bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends and Frequencies of Antibiotic Prescriptions for Acute Sinusitis Outpatient Visits in Adults
Authors: Jin Vivian , Chiu Richard , Patel Manish , Zhu Amy , Perez Brandon , Lee Victoria
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the trends and frequency in which recommended first‐line therapy, amoxicillin with or without clavulanate, was prescribed for acute sinusitis based on current otolaryngology and other gold standard guidelines, as well as analyze differences in prescription behaviors of otolaryngologists compared with non‐otolaryngologists for outpatient adult acute sinusitis visits.

Methods

Weighted patient data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed to calculate visit rates and trends of antibiotic prescriptions for adults diagnosed with acute sinusitis from 2007 to 2019. Visits with multiple prescribed antibiotics or concomitant diagnoses requiring antibiotics were excluded. Each visit was classified based on the type of antibiotic prescribed.

Results

Acute sinusitis was diagnosed in 0.63% of all outpatient visits from 2007 to 2019 (95% confidence interval: 0.56%–0.71%). Amoxicillin had the greatest increase in prescription frequency (13.4%), whereas macrolides had the largest decrease in prescription frequency (13.9%). Among adult acute sinusitis outpatient visits in which antibiotics were prescribed, recommended first‐line antibiotic therapy of amoxicillin‐clavulanate or amoxicillin alone was prescribed in 40.4% of visits. The most common antibiotic prescribed was amoxicillin‐clavulanate at otolaryngologist visits (20.5%) and macrolides at non‐otolaryngologist visits (26.0%). A greater proportion of otolaryngologist visits resulted in no antibiotics prescribed for acute sinusitis (36.8% vs. 22.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Otolaryngologists engage in watchful waiting more than non‐otolaryngologists. Broader dissemination of existing guidelines for acute sinusitis treatment to non‐Otolaryngologist (ENT) primary care specialties that take care of acute sinusitis to improve antibiotic stewardship and appropriate antibiotic selection is needed.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2622–2625, 2024
Minimally Invasive Management of Neonatal Piriform Fossa Sinus Tract: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tobia Amjad , Cherukupalli Abhiram , Liu Alice Q. , Chadha Neil K.
Published: December 2023

Objective

In rare situations, neonates may present with respiratory distress and neck swelling from a piriform fossa sinus tract (PFST) lesion. Open surgical excision of PFST may be associated with higher complication rates, especially in neonates. Endoscopic treatment has been shown to have high success rates in older children, but neonatal outcomes appear to be less promising. The objective of this study was to review the existing literature on endoscopic treatment of PFST in neonates.

Review Methods

PRISMA‐ScR guidelines for scoping reviews were employed. Medline and Embase databases were searched in accordance with a detailed search strategy. Nine studies met criteria for inclusion.

Results

A total of 21 neonates with PFST treated endoscopically were reviewed. Mean age at onset of symptoms was 11.6 days. Neck swelling was the most common presenting symptom (20/21, 95%), followed by respiratory distress (6/9, 66.6%). Success rate after initial endoscopic treatment was 57% (12/21); among those, seven patients required additional concurrent treatments such as neck/pharyngeal swelling decompression or sclerotherapy. Nine patients underwent a second intervention (43%) and three patients (14%) required three interventions. Notably, 90% of patients (19/21) achieved success with only minimally invasive approaches. Two patients underwent open salvage surgical excision after recurrence following initial endoscopic treatment.

Conclusion

Neonates with PFST and cystic neck masses are prone to recurrence after initial minimally invasive endoscopic treatment; however, high success rate may be achieved after repeat interventions. Adjunctive measures to optimize outcome may include swelling decompression w/wo sclerotherapy to cause fibrosis and postoperative nasogastric tube feeding.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2585–2591, 2024
Yesterday's “lake” endures in its name—The etymology of lake names
Authors: Tranvik Lars
Published: December 2023

The global language of limnology is English, but most of our study objects do not have English names. Here, I compare 57,000 lake names in a lake‐rich, non‐English speaking country, that is, Sweden, with a previous analysis of 83,000 lakes in the conterminous United States. The diversity of lake name appellations is strikingly different. In the United States, three different appellations (“lake,” “pond,” “reservoir”) apply to 96% of the lakes, whereas in Sweden to account for 93% of the lakes, 76 different appellations and suffixes were required. The etymology of the remaining largely idiosyncratic 4000 lake names is difficult to assess, and of ancient origin. In the United States, lake names with appellations in languages of non‐English European colonizers are rare and lakes that include words in indigenous languages almost exclusively also include an English appellation. Contrastingly, in regions of Sweden where Sami, Finnish, and Meänkieli are spoken, lake names are typically fully indigenous, including the appellation. The historical reasons for the differences are discussed. Examples of malpractice in the use of lake names in scientific papers are presented, and suggestions are made for how we better can achieve a good lake‐name practice.
High‐Gain Waveguide Amplifiers in Ge25Sb10S65Photonics Heterogeneous Integration with Erbium‐Doped Al2O3Thin Films
Authors: Wang Chunxu , Song Jingcui , Ao Zhaohuan , Yang Shuixian , Li Yan , Li Xueyang , Zhu Ning , Chen Qingming , Li Zhaohui
Published: December 2023

