bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of BZR‐Cotoxin IV Analog and Evaluation of Its Cytotoxic Properties
Authors: Duengo Suleman , Hidayat Ace Tatang , Musa Weny J. A. , Maharani Rani 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTOur research team has successfully synthesized BZR‐cotoxin IV, despite encountering considerable difficulties stemming from its unique structural features. The molecule's ester bond is particularly susceptible to hydrolysis, which leads to instability during the synthesis process. Moreover, the tendency of its linear precursor to form diketopiperazine (DKP) adds another layer of complexity to the synthesis. To overcome these obstacles, we adopted a strategy centered on developing an analog compound. This approach was guided by structure–activity relationship (SAR) principles. The key modification involved substituting the hydroxy acid residue (Hiv) found in the original BZR‐cotoxin IV with its corresponding amino acid, valine. This strategic alteration was intended to not only potentially improve the compound's characteristics but also to streamline the synthesis procedure. The synthesis of [Val]7‐BZR‐cotoxin IV was accomplished using a hybrid approach that combined solid‐phase and solution‐phase peptide synthesis techniques. The linear precursor of [Val]7‐BZR‐cotoxin IV was produced using Fmoc chemistry on CTC resin, with HATU/HOAt serving as the coupling reagent for amide bond formation. This process yielded a 9.25% pure product as a white powder. The cyclization step was performed using HATU in a dilute solution, which produced cyclic [Val]7‐BZR‐cotoxin IV with a yield of 12.9% as a white powder. Cytotoxicity test was conducted on both the linear and cyclic forms of [Val]7‐BZR‐cotoxin IV together with its natural BZR‐cotoxin IV against HeLa cancer cells. The result showed moderate activity, with IC50 values of 297.60 μM for the linear precursor and 161.58 μM for the cyclic analog. Notably, the cyclic [Val]7‐BZR‐cotoxin IV demonstrated higher cytotoxic activity compared with its natural counterpart, BZR‐cotoxin IV, which had an IC50 value of 214.01 μM.
Accuracy of MRI R2* Mapping in Diagnosis of Liver Iron Concentration: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cao Sue , Gao Xin , Wang Hua , Chen Yaoping , Xu Jianbo , Zhang Jie , Guo Ruomi 
Published: January 2025

While current guidelines recommend R2* method as the first‐line method for liver iron concentration (LIC) measurement, its diagnostic accuracy is debatable. A prior meta‐analysis suggested limited accuracy of R2* method for identifying patients with iron overload. However, substantial advances in R2* method over the past decade may have improved its diagnostic performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the accuracy of the R2* method in identifying patients at clinically relevant LIC thresholds (1.8, 3.2, 7.0, and 15.0 mg/g). This is a meta‐analysis. On February 16, 2024, databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies using the R2* method to quantify LIC. R2* values were derived from gradient echo sequence, with LIC from the FerriScan® (R2) or biopsy as reference standard. The true positive, false positive, true negative, and false negative at each LIC threshold (1.8, 3.2, 7.0, and 15.0 mg/g) were extracted from each study by two reviewers. Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves were generated using the hierarchical SROC (HSROC) model. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS‐2). Twenty‐six studies with 1687 patients were included. In identifying patients at each LIC threshold (1.8, 3.2, 7.0, and 15.0 mg/g), the area under the SROC curves (AUCs) were 0.96 or higher, with pooled sensitivities of 0.95 or higher. Pooled specificities were 0.93 or higher; however, studies using biopsy as a reference showed a wide range 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.51–0.99) for identifying patients at the 1.8 mg/g threshold. The R2* method accurately identified patients at different clinically relevant LIC thresholds (1.8, 3.2, 7.0, and 15.0 mg/g). However, when biopsy is used as a reference, the method may be unstable for the 1.8 mg/g threshold (95% CI for pooled specificity, 0.51–0.99).Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Identification of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Lee Sheng‐Yu , Wang Liang‐Jen , Yen Cheng‐Fang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric condition among children and adolescents, often associated with a high risk of psychiatric comorbidities. Currently, ADHD diagnosis relies exclusively on clinical presentation and patient history, underscoring the need for clinically relevant, reliable, and objective biomarkers. Such biomarkers may enable earlier diagnosis and lead to improved treatment outcomes. Our research team has focused on identifying potential biomarkers for ADHD by investigating its possible pathomechanisms, with consideration of the aforementioned criteria. Given the significant sex‐related differences in ADHD prevalence (male predominance) and the age‐related variability in its symptomatology, we explored the role of neuroendocrine systems in ADHD. Specifically, we examined the epigenetic regulation mechanism involved in ADHD pathogenesis and developed a diagnostic model based on peripheral microRNA. Additionally, we investigated the role of microbiota dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of ADHD and provided novel insights into its management. This paper presents a summary of our findings on potential biomarkers for ADHD. By analyzing blood, salivary, and fecal samples, we identified several promising biomarkers that may serve as objective parameters for improving the diagnostic accuracy for ADHD. Further research involving larger cohort studies is required to confirm the reliability of these biomarkers.
