bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and mitigation of few control plane attacks in software defined network environments using deep learning algorithm
Authors: Kumar M. Anand , Onyema Edeh Michael , Sundaravadivazhagan B. , Gupta Manish , Shankar Achyut , Gude Venkataramaiah , Yamsani Nagendar
Published: September 2024

In order to make networks more adaptable and flexible, software‐defined networking (SDN) is an architecture that abstracts the many, easily distinct layers of a network. By enabling businesses and service providers to react swiftly to shifting business requirements, SDN aims to improve network control. SDN has become an important framework for Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G. Despite recent research endeavors focused on pinpointing constraints within SDN design components, various security attacks persist, including man‐in‐the‐middle attacks, host hijacking, ARP poisoning, and saturation attacks. Overcoming these limitations poses a challenge, necessitating robust security techniques to detect and counteract such attacks in SDN environments. This study is dedicated to developing a method for detecting and mitigating control plane attacks within Software Defined Network Environments utilizing Deep Learning Algorithms. The study presents a deep‐learning‐based approach to identifying malicious hosts within SDN networks, thus thwarting unauthorized access to the controller. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model in host classification, exhibiting high accuracy and performance compared to alternative approaches.
On the Relationship between Water Adsorption and Surface Chemistry in Soda‐lime Silicate Glasses
Authors: Atila Achraf
Published: September 2024

Understanding how the surface structure affects the bioactivity and degradation rate of the glass is one of the primary challenges in developing new bioactive materials. Here, classical and reactive molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the relationship between local surface chemistry and local adsorption energies of water on three soda‐lime silicate glasses. The compositions of the glasses, (SiO2)65−x(CaO)35(Na2O)x with x=5, 10, and 15, were chosen for their bioactive properties. Analysis of the glass surface structure, compared to the bulk structure, showed that the surface is rich in modifiers and non‐bridging oxygen atoms, which were correlated with local adsorption energies. The reactivity of the glasses is found to increase with higher Na2O content, attributed to elevated Na cations and undercoordinated species at the glass surfaces. The current work provides insights into the relationship between the surface structure, chemistry, and properties in these bioactive glasses and offers a step toward their rational design.
Thio and Seleno Derivatives of Angelicin as Efficient Triplet Harvesting Photosensitizers: Implications in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Mohanty Pranay , Sarang S. , Rout Saiprakash , Biswal Himansu S.
Published: September 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely accepted in medical practice for its targeted induction of apoptosis in cancerous cells. Angelicin (Ang) has traditionally been known for its efficacy in cancer treatment and its capability to enter a photoexcited triplet state. This study has comprehensively assessed the effects of substituting individual chalcogen atoms at three specific positions in Angelicin, with the objective of facilitating access to this elusive triplet state to enhance its role as a photosensitizer in PDT. The study scrutinizes various enhancements and factors that are crucial for efficient triplet harvesting. The decrease in singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEST) and increased spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) values present numerous viable pathways for intersystem crossing (ISC), leading to the triplet manifold. The lifetime of ISC, thus, decreases from 10−5 s−1 in Ang to 10−8 s−1 in thioangelicin (TAng) and finally to 10−9 s−1 in selenoangelicin (SeAng). Additionally, this study investigates the two‐photon absorption properties of thio and seleno‐substituted Angelicin for their potentialities as non‐UV photosensitizers. The interplay between electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating substitutions in these derivatives significantly enhances the two‐photon absorption cross‐sections (σ) to as high as 49.3 GM while shifting the absorption wavelengths towards the infrared region enabling them as efficient PDT photosensitizers.
Hydrodeoxygenation of Isoeugenol‐Derived Model Compound over Carbon‐Supported Pt and Pt‐SnS Catalysts for the Production of Sustainable Jet Fuel
Authors: Abdulkareem‐Alsultan G. , Asikin‐Mijan N. , Samidin Salma , Voon Lee Hwei , Chyuan Ong Hwai , Hwa Teo Siow , Agustiono Kurniawan Tonni , Adzahar Nur Athirah , Alomari Noor , Hin Taufiq‐Yap Yun
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the sustainable production of bio‐jet fuel through the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of isoeugenol (IE). Sucrose‐based activated carbon supported bimetallic Platinum‐Tin metal sulphides (PtO‐SnS/AC) catalyst was prepared for HDO process. Physicochemical properties of catalysts with different spraying synthesis methods (in situ and ex situ metal doping) and Pt loading (0.1–1.0 %) were further investigated. The PtO‐SnS/AC catalysts were characterised using various techniques such as X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Both HRTEM and FESEM results show the successful preparation of a spherical nanoparticles doped over activated carbon, and Pt was dispersed on the outer shell of the particles. The catalytic HDO of IE was evaluated in a batch system and showed a high yield and conversion as follows: IE conversion of 100 %, liquid‐phase mass balance of 95.92 %, dihydroeugenol (DH) conversion of 99.32 %, propylcyclohexane (PCH) yield of 88.94 % and 2‐methoxy‐4‐propylcyclohexanol (HYD) yield of 76.19 %. Moreover, the PtO‐SnS/AC catalyst exhibited high reusability with low metal leaching and high coke resistance for 10 cycles. The catalyst was evaluated in a continuous flow reactor for 100 h at different reaction temperatures, and interestingly, the catalyst showed low deactivation with a high half‐time.
Design of a high gain self‐triplexing directive antenna using SIW leaky wave technique
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Srivastava Garima , Kumar Sachin
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a high gain self‐triplexing antenna based on the substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) leaky wave technology is presented for tri‐frequency operation. Three identical T‐shaped slots are embedded on the upper layer of the proposed SIW antenna, which are energized by two tapered microstrip lines and a simple microstrip line; and the antenna resonates at three different frequencies (7.75 GHz, 9.1 GHz, and 10.15 GHz). The transverse part of the T‐slot achieves the first band (8.8 to 9.3 GHz), while the longitudinal part of the T‐slot achieves the second band (9.6 to 10.9 GHz), and when excited transversely, the T‐slot achieves the third band (7.5 to 8.2 GHz). The isolation level between the ports is more than 25 dB, which contributes to the phenomenon of self‐triplexing. The gain of the presented antenna is high when compared with other self‐triplexing antennas.
Ring‐Opening Reactions of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes with Enolizable 5‐Mercapto‐1H‐tetrazoles
Authors: Mlostoń Grzegorz , Celeda Małgorzata , Kowalczyk Mateusz , Oliver Gwyndaf A. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: September 2024

