bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The experiences and support needs of applicants who go unmatched to genetic counseling graduate programs: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Leishman Haley , Swenson Kathleen B. , Zayhowski Kimberly
Published: January 2024

As interest in the profession of genetic counseling continues to grow, the number of applications received by accredited genetic counseling graduate programs far outweighs the number of available training positions. In the 2023 application cycle, 46% of applicants who participated in the genetic counseling match went unmatched. There is limited research surrounding the experiences of unmatched candidates. The aims of this qualitative study were to highlight the experience of not matching and reapplying and to identify support resources for the genetic counseling admissions process. We conducted 15 semi‐structured interviews with individuals who had previously applied to genetic counseling graduate programs, not matched, and were in the process of reapplying. Through reflexive thematic analysis, five major themes were conceptualized: (1) Emotional navigation through the stages of the match process; (2) external perceptions surrounding going unmatched and disclosure of results; (3) experiencing stagnancy throughout applying and reapplying; (4) advances in knowledge and personal growth; (5) areas for increased supports and resources. This study has shed light on emotional and practical challenges faced by individuals who did not match with genetic counseling graduate programs and chose to reapply. The participants' experiences highlighted the need for enhanced support, especially in terms of emotional assistance and program feedback. They also underscored the importance of standardization and transparency in the application process. This research offers valuable insights for genetic counseling programs and organizations seeking to enhance the reapplicant experience and address the evolving needs of prospective candidates in the genetic counseling profession.
Residents' learning and behavior about tool‐guided clinical assessment of social determinants of health
Authors: Mizumoto Junki , Fujikawa Hirohisa , Izumiya Masashi , Horita Shoko , Eto Masato
Published: January 2024

Background

The specific dimensions of learners that have been impacted by educational programs related to social determinants of health (SDoH) remain unknown. This study aims to elucidate how learners are affected by postgraduate education (a single 90‐min educational session) regarding tool‐guided clinical assessment of patients' social backgrounds.

Methods

A pretest‐posttest design was utilized in which residents (postgraduate year (PGY) 1 or 2) and fellows in family medicine (PGY over 3) were recruited. Likert‐type questions were developed based on previous qualitative findings. Participants answered these questions before, immediately after, and 1.5 months after the educational session on tool‐guided clinical SDoH assessment. Paired‐sample t‐tests were used, and effect size was measured using Cohen's d.

Results

A total of 114 residents and fellows participated. After the session, participants expressed more interest in knowing their patients' social backgrounds when considering how to address their patients and were more open to embracing a pre‐established assessment framework. Participants also considered clinical skills related to SDoH as learnable and improved their attitude toward patients. They reported that they did not perform specific interventions related to SDoH within 1.5 months after the session. Unlike previous qualitative findings, their concern about the implementation of SDoH‐related practices did not increase significantly.

Conclusion

An educational session on tool‐guided SDoH assessment may have a positive impact on learners' attitudes related to addressing patients' social backgrounds without fostering concerns.
Motor Unit Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MUMRI) In Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Heskamp Linda , Birkbeck Matthew G. , Baxter‐Beard Daniel , Hall Julie , Schofield Ian. S. , Elameer Mathew , Whittaker Roger G. , Blamire Andrew M.
Published: January 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used in the musculoskeletal system to measure skeletal muscle structure and pathology in health and disease. Recently, it has been shown that MRI also has promise for detecting the functional changes, which occur in muscles, commonly associated with a range of neuromuscular disorders. This review focuses on novel adaptations of MRI, which can detect the activity of the functional sub‐units of skeletal muscle, the motor units, referred to as “motor unit MRI (MUMRI).” MUMRI utilizes pulsed gradient spin echo, pulsed gradient stimulated echo and phase contrast MRI sequences and has, so far, been used to investigate spontaneous motor unit activity (fasciculation) and used in combination with electrical nerve stimulation to study motor unit morphology and muscle twitch dynamics. Through detection of disease driven changes in motor unit activity, MUMRI shows promise as a tool to aid in both earlier diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders and to help in furthering our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, which proceed gross structural and anatomical changes within diseased muscle. Here, we summarize evidence for the use of MUMRI in neuromuscular disorders and discuss what future research is required to translate MUMRI toward clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Estimation and comparison of the effective dose and lifetime attributable risk of thyroid cancer between males and females in routine head computed tomography scans: a multicentre study
Authors: Khoramian Daryoush , Haghparast Mohammad , Honardari Adnan , Nouri Ebrahim , Ranjbar Esmail , Abedi‐Friouzjah Razagh , Zarifi Shiva , Anam Choirul , Najafzadeh Milad , Afkhami‐Ardakni Mahdieh
Published: January 2024

Introduction

A significant number of head computed tomography (CT) scans are performed annually. However, due to the close proximity of the thyroid gland to the radiation field, this procedure can expose the gland to ionising radiation. Consequently, this study aimed to estimate organ dose, effective dose (ED) and lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of thyroid cancer from head CT scans in adults.

