bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model‐Based Dose Selection of Fostemsavir for Pediatric Populations With Multidrug‐Resistant HIV‐1 and Relative Bioavailability Assessment in Healthy Adults
Authors: Thakkar Nilay , Magee Mindy , Goyal Navin , Abberbock Judah , Jones Chris , Taylor James , Chabria Shiven , Moore Katy
Published: June 2023

Fostemsavir, a prodrug of the first‐in‐class HIV‐1 attachment inhibitor temsavir, is approved for the treatment of multidrug‐resistant HIV‐1 in adults; its use in pediatric populations is currently being studied. Population pharmacokinetic modeling across pediatric weight bands was used to guide pediatric fostemsavir dose selection. Dosing simulations demonstrated that twice‐daily fostemsavir 600‐mg (adult dose) and 400‐mg doses met safety and efficacy criteria for 35 kg or greater and 20 or greater to less than 35 kg pediatric weight bands, respectively. Temsavir relative bioavailability of 2 low‐dose fostemsavir extended‐release formulations (3 × 200 mg; formulations A and B) and reference formulation (600 mg extended release) was assessed in a 2‐part, open‐label, randomized, crossover study in healthy adults. Part 1 (N = 32) compared single‐dose temsavir relative bioavailability, and Part 2 (N = 16) evaluated the impact of fed versus fasted conditions using the selected low‐dose formulation. Temsavir geometric mean ratios for the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity and maximum concentration for formulation B were bioequivalent to the reference formulation. Temsavir maximum concentration for formulation B was similar in fed and fasted states, but area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity geometric mean ratio was increased under fed conditions, consistent with previous results in adults. These analyses demonstrated efficient pediatric dose selection using a model‐based approach.
The genetics‐morphology‐behavior trifecta: Unraveling the single greatest limitation affecting our understanding of chondrichthyan evolution
Authors: Gayford Joel H.
Published: June 2023

Sharks, rays, and chimaera form the clade Chondrichthyes, an ancient group of morphologically and ecologically diverse vertebrates that has played an important role in our understanding of gnathostome evolution. Increasingly, studies seek to investigate evolutionary processes operating within the chondrichthyan crown group, with the broad aim of understanding the driving forces behind the vast phenotypic diversity observed among its constituent taxa. Genetic, morphological, and behavioral studies have all contributed to our understanding of phenotypic evolution yet are typically considered in isolation in the context of Chondrichthyes. In this viewpoint, I discuss why such isolation is prevalent in the literature, how it constrains our understanding of evolution, and how it might be overcome. I argue that integrating these core fields of organismal biology is vital if we are to understand the evolutionary processes operating in contemporary chondrichthyan taxa and how such processes have contributed to past phenotypic evolution. Despite this, the necessary tools to overcome this major limitation already exist and have been applied to other taxa.
A practical guide to collections‐based research on ecogeographic rules
Authors: Shelomi Matan , Meiri Shai
Published: June 2023

Ecogeographic research into how species' forms vary across space, time, and climate has taken on new urgency due to contemporary global climate change. Research using museum specimens and other records to study biological rules like Bergmann's, Allen's, and Gloger's Rules has a long history and continues to generate publications and robust scientific debates. Despite the prevalence and history of the field, however, no simple guide on how to carry out such work has ever been published. To lower the barriers of entry for new researchers, this review was created as a practical guide on how to perform ecogeographic research. The guide consolidates disparately published methodologies into a single, convenient document that reviews the history and present of the field of ecogeographic rule research, and describes how to generate appropriate hypotheses, design experiments, gather, and analyze biotic and geographic data, and interpret the results in an ecologically meaningful manner. The result is a semi‐standardized guide that enables scientists at all levels from any institution to carry out an investigation from start to finish on any biological rule, taxon, and location of their choice.
Application of electromagnetic tuned mass damper with flywheels for controlling building structure vibration
Authors: Lin Chih‐Shiuan , Lin Ging‐Long
Published: June 2023

This study investigates a novel electromagnetic tuned mass damper with flywheels (EM‐FW‐TMD) system for reducing building structure vibration. The EM‐FW‐TMD system comprises a tuned mass damper (TMD) system with an electromagnetic (EM) damper and flywheels (FW). The EM damping coefficient and inertance of the EM‐FW‐TMD are adjustable. A prototype EM‐FW‐TMD device is fabricated and tested to validate its adjustability. Sliding‐ and pendulum‐type EM‐FW‐TMD systems with various inerter configurations are investigated. The equations of motion for single‐ and multiple‐degree‐of‐freedom structures in which the two EM‐FW‐TMD systems are installed are derived. A parameter optimization method that considers inertance is proposed for the EM‐FW‐TMD systems. The control performance of the two EM‐FW‐TMD systems is extensively compared. Furthermore, for frequency detuning, a parameter redesign method is proposed for adjusting the inertance and EM damping coefficient of both types of EM‐FW‐TMD systems; the results indicate that the detuning effect can be significantly mitigated by this retuning method.
Adenine DNA methylation is involved in regulating ethanol and osmotic stress responses in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang
Authors: Yan Jiaming , Wu Meiling , Kwok Lai‐Yu , Zhang Wenyi
Published: June 2023