Diversely substituted dimethyl 2‐arylcyclopropane‐1,1‐dicarboxylates (DACD) react under mild conditions, at ambient temperature in the presence of catalytic scandium triflate, with enolizable 5‐meracaptotetrazoles. Most commonly, this yields the corresponding 1 : 1 adducts via insertion of the S‐atom into the strained C,C bond, leading to ring‐opening. Control experiments performed with dimethyl 2‐phenylcyclopropane‐1,1‐dicarboxylate and 1‐methyl‐5‐mercapto‐1H‐tetrazole demonstrated that the initial product of the reaction is the corresponding sulfane, formed via S‐insertion. However, thermal rearrangement performed at 60 °C led to the formation of the isomeric N‐insertion product. This rearrangement is accelerated by electron‐donating substituents present at the para–position of the arene. In contrast, electron‐withdrawing substituents prevent this rearrangement at room temperature, and in these examples the S‐insertion products were formed exclusively.
Detection of Diclofenac and Carbamazepine using Voltammetry and Flow Injection Analysis at Boron‐Doped Diamond Thin‐Film Electrodes
Authors: Jacobs Aaron I. , Zwane Simphiwe , Jarošová Romana , Zamora Marissa D. , Kuvarega Alex T. , Swain Greg
Published: September 2024

The electrochemical detection of two pharmaceuticals, diclofenac (DCF) and carbamazepine (CBZ), was investigated as an oxidation current using boron‐doped nanocrystalline diamond (BDD) thin‐film electrodes. Both voltammetry and flow injection analysis with amperometric detection (FIA‐EC) were used to measure the drugs in standard solutions and a urine simulant. The oxidation potential for DCF was ca. 0.7 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) and was ca. 1.2 V for CBZ in 0.1 M perchloric acid. The DCF oxidation reaction was diffusion controlled at the detection potential with evidence of some surface fouling by reaction products. The CBZ oxidation reaction was also controlled by diffusion at the detection potential, but with no surface fouling. The voltammetric peak currents for both drugs increased linearly with the concentration in the micromolar range (r2≥0.994). FIA‐EC analysis of DCF and CBZ revealed a linear dynamic range from at least 0.1 to 100 μM with the actual minimum concentration detectable (S/N=3) being less than the lowest concentration measured. The recovery percentage for DCF in the urine simulant ranged from 94–108% and from 97–100% for CBZ, both assessed using square wave voltammetry. FIA‐EC data revealed that the BDD electrodes offer excellent intra and inter‐electrode repeatability with an RSD for DCF and CBZ of 4.90% and 3.81%, respectively. The BDD electrode provided good reproducibility and response stability over eight days of continuous use detecting both DCF and CBZ. Overall, BDD electrodes are a viable material  for the sensitive, selective, and reproducible electrochemical detection of these two pharmaceuticals.
Electroencephalographic compatibility with fitness to drive: A nationwide survey among Swiss neurologists
Authors: Spöndlin Leo , Hardmeier Martin , Sutter Raoul , Lee Jong Woo , Rüegg Stephan , Fisch Urs
Published: September 2024

Objective

The Swiss guidelines for driving with epilepsy require that electroencephalogram (EEG) findings must be compatible with the fitness to drive (FTD) without specifying any criteria. This nationwide survey investigated how Swiss neurologists implement this requirement in clinical practice.

Methods

An online survey, including 19 EEG examples and statements about the compatibility of the EEG with FTD, was distributed to all members of the Swiss Society of Clinical Neurophysiology and all Swiss neurological clinics with residency programs. Descriptive statistics and Fleiss' Kappa for inter‐rater agreement were performed.