Methods

Head CT scans of 74 patients (38 males and 36 females) were collected using three different CT scanners. Age, sex, and scanning parameters, including scan length, tube current–time product (mAs), pitch, CT dose index, and dose‐length product (DLP) were collected. CT‐Expo software was used to calculate thyroid dose and ED for each patient based on scan parameters. LARs were subsequently computed using the methodology presented in the Biologic Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) Phase VII report.

Results

Although the mean thyroid organ dose (2.66 ± 1.03 mGy) and ED (1.6 ± 0.4 mSv) were slightly higher in females, these differences were not statistically significant compared to males (mean thyroid dose, 2.52 ± 1.31 mGy; mean ED, 1.5 ± 0.4 mSv). Conversely, there was a significant difference between the mean thyroid LAR of females (0.91 ± 1.35) and males (0.20136 ± 0.29) (P = 0.001). However, the influencing parameters were virtually identical for both groups.

Conclusions

The study's results indicate that females have a higher LAR than males, which can be attributed to higher radiation sensitivity of the thyroid in females. Thus, additional care in the choice of scan parameters and irradiated scan field for female patients is recommended.
Clinical Voice Outcomes for Two Voice Rest Protocols after Phonomicrosurgery
Authors: Fan Ruiqing Stephanie , Yiu Yin , Kulesz Paulina A. , Dueppen Abigail , Procter Teresa , Goodwin Maurice E. , Thekdi Apurva A. , Joshi Ashwini
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Voice rest is commonly recommended for patients with benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) after phonomicrosurgery. The study compares the clinical voice outcomes of two protocols, 7‐day complete voice rest (CVR) and 3‐day CVR followed by 4‐day relative voice rest (CVR + RVR), for patients with BVFLs after phonomicrosurgery.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Method

Patients with BVFLs undergoing phonomicrosurgery were recruited prospectively and randomly assigned to either protocol. Outcomes were assessed on objective measures of acoustics (fundamental frequency, frequency range, mean intensity, cepstral peak analysis) and aerodynamics (vital capacity, airflow rate, subglottal pressure, phonation threshold pressure), as well as subjective measures, both provider‐reported through the Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V), and patient‐reported through the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Clinical measures were collected at three‐time points: preoperatively, 1‐week postoperatively (on voice rest), and 1‐month postoperatively. In addition, adherence was estimated using a vocal dosimeter.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were recruited and randomized to 7‐day CVR (n = 13) and CVR + RVR regimen (n = 12). Statistically significant changes were found within both groups for subglottal pressure (p = 0.03) and VHI score (p < 0.001) comparing pre‐operative baseline to 1‐month postoperative follow‐up. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Regardless of group assignment, a significant decrease in overall severity ratings for the CAPE‐V was found by comparing the preoperative scores to postoperative scores at 1‐week (p < 0.001) and 1‐month (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both groups improved their overall voice quality comparably 1 month after undergoing phonomicrosurgery as measured by objective and subjective parameters.

Levels of Evidence

2. Laryngoscope, 134:2812–2818, 2024
Assessing Facial Palsy: Does Feedback Improve Assessment Using the eFACE and Sunnybrook Facial Grading System?
Authors: Bruins Tessa E. , Lammens Romy F. , van Veen Martinus M. , Tamási Katalin , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Werker Paul M.N. , Broekstra Dieuwke C.
Published: January 2024

Objective(s)

To explore learning effects when applying the clinician‐graded electronic facial function scale (eFACE) and the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (Sunnybrook).

Methods

Surgeons, facial rehabilitation therapists, and medical students were randomly allocated to the eFACE (n = 7) or Sunnybrook (n = 6) and graded 60 videos (Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary open‐source standard set); 10 persons with normal facial function and 50 patients with a wide variation of facial palsy severity. Participants received an introduction and individual feedback after each set of 10 videos. Scores were compared to the reference score provided with the set. Multilevel analysis was performed to analyze learning effect.

Results

A learning effect was only found for the eFACE, with significant difference scores in set 1 and 2 compared to set 6, and no significant difference scores in the following sets. The difference score was associated with the reference score (severity of facial palsy) for eFACE (β = −0.19; SE = 0.04; p < 0.001) and Sunnybrook (β = −0.15; SE = 0.04; p < 0.001). Age of participants was also associated with the difference score in the eFACE group (β = 0.18; SE = 0.03; p < 0.001). No differences in scores were found between groups of participants.

Conclusion

The eFACE showed a learning effect of feedback while the Sunnybrook did not.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:3105–3111, 2024
Editorial actions taken to reduce publishing references from predatory sources: A case study
Authors: Dodgson Joan E. , Bamberger Ethan T. , Haile Zelalem T. , Kornegay Mary Kate J.
Published: January 2024

Key points

Our policy and implementation successfully identified references from predatory publishers, which authors without hesitation agreed to remove before publication.

Higher predatory reference patterns emerged among authors in low‐income countries, those with non‐English primary languages, and sole authorship.

After a year of implementing our policy, the editors changed our policy and workflow to better handle references from predatory publishers cited in literature reviews and meta‐analyses.

