bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inclusive Soundscapes: How Race, Socioeconomic Status and Maternal Age Influence the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Journey
Authors: Torres‐Small Sofia , Ward Christina N. , Thurmond Sarah L. , Tomescu Ana , Smith Rebecca , Macdonald Charles B. , Yawn Robert , Smith Samuel H. , Warren Sarah E. , Richard Celine 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to assess how race, social vulnerability, and maternal age influence pediatric cochlear implant access and usage.Study DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingTertiary Pediatric University Hospital.MethodsThis study included individuals aged 0 to 18 who received a cochlear implant at our center between the years 2000 and 2022. Social vulnerability data from 2020 was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ResultsOf the 302 patients included in our study, 43% were black and 50% were white. Patients from the highest to lowest social vulnerability quintiles comprised 31%, 25%, 18%, 10%, and 14% of our sample, respectively. Race was associated with social vulnerability index (SVI) (P < .001), with a mean score of 0.70 (±0.26) and 0.49 (±0.27) for black and white patients, respectively. Later age at hearing loss (HL) diagnosis and cochlear implantation (CI) were associated with more and most vulnerable SVI (P < .05). Delayed diagnosis was also associated with black and other racial groups (P = .041), and adolescent maternal age (P = .03). Greater SVI was associated with less daily cochlear implant usage (P = .004). The most vulnerable patients were more likely to be lost to follow‐up (P = .03) despite no difference based on maternal age (P = .59) and insurance status (P = .47).ConclusionThis study underscores the significance of mitigating disparities in timely diagnosis of HL, consistent CI usage, and appropriate follow‐up care. This is a first step toward the formulation of novel strategies aimed at overcoming barriers and developing appropriate intervention programs.
Preparation and Conductivity Analysis of LLTO Nanofiber‐Incorporated PEO‐PVDF‐HFP‐LiClO4 Solid Polymer Electrolytes for High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ganeshbabu Mariappan , Selvan Ramakrishnan Kalai 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis work focuses on the development of a composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) for all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs), integrating LLTO nanofibers into a PEO (polyethylene oxide)‐PVDF‐HFP (poly(vinylidene fluoride‐cohexafluoropropylene)) matrix with LiClO4 as the lithium salt. The PEO has high ionic conductivity and flexibility, and the PVDF‐HFP has high mechanical strength and electrochemical stability. Therefore, the resulting composite has improved electrochemical performance and mechanical properties. Incorporating LLTO nanofibers enhances ionic conductivity due to the one‐dimensional ion transport pathways provided by the nanofibers while maintaining mechanical integrity and air stability, overcoming the challenges associated with conventional fillers. The prepared CPE demonstrates exceptional electrochemical stability up to 5.1 V versus Li/Li+, making it suitable for high‐voltage applications over traditional polymer electrolytes. The optimized CPE with 15 wt% LLTO provides the ionic conductivity of 1.1 × 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature and reaches 1.46 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 80°C. The assembled LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3PO4||PEO‐PVDF‐HFP‐LiClO₄‐LLTO||Li based 2032 coin cell worked in between 3 and 4.8 V versus Li/Li+ potential window without any electrolyte decomposition from 0.5 to 5 mV/s scan rates. Similarly, the fabricated LiFePO₄||PEO‐PVDF‐HFP (1:2)‐LiClO4‐LLTO (15 wt%)||Li cell provides an initial capacity of 149 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 85   mAh g−1 at 0.5 C, exploring its potential for lithium metal batteries. Overall, this work offers a promising pathway for developing advanced solid polymer electrolytes for next‐generation lithium metal batteries, which combine high ionic conductivity, excellent electrochemical performances, and robust mechanical properties.
