bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate and environmental changes exacerbate health disparities in pregnant people and their offspring. How can we protect women and their babies?
Authors: Girardi Guillermina , Bremer Andrew A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of climate and environmental changes (CEC) are being felt globally and will worsen over the next decade unless significant changes are made on a global level. Climate change is having serious consequences for health, particularly for vulnerable women and their offspring and less resilient individuals in communities with socioeconomic inequalities. To protect human health from CEC effects, efforts need to be directed toward building resilience strategies. Building political and economic power, as well as directly addressing CEC‐related challenges, are critical components of climate resilience. Effective communication and tailored methods to engage women in preventive strategies are also necessary to ameliorate the deleterious effects of CEC on women's health. Furthermore, women from marginalized communities face more CEC‐associated challenges.ConclusionsTherefore, effective policies and programs targeting these at‐risk populations—are crucial to improve the overall state of global health. In closing, it is time to increase awareness of the effects of CECs on women's health and their transgenerational effects in order to ensure that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, education and income are protected from the detrimental effects of CECs.
Is activation of the vestibular system by electromagnetic induction a possibility in an MRI context?
Authors: Bouisset Nicolas , Nissi Janita , Laakso Ilkka , Reynolds Raymond F. , Legros Alexandre 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn recent years, an increasing number of studies have discussed the mechanisms of vestibular activation in strong magnetic field settings such as occur in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner environment. Amid the different hypotheses, the Lorentz force explanation currently stands out as the most plausible mechanism, as evidenced by activation of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex. Other hypotheses have largely been discarded. Nonetheless, both human data and computational modeling suggest that electromagnetic induction could be a valid mechanism which may coexist alongside the Lorentz force. To further investigate the induction hypothesis, we provide, herein, a first of its kind dosimetric analysis to estimate the induced electric fields at the vestibular system and compare them with what galvanic vestibular stimulation would generate. We found that electric fields strengths from induction match galvanic vestibular stimulation strengths generating vestibular responses. This review examines the evidence in support of electromagnetic induction of vestibular responses, and whether movement‐induced time‐varying magnetic fields should be further considered and investigated.
Metal–organic frameworks as a fluorescent probe for detection of pathogenic biomarkers in human urine
Authors: Jeong Seyeon , Moon Hoi Ri 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are actively explored as sensing materials owing to their high porosity, substantial surface area, and structural diversity, providing diverse chemical and physical properties. Their fluorescent characteristics are pivotal, enabling MOFs to function as probes for detecting specific target molecules. Unlike conventional disease diagnosis methods such as biopsies or blood collection, the detection of pathogenic biomarkers in human urine is conventional and less risky. While mass spectroscopy identifies proteins and metabolites in urine at high costs, MOF test papers offer a convenient solution. These papers confirm the existence of the target molecules through naked‐eye observation upon UV light irradiation at specific wavelengths. MOF‐based fluorescent probes facilitate disease diagnosis, including pheochromocytoma, toluene exposure, vitamin deficiencies, gout, hyperuricemia, cancers, body disorders, and teratogenicity, with low detection limits. This review delves into recent developments in MOF fluorescent probes, covering synthesis, emission spectra, and sensing mechanisms.
Supramolecular dye nanoassemblies for advanced diagnostics and therapies
Authors: Ramezani Pouria , De Smedt Stefaan C. , Sauvage Félix 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDyes have conventionally been used in medicine for staining cells, tissues, and organelles. Since these compounds are also known as photosensitizers (PSs) which exhibit photoresponsivity upon photon illumination, there is a high desire towards formulating these molecules into nanoparticles (NPs) to achieve improved delivery efficiency and enhanced stability for novel imaging and therapeutic applications. Furthermore, it has been shown that some of the photophysical properties of these molecules can be altered upon NP formation thereby playing a major role in the outcome of their application. In this review, we primarily focus on introducing dye categories, their formulation strategies and how these strategies affect their photophysical properties in the context of photothermal and non‐photothermal applications. More specifically, the most recent progress showing the potential of dye supramolecular assemblies in modalities such as photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging, photothermal and photodynamic therapies as well as their employment in photoablation as a novel modality will be outlined. Aside from their photophysical activity, we delve shortly into the emerging application of dyes as drug stabilizing agents where these molecules are used together with aggregator molecules to form stable nanoparticles.