Editorial responsibility is discussed, particularly concerning support for authors from lower‐ and middle‐income countries.
Chiral Lithography with Vortex Non‐diffracted Laser for Orbital Angular Momentum Detection
Authors: Li Jiaqun , Yan Jianfeng , Jiang Lan , Qu Liangti
Published: January 2024

Chiroptical response, demonstrating chiral interaction between optical vortex and chiral structure, plays an important role in variety of fields like optics and material science. However, the flexibility and efficiency of chiral structure fabrication are limited due to mask requirement and a point‐by‐point constructing strategy. In this paper, a novel chiral lithography method is proposed that utilizes optical vortex phase beam shaping to achieve chiral structure processing with high efficiency and flexibility. By programming topological charges of the vortex phase, chiral structures with adjustable appearance, rotation, and chirality can be produced using femtosecond laser single pulse exposure. Transmittance measurements of fabricated chiral structures array confirm a 66% helical dichroism that is predicted by simulation. Moreover, with the aid of convolutional neural networks (CNN), an accuracy of 98% in Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) recognition can be achieved. This chiral lithography method provides an alternative for chiral structure fabrication and holds promise in the development of chiral optics, optical communications, and next‐generation optical devices.
DNA Crosslinked Mucin Hydrogels Allow for On‐Demand Gel Disintegration and Triggered Particle Release
Authors: Henkel Manuel , Kimna Ceren , Lieleg Oliver
Published: January 2024

Whereas hydrogels created from synthetic polymers offer a high level of control over their stability and mechanical properties, their biomedical activity is typically limited. In contrast, biopolymers have evolved over billions of years to integrate a broad range of functionalities into a single design. Thus, biopolymeric hydrogels can show remarkable capabilities such as regulatory behavior, selective barrier properties, or antimicrobial effects. Still, despite their widespread use in numerous biomedical applications, achieving a meticulous control over the physical properties of macroscopic biopolymeric networks remains a challenge. Here, a macroscopic, DNA‐crosslinked mucin hydrogel with tunable viscoelastic properties that responds to two types of triggers: temperature alterations and DNA displacement strands, is presented. As confirmed with bulk rheology and single particle tracking, the hybridized base pairs governing the stability of the hydrogel can be opened, thus allowing for a precise control over the hydrogel stiffness and even enabling a full gel‐to‐sol transition. As those DNA‐crosslinked mucin hydrogels possess tunable mechanical properties and can be disintegrated on demand, they can not only be considered for controlled cargo release but may also serve as a role model for the development of smart biomedical materials in applications such as tissue engineering and wound healing.
It Takes Two to Tangle: Microneedle Patches Co‐delivering Monoclonal Antibodies and Engineered Antimicrobial Peptides Effectively Eradicate Wound Biofilms
Authors: Su Yajuan , Shahriar Shatil S. M. , Andrabi Syed Muntazir , Wang Chenlong , Sharma Navatha Shree , Xiao Yizhu , Wong Shannon L. , Wang Guangshun , Xie Jingwei
Published: January 2024

Wound biofilms pose a great clinical challenge. Herein, this work reports a dissolvable microneedle patch for dual delivery of monoclonal antibodies anti‐PBP2a and engineers antimicrobial peptides W379. In vitro antibacterial efficacy testing with microneedle patches containing a combination of 250 ng mL−1 W379 and 250 ng mL−1 anti‐BPB2a decreases the bacterial count from ≈3.31 × 107 CFU mL−1 to 1.28 × 102 CFU mL−1 within 2 h without eliciting evident cytotoxicity. Ex vivo testing indicates W379 and anti‐PBP2a co‐loaded microneedle patch displayed a remarkable reduction of bacterial load by ≈7.18 log CFU after administered only once within 48 h. The bacterial count is significantly diminished compared to the treatment by either W379 or anti‐PBP2a‐loaded alone microneedle patches. When administered twice within 48 h, no bacteria are identified. Further in vivo study also reveals that after two treatments of W379 and anti‐PBP2a co‐loaded PVP microneedle patches within 48 h, the bacterial colonies are undetectable in a type II diabetic mouse wound biofilm model. Taken together, W379 and anti‐PBP2a co‐loaded PVP microneedle patches hold great promise in treating wound biofilms.
Influence of sample thickness and microstructure on metal dusting behavior of NiCrFeAl alloys
Authors: Hattendorf Heike , Hermse Chrétien G. M. , IJzerman Richard M.
Published: January 2024

Samples of alloy 601, 602 CA and 602 MCA with different thickness and microstructure, all 600 grit laboratory ground, are compared. All samples are exposed to up to 5693 h at 600°C in a metal dusting producing atmosphere with a total pressure of 20 bar. A smaller sample thickness leads to an increased pit density for alloy 601 and an increased pit density, a longer incubation time and an increased pit depth growth rate for alloy 602 CA. This is attributed to lower stresses in the scale of the thinner samples. Grain size effects of the substrate are probably concealed by the deformed and recrystallized subsurface due to the 600 grit finish of the samples. If carbides are unavoidable in an alloy, they should be small, as they can serve as chromium suppliers during scale formation better than larger ones. They increase incubation time and pit depth growth rate.
Effect of Chitosan on the Microstructural Properties of Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Aisida Samson O. , Gospel Ezeakunne Chidozie , Alshoaibi Adil , Okeudo David , Ijeh Rufus , Ezema Fabian I.
Published: January 2024