Evolution Pattern and Frequency Coupling Relationship of Runoff and Sediment Under Changing Environmental Conditions: A Case Study of the Kuye River Basin in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Xu Yaotao , Li Peng , Guo Jiajia , Zhao Binhua , Liang Jialong , Pan Jinjin , Yan Zixuan , Yu Kunxia 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTConducting a comprehensive investigation into the interplay between runoff and sediment discharge in a dynamic environment is essential to uphold aquatic ecosystems and promote sustainable regional development of high quality. Initiated since the 1950s, extensive soil and water conservation projects in the middle reaches of the Loess Plateau, China, have resulted in a substantial reduction in runoff and sediment discharge. This reduction has prompted alterations in the dynamics between runoff and sediment discharge, impacting the frequency of their interactions. Analyzing measured data from the Kuye River Basin (Kuye Basin) in the middle reaches of the Yellow River for the period 1956 to 2019, this study investigates the evolving patterns of runoff and sediment discharge. Utilizing the Copula function, we analyzed the joint probability distribution characteristics of runoff and sediment discharge, aiming to identify the factors influencing their evolution patterns. The findings revealed a substantial downward trend (p < 0.01) in both monthly and annual scales for runoff and sediment discharge in the Kuye Basin. Additionally, two abrupt changes were observed in 1979 and 1996, demonstrating multi‐timescale periodicity. Based on the mutation points, the study period was divided into three phases: P1 (1956–1978), P2 (1979–1995), and P3 (1996–2019). The optimal model for the joint distribution of runoff and sediment discharge is the Clayton Copula in both P1 and P2, while in P3, the optimal model shifts to the Gumbel Copula. Over the transition from P1 to P3, the runoff and sediment discharge in each recurrence period experienced a significant decrease, and the asynchronous probability of abundance encounters for runoff and sediment discharge at different design frequencies increased. Human activities, such as soil and water conservation measures, have influenced the variations in runoff and sediment discharge at different stages. With the passage of time, the effectiveness of current measures has approached saturation, resulting in cumulative values of nearly 28 × 109 m3 for runoff and 4.4 × 109 t for sediment discharge, respectively. These research findings lay the groundwork for a deeper comprehension of the evolving dynamics between runoff and sediment discharge in the basin and contribute to the formulation of effective policies for soil erosion control.