Respiratory sequelae after COVID‐19 infection in Thai healthy children
Authors: Niamsanit Sirapoom , Boonjindasup Wicharn , Sritippayawan Suchada , Deerojanawong Jitladda , Prapphal Nuanchan , Harnruthakorn Chanthana , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Niyomkarn Watit 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThe long‐term respiratory sequelae of COVID‐19 infection in children remain poorly understood and may differ across countries. This study aims to investigate the respiratory sequelae, including residual respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in Thai children. The secondary aim is to identify factors associated with the respiratory sequelae.Materials and MethodsThis is an observational study involving 56 healthy children, aged between 7 and 18 years, who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 infection from July 2021 to February 2023. Clinical data relating to COVID‐19 infection and persistent symptoms after the infection were assessed after the infection up to 6 months. Spirometry was performed to assess pulmonary function.ResultsPost‐COVID‐19 symptoms were identified in 14 patients (25%), with fatigue, cough, and dyspnea being common symptoms (28%–35%). A significant correlation was found between post COVID‐19 symptoms and pneumonia (OR = 6.00, 95%CI [1.54,23.33], p = .01). Abnormal pulmonary function was identified in 10 patients (17.8%) with obstructive impairment being the most common. However, there was no significant association between clinical factors and pulmonary function impairment.ConclusionProlonged respiratory symptoms and abnormal pulmonary function following COVID‐19 infection are not uncommon in children. The post‐COVID‐19 symptoms are possibly associated with COVID‐19 pneumonia.
A coarse‐grained model for disordered and multi‐domain proteins
Authors: Cao Fan , von Bülow Sören , Tesei Giulio , Lindorff‐Larsen Kresten 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMany proteins contain more than one folded domain, and such modular multi‐domain proteins help expand the functional repertoire of proteins. Because of their larger size and often substantial dynamics, it may be difficult to characterize the conformational ensembles of multi‐domain proteins by simulations. Here, we present a coarse‐grained model for multi‐domain proteins that is both fast and provides an accurate description of the global conformational properties in solution. We show that the accuracy of a one‐bead‐per‐residue coarse‐grained model depends on how the interaction sites in the folded domains are represented. Specifically, we find excessive domain–domain interactions if the interaction sites are located at the position of the Cα atoms. We also show that if the interaction sites are located at the center of mass of the residue, we obtain good agreement between simulations and experiments across a wide range of proteins. We then optimize our previously described CALVADOS model using this center‐of‐mass representation, and validate the resulting model using independent data. Finally, we use our revised model to simulate phase separation of both disordered and multi‐domain proteins, and to examine how the stability of folded domains may differ between the dilute and dense phases. Our results provide a starting point for understanding interactions between folded and disordered regions in proteins, and how these regions affect the propensity of proteins to self‐associate and undergo phase separation.
Biophysical characterization of RelA–p52 NF‐κB dimer—A link between the canonical and the non‐canonical NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Dhaka Nitin , Misra Subhranil , Sahoo Sunirmala , Mukherjee Sulakshana P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe NF‐κB family consists of the key transcription factors of the NF‐κB signaling pathway, well known for its role in innate immune response, organogenesis, and a variety of cellular processes. The five NF‐κB subunits—RelA, RelB, c‐Rel, p50, and p52—are functional dimers, each of which share a conserved DNA binding domain which contains the dimerization domain (DD) as well. The NF‐κB subunits can form 15 potential dimers among themselves of which, RelA‐p50 is extensively studied and has largely become synonymous with NF‐κB for transcription activation. While various reports have highlighted the importance of NF‐κB subunit specificity in the transcription regulation of certain target genes, the dynamic nature of the NF‐κB dimer composition is not well understood. In this study, we biophysically characterized six combinatorial dimers from three NF‐κB subunits: RelA, p50, and p52, using NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. We show that the dimer composition is dynamic and can readily undergo exchange although at varied rates. Among the six dimers formed, RelA–p52 is found to be the most stable dimer with RelA–RelA being the least. Our results provide a plausible explanation as to why the RelA–p52 heterodimer is active during the later stages of the NF‐κB activation and serve as a link between the canonical and non‐canonical NF‐κB pathway.
