bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholesterol, Triglyceride, and Glucose Levels Across Birth Cohorts in the US
Authors: Huang Xiaoning , Petito Lucia C. , Shah Nilay S. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Khan Sadiya S. , Cameron Natalie A.
Published: December 2024

Importance

Population mean levels of total cholesterol and fasting triglycerides have decreased substantially in the US in recent decades, but improvements in cardiometabolic health may have slowed among younger cohorts. Conversely, prevalence of diabetes (types 1 and 2) and obesity has increased, especially among adults younger than 65 years. It is unclear how trends in cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels have changed across different birth cohorts and whether adverse trends in obesity are associated with these patterns.

Objective

To quantify national trends in total cholesterol, fasting triglyceride, and fasting glucose levels among cohorts born between 1920 and 1999 and examine the potential association of these patterns with body mass index (BMI).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This serial cross-sectional study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from the 1999-2000 to 2017-2020 cycles. Data were analyzed between November 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024. Participants included nonpregnant and noninstitutionalized US adults 18 years or older, born between 1920 and 1999, who had data collected from 1999 to 2020.

Exposure

Eight 10-year birth cohorts (from 1920 to 1999).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Total cholesterol, fasting triglyceride, and fasting glucose levels and BMI. Quantile regression models reported average marginal effects to quantify mean change in cardiometabolic outcome measures per decade of birth years. Parametric regression models estimated the association of birth cohort with outcomes, assessing BMI as the mediator.

Results

Of 52 006 participants weighted to represent 264 664 915 US adults, weighted median age was 46 (IQR, 33-60) years and 50.6% were women. For the 50th percentile of measures, mean difference per 1-decade younger birth cohort was −7.1 (95% CI, −8.2 to −6.1) mg/dL for total cholesterol level, −13.1 (95% CI, −15.1 to −11.1) mg/dL for fasting triglyceride level, and 2.7 (95% CI, 2.3-3.1) mg/dL for fasting glucose level. BMI appeared to attenuate the associations between birth cohort and lipid levels and enhanced the associations between birth cohort and fasting glucose levels. However, up to 80% of the associations between birth cohorts and cardiometabolic outcomes were not mediated through BMI.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of 52 006 participants representing 264 664 915 US adults, population-level improvements in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels decelerated and adverse trends in glucose levels accelerated in more recent birth cohorts, which was partially mediated by concurrent increases in BMI. Public health initiatives that target antecedent health behaviors are needed to improve cardiometabolic health across generations.
OTPs report on barriers to methadone van implementation in state‐by‐state report
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2024

Although the federal government has allowed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) to treat patients with methadone by mobile vans for three years (see ADAW https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33120), pickup by the states has been slow. The innovation makes it much easier for patients in rural areas, and patients without access to transportation, to receive treatment. But unless it's put into practice, it won't work to increase treatment rates and reduce the opioid overdose crisis.
Addiction degree from Georgetown marries science and policy
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2024

Under the auspices of Regina LaBelle, an elite academic program conferring a Master of Science in Addiction Policy and Practice has now graduated three classes. LaBelle, who started the program at Georgetown University after leaving the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2017, was responding to the need for a science‐based program. “Georgetown was looking for something to address a public need,” LaBelle told ADAW. “A lot of policy is based on stigma, or on someone's personal experience, and not on science.”
Screen time associated with substance use in young adolescents
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2024

Researchers have found that screen tie was associated with alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis experimentation in young teens. With each additional hour spent on social media, texting, and video chatting, the odds of any substance experimentation went up. The study, “Prospective association between screen use modalities and substance use experimentation in early adolescents” by Jason M. Nagata M.D. is published in the January 2025 issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence. The researchers based their information on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study of the National Institutes of Health, which funded the study.
SAMHSA names director of OBHE
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2024

Rachele C. Espiritu Ph.D. has been named as the Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Equity at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Prior to this, she was a founding partner of Change Matrix, where she played a pivotal role in driving and measuring change to promote behavioral health equity and improve the well‐being of individuals and communities. Previously she served as a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics at Georgetown University Medical Center and as the Director of Evaluation for the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development. In these roles, she supported states and communities in building evaluation capacity for children's services and led internal evaluation initiatives for the Center. Esperitu's expertise spans behavioral health, evaluation, workforce development, leadership, systems change, and policy development. She has led numerous state and national initiatives supported by federal agencies and foundations, including the Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center, the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health, the Colorado Equity Compass, and Transforming Academia for Equity. Espiritu earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she was honored as a Patricia Robert Harris scholar.
A Real‐Time Imaging Sensing System to Visualize Elastomer Surface Profile Evolution for Dynamic Tactile Recognition
Authors: Zou Zhibin , Li Zilan , Zhou Yuanzhi , Zhou Guoyuan , Xu Weiliang , Huang Muxing , Wu Wenfeng , Zhang Huiming , Dai Zhaohe , Li Xinming
Published: December 2024

