bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐Low Grammage Nanocellulose‐Coated Woven Fabric with Improved Aerosol Particulate Filtration Performance
Authors: Li Joanne , Tammelin Tekla , Stone Corinne , Dennis Mike , Lee Koon‐Yang
Published: July 2024

Developing advanced textiles and fabrics that offer protection against aerosolised chemical and biological hazards is of tremendous interest and is indispensable to the safety of the military personnel. Unfortunately, the extensive protection offered by protective clothing is often accompanied by a reduction in moisture vapour permeability, which increases physiological burden on the user (i.e., transport of sweat away from the body). This study shows that an enhancement in aerosol particulate filtration of a woven textile fabric can be achieved without impeding its water vapour transmission rate through the application of an ultra‐low grammage nanocellulose coating using a simple papermaking approach. Aerosol particulate filtration is realised in the nanocellulose coating through a size‐exclusion mechanism and the filtration efficiency doubled even at a nanocellulose grammage of 0.25 g m−2. As nanocellulose is hygroscopic, water vapour transmission rate remained unchanged compared to the uncoated woven fabric, regardless of the types of nanocellulose coating applied. The work also reports the mechanical robustness of the nanocellulose network fabricated, which is typically the concern in low‐grammage nanofibrous coating.
Assessing Barrier Function in Psoriasis and Cornification Models of Artificial Skin Using Non‐Invasive Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Ahn Jaehwan , Nam Yoon Sung
Published: July 2024

Reconstructed epidermal equivalents (REEs) consist of two distinct cell layers – the stratum corneum (SC) and the keratinocyte layer (KL). The interplay of these layers is particularly crucial in pruritic inflammatory disorders, like psoriasis, where a defective SC barrier is associated with immune dysregulation. However, independent evaluation of the skin barrier function of the SC and KL in REEs is highly challenging because of the lack of quantitative methodologies that do not disrupt the counter layer. Here, a non‐invasive impedance spectroscopy technique is introduced for dissecting the distinct contributions of the SC and KL to overall skin barrier function without disrupting the structure. These findings, inferred from the impedance spectra, highlight the individual barrier resistances and maturation levels of each layer. Using an equivalent circuit model, a correlation between impedance parameters and specific skin layers, offering insights beyond traditional impedance methods that address full‐thickness skin only is established. This approach successfully detects subtle changes, such as increased paracellular permeability due to mild irritants and the characterization of an immature SC in psoriatic models. This research has significant implications, paving the way for detailed mechanistic investigations and fostering the development of therapies for skin irritation and inflammatory disorders.
Hyperactivation of mTOR/eIF4E Signaling Pathway Promotes the Production of Tryptophan‐To‐Phenylalanine Substitutants in EBV‐Positive Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zheng Zi‐Qi , Zhong Cheng‐Rui , Wei Cheng‐Zhi , Chen Xiao‐Jiang , Chen Guo‐Ming , Nie Run‐Cong , Chen Ze‐Wei , Zhang Fei‐Yang , Li Yuan‐Fang , Zhou Zhi‐Wei , Chen Yong‐Ming , Liang Ye‐Lin
Published: July 2024

Although messenger RNA translation is tightly regulated to preserve protein synthesis and cellular homeostasis, chronic exposure to interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in several cancers can lead to tryptophan (Trp) shortage via the indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO)‐ kynurenine pathway and therefore promotes the production of aberrant peptides by ribosomal frameshifting and tryptophan‐to‐phenylalanine (W>F) codon reassignment events (substitutants) specifically at Trp codons. However, the effect of Trp depletion on the generation of aberrant peptides by ribosomal mistranslation in gastric cancer (GC) is still obscure. Here, it is shows that the abundant infiltrating lymphocytes in EBV‐positive GC continuously secreted IFN‐γ, upregulated IDO1 expression, leading to Trp shortage and the induction of W>F substitutants. Intriguingly, the production of W>F substitutants in EBV‐positive GC is linked to antigen presentation and the activation of the mTOR/eIF4E signaling pathway. Inhibiting either the mTOR/eIF4E pathway or EIF4E expression counteracted the production and antigen presentation of W>F substitutants. Thus, the mTOR/eIF4E pathway exposed the vulnerability of gastric cancer by accelerating the production of aberrant peptides and boosting immune activation through W>F substitutant events. This work proposes that EBV‐positive GC patients with mTOR/eIF4E hyperactivation may benefit from anti‐tumor immunotherapy.
MuToN Quantifies Binding Affinity Changes upon Protein Mutations by Geometric Deep Learning
Authors: Li Pengpai , Liu Zhi‐Ping
Published: July 2024

