bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Institutes of Health Funding for Surgeon-Scientists in the US—An Update and an Expanded Landscape
Authors: Demblowski Lindsay A. , Steinberg Seth M. , Meseroll Rebecca A. , Santangelo George M. , Zeiger Martha A.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Current reports suggest that the surgeon-scientist phenotype is significantly threatened. However, a significant increase in the proportion of surgeons in the workforce funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2010 (0.5%) to 2020 (0.7%) was recently reported and showed that surgeons primarily performed basic science research (78% in 2010; 73% in 2020) rather than clinical research.

Objective

To provide an update on the status of surgeons funded by the NIH for fiscal year (FY) 2022.

Evidence Review

NIH-funded surgeons were identified in FY2012 and FY2022, including those who were awarded grants with more than 1 principal investigator (PI) by querying the internal database at the NIH. The main outcome for this study was the total number of NIH-funded surgeons in FY2012 and FY2022, including total grant costs and number of grants. The secondary analysis included self-reported demographic characteristics of the surgeons in FY2022. The research type (basic science vs clinical) of R01 grants was also examined.

Findings

Including multiple PI grants, 1324 surgeon-scientists were awarded $1.3 billion in FY2022. Women surgeons increased to 31.3% (339 of 1084) of the population of surgeon PIs in FY2022 compared with 21.0% (184 of 876) in FY2012. Among surgeon PIs awarded grants, a total of 200 (22.8%) were Asian, 35 (4.0%) were Black or African American, 18 (2.1%) were another race (including American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and more than 1 race), and 623 (71.1%) were White. A total of 513 of 689 R01 grants (74.5%) were for basic science, 131 (19.0%) were for clinical trials, and 45 (6.5%) were for outcomes research.

Conclusions and Relevance

NIH-funded surgeons are increasing in number and grant costs, including the proportion of women surgeon PIs, and are representative of the diversity among US academic surgical faculty. The results of this study suggest that despite the many obstacles surgeon-scientists face, their research portfolio continues to grow, they perform a myriad of mostly basic scientific research as both independent PIs and on multidisciplinary teams.
Neurological outcome in long‐chain hydroxy fatty acid oxidation disorders
Authors: Mütze Ulrike , Ottenberger Alina , Gleich Florian , Maier Esther M. , Lindner Martin , Husain Ralf A. , Palm Katja , Beblo Skadi , Freisinger Peter , Santer René , Thimm Eva , vom Dahl Stephan , Weinhold Natalie , Grohmann‐Held Karina , Haase Claudia , Hennermann Julia B. , Hörbe‐Blindt Alexandra , Kamrath Clemens , Marquardt Iris , Marquardt Thorsten , Behne Robert , Haas Dorothea , Spiekerkoetter Ute , Hoffmann Georg F. , Garbade Sven F. , Grünert Sarah C. , Kölker Stefan
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aims to elucidate the long‐term benefit of newborn screening (NBS) for individuals with long‐chain 3‐hydroxy‐acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) and mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP) deficiency, inherited metabolic diseases included in NBS programs worldwide.

Methods

German national multicenter study of individuals with confirmed LCHAD/MTP deficiency identified by NBS between 1999 and 2020 or selective metabolic screening. Analyses focused on NBS results, confirmatory diagnostics, and long‐term clinical outcomes.

Results

Sixty‐seven individuals with LCHAD/MTP deficiency were included in the study, thereof 54 identified by NBS. All screened individuals with LCHAD deficiency survived, but four with MTP deficiency (14.8%) died during the study period. Despite NBS and early treatment neonatal decompensations (28%), symptomatic disease course (94%), later metabolic decompensations (80%), cardiomyopathy (28%), myopathy (82%), hepatopathy (32%), retinopathy (17%), and/or neuropathy (22%) occurred. Hospitalization rates were high (up to a mean of 2.4 times/year). Disease courses in screened individuals with LCHAD and MTP deficiency were similar except for neuropathy, occurring earlier in individuals with MTP deficiency (median 3.9 vs. 11.4 years; p = 0.0447). Achievement of dietary goals decreased with age, from 75% in the first year of life to 12% at age 10, and consensus group recommendations on dietary management were often not achieved.

Interpretation

While NBS and early treatment result in improved (neonatal) survival, they cannot reliably prevent long‐term morbidity in screened individuals with LCHAD/MTP deficiency, highlighting the urgent need of better therapeutic strategies and the development of disease course‐altering treatment.
Laser‐Tuned Surface Wettability Modification and Incorporation of Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Ceramics in Thermal Management Devices
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Arani , Pal Anish , Sarkar Sreya , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: January 2024

