bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of manhole under severe condition in Japan
Authors: Ishitsuka Kei , Kawakami Makoto , Kuwahara Yuki , Kai Nobuhiro
Published: December 2023

Japan is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and torrential rains. Since those disasters have become more severe, extending the life of infrastructure is an urgent issue. Modern sewer system in Japan have been constructed since 1884, and regular inspection, cleaning, and repair are essential to prolonging the life of sewage pipes. Manholes, which are entrances to sewage systems, can be regarded to be one of the important structures that support our safe, secure, and comfortable lives.

In this paper, two main parts composed of a manhole, a cover and its bottom, are introduced. The cover made of spheroidal graphite cast iron (cast iron cover) and the manhole bottom made of resin concrete have been developed to extend the life and performance of manholes. The cast iron cover has been made lighter by optimizing the material and structure, does not rattle even when automobiles pass through it at high speed, and automatically releases pressure when the pressure in pipe rises. In addition, the introduction of resin concrete compensates for the shortcomings of cement concrete, such as low curing speed, salt damage, and freezethaw characteristics. Finally, examples of implementations and achievements with the developed materials and structures are presented and discussed.
Evolution of kinetics and pore water composition during hydration of a CAC‐Calcite system by addition of Na5P3O10
Authors: Rost Pauline , Schramm Tillmann , Goetz‐Neunhoeffer Friedlinde
Published: December 2023

It was analysed how a low Na5P3O10 (STPP) concentration influences the hydration of a calcium aluminate cement. It is known that the hydration of a CAC‐Calcite system precipitates C2AHX as a precursor phase at 23°C during hydration before the formation of hemi‐ or monocarbonate and the additional formation of CAH10 and AH3. In our study the addition of 0.2 and 1.0 wt.% STPP (bwoc) to a CAC‐Calcite system at 23 °C and with a w/b of 0.33 was investigated and is compared with mixes without STPP addition. Heat flow calorimetry data showed that STPP accelerates the main reaction. Moreover, an additional heat flow event within the first 30 minutes was detected by STPP addition. However, from the results of QXRD analysis, crystalline hydrate phases are formed only during the main reaction. These are CAH10, C2AHX, AH3, hemicarbonate and monocarbonate. STPP shows an influence on the amount of crystalline C2AHX, otherwise, no difference in the qualitative phase content is observed. Gillmore‐Needle‐Testing (IMETER device) could observe an accelerated hardness development during the early heat flow event despite initially reduced viscosity. Pore water studies and thermodynamic modelling (PhreeqC) indicate the formation of an amorphous C‐P‐H phase during this early heat flow event.
Silicate and Portland cement based compositions for protection against electrical corrosion
Authors: Plugin Andrii , Borziak Olga , Pluhin Oleksii , Krykun Oksana , Zhuravel Vitalii
Published: December 2023

Conductive silicate compositions and compositions based on Portland cement for screen protection against electrical corrosion of reinforced concrete structures and buildings on electrified direct current railways are theoretically and experimentally substantiated. The compositions are used as putty or plaster on structures to be protected. The resulting coating drains corrosive leakage currents from the rails through grounding. In these compositions, the component that provides electrical conductivity is dispersed graphite. Depending on the additional requirements for the coating, sodium silicate with sodium silicon fluoride or Portland cement are used as binders. It was established that in these compositions the silicate and cement components are conductors of the second kind, and graphite is the conductor of the first kind. Due to the imposition of an electric potential, the surfaces of dispersed graphite particles are divided into cathodic areas and anodic areas, where the graphite dissolves, therefore the resource of the composition is determined by the amount of electricity passed through. In addition, it was found that the electrophysical properties of the compositions are in antagonism with their rheological, physical‐mechanical, hydro physical properties, therefore, the development of their composition should be carried out by methods of compromise optimization. Formulations of compositions that have been tested in operational conditions have been developed.
Biofilmfassaden: Begrünung von Beton auf der Mikroskala
Authors: Stohl Leonie , Manninger Tanja , von Werder Julia
Published: December 2023

Kurzfassung

Die Klimakrise führt zu einer steigenden Nachfrage nach ökologisch orientierten Konzepten. Dazu gehören im Baubereich nicht nur umweltfreundliche Materialien, sondern auch die Begrünung städtischer Gebiete.