Elastomer‐based interfaces provide rich functionalities for tactile sensing, particularly in making tiny differences in contact dynamics potentially detectable. However, the minimal motion‐induced changes in the elastomer's surface and their disappearance during time‐lapse limit the state recognition within the current scheme of motion recognition. In this work, a new scheme of real‐time motion mode recognition for subtle deformations is proposed, which uses an optical tactile sensing system to visualize and distinguish tiny variations in surface profile evolution encoded as images. Illustrating with a sphere, sliding‐induced asymmetric elastomer surface deformation is visualized as a “drag” in optical images. The convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm is used to analyze the evolution of surface contour features during the interaction between the sphere and the elastic medium. Motion state recognition is achieved with 80% accuracy when a displacement of only 8.3% of the sphere diameter is produced. In addition, the system also offers the potential to analyze dynamic motion information through a single image, with an accuracy of 82.7% for velocity recognition. This dynamic real‐time recognition framework for soft media deformation paves the way for novel motion‐based input commands for tactile sensing and human‐computer interaction applications.
Ultrasmall High‐Entropy‐Alloy Nanozyme Catalyzed In Vivo ROS and NO Scavenging for Anti‐Inflammatory Therapy
Authors: Choi Daeeun , Boo Yeonju , Park Seonhye , Xu Liangliang , Kim Seongbeen , Yi Seung Yeop , Lee Sangmin , Wu Ruopeng , Kim Won Jong , Lee Jinwoo
Published: December 2024

High‐entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles possess finely tunable and multifunctional catalytic activity due to their extremely diverse adsorption sites. Their unique properties enable HEA nanoparticles to mimic the complex interactions of the redox homeostasis system, which is composed of cascade and multiple enzymatic reactions. The application of HEAs in mimicking complex enzymatic systems remains relatively unexplored, despite the importance of regulating biological redox reactions. Here, it is reported that ultra‐small (<10 nm in a diameter) HEA nanozymes consisting of five platinum‐group metals with tunable morphologies from planar to dendritic structures are synthesized. The synthesized HEA nanozymes exhibited higher peroxidase‐like activity compared to monometallic platinum‐group nanoparticles. Additionally, HEA nanoparticles effectively mimicked RONS‐regulation metabolism in cascade reactions involving superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as in multiple reactions including HORAC and NO scavenging. As a result, the HEA nanozyme exhibited superior anti‐inflammatory efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the high‐entropy alloy structure in restoring in vivo enzymatic systems through intrinsic activity enhancements and cascade reaction mechanisms.
Biomimetically Inspired Micro‐Nano Hierarchical Structures of Rose Petals for Efficient SERS Sensing Applications
Authors: Xia Yunjie , Sun Mengnan , Zhang Li , Qi Shuyan , Jia Yaru , Li Zihou , Wang Mingkun , Li Shunxiang , Wu Aiguo , Chen Bo
Published: December 2024

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection is a crucial technology for rapid sensing and “fingerprinting”, achieved through the combination of Raman spectroscopy and arrays of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs). This study introduces a low‐cost biomimetic‐inspired approach to fabricate rose petal structured micro/nano hierarchical structures with silver (Ag) film, serving as a reliable SERS substrate. These substrates are thoroughly compared by replicating the upper surface of rose petals of different colors into a transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixture and subsequently sputtering Ag film of varying thicknesses. Ultimately, the white negative rose PDMS replica is chosen, demonstrating a high enhancement factor, good batch‐to‐batch reproducibility, high stability, and high sensitivity for crystal violet (CV), an organic contaminant with mutagenic and toxigenic properties. In a proof‐of‐concept experiment, the multiplex detection capability of this SERS substrate is demonstrated by analyzing a combination of two sets of analytes (CV and methylene blue as well as CV and Nile blue A). Furthermore, this SERS substrate is utilized to test tau protein and amyloid β peptides, both recognized biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. This study illustrates that the proposed 3D SERS substrate exhibits significant potential for the highly sensitive and rapid detection of biomolecules in practical applications.
Spin Decoupling Metasurfaces for Four‐Channel Terahertz Wavefront Shaping
Authors: Zhang Qianyun , Li Guibin , Wu Liang , Yue Zhen , Yang Fan , Zhang Qiankun , Li Hui , Zheng Chenglong , Xu Quan , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Yan , Li Li , Yao Jianquan
Published: December 2024

Advances in wireless communication systems require multifunction‐integrated optical devices to increase information capacities. However, the wavefront‐shaping metasurfaces thus far face challenges in manipulating orthogonal polarization independently and achieving versatile wavefront shaping simultaneously. Here, the scheme of chip‐integrated multi‐section metalens geometries is proposed to operate simultaneously with efficient focusing, orthogonal polarization manipulation, and vortex beam generation. Two spin decoupling metasurfaces are prepared to implement four‐channel terahertz wavefront shaping. It can independently engineer the co‐polarized and cross‐polarized components conversion under circularly polarized incidence. One metasurface realizes the polarization conversion in four independent channels under either left‐ or right‐handed circular incidence. The other achieves different spin‐to‐orbit conversions to generate vortex beams with independent polarization manipulation in four channels. The results suggest promising applications for high‐capacity and high‐security terahertz communication.
Corrosion Mechanism and Mitigation Strategies for Carbon Supports in PEMFCs
Authors: Lu Mingjia , Liang Jinhui , Zhan Wenfeng , Li Yuhuai , Chen Hong , Li Muwu , Liao Shijun , Cui Zhiming
Published: December 2024