As an important feature of epigenetics, DNA methylation is a critical way to regulate gene expression and thus bacterial growth and metabolism. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang is a probiotic strain originated from koumiss. This study hypothesized that adenine methylation was involved in bacterial regulation of physiological adaptations when grown under environmental stress. Thus, this study compared the growth of an adenine methyltransferase‐inactivated mutant (ΔpglX) and the wild‐type L. paracasei Zhang when cultured under ethanol and osmotic stress. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were implemented to identify their differentially expressed genes/proteins (DEGs/DEPs) when grown under the stressed environments. The membrane fatty acid composition was also determined. Comparing with the wild‐type, the viable counts of the mutant under ethanol and osmotic stress increased by 2.6 times and decreased by half, respectively (ethanol stress: mutant, 4.30 ± 0.0038 × 108 CFU/mL; wild‐type, 1.64 ± 0.010 × 108 CFU/mL; osmotic stress: mutant, 2.21 ± 0.029 × 108 CFU/mL; wild‐type, 4.30 ± 0.13 × 108 CFU/mL). Common to both conditions, many identified DEGs and DEPs were involved in carbohydrate metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis, generally, with more carbohydrate metabolism pathways but fewer fatty acid biosynthesis pathways, accompanied by increases in the membrane fatty acids. Our observations suggested that L. paracasei Zhang maximizes its energy metabolism by enhancing carbohydrate metabolism and improves its membrane strength via increasing the fatty acid content under environmental stress. This is the first report analyzing the epigenetic‐level stress responsive mechanism of L. paracasei Zhang, providing insights into methylation‐based regulation of bacterial adaptive responses.
Maturity impact on physicochemical composition and polyphenol properties of extra virgin olive oils obtained from Manzanilla, Arbequina, and Koroneiki varieties in Iran
Authors: Ghreishi Rad Seyed Amirreza , Jalili Maryam , Ansari Farzaneh , Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Rashidi Ladan
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the physicochemical properties and polyphenol composition of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) extracted from three olive cultivars. The investigated cultivars were Arbequina, Koroneiki, and Manzanilla, grown in Olive Research Station in Rudbar county, Gilan province, Iran, at three ripening stages. Several parameters were analyzed, including peroxide and acidity values, unsaponifiable matter, oxidative stability, total aliphatic alcohols, fatty acids (FAs), sterols, and triacylglycerol composition. The results showed that as maturity increased, parameters such as oil content, acidity value, and iodine value, rise, while parameters including peroxide value, oxidative stability, aliphatic alcohols, and unsaponifiable matter decreased (p < .05). The saponification value was slightly reduced in the developing ripening process (p > .05). The MUFA/PUFA ratio and total sterol content declined during the olive ripening stages (p < .05). The triterpenes decreased in Arbequina and Koroneiki cultivars but increased in Manzanilla cultivar during the maturity stages. According to the data, oleuropein decreased while oleuropein aglycone, oxidized aldehyde, and hydroxylic form of oleuropein increased for all EVOOs during maturation. Apigenin, quercetin, ligstroside aglycone, aldehyde and hydroxylic form, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and catechin decreased during the ripening of fruits (p < .05). The main triglycerides were triolein (OOO), palmitodiolein (POO), dioleolinolein (OOL), and palmitooleolinolein (PLO) in all EVOOs. In addition, the olive cultivar and harvesting date influence the physicochemical properties and polyphenol composition of EVOOs extracted from olive varieties grown in one region. In conclusion, the results can present helpful information to determine the optimum maturity stage for the investigated olive cultivars.
High‐pressure processing applied to sliced dry‐cured Iberian loin: Effect of category, company, and storage temperature
Authors: Carrapiso Ana Isabel , Tejerina David , García‐Torres Susana , Trejo Antonia , Martín Mateos Maria Jesus , Delgado‐Adámez Jonathan , García‐Parra Jesús Javier , Ramírez Maria Rosario
Published: June 2023

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high‐pressure processing (HPP) and storage temperature on the microbial counts, the instrumental color, and the oxidation stability of sliced dry‐cured Iberian loin from two categories and two leading companies. 600 MPa for 8 min was sufficient to decrease all the microbial counts without affecting the color and the oxidation status, the effect being modulated by the loin category and company, whose effect on those variables was marked. However, the subsequent 90‐day storage softened the initial effect of HPP on microorganisms and allowed a significant effect of HPP to develop on color and oxidation. In addition, the coliform counts were higher after storage at 20°C than at 4°C, suggesting that refrigeration may be needed during long‐term storage to ensure loin safety.
Investigation of cryoprotectants‐treated surimi protein deterioration during chilled and frozen storage: Functional properties and kinetic modeling
Authors: Maghsoudi Leila , Moosavi‐Nasab Marzieh , Abedi Elahe , Maleki Shahrzad
Published: June 2023