Vor diesem Hintergrund wird ein Projekt vorgestellt, dass eine Fassadenbegrünung mithilfe von mikrobiellen Organismen wie Algen statt höheren Pflanzen realisieren will. Die Entwicklung von sogenannten biorezeptiven Materialien ist eine Herausforderung, weil es aktuell noch keine standardisierten Methoden zur Bestimmung der Biorezeptivität gibt. Um ein grundlegendes Verständnis für die Prozesse und Interaktionen zwischen Organismen und Substrat zu gewinnen, werden Betonplatten unterschiedlich strukturiert und ihre Oberflächencharakteristiken dokumentiert. Anschließend werden die Platten unter verschiedensten Bedingungen bewittert und auf ihre Biorezeptivität untersucht. Von besonderem Interesse sind hierbei Einfluss der materialintrinsischen Oberflächenparameter sowie der Umwelt. Langfristig wird geplant ein geeignetes Messkonzept vorzuschlagen, das Materialwissenschaft und Biologie verbindet und verlässliche Vorhersagen zur Biorezeptivität eines Materials treffen kann. In der vorliegenden Arbeit liegt der Schwerpunkt auf dem theoretischen Ansatz und der Versuchsplanung.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Sulfuric and Acetic Acid Attack on Hardened Cement Paste: Effect of Silica Fume
Authors: Berger Felix , Ukrainczyk Neven , Bogner Andreas , Hirsch Astrid , Dehn Frank , Koenders Eduardus
Published: December 2023

The exposure of concrete structures to acid attack is a growing concern. This study employs thermodynamic modeling to investigate the changes in phase assemblage of powdered cement pastes subjected to a wide range of sulfuric and acetic acid concentrations. A modeling approach utilizing IPHREEQC implemented through Matlab is presented, and the obtained results are compared with pH measurements and compositions of equilibrated calcium and sulfate solutions. The influence of incorporating 11% silica fume (SF) as a replacement for cement predicted a 70% reduction of Portlandite content in the hardened cement paste. Consequently, the acid attack processes and subsequent pH reduction are affected. The modeling approach demonstrates good agreement with experimental data for acetic acid, across a broad range of acid concentrations, for both Portland cement and a blend with SF, without the need for any fitting parameters. However, significant discrepancies between the model and experiments are observed in the case of sulfuric acid. This discrepancy arises due to the formation of lump pieces of material in the experimental setup at higher acid concentrations. These lumps consist of a thin layer of altered hardened cement paste, primarily composed of sulfate‐rich phases, encapsulating unaltered hardened cement paste. Since the reaction was not homogeneous and the powder did not entirely react, the sulfuric attack experimental setup was not representative for validating the thermodynamic model.
Zerstörungsfreie Messung der Carbonatisierungstiefe mittels einseitiger Wasserstoffkernspinresonanz
Authors: Glawe Clarissa , Raupach Michael
Published: December 2023

Kurzfassung

Die Carbonatisierung von Beton und der damit einhergehende Verlust der Passivierung der Stahlbewehrung stellt jeher eine Herausforderung hinsichtlich der Dauerhaftigkeit von Stahlbetonbauwerken dar. Um eine Schädigung infolge der Korrosion der Bewehrung zu vermeiden und Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen zum Erhalt der Passivierung rechtzeitig durchzuführen, gilt es die Carbonatisierungstiefe des Betons zu bestimmen. Die Bestimmung der Carbonatisierungstiefe mithilfe des pH‐Indikators Phenolphthalein stellt diesbezüglich den Stand der Technik dar, wird hierbei jedoch nur indirekt die Carbonatisierung des Betons auf Grundlage des pH‐Werts bestimmt. Eine direkte Messung der mit der Carbonatisierung einhergehenden strukturellen Änderungen, welche ebenfalls eine Änderung der Transporteigenschaften des Betons hervorruft, wird mithilfe des Phenolphthaleintests nicht erfasst. Mithilfe der einseitigen Wasserstoffkernspinresonanz (1H NMR) ist eine tiefenabhängige Untersuchung der Gefügestruktur möglich. Erste Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine Ableitung des Carbonatisierungsfortschritts anhand der NMR‐Untersuchungen an Mörtel möglich ist. Mithilfe der Korrelation weiterer Untersuchungsmethoden kann ein umfassendes Verständnis des Carbonatisierungsprozesses gewonnen werden.
Einfluss der Permeation auf die Carbonatisierung von Beton
Authors: Grimm Benedikt , Thiel Charlotte , Kränkel Thomas , Gehlen Christoph
Published: December 2023