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) demonstrate exceptional efficiency in converting hydrogen into electricity and hold great promise for mitigating carbon emissions. However, the high loading of platinum (Pt) (0.2–0.35 mgPt cm−2) in the cathode catalytic layer (CL) poses a significant obstacle to the commercialization of PEMFCs. Although current research has succeeded in reducing Pt usage in the cathode CL, carbon corrosion remains a major issue that leads to decreased output power density and shortened service life. The enhancement of support stability poses a greater challenge compared to the improvement of intrinsic stability in Pt‐based alloys, primarily due to the thermodynamic instability of carbon during practical operating conditions. Recently, extensive efforts are dedicated to exploiting advanced carbon supports through the utilization of innovative nanostructure design and synthesis techniques, as well as profound mechanistic insights. This review highlights the intriguing advancements in the modification and synthesis of carbon materials, while also summarizing the underlying mechanisms and potential factors that impact the corrosion reaction of carbon. The general ideas and strategies for the development of carbon materials with desirable nanostructures and physicochemical properties are outlined in detail to design low‐Pt CL with highly efficient mass transfer and superior stability.
CHIME Syndrome in a Child With Homozygous PIGL p.Leu167Pro Variant
Authors: Arany Eszter Sara , Zocche David , Mellerio Jemima E. , Holder‐Espinasse Muriel , Cobben Jan
Published: December 2024

CHIME syndrome is a variable condition characterized by ichthyosiform dermatosis, accompanied by intellectual disability, ocular colobomas, ear anomalies, and heart defects. It is an autosomal recessive condition caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the PIGL gene. Until now, all reports of individuals affected with CHIME syndrome showed the PIGL c.500T>C p.Leu167Pro DNA variant on one allele of the PIGL gene, in combination with another PIGL DNA variant on the other allele. This has led to the hypothesis that the p.Leu167Pro variant determines to a mild phenotypic effect only and that the core phenotype is determined by the second PIGL DNA variant. We report the first individual with CHIME syndrome, a 6‐year‐old girl, with homozygous PIGL p.Leu167Pro variants, defusing this hypothesis as she is not mildly affected. As CHIME is a very rare condition, it is expected that a significant proportion of cases will be due to homozygous gene variants, especially of founder DNA variants, and offspring of consanguineous parents. We speculate that the lack of homozygous p.Leu167Pro DNA variants so far has been due to chance and that other homozygous cases will be identified in future reports of affected individuals.
Design of High‐Performance Infrared Nonlinear Optical PAs3S3 with Perfectly Aligned Polar Molecular Cage via a Bipolar‐Axis‐Symmetry Coupling Strategy
Authors: Wang Chao , Lin Chensheng , Zhao Xin , Yang Shunda , Yan Tao , Fang Shenghao , Wu Lingli , Ye Ning , Luo Min
Published: December 2024

Strong polar molecular cages have recently emerged as novel functional building units for high‐performance infrared nonlinear optical (IR NLO) crystals. However, these highly polar molecular cages often arrange themselves in a way that cancels out their polarity, leading to a more energetically stable state. As a result, most cage crystal formations tend to crystallize in centrosymmetric space groups, which conflicts with the primary requirement for NLO crystals. Herein, we address the challenge of polar molecular cage arrangement through bipolar‐axis‐symmetry coupling strategy, utilizing classical NLO parent compounds. By substituting the C3v symmetric [B3O6] groups with polar C3v symmetric [PAs3S3] cages within the β‐BBO polar aixs lattice, we successfully synthesized a new compound, PAs3S3 (PAS), which exhibits a consistent arrangement of polar molecular cages — crucial for maximizing NLO performance. Additionally, due to the non‐covalent interactions among [PAs3S3] polar molecular cages, PAS demonstrates an unexpectedly strong second harmonic generation (SHG) about 8 times that of AgGaS2, along with a significant band gap of 2.75 eV. Furthermore, PAS exhibits remarkable stability against air and moisture. These findings validate our design strategy and position PAS as a promising candidate for applications in IR NLO crystals.
High‐Temperature‐Mediated Assembly of Polyoxometalate‐Induced Ordered Carbonaceous Superstructures
Authors: Zhang Xie , Lv Xucheng , Du Xiangbowen , Qi Menghui , Mao Shanjun , Wang Yong
Published: December 2024

Constructing hierarchical superstructures through one‐step bottom‐up synthesis poses significant challenges due to strong interactions between additives and micelles, which hinders the formation of heterogeneous configurations. Here, we propose a high‐temperature‐mediated method to weaken these interactions and manipulate the thermal instability of micellar templates. This approach successfully synthesizes hierarchical superstructures that combine a carbonaceous nanosheet substrate with polyoxometalate (POM)‐induced, highly ordered discontinuous nanodots in a single preparation step. The surface nanodots have a diameter of approximately 19 nm and are spaced about 32 nm apart. Besides, the nanodots with various arrangements can be generated by simply adjusting the amount of POM. Importantly, the superstructure features more exposed POM catalytic sites than conventional carbonaceous hybrids lacking surface architectures, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance in lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. This high‐temperature‐mediated approach offers new insights for designing hierarchical superstructures and functional materials with enhanced activities.
Sulfobetaine/Alginate/Chitosan Supported Hybrid N‐Isopropylacrylamide Hydrogels: Composition‐Dependent Diffusion/Compression Properties and Theophylline/Diclofenac Sodium/Ciprofloxacin Release Kinetics
Authors: Şahin Fatıma Cemre , Şimşek Ceyda , Erbil Candan
Published: December 2024

