bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Funding for Refugee Health Research From the National Institutes of Health Between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Kaur Mehak , Bridi Lana , Kaki Dahlia , Albahsahli Behnan , Bencheikh Nissma , Saadi Altaf , Bandoli Gretchen , Anderson Cheryl A.M. , Sideman Alissa Bernstein , Al-Rousan Tala
Published: January 2024

Importance

The US has historically resettled more refugees than any other country, with over 3.5 million refugees since 1980. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest public funder of biomedical research and development, but its role in mitigating many health disparities refugees experience through its funded research remains unknown.

Objective

To examine the NIH’s research funding patterns on refugee health research over the last 2 decades.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Secondary analysis of NIH-funded grants between 2000 and 2020 using a cross-sectional study design. The NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools database was used to find relevant grants. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to September 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

NIH grants awarded by year, state, grant type, research area, funding institute, grant duration, and amount funded.

Results

Of 1.7 million NIH grants funded over the 20-year study period, only 78 addressed refugee health. Funded grants were mostly training grants (23 grants [29%]), followed by hypothesis-driven research (R01 grants; 22 grants [28%]), pilot or preliminary investigation proposals (13 grants [17%]), and other types of grants (20 grants [26%]). The most studied research domain was mental health (36 grants [46%]), followed by refugee family dynamics and women’s and children’s health (14 grants [18%]). A total of 26 grants (33%) were funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and 15 (19%) were funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Most grants were US-based (60 grants [76%]) and the state of Massachusetts received the greatest amount of funding ($14 825 852 [18%]). In 2020, the NIH allocated about $2.3 million to refugee health research, or less than 0.01% of its $42 billion budget that year. The number of grants funded in each time period did not always reflect changes in the number of refugees resettled in the US over the years.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study found that there remain significant gaps in the understanding of and interventions in the health research needs of refugees locally and along the migratory route. To close these gaps, the NIH should increase its investments in comprehensive studies assessing the physical, mental, and social well-being of this expanding population. This can be achieved by ensuring that all NIH institutes allocate budgets specifically for refugee health research and extend support for the training of refugee researchers.
Fat Body Mass and Vertebral Fracture Progression in Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Cosentini Deborah , Pedersini Rebecca , Di Mauro Pierluigi , Zamparini Manuel , Schivardi Greta , Rinaudo Luca , Di Meo Nunzia , Delbarba Andrea , Cappelli Carlo , Laganà Marta , Alberti Andrea , Baronchelli Maria , Guerci Greta , Laini Lara , Grisanti Salvatore , Simoncini Edda Lucia , Farina Davide , Mazziotti Gherardo , Berruti Alfredo ,   Bone Health Group of the ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Boglioni Monica , Calzoni Giulia
Published: January 2024

Importance

Women with early breast cancer (EBC) exposed to aromatase inhibitors (AIs) may experience fragility fractures despite treatment with bone-active drugs. Risk factors for fractures in patients receiving AIs and denosumab have not been explored to date.

Objectives

To evaluate whether an association exists between dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)–measured fat body mass (FBM) and vertebral fracture (VF) progression in postmenopausal women with EBC undergoing adjuvant therapy with AIs in combination with denosumab and to examine whether VF was associated with common risk factors for bone fracture and parameters of body composition other than FBM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

For this prospective, single-center, cohort study, 237 patients with EBC who were undergoing adjuvant treatment with AIs and denosumab (60 mg every 6 months) were enrolled at the Breast Unit of the ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia from September 2014 to June 2018. Data analysis was conducted in June 2022.

Exposure

Body composition parameters, bone mineral density, and morphometric VFs were assessed by DXA at study entry and after 18 months of therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

VF progression, defined as either new or worsening of preexisting VFs, between the 2 time points.

Results

Of the 237 patients enrolled (median [range] age, 61 [28-84] years), 17 (4.4%) reported VF progression. Univariable analysis found an association between VF progression and a history of clinical fractures (odds ratio [OR], 3.22; 95% CI, 1.19-8.74; P = .02), Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) score for major fractures (OR, 4.42; 95% CI, 1.23-13.79; P = .04), percentage of FBM (OR, 6.04; 95% CI, 1.69-21.63; P = .006), and android fat (OR, 9.58; 95% CI, 1.17-78.21; P = .04) and an inverse association with appendicular lean mass index–FBM ratio (OR, 0.25, 95% CI, 0.08-0.82; P = .02). Multivariable analysis revealed percentage of FBM (OR, 5.41; 95% CI, 1.49-19.59; P = .01) and FRAX score (OR, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.09-14.39; P = .04) as independent variables associated with VF progression.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that baseline FBM is an independent factor for VF progression in patients with EBC treated with adjuvant AIs and denosumab. This observation is new and indicates that diet and exercise may synergize with denosumab in the management of bone health in this patient setting.
Population-Based Validation of the MIA and MSKCC Tools for Predicting Sentinel Lymph Node Status
Authors: Olofsson Bagge Roger , Mikiver Rasmus , Marchetti Michael A. , Lo Serigne N. , van Akkooi Alexander C. J. , Coit Daniel G. , Ingvar Christian , Isaksson Karolin , Scolyer Richard A. , Thompson John F. , Varey Alexander H. R. , Wong Sandra L. , Lyth Johan , Bartlett Edmund K.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Patients with melanoma are selected for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) based on their risk of a positive SLN. To improve selection, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) developed predictive models, but the utility of these models remains to be tested.