Results

102 participants (37% female, 45% <45 years) completed the survey, with 15% primarily working in a specialized epileptology center (EPI), 55% in a hospital setting without epileptological focus (HOS), and 30% in private practice (PP). Most participants of all three groups regarded EEG normal variants as compatible with FTD, while hyperventilation‐induced rhythmic slowing and some pathological patterns (e.g., frontal and temporal intermittent rhythmic delta activity [FIRDA, TIRDA], focal interictal epileptiform discharges [IED], focal seizure) were evaluated more heterogeneously. The EEG inter‐rater agreement for EPI was 0.4; 0.31 for PP; and 0.24 for HOS. No consensus was found for acceptable duration for generalized or focal IEDs. Among all participants, evaluation by an epilepsy center (85%) and reaction‐time testing (67%) were evaluated as the most useful additional examinations. However, reaction‐time testing is rarely or never performed by 58%. Most supported EEG results as part of the FTD assessment and demanded more research (both 82%).

Significance

Our survey indicates considerable heterogeneity among Swiss neurologists when evaluating the EEG findings for FTD. Inter‐rater agreement in all three groups was fair, with highest agreement among epileptologists. We noted a discrepancy between the usefulness and actual application of reaction‐time testing. More training and research are warranted to achieve rater‐independent consistency for FTD evaluation.

Plain Language Summary

In Switzerland, neurologists must consider the findings from EEG (brain waves) exams to evaluate driving safety in people with epilepsy. We surveyed Swiss neurologists, asking their opinions on this matter. We found that opinions differ among individual doctors, with the highest agreement among epilepsy specialists. We also found that some additional tests, such as reaction‐time testing, are perceived as useful but are rarely performed. The participating neurologists supported considering EEG results for driving fitness assessments but favored more precise guidelines and research.
The Effect of Repeated Capillary Refill Tests on the Cutaneous Microcirculation
Authors: Meyer Frida , Henricson Joakim , Anderson Chris D. , Wilhelms Daniel B.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The capillary refill test (CR test) is often used in emergency care, and the capillary refill time (CR time) is used to assess a patient's circulatory condition. The objective of this study was to investigate if repeated CR tests affect CR time.

Methods

Thirteen healthy volunteers had repeated CR tests performed on the sternum, forehead, and fingers. The tests were filmed using polarized reflectance spectroscopy and dedicated software for objective quantification of the CR time.

Results

There were no statistical differences between the first CR test in a series and the following. However, there were statistically significant differences in CR time between the different anatomical sites.

Conclusion

Repeated CR tests, separated by a minimum of 2 min, do not affect CR time in healthy volunteers. The site where the test is performed is of importance for CR time.
Disturbed Dynamic Brain Activity and Neurovascular Coupling in End‐Stage Renal Disease Assessed With MRI
Authors: Jiang Yuhan , Du Wei , Li Yuan , Gao Bingbing , Liu Na , Song Qingwei , Wang Nan , Wu Jianlin , Miao Yanwei
Published: September 2024

Background

Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) remain unclear, with limited studies on the temporal variability of neural activity and its coupling with regional perfusion.

Purpose

To assess neural activity and neurovascular coupling (NVC) in ESRD patients, evaluate the classification performance of these abnormalities, and explore their relationships with cognitive function.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Exactly 33 ESRD patients and 35 age, sex, and education matched healthy controls (HCs).

Field Strength/Sequence

The 3.0T/3D pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling, resting‐state functional MRI, and 3D‐T1 weighted structural imaging.

Assessment

Dynamic (dfALFF) and static (sfALFF) fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were assessed. CBF‐fALFF correlation coefficients and CBF/fALFF ratio were determined for ESRD patients and HCs. Their ability to distinguish ESRD patients from HCs was evaluated, alongside assessment of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) MRI features. All participants underwent blood biochemical and neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive decline.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐squared test, two‐sample t‐test, Mann–Whitney U tests, covariance analysis, partial correlation analysis, family‐wise error, false discovery rate, Bonferroni correction, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and multivariate pattern analysis. P < 0.05 denoted statistical significance.

Results

ESRD patients exhibited higher dfALFF in triangular part of left inferior frontal gyrus (IFGtriang) and left middle temporal gyrus, lower CBF/dfALFF ratio in multiple brain regions, and decreased CBF/sfALFF ratio in bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG). Compared with CBF/sfALFF ratio, dfALFF, and sfALFF, CBF/dfALFF ratio (AUC = 0.916) achieved the most powerful classification performance in distinguishing ESRD patients from HCs. In ESRD patients, decreased CBF/fALFF ratio correlated with more severe renal impairment, increased CSVD burden, and cognitive decline (0.4 < |r| < 0.6).

Data Conclusion

ESRD patients exhibited abnormal dynamic brain activity and impaired NVC, with dynamic features demonstrating superior discriminative capacity and CBF/dfALFF ratio showing powerful classification performance.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Research on enhancing the efficiency of food safety sampling inspections in China based on Pareto's law
Authors: Li Taiping , Luo Yun , Zhao Tong
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Food safety is pivotal for public welfare and directly impacts consumer health. Food safety sampling inspections (FSSIs) are essential in detecting unqualified food products and non‐compliant manufacturers, which form an integral part of government regulatory frameworks. However, given the constraints on budgetary resources, improving the efficiency of food safety sampling inspections (EFSSIs) remains a considerable challenge in China's food quality and safety supervision. This study aims to apply Pareto's law, starting from the examination of food sample testing items and major hazard types, to theoretically analyze methods for improving the EFSSIs. Following the theoretical analysis, the research employs provincial food sampling data from China in 2022 to empirically validate the proposed improvement strategies.

