bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acid‐doped polyaniline‐based asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density by electrochemical polymerization
Authors: Sun Ran , Hu Jie , Pei Yifei , Zhang Fangya , Wang Qiyang , Yan Manqing
Published: October 2024

In this article, conductive polyaniline (PANI) was prepared by electrochemical polymerization on the FTO surface doping different protonic acids (H2SO4, HCl and H3PO4), named the rod‐like PANI‐S, dogtail‐like PANI‐Cl and burr‐like PANI‐P, respectively. The three‐type PANIs possess stable structure, novel morphology and low charge transfer resistance after careful investigation. Among them, the obtained rod‐like PANI‐S has the best specific capacitance of 542.8 F g−1. Also, biomass activated carbon AC with good specific capacitance was successfully prepared by chemical activation of green tea. Interestingly, the asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was assembled with PANI‐S in PVA‐H2SO4 as the positive electrode and AC3:1 in PVA‐KOH as the negative electrode and the obtained ASC device has voltage window of 1.6 V and energy density of 29 Wh kg−1. Electrochemical evaluation in the PANI‐based ASC devices improves the potential applications in energy storage fields.
Serum metabolic profile evidence for relationship between schizophrenia and depression: An untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ren Ruru , Ding Shuqin , Sa Yuping , Zhang Weiman , Wang Weibiao , Wilson Gidion , Ma Xueqin , Gong Kaimin
Published: October 2024

Given the genetic and clinical overlap observed between schizophrenia and depression, the present study was to identify the similarities and differences in serum metabolic profiles between patients with schizophrenia and depression. Global metabolomics research methods based on UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS were performed. A total of 113 and 118 differential metabolites were screened and identified in depression and schizophrenia groups, respectively, as compared to health control; among those, 94 differential metabolites were shared by both. Pathway analysis indicated arginine and proline metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were two significant metabolic pathways both in depression and schizophrenia groups as compared with health control groups, respectively. Similarly, 77 differential metabolites were identified between depression and schizophrenia groups, in which, serum N‐acetylglutamine and isovalerylglycine levels showed significant differences between patients with depression and schizophrenia with p values less than 0.001 and without significant outliers. Sphingolipid metabolism was identified as a significant metabolic pathway distinguishing between depression and schizophrenia groups based on pathway analysis. Conclusively, common alterations in arginine and proline metabolism, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were observed in patients with schizophrenia and depression; whereas differences in serum N‐acetylglutamine and isovalerylglycine levels as well as sphingolipid metabolism were discovered between the two categories of patients.
Predicting Swallowing Recovery in Subacute Stroke Patients via Temporal and Spatial Parameters of Videofluoroscopy
Authors: Wang Lian , Wei Zhenhai , Xin Wei , Dou Zulin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the temporal and spatial parameters of videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) that could predict the recovery of swallowing function in subacute stroke patients.

Methods

We included 102 patients who were admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine between 2019 and 2022. Patients were classified into good and poor prognosis groups according to whether they had restored prestroke swallowing function or were able to consume sufficient nutrition via oral feeding to meet their body's needs. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the predictors. Calibration and discrimination were tested using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and area under the curve (AUC), respectively.

Results

Of the 102 included patients, 51 had a good prognosis for swallowing function within 6 months of onset. The final multivariate regression model included three significant factors: laryngeal closure duration (LCD) (OR: 0.998; 95% CI: 0.996–0.999; p < 0.05), maximum width of the upper esophageal sphincter opening (MWUESO) (OR: 1.251; 95% CI: 1.073–1.458; p < 0.05), and pharyngeal residual grade (PRG) (p < 0.05). The shorter LCD and larger MWUESO were positive predictors of good swallowing function outcomes, while higher PRG was a negative predictor of good outcomes. The AUC for PRG, MWUESO, and LCD were 0.767 (p < 0.05), 0.738 (p < 0.05), and 0.681 (p < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

Identifying prognostic factors for the recovery of swallowing function in patients with poststroke dysphagia is essential for developing treatment strategies. The findings of this study may provide an important reference for developing appropriate therapeutic interventions to promote the recovery of swallowing function in stroke patients.
Scientific mapping of green organizational culture: Main schools of thought and topical trends
Authors: Hue Truong Thi , Dinh‐Hai Luong
Published: October 2024

The green transition is increasingly viewed as a path to prosperity, or even survival, for organizations. In several countries, greening is vigorously pursued across various organizational activities, including organizational culture, which has garnered significant scholarly attention. However, there appears to be no comprehensive literature review on green organizational culture (GOC) indexed by reputable databases like Scopus. This paper aims to provide a bibliometric overview of GOC. A total of 558 documents from Scopus, spanning 1996–2023, were analyzed using bibliometric methods. The study examines the research performance on GOC, including volume growth trajectory, document types, contributing countries, international collaboration, research groups, influential authors, and prominent sources in GOC research. Notably, it identifies five main schools of thought and two topical trends in GOC literature. This may be the first effort to review GOC literature using Scopus data, highlighting performance and mapping the scientific landscape of this field.
Ensure new coaches adhere to pre‐existing medical restrictions for student‐athletes
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: October 2024