Kurzfassung

Die Carbonatisierung von Beton kann einerseits zu Schäden bei Stahlbetonbauwerken führen, andererseits kann der Beton so CO2 speichern und damit seinen CO2‐Fußabdruck verringern. In diesem Beitrag wird dargestellt, wie eine effiziente Beschleunigung der Carbonatisierung durch Anlegen eines geringen äußeren Drucks erreicht werden kann. Damit wird neben der Diffusion der wesentlich schneller ablaufende Transportmechanismus der Permeation ausgenutzt, der das CO2 tiefer in das Probeninnere transportiert und damit in kurzer Zeit die Bestimmung des Carbonatisierungswiderstand zementgebundener Materialien ermöglicht. Hierzu wurde eine Prüfeinrichtung entwickelt, die es ermöglicht, die CO2‐Konzentration und in gewissen Grenzen auch relative Luftfeuchte sowie die Temperatur gezielt einzustellen und zu steuern, um so Mörtel‐ und Betonproben schnell und präzise zu carbonatisieren. Der Einfluss verschiedener Druckstufen und Wechselzyklen wird dargelegt und die resultierenden chemischen und physikalischen Veränderungen der Proben bestimmt. Als besonders effizient und gleichzeitig realitätsnah erwies sich die konstante CO2‐Beaufschlagung mit 3 Vol.‐% CO2 mit zusätzlichem, moderatem Gasdruck. Das hier entwickelte Verfahren kann daher genutzt werden, um Betone schnell und effizient in zeitraffenden Materialtests hinsichtlich Carbonatisierungswiderstand zu charakterisieren.
Modelling the hydration of cement ‐ Does chemical shrinkage influence autogenous self‐healing?
Authors: Lahmann Daniel , Keßler Sylvia
Published: December 2023

Autogenous self‐healing of cracks in water retaining concrete structures is included in Eurocode 1992‐3 as a possible measure to heal cracks up to a width of 200 μm without additional repair. Water flow through the crack leads to the closure of the fracture, mainly due to CaCO3 precipitation. However, despite standardization, the healing effect seems to be random in practice. This study uses thermodynamic modelling of cement hydration to examine how the timing of crack formation affects crack widening or closure due to chemical shrinkage or swelling and discusses the implications for autogenous self‐healing. It is found that the exact timing of early‐age crack formation can lead to crack widening or closure in the range of a few micrometres. This effect is most prominent for cracking within the first two days of curing and dependents on the cement type, the fraction of inert material in the mix design and the amount of shrinkage that translates into a macroscopic volume reduction. However, it is concluded that other more dominant factors must be at play leading to the discrepancy between laboratory results and the unpredictable healing efficiency observed in practice.
Erhöhung des Carbonatisierungswiderstandes klinkerreduzierter Betone durch alkalische Puffer
Authors: Müller Matthias , Sowoidnich Thomas , Lieboldt Matthias , Kraft Bettina I. E. , Ludwig Horst‐Michael
Published: December 2023

Im Stahlbeton kann die Carbonatisierung der Betonrandzone dazu führen, dass die Passivierung des Betonstahls verloren geht, wodurch eine Stahlkorrosion eintreten kann. In Betonen mit puzzolanischen Stoffen, wie beispielsweise calcinierten Tonen, kann die Verringerung des Calciumhydroxidgehaltes im Beton infolge der puzzolanischen Reaktion zu einer Erhöhung der Carbonatisierungsneigung führen. Dies ist ein maßgeblicher begrenzender Faktor für die im Beton anwendbaren Einsatzmengen an calcinierten Tonen.

