicinity of the bifurcation, seem to be candidates to develop the illness. This conclusion is in line with medical in‐vivo studies evincing that bifurcations are an usual place where plaques grow.
Building a Technical Leadership Model
Authors: Godfrey Patrick
Published: June 2024

INCOSE's Vision 2025 identifies the development of systems thinking and technical leadership as one of seven key areas of systems engineering ‘competency’ required for delivery. Vision 2025 states: “Education and training of systems engineers and the infusion of systems thinking across a broad range of the engineering and management workforce will meet the demands for a growing number of systems engineers with the necessary technical and leadership competencies.” “The roles and competencies of the systems engineer will broaden to address the increasing complexity and diversity of future systems.” “The technical leadership role of the systems engineer on a project will be well established as critical to the success of a project.” These requirements imply the need to rapidly expand the art and science of systems technical leadership. In response to this need, INCOSE established an institute for technical leadership. This paper describes the Institute and the work that the first cohort (“Cohort of 2017”) has accomplished on developing a technical leadership model for systems engineers. It is envisaged that this first technical leadership model for systems engineers will be further developed and matured by the following cohorts of the INCOSE's Technical Leadership Institute.
Technical Leadership of Virtual and Remotely Distributed Teams
Authors: Dazzi Francesco , Gallego Elena , Keen W. Patrick , McKelvin Mark , McCoy Sean , Weigel Allison , Ziliox Lisa
Published: June 2024

The world is increasingly virtual and complex, with many relationships and teams at a global scale. The situation will not be changing any time soon. Sometimes, it is only possible to interact at a distance, of not only time zones and space, but also sometimes interpersonal distance, where names and voices make up another person. Regardless, technical teams will need good leadership to address complex situations in these virtual and remotely distributed (VaRD) environments. So, in a VaRD environment, do leadership practices and skills have to change? Do the tools, techniques, and technology make current practices for leadership in general, and the application of those practices obsolete? Maybe not.

This paper seeks to examine the nature of what is really changing when leading in a VaRD environment through the lens of engineers leading teams in global and complex technical challenges. Those perspectives are analyzed to determine the factors that go into a VaRD environment. In addition, this paper analyzes how interactions between teams compare to an in‐person environment, how leadership practices are applied in this environment, and how technical leadership is tailored for these new environments.
A Systems View of Career Development for Systems Engineering Leadership
Authors: Gupta Stueti , Kennedy Grace , Keim Jonathan , Opland Brandi , Sigterman Yoeri , Wingate Brandi
Published: June 2024

Systems engineering leaders' career development journeys are primarily driven by their experiences that shape their capability, qualities, and perspective; however, the pathways that individuals take are not only broad and varied, but also equally affected by personal life decisions and external factors. This paper describes a two‐fold study that aimed to: a) provide insight into commonalities in the career journeys of systems engineering leaders, and b) ascertain how key areas affect career development. Five key areas were explored: education, technical experience, soft skills experience, job satisfaction, and work‐life balance. A mixed and multi‐method approach was taken, gathering data from sixty‐one participants through interviews, surveys, and facilitated workshop. The study found that although there was no ‘blueprint’ that yields successful systems engineering leadership, there were themes/trends that were common. An influence model was developed to highlight these trends in the form of the key areas, factors affecting them, and the interrelationships between them.
A Tinkerer's Mindset: Lessons from the Technical Leadership Institute's Cohort 8 on Safe‐to‐Fail Probing as a Tool for Informing Judgement
Authors: Williams Adam D. , Aveiro Leandro V. , McGrath Rachel A. , Leandri Carlo , Terpant Guilluame , Masson Dimitri , Unger Adrian
Published: June 2024

Tinkering — or making small changes to experiment toward an improvement in performance — is seemingly a natural characteristic of many systems engineers. As such, systems engineers are uniquely qualified to develop complex solutions necessary to overcome lack of clarity, achieve order, and avoid failure. Further, there is a much broader conversation surrounding the possibility of “failure” being beneficial in systems engineering projects. In response to the needing to inform judgment in situations shrouded in uncertainty, members of INCOSE's Technical Leadership Institute (TLI) cohort 8 examined the role of safe‐to‐fail probes play in informing judgement for systems engineers. Within the constraints of the TLI's major project, virtual workshops and qualitative interviews were two data collection mechanisms established to empirically investigate the role(s) of safe‐to‐fail probing in systems engineering. Overall, the data sets offered conclusions describing the potential role(s) of safe‐to‐fail probes for systems engineers working in uncertain environments. Resulting from this (limited) empirical exploration are additional insights and implications for how systems engineers may invoke safe‐to‐fail probes to improve decision‐making in uncertain and challenging situations. Such a tinkerer's mindset can help systems engineers transition from the constraints of “intolerable failure” to the opportunities related to probing‐sensing‐responding to “responsible failures.”