Training future engineers: Integrating Computational Thinking and effective learning methodologies into education
Authors: Herrero‐Álvarez Rafael , León Coromoto , Miranda Gara , Segredo Eduardo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article examines the effectiveness and interest generated among primary and secondary education students through activities aimed at developing Computational Thinking skills, in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The shift to online or hybrid learning models posed a significant challenge for educators, particularly those lacking digital skills. The study sought to answer several research questions, including the impact of online versus in‐person teaching on preuniversity students and gender differences in Computer Science perception, and Computational Thinking skills performance. The study employed a four‐phase methodology, consisting of pre‐ and posttraining measurements of Computer Science perception and Computational Thinking skills development through specific activities delivered in‐person or online. The results indicate that in‐person training is more effective for developing Computational Thinking skills, particularly at the secondary education level. Furthermore, there is a need to focus on maintaining girls' interest in Computer Science during primary school, as interest levels tend to decline significantly in secondary school. These findings have significant implications for Engineering Education in the context of digital transformation and the increasing importance of Computational Thinking skills in various fields of engineering. This study highlights the importance of developing Computational Thinking skills among preuniversity students and the need for effective training methods to achieve this goal and underscore the significance of investing in Engineering Education to prepare the next generation of engineers for the rapidly changing digital landscape.
Understanding the Interfacial Energy Structure and Electron Extraction Process in Inverted Organic Solar Cells with Phosphine‐Doped Cathode Interlayers
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Jingwen , Xiao Yang , Xu Bowei , Hou Jianhui 
Published: February 2024

Comprehensive SummaryCathode interlayers (CILs) play an essential role in achieving efficient organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the electronic structure at the electrode/CIL/active layer interfaces and the underlying mechanisms for electron collection remain unclear, which becomes a major obstacle to develop high‐performance CILs. Herein, we investigate the relationship of the electron collection abilities of four cross‐linked and n‐doped CILs (c‐NDI:P0, c‐NDI:P1, c‐NDI:P2, c‐NDI:P3) with their electronic structure of space charge region at heterojunction interface. By accurately calculating the depletion region width according to the barrier height, doping density and permittivity, we put forward that the optimal thickness of CIL should be consistent with the depletion region width to realize the minimum energy loss. As a result, the depletion region width is largely reduced from 13 nm to 0.8 nm at the indium tin oxide (ITO)/c‐NDI:P0 interface, resulting in a decent PCE of 17.7% for the corresponding inverted OSCs.
Fused GEMMs towards an efficient GPU implementation of the ADER‐DG method in SeisSol
Authors: Dorozhinskii Ravil , Gadeschi Gonzalo Brito , Bader Michael 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThis study shows how GPU performance of the ADER discontinuous Galerkin method in SeisSol (an earthquake simulation software) can be further improved while preserving its original design that ensures high CPU performance. We introduce a new code generator (“ChainForge”) that fuses subsequent batched matrix multiplications (“GEMMs”) into a single GPU kernel, holding intermediate results in shared memory as long as necessary. The generator operates as an external module linked against SeisSol's domain specific language YATeTo and, as a result, the original SeisSol source code remains mainly unchanged. In this paper, we discuss several challenges related to automatic fusion of GPU kernels and provide solutions to them. By and large, we gain 60% in performance of SeisSol's wave propagation solver using Fused‐GEMMs compared to the original GPU implementation. We demonstrated this on benchmarks as well as on a real production scenario simulating the Northridge 1994 earthquake.
Isocyanide–Based Multicomponent Reactions Coupled One–Pot Process: Efficient Tools to Diversity–Oriented Synthesis of Structural Peptidomimetics
Authors: Kaveti Bhavna , Rentería‐Gómez Manuel A. , Corona‐Díaz Alejandro , Pharande Shrikant G. , Rentería‐Gómez Ángel , Gámez‐Montaño Rocío 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMulticomponent diversity–oriented synthesis (DOS) of conformationally anchored structural peptidomimetics like 2,5‐diketopiperazines (2,5‐DKP) containing heterocyclic bioisosteres of the amide bond, such as 1,2,3‐triazoles and 1,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles (1,5‐DS−T) is described. Structural peptidomimetics are synthesized from similar available starting materials, via a strategy based on isocyanide‐based multicomponent reactions (IMCRs): Ugi‐4CR and Ugi‐Azide (UA), followed by a one‐pot process: SN2/intramolecular alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (IAAC). The sequential aligning of two powerful synthetic tools (IMCR and IAAC) has parallelly contributed to generate anchored conformation and complexity in target molecules, which are considered structural peptidomimetics of 2,5‐DKP. Herein, the 1,2,3‐triazole ring plays a key role in the preference for the boat conformation. Furthermore, the use of UA reaction generates scaffold diversity at the N‐1 α‐carbon of the pyrazinone ring, replacing a linear amide bond with a heterocyclic bioisostere such as 1,5‐DS−T leading to the synthesis of novel tricyclic peptidomimetics. The DFT calculations confirmed the boat conformation of the synthesized molecules.