A recent lawsuit filed by a collegiate football player who claimed that he received substandard medical care and was pressured to participate in excess of his medical restrictions highlights the potential liability concerns that can arise after a staffing change.
Leading from reactive whirlwind to integrated strategy
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: October 2024

PHILADELPHIA — In the midst of all the change and challenges facing higher education and college sports, it's common for athletics administrators to feel like they’re rushing from one of many most urgent pressing tasks to the next, leaving little time to intentionally focus on strategizing for the future. It's a conundrum all‐too‐familiar to Lynn Akey, Ph.D., Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin Parkside. But she's found a better way, which she discussed in her presentation at the Society for College and University Planning's annual conference.
An Enzymatic Method to Obtain Enantiopure 3‐Pyridyl and Substituted Phenyl Alanine
Authors: Jiang Fan , Chen Ke‐Xin , Xiang Jiang‐Mei , Shen Yong‐Cun
Published: October 2024

Chiral phenylalanine derivatives are important raw materials and building blocks for the synthesis of peptides and drug molecules. Enantiomerically pure D/L‐3‐pyridyl‐ and phenylalanine has shown wide application potential in the synthesis of various drug intermediates. This article focuses on two synthetic routes from different feedstocks. The first approach is an Erlenmeyer–Plöchl route study using N‐acetylglycine as starting material, whereas the second is an alkylation route study using diethyl acetamidomalonate as starting material. The key step is the resolution of N‐acetamido‐alanine esters using different quantities of fairly inexpensive Protamex proteinase to obtain pure enantiomeric D/L‐3‐pyridyl‐ and substituted phenylalanine or its derivative, with the ee value and purity of all products exceeding 99%. The different chiral arylalanine derivatives that can be prepared using the above two methods have good versatility.
Investigation On Barrier Layers Of PT/BaTiO3/PT Based Thin Film Capacitors
Authors: Smitha P. S. , Suresh Babu V. , Asmin M. K.
Published: October 2024

Barium titanate is a ferroelectric material used as a dielectric in thin film capacitors owing to its high dielectric constant. Barrier layers are utilized in these capacitors to improve the capacitors’ performance by controlling the microstructure and creating thin resistive films. In this paper, the effect of barrier layers in Pt/BT/Pt capacitors is studied using zinc oxide and aluminium oxide. The performance parameters such as capacitance density, leakage current, equivalent series resistance, dielectric loss and dielectric strength of Pt/BT/Pt thin film capacitors with barrier layers of different sizes are simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics modeling software. 2 nm thick aluminum oxide as Pt ‐ BT barrier layer gives optimal performance. The leakage current, dielectric loss, capacitance density, equivalent series resistance and dielectric strength of Pt/BT/Pt capacitor are found to be 0.519 mA, 9.62×10−12, 172.8 fF/μm2, 9.62 kΩ, 108 V/m respectively whereas that of Pt/ALO/BT/ALO/Pt capacitor are found to be 1.56×10−18 A, 7.81×10−18, 11.6 fF/μm2, 9.01×1015 Ω, 5.05×109 V/m respectively. The low capacitance in Pt/ALO/BT/ALO/Pt capacitor is due to the low dielectric constant of aluminium dioxide barrier layer. The reduced leakage current and increased equivalent series resistance is due to the low conductivity of the aluminium oxide barrier layer. The use of aluminium oxide barrier layer between the conductive surfaces can reduce the electric field and increase the breakdown voltage, leading to improved dielectric strength and reduced dielectric loss.
An Inductor‐Less Zero‐IF Down‐Conversion Mixer With Low Flicker Noise and High Conversion Gain
Authors: Mallaki Mohammad Amin , Bijari Abolfazl
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel active inductor (AI) to improve the performance of a down‐conversion active mixer in terms of conversion gain (CG) and flicker noise. The proposed AI exhibits negative resistance and partially flat inductance over a wide frequency band of 0.5–4.5 GHz. The effect of inserting the AI between the source of the switching quad of a Gilbert cell mixer is theoretically analyzed. The proposed inductor‐less mixer, designed to operate at a 2.4‐GHz RF input frequency and a 10‐MHz IF output frequency, employs current reuse and self‐forward body bias (SFBB) techniques. The proposed circuit is simulated in Cadence Spectre‐RF using RF‐TSMC 0.18‐μm CMOS technology. Post‐layout simulations demonstrate that the proposed AI significantly reduces flicker noise by over 23 dB at an IF output frequency of 1 kHz and improves the CG by over 16 dB at an RF frequency of 2.4 GHz. The proposed mixer achieves a CG of 37.6 dB and a flicker noise corner frequency of 6 kHz. Additionally, it exhibits a third‐order intermodulation intercept point (IIP3) of −5.2 dBm and a double‐sideband noise figure (DSB‐NF) of 6.1 dB at the IF output frequency of 10 MHz. Operating with a 1.5‐V supply, the proposed mixer consumes 10.6 mW of power.
Associations Between Developmental Stability, Canalization, and Phenotypic Plasticity in Response to Heterogeneous Experience
Authors: Wang Shu , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: October 2024

