bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Casting poly(urethane‐imide) elastomers with improved thermoviscoelasticity
Authors: Lin Chih‐Lung , Lou Yi‐Jyun , Cheng Yen‐Yu , Rwei Syang‐Peng
Published: December 2023

Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile material that can be customized to meet specific commercial requirements in different industries because of its favorable mechanical properties. However, it is not resistant to high temperatures, and it requires structural modifications before it can be used in high‐temperature structural materials. In this study, isocyanates and anhydrides are copolymerized at high temperatures to obtain a solvent‐free oligomer, thus eliminating the risks associated with highly polar aprotic solvents. A casting technique is used to synthesize a solid poly(urethane‐imide) (PUI) elastomer. According to the results, casting PUI (CPUI) exhibits optimal physical properties at a hard segment content of 30.5%. Incorporating an ether, symmetric, or imide structure into CPUI may reduce its hysteresis and improve its thermal creep performance. Compared with PU, CPUI exhibits considerably higher creep aging resistance. In dynamic load application tests, CPUI wheels take a substantially longer time to reach failure compared with PU wheels. Overall, CPUI is an environmentally friendly material with high elasticity, low creep, and high heat aging resistance and is suitable for static and dynamic manufacturing applications.
Cationic polymerization of isobutylene by AlCl3 in n‐hexane and toluene at mild temperatures
Authors: Bentes Jéssica , Mangia Lys H. R. , Vasconcelos Mateus K. , Tatagiba Maxmiliano , Fidalgo Juliana , Campos Daniela , Rebouças Marcio das V. , Andrade Marcio Henrique dos S. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: December 2023

This study aims to find more efficient ways to manufacture highly reactive polyisobutylene (HRPIB) and modified conventional PIB materials (MCPIB) industrially with high vinyl exo‐group contents through cationic polymerization at mild temperatures. The study performed polymerizations using aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) as a catalyst with different nonpolar solvents (hexane and toluene), reaction temperatures (10 and 30°C), and co‐catalysts (water and dibutyl ether [DBE]). At 30°C, toluene can provide vinyl contents above 30 mol%. Particularly, an important synergetic effect was observed between toluene and ether, as corroborated by statistical analyses, resulting in vinyl contents above 50 mol%, while reactions performed in n‐hexane provided maximum vinyl content of 20 mol%. In all cases, number average molar masses ranged from 200 to 1000 Da, which are typical of CPIB and MCPIB materials. Moreover, addition of excess of ether indicated the likely inhibition of reaction rates in presence of high ether concentrations (≥1.18 × 10 −1 mol/L). The obtained results indicated that AlCl3 can be used successfully to manufacture MCPIB products with terminal vinyl contents above 50 mol% at mild temperatures in common nonpolar solvents (n‐hexane and toluene) and in presence of common co‐catalysts (water and DBE) with high rates of reactions.
A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method development for the quantification of favipiravir drug and its related impurities in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Koganti Kalyani , Amara Babu Namburi L. A. , Sattu Naga Raju , Rao Koya Prabhakara
Published: December 2023

Favipiravir is an antiviral drug used for the treatment of virus‐based diseases such as influenza. In this context, the development of a reliable liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of the drug and its impurities is necessary, particularly following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an inertial ODS column using gradient elution with a buffer containing triethylamine in high‐performance liquid chromatography water and adjusting its pH with formic acid. The mixture of buffer and acetonitrile was used as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 1 ml/min at ambient temperature. The separation of favipiravir and its related impurities from remdesivir as an internal standard was achieved. The results indicated that all the variables, like precision, accuracy, linearity, matrix effect and stability, were successfully achieved within the limits of US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. This study could provide a new protocol for the development of new analytical methods for the detection of favipiravir and its impurities.
An examination of the association between mindfulness and compassion for others in psychotherapists: A mediating role of self‐compassion
Authors: Lalor John , Khoshfetrat Ali
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Mindfulness, self‐compassion and compassion for others are often studied among clients seeking psychotherapy. Psychotherapists are also at risk of developing psychological difficulties given that the profession is demanding and can put psychological and emotional pressures on therapists. The aim of this study was to examine (a) the relationship between mindfulness, self‐compassion and compassion for others and (b) whether self‐compassion will mediate the effects of mindfulness on compassion for others.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted among a sample of 152 psychotherapists registered with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Ireland.

Results

Our analysis found a significant relationship between mindfulness, self‐compassion and compassion for others. Mediation analysis showed that the indirect effects of mindfulness on compassion for others was through self‐compassion. We entered age and gender into our model, but they had no impact on the mediated relationship.