Objective

To determine the clinical utility of the MIA and MSKCC models.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a population-based comparative effectiveness research study including 10 089 consecutive patients with cutaneous melanoma undergoing SLNB from the Swedish Melanoma Registry from January 2007 to December 2021. Data were analyzed from May to August 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures,

The predicted probability of SLN positivity was calculated using the MSKCC model and a limited MIA model (using mitotic rate as absent/present instead of count/mm2 and excluding the optional variable lymphovascular invasion) for each patient. The operating characteristics of the models were assessed and compared. The clinical utility of each model was assessed using decision curve analysis and compared with a strategy of performing SLNB on all patients.

Results

Among 10 089 included patients, the median (IQR) age was 64.0 (52.0-73.0) years, and 5340 (52.9%) were male. The median Breslow thickness was 1.8 mm, and 1802 patients (17.9%) had a positive SLN. Both models were well calibrated across the full range of predicted probabilities and had similar external area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC; MSKCC: 70.8%; 95% CI, 69.5-72.1 and limited MIA: 69.7%; 95% CI, 68.4-71.1). At a risk threshold of 5%, decision curve analysis indicated no added net benefit for either model compared to performing SLNB for all patients. At risk thresholds of 10% or higher, both models added net benefit compared to SLNB for all patients. The greatest benefit was observed in patients with T2 melanomas using a threshold of 10%; in that setting, the use of the nomograms led to a net reduction of 8 avoidable SLNBs per 100 patients for the MSKCC nomogram and 7 per 100 patients for the limited MIA nomogram compared to a strategy of SLNB for all.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study confirmed the statistical performance of both the MSKCC and limited MIA models in a large, nationally representative data set. However, decision curve analysis demonstrated that using the models only improved selection for SLNB compared to biopsy in all patients when a risk threshold of at least 7% was used, with the greatest benefit seen for T2 melanomas at a threshold of 10%. Care should be taken when using these nomograms to guide selection for SLNB at the lowest thresholds.
In‐Sensor Passive Speech Classification with Phononic Metamaterials
Authors: Dubček Tena , Moreno‐Garcia Daniel , Haag Thomas , Omidvar Parisa , Thomsen Henrik R. , Becker Theodor S. , Gebraad Lars , Bärlocher Christoph , Andersson Fredrik , Huber Sebastian D. , van Manen Dirk‐Jan , Villanueva Luis Guillermo , Robertsson Johan O.A. , Serra‐Garcia Marc
Published: January 2024

Mitigating the energy requirements of artificial intelligence requires novel physical substrates for computation. Phononic metamaterials have vanishingly low power dissipation and hence are a prime candidate for green, always‐on computers. However, their use in machine learning applications has not been explored due to the complexity of their design process. Current phononic metamaterials are restricted to simple geometries (e.g., periodic and tapered) and hence do not possess sufficient expressivity to encode machine learning tasks. A non‐periodic phononic metamaterial, directly from data samples, that can distinguish between pairs of spoken words in the presence of a simple readout nonlinearity is designed and fabricated, hence demonstrating that phononic metamaterials are a viable avenue towards zero‐power smart devices.
Ether‐Based Electrolyte for High‐Temperature and High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Xu Tonghui , Zheng Tianle , Ru Zhengzheng , Song Jinhua , Gu Meirong , Yue Ye , Xiao Yiyao , Amzil Said , Gao Jie , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Wang Ke , Zhao Hongbin , Cheng Ya‐Jun , Xia Yonggao
Published: January 2024

The compatibility of lithium metal with organic solvents is the most crucial for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Even though ether solvents show excellent compatibility toward lithium metal, the reactivity of the ether solvents at elevated temperatures and high voltages hinders their utilization in lithium metal battery systems. In this study, a high‐temperature ether electrolyte is designed comprising lithium oxalyldifluoroborate (LiODFB), diethylene glycol dibutyl ether (DGDE), 3‐methoxypropionitrile (MPN), and fluorinated ethylene carbonate (FEC), which is abbreviated as MDF electrolyte. The presence of MPN in the electrolyte changes the solvation structure, thereby facilitating increased redox reactions of ODFB− and synergizing with FEC to build a robust solid electrolyte interface (SEI), effectively inhibiting lithium dendrites growth and solvent decomposition. Consequently, the MDF electrolyte exhibits not only long cyclic stability and high coulombic efficiency in Li||Cu and Li||Li cells but also excellent cyclic characteristics in both Li||LiFePO4 (LFP) and Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cells. Remarkably, these cells demonstrate stable operation even when exposed to higher temperatures of up to 80 °C, while the Li||NCM811 cell maintains consistent cyclic stability at an elevated voltage level of 4.5 V.
High‐Content Carbon Layer Confined Small‐Molecule/Covalent Sulfur Cathode Enables Long‐Life Calcium–Sulfur Batteries in Hybrid‐Ion Electrolyte
Authors: Wu Shuang , Jiang Zuobei , Wu Canhong , Li Haitao , Huang Junxi , Li Na , Huang Shaoming
Published: January 2024