Aluminum nitride (AlN), a versatile ceramic with high thermal conductivity, high electrical resistivity, and a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with silicon, is well‐suited for direct‐to‐chip cooling applications of electronics, implementation in wide bandgap semiconductors, and for high‐temperature heat exchangers. Despite multiple advantages, AlN's implementation in liquid‐cooling applications is often hindered by surface‐degrading effects of working‐fluid‐induced hydrolysis. Herein, a scalable ‐but highly tunable‐ wettability engineering approach is introduced, that allows effective implementation of bulk AlN substrates in enhanced two‐phase cooling of electronics. The approach prevents hydrolysis of AlN by aqueous media and establishes control over surface roughness, all the while maintaining bulk integrity and material properties of the underlying substrate. Demonstration of the new approach is presented in spontaneous, pumpless, surface liquid transport, a necessity if such ceramics are to play an integral role as components of sealed, phase‐change, wickless thermal‐management devices (e.g., vapor chambers or heat pipes) that require rapid working‐fluid transport in their multi‐phase interior. The novelty of this work lies in establishing a scalable methodology for utilizing and further enhancing the properties of this non‐oxide ceramic material for phase‐change heat‐transfer hermetic devices, thereby paving the way toward the implementation of this intriguing material in next‐generation heat spreaders.
Observation of Topological Hall Effect in a Chemically Complex Alloy
Authors: Yu Jihao , Liu Yuying , Ke Yubin , Su Jiaqi , Cao Jingshan , Li Zian , Sun Baoan , Bai Haiyang , Wang Weihua
Published: January 2024

The topological Hall effect (THE) is the transport response of chiral spin textures and thus can serve as a powerful probe for detecting and understanding these unconventional magnetic orders. So far, the THE is only observed in either noncentrosymmetric systems where spin chirality is stabilized by Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions, or triangular‐lattice magnets with Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida‐type interactions. Here, a pronounced THE is observed in a Fe‐Co‐Ni‐Mn chemically complex alloy with a simple face‐centered cubic (fcc) structure across a wide range of temperatures and magnetic fields. The alloy is shown to have a strong magnetic frustration owing to the random occupation of magnetic atoms on the close‐packed fcc lattice and the direct Heisenberg exchange interaction among atoms, as evidenced by the appearance of a reentrant spin glass state in the low‐temperature regime and the first principles calculations. Consequently, THE is attributed to the nonvanishing spin chirality created by strong spin frustration under the external magnetic field, which is distinct from the mechanism responsible for the skyrmion systems, as well as geometrically frustrated magnets.
Application of Solid Me3SiZnI for the Synthesis of Aryl and Alkyl Trimethylsilanes
Authors: Ganguly Anirban , Chandrasekaran Revathi , Balamurugan Bala S. S. , Rasappan Ramesh
Published: January 2024

Silylzinc reagents are desirable for the synthesis of organosilanes due to their compatibility with functional groups; however, the use of pyrophoric silyllithium and dissolved lithium salts in their production hinders their development. Our solid Me3SiZnI circumvents these limitations, and herein, we demonstrate its significance in the synthesis of aryl and alkyl trimethylsilanes via cross‐coupling of aryl and alkyl bromides. The milder reaction condition tolerates functional groups such as MOM, Boc, Bpin, and aldehydes.
Correlation between inflammatory biomarkers and disease control in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: De Corso Eugenio , Baroni Silvia , Settimi Stefano , Onori Maria Elisabetta , di Cesare Tiziana , Mastrapasqua Rodolfo Francesco , Sarlo Francesca , Penazzi Daniele , D'Agostino Giuseppe , D'Auria Leandro Maria , De Maio Gabriele , Fetoni Anna Rita , Galli Jacopo
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) may have a heterogeneous response to medical/surgical treatments based on endotypes. Data correlating biomarkers and severity of the disease are lacking. We aimed to determine if IL‐5 and calprotectin may be useful in defining severity of disease and identifying uncontrolled patients.

Methods

This was a case–control study including 81 patients with diffuse CRSwNP who underwent at least one previous surgery and treated with intranasal steroids. We enrolled 39 uncontrolled patients (SNOT‐22 ≥ 40 and two or more cycles of systemic corticosteroids in last year) (Group A) and 42 controlled one (SNOT‐22 < 40 and less than two cycles of systemic corticosteroids in last year) (Group B). We analyzed IL‐5 and calprotectin in both nasal secretions and nasal polyp tissue.

Results

Calprotectin and IL‐5 were significantly higher in Group A in both secretions and tissue, and the higher the number of previous surgeries, the higher the levels detected in nasal secretions. At univariate analyses, smoking, asthma, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs‐exacerbated respiratory disease (NSAID‐ERD), blood eosinophilia, neutrophils, and eosinophils at nasal cytology were significantly associated with uncontrolled disease. Multivariate analyses showed that asthma, NSAID‐ERD, and IL‐5 in nasal secretion/polyp tissue were significantly related to the risk of uncontrolled disease.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that asthma, NSAID‐ERD, and IL‐5 in nasal secretions/tissue may be helpful to identify more severe patients, as they are related to the risk of uncontrolled disease. Nonetheless, high levels of calprotectin and neutrophilia were also observed in uncontrolled patients, especially after multiple surgeries.
Seed‐Induced Living Two‐Dimensional (2D) Supramolecular Polymerization in Water: Implications on Protein Adsorption and Enzyme Inhibition
Authors: Khanra Payel , Rajdev Priya , Das Anindita
Published: January 2024