Conclusion

Findings from this study provide preliminary support for a proposed sequential model, suggesting that mindfulness enhances self‐compassion, which, in turn, can improve compassion for others. Psychotherapists and psychotherapy bodies are recommended to utilise strategies that can improve psychotherapists' mindfulness skills, such as the mindfulness self‐compassion programme and compassion‐focussed therapy, and their capacity for self‐compassion, which can contribute to their ability to develop compassion for the client. Given the limitations of the design of the study, future longitudinal research will enable us to document the directionality of the effects.
Effect of Chloramphenicol as Antibiotic on the Structure and Function of Pepsin and Its Mechanism of Action
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Sun Jisheng , Nie Zhihua , Ma Litong , Sai Huazheng , Cheng Jianguo , Liu Yunying , Duan Jianguo
Published: December 2023

The interaction between chloramphenicol (CHL) and pepsin (PEP), as well as the impact of CHL on PEP conformation, were investigated using spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking simulations in this study. The experimental results demonstrate that CHL exhibits a static quenching effect on PEP. The thermodynamic parameters indicate that the reaction between CHL and PEP is spontaneous, primarily driven by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. Moreover, the binding distance of r<7 nm suggests the occurrence of Förster's non‐radiative energy transfer between these two molecules. In the synchronous fluorescence spectrum, the maximum fluorescence intensity of PEP produced a redshift phenomenon, indicating that CHL was bound to tryptophan residues of PEP. The addition of CHL induces changes in the secondary structure of PEP, as confirmed by the observed alterations in peak values in three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra. The UV spectra reveal a redshift of 3 nm in the maximum absorption peak, indicating a conformational change in the secondary structure of PEP upon addition of CHL. Circular dichroism analysis demonstrates significant alterations in the α‐helix, β‐sheet, β‐turn, and random coil contents of PEP before and after CHL incorporation, further confirming its ability to modulate the secondary structure of PEP.
Aktuelle Fragestellungen beim leitungsgebundenen Transport von Wasserstoff
Authors: Graf Frank , Isik Volkan , Heneka Maximilian , Köppel Wolfgang , Kolb Thomas , Fleer Ann-Christin , Verbücheln René Werner
Published: December 2023

Als speicherbarer chemischer Energieträger wird Wasserstoff eine wichtige Rolle bei der Energiewende spielen. Um die erwarteten Bedarfe in Europa und Deutschland bereitstellen zu können, wird eine leistungsstarke europaweite Transportinfrastruktur benötigt. Existierende Erdgastransportnetze können auf den Betrieb mit Wasserstoff umgestellt werden. Die notwendigen technischen und betrieblichen Anpassungen sind Gegenstand von umfangreichen Forschungs‐, Entwicklungs‐ und Demonstrationsvorhaben. Bis 2030 soll in Europa ein Netz mit einer Gesamtlänge von 33 000 km entstehen. In Deutschland sind 9700 km Wasserstofftransportleitungen bis 2032 vorgesehen.
P4toNFV: Offloading from P4 switches to NFV in programmable data planes
Authors: Pekar Adrian , Makara Laszlo A. , Lai Yuan‐Cheng , Lin Ying‐Dar , Seah Winston
Published: December 2023

P4 combines the benefits of hardware‐based networking with the adaptability of software‐based network operations. However, when faced with intricate network functions, P4 switches reveal constraints in memory and processing primitives. To address these, we advocate offloading traffic demanding intricate processing from the programmable data plane to network function virtualization (NFV). By leveraging this approach, P4 switches handle the core data plane, ensuring maximum performance, whereas virtualized network functions (VNF) cater to the intricate processing. Central to our research is the optimization of this offloading process, specifically considering delay constraints. We developed an analytical model that examines a P4 switch overseen by an SDN controller, integrating an offloading capability to NFV. The principal objective was to determine an offloading rate that minimizes packet processing delay. To this end, we employed a Bounded method, an advancement from Brent's method, to determine this optimal rate. The findings indicate that offloading approximately 66% of packets to the VNF achieves the lowest total delay, registering at 0.1505  s. This strategy of optimal offloading can notably reduce the system's average delay as the demand for network functions increases. The optimization technique we adopted exhibited rapid convergence in our experiments, reflecting the method's efficacy. Furthermore, a rigorous parametric sensitivity analysis spanning no offloading, full offloading, and optimal offloading strategies underscores that optimal offloading to NFV consistently augments system performance, particularly in terms of delay reduction. Conclusively, our study furnishes valuable insights into offloading strategies, augmenting the narrative on resource allocation in both PNFs and VNFs.
Nest observations reveal hygienic nest architecture and behavior in an Arctic bumble bee species
Authors: Valdes Leah , Scofield Hailey
Published: December 2023

Many bumble bee species are declining worldwide. Disease and habitat loss are two contributors to these declines, yet little is known about disease transmission within bumble bee colonies or bumble bee nesting habitat requirements. These gaps are especially wide for Arctic species, as prior bumble bee research focuses disproportionately on the contiguous United States, southern Canada, and Europe. Here, we describe the nesting habitat, spatial distribution, and nest architecture of 10 frigid bumble bee (Bombus frigidus) nests found in the low Arctic in western Alaska. In these nests, we observed a novel nest architecture, the “outhouse,” that consisted of an additional subterranean cavity containing concentrated fecal materials and observed that the bees continued to defecate in one or a few locations outside of the main nest cavity when transplanted to the laboratory. Finally, we measured fecal‐borne trypanosome parasites in frigid bumble bee workers in this region. Together, our findings provide natural history information on this Arctic bee species and suggest that the outhouse architecture could function as a social immunity trait to reduce the transmission of fecal‐borne pathogens within the nest.
Prognostic value of gut microbe‐generated metabolite phenylacetylglutamine in patients with heart failure
Authors: Tang W.H. Wilson , Nemet Ina , Li Xinmin S. , Wu Yuping , Haghikia Arash , Witkowski Marco , Koeth Robert A. , Demuth Ilja , König Maximilian , Steinhagen‐Thiessen Elisabeth , Bäckhed Fredrik , Fischbach Michael A. , Deb Arjun , Landmesser Ulf , Hazen Stanley L.
Published: December 2023