Calcium‐sulfur (Ca‐S) battery is a promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage system. However, the development of long‐life room‐temperature Ca–S batteries is hindered by the lack of effective sulfur cathode and the incompatibility between electrodes and electrolytes, leading to irreversible sulfur conversion, inefficient calcium plating/stripping and improper cathode/anode‐electrolyte interfaces (CEI/SEI). Herein, a turbo carbon layer confined small‐molecule/covalent sulfur cathode (S@C NS) with a record‐high content of 65.7% and enlarged carbon layer space is prepared via a C/S co‐deposition process. By using such a cathode and optimizing interfacial electrochemistry in LiPF6/Ca(BF4)2‐based hybrid electrolyte, a record‐breaking long‐life room‐temperature Ca‐S battery is reported. The capacity reaches 824.6 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 with a retention of 47.9% after 145 cycles, and 462.1 mAh g−1 at even 500 mA g−1. Mechanism studies demonstrated that a Li/Ca‐based hybrid CEI with porous microstructure is found to facilitate the transfer kinetics of Ca2+ across the CEI; Turbo carbon layers with large inter‐layer space and their strong confinement on small‐molecule sulfur enabled reversible solid‐state sulfur conversion in situ inside the cathode; An effective Li/Ca‐based hybrid SEI formed on anode, allowing reversible Ca plating/stripping with low deposition potential and small overpotential.
DTBDT‐Based Polymer Hole Transport Materials for Low Voltage Loss CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Chen , Tang Ailing , Guo Qiang , Zhang Weilin , Yang Lei , Ding Yuanjia , Dai Zheng , Zhou Erjun
Published: January 2024

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still far from the theoretical efficiency due to the pronounced losses in open‐circuit voltage (VOC). The VOC loss can be mitigated by employing an appropriate hole transport layer (HTL), which facilitates energy level alignment and minimizes interface recombination losses. In this work, two D‐π‐A type polymers are chosen, PE64 and PE65, as HTLs, where pentacyclic dithieno[2,3‐d; 2′,3′‐d “]benzo[1,2‐b; 4,5‐b”]dithiophene (DTBDT) as the D‐unit and quinoxaline (Qx) as the A‐unit. It is demonstrated that the polymer PE65 with chlorinated thiophene side chain on the DTBDT unit has an optimized molecular arrangement, improved energy level matching, and enhanced passivation with CsPbI2Br, effectively reducing the losses caused by radiative and non‐radiative recombination in CsPbI2Br PSCs. Finally, the CsPbI2Br PSCs utilizing PE65 as HTL achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.60% with a high VOC of 1.44 V. Furthermore, the PE64 and PE65 are also employed to construct inter‐connecting layers (ICLs) for tandem solar cells (TSCs). The CsPbI2Br/D18:Y6 TSCs based on PE65‐ICL yield a PCE of 22.32% with a high VOC of 2.25 V. This work demonstrates that pentacyclic DTBDT‐based polymers are also promising HTLs for high‐performance PSCs and TSCs.
Injectable Mesh‐Like Conductive Hydrogel Patch for Elimination of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Dai Jing , Wang Bingfang , Chang Zhiqiang , Lu Xinxin , Nie Jianfang , Ren Qinjuan , Lv Yingying , Rotenberg Menahem Y. , Fang Yin
Published: January 2024

Irregular electrical impulses in atrium are the leading cause of atrial fibrillation (AF), resulting in fatal arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Traditional medication and physical therapies are widely used, but generally suffer problems in serious physical damage and high surgical risks. Flexible and soft implants have great potential to be a novel approach for heart diseases therapy. A conductive hydrogel‐based mesh cardiac patch is developed for application in AF elimination. The designed mesh patch with rhombic‐shaped structure exhibits excellent flexibility, surface conformability, and deformation compliance, making it fit well with heart surface and accommodate to the deformation during heart beating. Moreover, the mechanical elastic and shape‐memory properties of the mesh patch enable a minimally invasive injection of the patch into living animals. The mesh patch is implanted on the atrium surface for one month, indicating good biocompatibility and stability. Furthermore, the conductive patch can effectively eliminate AF owing to the conductivity and high charge storage capability (CSC) of the hydrogel. The proposed scheme of cardiac bioelectric signal modulation using conductive hydrogel brings new possibility for the treatment of arrhythmia diseases.
Ultrathin Magnesium‐Based Coating as an Efficient Oxygen Barrier for Superconducting Circuit Materials
Authors: Zhou Chenyu , Mun Junsik , Yao Juntao , Anbalagan Aswin kumar , Hossain Mohammad D. , McLellan Russell A. , Li Ruoshui , Kisslinger Kim , Li Gengnan , Tong Xiao , Head Ashley R. , Weiland Conan , Hulbert Steven L. , Walter Andrew L. , Li Qiang , Zhu Yimei , Sushko Peter V. , Liu Mingzhao
Published: January 2024