In biological systems, programmable supramolecular frameworks characterized by coordinated directional non‐covalent interactions are widespread. However, only a small number of reports involve pure water‐based dynamic supramolecular assembly of artificial π‐amphiphiles, primarily due to the formidable challenge of counteracting the strong hydrophobic dominance of the π‐surface in water, leading to undesired kinetic traps. This study reveals the pathway complexity in hydrogen‐bonding‐mediated supramolecular polymerization of an amide‐functionalized naphthalene monoimide (NMI) building block with a hydrophilic oligo‐oxyethylene (OE) wedge. O‐NMI‐2 initially produced entropically driven, collapsed spherical particles in water (Agg‐1); however, over a span of 72 h, these metastable Agg‐1 gradually transformed into two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets (Agg‐2), favoured by both entropy and enthalpy contributions. The intricate self‐assembly pathways in O‐NMI‐2 enable us to explore seed‐induced living supramolecular polymerization (LSP) in water for controlled synthesis of monolayered 2D assemblies. Furthermore, we demonstrated the nonspecific surface adsorption of a model enzyme, serine protease α‐Chymotrypsin (α‐ChT), and consequently the enzyme activity, which could be regulated by controlling the morphological transformation of O‐NMI‐2 from Agg‐1 to Agg‐2. We delve into the thermodynamic aspects of such shape‐dependent protein‐surface interactions and unravel the impact of seed‐induced LSP on temporally controlling the catalytic activity of α‐ChT.
Designing Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Membranes for Isomer Separation
Authors: Cong Shenzhen , Zhou Yunqi , Luo Chenglian , Wang Caixia , Wang Jixiao , Wang Zhi , Liu Xinlei
Published: January 2024

Membrane‐based separation has the merit of low carbon footprint. In this study, the pore size of metal–organic framework (MOF) membranes is rationally designed for discriminating various pairs of hydrocarbon isomers. Specifically, Zr‐MOF UiO‐66 (UiO stands for University of Oslo) membranes are developed for separating p/o‐xylene due to their proper pore size. For n‐hexane/2‐methylpentane separation, the functional groups and proportion of the ligands in UiO‐66 are gradually adjusted to effectively regulate the pore size, and UiO‐66‐33Br membranes are constructed. In addition, relying on the utilization of ligands with shorter length, MOF‐801 membranes with smaller pore size are fabricated for n/i‐butane separation.
A crossover study of antimicrobial capacity and biotoxicity of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Sosa Ayelen Morena , Igartúa Daniela Edith , Alonso Silvia del Valle , Prieto Maria Jimena , Martinez Carolina Soledad
Published: January 2024

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a primordial role in the nanotechnology industry since they have great antimicrobial effects against diverse pathogens. AgNP production, use, and discard have been increasing; still, there is debate about the consequences of exposure to AgNPs for animals and humans. The bioaccumulation and toxicity of AgNPs depend on several factors, including AgNP concentration, physicochemical characteristics, and aggregation. So, complete activity and toxicity profiles for each silver nanoparticle synthesized must be performed. The present work aimed to characterize the behavior of specific AgNPs, then crossover of their antimicrobial capacity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with their potential in vitro cytotoxic effects in murine fibroblasts (3T3) and human keratinocytes (HaCat) cell lines, and in vivo general and organ‐specific toxicity in zebrafish embryos and larvae. A high susceptibility of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus to low concentrations of AgNPs was observed, yet a cytotoxic effect was also detected in 3T3 and HaCat cells. Moreover, these concentrations delayed embryonic development in zebrafish embryos and presented morphological abnormalities, neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. The results highlight the importance of jointly evaluating the antimicrobial activity and the toxicological profile of each nanoparticle manufactured; this study presents a suitable platform for such crossover assessment.
Leader‐following distributed control of networked linear multi‐input systems: A prescribed‐time framework
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Yang Tingting
Published: January 2024

This paper concentrates on the leader‐following distributed control problem for linear multi‐input systems while guaranteeing prescribed finite‐time performance. Compared with the current state of the arts, novel nonsingular coordinate transformations are proposed by using the block decomposition technique and smooth time‐varying scaling functions, such that a prescribed‐time control framework dealing with distinct subsystem dimensions featured by multi‐input systems is acquired. The prescribed‐time boundedness of the closed‐loop system and the control input is proven by introducing nonsingular inverse coordinate transformations. Moreover, the settling time can relax the initial conditions and any other control parameters. Numerical examples are provided to confirm the efficacy of the proposed method.
Brandversuch an einer begrünten Holzaußenwandbekleidung
Authors: Westphal Robert , Zauper Linda , Trautmann Benjamin , Pedrotti Dina , Gietmann Ansgar R.
Published: January 2024

Der Anteil begrünter Gebäudehüllen wächst seit einigen Jahren stetig. Neben der temperaturregulierenden Eigenschaft, der akustisch dämpfenden Wirkung und der Bindung von Feinstaub tragen Fassadenbegrünungen zu einem harmonischen Stadtbild bei. Gleichzeitig wird auch der Holzbau zunehmend etabliert, sodass eine Kombination beider Systeme im Sinne einer nachhaltigen Bauweise zielführend erscheint. Bislang sind keine Ergebnisse von Brandversuchen an einer begrünten Holzfassade in der Literatur beschrieben. Zur orientierenden Einschätzung des Brandverhaltens wurde daher ein Fassadenbrandversuch in Anlehnung an DIN 4102‐20 durchgeführt. Hierfür wurde entsprechend der Muster‐Holzbaurichtlinie eine Musterfassade als geschlossene und hinterlüftete Holzaußenwandbekleidung mit Brandsperren an einem Prüfstand errichtet. Als flächige, bodengebundene Begrünung wurden Kiwi (Actinidia arguta Geneva) und Kriechspindel (Euonymus fortunei Coloratus) an einem vorgesetzten Rankgerüst untersucht. Als wesentliche Erkenntnis wurde festgestellt, dass die vorgesetzte Fassadenbegrünung nicht zu einer unkontrollierten vertikalen Brandausbreitung auf der Holzaußenwandbekleidung führte. Die brennende Holzaußenwandbekleidung entzündete mehrmals die Begrünung, die brennende Begrünung aber nie die Holzaußenwandbekleidung. Es konnte keine beschleunigte Brandausbreitung auf der Holzaußenwandbekleidung beobachtet werden. Die Brandsperren der Holzaußenwandbekleidung behielten ausreichend lang ihre Funktion.
Groups or values? Testing the effectiveness of online social cure, group‐affirmation, and self‐affirmation manipulations on wellbeing outcomes
Authors: Harris Peter R. , Easterbrook Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