Aim

Phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) is a phenylalanine‐derived metabolite produced by gut microbiota with mechanistic links to heart failure (HF)‐relevant phenotypes. We sought to investigate the prognostic value of PAGln in patients with stable HF.

Methods and results

Fasting plasma PAGln levels were measured by stable‐isotope‐dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in patients with stable HF from two large cohorts. All‐cause mortality was assessed at 5‐year follow‐up in the Cleveland cohort, and HF, hospitalization, or mortality were assessed at 3‐year follow‐up in the Berlin cohort. Within the Cleveland cohort, median PAGln levels were 4.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.4–6.9) μM. Highest quartile of PAGln was associated with 3.09‐fold increased mortality risk compared to lowest quartile. Following adjustments for traditional risk factors, as well as race, estimated glomerular filtration rate, amino‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, left ventricular ejection fraction, ischaemic aetiology, and HF drug treatment, elevated PAGln levels remained predictive of 5‐year mortality in quartile comparisons (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval, CI] for Q4 vs Q1: 1.64 [1.07–2.53]). In the Berlin cohort, a similar distribution of PAGln levels was observed (median 3.2 [IQR 2.0–4.8] μM), and PAGln levels were associated with a 1.92‐fold increase in 3‐year HF hospitalization or all‐cause mortality risk (adjusted HR [95% CI] for Q4 vs Q1: 1.92 [1.02‐3.61]). Prognostic value of PAGln appears to be independent of trimethylamine N‐oxide levels.

Conclusion

High levels of PAGln are associated with adverse outcomes independent of traditional cardiac risk factors and cardio‐renal risk markers.
Efficacy and Safety of adjunctive Perampanel in a prospective, real‐world, Phase IV study in Indian patients aged ≥12 years for Treatment of focal‐onset Epilepsy: Study 508
Authors: Ravat Sangeeta , Rohatgi Anshu , Kulkarni Rahul , Jabeen Shaik A. , Patil Balaji , Dash Amitabh , Malhotra Manoj
Published: December 2023

Objective

ESPRITE (Study 508; NCT03836924) evaluated the real‐world safety, tolerability, and efficacy of adjunctive perampanel in patients aged ≥12 years with focal‐onset seizures (FOS), with or without focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures (FBTCS), in India.

Methods

ESPRITE was a prospective, multicenter, single‐arm, observational, Phase IV study with a 6‐month Treatment Period. Patients were aged ≥12 years and had been prescribed perampanel for adjunctive treatment of FOS, with or without FBTCS. Assessments included incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs; primary endpoint), median percent reduction in seizure frequency per 28 days from baseline, 50% responder rates, and seizure‐freedom rates.

Results

Overall, 200 patients were enrolled (199 patients in the Safety Analysis Set and 174 patients who completed all visits in the main efficacy analyses). TEAEs (all mild or moderate in severity) were reported in 18.1% (n = 36/199) of patients (the most common were dizziness [3.0%] and irritability [2.0%]). TEAEs leading to discontinuation of perampanel were reported in 2.0% of patients; no deaths or serious TEAEs occurred. At 6 months, median percent reduction in seizure frequency was 100.0%, 50% responder rate was 83.3%, and seizure‐freedom rate was 49.4%.

Significance

Adjunctive perampanel (at a mean daily dose of 4 mg/day) was shown to be well tolerated and effective in patients aged ≥12 years with FOS, with or without FBTCS, from India.

Plain Language Summary

Many patients do not receive adequate treatment for epilepsy and need effective seizure control medications. In this 6‐month clinical study, 199 patients from India, aged 12 years or older, added perampanel to the anti‐seizure medications they were already taking. At 6 months, 49% of patients experienced no seizures since starting perampanel and seizure frequency was reduced by half in 83% of patients. Side effects occurred in 18% of patients (most commonly dizziness and irritability) and caused 2% to stop perampanel; no deaths were reported. Perampanel was an effective and generally safe added medication for patients with epilepsy from India.
Risk‐targeted fragility functions considering a system performance requirement and domino effects
Authors: Celano Francesca , Dolšek Matjaž
Published: December 2023