Farmers’ purchase intention and willingness to pay for certified sweetpotato seed under different disease pressure zones in Uganda
Authors: Musoke Charles , Kyazze Florence B. , Kibwika Paul , Mukasa Settumba B. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe use of certified sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) seed (CSS) was reported to unlock the yield potential of the crop leading to an over 80% yield increase. Despite the availability of elements of a formal CSS system, uptake in Uganda has remained dismal. Interdependence between farmer knowledge, perceptions, and purchase behaviors (PBs) is not well understood in a way that could allow the design of meaningful policies and interventions. This study aimed at unveiling factors underlying PB through purchase intention (PI) and willingness to pay (WTP) by interviewing 289 farmers from Omoro and Mpigi districts in Uganda, representing the low and high virus disease pressure zones, respectively. A modified theory of planned behavior (TPB) incorporating awareness as independent and farmer innovativeness as mediating variables expounded the relationships. Data were collected on perceptions, knowledge, innovativeness, and PI using a five‐point Likert scale plus WTP as a price, subjected to descriptive and structural equation modeling analysis. Results indicated significant locational differences in most socioeconomic characteristics. Middle income, CSS information access, and farming experience of 7–30 years conferred more likelihood of high PI. Conversely, high PI, group membership, and being female and middle‐aged increased the likelihood of high WTP. The effects of attitude, perceived behavioral control, and awareness were significant in high disease zone, while subjective norm was significant across disease zones. PI significantly affects WTP in high disease zone (p = 0.000) but its effect is insignificant in low disease zone (p = 0.569). An interplay of socioeconomic, perception, and knowledge attributes influences CSS PB calling for social marketing strategies with location‐specific interventions.
Role of DNA methylation in cancer development and its clinical applications
Authors: Sonar Swarup , Nyahatkar Sidhanti , Kalele Ketki , Adhikari Manab Deb 
Published: February 2024

Abstractmethyltransferase gene (DNA) methylation is a key process in epigenetic modification. This transformation leads to genomic instability that creates an impact on gene expression. DNA methylation is also involved in several mutations of tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) or proto‐oncogenes, resulting in cancer (hypermethylation and hypomethylation). Hypermethylation of promoter segments in TSGs causes transcriptional silencing, whereas hypomethylation of regulatory sequence activates proto‐oncogenes and retrotransposons. DNA methylation regulated by DNA methyltransferases is one of the essential epigenetic mechanisms that controls the cell cycle, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and transformation in eukaryotes, leading to genetic instability of tumour cells. Recent scientific research has highlighted that DNA methylation is a vital cancer biomarker source of several parts of body fluids that allow primary‐stage cancer cell detection during clinical screening. Nowadays, epigenetic biomarkers have been introduced as a decision maker with the potential to improve cancer prognosis. DNA methylation profiling helps to determine cancer at the deep genetic level, and create high impactful cancer screening approach in the future.
Accuracy of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration for staging of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chung Kimberley , Bentel Jacqueline , Laycock Andrew 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundEndobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) is routinely performed to confirm a lung cancer diagnosis and/or to clinically stage disease. EBUS‐TBNA findings may be used to determine whether patients can be offered potentially curative surgery. In this study, we evaluated the reporting in our service of EBUS‐TBNA cytology for early‐stage (operable) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), focusing on diagnostic accuracy and analyzing cases with discordant cytologic and post‐surgical histopathologic conclusions.MethodsCytology slides and cytopathology reports of 120 NSCLC patients who had undergone EBUS‐TBNA and lobectomy in our hospital system between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsOf 290 lymph nodes (110 cases) able to be reviewed, interpretation of 48 lymph nodes was discordant with the original cytopathology report. This included 31 lymph nodes originally reported as adequate, which were found to be non‐diagnostic on review. The diagnostic accuracy (benign/malignant) of lymph nodes that were sampled at EBUS‐TBNA and excised at surgery was 89%. Specific examination of cases where EBUS‐TBNA cytology did not reflect post‐surgical findings illustrated important features and limitations of the procedure. These included potential misclassification of lymph node stations, the presence of multiple, variably involved nodes at lymph node stations, and the failure to detect small volume disease.ConclusionsContinuous evaluation of EBUS‐TBNA performance identifies technical limitations and areas of improvement for cytopathology reporting. This is increasingly important in an era where lung cancer screening is expected to increase diagnosis of early‐stage disease and with the advent of novel treatments, including non‐surgical management options.