We tested the effectiveness of three brief, online manipulations theorised to have beneficial effects on wellbeing: a social cure manipulation priming important group memberships, a self‐affirmation manipulation priming important values, and a group‐affirmation manipulation priming values important to one's group. A control condition required respondents to reflect on films. Study 1 (N = 201) had no explicit stressor, whereas study 2 (N = 379) had an acute stressor immediately before the manipulations. The outcomes were a set of hedonic, evaluative, and eudaimonic wellbeing measures. With no acute stressor, all three manipulations boosted wellbeing perceptions, but in diverse ways. After a stressor, the social cure manipulation was the most frequent predictor. In all cases, main effects of the manipulations boosted wellbeing perceptions; however, where effects were moderated by baseline anxiety or stress induced by the stressor, the benefits were restricted to those lower in anxiety and stress. Overall, the results lend support to the idea that brief online manipulations, especially ones priming collective identities, can be beneficial for wellbeing. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Endolysosomal two‐pore channel 2 plays opposing roles in primary and metastatic malignant melanoma cells
Authors: Barbonari Samantha , D'Amore Antonella , Hanbashi Ali A. , Palombi Fioretta , Riccioli Anna , Parrington John , Filippini Antonio
Published: January 2024

The ion channel two‐pore channel 2 (TPC2), localised on the membranes of acidic organelles such as endo‐lysosomes and melanosomes, has been shown to play a role in pathologies including cancer, and it is differently expressed in primary versus metastatic melanoma cells. Whether TPC2 plays a pro‐ or anti‐oncogenic role in different tumour conditions is a relevant open question which we have explored in melanoma at different stages of tumour progression. The behaviour of primary melanoma cell line B16F0 and its metastatic subline B16F10 were compared in response to TPC2 modulation by silencing (by small interfering RNA), knock‐out (by CRISPR/Cas9) and overexpression (by mCherry‐TPC2 transfected plasmid). TPC2 silencing increased cell migration, epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and autophagy in the metastatic samples, but abated them in the silenced primary ones. Interestingly, while TPC2 inactivation failed to affect markers of proliferation in both samples, it strongly enhanced the migratory behaviour of the metastatic cells, again suggesting that in the more aggressive phenotype TPC2 plays a specific antimetastatic role. In line with this, overexpression of TPC2 in B16F10 cells resulted in phenotype rescue, that is, a decrease in migratory ability, thus collectively resuming traits of the B16F0 primary cell line. Our research shows a novel role of TPC2 in melanoma cells that is intriguingly different in initial versus late stages of cancer progression.
LRP8 promotes tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer through inhibiting p53 signaling
Authors: Xu Yan , Zhou Yang , Yi Xiling , Nie Xiaocui
Published: January 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy with a high mortality rate. Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor‐related protein 8 (LRP8) is a cell membrane receptor belonging LDL receptor family and is involved in several tumor progressions. However, there is limited understanding of how LRP8 mediates OC development. LRP8 expression level was identified in human OC tissues and cells using immunohistochemical staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. Functions of LRP8 in OC progression were evaluated by Celigo cell counting, wound healing, transwell and flow cytometry assays, and the xenograft models. The human phospho‐kinase array analysis was used for screening potential signaling involved in OC development. We observed that LRP8 was overexpressed in OC tissues, and high expression of LRP8 was associated with poor prognosis of OC patients. Functionally, LRP8 knockdown remarkably reduced proliferation and migration of OC cells, and induced apoptosis and S phase cycle arrest. LRP8 deficiency attenuated in vivo tumor growth of OC cells. Moreover, the addition of p53 inhibitor partially reversed the effects of LRP8 knockdown on OC cell proliferation and apoptosis, indicating the involvement of p53 signaling in LRP8‐mediated OC progression. This study confirmed that LRP8/p53 axis contributed to OC progression, which might serve as a novel potential therapeutic target for OC patients.
Way of life: A future research agenda for how worldviews impact financial attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Enete Shane , McDowell Sean
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to provide a future research agenda to study how worldviews impact financial attitudes and behaviors. In addition, this paper will help operationalize many of the constructs associated with an individual's values and personal worldview. As a result of this research agenda, researchers and financial planners will move towards developing personal value and worldview identification tools that will help individuals more intrinsically adopt savings goals that help meet their life goals.
A robust neural network model for fault detection in the presence of mislabelled data
Authors: Alauddin Mohammad , Khan Faisal , Imtiaz Syed , Ahmed Salim , Amyotte Paul
Published: January 2024