The design of structures depends on the performance requirements that are usually defined through structural codes for single units. This approach may not be optimal because major earthquakes affect the built environment and can also trigger domino effects due to fires, explosions or toxic dispersion. To overcome this issue, we introduce a probabilistic framework for defining unit performance requirements by means of risk‐targeted fragility functions that account for potential domino effects and an overall system performance requirement. The system performance requirement is demonstrated by the potential loss of life, which represents the tolerated number of fatalities per year expected in the earthquake‐affected area. The proposed framework decomposes the problem into a damage‐based fatality analysis, population analysis and seismic hazard analysis, which can be performed and improved independently by engineers with the relevant expertise. The damage‐based fatality analysis includes a series of Monte Carlo simulations using logic trees to account for domino effects. These analyses are then coupled with an iterative risk estimation aimed at identifying the critical units in a system and estimating their risk‐targeted fragility functions, which can then be used for the design of a single unit. The methodology is demonstrated by estimating the potential loss of life due to a seismic event in an urban industrial area. It is shown that the risk‐targeted fragility functions of hazardous storage tanks can be estimated in a few iterations based on disaggregating the potential loss of life. The pilot research presented in the paper provides new possibilities for defining seismic design parameters of structures.
Feature selection of ground motion intensity measures for data‐driven surrogate modeling of structures
Authors: Ding Jia‐Yi , Feng De‐Cheng
Published: December 2023

In the probabilistic seismic performance assessment of structures, intensity measures (IMs) represent seismic characteristics and variations. Traditional fragility analysis method based on the assumption of linear regression requires selecting an optimal IM as input variable. By introducing machine learning (ML) techniques, nonparametric fragility analysis theoretically allows for considering all potential IMs as inputs. Nevertheless, to reduce input dimensionality and improve training efficiency, the feature selection of IMs remains imperative. This paper proposes a method to select optimal ground motion IMs for data‐driven surrogate modeling of structures. Specifically, the elastic net algorithm is employed to select the optimal multiple IMs based on the coefficient of determination and regression coefficient, differing from the efficiency and practicality emphasized in the traditional method. Using the optimal multiple IMs as input variables, several ML techniques are employed to construct surrogate models for seismic damage assessment of structures, thereby developing fragility functions, that is, the conditional probability of exceeding a damaged state given seismic intensity. A 3‐span, 6‐storey, reinforced concrete frame is utilized to illustrate the proposed methodology. The predictive performance of all ML models with the optimal multiple IMs outperforms that of the models with the commonly used IM (e.g., peak ground acceleration,PGA) as sole input and all candidate IMs as inputs. Additionally, the surrogate models with the optimal multiple IMs enable a more comprehensive seismic fragility modeling of structures under two or more IMs simultaneously, such as the fragility surface under spectral acceleration at 1.0s (Sa‐1.0s) and velocity spectrum intensity (VSI).
An intelligent human‐centric systems to diagnose breast cancer using machine learning and optimized feature selection techniques
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Singh Saurabh , Mahadev  , Kumar Rahul
Published: December 2023

All over the world, breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Computer‐aided methods can assist in early diagnosis. The proposed approach used SMOTE filter with Ch2 test techniques for class balance and feature section using eight different ML models Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) with Linear and Radial Basis Function (RBF), Logistic Regression (LR), K‐nearest neighbor (KNN) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). A Ch2 test determines the top five features—glucose, HOMA, resistin, BMI, and insulin. Metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐Score are used to compare the performance of models. More than 99% accuracy was achieved by the proposed XGBoost model. Compared to the other breast cancer prediction models, the proposed model had an average accuracy improvement of 9.30%. As a result of our proposed model, breast cancer diagnosis will be more efficient based on risk factors. The proposed prediction model can also predict various breast cancer features. In addition to improving diagnostic decision‐support systems, the proposed model should be able to predict breast cancer disease accurately.
Pharmacy and nursing students' stigma and perceptions toward individuals with mental illness impacted through interaction with a website featuring lived experiences
Authors: Yang Rose , Long Audrey , McDaniel Becky , Orr Megan , Skoy Elizabeth , Werremeyer Amy
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Despite its high prevalence and negative impact, mental illness is often sub‐optimally treated, in part, due to stigma among health care professionals. Future health care professionals are at the forefront of a potential solution for the provision of stigma‐free, equitable mental health care. Innovative approaches to reducing the stigma toward individuals with mental illness are needed. One approach is utilization of the SNAP the Stigma website (www.snapthestigma.com), a collection of photos and reflections by individuals with lived experiences with mental illness.

Objective

This study was conducted to address the question: Does interacting with the SNAP the Stigma website impact pharmacy and nursing students' perceptions and social distance preference toward an individual with mental illness?

Methods

A pre‐ and post‐survey employed the Bogardus social distance scale (SDS) to assess stigma toward a vignette individual before and after website interaction. In the post‐survey, participants reflected on one or more posts from the website that impacted them. A qualitative analysis was performed to identify themes from the responses.