Daher wurde an Mörteln untersucht, ob durch eine Erhöhung des Calciumhydroxidpuffers auch eine Verbesserung des Carbonatisierungswiderstandes möglich ist. Die grundsätzliche Eignung dieses Ansatzes konnte bestätigt werden. Dies sollte es ermöglichen, die Klinkeraustauschrate durch calcinierten Ton zu erhöhen, ohne zu einer gravierenden Beeinträchtigung der Betondauerhaftigkeit zu führen.
A pseudo‐Double‐Network Hydrogel Built upon Layered Double Hydroxides with Self‐Strengthening Properties
Authors: Diao Shu‐Jing , Lin Chang‐Gen , Zhang Jie , Zhang Fen‐Di , Chu Jin‐Feng , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: December 2023

While great achievements have been made in the development of mechanically robust nanocomposite hydrogels, incorporating multiple interactions on the bases of two demensional inorganic cross‐linkers to construct self‐strengthening hydrogels has rarely been investigated. To this end, we propose here a new method for the coupling the dynamic covalent bonds and non‐covalent interactions within a pseudo double‐network system. The pseudo first network, formed through the Schiff Base reation between Tris‐modified layered double hydroxides (Tris−LDHs) and oxidized dextran (ODex), is linked to the second network built upon non‐covalent interactions between Tris−LDHs and poly(acrylamide‐co‐2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl−propanesulfonate) (p‐(AM‐co‐AMPS). The swelling and mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels have been investigated as a function of the ODex and AMPS contents. The as‐prepared hydrogel can swell to 420 times of its original size and retain more than 99.9 wt.% of water. Mechanical tests show that the hydrogel can bear 90 % of compression and is able to be stretched to near 30 times of its original length. Cyclic tensile tests reveal that the hydrogels are capable of self‐strengthening after mechanical training. The unique energy dissipation mechanism based on the dynamic covalent and non‐covalent interactions is considered to be responsible for the outstanding swelling and mechanical performances.
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane D3h‐(RSiO1.5)14
Authors: Hunsicker Marc , Ankur  , Morgenstern Bernd , Zimmer Michael , Scheschkewitz David
Published: December 2023

While smaller polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes TnRn (POSS) are readily accessible or even commercially available, unambiguously authenticated larger systems (n>12) have barely been reported. Synthesis and isolation procedures are lengthy, and yields are often very low. Herein, we present the surprisingly straightforward and high‐yielding access to the phenyl‐substituted derivative of a so far only postulated second D3h‐symmetric T14 isomer and with that the largest crystallographically characterized POSS cage with organic substituents. Treatment of the commercially available incompletely condensed T7Ph7(OH)3 silsesquioxane with catalytic amounts of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid results in high yields of the T14Ph14 framework, which is isolated in crystalline form by a simple work‐up. D3h‐T14Ph14 was analyzed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The relative energies of all four theoretically possible T14Ph14 isomers were determined by optimization of the corresponding structure using DFT methods.
Resolution of trans‐1,2‐cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid containing two carboxylic groups by forming diastereomeric salts based on feeding molar ratio control
Authors: Xin Xiaoyu , Zhou Junjie , He Quan , Peng Yangfeng , Wei Yongming , Zhao Hongliang , Tong Tianzhong
Published: December 2023

To investigate the thermodynamic and molecular self‐assembly mechanism of trans‐1,2‐cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid containing two carboxylic acid groups in the chiral resolution process, (S)‐phenylethylamine was used as the chiral resolving agent. Two stoichiometric salts were formed when the raw materials were fed at different molar ratios: cyclohexane dicarboxylate monophenylethylamine salt and cyclohexane dicarboxylate diphenylethylamine salt. When the molar ratio of the (S)‐phenylethylamine to trans‐1,2‐cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid was less than 3:1, trans‐(1S,2S)‐cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid was obtained with 97 e.e% purity. But when the molar ratio exceeded 3:1, the product was the racemic trans‐(1,2)‐cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid. In addition, single crystal structures of more soluble mono‐salt, less soluble mono‐salt, and less soluble di‐salt were obtained. The weak intermolecular interactions and the way of the molecules packing in the crystals were analyzed. The hydrogen bond was stronger in the less soluble salt than that in the more soluble salt. And a “lock‐and‐key” structure in the hydrophobic layers makes it more tightly packed through the van der Waals interaction, which is responsible for the stability of less soluble salts.
Gas pressure dependence of optical and mechanical properties in a SiCO thin film for optical waveguide by reactive sputtering method
Authors: Nikkuni Hiroyuki , Ito Hiroshi , Takatsuka Yu
Published: December 2023