High‐efficiency optical waveguide amplifiers are becoming desperately desirable in integrated photonics to provide sufficient power compensations. Various material platforms have been employed to realize on‐chip waveguide amplifiers to date. Chalcogenide glasses (ChGs), as one of the well‐developed and promising optical platforms, have been extensively studied due to the excellent properties of low loss and high third‐order nonlinearity. However, the performances of their waveguide amplifiers are far from expectations on account of the intrinsic natures of low rare‐earth ion solubility, low luminous efficiency in chalcogenide hosts as well as the high photoinduced absorption loss in certain compounds. Here, a heterogeneous optical amplifier is proposed and demonstrated in an alternative Ge25Sb10S65(GeSbS) waveguide via integration with an erbium‐doped aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer for the first time. A total 4.6 cm long spiral waveguide exhibits an internal net gain as high as 6.27 ± 0.618 dB at 1533 nm and a broad gain bandwidth over 40 nm ‐ ranging from 1520 nm to 1560 nm upon 1480 nm pumping. It is believed that this heterogeneous configuration will greatly enrich the functionality and versatility of the ChGs integrated photonics.
Cr3+‐Cr3+ Ion Pair Induced Fast Energy Migration in Cr3+ Doped Na‐β‐Al2O3 Ultra‐Wide Near‐Infrared Phosphors for NIR Spectroscopy Application
Authors: Pang Qianxi , Wang Yichao , Yan Liqing , Zhu Ge , Xu Sai , Zhang Jinsu , Zhang Xizhen , Cao Yongze , Chen Baojiu
Published: December 2023

Technological progress has promoted the development of ultra‐wide near‐infrared (NIR) luminescent materials as a new NIR light source. The ultra‐wide near‐infrared (NIR) emission in Na(Al,Ga)11O17:xCr3+(NAGO:xCr3+) phosphors is achieved by constructing unique Cr3+‐Cr3+ion pair confined structure. The Cr3+‐Cr3+ ion pairs can be observed at a low concentration of Cr3+ ions(x = 0.04), the increase of Ga3+ ion would promote the formation of Cr3+‐Cr3+ ion pairs, thereby effectively enhancing the energy migration process from high‐energy Cr3+ ions to low‐energy Cr3+ ones. Herein, the full width at half maximum can be finely adjusted in a wide range from 17 to 223 nm, while the emission peaks can shift from 704 to 860 nm. NAGO:xCr3+ exhibits the longest‐wavelength emission in the known Cr3+‐doped galliates and aluminates phosphors. The study further reveals the inherent mechanism of affect on the photoluminescence properties for Cr3+‐Cr3+ ion pairs. The quantum efficiency of optimal NaAl11O17:0.004Cr3+ (sharp emission) and NaGa11O17:0.02Cr3+(ultra‐wide emission) samples reaches 87.6% and 46.6% with high thermal stability (84.47% and 67.52%@150 °C), respectively. The comprehensive properties are excellent among known phosphors with similar property. Multifunctional applications of NAGO:xCr3+ in agricultural production, quality inspection, and imaging fields are also demonstrated.
Non‐Resonant Barrier Excitation in Conjugated Aromatic Ligand‐Modified Perovskite Quantum Dots Enables a High Quantum Efficiency
Authors: Yin Hang , Yang Qing , Bai Tianxin , Wang Honglei , Yang Bin , Wei Qinhua , Wu Yingnan , Zhang Ruiling , Qin Laishun , Chen Junsheng , Liu Feng , Liu Jianyong , Han Keli
Published: December 2023

CsPbI3 quantum dots (QDs) hold tremendous promise for quantum emitters, but they undergo a considerable energy loss when excited above their optical bandgap, which impedes the utilization of high‐energy photons. Different surface modification strategies have been proposed to improve the phase stability of CsPbI3 QDs, however, little progress has been made to realize high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) with high‐energy photon excitation. Here, a non‐resonant barrier excitation (NRBE) mechanism in conjugated aromatic tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP)‐modified CsPbI3 QDs is presented, which enables a high PLQY in the high‐energy excitation regime as well as enhanced phase stability. Particularly, the proposed H2TPP ligand possesses adequate energy depth needed to realize NRBE in CsPbI3 QDs, which allows efficient charge injection from organic ligands to the inorganic core. As a result, the H2TPP‐modified CsPbI3 QDs exhibit enhanced light absorption, large Stokes shift, and near‐unity red emission when excited above the optical bandgap. The findings provide new insights into the ligand design strategies for improving optoelectronic properties.
General Entropy Approach Toward Ultratough Sustainable Plastics
Authors: Hou Xunan , Pei Qing‐Xiang , Sun Wen , Song Bangjie , Chen Huixin , Liu Zhibang , Kong Junhua , Zhang Yong‐Wei , Liu Ping , He Chaobin
Published: December 2023