The relative cryoprotective effects of flaxseed protein hydrolysate and pectin in comparison with conventional cryoprotectant (sucrose + sorbitol + sodium tripolyphosphates) on stabilization of proteins in surimi of Capoor (Cyprinus carpio) were investigated during freezing (−20°C for 4 months) and chilling storage (4°C for 10 days). Although pectin caused to improve water‐holding capacity (27.8%; 4°C and 21.5%; −20°C) on account of highly more inhibitory impact on the ice crystals growth, the protein denaturation may have occurred. It can be related to higher reduction in the amount of salt extractable protein (%) and the immeasurable value of thiol group in surimi formulation containing pectin compared with other cryoprotectants. The results of modeling surimi samples showed that salt extractable protein and sulfhydryl content were in good agreement with the first‐order reaction model at −20°C and second‐order kinetic model at 4°C. In comparison with other samples, samples treated with flaxseed protein showed the lowest reaction rate constant during chilled and frozen storage. The results confirmed that flaxseed protein with no sweetness and considerable caloric value had a cryoprotective effect similar to sucrose + sorbitol + polyphosphate and even better.
Diffractaic acid exhibits thioredoxin reductase 1 inhibition in lung cancer A549 cells
Authors: Günaydın Şükran , Sulukoğlu Emine Karaca , Kalın Şeyda Nur , Altay Ahmet , Budak Harun
Published: June 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths all over the world. Therefore, it has gained importance in the development of new chemotherapeutic strategies to identify anticancer agents with low side effects, reliable, high anticancer potential, and specific to lung cancer cells. Thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) is an important therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment because of its overexpression in tumor cells. Here, we aimed to examine the anticancer effect of diffractaic acid, a lichen secondary metabolite, in A549 cells by comparing it with the commercial chemotherapeutic drug carboplatin and also to investigate whether the anticancer effect of diffractaic acid occurs via TrxR1‐targeting. The IC50 value of diffractaic acid on A549 cells was determined as 46.37 μg/mL at 48 h, and diffractaic acid had stronger cytotoxicity than carboplatin in A549 cells. qPCR results revealed that diffractaic acid promoted the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through the upregulation of the BAX/BCL2 ratio and P53 gene in A549 cells, which is consistent with the flow cytometry results. Furthermore, migration analysis results indicated that diffractaic acid impressively suppressed the migration of A549 cells. While the enzymatic activity of TrxR1 was inhibited by diffractaic acid in A549 cells, no changes were seen in the quantitative expression levels of gene and protein. These findings provide fundamental data on the anticancer effect of diffractaic acid on A549 cells targeting TrxR1 activity, suggesting that it could be considered a chemotherapeutic agent for lung cancer therapy.
Selective determination of Cr(III) ions with novel potentiometric electrodes
Authors: Isildak Ömer , Özbek Oguz , Yildiz Ilyas , Senocak Aysegül
Published: June 2023

Background

Ionophores in the composition of potentiometric ion‐selective electrodes interact directly with the analyte ion and enable the determination of ionic species in various samples.

Objectives

In this study, a novel ion‐selective electrode based on 5‐bromosalicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone was developed for the selective determination of Cr3+ ions.

Methods

The optimum electrode composition contained ionophore, poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), bis (2‐ethylhexyl) sebacate (BEHS) and potassium tetrakis (p‐chlorophenyl) borate (KTpClPB) in ratios of 4.0: 61.0: 34.0: 1.0 (mg), respectively. Potential measurements were performed using a computer‐controlled multi‐channel potentiometric measurement system.

Results

The developed Cr (III)‐selective electrode exhibited a low detection limit of 3.96 × 10−6 M over a wide concentration range of 1.0 × 10−5 – 1.0 × 10−1 M (R2: 0.9979). The electrode exhibited good selectivity towards Cr3+ ions among metal ions with different charges. The chromium (III)‐selective electrode, which exhibited highly reproducible results in three different concentration ranges, also had a very fast response time of 5 s.

Conclusions

The developed Cr (III)‐selective electrode were successfully performed in various beverage samples. As a result, the proposed electrode can be an alternative to other analytical methods in the analysis of Cr3+ ions.
Assessing craniofacial growth and form without landmarks: A new automatic approach based on spectral methods
Authors: Magnet Robin , Bloch Kevin , Taverne Maxime , Melzi Simone , Geoffroy Maya , Khonsari Roman H. , Ovsjanikov Maks
Published: June 2023

We present a novel method for the morphometric analysis of series of 3D shapes, and demonstrate its relevance for the detection and quantification of two craniofacial anomalies: trigonocephaly and metopic ridges, using CT‐scans of young children. Our approach is fully automatic, and does not rely on manual landmark placement and annotations. Our approach furthermore allows to differentiate shape classes, enabling successful differential diagnosis between trigonocephaly and metopic ridges, two related conditions characterized by triangular foreheads. These results were obtained using recent developments in automatic nonrigid 3D shape correspondence methods and specifically spectral approaches based on the functional map framework. Our method can capture local changes in geometric structure, in contrast to methods based, for instance, on global shape descriptors. As such, our approach allows to perform automatic shape classification and provides visual feedback on shape regions associated with different classes of deformations. The flexibility and generality of our approach paves the way for the application of spectral methods in quantitative medicine.
Two‐Compartment Perfusion MR IVIM Model to Investigate Normal and Pathological Placental Tissue
Authors: Maiuro Alessandra , Ercolani Giada , Di Stadio Francesca , Antonelli Amanda , Catalano Carlo , Manganaro Lucia , Capuani Silvia
Published: June 2023

Background

Perfusion and diffusion coexist in the placenta and can be altered by pathologies. The two‐perfusion model, where f1 and, f2 are the perfusion‐fraction of the fastest and slowest perfusion compartment, respectively, and D is the diffusion coefficient, may help differentiate between normal and impaired placentas.