Several data‐driven methodologies for process monitoring and detection of faults or abnormalities have been developed for the safety of processing systems. The effectiveness of data‐based models, however, is impacted by the volume and quality of training data. This work presents a robust neural network model for addressing the mislabelled and low‐quality data in detecting faults and process abnormalities. The approach is based on harnessing data quality features along with supervisory labels in the network training. The data quality has been computed using the Mahalanobis distances and trusted centres of each class of data such as normal and faulty data. The method has been examined for detecting abnormalities in two case studies; a continuous stirred tank heater problem for detecting leaks and the Tennessee Eastman chemical process for detecting step and sticking faults. The performance of the proposed robust artificial neural networks (ANN) model is evaluated in terms of accuracy, fault detection rate, false alarm rate, and classification index at varying extents of mislabelling, namely, 1%, 5%, and 10% mislabelled data. The proposed model demonstrates higher detection performance, especially at increased labels of mislabelled data where the performance of the conventional ANN is severely impacted. The proposed methodology can be advantageous in handling mislabelled and low‐quality data issues which are crucial in the data‐driven modelling of processing systems.
The drive and passion of Faisal Khan to improve onshore and offshore process industries' safety levels
Authors: Pasman Hans , Amin Md Tanjin
Published: January 2024

In 1997, a number of articles were co‐authored and published in leading process safety journals (e.g., Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Process Safety Progress, and Process Safety and Environmental Protection) by a young and enthusiastic scientist, Faisal Khan—motivated by a drive to improve the safety practices of the time after the 1984 Bhopal Disaster—and a well‐known Professor and Scientist from the Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering at Pondicherry University, Dr. Shahid Abbas Abbasi. It began a new horizon in the process safety domain, as this young scientist continued to excel in this field and shed light with numerous inventions and by training several hundreds of next‐generation safety professionals as a Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Tasmania, and Texas A&M University. This article is written in honour of Dr. Faisal Khan. Capturing the fullness of Dr. Khan briefly is an arduous task; however, the authors of the current article have attempted to describe his personality, background, and contributions based on their professional interactions with him.
Artemsieverolactones A—H, Eight Guaiane‐Type Sesquiterpenoid Trimers from Artemisia sieversiana
Authors: Dong Wei , Huang Xiao‐Yan , Li Tian‐Ze , Weng Yan‐Mei , Geng Chang‐An , Chen Ji‐Jun
Published: January 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Eight new guaiane‐type sesquiterpenoid trimers, artemsieverolactones A—H, possessing unprecedented scaffolds via biocatalyzed [4+2] Diels−Alder cycloaddition reactions were identified from Artemisia sieversiana. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses, and ECD calculations. In terms of structure, artemsieverolactones A—H are first examples of sesquiterpenoid trimers from guaiane‐type sesquiterpenoid through four different [4+2] Diels−Alder cycloaddition models. Antihepatic fibrosis assay suggested that five compounds exhibited activity against HSC‐LX2 with IC50 values ranging from 37.8 to 117.1 μmol/L. The most active artemsieverolactone B (2) displayed significant inhibitory activity against HSC‐LX2 with IC50 value of 37.8 μmol/L, which was 3 times more active than the positive drug silybin (IC50, 139.7 μmol/L). Preliminary mechanism study revealed that artemsieverolactone B could inhibit the deposition of human collagen type I (Col I), human hyaluronic acid (HA), and human laminin (HL) with IC50 values of 40.4 μmol/L (Col I), 55.1 μmol/L (HL), 47.3 μmol/L (HA), which was 2 to 3‐fold more potent than silybin.
Intermittent investigations on attenuation mechanism of rechargeable zinc‐air batteries during charge/discharge cycles
Authors: Peng Qiuyue , Chen Zhaotian , Zhang Yiwen , Geng Zirui , Wang Lilan , Dong Xinyao , Wang Juan , Zhong Qin
Published: January 2024

Rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (RZABs) are an ideal substitute for energy storage, but the short cycle longevity during long‐term charge/discharge operation is one of the bottleneck factors that seriously restrict commercial application. Herein, the FeCo alloy/N, S co‐doped carbon aerogel (NSCA/FeCo) were prepared as catalysts of cathode for RZABs. We investigated the polarization and impedance on long‐term cycles during the battery operation to explore the attenuation mechanism. The results indicated that the roundtrip efficiency of batteries during charge/discharge cycles reduced fast initially and then slow. Besides, the comparative experiment was tested through the replacement of a new electrolyte and a zinc sheet. It is manifested that the failure of the battery is mainly due to the attenuation of the air cathode performance. Therefore, to further disclose the influencing factors and internal mechanisms of air cathode performance degradation, we conducted a series of characterization and testing, including the hydrophilicity, surface morphology, elemental composition, and electrochemical performance of three‐electrode systems at different cycle times. This work not only provides a theoretical basis for deeply comprehending the attenuation mechanism of the cathode but also serves a reference for the material design and operating condition optimization of RZABs.
Building Trust in AI Farming Tools
Authors: Joosse Tess
Published: January 2024