This study presents the effect of chitosan on the properties of zinc ferrite nanoparticles suitable for potential biomedical applications. The co‐precipitation method is employed to fabricate these bio‐composites that exhibit excellent microstructural properties. The X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis confirms the presence of a cubic spinel structure in the zinc ferrite‐chitosan bio‐composites, indicative of their crystalline nature. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging revealed spherical particles with a size distribution below 100 nm, demonstrating the successful synthesis of homogenous nanosized particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis identifies the active functional groups within the bio‐composites, providing valuable insights into the molecular structure and interactions present in the synthesized materials. The presence of chitosan is confirmed, highlighting its role in modifying the chemical composition and enhancing the biocompatibility of the samples. UV–vis absorption spectra analysis reveals that the samples exhibits absorbance within the visible range. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis demonstrates the superparamagnetic behavior of the samples. Remarkably, these formulated samples exhibit superparamagnetism with zero coercivity and a magnetization of ≈0.0125 emu g−1 at 5 kOe when doped with chitosan. These properties are crucial for potential biomedical applications making it a promising candidate for various biomedical applications.
Lawsuit says Georgia failing to provide community MH services to children
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2024

Medicaid‐enrolled children in Georgia with significant mental health needs are deprived of necessary services in their homes and communities and subjected to unnecessary institutionalization, alleges a class‐action lawsuit filed by civil rights attorneys on Jan. 3 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Responsible agencies systematically fail to provide three necessary services that they are entitled to under federal law: intensive care coordination, intensive in‐home services and mobile crisis response services (remedial services), the lawsuit stated.
Mental health support program breaks stereotypes about refugees, migrants
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2024

Leaders of an expanding mental health support program for refugee and migrant populations in Georgia said they learned a powerful lesson about client needs during the initiative's pilot implementation. They had assumed clients would mainly want to talk through the trauma they had experienced in their home countries, but they learned instead that these individuals' stressors weren't much different from all of ours.
National nonprofit offering mental health training for PCPs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2024

Observing the mental health workforce shortage, a national nonprofit organization is continuing its mission to ensure that children and families receive appropriate mental health care and is doing so by training primary care providers (PCPs), therapists and health care institutions in evidence‐based therapies to better diagnose, treat and manage child and adult mental health issues.
Mindfulness training can reduce opioid use among military
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2024

Military personnel and veterans who have been taking opioids for chronic pain may experience greater benefits from group therapy that integrates mindfulness techniques than they do from supportive psychotherapy, according to a report published last week in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
A high‐efficiency power amplifier by using harmonics control
Authors: Guo Long , Wang Guangming , Shi Yiping
Published: January 2024

A harmonics control high‐efficiency power amplifier (PA) is proposed by combining an asymmetrical branch‐line coupler (ABLC) and a shunt transmission line. With the special ports impedance condition, the ABLC realizes impedance transformation as well as shorts even‐harmonics, and the shunt transmission line shorts the third harmonic. Herein, two‐stage couplers not only expand the bandwidth but also enhance the harmonics control. A PA is simulated and fabricated to verify the proposed method. The measured results show that the typical saturated output power is more than 40 dBm, the drain efficiency is 60.3%–81.3%, and the power gain is 10.4–17.9 dB from 1.4 to 2.4 GHz.
A moisture detection sensor for flour based on the gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Xu , Meng Xingxing , Li Long , Qiu Xuanbing , Li Chuanliang , Guo Guqing , Sun Xiaocong , Gong Ting , Tian Yali
Published: January 2024

Flour is an essential ingredient in human daily diet, thus it is crucial to measure its moisture content. However, current detection methods are time‐consuming and labor‐intensive, hindering quick measurement. Here we demonstrate the measurement of moisture content in flour via gas in the scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. A compact sensor that includes distributed feedback laser driver, cuvette, photodetector, analog lock‐in amplifier, and analysis processing module is developed. We measure the equivalent mean path length of various flour samples, and verify the measurement sensitivity of GASMAS by studying its dependence on moisture content. A linear relationship between path length and moisture content is established by least‐squares curve fitting, corresponding to a correlation coefficient of 0.996. Compared to the drying method, our method shows a maximum error range of 6.1% for all samples, providing a highly accurate and reliable measurement of water content in flour.
Estimating ventilation correlation coefficients in the lungs using PREFUL‐MRI in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and healthy adults
Authors: Moher Alsady Tawfik , Ruschepaul Jakob , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Klimes Filip , Poehler Gesa Helen , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Various parameters of regional lung ventilation can be estimated using phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL)‐MRI. The parameter “ventilation correlation coefficient (Vent‐CC)” was shown advantageous because it assesses the dynamics of regional air flow. Calculating Vent‐CC depends on a voxel‐wise comparison to a healthy reference flow curve. This work examines the effect of placing a reference region of interest (ROI) in various lung quadrants or in different coronal slices. Furthermore, algorithms for automated ROI selection are presented and compared in terms of test–retest repeatability.