Scaling up superconducting quantum circuits based on transmon qubits necessitates substantial enhancements in qubit coherence time. Over recent years, tantalum (Ta) has emerged as a promising candidate for transmon qubits, surpassing conventional counterparts in terms of coherence time. However, amorphous surface Ta oxide layer may introduce dielectric loss, ultimately placing a limit on the coherence time. In this study, a novel approach for suppressing the formation of tantalum oxide using an ultrathin magnesium (Mg) capping layer is presented. Synchrotron‐based X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies demonstrate that oxide is confined to an extremely thin region directly beneath the Mg/Ta interface. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the superconducting properties of thin Ta films are improved following the Mg capping, exhibiting sharper and higher‐temperature transitions to superconductive and magnetically ordered states. Moreover, an atomic‐scale mechanistic understanding of the role of the capping layer in protecting Ta from oxidation is established based on computational modeling. This work provides valuable insights into the formation mechanism and functionality of surface tantalum oxide, as well as a new materials design principle with the potential to reduce dielectric loss in superconducting quantum materials. Ultimately, the findings pave the way for the realization of large‐scale, high‐performance quantum computing systems.
Capacitive‐Coupling‐Responsive Hydrogel Scaffolds Offering Wireless In Situ Electrical Stimulation Promotes Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Wu Ping , Xu Chao , Zou Xianghui , Yang Kun , Xu Yanping , Li Xueyao , Li Xiaokun , Wang Zhouguang , Luo Zhiqiang
Published: January 2024

Electrical stimulation (ES) has shown beneficial effects in repairing injured tissues. However, current ES techniques that use tissue‐traversing leads and bulky external power suppliers have significant limitations in translational medicine. Hence, exploring noninvasive in vivo ES to provide controllable electrical cues in tissue engineering is an imminent necessity. Herein, a conductive hydrogel with in situ electrical generation capability as a biodegradable regeneration scaffold and wireless ES platform for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair is demonstrated. When a soft insulated metal plate is placed on top of the injury site as a wireless power transmitter, the conductive hydrogel implanted at the injury site can serve as a wireless power receiver, and the capacitive coupling between the receiver and transmitter can generate an alternating current in the hydrogel scaffold owing to electrostatic induction effect. In a complete transection model of SCI rats, the implanted conductive hydrogels with capacitive‐coupling in situ ES enhance functional recovery and neural tissue repair by promoting remyelination, accelerating axon regeneration, and facilitating endogenous neural stem cell differentiation. This facile wireless‐powered electroactive‐hydrogel strategy thus offers on‐demand in vivo ES with an adjustable timeline, duration, and strength and holds great promise in translational medicine.
Optimizing Edge Active Sites via Intrinsic In‐Plane Iridium Deficiency in Layered Iridium Oxides for Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Lina , Du Ruofei , Liang Xiao , Zou Yongcun , Zhao Xiao , Chen Hui , Zou Xiaoxin
Published: January 2024

Improving catalytic activity of surface iridium sites without compromising catalytic stability is the core task of designing more efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid. This work presents phase transition of a bulk layered iridate Na2IrO3 in acid solution at room temperature, and subsequent exfoliation to produce 2D iridium oxide nanosheets with around 4 nm thickness. The nanosheets consist of OH‐terminated, honeycomb‐type layers of edge‐sharing IrO6 octahedral framework with intrinsic in‐plane iridium deficiency. The nanosheet material is among the most active Ir‐based catalysts reported for acidic OER and gives an iridium mass activity improvement up to a factor of 16.5 over rutile IrO2 nanoparticles. The material also exhibits good catalytic and structural stability and retains the catalytic activity for more than 1300 h. The combined experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that edge Ir sites of the layer are active centers for OER, with structural hydroxyl groups participating in the catalytic cycle of OER via a non‐traditional adsorbate evolution mechanism. The existence of intrinsic in‐plane iridium deficiency is the key to building a unique local environment of edge active sites that have optimal surface oxygen adsorption properties and thereby high catalytic activity.
Fabrication of Porous Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensing Electrodes Through Nanosecond‐Laser Patterning of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Arthanari Srinivasan , Sivaprakasam Radhakrishnan , Park Jong‐Eun , Yang Minyang , Lee Huseung , Kim Byoung‐Suhk , Hwang June Sik
Published: January 2024