Precision agriculture tools like decision support systems increasingly use machine‐learning algorithms and other types of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze large quantities of agricultural data and provide recommendations to producers and crop advisers. However, several barriers threaten adoption of these tools. Three papers in the recent Agronomy Journal special section, “Machine Learning in Agriculture,” explore this phenomenon and offer solutions and opportunities for building trust in these technologies.
An E band MMIC power amplifier design using 100 nm T‐Gate GaN HEMT on SiC
Authors: Jin Liwei , Cheng Zhiqun , Wang Yonghui , Liu Guohua
Published: January 2024

The small signal modeling, design, fabrication, and measurement about monolithic millimeter‐wave integrated circuit (MMIC) using gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifier (PA) on silicon carbide (SiC) working at the E band are proposed in this paper. The two stage PA used customized 4 × 75 μm transistor with 100 nm T gate technology. The extraction and optimization of small signal model are based on single GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT)'s measurement. Balanced structure and new method are used by low impedance matching, which can simplify circuits prominently and benefit for die size reduction. Radial stub and LC stub are made the whole circuit in absolute stable status; the in‐series DC block metal–insulator–metal capacitor from the matching circuit ensure the process is within small tolerances. From the 61–66 GHz bandwidth, a peak 10.7 dB small signal gain is obtained from the designed MMIC GaN PA, and also, the maximum output power can reach 29.7 to 30.4 dBm from 61 to 66 GHz, with an associated the peak drain efficiency of 18.8%. The final die size without dicing slot is 3.0 × 1.74 mm2.
Electron acceleration in a warm, motional, magnetized plasma‐filled waveguide by twisted electromagnetic wave pulses
Authors: Barzegar B. , Hasanbeigi A. , Mehdian H. , Hajisharifi K.
Published: January 2024

This paper studies the acceleration of an electron in a magnetized plasma waveguide caused by the interaction between the twisted electromagnetic wave and the plasma wave in a motional plasma. The spatial dependence of the amplitude and phase of the twisted TM mode has been derived by solving the wave equation. With appropriately assigned initial values, total electron energy gain can be calculated using numerical calculations. Numerical results show that plasma motion, as long as the twisted electromagnetic wave pulse, significantly affects electron acceleration during an electron's passage through the waveguide.
Hypometabolic patterns are related to post‐surgical seizure outcomes in focal cortical dysplasia: A semi‐quantitative study
Authors: Yao Yuan , Wang Xiu , Zhao Baotian , Mo Jiajie , Guo Zhihao , Yang Bowen , Li Zilin , Fan Xiuliang , Cai Du , Sang Lin , Zheng Zhong , Shao Xiaoqiu , Ai Lin , Hu Wenhan , Zhang Chao , Zhang Kai
Published: January 2024

Objective

Fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is routinely used for presurgical evaluation in many epilepsy centers. Hypometabolic characteristics have been extensively examined in prior studies, but the metabolic patterns associated with specific pathological types of drug‐resistant epilepsy remain to be fully defined. This study was developed to explore the relationship between metabolic patterns or characteristics and surgical outcomes in type I and II focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) patients based on results from a large cohort.

Methods

Data from individuals who underwent epilepsy surgery from 2014 to 2019 with a follow‐up duration of over 3 years and a pathological classification of type I or II FCD in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Hypometabolic patterns were quantitatively identified via statistical parametric mapping (SPM) and qualitatively analyzed via visual examination of PET‐MRI co‐registration images. Univariate analyses were used to explore the relationship between metabolic patterns and surgical outcomes.

Results

In total, this study included data from 210 patients. Following SPM calculations, four hypometabolic patterns were defined including unilobar, multi‐lobar, and remote patterns as well as cases where no pattern was evident. In type II FCD patients, the unilobar pattern was associated with the best surgical outcomes (p = 0.014). In visual analysis, single gyrus (p = 0.032) and Clear‐cut hypometabolism edge (p = 0.040) patterns exhibited better surgery outcomes in the type II FCD group.

Conclusions

PET metabolic patterns are well‐correlated with the prognosis of type II FCD patients. However, similar correlations were not observed in type I FCD, potentially owing to the complex distribution of the epileptogenic region.

Plain Language Summary

In this study, we demonstrated that FDG‐PET was a crucial examination for patients with FCD, which was a common cause of epilepsy. We compared the surgical prognosis for patients with different hypometabolism distribution patterns and found that clear and focal abnormal region in PET was correlated with good surgical outcome in type II FCD patients.
Menstrual characteristics of atypical anorexia nervosa
Authors: Aygün Ari Demet , Pehlivantürk Kizilkan Melis , Derman Orhan , Akgül Sinem
Published: January 2024

Objective

While menstrual irregularities are acknowledged in restrictive‐type eating disorders (EDs), the menstrual characteristics specific to atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) remain inadequately defined. This study aims to compare the menstrual features of anorexia nervosa (AN) and AAN.

Method

Adolescents diagnosed with AN or AAN who exhibited secondary amenorrhoea at presentation and had their menstrual cycles restored during follow‐up were eligible for this study. Clinical and menstrual data at admission and during follow‐up were obtained from patient files, and compared between the AN and AAN cohorts.