Methods

Twenty‐eight healthy subjects and 32 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients were scanned twice using PREFUL‐MRI. Retrospective analyses examined the homogeneity of air flow curves of various reference ROIs using cross‐correlation. Vent‐CC and ventilation defect percentage (VDP) calculated using various reference ROIs were compared using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The coefficient of variation was calculated for Vent‐CC and VDP when using different reference selection algorithms.

Results

Flow‐volume curves were highly correlated between ROIs placed at various lung quadrants in the same coronal slice (r > 0.97) with no differences in Vent‐CC and VDP (ANOVA: p > 0.5). However, ROIs placed at different coronal slices showed lower correlation coefficients and resulted in significantly different Vent‐CC and VDP values (ANOVA: p < 0.001). Vent‐CC and VDP showed higher repeatability when calculated using the presented new algorithm.

Conclusion

In COPD and healthy cohorts, assessing regional ventilation dynamics using PREFUL‐MRI in terms of the Vent‐CC metric showed higher repeatability using a new algorithm for selecting a homogenous reference ROI from the same slice.
The effects of residual dipolar coupling on carnosine in proton muscle spectra
Authors: Lievens Eline , Van Vossel Kim , Van de Casteele Freek , Derave Wim , Murdoch James B.
Published: January 2024

Carnosine, an MR‐visible dipeptide in human muscle, is well characterized by two peaks at ~8 and ~7 ppm from C2 and C4 imidazole protons. Like creatine and other metabolites, carnosine is subject to residual dipolar coupling in the anisotropic environment of muscle fibers, but the effects have not been studied extensively. Single‐voxel TE 30–32 PRESS spectra from three different 3T studies were acquired from gastrocnemius medialis and soleus muscles in the human lower leg. In these studies, carnosine T2 values were measured, and spectra were obtained at three different foot angles. LCModel was used to fit the carnosine peaks with a basis set that was generated using shaped RF pulses and included a range of dipolar couplings affecting the C4 peak. A seven‐parameter analytic expression was used to fit the CH2 doublets of creatine. It incorporated an optimized “effective TE” value to model the effect of shaped RF pulses. The fits confirm that the triplet C4 peak of carnosine is dipolar coupled to a pair of CH2 protons, with no need to include a contribution from a separate pool of freely rotating uncoupled carnosine. Moreover, the couplings experienced by carnosine C4 protons and creatine CH2 protons are strongly correlated (R2 =  0.88, P<0.001), exhibiting a similar 3cos2θ − 1 dependence on the angle θ between fiber orientation and B0. T2 values for the singlet C2 peak of gastrocnemius carnosine are inversely proportional to the C4 dipolar coupling strength (R2 = 0.97, P < 0.001), which in turn is a function of foot orientation. This dependence indicates that careful positioning of the foot while acquiring lower leg muscle spectra is important to obtain reproducible carnosine concentrations. As proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of carnosine is currently used to non‐invasively estimate the muscle fiber typology, these results have important implications in sport science.
Beyond assumptions of altruism: Examining nonprofit work with a job fit framework and response surface analysis
Authors: Oelberger Carrie
Published: January 2024

Scholars frequently investigate how nonprofit employees, as a group, differ from public or for‐profit employees. However, there is less focus on how motivational profiles vary among nonprofit employees. Particularly as the nonprofit sector professionalizes, the reasons why people seek nonprofit employment are diversifying. Recent work highlights a more individualized understanding of employee motivation, which can lead to more nuanced and tailored human resource management techniques. I amplify this stream of scholarship, guided by a job fit framework and introducing a robust methodological approach from organizational psychology that accounts for interactions between an employee's work preferences and work experiences on outcomes of interest. With two waves of original data on international aid workers, I demonstrate that the experience of prosocial work (i.e., work that aims to help other people) is associated with greater job satisfaction for those with strong prosocial work preferences but can be associated with reduced job satisfaction for those without. These findings necessitate nuanced attention to employees' work preferences, moving beyond assumptions that prosocial work will universally motivate nonprofit employee performance.
Outcomes of adverse childhood experience during late adolescence: Evidence from college and community samples
Authors: Almaradheef Rana , Alhalal Eman
Published: January 2024

Scant studies have investigated adverse childhood experience (ACE) outcomes and mastery during adolescence in different cultural contexts. This cross‐sectional study examines the impact of ACEs on subjective well‐being, health complaints, and healthcare utilization during late adolescence, including the mediating role of the sense of mastery in the Saudi context. Adolescents (N = 396) aged 17–21 years were recruited via convenience sampling from colleges and local communities from two regions in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a paper‐pencil anonymous survey and analyzed using path analysis. Of the sample, 85.5% experienced at least one ACE. ACEs had a direct effect on subjective well‐being (p = 0.034), health complaints (p < 0.001), healthcare utilization (p < 0.001), and sense of mastery (p < 0.001). Sense of mastery had an effect on subjective well‐being (p < 0.001) and health complaints (p < 0.001), but not on healthcare utilization (p = 0.436). Sense of mastery partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and subjective well‐being (p = 0.034) and health complaints (p < 0.001), but not healthcare utilization (p = 0.438). ACEs have detrimental effects on adolescent health. Attention should be paid to primary prevention and early detection to avoid further harm, and interventions that address the role of the sense of mastery should be developed for adolescents.
Busulfan with 400 centigray of total body irradiation and higher dose fludarabine: An alternative regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Gharial Jaspreet , Guilcher Gregory , Truong Tony , Shah Ravi , Desai Sunil , Rojas‐Vasquez Marta , Kangarloo Bill , Lewis Victor
Published: January 2024