Assessing changes in protein–protein binding affinity due to mutations helps understanding a wide range of crucial biological processes within cells. Despite significant efforts to create accurate computational models, predicting how mutations affect affinity remains challenging due to the complexity of the biological mechanisms involved. In the present work, a geometric deep learning framework called MuToN is introduced for quantifying protein binding affinity change upon residue mutations. The method, designed with geometric attention networks, is mechanism‐aware. It captures changes in the protein binding interfaces of mutated complexes and assesses the allosteric effects of amino acids. Experimental results highlight MuToN's superiority compared to existing methods. Additionally, MuToN's flexibility and effectiveness are illustrated by its precise predictions of binding affinity changes between SARS‐CoV‐2 variants and the ACE2 complex.
Dihydroartemisinin Modulates Enteric Glial Cell Heterogeneity to Alleviate Colitis
Authors: Qiu Peishan , Chang Ying , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Shaoqi , Nie Haihang , Hong Yuntian , Zhang Meng , Wang Haizhou , Xiao Cong , Chen Yuhua , Liu Lan , Zhao Qiu
Published: July 2024

The precise mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in alleviating colitis remains incompletely understood. A strong correlation existed between the elevation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)+/S100 calcium binding protein B (S100β)+ enteric glial cells (EGCs) in inflamed colonic tissues and the disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) and gut vascular barrier (GVB) observed in chronic colitis. DHA demonstrated efficacy in restoring the functionality of the dual gut barrier while concurrently attenuating intestinal inflammation. Mechanistically, DHA inhibited the transformation of GFAP+ EGCs into GFAP+/S100β+ EGCs while promoting the differentiation of GFAP+/S100β+ EGCs back into GFAP+ EGCs. Furthermore, DHA induced apoptosis in GFAP+/S100β+ EGCs by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. The initial mechanism is further validated that DHA regulates EGC heterogeneity by improving dysbiosis in colitis. These findings underscore the multifaceted therapeutic potential of DHA in ameliorating colitis by improving dysbiosis, modulating EGC heterogeneity, and preserving gut barrier integrity, thus offering promising avenues for novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases.
Enhanced Long‐Term Stability of Crystalline Nickel–Boride (Ni23B6) Electrocatalyst by Encapsulation with Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Ma Kyung Yeol , Kim Hyeongjoon , Hwang Hyuntae , Jeong Da Sol , Lee Hoon Ju , Cho Kyeongseo , Yang Jieun , Jeong Hu Young , Shin Hyeon Suk
Published: July 2024

Nickel boride catalysts show great potential as low‐cost and efficient alternatives to noble‐metal catalysts in acidic media; however, synthesizing and isolating a specific phase and composition of nickel boride is nontrivial, and issues persist in their long‐term stability as electrocatalysts. Here, a single‐crystal nickel boride, Ni23B6, is reported which exhibits high electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an acidic solution, and that its poor long‐term stability can be overcome via encapsulation by single‐crystal trilayer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) film. Interestingly, hBN‐covered Ni23B6 on a Ni substrate shows an identical overpotential of 52 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 to that of bare Ni23B6. This phenomenon indicates that the single‐crystalline hBN layer is catalytically transparent and does not obstruct HER activation. The hBN/Ni23B6/Ni has remarkable long‐term stability with negligible changes to its polarization curves for 2000 cycles, whereas the Ni23B6/Ni shows significant degradation after 650 cycles. Furthermore, chronoamperometric measurements indicate that stability is preserved for >20 h. Long‐term stability tests also reveal that the surface morphology and chemical structure of the hBN/Ni23B6/Ni electrode remain preserved. This work provides a model for the practical design of robust and durable electrochemical catalysts through the use of hBN encapsulation.
Controlling Triboelectric Charge of MOFs by Leveraging Ligands Chemistry
Authors: Noman Muhammad , Saqib Qazi Muhammad , Ameen Shahid , Patil Swapnil R. , Patil Chandrashekhar S. , Kim Jungmin , Ko Youngbin , Kim BongSoo , Bae Jinho
Published: July 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), but the effects of ligand choice on triboelectric charge remain underexplored. Hence, this paper demonstrates the effect of single, binary, and ternary ligands on TENG performance of cobalt/cerium‐based (Co─Ce) bimetallic MOFs utilizing 2‐methylimidazole (2Melm), terephthalic acid (BDC), and benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC) as ligands. The detailed structural characterization revealed that varying ligand chemistries led to distinct MOF features affecting TENG performance. Single ligand bimetallic MOFs (designated as CoCe‐2MeIm, CoCe‐BDC, CoCe‐BTC) has lower performance than binary ligand (designated as CoCe‐2MeIm‐BDC, CoCe‐2MeIm‐BTC, CoCe‐BDC‐BTC) and ternary ligand MOFs (designated as CoCe‐2MeIm‐BDC‐BTC). Among all, the binary ligand MOF, CoCe‐2MeIm‐BTC, shows the best results (598 V, 26.7 µA) due to the combined effect of imidazole ring and (─COO─) groups. This is attributed to lone pairs on nitrogen atoms and a delocalized π‐electron system in imidazole system in this material. CoCe‐BTC has the lowest results (31 V, 3.2 µA) due to the bulkier nature of the electron‐withdrawing (─COO─) groups and their impact on the π‐electron system of the benzene ring. This study showcases the potential of ligand chemistry manipulation to control triboelectric charge and thereby enhance MOF‐based TENG performance.
Computer vision for assessment the seed coat color of carioca common beans
Authors: Silva Lorena Caroline Dumbá , da Silva Cardoso Everton , Mencalha Jussara , Gomes Danilo Araújo , de Castro Miguel Júlio Augusto , Cardoso João Vitor Carvalho , dos Santos Heloisa Oliveira , Carneiro Vinícius Quintão
Published: July 2024