The processes of developmental stability, canalization, and phenotypic plasticity have ecological and evolutionary significance, and been studied extensively, but mostly separately and thus the relationships between them are not straightforward. Our objective was to better integrate these processes in the context of temporally heterogeneous environments. We did this by investigating the effects of early experience with temporal heterogeneity in water availability on associations between developmental stability, canalization, and phenotypic plasticity. We subjected eight plant species to a first round of alternating inundation and drought vs. constantly moderate water treatments (heterogeneous experience) and a second round of water conditions (to test plasticity). We measured fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in leaf size, intra‐ and inter‐individual variation (CVintra and CVinter), and plasticity (PI) in traits and analyzed correlations between these variables across all species. Results showed little correlations between FA, CVintra and PI, several positive correlations between FA and CVinter in more stressful conditions, especially in as well as positive correlations between CVinter and PI initially and negative correlations between them later. These suggested the complexity of these relationships, which can depend on whether plasticity occurs. Greater inter‐individual variation will more likely cooperate with plasticity before or during plastic response, whereas higher canalization may reflect phenotypic convergence. Both higher FA and CVintra can reflect faster growth, while CVintra may also reflect plant growth stage, and the two mechanisms should cooperate in response to environmental challenges. The complexity of these relationships suggests plants deal with environmental variation in elaborate and integrative ways which can be affected by many factors.
Projecting the benefit of vericiguat in PARADIGM‐HF and DAPA‐HF populations: Insights from the VICTORIA trial
Authors: Kittipibul Veraprapas , Mentz Robert J. , Young Rebecca , Butler Javed , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Ponikowski Piotr , Voors Adriaan , Corda Stefano , McMullan Ciaran , O'Connor Christopher M. , Anstrom Kevin J. , Armstrong Paul W. ,   for the VICTORIA Study Group
Published: October 2024

Aims

The VICTORIA trial demonstrated a significant reduction in the primary composite outcome of heart failure (HF) hospitalization or cardiovascular death with vericiguat relative to placebo in high‐risk HF. This study aimed to contextualize treatment effects of vericiguat in populations with varying risk profiles simulated from the PARADIGM‐HF and DAPA‐HF trials.

Methods

Subgroups of VICTORIA participants (n = 5050) were generated to simulate PARADIGM‐HF and DAPA‐HF trial populations. The PARADIGM‐HF‐eligible population excluded participants not meeting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and minimal dose criteria and those with high predicted probability of run‐in failure. The DAPA‐HF‐eligible population excluded those not meeting LVEF and eGFR criteria or with recent (<30 days) HF hospitalization. The time‐to‐first‐event analysis was performed using an unadjusted Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

A total of 1982 (39.2%) and 2543 (50.4%) VICTORIA participants were respectively deemed eligible for PARADIGM‐HF and DAPA‐HF. Vericiguat was associated with numerically larger reductions in the primary outcome of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death in populations simulated from PARADIGM‐HF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.99] and DAPA‐HF (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.94) compared with the overall VICTORIA trial (HR 0.90). Significant reduction in HF hospitalization with vericiguat was also observed in the DAPA‐HF‐eligible population (HR 0.83, 95%CI 0.73–0.95) and with a nominal reduction in the PARADIGM‐HF‐eligible population (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74–1.01).

Conclusions

A trend towards enhanced efficacy of vericiguat in populations simulated from PARADIGM‐HF and DAPA‐HF was observed. These findings support further exploration of vericiguat in lower‐risk HF populations as is being investigated in the ongoing VICTOR (a study of vericiguat in participants with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) trial.
Excitation Dependent Multiemissive Behaviour of Triimidazole Carboxylic Acid anti‐Kasha Luminophore and its Mononuclear Metal Complexes
Authors: Malpicci Daniele , Forni Alessandra , Lucenti Elena , Marinotto Daniele , Maver Daniele , Lozovan Vasile , Kravtsov Victor C. , Siminel Anatolii , Fonari Marina S. , Cariati Elena
Published: October 2024