In this study, the gas pressure dependence of optical and mechanical characteristics in reactive sputtered SiCO thin films for optical guided‐wave pressure sensors was experimentally investigated. Thin films were fabricated by varying the gas pressure from 0.3 to 1.0 Pa at an oxygen flow ratio of 6%, and the gas pressure dependences was clarified. As the gas pressure increased, the optical bandgap of the SiCO thin film increased, resulting in a transparent SiCO films. On the other hand, the refractive index, young's modulus, and hardness decreased with increasing gas pressure. Combining this dependence with the oxygen inflow ratio dependence of the previous study, the first‐order approximation formula for the gas pressure and oxygen flow rate ratio for various film characteristics was obtained. Based on this equation, trajectories of equal bandgaps and equal young's moduli on the oxygen flow ratio—gas pressure plane were created on the oxygen influx ratio‐gas pressure coordinates, making it easy to fabricate waveguides with desired characteristics.
Three‐Component Reactions of 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethyl Ketones, Aryl Azides and Aqueous Ammonia for the Synthesis of 4‐Cyano‐1,2,3‐triazoles
Authors: Gao Ge , Lv Leiyang , Li Zhiping
Published: December 2023

A new method for the synthesis of 4‐cyano‐1,2,3‐triazoles is developed using a three‐component strategy. The cyano group is generated in situ by the reaction of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl ketone and aqueous ammonia. The one‐pot protocol allows the synthesis of 4‐cyano‐1,2,3‐triazoles under mild reaction conditions.
Assessment of relative tectonic activity in the Lar region, Zagros Fold‐Thrust Belt, SW Iran: Insights from geomorphometric analysis
Authors: Zarei Elham , Faghih Ali , Soleimani Masoumeh , Zarei Saeed
Published: December 2023

The Zagros Fold‐Thrust Belt is a tectonically active region within the Alpine‐Himalayan orogenic system resulting from ongoing convergence between Afro‐Arabian and Central Iranian plates. The presence of various geomorphic features in this region provides an ideal natural case for identifying deformed landforms resulting from active tectonics. The relative tectonic activity along the Lar and Didehban faults within the Zagros Fold‐Thrust Belt, SW Iran was evaluated using six DEM‐derived geomorphic indices: the stream‐gradient index (SL), drainage basin asymmetry (AF), hypsometric integral (HI), valley floor width‐valley height ratio (Vf), drainage basin shape (Bs), and mountain‐front sinuosity (Smf). These indices were combined to yield the relative active tectonics index (Iat) that allows the variation of tectonic activity along the Lar and Didehban faults to be related to variations in rates of incision, tectonic tilting and uplift. This variable tectonic activity was characterized by different Iat values along the faults. The low to high relative tectonic activity (class 1: 1 < Iat < 1.5, class 2: 1.5 < Iat < 2, class 3: 2 < Iat < 2.5, class 4: 2.5 < Iat) correlates with variable geomorphic features along the faults. The results of this study present an approach for assessing the effects of active tectonics and also for sustainable land use planning over a large area.
Associations of gestational weight gain with birth weight outcomes in early pregnancy weight loss women: Findings from the Beijing Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Ma Kaiwen , Zheng Wei , Yuan Xianxian , Zhang Puyang , Xu Lili , Han Weiling , Huang Junhua , Yan Xin , Zhang lirui , Yang Ruihua , Chen Tengda , Zhang Yujie , Li Guanghui
Published: December 2023

Objective

To explore the relationship between gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth weight outcomes and establish suggested GWG patterns in early pregnancy weight loss women.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted based on the Beijing Birth Cohort Study from 2014 to 2021 and included 20 688 women. Weight change in early pregnancy was calculated using weight measurements within 16 weeks of gestation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships of different GWG categories, based on the Chinese standard, and birth weight outcomes. The statistical‐based approach was used to determine the optimal GWG ranges and weekly weight gain.

Results

Compared to 3313 women who gained appropriate weight in early pregnancy, 2614 women who lost weight in the same period increased the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14–1.80, P = 0.002). However, the relationship disappeared after adjusting for total GWG. Among the early pregnancy weight loss women, both excessive GWG and inadequate GWG were associated with adverse birth weight outcomes after adjusting for confounders. The suggested GWG range and rate were 11.0 ~ 16.0 kg and 0.46 to 0.67 kg/week from 16 weeks to delivery for women with normal body mass index (BMI) and weight loss in early pregnancy.