Nanosecond laser patterning of Copper Metal–Organic Framework (Cu‐MOF) coated substrates is performed to fabricate non‐enzymatic glucose sensing electrodes. The Cu‐MOF coated glass substrate with a cover glass is subjected to a laser patterning process; the amount of MOF, laser fluence, and scan speeds mainly influenced the patterning process. The electrodes are fabricated on coated and covered glass with varying electrical conductivity due to the high laser energy absorptivity. The patterned electrodes consist of graphitic carbon incorporated with nano‐Cu and show a stable electrical conductivity on the coated substrates. The electrodes are chemically active in the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox system; however, their activity varies with patterning conditions. The electrochemical studies in alkaline electrolytes reveal that the as‐fabricated electrodes can sense the glucose molecule in the linear concentration range of 0.025–1.0 and 1.0–10.0 mm, with a maximum sensitivity of 3260.3 µA mM−1 cm−2 and a response time of no more than 5 s, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.25 µm. The current recovery rate is higher (> 80%) when adding glucose molecules than when adding other interference molecules, confirming that the electrode is selective toward glucose sensing. The results reveal that the fabricated electrodes act as stable, reusable, non‐enzymatic glucose‐sensing electrodes.
Synthesis of Green Photoluminescence Carbon Dots Using Edible Seafood Mushroom and Their Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Duan Quanxin , He Yushan , Long Xiang , Wang Jiayang , Ni Changjian , Wu Shaogui
Published: January 2024

Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as versatile fluorescent nanomaterials for diverse applications. The synthesis of CDs from natural products offers a sustainable alternative to chemical methods. This study presents the preparation of green fluorescent CDs (G‐CDs) using seafood mushrooms as the carbon source and 5‐amino‐2‐methylphenol as the nitrogen source through a hydrothermal approach. The G‐CDs exhibit maximum excitation/emission peaks at 467/519 nm and a high quantum yield of up to 17.2% in ethanol. Additionally, the G‐CDs demonstrate excellent photostability, salt tolerance, and chemical stability. The excitation‐independent emissions suggest the presence of unique surface‐state luminescent centers. The application of the G‐CDs as an anti‐counterfeiting fluorescent ink is demonstrated. This work highlights the promise of converting natural food sources into high‐performance CDs, expanding their utility across various domains including biomedicine, sensing, and security.
Solvation‐Driven Grain Boundary Passivation Improving the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Deng Chunyan , Tan Lina , Wu Jihuai , Yang Yuqian , Du Yitian , Chen Qi , Chen Xia , Sun Liuxue , Yu Fuda , Sun Weihai , Gao Peng , Lan Zhang
Published: January 2024

The efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is hindered by substantial defects within the grain boundaries (GBs) of polycrystalline perovskite films. Conventional post‐treatment strategies struggle to precisely repair these defects at GBs. Here, a targeted grain boundary passivation strategy through solvent effects by incorporating symmetrical biphenyl molecules is proposed, 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and 4,4′‐sulfodiphenol (SDP), aiming to mitigate defects at GBs and optimize energy level arrangements through their electric dipole effects. Compared to the pristine device, the SDP‐modified device exhibits significant improvements, including a champion efficiency of 24.39% and an impressive fill factor, along with excellent operation stability. This work provides an effective and straightforward solution for improving the performance of PSCs.
Oligothiophene Additive‐Assisted Morphology Control and Recombination Suppression Enable High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Wenting , Chen Lu , Wang Zhibo , Peng Zhengxing , Zhu Liangxiang , Kwok Chung Hang , Yu Han , Xiong Wenzhao , Li Tongzi , Zhang Ziyue , Wang Yufei , Liao Yaozu , Zhang Guangye , Hu Huawei , Chen Yiwang
Published: January 2024

Tuning the morphology through processing additives represents one of the most promising strategies to boost the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, it remains unclear how oligothiophene‐based solid additives influence the molecular packing and performance of OSCs. Here, two additives namely 2T and 4T, are introduced into state‐of‐the‐art PM6:Y6‐based OSCs to understand how they influence the film formation process, nanoscale morphology, and the photovoltaic performance. It is found that the 2T additive can improve the molecular packing of both donor polymer and non‐fullerene acceptor, resulting in lower Urbach energy and reduced energy loss. Furthermore, the blend film with 2T treatment displays enhanced domain purity and a more favorable distribution of the acceptor and donor materials in the vertical direction, which can enhance charge extraction efficiency while simultaneously suppressing charge recombination. Consequently, OSCs processed with 2T additive realize a promising efficiency of 18.1% for PM6:Y6‐based devices. Furthermore, the general applicability of the additive is demonstrated, and an impressive efficiency of 18.6% for PM6:L8‐BO‐based OSCs is achieved. These findings highlight that the uncomplicated oligothiophenes have excellent potential in fine‐adjustment of the active layer morphology, which is crucial for the future development of OSCs.
Presurgical mild anemia is a risk factor for severe postoperative complications of rectal cancer surgery: A Japanese nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Endo Hideki , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Miyata Hiroaki , Otsuka Koki , Matsuda Akihisa , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: January 2024

Background

Anemia has negative effects on long‐term outcomes of rectal cancer patients; however, its status as a risk factor for severe complications is disputed. Perioperative risks may differ based on the severity of pre‐surgical anemia; nonetheless, no previous study has investigated these differences. This study identified risks of severe postoperative complications in rectal cancer patients based on severity of their pre‐surgical anemia.

Materials and Methods

This study enrolled patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer and were registered in the Japanese National Clinical Database (NCD) between 2017 and 2019. Anemia severity was categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. A logistic regression model was applied to calculate the risk‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) of severe complications after surgery.