Consumer acceptance of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) belonging to the Carioca commercial group depends on the color of the seed. Therefore, producers seek bean cultivars that have a light seed coat after storage. This trait is very important for common bean breeding programs dedicated to produce a high market demand. Therefore, the objective was to propose and assess the use of a computer vision‐based methodology for assessing common bean color at harvest and after storage. A total of 70 carioca bean cultivars were visually assessed using a grading scale and computer vision after harvest and 90 days after the first assessment. The images allowed the cultivars to be discriminated according to the seed coat color. The accuracies with both assessment methodologies were >0.90. In addition, the correlations between these methodologies were ≤−0.72. The coefficients of variation for computer vision were lower than 6.50, while for the visual assessment, they were >10.08. Therefore, computer vision applied to assess the seed coat color of carioca bean grains is precise and accurate and allows for better discrimination than the visual assessment. Therefore, image analysis will assist in selecting better cultivars in breeding programs.
Embryonic development and cranial ossification of the Japanese Aodaishō, Elaphe climacophora (Serpentes: Colubridae): with special reference to the prootic bone and auditory evolution in snakes
Authors: Nojiri Taro , Werneburg Ingmar , Sakai Atsushi , Furutera Toshiko , Negishi‐Koga Takako , Ishijima Muneaki , Ichimura Koichiro , Takechi Masaki
Published: July 2024

Snakes show remarkably deviated “body plan” from other squamate reptiles. In addition to limb loss, they have accomplished enormous anatomical specialization of the skull associated with the pit organs and the reduction of the tympanic membranes and auditory canals in the outer ears. Despite being the most diverse group of snakes, our knowledge of the embryonic staging for organogenesis and cranial ossification has been minimal for Colubridae. Therefore, in the present observation, we provide the first embryonic description of the Japanese rat snake Elaphe climacophora. We based our study on the Standard Event System (SES) for external anatomical characters and on a description of the cranial ossification during post‐ovipositional development. We further estimated the relative ossification timing of each cranial bony element and compared it with that of selected other snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians. The present study shows that the relative ossification timing of the palatine and pterygoid bones is relatively early in squamates when compared to other reptiles, implying the developmental integration as the palate–pterygoid complex in this clade and functional demands for the unique feeding adaptation to swallow large prey with the help of their large palatine and pterygoid teeth. Furthermore, unlike in species with pit organs, the prootic bone of Ela. climacophora is expanded to provide articulation with the supratemporal, thereby contributing to the hearing system by detecting substrate vibration. We also demonstrate that the relative timing of the prootic ossification is significantly accelerated in colubrids compared to snakes with pit organs. Our finding suggests that the temporal changes of the prootic ossification underpin the evolution of the perception of the ground‐bourne sound signals among snakes.
Measuring corporate sustainability in its multidimensionality: A formative approach to integrate ESG and triple bottom line approaches
Authors: Cantele Silvia , Landi Stefano , Vernizzi Silvia
Published: July 2024

Corporate sustainability is a multifaceted concept with different definitions and measures proposed by the literature and the standards. This study aims to develop and validate a scale of corporate sustainability implementation that can face the complexity and multidimensionality of the concept. Specifically, the scale was designed around four dimensions (governance, prosperity, planet, and people), a three‐level structure, and a formative approach. The scale validation process entailed the engagement of experts, a survey of 303 Italian firms, and a case study application. The findings highlight the nature of the third‐order construct of sustainability implementation and the relevance of adding the governance dimensions to the most spread triple bottom line approach. As a theoretical contribution, this study argues that the missed recognition of these features could originate differences in previous sustainability measures. Further studies would apply the scale to measure firm sustainability in different contexts and in relationship with relevant drivers and outcomes.
A Minireview on Porphyrin and Phthalocyanine Based Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia
Authors: Xie Lisi , Wang Yabo , Kong Qingquan , Cao Rui
Published: July 2024

Ammonia (NH3) is an important raw material in the chemical industry, but the synthesis of NH3 by the traditional Haber‐Bosch process will increase the carbon footprint. Therefore, it is necessary to develop sustainable routes for NH3 production. New NH3 production schemes, including nitrogen reduction (N2RR), nitrite reduction (NO2RR), and nitrate reduction (NO3RR), have been proposed. Porphyrins and phthalocyanines are macrocyclic compounds with a central metal ion coordinated with nitrogen. The metal centers in these catalysts play a crucial role in binding and activating nitrogen, nitrite, and nitrate. Their unique structure allows for effective electron transfer and catalytic activation in NH3 synthesis. Recently, metal porphyrin and phthalocyanine based catalysts have been demonstrated to be efficient in catalyzing N2RR, NO2RR, and NO3RR. Unfortunately, there is no review focusing on such macrocyclic catalysts for the electrocatalytic synthesis of NH3. In this review, we discuss the electrocatalytic reduction performances and summarize the key factors and reaction mechanisms that affect the catalytic performance of metal porphyrin and phthalocyanine based catalyst systems. This review helps to design more effective new electrocatalysts for NH3 synthesis.
Photothermal Oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds Over Co3O4‐Based Inverse Opal
Authors: Lai Jun‐an , Xu Jianheng , Wang Jiakun , Zhang Zeshu , Zhang Yibo , Wang Lu
Published: July 2024