Purpose

Investigate the potential of the two‐perfusion IVIM model in differentiating between normal and abnormal placentas.

Study‐Type

Retrospective, case–control.

Population

43 normal pregnancy, 9 fetal‐growth‐restriction (FGR), 6 small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA), 4 accreta, 1 increta and 2 percreta placentas.

Field Strength/Sequence

Diffusion‐weighted‐echo planar imaging sequence at 1.5 T.

Assessment

Voxel‐wise signal‐correction and fitting‐controls were used to avoid overfitting obtaining that two‐perfusion model fitted the observed data better than the IVIM model (Akaike weight: 0.94). The two‐perfusion parametric‐maps were quantified from ROIs in the fetal and maternal placenta and in the accretion zone of accreta placentas. The diffusion coefficient D was evaluated using a b ≥ 200 sec/mm2‐mono‐exponential decay fit. IVIM metrics were quantified to fix f1 + f2 = fIVIM.

Statistical‐Tests

ANOVA with Dunn‐Sidák's post‐hoc correction and Cohen's d test were used to compare parameters between groups. Spearman's coefficient was evaluated to study the correlation between variables. A P‐value<0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference.

Results

There was a significant difference in f1 between FGR and SGA, and significant differences in f2 and fIVIM between normal and FGR. The percreta + increta group showed the highest f1 values (Cohen's d = −2.66). The f2 between normal and percreta + increta groups showed Cohen's d = 1.12. Conversely, fIVIM had a small effective size (Cohen's d = 0.32). In the accretion zone, a significant correlation was found between f2 and GA (ρ = 0.90) whereas a significant negative correlation was found between fIVIM and D (ρ = −0.37 in fetal and ρ = −0.56 in maternal side) and f2 and D (ρ = −0.38 in fetal and ρ = −0.51 in maternal side) in normal placentas.

Conclusion

The two‐perfusion model provides complementary information to IVIM parameters that may be useful in identifying placenta impairment.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Editorial for “Venous Blood Oxygenation Measurements Using TRUST and T2‐TRIR MRI During Hypoxic and Hypercapnic Gas Challenges”
Authors: Saggu Raman
Published: June 2023

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Impact of anemia on major bleeding in patients taking oral anticoagulants for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kinjo Norito , Ueda Shinichiro , Uchida Kazutaka , Sakakibara Fumihiro , Nezu Mari , Arai Hideki , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: June 2023

Background

Anemia is encountered in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) on oral anticoagulants (OACs) but the prognostic impact was not well scrutinized in real‐world settings.

Methods

We conducted a historical multicenter registry of patients with NVAF taking OACs at 71 centers in Japan. Those with mechanical heart valves or a history of pulmonary thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis were excluded. Anemic patients were divided into three groups of hemoglobin (Hb) level: moderate/severe (Hb < 11.0 g/dL), mild (men: Hb of 11.0–12.9 g/dL; women: Hb of 11.0–11.9 g/dL), and no anemia. The endpoints included major bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic events, ischemic stroke, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Among 7558 consecutive patients (mean age, 73 years; men 67%) registered in February 2013 and followed until February 2017, 2100 (28%) patients had anemia. The anemic patients were older (moderate/severe: 79 years; mild: 77 years; no anemia: 71 years, p < .001), and HAS‐BLED score was significantly higher in the anemic patients (p < .001). The cumulative incidences at 4 years of major bleeding in moderate/severe, mild, and no anemia group, were 14.9%, 10.7%, and 6.4%, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidential intervals (CIs)) of major bleeding of moderate/severe and mild anemia group were 1.96 (1.49–2.58) and 1.48 (1.17–1.87) compared to no anemia group. The adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for ischemic events were 0.63 (0.39–0.99) and 1.03 (0.76–1.39).

Conclusions

The severity of anemia in the patients with NVAF on OACs was associated with major bleeding.
Establishing a long‐term citizen science project? Lessons learned from the Community Lake Ice Collaboration spanning over 30 yr and 1000 lakes
Authors: Lopez Lianna S. , Basu Aman , Blagrave Kevin , Bove Gerald , Stewart Kenton , Bazely Dawn , Sharma Sapna
Published: June 2023

Recruiting the public to participate in the scientific process can be invaluable in furthering our understanding of global environmental change. Several long‐term citizen science projects have been active for over a decade, with most involving the public in the data collection phase of the scientific process. Our team has recently inherited a long‐term citizen science project called the Community Lake Ice Collaboration (CLIC). We have benefited from engaging with a community of experienced participants who have collected reliable data for hundreds of lakes across the USA for over 30 yr. Collecting data at this scale would have been logistically and financially challenging without participants volunteering their time and effort. Here, we aim to provide an overview of the lessons we have learned from CLIC and other citizen science projects and develop nine guidelines for establishing and sustaining a long‐term citizen science project.
Transmission Efficiency Limit for Nonlocal Metalenses
Authors: Li Shiyu , Hsu Chia Wei
Published: June 2023