Materials based on small molecules characterized by multi‐component short and long‐lived emissive behaviour are extremely desirable for various applications. The derivative of cyclic triimidazole (TT) functionalized with a carboxylic group, namely TT‐COOH, is isolated, investigated and used as coordinative ligand to obtain a series of isomorphous mononuclear complexes of general formula [M(TT‐COO)2(H2O)2] (M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II)). Crystals of TT‐COOH display aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIEE) comprising dual fluorescence and dual phosphorescence of molecular origin together with an aggregation induced long lived, low energy phosphorescence. Emissive features are retained in crystals of the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes, where the metal plays the role of an external heavy atom perturber, but strongly quenched in the others. The mechanisms involved in the photophysics of TT‐COOH and its metal complexes have been disclosed thanks to combined structural, spectroscopic and computational investigations which reveal the presence of anti‐Kasha emissions.
Iron and Zinc Metallates Supported on Ion Exchange Resins: Synergistic Catalysts for the Solvent‐Free Cyclic Carbonate Synthesis from Epoxides and CO2
Authors: Alberti Matteo , Gianelli Marta , Panza Nicola , Zákutná Dominika , Matulková Irena , Caselli Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Despite extensive research into developing efficient and environmentally friendly catalysts for converting CO2 over the last decade, the search for a robust and cost‐effective catalytic system is ongoing. This study describes developing and applying a new catalytic system using inexpensive ferrate and zincate anions immobilized on easily available commercial ion exchange resins (IER) to produce cyclic carbonates from CO2 with high efficiency and low cost. Two polystyrene‐based anion exchange resins, AmberlystTM A26‐Cl (A26‐Cl) and AmberliteTM IRA‐400‐Cl (IRA400‐Cl), were compared. The results demonstrated the catalysts’ remarkable activity under mild conditions and demonstrated the synergistic effect between the polystyrene support and the active ammonium metallates, presenting a scalable, eco‐friendly method for cyclic carbonate production using waste CO2. A Design of Experiment (DoE) approach was implemented to optimize the catalytic cycloaddition of CO2. The reaction scale‐up to produce a 5 g batch of propylene oxide and conducting recycling tests demonstrated that the catalyst retained its activity over four cycles. The research also explored the use of various epoxides and found that terminal epoxides produced very good yields. In summary, this study introduces a cost‐effective, scalable method for converting CO2 into valuable cyclic carbonates, leveraging the synergistic effects of polystyrene supports and active ammonium metallates.
The antipsychotic chlorpromazine reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglial voltage‐gated potassium channels
Authors: Lee Hee‐Yoon , Lee Young , Chung Chaelin , Park Seo‐In , Shin Hyo Jung , Joe Eun‐Hye , Lee Sung Joong , Kim Dong Woon , Jo Su‐Hyun , Choi Se‐Young
Published: October 2024

Neuroinflammation, the result of microglial activation, is associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Recently, chlorpromazine (CPZ), a dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonist and schizophrenia therapy, was proposed to exert antiinflammatory effects in the central nervous system. Here, we report that the expression of Kv1.3 channel, which is abundant in T cells, is upregulated in microglia upon infection, and that CPZ specifically inhibits these channels to reduce neuroinflammation. In the mouse medial prefrontal cortex, we show that CPZ lessens Kv1.3 channel activity and reduces proinflammatory cytokine production. In mice treated with LPS, we found that CPZ was capable of alleviating both neuroinflammation and depression‐like behavior. Our findings suggest that CPZ acts as a microglial Kv1.3 channel inhibitor and neuroinflammation modulator, thereby exerting therapeutic effects in neuroinflammatory psychiatric/neurological disorders.
Perceived parental prejudice and a tolerant class context in ethnic bullying: The buffering role of teachers
Authors: Taiti Maria Chiara , Palladino Benedetta Emanuela , Stefanelli Federica , Özdemir Sevgi Bayram , Menesini Ersilia
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Despite recent efforts to understand the possible impact of contextual factors on adolescents’ involvement in ethnic bullying, most existing studies have focused on the effects of one context at a time. As adolescents are simultaneously exposed to the influence of multiple socialization agents, the aim of this study was to investigate whether teachers’ and classmates’ tolerance towards ethnic minorities could buffer the effect of perceived parental prejudice on adolescents’ involvement in ethnic bullying.

Methods

Data were collected between January and February 2020 from 9th grade adolescents (N = 582; Mage = 15.23; SD = 0.65; 50.9% female; 30.7% with an immigrant background), and their teachers (N = 72; aged between 27 and 65 years; 79% female), belonging to 37 classrooms located in Italy.

Results

A cross‐sectional multilevel analysis showed that teachers’ tolerance moderated the effect of perceived parental prejudice on adolescents’ involvement in ethnic bullying. Specifically, we found that in classrooms with low levels of teachers’ tolerance, perceived parental prejudice was significantly associated with students’ involvement in ethnic bullying. Conversely, in classrooms with high levels of teachers’ tolerance, parental prejudice was no longer associated with ethnic bullying. Furthermore, classmates’ tolerance was not significantly associated with students’ involvement in ethnic bullying and did not moderate the association between perceived parental prejudice and adolescents’ engagement in ethnic bullying.

Conclusions

Findings are discussed highlighting the important role of school as a context to promote positive multicultural relations and the unique role played by teachers in affecting adolescents’ behaviors.
Interobserver Reproducibility of Ultrasound Attenuation Imaging Technology in Liver Fat Quantification
Authors: Dag Nurullah , Igci Gulnur , Yagin Fatma Hilal , Hanci Muhammed Salih , Kutlu Ramazan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interobserver variability in the quantitative assessment of liver fat content using ultrasound attenuation imaging technology (USAT).

Methods

This prospective, single‐center study included 96 adult patients who were either diagnosed with or suspected of having metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease. Independent observers, blinded to each other's assessments, evaluated hepatic steatosis visually and through USAT measurements. Separate measurements were taken at five intercostal and subcostal sites, and the median values of these measurements were recorded. The correlation between USAT measurements and visual steatosis grades was examined using Spearman's correlation test. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were used to evaluate the interobserver variability of USAT measurements.