Conclusion

Weight loss in early pregnancy was not the independent risk factor of birth weight outcomes. GWG may offset the expected effects. To achieve optimal outcomes, women with normal BMI and weight loss in early pregnancy need to have a higher weight gain rate in mid‐late pregnancy but similar total GWG ranges with the Chinese standard for general women.
Costs associated with exit or disposal activities: A topic modeling investigation of disclosure and market reaction
Authors: Cullinan Charles P. , Holowczak Richard , Louton David , Saraoglu Hakan
Published: December 2023

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandates disclosure of exit or disposal activity events in 8‐K filings. We use Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a topic modeling method from computational linguistics, to investigate the possibility that substantively different event types may be subsumed under Item 2.05, the SEC category for costs associated with exit or disposal activities. Our analysis reveals that four distinct topics are reported under the Item 2.05 umbrella category: (1) restructuring, (2) disposal of a line of business, (3) plant closings, and (4) layoffs/workforce reductions. We then investigate various aspects of these 8‐K filings. We find that the market reacts most negatively to workforce reductions that are reported in the absence of a broader strategic initiative. Subsequent amendments to the Item 2.05 8‐K filings are significantly more likely for restructuring initiatives, and significantly less likely for layoffs. Asset impairment charges most frequently accompany line‐of‐business disposals and plant closings. Our results demonstrate that there are meaningful differences between the event types reported within Item 2.05 filings and that LDA provides a useful means of differentiating among these event types.
Morphology of the small and large intestines of the six‐banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Fonseca Clarisse Maria Barbosa , Farias Ingrid dos Santos , Araújo João Victor Silva , Viana Rita de Cássia , da Silva Andrezza Braga Soares , Cavalcante Maria Michele Araújo de Sousa , Conde Júnior Airton Mendes
Published: December 2023

Euphractus sexcinctus has a diverse diet, so it needs anatomical and habitual features to help it get its meals. Therefore, the objective is to study the morphology of the small and large intestines of the six‐banded armadillo (E. sexcinctus). The research was authorized and approved under number 136/16. Six animals, obtained from victims of predatory hunting, were dissected for the research. For the anatomical analysis, the specimens were dissected and photographed. The fragments of each organ were submitted to histological routine to obtain slides stained with hematoxylin–eosin, toluidine blue and Masson's trichrome for further analysis. The small intestine has three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Histologically, it has the typical four layers of tubular organs. The mucosa is covered by simple cylindrical epithelium with the presence of specializations in the form of microvilli and variation in the number of goblet cells, depending on the portion observed. In the duodenal portion, the presence of the serous layer was not observed. In the jejunal portion, it is possible to observe lymphoid tissue aggregates in the submucosa, which become more evident in the ileum. The large intestine is divided into cecum, colon, and rectum and has the same histological subdivisions as the small intestine, but with some specializations. The presence of simple cylindrical intestinal crypts is clearly observed and the presence of a large number of goblet cells, which increase as it approaches the rectum. In the submucosa of the large intestine, the presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected.

Research Highlights

The presence of large numbers of goblet cells, which increase as one approaches the rectum.

The presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected.

The duodenal portion was not observed presence of the serous layer.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome and concurrent varicella‐zoster virus meningitis in Denmark: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Petersen Pelle T. , Bodilsen Jacob , Jepsen Micha P. G. , Larsen Lykke , Storgaard Merete , Helweg‐Larsen Jannik , Wiese Lothar , Hansen Birgitte R. , Lüttichau Hans R. , Andersen Christian Ø. , Nielsen Henrik , Brandt Christian T. ,   The Danish Study Group of Infections of the Brain (DASGIB)
Published: December 2023