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be curative for children with difficult‐to‐treat leukemia. The conditioning regimen utilized is known to influence outcomes. We report outcomes of the conditioning regimen used at the Alberta Children's Hospital, consisting of busulfan (with pharmacokinetic target of 3750 μmol*min/L/day ±10%) for 4 days, higher dose (250 mg/m2) fludarabine and 400 centigray (cGy) of total body irradiation.

Procedure

This retrospective study involved children receiving transplant for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It compared children who fell within the target range for busulfan with those who were either not measured or were measured and fell outside this range. All other treatment factors were identical.

Results

Twenty‐nine children (17 within target) were evaluated. All subjects engrafted neutrophils with a median [interquartile range] time of 14 days [8–30 days]. The cumulative incidence of acute graft‐versus‐host disease was 44.8% [95% confidence interval, CI: 35.6%–54.0%], while chronic graft‐versus‐host disease was noted in 16.0% [95% CI: 8.7%–23.3%]. At 2 years, the overall survival was 78.1% [95% CI: 70.8%–86.4%] and event‐free survival was 74.7% [95% CI: 66.4%–83.0%]. Cumulative incidence of relapse was 11.3% [95% CI: 5.1%–17.5%]. There were no statistically significant differences in between the group that received targeted busulfan compared with the untargeted group.

Conclusion

Our conditioning regiment for children with ALL resulted in outcomes comparable to standard treatment with acceptable toxicities and significant reduction in radiation dose. Targeting busulfan dose in this cohort did not result in improved outcomes.
Epoxy‐hemp and epoxy‐flax composites filled with glass dust for enhanced thermal insulation: An analytical and experimental study
Authors: Saran Chandra Sekhar , Satapathy Alok
Published: January 2024

This article reports on an analytical and experimental investigation on the effects of fiber and filler reinforcement on the effective thermal conductivity (keff) of epoxy‐based composites. This research aims at enhancing the thermal insulation capability of fiber reinforced composites by adding an industrial waste, WGD (waste glass dust) as particulate filler. For this, an analytical model is proposed to estimate the keff values of particle filled polymer composites with and without fiber reinforcement. The results computed from the proposed correlations are then validated with some previously reported investigations. For an experimental validation, hemp and flax fiber reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites are fabricated with WGD as the fillers in varying weight fractions of 0 to 0.2. Effects of filler content on keff of fiber‐polymer systems are studied. Their keff are measured by a Unitherm Model 2022 instrument. It is found that the predicted and measured values are in good agreement. It is observed that the keff of the epoxy composites reduced from 0.359 to 0.297 W/m K with increase in the WGD weight fraction from 0 to 0.2. The keff of hybrid composites are also reduced by 27% and 15.53%, respectively, with 20 wt% addition of WGD.

Highlights

Hybridization of natural fiber based polymer composites.

Utilization of waste glass dust as functional filler.

Model development for heat conduction across hybrid composite system.

Insulation capability enhancement of epoxy using fiber/filler reinforcements.

Low cost thermal insulation materials using green materials and industry waste.
Self‐healing and reprocessing of saturated hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene‐based networks enabled by dynamic covalent chemistry
Authors: Lopez Lara Jessica , Zayas Manuel S. , Blankenship Jacob , Bates Christopher M. , Self Jeffrey L. , Read de Alaniz Javier
Published: January 2024

Hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is found in many applications due to its ease of manufacturing, useful mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, and reactive hydroxyl chain ends. Typically, HTPB is crosslinked with isocyanates to form polyurethane thermosets. Limitations of this approach include the use of toxic isocyanates and the oxidative instability of backbone alkenes. In this work, saturated HTPB is used to form reprocessable covalent adaptable networks that are capable of stress relaxation and reprocessing, without relying on isocyanates or unstable alkenes. This approach introduces dynamic chemistry to the HTPB network via chain extension and subsequent crosslinking with 4‐methyl caprolactone (4mCL) and a novel bislactone crosslinker. Using benzenesulfonic acid (BSA) as a transesterification catalyst, stress relaxation times range from 150 to 8 min at temperatures of 70 to 100 °C. Despite crosslinking, these networks behave elastically, as evidenced by strain‐at‐break values of 93% for pristine samples, and dynamically, as shown by a strain‐at‐break of 72% after reprocessing the damaged samples. Shape reprogramming is also demonstrated by straining the crosslinked networks and heating to elevated temperatures where bond exchange occurs. These findings illustrate the advantageous properties that can be achieved by using cheap commodity building blocks to achieve dynamic properties. We anticipate that valorizing commodity polymers into reprocessable thermosets will be of utility in applications that lack other viable recycling pathways.
Explosion incidents associated with comprehensive studies on methyl ethyl ketone peroxide under thermal decomposition: A review
Authors: Gong Lingzhu , Yu Gending , Li Jingling , Chen Jinfeng , Chen Rongguo , Huang Jiale , Wang Lei , Huang Zhikun , Huang Jiulai , Duh Yih‐Shing
Published: January 2024