Results

Interobserver agreement for USAT measurements was excellent for the intercostal examination and good for the subcostal examination (p < 0.001). Body mass index did not significantly affect the level of interobserver agreement. Interobserver variability in Bland–Altman plots of USAT measurements was within the 95% limits of agreement. USAT measurements correlated very strongly with the visual degree of hepatic steatosis, both intercostal and subcostal (p < 0.001). USAT measurements were also significantly different between different visual degrees of hepatic steatosis (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the assessment of hepatic steatosis, USAT measurements obtained from the intercostal space showed excellent agreement in terms of interobserver reproducibility.
Revisiting Old Questions With New Methods: The Effect of Embryonic Motility on Skull Development in the Domestic Chick
Authors: Watanabe Akinobu , Arqam Izza , Taylor Meredith J. , Molnar Julia L.
Published: October 2024

Muscle loading is known to influence skeletal morphology. Therefore, modification of the biomechanical environment is expected to cause coordinated morphological changes to the bony and cartilaginous tissues. Understanding how this musculoskeletal coordination contributes to morphological variation has relevance to health sciences, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology. To investigate how muscle loading influences skeletal morphology, we replicate a classic in ovo embryology experiment in the domestic chick (Gallus gallus domesticus) while harnessing modern methodologies that allow us to quantify skeletal anatomy more precisely and in situ. We induced rigid muscle paralysis in developing chicks mid‐incubation, then compared the morphology of the cranium and mandible between immobilized and untreated embryos using microcomputed tomography and landmark‐based geometric morphometric methods. Like earlier studies, we found predictable differences in the size and shape of the cranium and mandible in paralyzed chicks. These differences were concentrated in areas known to experience high strains during feeding, including the jaw joint and jaw muscle attachment sites. These results highlight specific areas of the skull that appear to be mechanosensitive and suggest muscles that could produce the biomechanical stimuli necessary for normal hatchling morphology. Interestingly, these same areas correspond to areas that show the greatest disparity and fastest evolutionary rates across the avian diversity, which suggests that the musculoskeletal integration observed during development extends to macroevolutionary scales. Thus, selection and evolutionary changes to muscle physiology and architecture could generate large and predictable changes to skull morphology. Building upon previous work, the adoption of modern imaging and morphometric techniques allows richer characterization of musculoskeletal integration that empowers researchers to understand how tissue‐to‐tissue interactions contribute to overall phenotypic variation.
Quantifying Spatial Distribution of Ventilation Defects in Multiple Pulmonary Diseases With Hyperpolarized 129Xenon MRI
Authors: Bdaiwi Abdullah S. , Willmering Matthew M. , Woods Jason C. , Walkup Laura L. , Cleveland Zackary I.
Published: October 2024

Background

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI assesses lung ventilation, often using the ventilation defect percentage (VDP). Unlike VDP, defect distribution index (DDI) quantifies spatial clustering of defects.

Purpose

To quantify spatial distribution of 129Xe ventilation defects using DDI across pulmonary diseases.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Four hundred twenty‐one subjects (age = 23.1 ± 17.1, female = 230), comprising healthy controls (N = 60) and subjects with obstructive conditions (asthma [N = 25], bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome [BOS, N = 18], cystic fibrosis [CF, N = 90], lymphangioleiomyomatosis [LAM, N = 50]), restrictive conditions (bleomycin‐treated cancer survivors [BLEO, N = 14]; fibrotic lung diseases [FLD, N = 92]), bone marrow transplantation (BMT, N = 53), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, N = 19).

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, two‐dimensional multi‐slice gradient echo.

Assessment

Whole‐lung mean DDI was extracted from DDI maps; correlated with VDP (percent of pixels <60% of whole‐lung mean signal intensity) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) including FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. DDI and DDI/VDP, a marker of defect clustering, were compared across diseases.

Statistical Tests

Pearson correlation analysis and Kruskal–Wallis tests. P < 0.0056 for disease groups, P < 0.0125 for categories.

Results

DDI was significantly elevated in BMT (8.3 ± 11.5), BOS (30.1 ± 57.5), BPD (16.0 ± 46.8), CF (15.4 ± 27.2), and LAM (12.6 ± 34.2) compared to controls (1.8 ± 3.1). DDI correlated significantly with VDP in all groups (r ≥ 0.56) except BLEO, and with PFTs in CF, FLD, and LAM (r ≥ 0.56). Obstructive groups had significantly higher mean DDI (14.0 ± 32.0) than controls (1.8 ± 3.0) and restrictive groups (4.0 ± 12.0). DDI/VDP was significantly lower in the restrictive group (0.6 ± 0.6) than controls (0.8 ± 0.6) and obstructive group (1.0 ± 1.0).