The rapidly advancing capabilities in nanophotonic design are enabling complex functionalities limited mainly by physical bounds. The efficiency of transmission is a major consideration, but its ultimate limit remains unknown for most systems. This study introduces a matrix formalism that puts a fundamental bound on the channel‐averaged transmission efficiency of any passive multi‐channel optical system based only on energy conservation and the desired functionality, independent of the interior structure and material composition. Applying this formalism to diffraction‐limited nonlocal metalenses with a wide field of view shows that the transmission efficiency must decrease with the numerical aperture for the commonly adopted designs with equal entrance and output aperture diameters. It also shows that reducing the size of the entrance aperture can raise the efficiency bound. This study reveals a fundamental limit on the transmission efficiency as well as provides guidance for the design of high‐efficiency multi‐channel optical systems.
On‐Chip Electrically Driven Tunable Meta‐Lens for Dynamic Focusing and Beam Steering
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Wu You , Xu Jiefeng , Xiao Shumin , Song Qinghai , Xu Ke
Published: June 2023

The on‐chip meta‐lenses consisting of subwavelength slot arrays with lateral gradients have shown great potential for parallel signal processing and optical computing. The dynamic tuning mechanisms which are necessary steps toward exploiting the applications of the on‐chip meta‐system have been rarely mentioned yet. Here, a free‐form functional microheater via topology design is proposed to manipulate the refractive index distribution, allowing for flexible optical wavefront shaping. For a proof‐of‐concept, wide range of dynamic focusing and beam steering are demonstrated via a tunable meta‐lens on silicon photonic platform. The continuous scanning of the focused beam is experimentally achieved with a maximum travel range of 100 µm in the longitudinal direction (≈95 nm mW−1) and 25 µm in the lateral direction (≈20 nm mW−1). The thermal‐optic tuning elements can response the electrical control within ≈41.2 µs. A waveguide array at the focal plane is used to characterize the device. The on‐chip loss of the tunable meta‐lens is measured to be <1 dB including the coupling loss from slab to single‐mode waveguide. The proposed tunable meta‐lenses are fabricated via a standard silicon photonic process and allow for arbitrarily two dimensional (2D) beam steering. It offers great versatility for on‐chip meta‐systems with a wider scope of functionalities and applications.
Wearable activity trackers for nurses' health: A qualitative acceptability study
Authors: Mahoney Catherine , Hoyle Louise , Van Splunter Casper , Kyle Richard G.
Published: June 2023

Aim

To assess the practical, social and ethical acceptability of the use of a POLAR® H7 chest‐strap wearable device to influence health behaviours among pre‐registered nurses.

Design

Qualitative acceptability study including a simulated test of use reported using COREQ guidelines.

Methods

Pre‐registered nurses simulated nine nursing tasks while wearing the chest strap in a clinical simulation facility in a Scottish university in 2016. Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were conducted to assess technology acceptance with participants who did and did not participate in the simulated nursing tasks. Focus groups and interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically guided by a theoretical model of technology acceptance.

Results

Pre‐registered nurses thought the use of chest‐strap devices to monitor their own health in real‐time was acceptable. However, participants shared that it was important that the use of technology was inclusive and supportive of nurses' health and cautioned against misuse of data from wearable devices for individual performance management or stigmatisation.
Nurse leaders' perceptions of competence‐based management of culturally and linguistically diverse nurses: A descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Kiviniitty Nina , Kamau Suleiman , Mikkonen Kristina , Hammaren Mira , Koskenranta Miro , Kuivila Heli‐Maria , Kanste Outi
Published: June 2023

Aim(s)

To describe nurse leaders' perceptions of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) nurses' competence‐based management.

Design

A descriptive qualitative study of the competence‐based management of CALD nurses, from the perspectives of nurse leaders in three primary and specialised medical care organisations. This study followed the COREQ guidelines.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted with 13 nurse leaders. Eligible interviewees were required to have management experience, and experience of working with or recruiting CALD nurses. Data were collected during November 2021–March 2022. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Competence‐based management was explored in terms of competence identification and assessment of CALD nurses, aspects which constrain and enable competence sharing with them, and aspects which support their continuous competence development. Competencies are identified during the recruitment process, and assessment is based primarily on feedback. Organisations' openness to external collaboration and work rotation supports competence sharing, as does mentoring. Nurse leaders have a key role in continuous competence development as they organise tailored induction and training, and can indirectly reinforce nurses' work commitment and wellbeing.

Conclusion(s)

Strategic competence‐based management would enable all organisational competencies potential to be utilised more productively. Competence sharing is a key process for the successful integration of CALD nurses.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The results of this study can be utilised to develop and standardise competence‐based management in healthcare organisations. For nursing management, it is important to recognise and value nurses' competence.

Impact

The role of CALD nurses in the healthcare workforce is growing, and there is little research into the competence‐based management of such nurses.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Preparation of high‐performance and low‐rolling resistance tire tread compound based on hydrogen‐bonded self‐assembled graphene/carbon nanotube‐silica hybrid
Authors: Zhao Feng , Liu Zhihua , Zheng Xingfu , Jia Jinyi , Dong Lingbo , Guo Jingze , Tan Shuangmei , Li Yutong , Shen Mei , Zhao Shuai , Li Lin , Xin Zhenxiang
Published: June 2023