RESULTS

The research findings indicate that applying Pareto's law significantly reduces the number of items that should be tested for each food subcategory, effectively lowering testing costs for each batch of food samples. Theoretically, employing Pareto's law in sampling inspections can increase the EFSSIs to 2.78 times the current observed level. Furthermore, empirical validation using food sampling data confirms that EFSSIs can be improved to 2.12 times the existing level, consistent with theoretical predictions.

CONCLUSION

Implementing Pareto's law in FSSIs facilitates the detection of more unqualified food products and non‐compliant manufacturers without additional financial burden, significantly enhancing the EFSSIs. This approach provides an innovative strategy for government to bolster their food safety management efforts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Metabolomics analysis of bioactive compositions of Michelia macclurei Dany and its antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities
Authors: Chen Shixiang , Wei Bochen , Wen Lili , Wei Penglian , Fu Yunlin
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Michelia macclurei Dandy is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, but little is understood about the bioactive compositions and biological potential of its different parts, limiting their applications. This study aims to identify the bioactive compositions and analyze differences in accumulation patterns from different parts of Michelia macclurei (heartwood, sapwood, bark, root, leaf, and fruit) using metabolomics. It also seeks to explore their biological potential and analyze the relationship between the bioactive compositions and biological potential.

RESULTS

A total of 63 volatile metabolites (VMs) were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in six parts, and the VMs in each part were dominated by sesquiterpenes and their derivatives (71.40–88.32%). Six parts of Michelia macclurei contained structurally diverse non‐volatile metabolites (NVMs) with a total of 207 bioactive compounds, including 92 alkaloids, 30 flavonoids, 19 lignans, and 18 organic acids, utilizing ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that the accumulation patterns of bioactive compositions differed significantly among the different parts, and the 25 VMs and 72 NVMs could be considered potential markers for distinguishing the different parts of Michelia macclurei. The excellent antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory capacity of extracts of all six parts was indicated by in vitro bioactivity assays. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the bioactive compositions in the six parts were significantly correlated with antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

CONCLUSION

This study offers helpful information on the distribution of bioactive compositions in different parts of Michelia macclurei and confirms the excellent antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory potential of its extracts, which could provide scientific evidence for its potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry, cosmetics, and functional foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Direct competitive immunoassay method for sensitive detection of the histamine in foods based on a MI‐Cu‐GMP nanozyme marker and molecularly imprinted biomimetic antibody
Authors: Peng Xinli , Wang Siqi , Su Kaiyue , Sun Yufeng , Xu Zhixiang
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Histamine may lead to low blood pressure, skin flushing and edema when it accumulates in large amounts in the body. Therefore, establishing sensitive methods for the detection of histamine in foods is extremely important to ensure food safety and human health.

RESULTS

The MI‐Cu‐GMP NPs (2‐methylimidazole‐copper‐guanosine monophosphate nanozymes) with high laccase‐like activity were synthesized. Using the prepared molecular imprinted membrane as biomimetic antibody and MI‐Cu‐GMP NPs as marker, a sensitive direct competitive biomimetic enzyme‐linked immunoassay (BELISA) method for rapid detection of the histamine in foods was developed. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD, IC15) and sensitivity (IC50) of the BELISA method for histamine was 0.05 mg L−1 and 1.22 mg L−1, respectively. The liquor samples spiked with histamine was detected by the BELISA method with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 90.00% to 116.00%. Further, the level of histamine in three samples (cooking wine, rice vinegar and soy sauce) was tested by the BELISA and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with no significant difference found between the two methods.

CONCLUSION

Given the advantages, the established BELISA method is expected to provide practical guidance for the monitoring of histamine in food and provides a foundation for the detection of other food hazards. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of exogenous 24‐epibrassinolide on improving carotenoid content, antioxidant capacity and gene expression in germinated maize seeds
Authors: Yang Wenying , Xu Hao , Wang Fanyu , He Weiwei , Li Dajing , Guo Qingqi , Bao Yihong , Zhang Zhongyuan
Published: September 2024

Background

Carotenoids have various physiological functions, such as immune regulation and cancer prevention. Germination could further improve the content of carotenoids in maize seeds. In this study, yellow maize seeds (Suyu 29) were soaked and germinated with different concentrations of 24‐epibrassinolide. The changes of germination percentage, sprout length, bioactive components, antioxidant capacity and carotenoid content of the maize seeds were analyzed. Additionally, the relative expression of key genes in the carotenoid synthesis pathway was investigated.