Results

This study analyzed a cohort of 51 765 rectal cancer patients who underwent low anterior resection. Results showed that severe complications occurred in 10.9% of patients and were significantly more frequent in patients with anemia (13.6%) than those with normal hemoglobin levels (9.2%). Risk‐adjusted ORs of severe complications in the severe, moderate, and mild anemia groups versus the normal group for males were 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89–1.58), 1.47 (1.34–1.62), and 1.21 (1.12–1.31), respectively. Those for females were 1.39 (0.90–2.15), 1.64 (1.37–1.97), and 1.36 (1.16–1.58), respectively.

Conclusions

According to this large cohort study, pre‐surgical anemia significantly increases the risk of severe postoperative complications in rectal cancer patients. Even mild anemia presents a significant risk.
Improving the safety of CAR‐T‐cell therapy: The risk and prevention of viral infection for patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell lymphoma undergoing CAR‐T‐cell therapy
Authors: Qian Hu , Yang Xingcheng , Zhang Tingting , Zou Ping , Zhang Yicheng , Tian Weiwei , Mao Zekai , Wei Jia
Published: January 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy, an innovative immunotherapeutic against relapsed/refractory B‐cell lymphoma, faces challenges due to frequent viral infections. Despite this, a comprehensive review addressing risk assessment, surveillance, and treatment management is notably absent. This review elucidates immune response compromises during viral infections in CAR‐T recipients, collates susceptibility risk factors, and deliberates on preventive strategies. In the post‐pandemic era, marked by the Omicron variant, new and severe threats to CAR‐T therapy emerge, necessitating exploration of preventive and treatment measures for COVID‐19. Overall, the review provides recommendations for viral infection prophylaxis and management, enhancing CAR‐T product safety and recipient survival.
New synthetic strategy to create intricate thiaoxacyclophanes via ring‐closing metathesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Jena Kunkumita , Gupta Naveen K.
Published: January 2024

This study explores a thiol‐free, two‐step synthetic strategy to intricate thiacyclophanes from bromoaryl precursors. Our methodology involves a one‐pot substitution reaction of aryl bromides with potassium thioacetate (PTA) followed by ring‐closing metathesis (RCM). Potassium thioacetate is advantageous over other sulfur‐containing reagents like sodium sulfide, sodium hydrosulfide, and sodium hydroxymethylsulfinate (rongalite), etc., as it generates a stable and odorless thioacetate intermediate which allows access to a variety of symmetrical and unsymmetrical sulfides. These sulfides undergo RCM to generate new thiacyclophanes. Applying this methodology, we have created 24 new oxa‐thiacyclophanes and aza‐oxa‐thiacyclophanes containing different aromatic and aliphatic units. The structures and stereochemistry of these cyclophanes are confirmed by NMR data and further supported by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data.
The nasal and systemic inflammatory responses in early phase of acute radiation rhinosinusitis: A pilot study
Authors: Zheng Chunge , Cui Xin , Zhang Li , Wang Lin , Jiang Liwei , Yan Xudong , Jiang Yan , Yu Longgang
Published: January 2024

Key points

Disease severity in acute radiation rhinosinusitis (ARRS) peaks after radiation therapy.

ARRS is mainly local inflammation, manifested by increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines.

Intranasal corticosteroids are effective anti‐inflammatory drugs in the treatment of ARRS.
Helicoselective Synthesis of Indolohelicenoids through Organocatalytic Central‐to‐Helical Chirality Conversion
Authors: Xu Wen‐Lei , Zhang Ru‐Xia , Wang Hui , Chen Jie , Zhou Ling
Published: January 2024

We report the helicoselective and convergent construction of indolohelicenoids with excellent efficiency and stereocontrol. This reaction proceeds through a chiral‐phosphoric‐acid‐catalyzed enantioselective cycloaddition and eliminative aromatization sequence, which can be finely controlled by adjusting the reaction temperature. Mechanistic studies reveal that the chiral phosphoric acid cooperatively serves as both a bifunctional and Brønsted acid catalyst, enabling one‐pot central‐to‐helical chirality conversion. Additionally, the optical properties of the synthesized indolohelicenoids were characterized to explore their potential applications in organic photoelectric materials.
Detecting benefits of protection level on diversity facets in a sea of temporal scarcity
Authors: Magneville Camille , Dedieu Solène , Loiseau Nicolas , Claverie Thomas , Villéger Sébastien
Published: January 2024

The establishment of protected areas to face global diversity declines has mainly prioritized taxonomic diversity, leaving aside phylogenetic and functional diversities, which determine ecosystem functioning and resilience. Furthermore, the assessment of protected areas' effectiveness is mainly done using short‐duration surveys (<2 h), which may undermine the detection of rare species.

Through a long‐duration video approach, reef fish taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional facets of diversity were assessed for 3 days within a fully protected area and a nearby poorly protected area in Mayotte Island (Western Indian Ocean).