Results

The study included a total of 77 patients (38 with AN and 39 with AAN). The extent of weight loss and the disease duration until the onset of amenorrhoea were comparable in the two groups. However, the duration of illness and the time since the last menstrual period at admission were shorter in the AAN group. Moreover, amenorrhoea manifested at a higher body mass index, and the return of menses occurred more rapidly with less weight gain in the AAN group after the onset of clinical follow‐up. Additionally, the AAN group exhibited a shorter overall duration of amenorrhoea.

Conclusions

This study highlights the significance of recognising amenorrhoea in restrictive disorders, even when individuals maintain a normal weight. The faster return of menstrual cycles and shorter duration of amenorrhoea observed in adolescents with AAN emphasise the significance of early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment. Regardless of the patient's presenting complaint and weight status, obtaining a comprehensive ED history is essential when addressing concerns regarding amenorrhoea or menstrual irregularities.
Recent progress in quantitative analysis of self‐assembled peptides
Authors: Cai Xiaoyao , Xu Wei , Ren Chunhua , Zhang Liping , Zhang Congrou , Liu Jianfeng , Yang Cuihong
Published: January 2024

Self‐assembled peptides have been among the important biomaterials due to its excellent biocompatibility and diverse functions. Over the past decades, substantial progress and breakthroughs have been made in designing self‐assembled peptides with multifaceted biomedical applications. The techniques for quantitative analysis, including imaging‐based quantitative techniques, chromatographic technique and computational approach (molecular dynamics simulation), are becoming powerful tools for exploring the structure, properties, biomedical applications, and even supramolecular assembly processes of self‐assembled peptides. However, a comprehensive review concerning these quantitative techniques remains scarce. In this review, recent progress in techniques for quantitative investigation of biostability, cellular uptake, biodistribution, self‐assembly behaviors of self‐assembled peptide etc., are summarized. Specific applications and roles of these techniques are highlighted in detail. Finally, challenges and outlook in this field are concluded. It is believed that this review will provide technical guidance for researchers in the field of peptide‐based materials and pharmaceuticals, and facilitate related research for newcomers in this field.
Financial (dis)incentives to surgical management of head and neck cancer care
Authors: Aschen Seth Z. , O'Connell Gillian M. , Kutler David I. , Spector Jason A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often require complex surgical reconstruction. This retrospective, cross‐sectional study compares financial factors influencing HNC and breast cancer (BC) care to examine care disparities.

Methods

Pricing data from 2012 to 2021 was abstracted from the CMS Physician Fee Schedule Look‐Up Tool. Nonprofit and research support was quantified by searching the NIH, IRS, and GuideStar databases. New York State Department of Health data from 2015 to 2019 was analyzed to compare costs, charges, and payer mix.

Results

HNC reconstructive procedures reimburse lower than comparable breast procedures (p < 0.05). Nonprofit and research support for HNC is disproportionately low relative to disease burden. Patients hospitalized for HNC surgical procedures generated higher costs and lower charges than patients with BC (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Comparatively low procedure reimbursement, low nonprofit support, and high cost of care for patients with HNC relative to patients with BC may contribute to care disparities for patients with HNC.
Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in the management of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shen Bin , Zhou Yaoying , Wu Dongping , Liu Jianjiang
Published: January 2024

Numerous studies have examined the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in reducing chemoradiotherapy (CRT)‐induced oral mucositis (OM) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite this, there is an urgent need to update the meta‐analyses on this topic. This meta‐analysis aims to explore the impact of PBMT on CRT‐induced OM in these patients. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS, and Web of Science from January 2000 to October 2023. This search focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effects of PBMT on CRT‐induced OM. The study included a total of 14 RCTs encompassing 869 patients with HNC. The incidence of OM in the PBMT group was significantly lower from the second week onwards compared to the control group (RR = 0.49, CI = 0.25–0.97, I2 = 71%, p = 0.04), and this was present until the seventh week (RR = 0.77, CI = 0.61–0.99, I2 = 89%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, the occurrence of severe mucositis in the PBMT group decreased from the third week (RR = 0.51, CI = 0.29–0.90, I2 = 12%, p = 0.02) until the conclusion of the intervention (RR = 0.45, CI = 0.24–0.85, I2 = 80%, p = 0.01). Additionally, PBMT showed beneficial effects in alleviating OM‐related pain (WMD = −1.09, 95% CI = −1.38 to −0.880, I2 = 13%, p < 0.00001). The use of He‐Ne or InGaAlP lasers with a power range of 10–25 mW demonstrated the most favorable outcomes in preventing and treating OM. PBMT has shown considerable efficacy in reducing the incidence, severity, and pain associated with OM in patients with HNC. Future studies are encouraged to further investigate the most effective parameters for PBMT in the management of OM.
Knots of the umbilical cord: Incidence, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Al Qasem Malek , Meyyazhagan Arun , Tsibizova Valentina , Clerici Graziano , Arduini Maurizio , Khader Mohammed , M. Alkarabsheh Ahlam , Di Renzo Gian Carlo
Published: January 2024