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (N), poly([3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl] dimethyl(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide) (SB) and SB/N hydrogels were prepared using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinker, while their hybrid semi‐/full‐IPNs N1A, N1C, N1CA, SB/N1A, SB/N1C, and SB/N1CA were synthesized in the presence of Alginate (A)/Chitosan (C). All the hydrogels were evaluated by taking into account their appearances, compression strengths and swelling behaviors in the ranges of pH 1.2–9.0 and temperature 4°C–40°C. The compressive moduli of N and SB/N hydrogels increased from ~10 to 80 kPa by changing composition (from N, SB/N to N1CA, SB/N1CA), swelling solution (from DDW to PBS) and temperature (from 25° to 37°C). The release profiles of diclofenac sodium (DFNa), theophylline (Thp), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) from N, SB/N, and their semi‐/full‐IPNs were investigated at pH 1.2 and pH 7.4, mimicking gastric and intestinal fluids. Higuchi, Peppas, and Weibull models were used, to describe the mechanisms of DFNa, Thp, and CIP releases from the hybrid IPNs of N and SB/N. The values of n (> 0.45) and β (> 0.75) at 37°C for Peppas and Weibull equations showed that DFNa and CIP releases from SB/N hybrids, which are more hydrophilic than IPNs of N, are mainly controlled by swelling/relaxation process.
Dynamic algorithmic awareness based on FAT evaluation: Heuristic intervention and multidimensional prediction
Authors: Liu Jing , Wu Dan , Sun Guoye , Deng Yuyang
Published: December 2024

As the widespread use of algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, understanding the interaction process of human–algorithm interaction becomes increasingly crucial. From the human perspective, algorithmic awareness is recognized as a significant factor influencing how users evaluate algorithms and engage with them. In this study, a formative study identified four dimensions of algorithmic awareness: conceptions awareness (AC), data awareness (AD), functions awareness (AF), and risks awareness (AR). Subsequently, we implemented a heuristic intervention and collected data on users' algorithmic awareness and FAT (fairness, accountability, and transparency) evaluation in both pre‐test and post‐test stages (N = 622). We verified the dynamics of algorithmic awareness and FAT evaluation through fuzzy clustering and identified three patterns of FAT evaluation changes: “Stable high rating pattern,” “Variable medium rating pattern,” and “Unstable low rating pattern.” Using the clustering results and FAT evaluation scores, we trained classification models to predict different dimensions of algorithmic awareness by applying different machine learning techniques, namely Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and XGBoost (XGB). Comparatively, experimental results show that the SVM algorithm accomplishes the task of predicting the four dimensions of algorithmic awareness with better results and interpretability. Its F1 scores are 0.6377, 0.6780, 0.6747, and 0.75. These findings hold great potential for informing human‐centered algorithmic practices and HCI design.
Has the Last Super Cycle in Crude Oil Price Ended? a Maximum Drawdown Approach Using Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Salcı‐Bilici M. , Erdem F. Pınar , Ünalmış İbrahim , Vardar‐Acar C.
Published: December 2024

Identifying the start and end dates of past oil price super cycles attracts significant attention in the literature. However, there are limited attempts to construct a formal methodology for determining the duration and maximum drawdown of a typical oil price super cycle. This paper aims to fill this gap by identifying the pricing and duration properties of a super cycle using a fractional Brownian motion model (fBm). We calibrate the fBm and conduct simulations using data from January 1996 to September 2020. The simulation results indicate that the maximum drawdown is expected to last 124 months. This result implies that the last oil price super‐cycle ended in September 2018. In other words, our findings imply that oil prices are currently in a bull market. The findings carry significant policy implications for policymakers in both oil‐exporting and ‐importing countries, as well as financial market players.
Towards the integrated supply chain practices through industry 4.0: A bibliometric and systematic review
Authors: Mahajan Pramod Sanjay , Raut Rakesh D. , Kumar Prasanth R. , Ghoshal Sudishna
Published: December 2024