Entropy is a universal concept across the physics of mixtures. While the role of entropy in other multicomponent materials has been appreciated, its effects in polymers and plastics have not. In this work, it is demonstrated that the seemingly small mixing entropy contributes to the miscibility and performance of polymer alloys. Experimental and modeling studies on over 30 polymer pairs reveal a strong correlation between entropy, morphology, and mechanical properties, while elucidating the mechanism behind: in polymer blends with weak interactions, entropy leads to homogeneously dispersed nanosized domains stabilized by highly entangled chains. This unique microstructure promotes uniform plastic deformation at the interface, thus improving the toughness of conventional brittle polymers by 1–2 orders of magnitude without sacrificing other properties, analogous to high‐entropy metallic alloys. The proposed strategy also applies to ternary polymer systems and copolymers, offering a new pathway toward the development of sustainable polymers.
Targeted therapies in bladder cancer: signaling pathways, applications, and challenges
Authors: Peng Mei , Chu Xuetong , Peng Yan , Li Duo , Zhang Zhirong , Wang Weifan , Zhou Xiaochen , Xiao Di , Yang Xiaoping
Published: December 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies in men. Understanding molecular characteristics via studying signaling pathways has made tremendous breakthroughs in BC therapies. Thus, targeted therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) have markedly improved advanced BC outcomes over the last few years. However, the considerable patients still progress after a period of treatment with current therapeutic regimens. Therefore, it is crucial to guide future drug development to improve BC survival, based on the molecular characteristics of BC and clinical outcomes of existing drugs. In this perspective, we summarize the applications and benefits of these targeted drugs and highlight our understanding of mechanisms of low response rates and immune escape of ICIs, ADCs toxicity, and TKI resistance. We also discuss potential solutions to these problems. In addition, we underscore the future drug development of targeting metabolic reprogramming and cancer stem cells (CSCs) with a deep understanding of their signaling pathways features. We expect that finding biomarkers, developing novo drugs and designing clinical trials with precisely selected patients and rationalized drugs will dramatically improve the quality of life and survival of patients with advanced BC.
STAT4 facilitates PD‐L1 level via IL‐12R/JAK2/STAT3 axis and predicts immunotherapy response in breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Jianbo , Wan Feng , Wang Li , Peng Cheng , Huang Ruizhen , Peng Fu
Published: December 2023

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) is a critical transcription factor for T helper cell differentiation and tumor cells. Although its prognostic role and gene function have been reported in several carcinomas, the role of STAT4 in vitro and in vivo in breast cancer remains poorly understood. The effect of STAT4 in immunotherapy is also unclear. Therefore, we integrated bulk transcriptomics, experiments, and single‐cell transcriptomics to systematically analyze its function in prognosis and signaling pathway. Several clinical breast cancer cohorts confirmed STAT4 as a T‐cell relevant prognostic biomarker. Overexpressed STAT4 increased programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and major histocompatibility complex class II levels in breast cancer cells. In molecular mechanism, transcriptional synergy between STAT4 and STAT3 transactivated interleukin (IL)‐12R and involved a positive feedback loop: STAT4/IL‐12R/JAK2–STAT3–STAT4, which contributed to the upregulation of PD‐L1 expression. The above signaling axis was defined as the STAT4‐related pathway and its score was used to predict T‐cell expansion and anti‐PD1 treatment response. These findings highlight a novel molecular mechanism indirectly regulating PD‐L1 through the STAT4‐related pathway: IL‐12R/JAK2–STAT3–STAT4/PD‐L1, and it has potential application in predicting anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy response, which may pave the way for stratified immunotherapy in breast cancer.
Long time behavior of weak solutions for the nonlinear damped beam equation
Authors: Cui Pengxue , Ji Shuguan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider a nonlinear damped beam equation with logarithmic source and memory term. By using Galerkin method, logarithmic Sobolev inequality, and some compactness arguments, the global existence of weak solutions is obtained. Furthermore, we show the decay estimate of related energy under the smallness assumption on the initial data.
Self‐calibrated subspace reconstruction for multidimensional MR fingerprinting for simultaneous relaxation and diffusion quantification
Authors: Qiu Zhilang , Hu Siyuan , Zhao Walter , Sakaie Ken , Sun Jessie E. P. , Griswold Mark A. , Jones Derek K. , Ma Dan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To propose a new reconstruction method for multidimensional MR fingerprinting (mdMRF) to address shading artifacts caused by physiological motion‐induced measurement errors without navigating or gating.

Methods

The proposed method comprises two procedures: self‐calibration and subspace reconstruction. The first procedure (self‐calibration) applies temporally local matrix completion to reconstruct low‐resolution images from a subset of under‐sampled data extracted from the k‐space center. The second procedure (subspace reconstruction) utilizes temporally global subspace reconstruction with pre‐estimated temporal subspace from low‐resolution images to reconstruct aliasing‐free, high‐resolution, and time‐resolved images. After reconstruction, a customized outlier detection algorithm was employed to automatically detect and remove images corrupted by measurement errors. Feasibility, robustness, and scan efficiency were evaluated through in vivo human brain imaging experiments.