The growing preference for photothermal catalysis stems from its minimal energy consumption and heightened catalytic efficacy. Nonetheless, material photon utilization efficiency is frequently hindered by catalyst structural design constraints and bandgap limitations. Herein, we present a Co3O4‐based inverse opal featuring a three‐dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM‐Co3O4) architecture tailored for photothermal VOCs oxidation. The 3DOM‐Co3O4 exhibits superior catalytic performance in carbon monoxide oxidation, methane oxidation, and toluene oxidation, with a photothermal enhancement of more than 100 %. Further experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the three‐dimensional periodic array of pores facilitates the slow photon effect, augmenting the light absorption capabilities of the catalyst. Thus, it generates more photoexcited electrons, promoting VOCs molecular activation. Additionally, the well‐ordered porous structure facilitates the diffusion of reactants and products, further accelerating the catalytic reaction. This work highlights promising prospects for leveraging inverse opals as an innovative strategy towards enhancing photothermal catalytic VOCs oxidization efficiency.
Robust estimation of loss‐based measures of model performance under covariate shift
Authors: Morrison Samantha , Gatsonis Constantine , Dahabreh Issa J. , Li Bing , Steingrimsson Jon A.
Published: July 2024

We present methods for estimating loss‐based measures of the performance of a prediction model in a target population that differs from the source population in which the model was developed, in settings where outcome and covariate data are available from the source population but only covariate data are available on a simple random sample from the target population. Prior work adjusting for differences between the two populations has used various weighting estimators with inverse odds or density ratio weights. Here, we develop more robust estimators for the target population risk (expected loss) that can be used with data‐adaptive (e.g., machine learning‐based) estimation of nuisance parameters. We examine the large‐sample properties of the estimators and evaluate finite‐sample performance in simulations. Last, we apply the methods to data from lung cancer screening using nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and extend our methods to account for the complex survey design of the NHANES.
Polo‐like kinase 1 inhibition modulates urinary tract smooth muscle contraction and bladder cell transcriptional programs
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Guo Linfa , Yisha Zuhaer , Gu Aodun , Liu Tongzu
Published: July 2024

The serine/threonine kinase polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a master regulator of cell proliferation and contraction, but its physiological role in the lower urinary tract is unknown. We utilized transcriptomic programs of human bladder smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs), 3D bladder spheroid viability assays, and human ureterovesical junction contractility measurements to elucidate the impacts of PLK1 inhibition. This work reveals PLK1 reduction with the selective inhibitor TAK‐960 (500 nM) suppresses high K+‐evoked contractions of human urinary smooth muscle ex vivo while decreasing urothelial cell viability. Transcriptomic analysis of hBSMCs treated with TAK‐960 shows modulation of cell cycle and contraction pathways, specifically through altered expression of Cys2/His2‐type zinc finger transcription factors. In bladder spheroids, PLK1 inhibition also suppresses smooth muscle contraction protein filamin. Taken together, these findings establish PLK1 is a critical governor of urinary smooth muscle contraction and urothelial proliferation with implications for lower urinary tract disorders. Targeting PLK1 pharmacologically may therefore offer therapeutic potential to ameliorate hypercontractility and aberrant growth. Further elucidation of PLK1 signaling networks promises new insights into pathogenesis and much needed treatment advances for debilitating urinary symptoms.
Effect of a High‐Fat Meal on the Pharmacokinetics of an Immediate Release Atogepant Tablet
Authors: Boinpally Ramesh R. , Trugman Joel M.
Published: July 2024

Atogepant, an oral calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist, is approved for the preventive treatment of migraine. A phase 1, open‐label, single‐dose, 2‐period crossover study evaluated the effect of a high‐fat meal on the pharmacokinetics and safety of atogepant in 20 healthy adults. Administration of atogepant 60 mg immediate‐release (IR) tablets under fed conditions reduced the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) from 0 to time t and from 0 to time infinity by approximately 18% and reduced the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) by 22%. The 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of Cmax and AUC were not contained within the bioequivalence limits of 80%‐125%. There was no change in the median time to maximum plasma concentration in the fed versus fasted state. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar between fed and fasted conditions. Four TEAEs were considered related to study intervention and were reported after participants received atogepant under fasted conditions (3 participants). A single‐dose atogepant 60 mg IR tablet was safe and tolerated under both fed and fasted states. Due to the wide effective dose range of 10‐60 mg/day for atogepant for the preventive treatment of migraine, the food effect on its pharmacokinetics is not considered clinically relevant.
Culturally Local Perspectives Are Imperative to Scientific Excellence and Health Equity in Eating Disorders Research: Commentary on Monocello et al. (2024)
Authors: Lheem Anne Jung , Becker Anne E.
Published: July 2024