Modern agri‐food supply chains are gradually becoming complex due to perishability, seasonality, frequent disruption, fluctuating consumer requirements and environmental concerns. Implementing multiple practices may help to address this complexity and develop a robust agri‐food supply chain that enables a competitive edge for the organisation. This paper discusses the possibility of integrating various supply chain practices through Industry 4.0 in the agri‐food supply chain. In addition, getting insights from bibliometric and systematic reviews. The study tried to search for various possible keywords to import the data on multiple research platforms such as Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus. All the collected data were merged into a single file, removing duplicates and verifying the papers based on the abstract and title for relevancy. Finally, the study concluded the systematic review of 97 research articles. By analyzing the content of all the articles and reviewing articles through a bibliometric package of ‘R’. The paper's finding suggests that integrating all these practices mentioned in the article gives a collaborative output of a sustainable, efficient, flexible and resilient supply chain that leverages Industry 4.0 technology to market dynamics while maximizing sustainable impact. The researcher and practitioner advised a wise implementation of all the supply chain practices mentioned in this article and suggested understanding their benefit to the organisation. This study also presented a future research direction focusing on the practical application of Industry 4.0 and collaborative supply chain practices.
Design and Synthesis of Propargyloxy Functionalized Pyrazole‐Based Aurones: Exploring Their Potent Anticancer Properties Against AGS and MCF‐7 Cell Lines
Authors: Lathwal Ekta , Kumar Suresh , Sharma Vikas , Sharma Arpana , Choudhury Trisha , Mistry Tanuma , Nasare Vilas D.
Published: December 2024

FDA‐approved numerous commercial and natural drugs used in cancer treatment feature either pyrazole or alkyne moieties. On the basis of this, we designed and synthesized 20 novel propargyloxy‐substituted pyrazole‐based aurones (10a–j and 11a–j) and evaluated for their anticancer potential against cancerous MCF‐7 and human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell lines, as well as normal cell line human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK‐293), through MTT assay. Among these tested compounds, five (10d–f, 11e, and 11f) displayed potent cytotoxic properties for AGS cancer cell line with IC50 values ranging from 19.7 to 28.5 µM, better than the reference drugs leucovorin (IC50 = 30.8 µM) and oxaliplatin (IC50 = 29.8 µM). Furthermore, compounds 10b, 10c, 11a, 11c, and 11d demonstrated a significant cytotoxic potential against the MCF‐7 cancer cell line with a single‐digit micromolar IC50 potency (4.8–8.5 µM) compared to the standard drug paclitaxel (IC50 = 19.7 µM). The cytotoxic studies of above selected potent active hybrid compounds, against HEK‐293, normal cell line, further highlight the potential use of 10c molecule (IC50 = 4.8 µM against MCF‐7 cells) as an anticancer agent for breast cancer with a selectivity index of 2.597. The cytotoxic results were further supported by the molecular docking studies.
Strongyloides Hyperinfection Syndrome Following Immunosuppressant Therapy for COVID‐19: A Case Report With Literature Review
Authors: Sharma Robin , Islam Muna , Alam Md. Kamrul , Das Sudipta , Islam Rabiul , Ghose Aniruddha
Published: December 2024

Strongyloides hyperinfection and disseminated infections are usually associated with immunosuppression; these severe manifestations occur in a minority of cases. The use of immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids and Baricitinib for treating COVID‐19 pneumonia can be responsible for patients' immunosuppression and cause Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome. The chance increases when the patient belongs to countries or regions where chronic infection with Strongyloides is more prevalent. This case report describes the clinical scenario of a 78‐year‐old man from southeastern Bangladesh who was initially diagnosed with COVID‐19 pneumonia. His condition improved after receiving corticosteroid therapy for approximately 1 month at various doses and Baricitinib therapy for more than a week due to moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. Approximately 2 months later, he presented with low‐grade fever, diarrhea, and itching throughout the body. Blood analysis revealed eosinophilia; stool examination revealed Rhabditiform larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis. The patient was diagnosed with Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and treated with Albendazole and Ivermectin. His clinical condition gradually improved, and he was discharged from the hospital. The stool sample was sent for a repeat microscopic examination after 14 days, which yielded a negative result. Clinicians should be more vigilant while prescribing corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants for a prolonged period. Proper screening to identify asymptomatic cases of strongyloidiasis, followed by empirical treatment of screening‐positive cases, prompt detection, and management of severe manifestations, is crucial to reduce further morbidity and mortality related to Strongyloides stercoralis.
Unlocking New Capabilities in the Analysis of GC × GC‐TOFMS Data With Shift‐Invariant Multi‐Linearity
Authors: Schneide Paul‐Albert , Armstrong Michael Sorochan , Gallagher Neal , Bro Rasmus
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel deconvolution algorithm, shift‐invariant multi‐linearity (SIML), which significantly enhances the analysis of data from two‐dimensional gas chromatography instruments coupled to a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (GC × GC‐TOFMS). Designed to address the challenges posed by retention time shifts and high noise levels, SIML incorporates wavelet‐based smoothing and Fourier‐transform based shift‐correction within the multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) framework. We benchmarked the SIML algorithm against non‐negativity constrained MCR‐ALS and parallel factor analysis 2 with flexible coupling (PARAFAC2 × N) using both simulated and real GC × GC‐TOFMS datasets. Our results demonstrate that SIML provides unique solutions with significantly improved robustness, particularly in low signal‐to‐noise ratio scenarios, where it maintains high accuracy in estimating mass spectra and concentrations. The enhanced reliability of quantitative analyses afforded by SIML underscores its potential for broad application in complex matrix analyses across environmental science, food science, and biological research.
A novel approach of using SiC for the reductive decomposition of industrial by‐product gypsum
Authors: Miao Xiangzhou , Yan Baijun
Published: December 2024