Results

The results showed that the sprout length, germination percentage, soluble protein, free amino acids, proline, endogenous abscisic acid, vitamin C, total phenolics and carotenoids displayed a significant increasing trend compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase increased by 55.1% and 58.5% versus the control group, and the antioxidant capacity of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) and ferric reducing antioxidant power was 19.8%, 13.4% and 44.1% higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of genes was significantly up‐regulated (P < 0.05). Under the treatment of 0.1 mg L−1 of 24‐epibrassinolide, carotenoid content reached the highest value. The carotenoids showed a positive correspondence with antioxidant enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity and total phenolics content (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that 0.1 mg L−1 of exogenous 24‐epibrassinolide promoted the accumulation of carotenoids and improved the antioxidant capacity and the quality of germinated maize seeds. It could provide a method for the development of germinated maize products enriched in carotenoids. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk of Hearing Loss in Neonates and Toddlers with in Utero Exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Ahmed Imaal , Yu Michelle , Chaves Vitoria , Xu Ruiyang , Lavallée Andréane , Warmingham Jennifer M. , Firestein Morgan , Kyle Margaret H. , Fisher Kaylee , Merriman Emma T. , Rodriguez Cynthia , Mace Westin , Fernandez Cristina , Dumitriu Dani , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Given the prevalence of neonatal hearing loss (HL) associated with intrauterine viral exposures, the goal of this study is to provide information on neonatal HL in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Data were drawn from the COVID‐19 Mother Baby Outcomes (COMBO) Initiative. 1007 participants completed the newborn hearing screen as part of routine clinical care (COMBO‐EHR cohort) and 555 completed the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) at 2 and/or 3 years of age for research purposes (COMBO‐RSCH cohort). Maternal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status during pregnancy was determined through electronic health records and maternal‐reported questionnaires.

Results

In adjusted multivariate logistic regression models covarying for newborn age at assessment, mode of delivery, and gestational age at delivery, there was no significant association between intrauterine SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure and newborn hearing screening failure (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.39–2.42, p = 0.91) in the COMBO‐EHR cohort. In the COMBO‐RSCH cohort, there were similar non‐significant associations between intrauterine exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 and maternal‐reported concern for HL on the NSCH (OR = 1.19 [95% CI = 0.30–4.24], p = 0.79).

Conclusion

There is no association between intrauterine exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 and failed hearing screen in neonates. Similarly, based on the NSCH, there is no association between intrauterine exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 and maternal‐reported concern for hearing in toddlers. These results offer reassurance given the widespread nature of this pandemic with tens of millions of fetuses having a history of intrauterine exposure.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Outcomes for patients with perineal and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Authors: Dasgupta Roshni , Xue Wei , Dixon Andrea Hayes , Wolden Suzanne , Yock Torunn I. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Rodeberg David A.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To describe clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with perineal and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma.

Methods

The records of 51 patients (38 perineal and 13 perianal) enrolled on Children's Oncology Group clinical trials between 1997 and 2012 were reviewed.

Results

At presentation, 53% were female, 65% were older than 10 years of age, 76% were alveolar histology, 76% were more than 5 cm, 84% were invasive, 65% were regional node positive by imaging, 49% were metastatic, only 16% were grossly resected upfront, and 25% of patients had a delayed excision. At a median follow‐up of 6.13 years, estimated 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 38% [22.17%–53.38%], and overall survival (OS) was 42% [26.66%–58.21%]. The rates of local, regional, and distant failure were 15.6%, 13.7%, 43.1%, respectively; all failures ultimately died. By univariate analysis, only age more than 10 years negatively impacted 5‐year EFS (p = .023) and OS (p = .09), and IRS Group also impacted OS (p = .043). In Cox proportional hazards model, neither of these variables were significant after adjusting for other factors.

Conclusion

Patients with perineal and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma have a poor overall prognosis, probably related to poor patient and disease characteristics at presentation.
Knockdown of Fzr inhibited the growth of Nilaparvata lugens by blocking endocycle
Authors: Gao Haoli , Yuan Xiaowei , Wang Jingting , Yan Yangyang , Zhang Xinyu , He Tianshun , Lin Xumin , Zhang Huihui , Liu Zewen
Published: September 2024

Background

The endocycle can generate cells referred to as ‘polyploid’. Fizzy‐related protein (Fzr) plays an important role in driving the mitosis‐to‐endocycle transition. The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a serious insect pest, feeds exclusively on rice. However, polyploidy and its regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood in BPH.

Results

Here, we found that the ploidy levels of follicles H (FH) and accessory gland (AG) significantly increased with BPH age when examining the polyploidy of FH and AG of salivary glands. Fzr was identified as an important regulator for polyploidy in BPH salivary gland. Knockdown of Fzr resulted in a decrease in cell size and DNA content in nymph salivary glands. Fzr knockdown transcriptionally upregulated cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), CDK2, cyclin A (CycA) and CycB, and downregulated CycD, CycE, Myc and mini‐chromosome maintenance protein 2‐7 (MCM2‐7). Phenotypically, Fzr knockdown significantly suppressed salivary protein production, feeding and survival in BPH nymphs.