Data Conclusion

DDI may provide insights into the distribution of ventilation defects across diseases.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Antibacterial Materials: Influence of the Type and Conditions of Biological Tests on the Measured Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Caron Baptiste , Maresca Marc , Leroux Amelie , Lemesle Marie , Coussegal Jean‐Louis , Guillaneuf Yohann , Lefay Catherine
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the growing problem of antibiotic resistance has highlighted the need for antibacterial materials to prevent the development of infections. Different types of tests exist to certify the antibacterial properties of materials. Variations in results can occur due to the unique requirements of each test technique. The antibacterial test result may be influenced, in particular, by the distinct modes of action of leaching and non‐leaching compounds. Using antibacterial materials prepared by the dispersion of an amphiphilic cationic synthetic copolymer in a polyurethane matrix, the influence of the reaction medium and the contact time on the results obtained by two well‐established tests: ISO 22196 and CERTIKA is investigated. This shows that the kinetics of killing is bacteria dependent and depending on the test conditions (concentration of salt, time of contact, or media), contradictory results could be obtained. Moreover, the influence of the ionic strength (called salt effect) in both free solution and antibacterial surface is highlighted.
Sohlh2 Promotes the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via TGM2‐Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Liu Xuyue , Zhang Ruihong , Liu Lanlan , Zhi Sujuan , Feng Xiaoning , Shen Ying , Wang Liyan , Zhang Qi , Chen Yanru , Hao Jing
Published: October 2024

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for 85% of liver cancer‐related deaths. Autophagy controls HCC cell growth, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and stemness. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor 2 (Sohlh2) can bind to the E‐boxes in the promoter regions of target genes, which are involved in multiple neoplasms. In this study, Sohlh2 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and was related to poor prognosis. Moreover, Sohlh2 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. However, Sohlh2 silencing inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of HCC cells in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, Sohlh2 could bind to the promoter of TGM2 and enhance its transcriptional activity, thereby enhancing the autophagy of HCC cells. Furthermore, Sohlh2 protein levels were positively associated with TGM2 expression in HCC tissues. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Sohlh2 can promote HCC progression via TGM2‐mediated autophagy, implying that Sohlh2 is a promising candidate for HCC treatment.
Tremor Ataxia With Central Hypomyelation Phenotype Related to a Recurrent POLR3A Mutation in Six Unrelated Tunisian Families
Authors: Kraoua Ichraf , Jamoussi Maha , Drissi Cyrine , Kraoua Lilia , Drunat Séverine , Benrhouma Hanene , Ben Younes Thouraya , Nagi Sonia , Abdelhak Sonia , Boespflug Tanguy Odile , Youssef‐Turki Ilhem Ben , Trabelsi Mediha , Dorboz Imen
Published: October 2024

Background

POLIII‐related leukodystrophies are a group of recently recognized hereditary white matter diseases with a similar clinical and radiological phenotype. No Tunisian studies have been published about POLIII‐related leukodystrophy due to POLR3A variants. The aim of this study was to contribute to the clinical, radiological, and genetic characterization of POLR3A‐related leukodystrophy in a Tunisian cohort.

Methods

We report six cases of genetically confirmed POLR3A‐related leukodystrophy belonging to six unrelated Tunisian families, along with a review of previously published pediatric cases.

Results

All patients were born to consanguineous marriages and originated from the North or the Center of Tunisia. Age at onset varied between 15 months and 6 years.

The clinical phenotype was similar in all patients with cerebellar ataxia, tremor, and nystagmus being the key features. Brain imaging showed diffuse hypomyelination in all patients with progressive cerebellar atrophy in three patients.

Molecular analysis identified the same bi‐allelic NM_007055.4:c.2011T>C; p.(Trp671Arg) variant in the POLR3A gene in all patients.

Conclusion

We hypothesize a founder effect for the identified variant given its recurrence in six unrelated individuals with a similar clinical phenotype. Given the apparent genetic homogeneity of Tunisian POLR3A patients, the recurrent variant should be directly targeted. This should facilitate diagnosis in index patients, and genetic counseling.
A Systematic Review Exploring Empirical Pharmacogenomics Research Within Global Indigenous Populations
Authors: Nasir Bushra Farah , Vinayagam Ritwika , Massi Luciana , Nagaraj Shivashankar H. , Toombs Maree , Rae Kym M.
Published: October 2024

Background

This systematic review aims to highlight the scope of pharmacogenomics research within global Indigenous populations. This review also explores the barriers and facilitators of pharmacogenomics research within this population.

Methodology

A systematic review of literature was conducted to identify and present an understanding of current empirical evidence demonstrating the conduct of genomics or pharmacogenomics research within global Indigenous populations (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021257226). Using key search terms, relevant databases were searched for articles published between January 2010 and July 2022. Screening, data extraction, and analysis was conducted using well‐defined inclusion criteria. Quality assessment and risk of bias appraisal was conducted using the mixed methods appraisal tool. Indigenous community engagement and participation in genomics research was assessed using the social‐ecological framework.

Results

From the 427 articles identified, 77 articles met inclusion criteria and underwent full‐text screening. Of these, 30 articles were included in the final review, with 16 being quantitative and 14 either qualitative or mixed methods studies. Most studies were conducted with native Indigenous populations from the United States of America (36%). Content analysis revealed that studies either explored genetic variations associated with disease in Indigenous populations (23%) or markers for drug metabolism (30%) or were designed to understand perspectives of genomics research within this population (47%). Perspectives included the exploration of the role of participants in research, benefits or outcomes achieved from participation in genomics research, and levels of Indigenous engagement and participation in genomics research.