Graphene/carbon nanotubes and silica hybrids (CTGS) with high dispersion and strong interface were prepared by hydrogen bond self‐assembly technique using green modifiers Tween‐80 (TW) and Oleylamine (YA) as “molecular bridge.” CTGS was added into natural rubber (NR) as an effective functional filler to prepare high‐performance, low‐rolling resistance, and antistatic tire tread. In the vulcanization process of NR filled with CTGS (CTGS/NR), CTGS can participate in the rubber vulcanization, and co‐vulcanization is a catalyst for constructing the strong interfacial interactions between CTGS and rubber. The extreme dispersion of CTGS hybrid in NR and the strong interfacial interaction between CTGS and NR are the basis for obtaining excellent comprehensive properties of CTGS/NR composites. The results show that compared with NR filled with silica modified by triethoxysilyl propyldisulfide (ST@SiO2/NR), NR filled with carbon nanotubes and silica hybrid (CTGS4) using YA as the molecular bridge (CTGS4/NR) has the best comprehensive performance. Its tensile strength increased from 27.41 to 30.18 MPa, increasing by 10.1%, the rolling resistance decreased from 0.098 to 0.087, decreasing by 11.2%, and the conductivity increased by three orders of magnitude (increasing from 2.321 × 10−7 S∙m−1 to 4.111 × 10−5 S∙m−1) indicating excellent electrostatic conductivity for CTGS hybrid with carbon nanotubes loading as low as 0.6 wt%. CTGS hybrid is expected to be a new functional filler for rubber, especially good for green tires with high‐performance, low‐rolling resistance, and antistatic performances.
Improving the surface quality of material extrusion additive manufacturing parts by using ultrasonic‐vibration machining
Authors: Jiang S. , Hu K. , Huang X. , Zhao C.
Published: June 2023

Material extrusion (ME) technique has been one of the most popular additive manufacturing techniques because of its environmental friendliness, low cost, simple operation, and so forth. However, significant surface defects occur on ME parts due to the discontinuity between adjacent layers. For this reason, a new method, using ultrasonic‐vibration machining, was innovatively proposed to improve the ME parts' surface quality. A theoretical surface roughness (SR) model of the ME parts processed by using ultrasonic vibration was established. An ultrasonic‐vibrating ME equipment was then set up by refitting an ordinary one and the samples built without and with ultrasonic‐vibration machining utilized were prepared, respectively. With the laser microscope, the built parts' SR was tested and determined. Compared the predicted SR results with the measured ones, the theoretical model was verified. The influence of different ultrasonic vibration on the surface quality of ME parts was also discussed, clarifying the corresponding mechanism.
External assessment and refinement of a population pharmacokinetic model to guide tacrolimus dosing in pediatric heart transplant
Authors: Rower Joseph E. , McKnite Autumn , Hong Borah , Daly Kevin P. , Hope Kyle D. , Cabrera Antonio G. , Molina Kimberly M.
Published: June 2023

Study Objective

The immunosuppressant tacrolimus is a first‐line agent to prevent graft rejection following pediatric heart transplant; however, it suffers from extensive inter‐patient variability and a narrow therapeutic window. Personalized tacrolimus dosing may improve transplant outcomes by more efficiently achieving and maintaining therapeutic tacrolimus concentrations. We sought to externally validate a previously published population pharmacokinetic (PK) model that was constructed with data from a single site.

Data Source

Data were collected from Seattle, Texas, and Boston Children's Hospitals, and assessed using standard population PK modeling techniques in NONMEMv7.2.

Main Results

While the model was not successfully validated for use with external data, further covariate searching identified weight (p < 0.0001 on both volume and elimination rate) as a model‐significant covariate. This refined model acceptably predicted future tacrolimus concentrations when guided by as few as three concentrations (median prediction error = 7%; median absolute prediction error = 27%).

Conclusion

These findings support the potential clinical utility of a population PK model to provide personalized tacrolimus dosing guidance.
The development of rating scales to evaluate experiential prosthetic foot preference for people with lower limb amputation
Authors: Ruxin Talia R. , Halsne Elizabeth G. , Hafner Brian J. , Shofer Jane , Hansen Andrew H. , Childers W. Lee , Caputo Joshua M. , Morgenroth David C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Selection of a foot is an important aspect of prosthetic prescription and vital to maximizing mobility and functional goals after lower limb amputation. Development of a standardized approach to soliciting user experiential preferences is needed to improve evaluation and comparison of prosthetic feet.

Objective

To develop rating scales to assess prosthetic foot preference and to evaluate use of these scales in people with transtibial amputation after trialing different prosthetic feet.

Design

Participant‐blinded, repeated measures crossover trial.

Setting

Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Medical Centers, laboratory setting.

Participants

Seventy‐two male prosthesis users with unilateral transtibial amputation started, and 68 participants completed this study.

Interventions

Participants trialed three mobility‐level appropriate commercial prosthetic feet briefly in the laboratory.

Main Outcome Measures

“Activity‐specific” rating scales were developed to assess participants' ability with a given prosthetic foot to perform typical mobility activities (eg, walking at different speeds, on inclines, and stairs) and “global” scales to rate overall perceived energy required to walk, satisfaction, and willingness to regularly use the prosthetic foot. Foot preference was determined by comparing the rating scale scores, after laboratory testing.

Results

The greatest within‐participant differences in scores among feet were observed in the “incline” activity, where 57% ± 6% of participants reported 2+ point differences. There was a significant association (p < .05) between all “activity‐specific” rating scores (except standing) and each “global” rating score.