Insufficient endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration specimens. When and why? The analysis of criteria and reasons behind the insufficient specimens
Authors: Vuorisalo Antti , Huhtala Heini , Paavonen Timo , Kholová Ivana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe classification terminology systems for pulmonary cytology specimens have recently emerged. Inadequate samples, classified as "nondiagnostic," raise challenges in determining the threshold of cell numbers and the risk of malignancy (ROM).MethodsThe study retrospectively reviewed 248 endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) samples: 46 insufficient samples, 60 low cellularity samples, and 142 adequate samples. Characteristics as cellularity, number of benign and malignant cells, and background features were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish cell sufficiency thresholds for the diagnosis.ResultsOut of the 248 samples analyzed, 108 were classified as benign, 94 as malignant, and 46 as insufficient. The study found that the cellularity thresholds for diagnosis in cell blocks and cytological samples were ≥50 cells and ≥100 cells, respectively. The thresholds for tumor cell counts were ≥1 − 10 cells for both types of cells, respectively. Considerably, some low cellularity samples were initially classified as insufficient despite meeting the diagnostic thresholds upon revision. The ROM varied across sample categories, with insufficient samples having a ROM of 10.9%, benign samples 15.7%, suspicious samples 92.0%, and malignant samples 100%.ConclusionInsufficient EBUS‐TBNA samples raise challenges in diagnosis and management. This study identified the root cause of insufficient samples, including factors related to humans, diagnostic methods, sampling, and laboratory processing. By understanding the root causes, diagnostic recommendations can be developed to improve the diagnostic process. The findings emphasize the importance of standardized classification and terminology systems for clear communication among healthcare professionals and institutions, ultimately improving patient care and enabling quality assurance measures.
Assessing the significance of nonlinear rotational behavior in high damping rubber bearings for seismic performance of base‐isolated RC frame building
Authors: Li Tao , Yang Yijian , Dai Kaoshan , Xu Jun , Ge Qingzi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUtilizing high‐damping rubber bearings (HDRBs) for seismic isolation significantly enhances building seismic performance. However, previous studies have often neglected the nonlinear rotational behavior of these bearings when assessing base‐isolated systems using HDRBs. This study introduces two numerical models of the HDRBs, each comprising six springs. The first model, referred to as the BIL model, assumes linear behavior for the rotational degrees of freedom of the bearings. The second model, referred to as the BINL model, accounts for the nonlinear rotational behavior. The parameters of the bearing shear springs and the rotational springs of the two models are calibrated using experimental data. In order to investigate the influence of nonlinear rotational behavior of HDRBs on the seismic performance of base‐isolated buildings, nonlinear time history analysis is conducted on a six‐story base‐isolated RC frame building. Comparative analysis between the BIL model and the BINL model covers bearing behavior, superstructure response, and energy dissipation distribution. Results indicate a significant influence of considering nonlinear rotational behavior on column bending moments. These findings provide crucial insights for enhancing seismic design strategies for base‐isolated buildings.
Tie system to upgrade out‐of‐plane performance of infill masonry walls
Authors: Choi Ho , Nakano Yoshiaki , Sanada Yasushi , Matsukawa Kazuto , Gülkan Polat , Binici Baris 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to investigate the out‐of‐plane behavior of unreinforced masonry (URM) infill walls and to identify the effectiveness of tie systems that were proposed to enhance the infill stability under both in‐ and out‐of‐plane effects. This study examined three types of tie systems: a full‐length tie system (prototype), a staggered tie system and a half‐length tie system. For this purpose, four 1/4‐scale, single‐story, one‐bay masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frame specimens with and without the proposed tie systems were sequentially tested under in‐plane static cyclic loading and out‐of‐plane dynamic excitation. In the experimental study, two series of shaking table tests were conducted to investigate the out‐of‐plane behavior of the infill walls. The first series compared the fundamental out‐of‐plane performance of three proposed tie systems, and the second series verified the effectiveness of the full‐length tie system to prevent infill out‐of‐plane failure under an excitation simulating the severe floor response in medium‐rise buildings. The test results indicated the following: (1) the presence of the tie systems caused minor differences in the in‐plane capacity and ductility of each specimen, (2) the effectiveness of the full‐length and staggered tie systems was superior to that of the half‐length tie system, and (3) the full‐length tie system not only prevented the infill out‐of‐plane failure but also significantly reduced the infill damage under realistic excitation conditions. The above research outcomes provide a useful contribution of the infill to upgrade the seismic resistance of buildings.