Conclusion

Our results show that BPH salivary glands exhibit obvious polyploidy, and Fzr positively regulates the endocycle in nymph salivary gland. These findings provide clues for the study of the regulatory mechanisms of insect polyploidy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Gold Nanoparticle‐Based Sensing of Pesticides and Fertilizers in Aqueous System: A Review
Authors: Salsabiila Natasya , Morsin Marlia , Razali Nur Liyana , Nafisah Suratun , Mahmud Farhanahani , Soon Chin Fhong , Sanudin Rahmat , Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira Radin , Hasbullah Muhammad Hanif
Published: September 2024

The extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture has led to significant environmental pollution, particularly in aqueous systems. This review provides an inclusive overview of the advancements in the application of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), specifically for the sensing of pesticides and fertilizers on surface water. The novelty of this work lies in its focused analysis of the unique localized surface plasmon resonance properties of GNPs that enable highly sensitive and selective detection of contaminants on surface water. Various synthesis methods and detection mechanisms are discussed, emphasizing the integration of GNP‐based sensors with modern analytical techniques to enhance detection limits and response time. The review also highlights the significance of monitoring agricultural chemicals in water systems from an environmental perspective. In addition, this review also reveals the potential of GNPs contribution toward sustainable agricultural practices by providing reliable, rapid, and cost‐effective sensing solutions. Future perspectives on the development of GNP‐based sensors, including the fundamental challenges in designing GNP sensors, such as incorporation with other materials, miniaturized and portable sensing devices, and field‐testing validation are also presented.
One‐Pot Three‐Component Construction of (Z)‐3‐Benzylidene‐2‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)isoindolin‐1‐ones Through C(sp2)−H Bond Activation Using Calcium Carbide as a Solid Alkyne Source
Authors: Wen Fei , Zhang Yonghe , Zhang Zhenghua , Mu Hongmei , Cheng Liyan , Wang Jin , He Bihong , Li Zheng , Fu Rugang
Published: September 2024

A simple method for the synthesis of (Z)‐3‐benzylidene‐2‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)isoindolin‐1‐ones through C(sp2)−H bond activation, Sonogashira cross‐coupling and annulation tandem reactions using calcium carbide as a solid alkyne source, and benzamides as starting materials is described. The inexpensive and easy‐to‐handle calcium carbide is first employed as the coupling partner in non‐activated C(sp2)−H bond activation. The one‐pot three‐component reactions proceed efficiently with a broad range of substrates and good tolerance for a diversity of functional groups. The reaction routes can also be scaled up to gram scale.
Phosphoric Acid Wet Etching of Sandwiched Silicon Nitride Nanolayers
Authors: Zhao Qiutong , Guo Jingquan , Ye Shujun , Zhang Jingjing , Yu Lihui
Published: September 2024

Wet etching of Silicon nitride (Si3N4) by phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is one of the key steps in the semiconductor fabrication process, especially for three‐dimensional integrated circuits (ICs). Unfortunately, few systematic studies of phosphoric acid etching of Silicon nitride are available. Summarizing how various factors affect etching and determining the reaction mechanism behind the etching process will help further optimize the etching process. In this work, how the boiling point of hydrous phosphoric acid solutions depends on phosphoric acid concentration is firstly investigated. Next, the etching of over 100 samples of Silicon nitride by H3PO4at different concentrations and temperatures is systematically studied. The results show that the etching rate increases nearly linearly in both temperature and H3PO4concentration, while temperature play more important role as compared to concentration. For each concentration, the reaction rate is maximal at the boiling point of the hydrous H3PO4solution. Moreover, the etching rate of 85 wt % phosphoric acid is analyzed using the Arrhenius equation, yielding an apparent activation energyEa=57.28 KJ/mol. Finally, a mechanism of Silicon nitride etching in phosphoric acid is proposed which explains the prior studies well. This work contributes to precisely control semiconductor processing for three‐dimensional ICs.
Transport‐Limited Growth of Flow‐Driven Rare‐Earth Silicate Tubes
Authors: Farkas Panna E. , Lantos Emese , Horváth Dezső , Tóth Agota
Published: September 2024

The injection of rare‐earth metal salt solutions into sodium silicate solution results in vertically growing tubular precipitate structures. At low input concentrations reaction kinetics is the rate‐detemining process, leading to linear growth rates independent of injection rates. At higher concentrations, flow drives the precipitate growth, characterized by jetting mechanism. Among the studied rare‐earth metal silicates, dysprosium silicate is found to have the most rigid structure with visible growth even at higher injection rates. The outer surface of the hollow tubes is smooth, on which rare‐earth hydroxide – based on the result of the energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy measurements – aggregates into globules.
Recent advances in the treatment of refractory gastrointestinal angiodysplasia
Authors: Becq Aymeric , Sidhu Reena , Goltstein Lia C. M. J. , Dray Xavier
Published: September 2024

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIA) is a common, acquired, vascular abnormality of the digestive tract, and a frequent cause of bleeding. Refractory GIA criteria usually include recurrent bleeding, transfusions and/or repeat endoscopy. Pharmacological and interventional treatments have been the subject of recent high‐quality publications. This review provides an overview of the latest updates on non‐endoscopic management of refractory GIA. Aortic valve replacement has shown its efficacy in Heyde syndrome and should be considered if indicated. Anti‐angiogenic drugs, such as Octreotide and Thalidomide, are efficient treatments of refractory GIA‐related bleeding. Somatostatin analogs should, based on efficacy and tolerance profile, be considered first. In the future, a better understanding of the physiopathology of GIA might help develop new‐targeted therapies.
A Portable Fluid Administration System for Prolonged Intravenous Fluid Administration in Subadult and Adult White Rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum)
Authors: Leiberich Marion , Hooijberg Emma , van Heerden Bill , Meyer Leith
Published: September 2024