Academically based regional quality improvement hubs: Advancing Medicaid's quality strategy in the state of Ohio through state‐academic partnerships
Authors: Crane Dushka , Applegate Mary , Liu Gilbert , Lorenz Allison , Bolen Shari , Jordan Christopher R. , McCoy Melissa , Barley Jon , Yuan Yan , Jenkins Katie , Nance Melissa , Waweru Amber , Kubiak Jayne , Lorincz Caitlin , Spence Doug 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionIn 2022, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) launched a Managed Care Population Health and Quality Strategy to improve healthcare quality and equity for Medicaid Managed Care enrollees. Aligned with national quality objectives, the strategy focuses on personalized care, service coordination for complex needs, reducing health disparities, and includes performance incentives for Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and innovative provider payment models. While Ohio has made progress in quality improvement, challenges remain in addressing statewide health indicators and disparities and helping healthcare providers adapt to performance‐based models. This report outlines a new approach that builds on Ohio's partnership with six colleges of medicine (CoMs) to support provider organizations and engage stakeholders in quality improvement (QI).MethodsODM established Regional QI Hubs within Ohio's CoMs to advance population health initiatives using the Model for Improvement developed by the Associate in Process Improvement. These academically based hubs collaborate with local healthcare clinics, community partners, and payers on QI projects to enhance care, reduce disparities, and strengthen health systems. By engaging stakeholders in designing and testing change ideas using Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act cycles and electronic health record data feedback, QI Hubs further the goals of the learning health system.ResultsKey lessons highlight the benefits of engaging academic institutions to build internal QI capacity and promote health equity. The model required substantial capacity building and commitment on behalf of academic institutions and strengthening of regional partnerships. Collaboration between MCOs and health clinics is focused on standardizing processes to access services and implement best practices. Patient, family, and community engagement efforts aim to improve patient experience and address drivers of health equity. Each partner leverages resources and benefits from the collaboration.ConclusionsOhio's academically based Regional QI Hub Model offers a promising approach to advancing population health. Policymakers are encouraged to consider integrating academic expertise into state quality strategies.
Effect of Defined Block Sequence Terpolymers on Antifungal Activity and Biocompatibility
Authors: Gmedhin Hatu , Schaefer Sebastian , Corrigan Nathaniel , Wu Peifeng , Gu Zi , Lenardon Megan D. , Boyer Cyrille 
Published: January 2025

AbstractInvasive fungal infections cause over 3.7 million deaths worldwide annually, underscoring the critical need for new antifungal agents. Developing selective antifungal agents is challenging due to the shared eukaryotic nature of both fungal and mammalian cells. Toward addressing this, synthetic polymers designed to mimic host defense peptides are promising new candidates for combating fungal infections. This study investigates well‐defined multiblock terpolymers with specific arrangements of cationic, hydrophobic, and hydrophilic groups, as potential antifungal agents. The block sequence in these copolymers significantly impacts their minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) against Candida albicans and biocompatibility. Furthermore, compared to their statistical counterparts, these block polymers exhibit lower MIC values in certain instances. Notably, triblock terpolymers containing a central hydrophobic block present an enhanced antifungal efficacy and biocompatibility. These findings highlight the potential of block sequence‐controlled polymers as a versatile platform for developing customized and targeted antifungal therapies.
Exploring Self‐Repair Capabilities of ATSP Vitrimers for Crack Mitigation in Aerospace Applications
Authors: Raut Ajinkya , Meyer Jacob L. , Naraghi Mohammad , Polycarpou Andreas A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractVitrimers, although categorized as thermosetting polymers, differ from traditional ones in that their thermally induced crosslinks undergo reconfiguration through covalent bond exchanges in response to thermal stimuli. Exchangeable bonds present significant and distinctive advantages for thermoset‐based aerospace composites, facilitating capabilities such as self‐repair and crack arrest through molecular bridging. In this work, the self‐healing behavior of four different blends of Aromatic Thermosetting Copolyester (ATSP) coatings, which are high‐performance vitrimer polymers, is tested by introducing micro‐scratches on the surface and healing them at higher temperatures. In three blends, the scratches are completely healed indicating complete repair. This property of the ATSP coatings can be useful in extreme conditions where micro‐cracks lead to failure. The healing ability of the vitrimers is discussed in terms of their mechanical properties and morphological parameters such as branch density.