α‐Mangostin Attenuates Blood Pressure and Reverses Vascular Remodeling by Balancing ACE/AT1R and ACE2/Ang‐(1–7)/MasR Axes in Ang II‐Infused Hypertensive Mice
Authors: Xue Qi‐Qi , Liu Chu‐Hao , Zhang Dong‐Yan , Li Ming‐Xuan , Li Yan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHyperuricemia is a common comorbidity of hypertension and probably has a causal relationship with hypertension. Alpha‐mangostin (α‐MG) has been reported to have uric acid lowering effect. This study aimed to investigate the dual effects of α‐MG on blood pressure (BP) and uric acid levels in angiotensin II (Ang II)‐infused hypertensive mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: control, Ang II infusion (500 ng/kg/min for 2 weeks), Ang II infusion with gavage administration of α‐MG 4.0 and 8.0 mg/kg and benzbromarone (25 mg/kg) respectively. BP, uric acid levels, vascular structure and function, and renin–Ang II system expressions in the aorta were assessed. Treatment with α‐MG reduced BP, improved endothelial relaxation, and reversed aortic wall thickening and collagen deposition in Ang II‐induced hypertensive mice. It also downregulated Ang II receptor 1 (AT1R) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) expression, while upregulating ACE2, Mas receptor (MasR), and angiotensin (1–7) in the aorta. Moreover, α‐MG demonstrated a significant enhancement in uric acid clearance and reduction in serum uric acid levels. Conversely, benzbromarone did not result in a decrease in BP, indicating that the hypotensive effect of α‐MG may not be necessarily dependent on its urate‐lowering properties. α‐MG can attenuate Ang II‐induced hypertension and reverse vascular remodeling, potentially by balancing the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis and the ACE2/Ang‐(1–7)/MasR axis. Our findings provide insights into α‐MG as a novel anti‐hypertensive drug especially in patients with hyperuricemia.
Isolated unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (IUAPA) presenting with progressive interstitial shadows: A case report
Authors: Takeshige Tomohito , Koyama Ryo , Kohmaru Makiko , Akimoto Takashi , Watanabe Junko , Yae Toshifumi , Kido Kenji , Takahashi Kazuhisa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUnilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare congenital condition. When UAPA occurs without associated congenital heart disease, it is referred to as isolated unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (IUAPA). IUAPA is frequently not diagnosed until adulthood. A 61‐year‐old female patient presented with right chest pain and a worsening interstitial shadow over 9 years. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed the absence of blood flow from the pulmonary artery in the right lung, leading to the diagnosis of IUAPA. In this case, the diagnosis of UAPA was established after approximately 40 years. This case underscores the importance of identifying vascular abnormalities to differentiate this condition in patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms and interstitial shadows.
Resilient Discrete‐Time Quantization Communication for Distributed Nash Equilibrium Seeking Under DoS Attacks
Authors: Cai Xin , Nan Xinyuan , Gao Bingpeng 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the design of resilient distributed Nash equilibrium (NE) algorithm for second‐order multi‐agent systems in the presence of Denial‐of‐Service (DoS) attacks, which prevent information transmission in the network with limited bandwidth and transmission rate. Resilient communication schemes, integrating periodic/event‐triggered schemes and a dynamic quantized transmission method, are designed in a distributed NE seeking algorithm to ensure the convergence of agents' strategies to the NE of the game. For the designed two resilient communication schemes, the sufficient conditions for the convergence of the algorithm are established, and the tradeoff between the sampling period and the frequency and duration of DoS attacks is analyzed. Cournot competition with distributed energy resources is used as an example to verify the proposed methods.
Upper Bounds for Linear Graph Codes
Authors: Versteegen Leo 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTA linear graph code is a family of graphs on vertices with the property that the symmetric difference of the edge sets of any two graphs in is also the edge set of a graph in . In this article, we investigate the maximal size of a linear graph code that does not contain a copy of a fixed graph . In particular, we show that if has an even number of edges, the size of the code is , making progress on a question of Alon. Furthermore, we show that for almost all graphs with an even number of edges, there exists such that the size of a linear graph code without a copy of is at most .