We found that temporally rare species contributed to more than 60% of the taxonomic facet and 85% of the functional facet of biodiversity found on each site. Those rare species, which harbour the most distinct trait values, also make reef fish diversity particularly vulnerable to their loss. Taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional richness were similar between the fully protected area and the poorly protected area, while the species, lineage and trait compositions were markedly different.

These results pinpoint the importance of considering taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic dissimilarities while assessing protected areas' effectiveness, instead of using only richness. In addition, benefits of the fully protected area were detected only using more than 15 h of video survey, which emphasizes the importance of long‐duration remote approaches to capture the within‐ and between‐day temporal variations.
Sacred offerings and secular foods on Reao Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, East Polynesia
Authors: Weisler Marshall I. , Rogers Ashleigh J. , Hua Quan , Bertuch Fiona , Wake Thomas A. , Sinoto Yosihiko H.
Published: January 2024

In 1976, Yosihiko H. Sinoto conducted extensive archaeological survey and excavations on Reao Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago as part of a Japanese, multi‐disciplinary expedition led by Prof. Sachiko Hatanaka. Primarily excavating three marae and four habitation sites totalling ∼180 m2, more than 25000 vertebrate remains were recovered. We report the jidentification and analysis of the fauna and contrast the inventories from secular and sacred contexts inferring the ritual use of pig, dog, turtle and tuna (Scombridae), as well as identifying relatively larger parrotfish (Scaridae), groupers (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), the Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and sharks/rays (Elasmobranchii) on marae. With a suite of 11 new AMS age determinations, we report the first directly dated precontact records for pig and dog and anchor the marae chronology possibly beginning in the thirteenth century. The 800 calBP dates imply that at least one of the Tuamotu atolls may have emerged nearly two centuries prior to the hypothesised ‘cross‐over’ date of 600 BP. Consequently, the earliest chronology of atoll emergence along the 1000 km length of the Tuamotus might vary, thus providing landscapes for human colonisation at slightly different times which has implications for the speed and tempo of colonisation.
Social interaction links active musical rhythm engagement and expressive communication in autistic toddlers
Authors: Fram Noah R. , Liu Talia , Lense Miriam D.
Published: January 2024

Rhythm is implicated in both social and linguistic development. Rhythm perception and production skills are also key vulnerabilities in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism which impact social communication. However, direct links between musical rhythm engagement and expressive communication in autism is not clearly evident. This absence of a direct connection between rhythm and expressive communication indicates that the mechanism of action between rhythm and expressive communication may recruit other cognitive or developmental factors. We hypothesized that social interactions, including general interpersonal relationships and interactive music‐making involving children and caregivers, were a significant such factor, particularly in autism. To test this, we collected data from parents of autistic and nonautistic children 14–36 months of age, including parent reports of their children's rhythmic musical engagement, general social skills, parent–child musical interactions, and expressive communication skills. Path analysis revealed a system of independent, indirect pathways from rhythmic musical engagement to expressive communication via social skills and parent–child musical interactions in autistic toddlers. Such a system implies both that social and musical interactions represent crucial links between rhythm and language and that different kinds of social interactions play parallel, independent roles linking rhythmic musical engagement with expressive communication skills.
Lower constraint testing enhances the testing effect for some contextual details but not others
Authors: Giannakopoulos Konstadena L. , McCurdy Matthew P. , Sklenar Allison M. , Frankenstein Andrea N. , Urban Levy Pauline , Leshikar Eric D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Retrieval practice has been shown to be an effective means of learning new information, a memory phenomenon known as thetesting effector theretrieval practice effect. Some work suggests that the magnitude of the testing effect can be enhanced when the test used for retrieval practice uses fewer cues to retrieve previously studied information. It is unclear, however, whether such testing benefits extend to peripheral contextual details associated with studied materials (e.g., location where stimuli appear, font color in which items are presented, etc.). In this experiment, we examine both item memory (i.e., memory for the studied items) and context memory under conditions where the intervening test offers fewer cues (i.e., lower constraint) compared to more cues (higher constraint) to better understand item and context memory testing effects.

Methods

Participants first studied word pairs presented in one of eight locations as well as in either red or green font color. Then, in the re‐exposure phase, participants processed materials in two types of intervening tests (lower constraint and a higher constraint test) as well as in a restudy condition, before a final memory test.

Results

For item memory, results showed that memory was better in the lower constraint testing condition compared to both the higher constraint testing condition as well as the restudy (control) condition. For context memory, results indicated improved memory for location context under lower constraint testing compared to both higher constraint testing and restudy conditions. There was no difference in memory, however, for color context across all conditions.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings suggest that providing fewer cues to aid retrieval in the intervening test can induce better memory for both items as well as some contextual details.
Does committees' gender diversity affect firms' environmental and social performance?
Authors: Boukattaya Sonia , Ftiti Zied , Jeriji Maher , Louhichi Waël
Published: January 2024