Results

A statistically significant reduction in total SDS scores occurred as a result of interaction with SNAP. Three themes were derived including symbolism of mental illness, increased empathy/reduced stereotyping, and lessons regarding what a health care professional can do and offer.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that use of the SNAP website as a stigma‐reduction intervention could be a valuable tool for current and future health care professionals to decrease stigma toward those with mental illness and to build intentionality toward empathic and non‐discriminatory behavior in health care practice.
Coupling finite and boundary element methods to solve the Poisson–Boltzmann equation for electrostatics in molecular solvation
Authors: Bosy Michał , Scroggs Matthew W. , Betcke Timo , Burman Erik , Cooper Christopher D.
Published: December 2023

The Poisson–Boltzmann equation is widely used to model electrostatics in molecular systems. Available software packages solve it using finite difference, finite element, and boundary element methods, where the latter is attractive due to the accurate representation of the molecular surface and partial charges, and exact enforcement of the boundary conditions at infinity. However, the boundary element method is limited to linear equations and piecewise constant variations of the material properties. In this work, we present a scheme that couples finite and boundary elements for the linearised Poisson–Boltzmann equation, where the finite element method is applied in a confined solute region and the boundary element method in the external solvent region. As a proof‐of‐concept exercise, we use the simplest methods available: Johnson–Nédélec coupling with mass matrix and diagonal preconditioning, implemented using the Bempp‐cl and FEniCSx libraries via their Python interfaces. We showcase our implementation by computing the polar component of the solvation free energy of a set of molecules using a constant and a Gaussian‐varying permittivity. As validation, we compare against well‐established finite difference solvers for an extensive binding energy data set, and with the finite difference code APBS (to 0.5%) for Gaussian permittivities. We also show scaling results from protein G B1 (955 atoms) up to immunoglobulin G (20,148 atoms). For small problems, the coupled method was efficient, outperforming a purely boundary integral approach. For Gaussian‐varying permittivities, which are beyond the applicability of boundary elements alone, we were able to run medium to large‐sized problems on a single workstation. The development of better preconditioning techniques and the use of distributed memory parallelism for larger systems remains an area for future work. We hope this work will serve as inspiration for future developments that consider space‐varying field parameters, and mixed linear‐nonlinear schemes for molecular electrostatics with implicit solvent models.
Assessing burnout among early career faculty in US dental schools
Authors: Henry Aisha D. , Salter Reginald O. , Young Daniel L. , Leavell Jacinta
Published: December 2023

Background

Burnout is a condition characterized by emotional exhaustion, low personal accomplishment, and feelings of depersonalization that may evolve as a result of chronic occupational stress. Our goal for the study was to measure the degree of burnout among US dental school faculty with less than 10 years in academia.

Materials and methods

A mixed method approach to data collection was utilized for the study and included:

A. A 15‐items demographics survey

B. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) combined with the Area‐Work life Scale (AWS)

C. A survey open‐ended response to respondent's general feelings about work environment.

Results

MBI results from the data collected from 52 respondents indicate 7 or 13.46% of respondents are categorized with a ‘burnout’ profile. The most abundant categories recognized among this group are feelings of being “overextended” (34.62%) while 32.69% of the respondents self‐report signs of being engaged. The results from this population indicate higher emotional exhaustion while levels of depersonalization are lower. The Area‐Work life Scale (AWS) for this group indicates a higher sense of reward and control, while a lower frequency of workload balance and fairness are recognized. The data collected from the sample population suggest increased higher feelings of burnout at the 9‐year mark, with increased administrative duties, and age range over 44 years.

Conclusion

Identifying factors in workload, work environment, and influences in the home that lead to burnout early in a faculty member's tenure and introducing reduction mechanisms are key to enhancing faculty production, satisfaction, and retention.
Dual effect to improve the electrical properties of SZO films grown by nitrogen pneumatic spray pyrolysis
Authors: Chouikh Fathi , Saoudi Ahmed , Ţălu Ştefan , Bouznit Yazid , Ghribi Faouzi , Leroy Gerard
Published: December 2023

The principal aim of this study is to reduce considerably, via Sn doping, the resistivity of ZnO thin films prepared by simple, flexible, and cost‐effective nitrogen pneumatic spray pyrolysis (NPSP) method on glass substrates at a temperature of 400°C. Different Sn content was tested (Sn/Zn = 0, 1, 3, 5 wt%) in an attempt to reduce the concentration of excessive oxygen atoms and create more free electrons. The microstructural, optical, morphological, and electrical properties of the films have been studied. The x‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that tin‐doped SZO films exhibited polycrystalline nature with a preferential orientation along (002) plane with the appearance of a new orientation (101) with the increase of Sn concentration leading then to bidirectional growth. The deposited SZO films showed an average optical transmittance of about 80% in the UV–visible region (200–800 nm) with optical band gap values at around 3.27 eV. Photoluminescence emissions of SZO samples presented three main peaks: near band edge emission, violet emission, and the blue–green emission. The surface morphology of the films obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) exhibited the change in morphology with increasing the Sn content. A minimum electrical resistivity value of about 17·10−3 Ω·cm was obtained for 3% SZO films. SZO films prepared by the NPSP method can be used as transparent window layer and electrodes in solar cells.

Research Highlights

Highly oriented, conducting, and transparent Sn‐doped ZnO films are successfully synthesized.

The film growth orientation changed from mono‐directional (002) axis to bi‐directional (002) and (101) axis according to Sn doping.

Ultraviolet and green emissions are noted by photoluminescence investigation.

A minimum resistivity is observed for 3 wt% SZO film.