In this study, thermodynamic calculations indicate that using silicon carbide (SiC) as an additive for the reductive decomposition of industrial by‐product (IBP) gypsum is a feasible method to lower decomposition temperature and avoid the generation of liquid phase. Experimental results show that the decomposition rate of IBP gypsum exceeded 90% at 950°C for 2 h, while avoiding the generation of liquid phase. In addition, it was found that an intermediate product, 2Ca2SiO4·CaSO4, was generated during the decomposition process. Through the reaction mechanism and kinetics analysis of IBP gypsum and SiC, the decomposition process can be divided into two steps. The first step was the conversion of CaSO4 to 2Ca2SiO4·CaSO4 (decomposition rate <60%), and the chemical reaction was the controlling step. The second stage was the conversion of 2Ca2SiO4·CaSO4 to Ca2SiO4 (decomposition rate >60%), and three‐dimensional diffusion was the controlling step. This novel method not only successfully lowered the decomposition temperature of IBP gypsum, but also avoided liquid phase generation.
In Situ Operando Investigations of the Thermal Instability Mechanisms of a Deformed Ti‐48Al Alloy
Authors: Krishnan P.S Sankara Rama , Vas Joseph V , Mishra Soumya Ranjan , Xu Xuesong , Davidson Karl Peter , Padhy Shakti P. , Duchamp Martial , Ramanujan R. V
Published: December 2024

TiAl based alloys are currently deployed in extreme service environments, such as jet engine turbine blades. The microstructure of these alloys is a two‐phase lamellar structure, comprising of the majority γ‐TiAl and the minority α2‐Ti3Al phases. Understanding the microstructural evolution at high stresses and elevated temperatures is a key requirement to develop the next generation of these alloys. In situ hot stage TEM studies are reported of the mechanisms of lamellar instability and changes in phase fraction of both cold worked and undeformed Ti‐48Al alloys. The effect of cold working on the kinetics of this instability has also been determined. Cross‐sectional TEM samples are prepared on custom designed MEMS chips and in situ heating studies carried out. These results show that neck formation, break‐up of lamellae, and spheroidization are the dominant mechanisms of microstructural instability. An increase in γ‐TiAl phase content is also observed. The strain energy present in the α2 and γ lamellae in cold worked samples results in microstructural instabilities occurring at lower temperatures in cold worked samples. These findings can be used to design new alloys with improved high temperature stability.
Design and Characterization of Se/Nb2O5 Interfaces as High Infrared‐ Absorbers and High Frequency Band Filters
Authors: Qasrawi A. F. , Daragme Rana B
Published: December 2024

Herein a new class of optoelectronic devices beneficial for infrared light absorption and high‐frequency application in the terahertz frequency domain are designed and fabricated. The devices are formed by coating a highly transparent thin layer of Nb2O5 onto a selenium‐thin film to form Se/Nb2O5 (SNO) optical interfaces. Although coating of Nb2O5 nanosheets decreased the crystallite sizes and increased the strain and defect concentration in the hexagonal structured Se films, they successfully increased the light absorption by ≈148% in the infrared range of light. A blueshift in the energy band gap of Se from 2.02 to 2.30 eV is observed. The coating of the Nb2O5 onto Se suppressed the free carrier absorption in Se and Nb2O5. As dielectric active layers, SNO interfaces showed a major resonance dielectric peak centered at 1.67 eV. The optical conductivity and terahertz cutoff frequency analyses which are handled using the Drude‐Lorentz approach revealed the highest drift mobility and free carrier concentration of 17.17 cm2 Vs−1 and 5.0  cm−3 when an oscillator of energy of 1.75 eV is activated. In addition, the terahertz cutoff frequency spectra which varied in the range of 4.0–131 THz showed the suitability of the SNO devices for terahertz technology and other optoelectronics.
Sustainable governance levers and environmental innovation: Evidence from French SBF 120 companies
Authors: Ait Saadi Fayçal , Larbi Sami Ben , Bon Véronique
Published: December 2024

By developing a theoretical framework combining the shareholder, stakeholder, and cognitive approaches to governance, our article examines the influence of sustainable governance levers on environmental innovation. This study focuses on French companies listed on the SBF 120 index from 2002 to 2021 in an institutional context deemed conducive to corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in the environmental field. Thanks to a methodology adapted to the longitudinal nature of the Refinitiv Eikon database, we found that CSR governance mechanisms (i.e. CSR committee and CSR incentive mechanism) foster environmental and sustainable innovation, whereas the shareholder governance mechanism examined (i.e. financial incentive mechanism) has an adverse effect. Our findings will help regulators to encourage and recommend CSR governance systems. They provide results that could guide the setting of corporate governance standards in a context where governance codes are currently integrating responsibility concerns, particularly in France.
Suppressing Exciton–Vibration Coupling and Reducing Nonradiative Energy Loss in Conjugated Polymers Through Fluorine Substitution in Side Chains
Authors: Liang Zezhou , Yan Lihe , Li Xiaoming , Wang Yufei , Zhao Baofeng , Gao Chao , Si Jinhai , Xun Hou
Published: December 2024