A review of the knowledge structure and trends in research on the interlinkages between the rule of law and environmental sustainability
Authors: Atta Nausheen , Sharifi Ayyoob 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe interplay between nature and human activities is important for both human well‐being and the health of our planet. The rule of law is central to maintaining harmony between environmental needs and human endeavors. Since the early 1990s, particularly after the Earth Summit in 1992, there has been an increased interest in the relationship between environmental sustainability and legal frameworks. This has led to a significant expansion in the field, encompassing a wide array of research. Despite the field's growth, there is still a lack of review papers that explore its knowledge structure and evolution. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature by employing the Visualization of Similarities (VOS) viewer software. We identify key thematic areas within the field, highlight influential authors and journals, and specify major contributing countries and institutions. The findings show that the initial focus was on limited themes, which later gave way to an acknowledgment of the multidimensional nature of the subject. Certain themes, such as environmental emissions and governance, retain prominence. Among the focal themes, sustainability, climate change, and democracy are particularly influential in shaping the field's trajectory. Despite this evolution, certain aspects of both concepts, such as waste and water management, fundamental rights and justice system, and the importance of socio‐economic factors, remain underrepresented. This study offers valuable insights into the linkage between the rule of law and environmental sustainability themes and the associated themes.
Variability in Causal Effects and Noncompliance in a Multisite Trial: A Bivariate Hierarchical Generalized Random Coefficients Model for a Binary Outcome
Authors: Sun Xinxin , Shin Yongyun , Lafata Jennifer Elston , Raudenbush Stephen W. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTWithin each of 170 physicians, patients were randomized to access e‐assist, an online program that aimed to increase colorectal cancer screening (CRCS), or control. Compliance was partial: of the experimental patients accessed e‐assist while no controls were provided the access. Of interest are the average causal effect of assignment to treatment and the complier average causal effect as well as the variation of these causal effects across physicians. Each physician generates probabilities of screening for experimental compliers (experimental patients who accessed e‐assist), control compliers (controls who would have accessed e‐assist had they been assigned to e‐assist), and never takers (patients who would have avoided e‐assist no matter what). Estimating physician‐specific probabilities jointly over physicians poses novel challenges. We address these challenges by maximum likelihood, factoring a “complete‐data likelihood” uniquely into the conditional distribution of screening and partially observed compliance given random effects and the distribution of random effects. We marginalize this likelihood using adaptive Gauss–Hermite quadrature. The approach is doubly iterative in that the conditional distribution defies analytic evaluation. Because the small sample size per physician constrains estimability of multiple random effects, we reduce their dimensionality using a shared random effects model having a factor analytic structure. We assess estimators and recommend sample sizes to produce reasonably accurate and precise estimates by simulation, and analyze data from a trial of a CRCS intervention.
Clustering Functional Data With Measurement Errors: A Simulation‐Based Approach
Authors: Zhu Tingyu , Xue Lan , Tekwe Carmen , Diaz Keith , Benden Mark , Zoh Roger 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTClustering analysis of functional data, which comprises observations that evolve continuously over time or space, has gained increasing attention across various scientific disciplines. Practical applications often involve functional data that are contaminated with measurement errors arising from imprecise instruments, sampling errors, or other sources. These errors can significantly distort the inherent data structure, resulting in erroneous clustering outcomes. In this article, we propose a simulation‐based approach designed to mitigate the impact of measurement errors. Our proposed method estimates the distribution of functional measurement errors through repeated measurements. Subsequently, the clustering algorithm is applied to simulated data generated from the conditional distribution of the unobserved true functional data given the observed contaminated functional data, accounting for the adjustments made to rectify measurement errors. We illustrate through simulations show that the proposed method has improved numerical performance than the naive methods that neglect such errors. Our proposed method was applied to a childhood obesity study, giving more reliable clustering results.