This commentary discusses a principal contribution of Monocello et al.'s paper presenting a cultural models approach to body fatness perceptions, which provides a rigorous and systematic means of identifying analytic categories that are locally meaningful, in contrast to categories derived from a solely universalizing perspective. In situating their work within an underrepresented population in eating disorders research—young men in South Korea—the authors step beyond the constraints of a universalizing, or etic, framework for probing how body dissatisfaction relates to eating disorder risk. The value of an alternative analytic framework, based on a culturally local, or emic, perspective on how bodies are perceived is demonstrated through the use of a cultural models approach exploring the relationship between culturally defined conceptualizations of body image and eating disorder risk. Understanding such relationships and the meanings attributed to the myriad aspects of body image through locally grounded frameworks provides an essential tool for investigators and clinicians to better understand the lived experience of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, and also to inform more culturally salient approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. An emic approach that centers local perspectives and priorities also facilitates participation of communities underrepresented in research in knowledge production.
Habitual behavioural control moderates the relation between daily perceived stress and purging
Authors: Dougherty Elizabeth N. , Bottera Angeline R. , Murray Matthew F. , Ekwonu Adaora , Wildes Jennifer E. , Haedt‐Matt Alissa A.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Evidence suggests that interpersonal stress plays a role in maintaining binge eating and purging (e.g., self‐induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives). Stress is especially likely to promote engagement in maladaptive behaviour if the behaviour is habitual; therefore, individuals whose binge eating and/or purging are habitual may be particularly likely to engage in these behaviours in the context of interpersonal stress. We aimed to investigate this hypothesis in a sample of women with binge eating and/or purging using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Method

Women (N = 81) with binge‐eating and/or purging symptoms completed a self‐report measure assessing habit strength of binge eating and purging followed by a 14‐day EMA protocol assessing daily perceived interpersonal stress and binge‐eating and purging episodes.

Results

Habit strength of purging moderated the within‐person effect of interpersonal stress on purging frequency, such that higher daily stress was associated with greater same‐day purging frequency when purging was more habitual. Contrary to expectations, the interactive effect of habit strength of binge eating and daily interpersonal stress on same‐day binge‐eating frequency was non‐significant.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that individuals with habitual purging may be vulnerable to engaging in purging when they are experiencing high levels of interpersonal stress.
Exploring neurocognitive features in adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa: Evidence from a longitudinal study
Authors: Wittek Tanja , Zeiler Michael , Truttmann Stefanie , Philipp Julia , Kopp Konstantin , Krauss Helene , Auer‐Welsbach Ellen , Ohmann Suanne , Sackl‐Pammer Petra , Werneck‐Rohrer Sonja , Laczkovics Clarissa , Mitterer Michaela , Schneider Andrea , Kahlenberg Leonie , Schmidt Ulrike , Karwautz Andreas , Wagner Gudrun
Published: July 2024

Objective

We aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in set‐shifting and central coherence in a predominantly adolescent cohort with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to explore whether these factors predict long‐term eating disorder outcomes.

Method

Ninety‐two female patients with AN (mean age: 16.2, range: 13–21 years) completed neurocognitive tests (Rey Complex Figure Test, Adapted Version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) before and after 12 months of psychotherapeutic treatment (n = 45 Maudsley AN Treatment, MANTRa; n = 47 standard psychotherapy; groups not randomised). Eating disorder severity was assessed at baseline, after 6, 12 and 18 months.

Results

Central coherence (indicated by an increase in the Rey Figure Style Index) and set‐shifting (indicated by a reduction in the percentage of perseverative errors) significantly improved over the course of treatment, with similar outcomes across groups. Lower central coherence was associated with higher eating disorder severity. Individuals with lower baseline set‐shifting ability tended to have worse eating disorder outcomes in the long‐term. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance in a multilevel linear mixed model.

Conclusions

Neurocognitive difficulties in adolescents and young adults with AN can improve after treatment. Interventions specifically addressing flexibility in thinking and behaviour may contribute to treatment success.
Lifetime of the Gas Evolution Electrode of the Zn–H2 Storage System
Authors: Hahn Robert , Rosenfeld Oren , Markheim Chaim , Schamel Andreas
Published: July 2024