Knot(s) of the umbilical cord have received emphasis because the clinical assessments and sonographic literature show a crucial role in fetal outcomes. The true umbilical cord knot could be a knot in a singleton pregnancy or an entanglement of two umbilical cords in monoamniotic twins. Clinical manifestations are almost silent, which can raise clinical challenges. They worsen outcomes, and the pathology can be easily missed during prenatal visits because ultrasonographers do not pay attention to the cord during an obstetric ultrasound scan. However, most medical centers now have ultrasound machines that improve fetal assessment. The umbilical cord should be routinely evaluated during a fetal assessment, and suspicion of an umbilical cord knot can be more frequently diagnosed and is detected only incidentally. Clinical outcome is usually good but depends on the knot's characteristics and if it is tight or loose. In this review, we discuss pathophysiology, the theories on formation, the main risk factors, ultrasound signs and findings, different opinions in the management, and features of pregnancy outcomes feature.
Episodic versus thematic media framing of violence against social leaders and human rights defenders in Colombia
Authors: Correa‐Chica Andrea , Caicedo‐Moreno Angélica , Rincón‐Unigarro Camilo , Castro‐Abril Pablo , López‐López Wilson
Published: January 2024

Social leaders and human rights defenders (SLHRD) in Colombia have been under increasing attack for defending the rights of communities affected by violence. From 2016 to 2022, over 600 SLHRD were assassinated, resulting in a serious violation of both individual and community human rights. The media's portrayal of these attacks can shape public perceptions and influence efforts towards peacebuilding and promoting human rights. This study examines the media's framing of violence against SLHRD in Colombia between 2016 and 2020, a period marked by an escalation of violence after the signing of the 2016 peace accord between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). We analysed 1506 textual publications from seven media outlets using a lexicometric approach and identified two frames of news articles: episodic and thematic. Our findings suggest that the episodic media framing may present a simplistic and non‐political perspective of the issue, which can impede peacebuilding efforts, while the thematic frame can raise awareness of violence against SLHRD and promote human rights defence. Our study highlights the media's significant role in shaping public opinion on violence against SLHRD, offering practical implications for advocacy and activism.
Recent advances in photobiomodulation therapy for brain diseases
Authors: Dong Sihan , Ren Hang , Zhang Rui , Wei Xunbin
Published: January 2024

Light therapy techniques, such as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser photoablation, have gained widespread attention and become indispensable physiotherapy methods in clinical practice. PBMT involves the application of low‐level laser/LED to modulate the function of nerve cells, relieve neuroinflammation, promote neurogenesis and vascular growth. Recent studies have shown that PBMT holds promise as a complementary or alternative treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), major depressive disorder (MDD), etc. However, the therapeutic effect of PBMT is influenced by various factors, such as the patients' condition, brain structure and function, illumination parameters, etc. Therefore, the optimized parameters, personalized therapeutic schedules, and precise evaluation of the therapeutic effect are crucial to the treatment success. In this review, we identified the recent experimental and clinical successes, existing obstacles, and future opportunities for PBMT in the treatment of the brain diseases. As a non‐invasive, side‐effect‐free, and highly accessible technique, PBMT brings a glimmer of light for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders and the neuro‐rejuvenation of human brains.
Experiential avoidance as a mediator of risk factors for higher order internalizing psychopathology in the perinatal period
Authors: Miller Michelle L. , Jiang Lily J. , O'Hara Michael W.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Perinatal psychopathology can be damaging. This study examined the strength of the associations between risk factors and all perinatal mood and anxiety disorder symptoms while assessing the mediating effect of experiential avoidance.

Method

Participants (N = 246) completed assessments during pregnancy (28–32 weeks) and the postpartum (6–8 weeks). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine associations between risk factors and latent factors: distress (composed of depression, generalized anxiety, irritability, and panic symptoms); fear (social anxiety, agoraphobia, specific phobia, and obsessive‐compulsive); and bipolar (mania and obsessive‐compulsive).

Results

During pregnancy, past psychiatric history, anxiety sensitivity, maladaptive coping, and age were significant risk factors. In the postpartum, negative maternal attitudes and past psychiatric history were only risk factors for symptoms that composed distress. Experiential avoidance mediated the relation between maladaptive coping and symptoms that composed fear.

Conclusion

It is important to assess for psychological risk factors starting in pregnancy. This study identified critical risk factors that are associated with the underlying commonality among perinatal mood and anxiety symptoms. Some of the risk factors as well as the mediator are malleable (negative maternal attitudes, experiential avoidance), creating new possibilities for prevention and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder symptoms.
The association of childhood trauma with suicidality in adult psychiatric patients: The mediating role of NSSI and the moderating role of self‐esteem
Authors: Zhou Jing , Hu Tao , Xue Shuang , Dong Zaiquan , Tang Wanjie
Published: January 2024

Background

The contribution of specific childhood trauma subtypes to suicidal thoughts and the associated mechanisms remains unclear, particularly in psychiatric patients.

Methods

Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 449 psychiatric patients aged 18–73. Childhood trauma, self‐esteem, nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI), and suicidality were assessed retrospectively. Regression and moderated mediation model were employed to examine these relationships.

Results

Emotional and sexual abuse were independently associated with suicidality. Female patients reported higher levels of emotional and sexual abuse, lower self‐esteem, and a heightened risk of suicide. Self‐esteem moderated the links between childhood trauma and NSSI, as well as between NSSI and suicidality. NSSI served as a mediator between childhood trauma and suicidality.

Conclusions

Suicide prevention in mentally ill patients should involve targeted programs addressing specific childhood trauma. Additionally, psychological interventions to enhance self‐esteem and assist individuals engaging in NSSI behavior are crucial.