Conclusions

This review highlights a growing gap in Indigenous genomics research globally. It presents several important considerations from Indigenous participants, identifying how researchers can co‐create culturally safe and inclusive design, implementation, analysis, and subsequent outcomes of genomics research involving Indigenous people. Indigenous governance, self‐determination and leadership is essential, with researchers required to be responsive to such fundamental partnerships for research to progress.
The Effect of Leg Dominance in Patients on Perforator‐Based Flaps Elevated From the Lower Extremities
Authors: Aksöyler Dicle , Yalçin Yiğit , Durak Görkem , Çakir Mehmet Semih , Losco Luigi , Kozanoğlu Erol
Published: October 2024

Background

The lower extremities are the largest donor sites in the body for perforator flap reconstruction. Multislice row computed tomography angiography allows for a multiplanar assessment of perforators using a large number of three‐dimensional images with high resolution. In this study, the effect of leg dominance on perforator flap donor site preference was investigated radiologically to increase preoperative perforator mapping precision and surgical success.

Patients and Methods

The study included 40 patients. Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap, inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap, medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap, peroneal artery perforator (PP) flap, and posterior tibial artery perforator (PTAP) flap were analyzed according to their number of perforators (> 0.8‐mm perforators counted, number of larger perforators [nLP]), dominant perforator diameter (DPD), related muscle thickness (RMT), and related subcutaneous tissue thickness (RSTT) in each leg.

Results

Of these 40 patients, 35 (87.5%) were right‐leg dominant and 5 (12.5%) were left‐leg dominant. The dominant leg had higher DPD for MSAP, PTAP, and PP than the nondominant leg (p = 0.08, p = 0.06, and p = 0.06, respectively). The dominant leg had a significantly higher nLP (> 0.8 mm) in MSAP, PTAP, and PP flaps than the nondominant leg (p < 0.05). Except for the PAP flap (adductor magnus muscle; p > 0.05), RMT of all other perforator flaps (SGAP, IGAP, ALT, MSAP, PTAP, and PP) was statistically higher in the dominant leg (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in RSTT between any of the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

According to findings, the dominant leg could be considered a donor site preference to improve surgical outcomes and reduce microsurgical complications due to an increased nLP, perforator diameter, and RMT.
Analytical Solutions for Axisymmetric Diffusion of Organic Pollutants in a Circular‐Shaped Cutoff Wall System
Authors: Jiang Wenhao , Ge Shangqi , Li Jiangshan
Published: October 2024

Through the variable substitution and separated variable methods, this study develops a two‐dimensional (2‐D) axisymmetric diffusion analytical solution for organic pollutants in a circular‐shaped cutoff wall (CCW) system for the first time, which can more precisely and reasonably simulate the diffusion behaviors in “circular‐shaped” vertical barriers. Then, the proposed analytical solution's reasonableness is verified by comparing it with an existing analytical solution and a corresponding finite‐difference solution. Meanwhile, the comparison suggests that this solution will degrade to a 2‐D diffusion analytical solution when the pollution source radius is large enough. Furthermore, the presented analytical solution can also be simplified to a one‐dimensional axisymmetric diffusion analytical solution, or to the axisymmetric diffusion analytical solutions in a single‐layered medium. These exact analytical solutions can not only be applied to study axisymmetric diffusion behaviors under specific scenarios, but also be used to validate other complex numerical models. Last, a case study is conducted to investigate the impacts of pollution source concentration distribution, CCW horizontal thickness, and defined equivalent diffusion coefficient on the barrier performance. Overall, the proposed analytical solutions and obtained diffusion laws in this study can provide guidance for the service effect assessment and the engineering design of cutoff walls.
Cover Image, Volume 33, Issue 8
Authors: Wang Tiansheng , Ji Dongze , Stürmer Til , Ismail Sherin , Dong Shujie , Shen Peng , Lin Hongbo , Shi Luwen , Guan Xiaodong , Xu Yang
Published: October 2024

The cover image is based on the article The Effect of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter‐2 Inhibitors on Hemoglobin A1c Variability and Acute Kidney Injury: A Causal Mediation Analysis by Tiansheng Wang et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.5876.

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Encapsulation of Liquids via Polymer Precipitation in Emulsions
Authors: Cruz‐Barrios Eliandreina , Lak Sarah N. , Taylor Cameron , Pentzer Emily B.
Published: October 2024

Microencapsulation strategies enable the confinement of sensitive active materials in a protective shell, giving capsules with applications across pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, agriculture, textiles, cosmetics, and energy storage. Among the different approaches, the soft template encapsulation method is a widely used technique that leverages emulsions as templates and forms spherical microcapsules with a liquid core and polymeric shell. Within the emulsion template umbrella, interfacial polymerization, phase internal phase separation, and polymer precipitation can all be used. The main limitation of interfacial polymerization is that the core will inevitably contain impurities such as residual monomers, which can affect the performance of the encapsulated material. This is especially relevant when performance efficiency strongly depends on its pristine composition. In this perspective, we focus on polymer precipitation soft‐template strategies for capsule formation, and the complementarity of this approach to the more widely used interfacial polymerization. Polymer precipitation strategies enable the encapsulation of sensitive cores (or payloads) and can include those that are viscous, hygroscopic, and reactive.
Metal Hydride Storage Systems: Approaches to Improve Their Performances
Authors: Liu Wei , Tupe Joseph Almar , Aguey‐Zinsou Kondo‐Francois
Published: October 2024