The dual positive effect of the carrier gas used (N2) and Sn doping is confirmed.
Nitrous oxide emissions are driven by environmental conditions rather than nitrogen application methods in a perennial hayfield
Authors: Brickman Sarah , Darby Heather , Ruhl Lindsey , Adair E. Carol
Published: December 2023

Agricultural best management practices (BMPs) intended to solve one environmental challenge may have unintended climate impacts. For example, manure injection is often promoted for its potential to reduce runoff and nitrogen (N) loss as NH3, but the practice has been shown to increase N2O, a powerful greenhouse gas, compared to surface application. Urease inhibitor application with N fertilizer is another BMP that can enhance N retention by reducing NH3 emissions, but its impact on N2O emissions is mixed. Thus, we measured N2O, CO2, soil mineral N availability, soil moisture, soil temperature, and yield in a 2‐year perennial hayfield trial with four fertilization treatments (manure injection, manure broadcast, synthetic urea, and control) applied with or without a urease inhibitor in Alburgh, VT. We used linear models to examine treatment effects on daily and cumulative N2O emissions and a boosted regression tree (BRT) model to identify the most important drivers of daily N2O fluxes in our trial. While fertilization type had a significant impact on N2O fluxes (p < 0.05), our treatments explained an unexpectedly small amount of the variation in emissions (R2 = 0.042), and urease inhibitor had no effect. Instead, soil moisture was the most important predictor of daily N2O fluxes (39.7% relative influence in BRT model), followed by CO2 fluxes, soil inorganic N, and soil temperature. Soil moisture and temperature interacted to produce the largest daily N2O fluxes when both were relatively high, suggesting that injecting manure during dry periods or during wet but cool periods could reduce its climate impacts.
Lateral bone ridge expansion and internal tissue replacement for vertebral body growth in Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Authors: Sakashita Misaki , Kondo Shigeru , Wada Naoyuki
Published: December 2023

Vertebral growth is an essential developmental process to support the expansion of the vertebrate body. In teleosts, the lateral side of the vertebral bodies develops to form different structures among species in the late stages of vertebral growth, although lateral structures are not apparent in the early stages. Lateral structures are one of the structural features that determine the diversity of teleost vertebrae. However, explanations for the formation of lateral structures are conflicting because few reports have investigated the growth of teleost vertebral bodies. To clarify the growth process, we analyzed the morphological changes in the vertebral body of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis at different developmental stages using micro‐computed tomography (CT) scans. The micro‐CT scans showed that the vertebral centrum formed a plate‐like ridge on the lateral side along the cranial–caudal direction and extended laterally with increasing thickness. Simultaneously, the proximal region of the lateral ridges became porous as the vertebrae grew to form bone marrow cavities. Furthermore, we used histological observations to describe the relationship between these morphological changes and osteoblast and osteoclast activities. Osteoblasts accumulated on the distal edges of the lateral ridges, whereas osteoclasts were distributed in the bone marrow cavities. These observations suggest that bone resorption occurs proximally to form bone marrow cavities in addition to bone synthesis at the edges of the lateral ridges. The bone marrow cavities were occupied by blood vessels, extracellular matrix, and adipocytes, and the internal tissue composition changed to increase the area of adipose tissue. Because the ratio of bone volume decreases in large vertebrae, bone formation and resorption are regulated to separate the external cortical and internal trabecular bones to support the vertebrae. This study is the first to report the formation of lateral structures and can be applied to similar lateral structures in the vertebrae of other teleost species.
The PTSD Criterion A debate: A brief history, current status, and recommendations for moving forward
Authors: Marx Brian P. , Hall‐Clark Brittany , Friedman Matthew J. , Holtzheimer Paul , Schnurr Paula P.
Published: December 2023

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Criterion A, also known as the “stressor criterion,” has been a major source of debate ever since PTSD was added to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1980. Since then, the traumatic stress field has held an ongoing debate about how to best define Criterion A and the events that it covers. Because of the COVID‐19 pandemic and recent race‐based incidents, the Criterion A debate has been reinvigorated. In this paper, we review briefly the history of Criterion A and changes in its language across different editions of the DSM. We then describe the four main positions held by scholars involved in the Criterion A debate and carefully examine the support for those positions. We conclude by offering recommendations for moving forward.
FMR1 Carriers Report Executive Function Changes Prior to Fragile X‐Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Hessl David , Mandujano Rojas Karina , Ferrer Emilio , Espinal Glenda , Famula Jessica , Schneider Andrea , Hagerman Randi , Tassone Flora , Rivera Susan M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Men with fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) often develop executive dysfunction, characterized by disinhibition, frontal dyscontrol of movement, and working memory and attention changes. Although cross‐sectional studies have suggested that earlier executive function changes may precede FXTAS, the lack of longitudinal studies has made it difficult to address this hypothesis.

Objective

To determine whether executive function deterioration experienced by premutation carriers (PC) in daily life precedes and predicts FXTAS.