Results

The proposed method successfully reconstructed aliasing‐free, high‐resolution, and time‐resolved images, where the measurement errors were accurately represented. The corrupted images were automatically and robustly detected and removed. Artifact‐free T1, T2, and ADC maps were generated simultaneously. The proposed reconstruction method demonstrated robustness across different scanners, parameter settings, and subjects. A high scan efficiency of less than 20 s per slice has been achieved.

Conclusion

The proposed reconstruction method can effectively alleviate shading artifacts caused by physiological motion‐induced measurement errors. It enables simultaneous and artifact‐free quantification of T1, T2, and ADC using mdMRF scans without prospective gating, with robustness and high scan efficiency.
Lessons learned from nursing crisis meetings: Qualitative study to evaluate nurses' experiences and needs
Authors: op ‘t Hoog Sabine Adriana Johanna Josepha , de Vos Annemarie Johanna Burgje Maria
Published: December 2023

Aims

The aim of this study is to evaluate the nurses' experiences with the Nursing Crisis Meetings and to identify nurses' needs regarding the future governance structure.

Design

Qualitative study.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted in February 2022 with participants of the Nursing Crisis Meetings (N = 15). We used thematic analysis to describe themes.

Results

We identified five themes: opportunity to speak up, call for nursing leadership, call for control over practice and autonomy, development of a governance infrastructure and development of the professional nurse role.

Conclusion

Nurses experienced the Nursing Crisis Meetings to be a positive and empowering infrastructure, which facilitates the unique opportunity to speak up and share experiences and concerns. This new infrastructure is a promising strategy to engage nurses during a pandemic and to build on a professional governance structure.

Impact

This paper highlights the need for nurses to speak up and be engaged during the COVID‐19 pandemic and gives a practical example of how to put this infrastructure into practice.
Integrated care competencies and their association with cross‐cultural competence among registered nurses: A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Nekouei Marvi Langari Maliheh , Lindström Jaana , Heponiemi Tarja , Kaihlanen Anu‐Marja , Hietapakka Laura , Heidarian Miri Hamid , Turunen Hannele
Published: December 2023

Aim

To examine the association between the integrated care competencies and cross‐cultural competence of registered nurses prior to the integration of social and healthcare services in Finland.

Design

A descriptive correlational cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was conducted.

Methods

A simple random sample of 10,000 registered nurses was drawn from the Finnish Central Register of Valvira (National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health); 7000 of them were sent the online questionnaire, and a total of 1232 registered nurses participated in the study. We collected data using background questions, revised versions of the Competent Workforce for the Future tool in the four domains of client orientation, responsibility for personal or relative's welfare, fluency and clarity of services and access to the services and of the Cross‐Cultural Competence of Healthcare Professional tool in the four domains of motivation/curiosity, attitude, skill and emotion/empathy.

Results

Participants demonstrated a high level of integrated care competencies (mean = 4.00, SD ± 0.49). An association was observed between integrated care competencies and their domains of skills, motivation/curiosity, emotions/empathy, and cross‐cultural competence (p < 0.001). Female sex, older age, more working experience, employment in the private sector, and higher self‐rated competence for working in a multicultural environment were positively associated with higher integrated care competencies.

Conclusion

It is recommended that nurse managers and nurse educators emphasize the development of registered nurses' cross‐cultural competence alongside integrated care competencies to meet the needs of different individuals and communities when providing integrated care.

Patient or Public Contribution

Finnish registered nurses including all types of nurses, midwives and paramedics working the public and private healthcare, were involved in this study by responding to the online survey.
Self‐management theories, models and frameworks in patients with chronic heart failure: A scoping review
Authors: Chen Jie , Luo Wei‐Xiang , Yang Xiu‐Fen , Xiao Ju‐Lan , Zhan Bai‐Xue , Liu Yang , Wu Yan‐Ni
Published: December 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to synthesize the self‐management theory, model and frameworks of patients with chronic heart failure, focusing on construction process, methods and existing problems.

Background

Although the self‐management theories have been created and verified for those patients with chronic heart failure, no reviews have been performed to integrate these theories.

Design

A scoping review of recent literature (without a date limit) was conducted.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed. If the study reported the construction of a self‐management theory, model or framework about chronic heart failure cases, it would be included in the review.

Results

Fourteen studies were included, which could be categorized into situation‐specific theory, middle‐range theory and other theory models (including conceptual model, hypothetic regression model and identity description model). It also includes the update and validation of theories, the situation‐specific theoretical of caregiver contributions extended from situation‐specific theories and the nurse‐led situation‐specific theory in different contexts.