Metal hydrides provide a safe and efficient way to store hydrogen. However, current metal hydride storage systems, i.e., hydrides incorporated within a storage tank, are far from efficient. Depending on the design, (dis)charging rates may be very long. However, this can be significantly improved by implementing strategies tackling the issue of heat management at the level of: i) the metal hydride bed, and ii) the overall storage system design. This review summarises recent progress in tackling heat management of hydride systems. In this respect, modeling has emerged as a powerful tool. In particular, simulation results show that the compaction of hydride powders with binders and the use of metal foams are both effective in lifting the poor thermal conductivity of hydride beds. For tank designs, cylindrical shapes remain the preferred choice because of the flexibility and ease of supplementing heat management with fins and tubular heat exchangers. The addition of phase change materials to the hydride tank can lead to further heat storage, but any add‐on to simple hydride tanks can only lead to cumbersome systems. It is still a fine art to tune the thermal conductivity of hydride beds while selecting a suitable metal hydride alloy composition.
Treatment of OSA beyond adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Reiter Joel
Published: October 2024

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common syndrome in children. While an adenotonsillectomy is effective for most, it may not be the treatment of choice for all, and possible alternative treatment options are briefly discussed herein. In obese children, in whom OSA is more prevalent, and has high rates of persistence after surgery, weight loss interventions may be recommended. Anti‐inflammatory therapies, such as nasal steroids and montelukast, reduce the size of the adenoids and tonsils and are considered part of the stepwise treatment approach. Functional orthodontic therapies may improve OSA as well as orthopedic interventions in children in whom orthodontic indications exist. Positive airway pressure and high flow nasal cannula, stent the airway open and alleviate the obstruction, but adherence may be challenging. Tongue surgery, as well as several additional interventions are further discussed. In conclusion, multiple therapeutic options are available for pediatric OSA. Further studies are required to better identify the children most likely to benefit from these therapies.
Heed new OCR guidance for Title IX coordinators
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2024

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights published new resources on Sept. 12, 2024 addressing compliance with the 2024 Title IX regulations.
The Construction and Mechanism Study of High‐Speed Carrier Transport Channel in Gallium Arsenide Homojunction Toward High‐Performance Photoelectrochemical Photodetector
Authors: Chen Hedong , Liu Lin , Gu Yuehao , Cai Zhiyuan , Xu Fan , Liang Wenhao , Hou Xianhua , Chen Fuming
Published: October 2024

The energy band structure and surface/interface properties are prerequisite for not only preserving the intrinsic material quality but also manipulating carrier transport behavior for photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetection. How to precisely design/regulate the band structure and surface/interface properties of semiconductor materials is the key to improving the performance of PEC photodetection. Herein, the quintuple heterotypic homojunction (QH) GaAs film is fabricated with a gradient energy band via plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy for constructing a high‐speed carrier transport channel in PEC photodetection, which can efficiently drive the separation and transport of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. The designed QH‐GaAs‐based PEC photodetector exhibits excellent performances, compared with bare i‐GaAs, delivering an ultrashort rise/decay times of only 1.1/1.1 ms and a high responsivity of 20.4 mA W−1 at 0 V under 850 nm illumination. Strikingly, an ultrahigh detectivity with 1.46 × 1012 Jones is achieved. More importantly, the QH‐GaAs device can stably operate underwater seawater environment. This study provides a novel strategy for designing and fabricating multiple heterotypic homojunction with gradient energy band to boost charge transport dynamics for PEC fields.
MIL‐125‐PDI/ZnIn2S4 Inorganic–Organic S‐Scheme Heterojunction With Hierarchical Hollow Nanodisc Structure for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution from Antibiotic Wastewater Remediation
Authors: Yu Weili , Fang Ningjie , Liu Zhaobing , Chu Yinghao , Lai Bo
Published: October 2024

Efficient photocatalytic production of H2 from wastewater is expected to address environmental pollution and energy crises effectively. However, the rapid recombination of photoinduced carriers results in low photoconversion efficiency. At present, inorganic–organic S‐scheme heterojunction have become a prominent and promising technology. In this study, an organic ligand modified MIL‐125‐PDI/ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) inorganic–organic S‐scheme heterojunction catalyst is designed. ZIS nanosheets are grown on the disc‐shaped MIL‐125‐PDI surface to form a distinctive hollow nanodiscs with hierarchical structure, giving the material an abundance of surface active sites, an optimized electronic structure, and a spatially separated redox surface. Consequently, the optimal 100MIL‐125‐PDI250/ZIS exhibited high photocatalytic HER of 508.99 µmol g−1 h−1 in Tetracycline hydrochloride (TC‐HCl) solution. Meanwhile, the catalyst achieved complete TC‐HCl removal and mineralization rate of 66.62% in 4 h. Experimental and theoretical calculations corroborate that the staggered band alignment and work function difference between MIL‐125‐PDI and ZIS induce the formation of a built‐in electric field, thus regulating the charge transfer routes and consequently enhancing charge separation efficiency. The possible photocatalytic mechanism is analyzed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), and the toxicities of the degradation products are also evaluated. This work presents a green dual‐function strategy for H2 production and antibiotic wastewater recycling.