Methods

This study included 66 FMR1 PC ranging from 40 to 78 years (mean, 59.5) and 31 well‐matched healthy controls (HC) ages 40 to 75 (mean, 57.7) at baseline. Eighty‐four participants returned for 2 to 5 follow up visits over a duration of 1 to 9 years (mean, 4.6); 28 of the PC developed FXTAS. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Adult Version (BRIEF‐A) was completed by participants and their spouses/partners at each visit.

Results

Longitudinal mixed model regression analyses showed a greater decline with age in PC compared to HC on the Metacognition Index (MI; self‐initiation, working memory, organization, task monitoring). Conversion to FXTAS was associated with worsening MI and Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI; inhibition, flexibility, emotion modulation). For spouse/partner report, FXTAS conversion was associated with worsening MI. Finally, increased self‐report executive function problems at baseline significantly predicted later development of FXTAS.

Conclusions

Executive function changes experienced by male PC represent a prodrome of the later movement disorder. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Clinical utility of the modified frailty index in predicting adverse outcomes in patients undergoing lower extremity free flap reconstruction
Authors: Deldar Romina , Huffman Samuel S. , Bovill John D. , Gupta Nisha , Truong Brian N. , Haffner Zoë K. , Sayyed Adaah A. , Fan Kenneth L. , Evans Karen K.
Published: December 2023

Background

Identifying at‐risk patients for complications remains challenging in patients with chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds receiving free tissue transfer (FTT) for limb salvage. The modified‐5 frailty index (mFI‐5) has been utilized to predict postoperative complications, yet it has not been studied in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of the mFI‐5 in predicting adverse postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Patients ≥60 years, who underwent LE FTT reconstruction at a single institution from 2011 to 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, mFI‐5, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Cohorts were divided by an mFI‐5 score of <2 or ≥2.

Results

A total of 115 patients were identified, of which 71.3% (n = 82) were male, 64.3% (n = 74) had a mFI‐5 score of ≥2, and 35.7% (n = 41) had a score <2. The average age and body mass index were 67.8 years and 28.7 kg/m2, respectively. The higher mFI‐5 cohort had lower baseline albumin levels (3.0 vs. 4.0 g/dL, p = .015) and higher hemoglobin A1c levels (7.4 vs. 5.8%, p < .001). The postoperative length of stay was longer in the higher mFI‐5 cohort (18 vs. 13.4 days, p = .003). The overall flap success was 96.5% (n = 111), with no difference between cohorts (p = .129). Postoperative complications were comparable between cohorts (p = .294). At a mean follow‐up of 19.8 months, eight patients (7.0%) underwent amputation, and 91.3% (n = 105) were ambulatory.

Conclusion

High microsurgical success rates can be achieved in comorbid patients with high frailty indexes who undergo FTT for limb salvage. A multidisciplinary team approach may effectively mitigate negative outcomes in elderly, frail patients.
Technical note: Application of an optical hydrophone to ionoacoustic range detection in a tissue‐mimicking agar phantom
Authors: Sueyasu Shota , Kasamatsu Koki , Takayanagi Taisuke , Chen Ye , Kuriyama Yasutoshi , Ishi Yoshihiro , Uesugi Tomonori , Rohringer Wolfgang , Unlu Mehmet Burcin , Kudo Nobuki , Yokokawa Kohei , Takao Seishin , Miyamoto Naoki , Matsuura Taeko
Published: December 2023

Background

Ionoacoustics is a promising approach to reduce the range uncertainty in proton therapy. A miniature‐sized optical hydrophone (OH) was used as a measuring device to detect weak ionoacoustic signals with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio in water. However, further development is necessary to prevent wave distortion because of nearby acoustic impedance discontinuities while detection is conducted on the patient's skin.

Purpose

A prototype of the probe head attached to an OH was fabricated and the required dimensions were experimentally investigated using a 100‐MeV proton beam from a fixed‐field alternating gradient accelerator and k‐Wave simulations. The beam range of the proton in a tissue‐mimicking phantom was estimated by measuring γ‐waves and spherical ionoacoustic waves with resonant frequency (SPIRE).

Methods

Four sizes of probe heads were fabricated from agar blocks for the OH. Using the prototype, the γ‐wave was detected at distal and lateral positions to the Bragg peak on the phantom surface for proton beams delivered at seven positions. For SPIRE, independent measurements were performed at distal on‐ and off‐axis positions. The range positions were estimated by solving the linear equation using the sensitive matrix for the γ‐wave and linear fitting of the correlation curve for SPIRE; they were compared with those measured using a film.

Results

The first peak of the γ‐wave was undistorted with the 3 × 3 × 3‐cm3 probe head used at the on‐axis and 3‐cm off‐axis positions. The range positions estimated by the γ‐wave agreed with the film‐based range in the depth direction (the maximum deviation was 0.7 mm), although a 0.6–2.1 mm deviation was observed in the lateral direction. For SPIRE, the deviation was <1 mm for the two measurement positions.