Conclusions

The standardized rating scales developed in this study could be used to assess prosthetic foot preference in both the research and clinical settings to guide prosthetic foot prescription for people with lower limb amputation capable of a range of mobility levels.
Amniotic fluid metabolomics identifies impairment of glycerophospholipid and amino acid metabolism during congenital Zika syndrome development
Authors: Sosa‐Acosta Patricia , Evaristo Geisa P. C. , Evaristo Joseph A. M. , Carneiro Gabriel Reis Alves , Quiñones‐Vega Mauricio , Monnerat Gustavo , Melo Adriana , Garcez Patrícia P. , Nogueira Fábio C. S. , Domont Gilberto B.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Our main goal is to identify the alterations in the amniotic fluid (AF) metabolome in Zika virus (ZIKV)‐infected patients and their relation to congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) progression.

Experimental Design

We applied an untargeted metabolomics strategy to analyze seven AF of pregnant women: healthy women and ZIKV‐infected women bearing non‐microcephalic and microcephalic fetuses.

Results

Infected patients were characterized by glycerophospholipid metabolism impairment, which is accentuated in microcephalic phenotypes. Glycerophospholipid decreased concentration in AF can be a consequence of intracellular transport of lipids to the placental or fetal tissues under development. The increased intracellular concentration of lipids can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration caused by lipid droplet accumulation. Furthermore, the dysregulation of amino acid metabolism was a molecular fingerprint of microcephalic phenotypes, specifically serine, and proline metabolisms. Both amino acid deficiencies were related to neurodegenerative disorders, intrauterine growth retardation, and placental abnormalities.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study enhances our understanding of the development of CZS pathology and sheds light on dysregulated pathways that could be relevant for future studies.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of dictamnine on allergic rhinitis via suppression of the LYN kinase‐mediated molecular signaling pathway during mast cell activation
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Yonghui , Wang Yuejin , Huang Yihan , Gao Jiapan , Tian Xi , Ma Tianyou , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2023

Mast cells (MCs) are important therapeutic targets for allergic diseases. High‐affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) Fc receptors (FcεRI) trigger abnormal activation of MCs. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE‐mediated antigen inhalation reaction that occurs in the nasal mucosa. MC aggravation and dysfunction were observed during the early stages of AR pathogenesis. Herb‐derived dictamnine exhibits anti‐inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated the pharmacological effects of herb‐derived dictamnine on IgE‐induced activation of MCs and an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced murine AR model. The results indicated that dictamnine attenuated OVA‐induced local allergic reactions and reduced body temperature in OVA‐challenged mice with active systemic anaphylaxis. Additionally, dictamnine decreased the frequency of nasal rubbing and sneezing in an OVA‐induced murine AR model. Moreover, dictamnine inhibited FcεRI‐activated MC activation in a dose‐dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity, reduced the activation of the tyrosine kinase LYN in LAD2 cells, and downregulated the phosphorylation of PLCγ1, IP3R, PKC, Erk1/2, and Akt, which are downstream of LYN. In conclusion, dictamnine suppressed the OVA‐stimulated murine model of AR and activated IgE‐induced MCs via the LYN kinase‐mediated molecular signaling pathway, suggesting that dictamnine may be a promising treatment for AR.
Comparison of temperature and wind observations in the Tropics in a perfect‐model, global EnKF data assimilation system
Authors: Li Lanqian , Žagar Nedjeljka , Raeder Kevin , Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2023

Flow‐dependent errors in tropical analyses and short‐range forecasts are analysed using global observing‐system simulation experiments assimilating only temperature, only winds, and both data types using the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) and a perfect model framework. The idealised, homogeneous observation network provides profiles of wind and temperature data from the nature run for January 2018 using the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model (CESM) forced by the observed sea‐surface temperature. The results show that the assimilation of abundant wind observations in a perfect model makes the temperature data in the Tropics largely uninformative. Furthermore, the assimilation of wind data reduces the background errors in specific humidity twice as much as the assimilation of temperature observations. In all experiments, the largest analysis uncertainties and the largest short‐term forecast errors are found in regions of strong vertical and longitudinal gradients in the background wind, especially in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere over the Indian Ocean and Maritime Continent. The horizontal error correlation scales are on average short throughout the troposphere, just several hundred km. The correlation scales of the wind variables in precipitating regions are half of those in nonprecipitating regions. In precipitating regions, the correlations are elongated vertically, especially for the wind variables. Strong positive cross‐correlations between temperature and specific humidity in the precipitating regions are explained using the Clausius–Clapeyron equation.
Benchmark Models for Elucidating Ligand Effects: Thiols Ligated Isostructural Cu6 Nanoclusters
Authors: Zhang Lili , Guo Mengdi , Zhou Jian , Fang Cong , Sun Xiaoyan
Published: June 2023