Conclusion

Self‐management might contribute to start an education programme before patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) begin their chronic disease live as an individual. Our scoping review indicates that a series of self‐management theories, models and frameworks for CHF patients have been developed, but more studies are still needed to validate and support these theories according to their cultural contexts.
Investigating soil layers with ground penetrating radar in the modern Yellow River Delta of China
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Xinju , Min Xiangyu , Xu Shuo , Zhao Guangming , Fan Deqiang
Published: December 2023

Soil layers affect the vertical movement of moisture and salt, eventually resulting in land cover and land use pattern changes. This study explored the ability of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to detect soil layers in the modern Yellow River Delta of China and assessed its accuracy. It was found that soil moisture and salt had a strong dampening effect on the electromagnetic wave signal which resulted in blurred GPR images of the soil profile below 1 m. The cultivated soil layers of different crop types, such as rice, wheat, corn and cotton, were accurately identified in GPR images. To estimate an individual soil layer thickness, the propagation velocity of the electromagnetic wave was calculated using soil mass moisture content, and the propagation time was confirmed by comparing the GPR image with the amplitude–time plot of the soil profile. The estimated thickness was 1.02 times the thickness determined in the field and the average estimation error was 0.04 m, which was 24.09% of the soil layer thickness determined in the field. The second derivative value of envelope amplitude energy with time (SDEA) was used to describe the amplitude change in the soil layers. The SDEA has negative logarithmic and power function relationships with soil mass moisture content and electrical conductivity, respectively. The present results provide a reference database for future quantitative soil investigation in the sedimentary plain area using GPR.
Low knowledge of national biodiversity symbols among urban South Africans limits their potential value as conservation flagship species
Authors: Tshikombeni Ondwela , Shackleton Charlie M. , Ntshudu Monde
Published: December 2023

Most countries have declared one or more animal or plant species to be among their national symbols, termed here national biodiversity symbols. National biodiversity symbols are the species formally or informally recognised by societies and countries as having meaning to one or more of national identity, values and unity.

It has been proposed previously that national biodiversity symbols can be used as flagship species to advance habitat conservation in their respective countries. However, this assumes that the symbols are well‐known and revered by the citizens of the country concerned. We examined this assumption via direct interviews with 382 urban residents in four towns in South Africa, which is a mega‐biodiversity country with five national biodiversity symbols (a national tree, flower, animal, bird and fish).

We found that less than 3% of the urban respondents could name all five species, ranging from 6% for the national tree to 40% for both the national flower and national animal. Knowledge of other national symbols (flag and anthem) were equally low. The number of national biodiversity symbols known increased with income and education level of respondents. Despite limited knowledge of which species were the national biodiversity symbols, almost two‐thirds of respondents felt that having national biodiversity symbols was important for promoting national identity.

These findings show that from a heritage perspective a great deal more awareness needs to be developed in South Africa around the national biodiversity symbols. From a conservation perspective, it indicates that the national biodiversity symbols are unlikely, at this stage at least, to be useful as flagship species for habitat conservation programmes.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Research on the benefits of nature to people: How much overlap is there in citations and terms for ‘nature’ across disciplines?
Authors: Howlett Kate , Turner Edgar C.
Published: December 2023

Research on the diverse benefits of nature to people is characterised by a broad range of disciplines involved, encompassing a variety of approaches, methods and terminologies. While a diversity of approaches is valuable, it can lead to difficulties in integrating and sharing findings, and could form a barrier to effective knowledge exchange, hindering the development and applications of research outputs.

As a starting point for this scoping review, we chose four broad research areas (medicine, psychology, education and environment), selected to represent disparate approaches to research on the benefits of nature to people, within and across which to explore overlap in citations and terms used to describe nature.

We conducted expert consultation and a snowball‐based approach to source publications, resulting in a sample of 210 papers spanning multiple disciplines within each of our four research areas. For each paper, we recorded the discipline of the journal in which it was published (publishing discipline), the discipline of its first author (first‐author discipline), the number of times journals of each discipline were cited in their bibliographies (cited discipline) and the term(s) used in the paper's title or abstract to describe the aspect of nature being explored (nature term).

The cited disciplines were significantly different between publishing and first‐author disciplines, with papers from psychology, education and public health citing distinct communities of papers. However, disciplines generally cite a wide range of other disciplines, with articles in medical journals being particularly broadly cited.

Nature terms were significantly different between publishing and first‐author disciplines, with some degree of consistency within disciplines (e.g. education papers consistently used a narrow range of nature terms, such as ‘outdoor learning’). However, there was a notably high range of nature terms used within psychology and public health papers, indicating that research from these disciplines may be particularly prone to being overlooked by search strings.

The wide range of disciplines cited is encouraging, since this indicates that diverse research areas are generally aware of each other's work. However, to avoid unnecessary expansion of nature terms and support searchability, we propose four key terms for nature: (‘outdoor learning’ OR ‘outdoor education’), (‘nature’ OR ‘natural’), (‘green space’ OR ‘greenspace’) and (‘biodiversity’ or ‘trees’), which could be used across disciplines. We particularly propose that at least one of these be included in every paper, and all four should be included in review search strings. This is likely to result in a better understanding of the valuable, disparate contributions made by different disciplines to this expanding and important topic.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Challenging our understanding of B‐cell lymphomagenesis and risk: Paediatric high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified with a DDX3X::MLLT10 fusion and an IGH deletion
Authors: Hare Lucy , Trotman Jamie , Tarpey Patrick , Hook Elizabeth , Burke G. A. Amos ,   Genomics England Research Consortium
Published: December 2023

We report a unique case of high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified in a 5‐year‐old child. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed a DDX3X::MLLT10 fusion, usually seen in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). This suggests the novel idea that MLLT10 fusions are capable of driving B‐cell malignancies. An IGH deletion usually only seen in adults was also found. These unique genetic findings provide novel insights into B‐cell lymphomagenesis. The child remains in remission 7 year post chemotherapy, which demonstrates that novel complex molecular findings do not always denote high‐risk disease.
Applications of plastics in the automotive industry: Current trends and future perspectives
Authors: Abedsoltan Hossein
Published: December 2023

Plastics have transformed the automotive industry, contributing substantially to automobile design, weight reduction, fuel efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This review paper examines the applications of plastics in the automotive sector, evaluates the present trends, and describes the future plastic consumption possibilities, emphasizing emerging technology and sustainable practices. The paper delineates how plastics have become an essential component of automotive innovation and illustrates the possibilities for additional breakthroughs in this dynamic industry.