Conclusions

The attachment of a relatively small‐sized probe head allowed the OH to measure the beam range on the phantom surface.
Evaluating material point methods on problems involving free surfaces and strong gradients
Authors: Wolper Joshuah , Garyfallogiannis Konstantinos , Purohit Prashant K. , Bassani John L.
Published: December 2023

The material point method (MPM) enables large‐deformation simulations of complex material behaviors with natural multi‐material coupling. However, MPM struggles to accurately capture fields related to material discontinuities, for example, traction‐free surfaces, making MPM fracture simulation challenging. Many MPMs seek to alleviate this challenge, but comparing these approaches has been elusive. This work presents a benchmarking process for evaluating and comparing discontinuous MPM approaches. The benchmarks focus field quantities near a circular hole in a plate and a planar crack with comparisons to accurate finite element solutions.
Psychological Distress and Meniere's Disease: A Bidirectional Two‐Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wu Huadong , Xia Yunyan , Luo Qing , Li Qiang , Jiang Hongqun , Xiong Yuanping
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study is aim to explore the causal relationship between anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and Meniere's disease (MD).

Study Design

Two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Setting

IEU, FinnGen, CTG, and UKB databases.

Methods

The genome‐wide association studies data for anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and MD involved over 357,957 participants. MR was performed to explore relationships between anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and MD. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the MR results. Reverse MR was used to exclude the possibility of reverse causality. Finally, multivariate MR was performed to explore the collinear relationships between neuroticism subclusters.

Results

MR results showed that anxiety and depression are not causes of MD, nor does MD cause anxiety and depression. Elevated neuroticism sum score is a cause of anxiety, depression, and MD, but MD does not lead to an increase in the level of neuroticism sum score. Further analysis showed that the 5 subclusters of neuroticism often feel lonely, mood often goes up and down, often feel fed‐up, feelings easily hurt, and sensitivity to environmental stress and adversity are causes of MD. Multivariate MR analysis results suggested that the 5 neuroticism subclusters have a collinear relationship.

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression are not causative factors of MD, and vice versa. Elevated neuroticism levels serve as a shared causative factor for anxiety, depression, and MD. Identification and effective management of neuroticism is a potential target for preventing and treating MD.
Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures for Severe Recurrent Bilateral Nasal Polyps: Psychometric Evaluation and Content Validity
Authors: Gater Adam , Tolley Chloe , Williams‐Hall Rebecca , Trennery Claire , Bradley Helena , Sikirica Mirko V. , Nelsen Linda , Sousa Ana R. , Bratton Daniel J. , Chan Robert , von Maltzahn Robyn
Published: December 2023

Objective

To date, no patient‐reported outcome measures have been specifically developed to assess pharmacological treatment effect in participants with severe chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with recurrent bilateral nasal polyps (NP). These studies aimed to assess (1) the psychometric properties and (2) content validity of Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) assessing NP symptom severity.

Study Design

(1) Retrospective psychometric validation study using clinical trial data and (2) cross‐sectional qualitative patient interview study.

Setting

(1) Multicentre trial; (2) real‐world.

Methods

(1) Psychometric validation was performed using data from a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase II study (NCT01362244) investigating the effect of mepolizumab in 105 participants with severe, recurrent bilateral NP currently needing polypectomy surgery. (2) Content validity was explored through cognitive debriefing interviews in 27 adults with severe CRS with recurrent bilateral NP who had received NP surgery in the past 10 years (NCT03221192).

Results

(1) Acceptable reliability, validity, and responsiveness were shown for individual VAS items, although the loss of smell VAS item performed poorly in several analyses, suggesting further evaluation of this item is needed. (2) All individual VAS items were well understood, considered relevant and were consistently interpreted by most participants, providing evidence for their content validity.

Conclusion

These findings support the use of symptom VAS measures to evaluate disease experience and treatment effect in clinical trials of participants with severe CRS with recurrent bilateral NP.
Functional assessment of brain development in fetuses that subsequently deliver very preterm: An MRI pilot study
Authors: Story Lisa , Uus Alena , Hall Megan , Payette Kelly , Bakalis Spyros , Arichi Tomoki , Shennan Andrew , Rutherford Mary , Hutter Jana
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To evaluate changes occurring in the fetal brain prior to very preterm delivery using MRI T2* relaxometry, an indirect assessment of tissue perfusion.

Method

Fetuses that subsequently delivered spontaneously <32 weeks gestation and a control cohort were identified from pre‐existing datasets. Participants had undergone a 3T MRI assessment including T2* relaxometry of the fetal brain using a 2D multi‐slice gradient echo single shot echo planar imaging sequence. T2* maps were generated, supratentorial brain tissue was manually segmented and mean T2* values were generated. Groups were compared using quadratic regression.

Results

Twenty five fetuses that subsequently delivered <32 weeks and 67 that delivered at term were included. Mean gestation at MRI was 24.5 weeks (SD 3.3) and 25.4 weeks (SD 3.1) and gestation at delivery 25.5 weeks (SD 3.4) and 39.7 weeks (SD 1.2) in the preterm and term cohorts respectively. Brain mean T2* values were significantly lower in fetuses that subsequently delivered before 32 weeks gestation (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Alterations in brain maturation appear to occur prior to preterm delivery. Further work is required to explore these associations, but these findings suggest a potential window for therapeutic neuroprotective agents in fetuses at high risk of preterm delivery in the future.