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a manifestation of reactivated varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) from the geniculate ganglion. Data on clinical features and outcomes of patients with RHS and concurrent VZV meningitis (henceforth RHS meningitis) are limited. Thus, we conducted a nationwide population‐based cohort study of all adults hospitalized for RHS meningitis at the departments of infectious diseases in Denmark from 2015 to 2020. Patients with VZV meningitis without cranial nerve palsies were included for comparison. In total, 37 patients with RHS meningitis (mean annual incidence: 1.6/1 000 000 adults) and 162 with VZV meningitis without cranial nerve palsies were included. In RHS meningitis, the median age was 52 years (interquartile range: 35–64), and in addition to peripheral facial nerve palsy (100%), dizziness (46%), and hearing loss (35%) were common symptoms. The triad of headache, neck stiffness, and photophobia/hyperacusis was less common in RHS meningitis than in VZV meningitis without cranial nerve palsies (0/27 [0%] vs. 24/143 [17%]; p = 0.02). At 30 days after discharge, 18/36 (50%) patients with RHS meningitis had persistent peripheral facial nerve palsy, with no statistically significant difference between those treated with and without adjuvant glucocorticoids (6/16 [38%] vs. 12/20 [60%]; p = 0.18). Additional sequelae of RHS meningitis included dizziness (29%), neuralgia (14%), tinnitus/hyperacusis (11%), hearing loss (9%), headache (9%), fatigue (6%), and concentration difficulties (3%). In conclusion, clinical features and outcomes of RHS meningitis were primarily related to cranial neuropathies.
Effect of glycolysis on water holding capacity during postmortem aging of Jersey cattle‐yak meat
Authors: Shi Chaoxue , Wang Linlin , Xu Jin , Li Aixia , Wang Changfeng , Zhu Xijin , Wang Wanlin , Yu Qunli , Han Ling
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Postmortem muscle moisture loss leads to a decrease in carcass weight and can adversely impact overall meat quality. Therefore, it is critical to investigate water holding capacity (WHC) to enhance meat quality. Current research has primarily focused on examining the correlation between signaling molecules and meat quality in relation to the glycolysis effect on muscle WHC. But there exists a significant knowledge gap regarding the mechanism of WHC in Jersey cattle‐yak meat.

RESULTS

Jersey cattle‐yak meat pH decreased and then increased during postmortem aging. Lactate content, cooking loss, pressing loss, drip loss and centrifuging loss of Jersey cattle‐yak meat increased and then decreased during postmortem aging. The glycogen content of Jersey cattle‐yak meat was significantly higher than that of yak meat at 6–120 h, being 8.40% higher than that of yak meat at 120 h. The activity of key glycolytic enzymes hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in Jersey cattle‐yak meat was lower than that in yak meat. Correlation analysis showed that Jersey cattle‐yak meat WHC was positively correlated with the activity of HK, PK, PFK and LDH.

CONCLUSIONS

The WHC of Jersey cattle‐yak meat was higher than that of Gannan yak meat, and it was significantly positively correlated with the activity of key enzymes of the glycolytic signaling pathway. Therefore, the glycolysis rate can be reduced by inhibiting enzyme activity to improve Jersey cattle‐yak meat WHC and meat quality. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Unlocking the advantages of differential pricing: A two‐period model integrating consumer identifiable information and advertising effort
Authors: Cheng Mingbao , Wu Shuo , Zhang Jingling , Yu Xiuli
Published: December 2023

To explore the potential benefits of differentiated pricing compared to uniform pricing within supply chain networks, we constructed a two‐period dynamic pricing model for products in this research. In our scenario, the manufacturer produces the original product during the initial period and introduces a new‐generation product in the subsequent period. Simultaneously, the retailer handles the original product during the initial period and transitions to selling the new‐generation product boosted by advertising efforts in the following period. Our analysis of the proposed models yielded three primary insights. First, the adoption of a differentiated pricing strategy may not universally favor supply chain participants. Second, the implementation of a differentiated pricing approach does not necessarily equate to higher wholesale and retail prices in each period. Finally, to optimize overall profits and attain mutually beneficial outcomes, it is imperative for supply chain stakeholder to share decision‐making information. Furthermore, we offer managerial recommendations based on these findings.
Current practices and challenges in application of trauma‐informed care for accidentally injured patients: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Xia Weiping , Wang Yanbo , Wu Xiaoning , Yang Xiaojie
Published: December 2023

Aim

To explore the Chinese nurses’ current practices and challenges to trauma‐informed care (TIC) for accidentally injured patients, which can provide the way forward of improvement in the future.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

Sixteen Chinese nurses who had experience working with accidentally injured patients were invited into the semi‐structured interviews. Following each interview, the dialogue was transcribed verbatim. Subsequently, we analysed the data in accordance with the principles of thematic analysis.