Highlights

Advances in plastics, bioplastics, and smart materials in the auto industry.

Plastic role in design, safety, and sustainability in the auto industry.

Recycling and the circular economy of plastics in the auto industry.

Collaboration of stakeholders to drive change in the auto industry.
Self‐reported characteristics of people seeking primary care physiotherapy in Denmark: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pedersen Julie Rønne , Hartvigsen Jan , Hoegh Morten , Thorlund Jonas Bloch
Published: December 2023

Background

Limited knowledge exists on the self‐reported characteristics of patients seeking primary care physiotherapy in Denmark.

Objectives

To describe primary symptom site, co‐occurrent pain sites, pain intensity, symptom duration, and number of symptom episodes in patients seeking primary care physiotherapy using patient‐reported data.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of patients seeking primary care physiotherapy within a nationwide network of clinics in Denmark (FysioDanmark®). Data from the FysioDanmark® clinical database with patient‐reported information obtained from questionnaires distributed to patients prior to their first consultation were used. This included primary symptom site, co‐occurrent pain sites, pain intensity (0–10 numeric rating scale), symptom duration, and number of symptom episodes.

Results

Data from 61,097 patients (57% female) aged 42 years (interquartile range 29–53) and 63,566 first visits were included. The most common reasons for seeking care were back‐ (22.9%), non‐specific‐ (19.8%) and shoulder symptoms (15.9%). The majority of patients (89.4%) reported symptoms lasting longer than 7 days, and many experienced recurrent episodes. Median pain intensity ranged from 3 to 5 across primary symptom sites and age groups. In general, females reported higher pain intensity than males.

Conclusion

Danish patients seeking primary care physiotherapy most commonly presented with back, non‐specific, and shoulder symptoms, with mild‐to‐moderate pain lasting longer than 7 days, and many with recurrent episodes.
A Pseudo‐Junction Barrier Schottky Diode in p‐GaN/AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistor Epitaxial Layers
Authors: Sriramadasu Krishna Sai , Hsin Yue-Ming
Published: December 2023

This work investigates a pseudo‐junction barrier Schottky (pseudo‐JBS) diode that is created by placing an AlGaN/GaN Schottky diode in parallel with a p‐GaN junction on the same epitaxial p‐GaN gate AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) wafer. This pseudo‐JBS diode employs the two‐dimentional electron gas to increase the operation current, thus reducing the on‐resistance with high blocking voltage. The fabricated pseudo‐JBS diode with anode‐to‐cathode lengths (LAC) of 10 μm shows a turn‐on voltage of 1.05 V, a minimum specific on‐resistance (RON,MIN) of 2.53 mΩ cm2, and blocking voltage of 1112 V yielding an excellent Baliga's figure of merit of 488.7 MW cm−2 on the same epitaxial p‐GaN/AlGaN/GaN HEMT wafer. This study provides a promising substitute for Schottky barrier diodes without requiring extra p‐GaN layer design.
Monoterpenoids: An upcoming class of therapeutic agents for modulating cancer metastasis
Authors: Mathur Anurag , Meena Abha , Luqman Suaib
Published: December 2023

Monoterpenoids, a sub‐class of terpenoids, are secondary metabolites frequently extracted from the essential oils of aromatic plants. Their antitumor properties including antiproliferative, apoptotic, antiangiogenic, and antimetastatic effects along with other biological activities have been the subject of extensive study due to their diverse characteristics. In recent years, numerous investigations have been conducted to understand its potential anticancer impacts, specifically focusing on antiproliferative and apoptotic mechanisms. Metastasis, a malignancy hallmark, can exert either protective or destructive influences on tumor cells. Despite this, the potential antimetastatic and antiangiogenic attributes of monoterpenoids need further exploration. This review focuses on specific monoterpenoids, examining their effects on metastasis and relevant signaling pathways. The monoterpenoids exhibit a high level of complexity as natural products that regulate metastatic proteins through various signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/jun N‐terminal kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epithelial mesenchymal transition process. Additionally, this review delves into the biosynthesis and classification of monoterpenoids, their potential antitumor impacts on cell lines, the plant sources of monoterpenoids, and the current status of limited clinical trials investigating their efficacy against cancer. Moreover, monoterpenoids depict promising potential in preventing cancer metastasis, however, inadequate clinical trials limit their drug usage. State‐of‐the‐art techniques and technologies are being employed to overcome the challenges of utilizing monoterpenoids as an anticancer agent.
Scalable Implementation of Temporal and Phase Encoding QKD with Phase‐Randomized States
Authors: Francesconi Saverio , De Lazzari Claudia , Ribezzo Domenico , Vagniluca Ilaria , Biagi Nicola , Occhipinti Tommaso , Zavatta Alessandro , Bacco Davide
Published: December 2023