Atomically precise copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) have attracted tremendous attention for their huge potential in many applications. However, the uncertainty of the growth mechanism and complexity of the crystallization process hinder the in‐depth understanding of their properties. In particular, the ligand effect has been rarely explored at the atomic/molecular level due to the lack of feasible models. Herein, three isostructural Cu6 NCs ligated with diverse mono‐thiol ligands (2‐mercaptobenzimidazole, 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole, and 2‐mercaptobenzoxazole, respectively) are successfully synthesized, which provide an ideal platform to unambiguously address the intrinsic role of ligands. The overall atom‐by‐atom structural evolution process of Cu6 NCs is mapped out with delicate mass spectrometry (MS) for the first time. It is intriguingly found that the ligands, albeit only atomic difference (NH, O, and S), can profoundly affect the building‐up processes, chemical properties, atomic structures, as well as catalytic activities of Cu NCs. Furthermore, ion‐molecule reactions combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the defective sites formed on ligand can significantly contribute to the activation of molecular oxygen. This study provides fundamental insights into the ligand effect, which is vital for the delicate design of high‐efficient Cu NCs‐based catalysts.
Extra‐High Mechanical and Phononic Anisotropy in Black Phosphorus Blisters
Authors: Cui Xuwei , Dong Wenlong , Feng Shizhe , Wang Guorui , Wang Congying , Wang Shijun , Zhou Yekai , Qiu Xiaohui , Liu Luqi , Xu Zhiping , Zhang Zhong
Published: June 2023

Strain is an effective strategy to modulate the electrical, optical, and optoelectronic properties of 2D materials. Conventional circular blisters could generate a biaxial stretching of 2D membranes with notable strain gradients along the hoop direction. However, such a deformation mode cannot be utilized to investigate mechanical responses of in‐plane anisotropic 2D materials, for example, black phosphorus (BP), due to its crystallographic orientation dependence. Here, a novel rectangular‐shaped bulge device is developed to uniaxially stretch the membrane, and further provide a promising platform to detect orientation‐dependent mechanical and optical properties of anisotropic 2D materials. Impressively, the derived anisotropic ratio of Young's modulus of BP flakes is much higher than the values obtained via the nanoindentation method. The extra‐high strain‐dependent phononic anisotropy in Raman modes along different crystalline orientations is also observed. The designed rectangular budge device expands the uniaxial deformation methods available, allowing to explore the mechanical, and strain‐dependent physical properties of other anisotropic 2D materials more broadly.
Sodium Incorporation for Performance Improvement of Solution‐Processed Submicron CuIn(S,Se)2 Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Yao , Yin Guanchao , Schmid Martina
Published: June 2023

Low‐cost solution‐processed CuIn(S,Se)2 (CISSe) has great potential for large‐scale production of photovoltaics (PV). However, low power conversion efficiency caused by poor crystallinity is one of the main drawbacks compared to vacuum‐processed CISSe solar cells. In this work, three strategies for sodium (Na) incorporation into solution‐processed CISSe by soaking in sodium chloride (NaCl) aqueous‐ethanol solution [1 molarity (M) for 10 minutes (min)], either prior to absorber deposition (pre‐deposition treatment, Pre‐DT), before selenization (pre‐selenization treatment, Pre‐ST), or after selenization (post‐selenization treatment, PST) are researched. The Pre‐ST CISSe solar cells achieve a better PV performance than those from the other two strategies of Na incorporation. For optimization, soaking times (5, 10, and 15 min) and NaCl concentrations (from 0.2 to 1.2 m) of the Pre‐ST are researched. The highest efficiency achieved is 9.6% with an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 464.5 mV, a short‐circuit current density (jsc) of 33.4 mA cm−2, and a fill factor (FF) of 62.0%. Compared to the reference CISSe solar cell, Voc, jsc, FF, and efficiency of the champion Pre‐ST CISSe device are improved absolutely by 61.0 mV, 6.5 mA cm−2, 9%, and 3.8%, respectively. Simultaneously, the open‐circuit voltage deficit, the back contact barrier, and the bulk recombination are found to be reduced for Pre‐ST CISSe.
Periodate‐Based Perovskite Energetic Materials: A Strategy for High‐Energy Primary Explosives
Authors: Chen Shiyong , Yi Zhenxin , Jia Chongwei , Li Yan , Chen Houhe , Zhu Shunguan , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2023

The requirements for high energy and green primary explosives are more and more stringent because of the rising demand in the application of micro initiation explosive devices. Four new energetic compounds with powerful initiation ability are reported and their performances are experimentally proven as designed, including non‐perovskites ([H2DABCO](H4IO6)2·2H2O, named TDPI‐0) and perovskitoid energetic materials (PEMs) ([H2DABCO][M(IO4)3]; DABCO=1,4‐Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, M=Na+, K+, and NH4+ for TDPI‐1, ‐2, and ‐4, respectively). The tolerance factor is first introduced to guide the design of perovskitoid energetic materials (PEMs). In conjunction with [H2DABCO](ClO4)2·H2O (DAP‐0) and [H2DABCO][M(ClO4)3] (M=Na+, K+, and NH4+ for DAP‐1, ‐2, and ‐4), the physiochemical properties of the two series are investigated between PEMs and non‐perovskites (TDPI‐0 and DAP‐0). The experimental results show that PEMs have great advantages in improving the thermal stability, detonation performance, initiation capability, and regulating sensitivity. The influence of X‐site replacement is illustrated by hard–soft‐acid–base (HSAB) theory. Especially, TDPIs possess much stronger initiation capability than DAPs, which indicates that periodate salts are in favor of deflagration‐to‐detonation transition. Therefore, PEMs provide a simple and feasible method for designing advanced high energy materials with adjustable properties.