A novel electrically chargeable galvanic system is presented that efficiently stores energy in the form of zinc and releases hydrogen and electricity upon discharge. In this concept, oxygen is released at the gas electrode during charging, and zinc oxide is reduced to metallic zinc at the counter electrode. When the cell is discharged on demand, the zinc is converted back to zinc oxide, but the water is reduced at the gas electrode to produce hydrogen. The system can therefore be used not only to store electricity—in combination with a fuel cell—but also as an on‐demand hydrogen generator, for example, for industrial use. When used as an electrical storage system, the overall round‐trip efficiency can approach 50%, significantly exceeding the efficiency of alternative power‐to‐gas technologies. There are no hydrogen storage or transportation losses. The electrochemical cell combines two breakthrough technologies: a bifunctional catalyst for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction that survives thousands of oxidation and reduction cycles, and a dendrite‐free deposition of thick, high‐capacity zinc coatings that can be cycled almost indefinitely thanks to pulsed charge current and intelligent electronic control.
Parents' perception of treatment‐related toxicity in children treated according to the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mogensen Nina , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Albertsen Birgitte K. , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Heyman Mats , Harila Arja
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess how parents perceived treatment‐related side effects during acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment. Parents of children 1–17.9 years at diagnosis in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark who were alive and in first remission ≥6 months after end of ALL treatment were asked to respond on specific items regarding how their child was affected by side effects related to vincristine (VCR), corticosteroids, peg‐asparaginase (ASP), and maintenance therapy, as well as overall impact of these treatments, complications in general, and their perception of impact on their child in comparison with other children with ALL. Parents of 307 children responded. More than a third reported that their child had been affected to a high extent by VCR (39.7%) and corticosteroids (35.8%), with walking difficulties, muscular weakness, pain, changes in appetite, and mood swings as the most common and severe symptoms. Reporting of these toxicities was lacking from the NOPHO ALL2008 database, except for peripheral paralysis (12.1%). For distinct toxicities reported in the NOPHO ALL2008 database, for example, thrombosis and pancreatitis, parent reports were similar to the database. Although a high overall negative impact during treatment was reported, parents generally rated the impact on their child as less, or similar, to other children with ALL. Parents perceived VCR and corticosteroid therapy, in particular, to have a negative impact on their child during ALL treatment, which was not captured in the NOPHO ALL2008 toxicity reporting. Our results highlight the importance of including patient/parent‐reported outcomes in toxicity reporting.
Natural and sustainable thermal storage solution for solar distillation system using sensible fiber material and latent PCM: Enhanced energy storage application
Authors: Thakur Vinay , Kumar Nitin
Published: July 2024

The current research work involves the design and performance assessment of a solar still, which is a conventional single‐slope basin‐type solar still (CSSBTSS) and a modified single‐slope basin‐type solar still (MSSBTSS) under the meteorological conditions of Solan city, Himachal Pradesh, India (30.90° N, 77.09° E). The individual and the combined effect of different sample quantities of sensible Himalayan Rambaan fibers (HRFs) and mass of latent paraffin wax (PW) A48 on the performance of MSSBTSS is evaluated and compared with CSSBTSS. The use of HRF material enhanced the evaporation rate significantly and improved the daytime distillates. Besides, different masses of latent PW filled inside the aluminum tubes improved the nocturnal distillates. For the analysis, three cases have been considered which are, namely: Case 1, solar still with sensible HRFs (MSSBTSS‐HRF); Case 2, solar still with latent PW A48 (MSSBTSS‐PW); and Case 3, solar still with sensible and latent material (MSSBTSS‐HRF‐PW). The results showed that the maximum thermal efficiency for Cases 1 and 2 was improved by 30.02% and 42.41% with five sample quantities of HRF material and 5000 g of PW. For Case 3, the maximum energy efficiency was 90.71% with a gain of 45.16% over CSSBTSS. The economic analysis concluded that the cost per liter of distillate yield produced using MSSBTSS‐HRF‐PW and CSSBTSS is ₹1.5 and ₹1.6, respectively. These outcomes showed the great potential of MSSBTSS‐HRF‐PW approach towards enhancing the overall performance and cost‐effectiveness of solar still.
The prenatal caregiving expectations questionnaire‐revised version: Factor structure, internal consistency, and initial construct validity
Authors: Røhder Katrine , Baumann Magnus Volden , Karstoft Karen‐Inge , Schleicher Ida , George Carol , Harder Susanne
Published: July 2024

An efficient, multidimensional instrument is needed to screen non‐optimal prenatal parental representations predictive of postnatal parenting behavior and child attachment. The present work aimed to revise and validate the Prenatal Caregiving Expectations Questionnaire—Revised (PCEQ‐R). Survey data from two independent samples of pregnant, primarily Danish, women (N = 300/322) were collected to 1) test the factor structure and select items for a 20‐item version, and 2) confirm the factor structure, examine internal consistency, and establish initial construct validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three‐factor model of helpless‐dysregulated, anxious‐hyperactivated, and avoidant‐deactivated caregiving representations. Internal consistency was acceptable (α > .73). Construct validity analyses showed that higher helpless‐dysregulated caregiving was associated with low maternal antenatal attachment quality (rs = −.36) and intensity (rs = −.11), increased risk of perinatal depression (rs = .37), and trait anxiety (rs = .37). Higher anxious‐hyperactivated caregiving was associated with better maternal antenatal attachment quality (rs = .20) and higher intensity (rs = .26), while avoidant‐deactivated caregiving was not associated with maternal antenatal attachment. These findings support the validity and multidimensional structure of the measure. The homogenous nature of the sample limits generalizability of results. Future studies should examine predictive validity of the PCEQ‐R and include clinical samples.
Long journey of 16S rRNA‐amplicon sequencing toward cell‐based functional bacterial microbiota characterization
Authors: Jin Jianshi , Liu Xiongduo , Shiroguchi Katsuyuki
Published: July 2024