Quantum key distribution (QKD), that is, exchanging cryptographic keys encoded in quantum particles exploiting the laws of quantum physics, is already a reality in our society. Current implementations are based on attenuated laser technique, a practical replacement of single photons which requires a random phase for each quantum state in order to achieve the highest level of security. In particular, the time‐bin and phase encoding techniques are mainly exploiting laser in gain‐switching modes combined with asymmetric interferometers or multiple laser sources in a master–slave configuration, which present limitations in terms of stability and scalability. In this work, a novel scheme for implementing a reconfigurable and scalable QKD transmitter based on the time‐bin encoding protocol with a decoy‐state method employing phase‐randomized weak coherent states is proposed and demonstrated. The scheme is tested and validated up to 26 dB‐attenuation channel using standard single‐photon detectors working in the telecom wavelength range.
Reaction with Water Vapor Defines Surface Reconstruction and Membranolytic Activity of Quartz Milled in Different Molecular Environments
Authors: Bellomo Chiara , Lagostina Valeria , Pavan Cristina , Paganini Maria Cristina , Turci Francesco
Published: December 2023

Industrial processing of quartz (SiO2) and quartz‐containing materials produces toxic dust. Fracturing quartz crystals opens the Si‒O bond and produces highly reactive surface species which mainly react with molecules like water and oxygen. This surface‐reconstruction process forms silanol (Si‒OH) on the quartz surface, which can damage biological membranes under specific configurations. To comprehend the impact of the quartz surface restructuring on membranolytic activity, the formation and reactivity of quartz radicals produced in four distinct molecular environments with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy are evaluated and their membranolytic activity is measured through in vitro hemolysis test. The four molecular environments are formulated with and without molecular water vapor and oxygen (±H2O/±O2). The absence of water favored the formation of surface radical species. In water‐rich environments, diamagnetic species prevailed due to radical recombination. Quartz milled in −H2O/±O2 acquired membranolytic activity when exposed to water vapor, unlike quartz milled in +H2O/±O2. After being stabilized by reaction with water vapor, the membranolytic activity of quartz is maintained over time. It is demonstrated that the type and the reactivity of radical sites on quartz are modulated by the outer molecular environment, ultimately determining the biological activity of milled quartz dust.
Regulating Ir−O Covalency to Boost Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Jiayan , Zou Wenwu , Zhang Jiaxi , Zhang Longhai , Song Huiyu , Cui Zhiming , Du Li
Published: December 2023

The unsatisfactory oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of IrO2 has intensively raised the cost and energy consumption of hydrogen generation from proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Here, the acidic OER activity of the rutile IrO2 is significantly enhanced by the incorporation of trivalent metals (e.g., Gd, Nd, and Pr) to increase the Ir−O covalency, while the high‐valence (pentavalent or higher) metal incorporation decreases the Ir−O covalency resulting in worse OER activity. Experimental and theoretical analyses indicate that enhanced Ir−O covalency activates lattice oxygen and triggers lattice oxygen‐mediated mechanism to enhance OER kinetics, which is verified by the finding of a linear relationship between the natural logarithm of intrinsic activity and Ir−O covalency described by charge transfer energy. By regulating the Ir−O covalency, the obtained Gd‐IrO2–δ merely needs 260 mV of overpotential to reach 10 mA cm−2 and shows impressive stability during a 200‐h test in 0.5 м H2SO4. This work provides an effective strategy for significantly enhancing the OER activity of the widely used IrO2 electrocatalysts through the rational regulation of Ir−O covalency.
Reduction of Operating Current by Harnessing the Field‐ and Damping‐Like Torque Ratios in Nonmagnet–Ferromagnet Heterojunctions
Authors: Lee Min Hyeok , Kim Seok-Jong , Yoon Seok In , Lee Jeong Kyu , Ko Han Seok , Kim Gyusang , Hong Seokhie , Lee Kyung-Jin , Kim Young Keun
Published: December 2023

With the growing demand for high‐speed electronic devices with low energy consumption, spin–orbit torque (SOT) has become a significant focus. SOT can switch the magnetization direction in a material system with broken inversion symmetry, such as a normal metal (NM)/ferromagnet (FM) heterojunction. The SOT consists of two mutually orthogonal vector components along with the injected current direction: the transverse damping‐like torque (DLT) and the longitudinal field‐like torque (FLT). Numerous studies have mainly centered on the DLT for the SOT switching mechanism. However, DLT and FLT are essential to enhance SOT efficiency because FLT boosts the magnetization precession motion. Herein, heterojunctions consisting of NM 1 (Ta, W, or Pt)/NM 2 (Nb)/FM (CoFeB) are devised to manipulate the FLT‐to‐DLT ratio (η) through the change in Nb thickness. Furthermore, experimental confirmation exists for reducing threshold current as η increases. The SOT devices with substantial η generate random numbers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800‐90B test verifies randomness and confirms that the SOT devices are beneficial sources for true random number generators (TRNGs). These findings indicate the crucial role of FLT in the SOT switching process and underscore its significance in developing SOT‐based TRNG devices.
Production of Nitrogen‐Alloyed Stainless Steels in Argon Oxygen Decarburization Converter: Kinetics and Modeling of Nitrogenation and Denitrogenation
Authors: Pitkälä Jyrki , Holappa Lauri , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: December 2023