This study examines the relationship between gender diversity and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance of companies using a sample of 810 French firms from 2011 to 2019. We focus on specific dimensions of CSR. Specifically, we examine the presence of women on different board committees, which, unlike the board of directors, are not subject to regulations regarding the minimum representation of women. Overall, our results show that the presence of women on board committees positively impacts CSR performance, except for the environmental innovation subdimension. This finding implies that women on board committees could bring new insights to specific areas of CSR engagement. The negative impact on environmental innovation can be explained by the risk avoidance behavior of women in financial decision‐making. As green innovations are very risky investments requiring significant financial resources and take longer to deliver a return on investment, women board members are more unwilling to invest in them than their male counterparts. Our results provide evidence that women's representation on audit, nomination, and compensation committees more prominently impact CSR performance than their representation in CSR committees.
Understand group‐licensing, commercialization in NIL
Authors: Stein Callan , Shire Howard , Lowe Michael , Brolley Christopher , Clifford Danielle
Published: January 2024

In the more than two years since the NCAA adopted its groundbreaking interim policy allowing college student‐athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness without losing their eligibility, college student‐athletes have seen NIL opportunities rapidly grow and evolve.
Learn how to give feedback using “Speedback”
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: January 2024

In this column, we’re going to look at giving and receiving feedback, and one innovative and supportive way to engage your team in giving feedback to one another.
Curcumin inhibits propofol‐induced autophagy of MN9D cells via Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway
Authors: He Hongxia , Han Yuping , Wan Qiuyan , Yue Yao , Li Shurong , Su Bingyin , Li Jun
Published: January 2024

The rapid rise in propofol dependency and abuse has highlighted limited resources for addressing substance abuse‐related cognitive impairment, prompting the development of novel therapies. Dysregulated autophagy flow accelerates neuronal cell death, and interventions countering this dysregulation offer an appealing strategy for neuronal protection. Curcumin, a potent natural polyphenol derived from turmeric rhizomes, is renowned for its robust antineurotoxic properties and enhanced cognitive function. Utilizing CCK‐8 and Ki67 fluorescent staining, our study revealed that curcumin treatment increased cell viability and proliferative potential in MN9D cells exposed to propofol‐induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis demonstrated the partial restoration of dopamine synthesis, secretion levels, and TH expression in damaged MN9D cells treated with curcumin. Scanning electrode microscope images displayed reduced autolysosomes and phagosomes in curcumin‐treated cells compared to the propofol group. Immunoblotting revealed that curcumin mitigated the degradation of LC3I to LC3II and p62 induced by propofol stimulation, with green fluorescence expression of LC3 postcurcumin treatment resembling that following autophagy inhibitor HCQ treatment, indicating that modulating autophagy flow can alleviate propofol's toxic effects. Moreover, curcumin treatment upregulated the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, suggesting that curcumin potentially curtails autophagy dysregulation in nerve cells by activating Akt/mTOR/p70S6K. In conclusion, our findings suggest that curcumin can ameliorate propofol abuse‐induced neurotoxicity, partially through autophagy regulation and Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signaling activation.
Managing the meltdown: Supporting autistic youth through episodes
Authors: Lachance Kathryn
Published: January 2024

As of 2023, about one in 36 children met criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an increase from previous estimates by the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network from 2000–2018 (Christensen, 2016). With the autistic population growing both in those who meet criteria for the diagnosis and in their public presence, the likelihood of interacting with autistic individuals in health care, emergency situations, and educational settings is on the rise. In fact, autistic individuals have both higher rates of presenting in the emergency department and having contact with law enforcement compared to the general population. As such, understanding how we as professionals can support autistic youth in high‐stress situations becomes imperative.
Clinical considerations for adolescents with eating disorders who use nicotine
Authors: Beckmann Emily A. , Pielech Melissa , Parent Justin
Published: January 2024

Adolescence is a developmental period in which individuals demonstrate increased likelihood of engaging in disordered eating and risk‐taking behaviors, such as substance use. Nicotine use, in particular, (e.g., via vaping, combustible cigarettes, smokeless tobacco) is pervasive among middle and high school students. In 2022, 17.4% of middle school and high school students reported current nicotine vaping. Daily use of nicotine was reported among 27.6% of current users (Cooper et al., 2022). Research posits that eating disorders and nicotine use are highly comorbid. A recent study by Ganson and Nagata (2021) found that nearly 20% of participating adolescents with an eating disorder also used nicotine within the past 30 days. This is problematic, as nicotine use increases the mortality rate for eating disorders, which already has the second highest rate of all mental health disorders. Nicotine use may also exacerbate many of the medical complications associated with eating disorders (e.g., neuroendocrinal, dental, nutritional) and negatively impact eating disorder recovery (Ganson & Nagata, 2021).
School personnel suicide prevention training: No clear option
Authors: Paccione‐Dyszlewski Margaret
Published: January 2024

Youth and young adult deaths from suicide have been increasing in the United States over the past two decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics for those between the ages of 10 and 24 from 2011 to 2021 the death by suicide rate rose 60% to 11.0 per 100,000. Paralleling these highly troubling rates of death by suicide is information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary and Trends Report: 2011–2021. The report reinforces a picture of our nation's youth in serious mental health crisis. In response to the 2021 survey an increasing number of students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. This included 57% of girls, 29% of boys and 69% of LGBTQ students. More than 20% of teens reported having seriously considered suicide!