This review gathered and discussed the available results on the thermal hazards, thermal kinetics, decomposition mechanism, autocatalytic behavior, thermal explosion, deflagration ability, and incompatibility hazards associated with the thermal decomposition of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO). The present review constructed a diagram showing all activation energy Ea and log A values for the thermal decomposition of MEKPO. Some disagreement exists in the values of Ea and log A (unit: s−1 M1−n) derived from differential scanning calorimetry; thus, more extensive studies must be conducted to resolve disputes. Nearly no literature exists on the thermal explosion and deflagration ability of MEKPO, and the reactions of MEKPO with incompatible contaminants remain unclear. Concerning the complex decomposition mechanism of MEKPO, experimental determination and identifications of intermediates have not been obtained. Available technology must be improved to enable the collection of accurate data on thermal hazards, thermal kinetics, decomposition mechanisms, explosion and deflagration phenomena, autocatalytic behavior, and incompatibility. This review has integrated an up‐to‐date summary of the most recent approaches and offers perspectives regarding future research. These current findings can serve as a reference for completing subsequent experimental investigations, theoretical studies, and designs of inherently safer measures for producing or handling MEKPO.
Enhanced Optical and Thermal Properties of a Novel Yellow Quinophthalone Derivative for Color Filter Colorants in Image Sensors
Authors: Park Sunwoo , Godi Mahendra , Khairnar Nikita , Dae Sunwoo , Kwon Hyukmin , Park Sangwook , Lee Hayoon , Lee Kiho , Park Jongwook
Published: January 2024

Herein, the design and synthesis of novel yellow quinophthalone derivatives, 4,5,6,7‐tetrachloro‐2‐(6‐chloro‐2‐(3‐hydroxy‐1‐oxo‐1H‐cyclopenta[b]naphthalen‐2‐yl)quinolin‐4‐yl)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione (pC‐QP) and 4,5,6,7‐tetrachloro‐2‐(7‐chloro‐2‐(3‐hydroxy‐1‐oxo‐1H‐cyclopenta[b]naphthalen‐2‐yl)quinolin‐4‐yl)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione (mC‐QP), are used for use as yellow colorants in image sensors. The synthesized compounds are designed to modulate the optical properties based on the substituted positions of the chloride group within the quinophthalone structure. The solubility of pC‐QP and mC‐QP in propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate solvent is found to be 0.08 and 0.15 wt%, respectively. The molar extinction coefficient values of pC‐QP and mC‐QP in solution are determined to be 3.14 × 104 and 3.62 × 105 L mol−1 cm−1, respectively. The transmittance of mC‐QP meets commercial requirements, exhibiting less than 0.3% between 412 and 475 nm and over 91% above 530 nm. Both pC‐QP and mC‐QP demonstrate high thermal stability with decomposition temperatures of 464 and 393 °C, respectively. As a result, mC‐QP emerges as an excellent candidate material for use as a yellow colorant in image sensors due to its outstanding properties.
Exploring the Structural, Elastic, and Optoelectronic Properties of ScCuO3 via Density Functional Theory Approach
Authors: Shupra Sabrina Akther , Sumaiya Most , Al‐Helal Md , Liton Md Nurul Huda , Kamruzzaman Md , Farid Ul Islam Abu Kalam Mohammad
Published: January 2024

A thorough analysis of the structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of ScCuO3 perovskite is conducted using density functional theory. The compound's structural and mechanical stabilities are established under pressure. The values of Pugh's ratio (B/G) and the Zener anisotropy factor indicate that ScCuO3 displays ductile behavior and elastic anisotropy under varying pressures. The metallic behavior of ScCuO3 is confirmed by its electronic band structure, which shows that a few valence bands intersect the Fermi level. The Cu‐3d and O‐2p orbitals overlap near the Fermi level, which is found from the density of states diagram. It is also proclaimed that the Cu‐3d states strongly hybridized with O‐2p states are observed under applied pressure. Various optical properties (dielectric function, photoconductivity, absorption coefficient, loss function, reflectivity, and refractive index) are also analyzed. The compound has the highest reflectivity and is found in the low‐energy region, making it suitable as a coating material for reducing solar heating. The absorption spectra and optical conductivity indicate the metallic nature of ScCuO3, which is supported by the calculations of the electronic band structure. The current study explores the potential applications of ScCuO3 in various optoelectronic devices.
Auxetic Properties of the Stiffest Elastic Bodies as a Result of Topology Optimization and Microstructures Recovery Based on Homogenization Method
Authors: Czarnecki Sławomir , Łukasiak Tomasz
Published: January 2024