The study aims to comprehend the behavior of nitrogen in the argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) process during the production of nitrogen‐alloyed stainless steels, where the precise adjustment of nitrogen content plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity. Furthermore, the objective is to investigate the rate of change in nitrogen content when blowing a mixture of nitrogen and argon, instead of using pure nitrogen or argon alone. Hence, both nitrogenation and denitrogenation cases are examined, and kinetic models are developed. While solution thermodynamics can predict the final nitrogen content, the kinetics are influenced by the gas flow rate, steel temperature and composition, and levels of the surface active elements in the steel. By integrating a previously developed thermodynamic equilibrium equation with the kinetic models, nitrogen contents in the range of 0.150–0.400% can be reliably predicted. Consequently, the equations can be applied to predict nitrogen content during both the nitrogenation and denitrogenation stages in the reduction and desulfurization phases of the AOD process.
Fatigue performance of prefabricated composite T‐beams under cyclic overloading: An experimental study
Authors: Xie Zhi‐Yu , Zhang Da‐Wei , Wu Xi , Dai Jian‐Guo , Ueda Tamon
Published: December 2023

Existing studies have proved that interfaces between the prefabricated layer and the cast‐in‐place layer significantly affect the static performance of prefabricated concrete structures using the wet connection method, but little has been known about the fatigue performance, especially at high load levels. This study investigated the fatigue behavior of prefabricated composite concrete beams under negative bending moment induced by the high‐stress level cyclic load. Fifteen composite T‐beams with three different designed sections were tested. The failure mode, cracking and deflection behavior, steel strain development, and the new‐old concrete interfacial deformation were recorded and analyzed. It was found that the stress redistribution occurred with the debonding cracks generated at the new‐old concrete interface, causing the degradation of the static and fatigue performance. Setting interfacial shear keys could prevent such debonding failure at static and low cyclic loading levels. Meanwhile, the corresponding mechanisms were verified through cross‐sectional analysis.
Improved analytic method for outrigger structures considering floor stiffness
Authors: Chen Lin , Tan Ping , Zhao Xiaofeng , Xu Yafei , Zhou Fulin
Published: December 2023

Current analytical models for outrigger structures in super high‐rise buildings tend to oversimplify by not considering the stiffness of individual floors. This paper introduces a more refined calculation model, based on the substructure method, which takes floor stiffness into account. To verify our proposed approach, we derived a mathematical algorithm and developed a finite element model using ANSYS. When compared to traditional methods that only account for outrigger stiffness, our model, which incorporates both outrigger and floor stiffness, provides improved accuracy in calculating vertex displacement. It also suggests an upward shift in the optimal position for the outrigger and bolsters the overall building's lateral stiffness. To further our analysis, we introduced an equivalent stiffness calculation formula, using the Bayesian parameter estimation method. When applied to dynamic analysis, this formula aligns closely with the results from the finite element simulations. Furthermore, the suggested algorithm for determining the best position for the outrigger is consistent with theoretical calculations. By considering the contribution of regular floors to the overall structure, we found that the fitted equivalent core tube stiffness offers a reliable reflection of structural stiffness. Lastly, when this equivalent stiffness was applied to a dynamic analysis based on Rayleigh's energy method, there was a noticeable reduction in computational effort. This yields not only more efficient calculations but also precise results, rendering it particularly valuable during the initial design phases of high‐rise buildings.
Damage tracking and hysteresis‐based evaluation of seismic‐excited RC shear wall using monitoring data
Authors: Shan Jiazeng , Wang Luji , Loong Cheng Ning , Zhang Hanqing , Huang Peican
Published: December 2023

Reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls play an important role as the seismic resisting system in tall buildings. Yet, assessing the seismic damage of real‐world shear walls remains a challenging task. In this study, a damage index that relies on the vibration data measured by the sensors embedded in the structure is proposed to evaluate the damage condition of shear walls. The damage index is formed by the linear combination of two normalized terms, which, respectively, characterize the peak and the cumulative damages of the shear walls with little knowledge of real‐life structural hysteresis. The damage tracking and evaluation based on the substructure level and the story level are discussed. The damage indices evaluated using the hysteretic loops made by the shear and bending information of the shear wall are further compared. The feasibility of the proposed damage index is examined using a numerically simulated 12‐story coupled shear wall structure. It is then applied to analyze the experiments regarding the damage condition of RC shear walls under earthquakes. Results show that the proposed damage index can track the damage states of RC shear walls under seismic excitations. Analysis suggests that the proposed damage index could trace and distinguish the progression of shear and flexural damages, which potentially supports the post‐earthquake structural safety management.