Fluorine (F) substitution in polymers modulates both molecular energy levels and film morphology; however, its impact on exciton–vibrational coupling and molecular reorganization energy is often neglected. Herein, we systematically investigated F‐modified polymers (PBTA‐PSF, PBDB‐PSF) and their nonfluorinated counterparts (PBTA‐PS, PBDB‐PS) through simulations and experiments. We found that F atoms effectively lower the vibrational frequency of the molecular skeleton and suppress exciton–vibration coupling, thereby reducing the nonradiative decay rate. Moreover, introducing F atoms significantly decreases the reorganization energy for the S0 → S1 and S0 → cation transitions while increasing the reorganization energy for the S1 → S0 and cation → S0 transitions. These changes facilitate exciton dissociation and reduce the energy loss caused by dissociation and nonradiative recombination of excitons. Additionally, introducing F atoms into polymers enhances the π–π stacking strength and the crystal coherence length in both neat and blended films, ultimately resulting in improvements in the power conversion efficiency of PBTA‐PSF:L8‐BO and PBDB‐PSF:L8‐BO are 16.51% and 17.59%, respectively. This study provides valuable insights for designing organic semiconductor materials to minimize energy loss and achieve a higher power conversion efficiency.
Volumetric Stress Managements on Silicon Anode of Lithium‐Ion Batteries by a Self‐Adaptable Binder
Authors: Wu Shuai , He Lanying , Lu Yue , Zheng Jingang , Li Lixiang , Geng Xin , Sun Chengguo , Zhao Hongwei , Jiang Guangshen , Di Fang , An Baigang
Published: December 2024

The intrinsic volume changes (about 300%) of Si anode during the lithiation/delithiation leads to the serious degradation of battery performance despite of theoretical capacity of 3579 mAh g−1 of Si. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) conductive polymer binder with adjustable crosslinking density has been designed by employing citric acid (CA) as a crosslinker between the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and the poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly‐(styrene‐4‐sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to stabilize Si anode. By adjusting the crosslinking density, the binder can achieve a balance between rigidity and flexibility to adapt the volume expansion upon lithiation and reversible volume recovery after delithiation of Si. Therefore, Si/CMC‐CA‐PEDOT:PSS (Si/CCP) electrode demonstrates an excellent performance with high capacities of 2792.3 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a high area capacity above 2.6 mAh cm−2 under Si loading of 1.38 mg cm−2. The full cell Si/CCP paired with Li(Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1)O2 cathode discharges a capacity of 199.0 mAh g−1 with 84.3% ICE at 0.1 C and the capacity retention of 95.6% after 100 cycles. This work validates the effectiveness of 3D polymer binder and provides new insights to boost the performance of Si anode.
Outpatient worsening of heart failure and mortality in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zeldin Lawrence , Eichler Joanna B.S. , Teruya Sergio L. , Weinsaft Ariel Y. , Mirabal Alfonsina , Cuomo Margaret O. , Mateo Kimberly , Helmke Stephen , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Transthyretin cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) is characterized by episodes of worsening heart failure (WHF) which can include heart failure (HF) hospitalizations or urgent unplanned visits for administration of intravenous diuretics. WHF characterized by outpatient intensification of oral loop diuretics is common yet its prognostic implications for ATTR‐CM patients relative to other WHF events remains unclear. We assessed how WHF characterized by outpatient diuretic intensification (ODI) relates to mortality in this population.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective study of ATTR‐CM patients presenting to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Oral loop diuretic dose was recorded longitudinally. WHF characterized by ODI was defined as a persistent increase in oral loop diuretic dose lasting >1 month. We analysed the all‐cause mortality rate after either WHF event (hospitalization or ODI) relative to subjects who had no WHF event. Overall, 303 patients highly treated with tafamidis were included: 152 (50.2%) patients had no WHF events, 35 (11.6%) experienced HF hospitalization, and 145 (47.9%) experienced ODI; 29 (9.6%) patients experienced both WHF events. Patients experiencing ODI had higher rates of subsequent mortality (17.7 per 100 person‐years; 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.3–23.7) as did those with a HF hospitalization (29.8 per 100 person‐years; 95% CI 17.7–50.3) than patients without WHF events (5.0 per 100 person‐years; 95% CI 3.0–8.3) on log‐rank test. WHF characterized by ODI was independently associated with mortality in a model adjusting for age, genotype, atrial fibrillation, disease duration, time‐varying tafamidis use and National Amyloid Centre (NAC) or Columbia stages.