Bacteria often exist and function as a community, known as the bacterial microbiota, which consists of vast numbers of bacteria belonging to many bacterial species (taxa). Characterizing the bacterial microbiota needs high‐throughput approaches that enable the identification and quantification of many bacterial cells, and such approaches have been under development for more than 30 years. In this review, we describe the history of high‐throughput technologies based on 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene‐amplicon sequencing for the characterization of bacterial microbiotas. Then, we summarize the features and applications of current 16S rRNA gene‐amplicon sequencing approaches, including a recent achievement that enables the identification of individual cells with single‐base accuracy for 16S rRNA genes and the quantification of many identified cells. Furthermore, we present the prospects for further technical development, including the combined use of high‐throughput methods and other informative analyses, such as whole‐genome sequencing in the common unit of the cell, which enables bacterial microbiota characterization based on both the number of cells and their functions.
Using degradable oxidizing additives in the manufacturing of drip irrigation tapes to prevent environmental problems
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammadhadi , Khaledian Mohammadreza , Olfati Jamalali
Published: July 2024

Using tapes in drip irrigation is associated with environmental problems due to the accumulation of tapes in agricultural areas. Farmers either leave them on the fields or burn them or bury them. All three of these methods pose dangerous environmental hazards. To address this issue, it is recommended that these materials be produced from or with biodegradable materials. In this study, a biodegradable additive was used as a degradation accelerator in the production of tapes. After the production of these tapes, they were used under real conditions and during a growing season and in two treatments: below and on the soil surface, along with a canopy and without shade (beans and radishes). After 6 and 11 months, the tapes were sampled to investigate their degradation. The results showed that tapes made with oxo as an additive began to degrade more quickly than did conventional tapes. A reduction in properties such as weight (p < 0.05), turbidity (p < 0.05), and mechanical properties such as tensile strength at the rupture point (p < 0.05), elongation at the rupture point (p > 0.05), Young's modulus (p < 0.05) and toughness (p < 0.05) in tapes produced with oxo additives shows more and faster degradation than conventional tapes. Therefore, the use of oxo master batches in the production of tapes is possible and useful.
Available evidence on fetal liver changes detected by ultrasound in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: Systematic review
Authors: Da Correggio Karine Souza , Galluzzo Roberto Noya , von Wangenheim Aldo , Werner Heron , Castro Pedro Teixeira , Araujo Júnior Edward , Onofre Alexandre Sherlley Casimiro
Published: July 2024

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available scientific literature on ultrasound‐detected fetal liver changes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to explore the potential of these markers to inform clinical management and improve outcomes. A total of four articles investigating fetal liver changes in GDM pregnancies were selected. The studies varied in methodology, gestational age studied, and diagnostic criteria for GDM. Fetal liver indices, such as fetal liver length and fetal liver volume, emerged as potential markers for identifying GDM and predicting adverse outcomes. Studies suggest an association between fetal liver changes and GDM, with implications for both maternal glycemic control and fetal metabolic adaptation. Variability in study methodology highlights the need for standardized approaches to assess fetal hepatic indices and their correlation with GDM outcomes.
Outcome Reporting in Prospective Studies Evaluating Neurostimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Wesson Troy , Rone Victoria , Ramirez Mirian , Manchanda Shalini , Stahl Stephanie , Chernyak Yelena , Parker Noah
Published: July 2024

Objective

Due to the controversy surrounding the appropriate outcomes in neurostimulation, we sought to systematically describe ways in which polysomnography and apnea‐hypopnea index are reported in prospective studies involving unilateral hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Library, and Scopus.

Review Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting items of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) Statement guidelines, a systematic two‐reviewer system was used for study screening and quality assessment. Articles that met inclusion criteria were included. Quality was evaluated with either the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale or the Covidence risk‐of‐bias tool.

Results

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, which included 14 prospective cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial. Titration polysomnography was the primary sleep study used to acquire data in five of the studies compared to only three studies employing exclusively non‐titration polysomnography to report outcomes. Three studies compiled data from two or more sleep studies to report a single apnea‐hypopnea index. Within the 15 studies, non‐titration apnea‐hypopnea index was the most reported type (five studies). Titration apnea‐hypopnea index was used to report outcomes in one study. Five studies did not specify what type of apnea‐hypopnea index was employed to report treatment effectiveness.

Conclusion

The reported sleep studies and corresponding apnea‐hypopnea indices were highly variable across the studies. Because of the high degree of heterogeneity, future research would benefit from consistent use of a standardized apnea‐hypopnea index to report outcomes related to hypoglossal nerve stimulation.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4873–4881, 2024
Generation of Arbitrarily Programmable Vector Vortex Beams Based on Spin‐Independent Metasurface
Authors: Gou Yue , Tian Han Wei , Wang Zheng Xing , Zhang Tai Yi , Sun Shi , Zheng Sen , Cui Tie Jun , Ma Hui Feng
Published: July 2024