While translocations of white rhinoceroses have become an important conservation tool, dehydration during long‐distance transports has been identified as a welfare concern. Intravenous (iv) fluid administration might therefore be useful to mitigate dehydration; however, special requirements need to be met to make iv fluid administration suitable for large, wild rhinoceroses during transport. Requirements include a portable and robust system that is capable of delivering high flow rates, is easy to set up, and remains patent and operating for long periods of time while allowing the animals to freely stand or lay down in the transport crates. Due to the lack of suitable fluid administration systems, we developed a custom‐made system consisting of 8 L drip bags, a three‐part, 4.4‐m–long, large bore and partially coiled administration set, and a robust, battery‐operated infusion pump, which allowed us to successfully administer iv fluids at a maintenance rate of 1–2 mL/kg/h to eight rhinoceroses for 24 h during a mock transport. While iv fluid administration in transported rhinoceroses is time intensive and the large amount of drip bags required during lengthy transports might pose a limitation, the developed system may be useful for the long‐distance transport of small groups of rhinoceroses. Furthermore, this system would be of value for injured or sick rhinoceroses, which require parenteral fluid therapy when commercially available infusion pumps cannot provide the large fluid volumes needed.
Signaling games with a highly effective signal
Authors: Ropero García Miguel Ángel
Published: September 2024

We study a class of signaling games in which one of the signals induces the receiver to take an action that provides the sender with the highest utility. This class of games has multiple pooling equilibria, but the equilibrium in which all senders′ types choose the signal that induces the receiver to take that action is more plausible than others. Although all the equilibria in pure strategies are divine in our class of games when the single-crossing condition is not satisfied, only the plausible equilibrium is a neologism-proof equilibrium. Therefore, we have identified a general class of signaling games in which the neologism-proof equilibrium is useful to select the most plausible equilibrium, whereas all the pooling equilibria survive divinity and other less restrictive refinements. We apply our model to an educational signaling game with two features. First, the highest level of education allows a worker to access a more productive segment of the labor market. Second, the educational system is non-selective and consequently, the cost of education does not change with the worker′s ability. As expected, there is overeducation in equilibrium because all worker′s types choose the highest level of education.
Passive Control of Shock-Wave/Turbulent Boundary-Layer Interaction Using Spanwise Heterogeneous Roughness
Authors: Wu Wencan , Laguarda Luis , Modesti Davide , Hickel Stefan
Published: September 2024

A novel passive flow-control method for shock-wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions (STBLI) is investigated. The method relies on a structured roughness pattern constituted by streamwise-aligned ridges. Its effectiveness is assessed with wall-resolved large-eddy simulations of the interaction of a Mach 2 turbulent boundary layer flow with an oblique impinging shock with shock angle $$40^\circ$$

40
∘

. The structured roughness pattern, which is fully resolved by a cut-cell based immersed boundary method, covers the entire computational domain. Results show that this rough surface induces large-scale secondary streamwise vortices, which energize the boundary layer by transporting high-speed fluid closer to the wall. A parametric study is performed to investigate the effect of the spacing between the ridges. This investigation is further substantiated through spectral analysis and sparsity-promoting dynamic mode decomposition. We find that ridges with small spacing effectively mitigate the low-frequency unsteadiness of STBLI and slightly reduce total-pressure loss.
Cladocerans and diatoms from an Early Pleistocene interglacial deposit at Pingorsuit, North-West Greenland
Authors: Atti Sanna , Bennike Ole , Weckström Kaarina
Published: September 2024

At the margin of the Pingorsuit Glacier in North-West Greenland, an organic-rich deposit that has recently emerged from the retreating ice cap was discovered in 2019 at an elevation of 480 m above sea level. Here we report on cladoceran and diatom analyses of this freshwater deposit from three samples of detritus gyttja, which occurred beneath a thin cover of till and glaciofluvial deposits. The cladoceran fauna comprises many non-Greenlandic, non-Arctic taxa, in accordance with previous studies of Coleoptera, Trichoptera and vascular plants. The fossil assemblages from the Pingorsuit beds resemble other fossil assemblages from Greenland that have been assigned an Early Pleistocene age, and a similar age has been suggested for the sediments found at the margin of the Pingorsuit Glacier. The fossil cladoceran and diatom species indicate a shallow lake with oligo- and dystrophic, circumneutral to slightly acidic waters. Their assemblages are more diverse compared to Holocene assemblages from northern Greenland, further indicating warmer summers than present.
Positive Reinforced Generalized Time-Dependent Pólya Urns via Stochastic Approximation
Authors: Ruszel Wioletta M. , Thacker Debleena
Published: September 2024

Consider a generalized time-dependent Pólya urn process defined as follows. Let $$d\in \mathbb {N}$$

d
∈
N

be the number of urns/colors. At each time n, we distribute $$\sigma _n$$

σ
n

balls randomly to the d urns, proportionally to f, where f is a valid reinforcement function. We consider a general class of positive reinforcement functions $$\mathcal {R}$$
R
assuming some monotonicity and growth condition. The class $$\mathcal {R}$$
R
includes convex functions and the classical case $$f(x)=x^{\alpha }$$

f

(
x
)