High‐Performance Compact 48‐Channel Arrayed Waveguide Grating on Improved Silica Platform
Authors: Ma Junchi , Wang Liangliang , Sun Bingli , Chen Jun , Zhang Jiashun , Wang Yue , An Junming , Wu Yuanda 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTWith the rapid development of backbone network rates, there has been a gradual increase in the number of channels and bandwidth. Increasing the number of channels typically leads to larger chip sizes, which is contrary to the trend of higher chip integration. Here, we simulate and design a compact 48‐channel 100 GHz arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) based on a 2.0% high refractive index silica platform using the three‐dimensional beam propagation method. The device performance under high refractive index difference is ensured by growing a pure silica protective layer between the core layer and the upper cladding layer using the PECVD process. The dimensions of this device are 21.8 × 8.4 mm², with on‐chip losses of less than 2.77 dB. The 1 dB bandwidth is greater than 0.47 nm, and the adjacent crosstalk is less than −30.07 dB. The eye diagram extinction ratio for 53.2 Gbps non‐return‐to‐zero (NRZ) transmission is 10.36 dB. The AWG we fabricate offers compact dimensions, high efficiency, and the ability to support ultrahigh‐speed signal transmission, which promises broad utility in future backbone network architectures.
Modeling of SIW Inspired Fractal Resonator Based Filter for S‐Band Applications
Authors: Surender R. , Oudaya coumar S. , Raja M. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTA fractal complementary split ring resonator‐based S‐band filter using SIW is presented. The S‐band filter with a unique fractal complementary split ring resonator structure is used to obtain optimized performance. The fractal structure is defected on the conducting plane of the substrate. The SIW‐based hybrid fractal is analyzed for two combinations, i.e. with and without a gap. S21 of −1.8 dB and S11 of −24.75 dB and (2–4.4) GHz for with space; S21 of −1.5 dB and S11 of −31.2 dB and (2.1–3.6) GHz for without space. The S‐band filter is designed and its parameters are measured using prototype. The simulation and measurement results are observed.
Toward A D‐Band Thermoelectric Power Sensor
Authors: Becher Fatima , Ziadé François , Ba Doudou , Le Bihan Yann 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the design of a D‐band [110–170 GHz] thermoelectric power sensor for millimeter‐wave applications. The sensor is based on a transition between a rectangular waveguide and a coplanar waveguide, a matched load and a thermopile; a series of nickel/chromium thermocouple junctions. The sensor exhibits satisfactory performance, maintaining a return loss lower than −18 dB and an efficiency of over 80% through the entire D‐band. The sensitivity of the power sensor is about 0.1 mV/mW at 170 GHz.
Sexual Health, Pleasure, Justice, and Well‐Being in People With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Giardulli Benedetto , Prior Yeliz , Bumin Gonca , Kinikli Gizem I. , Prior James A. , Stones Simon R. , Flurey Caroline , Testa Marco , Lavender Andy , Battista Simone 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionSexual health, pleasure, justice (equity in sexual rights and experiences), and well‐being are crucial determinants of health and life quality, yet often overlooked in the rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) field. However, this topic has received more attention recently, and there is a need to map the current literature to inform the direction of future studies. Hence, this protocol outlines a scoping review to systematically map existing evidence on sexual health in people with RMD, exploring key themes and identifying evidence gaps across multiple dimensions, including sexual well‐being, justice and pleasure.Method and AnalysisThis scoping review will follow the methodological guidance of the Joanna Briggs Institute and be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. The search strategy will involve PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, PsychInfo, LGBTQIA+ Source, Web of Science, and the grey literature. Identified articles will be reviewed based on the eligibility criteria. The results will be narratively synthesised and aligned with the framework proposed by Mitchel et al. (2021), identifying four pillars of comprehensive public health for sexuality: ‘Sexual Health’, ‘Sexual Pleasure’, ‘Sexual Justice’, and ‘Sexual Well‐Being’.DisseminationThe scoping review will synthesise the scientific literature published on sexual health, pleasure, justice and well‐being in people with RMD. This review will provide an understanding of how sexual health is addressed in the literature to inform future research and clinical practices. The findings will be disseminated as research publications, including peer‐reviewed article(s), conference abstract(s)/presentation(s), and plain language summaries.