Vectorial structured beam, which possesses diverse inhomogeneous spatial field distributions, has been developed into an advanced technology for particle trapping, optical communication, and quantum information. However, most of the related studies are based on static devices that can only generate structured light with fixed field distributions. To break through this restriction, the study proposes and experimentally demonstrates a reflection‐type spin‐independent programmable metasurface (SIPM) that can generate arbitrary vector vortex beams (VVBs) dynamically in microwave frequencies. By controlling the working states of loaded positive‐intrinsic‐negative (PIN) diodes, the metasurface can realize real‐time and spin‐independent manipulations of amplitude and phase of the reflected waves. Therefore, any desired VVBs can be achieved by dynamically controlling the superimposition of left‐ and right‐handed reflected circularly polarized vortexes. The proposed SIPM exhibits powerful abilities in modulating the vectorial structured beams in the microwave band, and may bring potential technological innovations for the future spintronics, imaging display, optical computing, and wireless communications.
Bacterial diversity and geomicrobiology of Winter Wonderland ice cave, Utah, USA
Authors: Seixas Miranda Herschel , Munroe Jeffrey S. , Eggleston Erin M.
Published: July 2024

The Winter Wonderland ice cave, located at an elevation of 3140 m above sea level in the Uinta Mountains of northern Utah, USA, maintains a constant sub‐zero temperature. Seasonal snowmelt and rain enter the cave, freeze on the surface of the existing ice, and contribute to a 3‐m‐thick layered ice mass. This ice mass contains organic matter and cryogenic cave carbonates (CCCs) that date back centuries. In this study, samples of ice, liquid water, and exposed CCCs were collected to examine the bacterial communities within the cave and to determine if these communities vary spatially and between sample types. Flow cytometry showed that cell counts are an order of magnitude higher in liquid water samples than in ice. Epifluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed potential coccoid and bacillus microbial morphologies in water samples and putative cells or calcite spherules in the CCCs. The diversity of bacteria associated with soil, identified through sequence‐based analysis, supports the hypothesis that water enters the cave by filtering through soil and bedrock. A differential abundance of bacterial taxa was observed between sample types, with the greatest diversity found in CCCs. This supports a geomicrobiological framework where microbes aggregate in the water, sink into a concentrated layer, and precipitate out of the ice with the CCCs, thereby reducing the cell counts in the ice. These CCCs may provide essential nutrients for the bacteria or could themselves be products of biomineralization.
Ultrashort echo time magnetic resonance elastography for quantification of the mechanical properties of short T2 tissues via optimal control‐based radiofrequency pulses
Authors: Sango‐Solanas Pilar , Tse Ve Koon Kevin , Van Reeth Eric , Nicolle Stéphane , Palierne Jean‐François , Caussy Cyrielle , Beuf Olivier
Published: July 2024

The aim of the current study is to demonstrate the feasibility of radiofrequency (RF) pulses generated via an optimal control (OC) algorithm to perform magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and quantify the mechanical properties of materials with very short transverse relaxation times (T2 < 5 ms) for the first time. OC theory applied to MRE provides RF pulses that bring isochromats from the equilibrium state to a fixed target state, which corresponds to the phase pattern of a conventional MRE acquisition. Such RF pulses applied with a constant gradient allow to simultaneously perform slice selection and motion encoding in the slice direction. Unlike conventional MRE, no additional motion‐encoding gradients (MEGs) are needed, enabling shorter echo times. OC pulses were implemented both in turbo spin echo (OC rapid acquisition with refocused echoes [RARE]) and ultrashort echo time (OC UTE) sequences to compare their motion‐encoding efficiency with the conventional MEG encoding (classical MEG MRE). MRE experiments were carried out on agar phantoms with very short T2 values and on an ex vivo bovine tendon. Magnitude images, wave field images, phase‐to‐noise ratio (PNR), and shear storage modulus maps were compared between OC RARE, OC UTE, and classical MEG MRE in samples with different T2 values. Shear storage modulus values of the agar phantoms were in agreement with values found in the literature, and that of the bovine tendon was corroborated with rheometry measurements. Only the OC sequences could encode motion in very short T2 samples, and only OC UTE sequences yielded magnitude images enabling proper visualization of short T2 samples and tissues. The OC UTE sequence produced the best PNRs, demonstrating its ability to perform anatomical and mechanical characterization. Its success warrants in vivo confirmation in further studies.
Consensus control and initialization region optimization for leader‐following multi‐agent systems under time‐varying communication delay and consecutive packet dropouts
Authors: Zhang Tu , Zhang Guobao , Huang Yongming
Published: July 2024

This article is to investigate the consensus control and initialization region optimization for leader‐following multi‐agent systems with time‐varying communication delay and nonidentical consecutive packet dropouts. By combining the Bernoulli distribution model of the data loss and the Hadamard product, the control protocols affected by both communication delay and packet dropouts are utilized to formulate the consensus problem into the mean‐square stability problem of the augmented error systems. Resorting to the Lyapunov function methodology and a structure separation method, a sufficient condition to ensure the consensus is built in the form of linear matrix inequality. Relying on the given Lyapunov function and set‐membership analysis, an optimization procedure is proposed to simultaneously ensure the consensus and enlarge the estimated ellipsoid of initial conditions. The validity of the provided method is illustrated through a comparative simulation.