=

x
α

, $$\alpha >1$$

α
>
1

. The novelty of the paper lies in extending stochastic approximation techniques to the d-dimensional case and proving that eventually the process will fixate at some random urn and the other urns will not receive any balls anymore.
Dispersive optical solitons and domain walls with Radhakrishnan–Kundu–Lakshmanan equation having dual-power law of self-phase modulation by Laplace-Adomian decomposition
Authors: González-Gaxiola O. , Biswas Anjan , Yildirim Yakup , Alshomrani Ali Saleh
Published: September 2024

The paper utilizes the Laplace-Adomian decomposition scheme to numerically study the bright dispersive solitons and the corresponding domain walls that emerge from the model. In either case, the error measure is of the order of $$10^{-8}$$

10

-
8

. The numerical simulations include the surface profiles, contour plots and the density plots.
Racial Differences in Nicotine Reduction: Pooled Results from Two Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Wenxue , Krebs Nicolle M. , Zhu Junjia , Horn Kimberly , Foulds Jonathan , Evins A. Eden , Muscat Joshua E.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Tobacco regulatory policies are generally intended to apply to all segments of the population and to be equitable. Results from clinical trials on switching from commercial cigarettes to reduced nicotine cigarettes have included black populations but race-specific findings are not widely reported.

Methods

Data were pooled from two parallel randomized controlled trials of gradually reduced nicotine in cigarettes from 11.6 mg per cigarette down to 0.2 mg nicotine (very low nicotine content; VLNC) vs. usual nicotine content (UNC) cigarettes (11.6 mg) over an 18-week period in smokers with low socioeconomic status (SES) and mental health conditions, respectively. We used linear regression to determine the potential effects of cigarettes and biomarker reductions (blood cotinine and exhaled carbon monoxide) when using VLNC study cigarettes. An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis included all randomized participants regardless of adherence to the protocol. A secondary compliance analysis compared control subjects (11.6 mg cigarettes) only to those switched to low nicotine cigarettes who were biochemically determined to be compliant to exclusively using VLNC cigarettes.

Results

Both Black and White VLNC smokers had significantly lower plasma cotinine and exhaled carbon monoxide compared to those randomized to UNC cigarettes. The treatment × race interaction term was not significant for the outcome measures in both the ITT and secondary compliance analyses, except for cotinine in the ITT analysis (Whites: − 190 ng/mL vs. Blacks: − 118 ng/mL; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

A reduced nicotine regulation for cigarettes would result in substantial reduction in exposure to nicotine and toxicants in Black and White smokers.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Diabetes Care Quality in A National Sample of Cancer Survivors Relative to Non-Cancer Controls
Authors: O’Malley Denalee M. , Alavi Sarah , Tsui Jennifer , Abraham Cilgy M. , Ohman-Strickland Pamela
Published: September 2024

Background

Among cancer survivors, diabetes is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to describe racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes care quality (DCQ) among cancer survivors compared to non-cancer controls.

Methods

We used Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Household Component data (2010–2018). Black, non-Hispanic White (NHW), and Hispanic respondents diagnosed with diabetes and cancer were frequency matched 1:5 to non-cancer controls. Multivariable logistic regression estimated associations for specific indices and overall DCQ by race/ethnicity stratified by cancer site/status in partially adjusted (not controlling for socioeconomic indicators) and fully adjusted models.

Results

The final sample of 4775 included cancer survivors (n = 907 all cancers; n = 401 breast; n = 167 colon; n = 339 prostate) and non-cancer controls (n = 3868) matched by age, race/ethnicity, and year. In partially adjusted models, Black (adjusted odds ratio, AOR) 0.67 [95% CI 0.54–0.83]) and Hispanic (AOR 0.68 [95% CI 0.54–0.87]) non-cancer controls had significant disparities for overall DCQ compared to NHWs. Among cancer survivors, DCQ disparities for Black (AOR 0.62, [95% CI 0.4–0.96]) and Hispanics (AOR 0.60, [95% CI 0.38–0.97]) were identified. Among prostate cancer survivors, DCQ disparities were identified for Blacks (AOR 0.38; [95% CI 0.20–0.72]) and Hispanics (AOR 0.39; [95% CI 0.17–0.89]) compared to NHWs. Racial disparities among Black controls and Black prostate cancer survivors remained significant in fully adjusted models.

Conclusion

Diabetes care disparities are evident among cancer survivors and salient among non-cancer controls. Strategies to promote health equity should target specific care indices among survivors and emphasize equitable DCQ strategies among Black and Hispanic communities.
A Review of the Enablers and Barriers of Medical Student Participation in Research
Authors: Mayne Chance , Bates Hannah , Desai Devang , Martin Priya
Published: September 2024

Although research is an integral component in medicine, student participation in research remains limited. This is a systematic review conducted using rapid review methods conforming to the WHO and Cochrane guidelines to synthesise evidence on the enablers and barriers of medical student participation in research. PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched, yielding 27 final studies. Most studies were single-centre studies, and all were cross-sectional. All were quantitative except for one mixed-methods study. Identified barriers and enablers were mapped onto the micro, meso, and macro frameworks. There are more perceived barriers than enablers of medical students’ participation in research. The micro, meso, and macro frameworks provide a useful system to unpack and tackle the barriers.