Agricultural Cooperatives' Strategic Cooperation via Association: The Impacts of Asymmetric Bargaining Power and Yield Uncertainty
Authors: Xie Fengfeng , Zeng Shihong , Chen Lei , Wang Jia 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTraditional agricultural cooperatives, despite achieving notable scales, encounter challenges in negotiations with powerful buyers, leading to low wholesale prices and production quantities, particularly for those with weaker bargaining power. To address these challenges and amplify agricultural cooperative bargaining power, a novel form of collaboration—farmers' cooperative associations—has emerged. This study therefore investigates strategic decisions of agricultural cooperatives regarding forming cooperative associations and explores the impacts of varying bargaining powers and yield uncertainty. Focusing on a three‐member supply chain consisting of two upstream cooperatives and a downstream supermarket, we consider separate and joint negotiation scenarios. We find that the wholesale price negotiated by the cooperative with stronger bargaining power in a separate negotiation may not always be higher than that negotiated by a cooperative with weaker bargaining power. Additionally, we observe that the wholesale price in a separate negotiation is not necessarily decreasing with the expected yield. Finally, we identify the conditions in terms of bargaining powers and yield uncertainty, under which the two cooperatives can achieve a win‐win situation from the cooperative association.
Explicit Topology Optimization Based on the Joint‐Driven Moving Morphable Components
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , He Chuhui , Liu Chang , Guo Xu 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe moving morphable component (MMC) topology optimization method has garnered increasing attention recently due to its ability to provide explicit geometric parameters of optimized structures and seamless integration with CAD systems. However, the classical MMC method may encounter instability during the iterative process due to the excessively free movement of components and geometric defects caused by the incomplete fusion of components. This article proposes a novel joint‐driven MMC (JMMC) method to address these issues. The core idea involves introducing a set of joint components to control and constrain the movement and deformation of the ordinary components. These ordinary components are interconnected through the joint components, guiding their movement and deformation within the design domain to facilitate structural layout changes, and the sizes of both ordinary and joint components can also be simultaneously optimized to alter the structural topology. Compared to the classical MMC method, the JMMC method retains the advantages of fewer design variables, explicit geometric information of structural boundaries, and seamless CAD integration while effectively mitigating iterative instability and avoiding the “dirty geometry” issues caused by incomplete component fusion. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Efficient Method for Improving Fully Implicit Scheme in Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics for Highly Viscous and Non‐Newtonian Polymer Flow
Authors: Sasayama Toshiki , Inagaki Masahide , Inoue Yoshinori 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTSmoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), a fully Lagrangian particle method, has been widely used in various applications, such as the simulation of incompressible flow with a free surface. For highly viscous flow, which typically appears in polymer processing, a fully implicit scheme, which implicitly treats both the predictor and corrector procedures of the projection method in the SPH framework, is efficient and numerically stable. This study proposes a simple and efficient fully implicit scheme that improves predictive accuracy for highly viscous flow. The proposed scheme utilizes a recently developed scheme for highly viscous flow that performs the pressure calculation before the viscosity diffusion calculation, unlike the conventional projection method. This study further improves the viscosity diffusion calculation by considering a viscous diffusion term that is usually ignored due to the continuity equation. Including this term enables us to correctly perform calculations for non‐Newtonian flows. The increase in the computational cost that results from the inclusion of the term is alleviated by introducing a two‐step method for calculating the viscous diffusion terms. The developed scheme is applied to injection molding of a polymer melt between two parallel plates. The results show that the proposed two‐step implicit scheme reproduces the fountain flow behavior near the advancing front. In addition, a three‐dimensional molding simulation of a plate with a hole shows a significant improvement in the prediction of the filling pattern in the mold.