Advances in Anion Sensing Using Dipyrromethane‐Based Compounds
Authors: Acharya Subhadeep , Nayak Laxmipriya , Routray Supriya , Satapathy Rashmirekha 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAnion sensing plays a crucial role in areas ranging from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring. Dipyrromethane‐based compounds offer a versatile platform for developing colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors, owing to their structural tunability and favorable optical properties. This review provides a concise overview of current advancements in anion sensing using dipyrromethane molecular framework. We examined the diverse strategies employed in designing dipyrromethane‐based anion sensors. Emphasis is placed on the structure‐function relationships that dictate anion affinity and selectivity. Key sensing mechanisms, including visual detection, UV‐vis studies, NMR studies, and fluorescence modulation, are explored. Finally, the synthetic routes for the synthesis of chemosensors are mentioned in detail. Given the efficiency and flexibility of dipyrromethane‐based sensor, we believe that major developments are to be expected in the field of both sensor and analytical chemistry.
Synthesis and Investigation of Polymers Containing Different Ratio of Quinonediiminic and Benzenoid Units in PANi‐Like Structure
Authors: Sargsyan Svetlana , Gabrielyan Liana , Durgaryan Narine , Minasyan Parandzem 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study presents, for the first time, a new method for the synthesis of polymers containing different ratios of oxidized quinoid and reduced benzenoid units in polyaniline (PANi)‐like structure. Copolymers were synthesized by an oxidative copolymerization method of p‐phenylene diamine (p‐PDA) and o‐anisidine (o‐An) in an organic medium using different initial compositions of monomers. The compositions of the copolymer were determined based on 1H NMR spectral data. The thermal stability, electrical conductivity, morphology, and solubility were studied and a comparative analysis with polyaniline and corresponding homopolymers was been carried out. The thermal behavior of copolymers was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that during heating one endothermic process of water evaporation and two exothermic processes occur, which depend on copolymer composition, and only 30% weight loss occurs up to 600 °C. It is shown that room‐temperature conductivity of copolymers doped with hydrochloric and sulfuric acids ranges from 10−5 to 10−3 S cm−1 and increases with increasing concentration of o‐anisidine structural units. The conductivity of iodine‐doped copolymers is of the same order as the conductivity of iodine‐doped PANi in emeraldine and leucoemeraldine forms. The morphology of doped copolymers depends on the co‐monomer ratio and the type of dopants.
N‐Aryl‐Methylimidazothiazolyl Thiazolamines: Synthesis and Evaluation for Antiproliferative Antitubulin Activity in a Sea Urchin Embryo Model and PC‐3 Cancer Cells
Authors: Zubarev Andrey A. , Duda Kirill A. , Kuptsova Tatiana S. , Semenova Marina N. , Plyutinskaya Anna D. , Nemtzova Elena R. , Pankratov Andrei A. , Kiselyov Alex S. , Semenov Victor V. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractA series of imidazothiazoles (ITZs) were conveniently accessed via an improved four‐step protocol in 55%–79% yields. The synthesized ITZs were tested in a combination of a phenotypic sea urchin embryo assay and PC‐3 human adenocarcinoma cytotoxicity studies. Both experimental approaches converged on compounds that showed microtubule targeting activity and cytotoxicity similar to the control compound, combretastatin CA‐4. Specifically, ITZs featuring electron‐donating pharmacophores in position 4, including 4‐Me‐, 4‐OMe‐, 3‐amino‐4‐Me‐, and 3,4‐ethylenedioxy‐substituted benzene ring (6, 7, 28, and 34) exhibited consistent antimitotic antitubulin effect along with the pronounced inhibition of PC‐3 cells growth. These compounds altered cleavage of the sea urchin eggs at 0.002–0.005 µM concentration and displayed cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 0.020–0.47 µM. Notably, the compound ITZ (25) featuring 3,4‐dimethoxybenzene fragment selectively inhibited growth of malignant PC‐3 cells (IC50 = 0.52 µM) while showing no effect on the sea urchin embryo development at up to 4 µM concentration. The sea urchin embryo screen also identified ITZs with systemic toxicity or solubility issues. The assay can be used to prioritize tubulin‐specific molecules for advanced evaluation.