Conclusion

In contemporary patients with ATTR‐CM treated with tafamidis, WHF requiring ODI is prognostic of subsequent mortality and is a clinical marker of disease progression.
A microcycle of high‐intensity short‐interval sessions induces improvements in indicators of endurance performance compared to regular training
Authors: Solli Guro Strøm , Odden Ingvill , Sælen Vetle , Hansen Joar , Mølmen Knut Sindre , Rønnestad Bent R.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a microcycle of high‐intensity interval training (HIT) sessions with multiple short work intervals followed by an active recovery period, compared to a similar duration of regular training, on determinants and indicators of endurance performance in well‐trained cyclists. The participants in the BLOCK group performed a 6‐day HIT microcycle including five HIT sessions (5 × 8.75‐min 30/15 s short intervals) followed by a 6‐day active recovery period with reduced training load, while the regular training group (REG) performed 12 days of their regular training, including four HIT sessions. Physiological testing was performed before and after the training periods. From pre‐ to post‐ intervention, BLOCK demonstrated significantly larger improvements than REG in mean power output (PO) during the last min of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test (POVO2max) (3.7 vs. 0.7%, p = 0.009, and effect size (ES) = 1.00) and mean PO during the 10‐s sprint (2.8 vs. 1.9%, p = 0.028, and ES = 0.63). No significant differences between BLOCK and REG were observed for VO2max, PO at 4 mmol·L−1 [blood lactate] (PO4mmol), 15‐min maximal mean power output (PO15‐min), and gross efficiency (p = 0.156–0.919). However, there was a tendency for larger improvements in the performance index (calculated from the main performance indicators POVO2max, PO4mmol, and PO15‐min) in BLOCK compared to REG (2.9% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.079, and ES = 0.71). A 6‐day high‐intensity short‐interval microcycle followed by a 6‐day active recovery period induces improvements in endurance performance indicators compared to regular training, demonstrating its potential as an efficient strategy for endurance training in well‐trained cyclists.
Rapid seizure resolution with cannabidiol in medically refractory epilepsy with myoclonic‐atonic seizures
Authors: Sarnacki Peter F. , Pestana‐Knight Elia
Published: December 2024

Epilepsy with myoclonic‐atonic seizures (EMAS) is an early childhood epilepsy syndrome with an explosive onset of multiple seizure types in a previously healthy child. EMAS often evolves to a drug‐resistant epileptic encephalopathy before a variable degree of remission around 3 years from onset. Highly purified cannabidiol (CBD, available in United States as Epidiolex®) has demonstrated efficacy and tolerability as an adjunct in medically refractory EMAS. We present two cases of medically refractory EMAS achieving rapid seizure freedom (7–30 days) with CBD, illustrating CBD as a potential effective monotherapy in EMAS.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy needle can facilitate histological diagnosis of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Kurita Yusuke , Kubota Kensuke , Harada Jotaro , Honda Yu , Yamazaki Yuma , Iizuka Takeshi , Nihei Shinichi , Hasegawa Sho , Hosono Kunihiro , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Fujii Satoshi , Endo Itaru , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: December 2024

Background

The choice between 22‐gauge endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB) and EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for histological diagnosis of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is unclear. We retrospectively examined the detection rate of histological findings for AIP using EUS‐FNA/FNB.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with type 1 AIP using EUS‐FNB (Franseen needle) or EUS‐FNA (conventional needle) with 22‐gauge needles at our hospital between 2012 and 2023 were included in this study. AIP was diagnosed according to International Consensus Diagnostic Criteria (ICDC). The detection rates of level 1 findings, which included storiform fibrosis and/or obliterative phlebitis, and level 2 histological findings were evaluated according to the ICDC.

Results

The EUS‐FNB and EUS‐FNA groups included 25 and 24 patients, respectively. No significant differences in patient background were noted between the two groups. The detection rates of prominent filtration of lymphocytes and plasma cells along with fibrosis were 56.0% in the EUS‐FNB group and 12.5% in the EUS‐FNA group (p = .001). The detection rates of more than 10 IgG4‐positive plasma cells per high‐power microscopic field were 68.0% and 29.2% in the EUS‐FNB and EUS‐FNA groups, respectively (p = .007). The histological findings for levels 1 and 2 were significantly higher in the EUS‐FNB group (56.0% vs. 12.5%; p = .001). Mild pancreatitis was observed in the EUS‐FNB group; however, no other serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

The 22‐gauge EUS‐FNB yielded a higher rate of histological findings than 22‐gauge EUS‐FNA, suggesting that 22‐gauge EUS‐FNB is suitable and safe for the histological diagnosis of type 1 AIP.
Measurement of pulmonary hematocrit using oscillation of hyperpolarized 129Xe MR signals in blood
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Li Haidong , Li Hongchuang , Zhang Ming , Zheng Yu , Zhao Xiuchao , Shi Lei , Han Yeqing , Guo Fumin , Zhou Xin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of measuring pulmonary hematocrit (Hct) in blood in vivo using oscillation of hyperpolarized 129Xe MR signals and its potential for disease assessment in animal models.

Methods

Hyperpolarized 129Xe dynamic MR spectroscopy was performed on 10 anemia model rats and 10 control rats. A concise model based on hyperpolarized 129Xe MR signal oscillations was built for calculating pulmonary Hct. Blood tests and chemical shift saturation recovery were conducted on each rat to obtain Hct. Correlations of Hct obtained from different methods were analyzed using SPSS 22.0.

Results

Hct measurements were strongly correlated with blood test (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.871, p < 0.001) and chemical shift saturation recovery measurements (r = 0.956, p < 0.001). Hct was 0.198 ± 0.054 for the anemic cohort and 0.457 ± 0.039 for the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We developed an approach that provided a way to quantify changes in pulmonary Hct using oscillations of hyperpolarized 129Xe signals. This method shows promise for noninvasive pulmonary Hct assessment and disease evaluation.