Herein, several semianalytical formulae for the optimal distribution of elastic moduli in 2D or 3D domains occupied by nonhomogeneous, least compliant bodies are presented and three different methods for recovering microstructures predicted by the isotropic material design method are proposed, which is a stress‐based variant of topology optimization for isotropic bodies. In all five presented variants of the topology optimization of elastic bodies, the numerical implementation of these formulae requires only the use of any algorithm of searching for the minimum of functional in multidimensions without any constraints, even box constraints on design parameters. For each variant considered, the formulae defining this functional are defined analytically. All results concern the design of composite structures that maximize their stiffness (equivalently minimize their compliance) while satisfying a certain isoperimetric condition introducing the upper limit of the available material resource. The article pays special attention to the fact that the stiffest, heterogeneous isotropic elastic material has almost always auxetic properties. Based on the asymptotic homogenization method and adopted bending‐free lattice model, an algorithm for the numerical recovering of nonhomogeneous isotropic microstructure in the entire domain occupied by the plate is proposed, with a fairly easy‐to‐implement ability to model an auxetic behavior.
Ginkgetin exhibits antifibrotic effects by inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis via STAT1 activation
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Bai Yaowei , Li Tongqiang , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Yingliang , Ju Shuguang , Yao Wei , Xiong Bin
Published: January 2024

Liver fibrosis affects approximately 800 million patients worldwide, with over 2 million deaths each year. Nevertheless, there are no approved medications for treating liver fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the impacts of ginkgetin on liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms. The impacts of ginkgetin on liver fibrosis were assessed in mouse models induced by thioacetamide or bile duct ligation. Experiments on human LX‐2 cells and primary mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms, which were also validated in the mouse models. Ginkgetin significantly decreased hepatic extracellular matrix deposition and HSC activation in the fibrotic models induced by thioacetamide (TAA) and bile duct ligation (BDL). Beneficial effects also existed in inhibiting hepatic inflammation and improving liver function. In vitro experiments showed that ginkgetin markedly inhibited HSC viability and induced HSC apoptosis dose‐dependently. Mechanistic studies revealed that the antifibrotic effects of ginkgetin depend on STAT1 activation, as the effects were abolished in vitro after STAT1 silencing and in vivo after inhibiting STAT1 activation by fludarabine. Moreover, we observed a meaningful cross‐talk between HSCs and hepatocytes, in which IL‐6, released by ginkgetin‐induced apoptotic HSCs, enhanced hepatocyte proliferation by activating STAT3 signaling. Ginkgetin exhibits antifibrotic effects by inducing HSC apoptosis via STAT1 activation and enhances hepatocyte proliferation secondary to HSC apoptosis via the IL‐6/STAT3 pathway.
Current understanding and future directions of cruciferous vegetables and their phytochemicals to combat neurological diseases
Authors: Kakarla Ramakrishna , Karuturi Praditha , Siakabinga Queen , Kasi Viswanath Matte , Dumala Naresh , Guntupalli Chakravarthi , Nalluri Buchi N. , Venkateswarlu Kojja , Prasanna Vani Sai , Gutti Gopichand , Yadagiri Ganesh , Gujjari Lohitha
Published: January 2024

Neurological disorders incidences are increasing drastically due to complex pathophysiology, and the nonavailability of disease‐modifying agents. Several attempts have been made to identify new potential chemicals to combat these neurological abnormalities. At present, complete abolishment of neurological diseases is not attainable except for symptomatic relief. However, dietary recommendations to help brain development or improvement have increased over the years. In recent times, cruciferous vegetables and their phytochemicals have been identified from preclinical and clinical investigations as potential neuroprotective agents. The present review highlights the beneficial effects and molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals such as indole‐3‐carbinol, diindolylmethane, sulforaphane, kaempferol, selenium, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins of cruciferous vegetables against neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Huntington's disease, autism spectra disorders, anxiety, depression, and pain. Most of these cruciferous phytochemicals protect the brain by eliciting antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Regular dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables may benefit the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. The present review suggests that there is a lacuna in identifying the clinical efficacy of these phytochemicals. Therefore, high‐quality future studies should firmly establish the efficacy of the above‐mentioned cruciferous phytochemicals in clinical settings.
Dissipative Landau‐Zener Transitions in a Three‐Level Bow‐Tie Model: Accurate Dynamics with the Davydov Multi‐D2 Ansatz
Authors: Zhang Lixing , Gelin Maxim F. , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2024

Landau‐Zener (LZ) transitions in the three‐level bow‐tie model (3L‐BTM) in a dissipative environment are investigated by using the numerically accurate method of multiple Davydov Ansätze. The 3L‐BTM coupled to a single harmonic mode is first considered, and evolutions of transition probabilities for selected values of model parameters are studied and interpreted with the aid of the energy diagram method. Then the 3L‐BTM coupled to a boson bath of a continuum spectral density is explored. The simulations demonstrate that sub‐Ohmic, Ohmic and super‐Ohmic boson baths have substantially different influences on the 3L‐BTM dynamics, which cannot be grasped by the standard phenomenological Markovian single‐rate descriptions. Novel bath‐induced phenomena are also described, which are absent in two‐level LZ systems.