Results

Four common themes emerged from the analysis: (a) Awareness of patients’ psychological trauma; (b) Recognition of psychological trauma; (c) Response to psychological trauma; (d) Perceived barriers to implementing TIC. This research indicated an urgent need for interventions in the future, such as TIC education and training, time constraints, heavy workload, emotional exhaustion and mood self‐regulation, giving policy incentives, strengthening leadership support and internal cooperation. Identifying those factors of TIC practice among accidentally injured patients helps promote TIC development in hospitals.
Predictors of racial differences in weight loss: the PROPEL trial
Authors: Newton Robert L. , Zhang Dachuan , Johnson William D. , Martin Corby K. , Apolzan John W. , Denstel Kara D. , Brantley Phillip J. , Davis Terry C. , Arnold Connie , Sarpong Daniel F. , Price‐Haywood Eboni G. , Lavie Carl J. , Thethi Tina K. , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Studies have consistently shown that African American individuals lose less weight in response to behavioral interventions, but the mechanisms leading to this result have been understudied.

Methods

Data were derived from the PROmoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary CarE in Louisiana (PROPEL) study, which was a cluster‐randomized, two‐arm trial conducted in primary care clinics. In the PROPEL trial, African American individuals lost less weight compared with patients who belonged to other racial groups after 24 months. In the current study, counterfactual mediation analyses among 445 patients in the intervention arm of PROPEL were used to determine which variables mediated the relationship between race and weight loss. The mediators included treatment engagement, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors.

Results

At 6 months, daily weighing mediated 33% (p = 0.008) of the racial differences in weight loss. At 24 months, session attendance and daily weighing mediated 35% (p = 0.027) and 66% (p = 0.005) of the racial differences in weight loss, respectively. None of the psychosocial or lifestyle variables mediated the race‐weight loss association.

Conclusions

Strategies specifically targeting engagement, such as improving session attendance and self‐weighing behaviors, among African American individuals are needed to support more equitable weight losses over extended time periods.
Emergent airway recanalization of the left main bronchus due to obstructive adenoid cystic carcinoma enables achievement of radical resection
Authors: Takahama Makoto
Published: December 2023

Malignant airway obstruction is a life‐threatening condition that can cause suffocation and recurrent infections due to lung atelectasis. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare and slow‐growing tumour of low‐grade malignancy. We report the case of a 69‐year‐old female who presented with severe chest pain, orthopnea, and a 1‐month history of progressively worsening difficulty in breathing. Emergent rigid bronchoscopy revealed a polypoid tumour originating in the proximal end of the left main bronchus that was obstructing the left main bronchus. Debulking of the tumour using rigid bronchoscopy was performed to restore ventilation to collapsed lung and obtain histopathological examination. Histological analysis revealed a diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient underwent radical sleeve resection of the left main bronchus without sacrificing lung parenchyma via left posterolateral thoracotomy. No postoperative complications or disease recurrence was found at the 5‐year follow‐up. This case emphasizes the pivotal role of rigid bronchoscopic intervention in malignant central airway obstruction.
Self‐Emulsifying Drug Delivery of Khellin for Improving Its Oral Bioavailability
Authors: Shah Raj P. , Wazir Priya , Nandi Utpal , Bharate Sonali S.
Published: December 2023

Self‐emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) is extensively used for enhancing the solubility, dissolution, and pharmacokinetics of poorly soluble drugs. Khellin is a natural product with multiple pharmacological activities and has inspired the discovery of two first‐in‐class drugs, amiodarone hydrochloride and sodium cromoglycate. The poor‐aqueous solubility is one of the limitations in developing this molecule. Herein, we aimed to improve the drug loading of khellin by developing its SEDDS formulation. A combination of castor oil, tetraethylene glycol, and Transcutol HP (10 : 30 : 60 v/v) was identified, inhibiting the drug‘s precipitation post‐dilution in an aqueous media. The optimized formulation, SB‐16KD, was characterized using 1H NMR, DSC, and FTIR to understand khellin‘s physical/chemical interaction with the formulation excipients. The in vitro dissolution studies of khellin in SB‐16KD correlated well with the oral pharmacokinetics in Wistar rats (1.6 vs. 1.7‐fold). The comparative oral pharmacokinetics of formulation against native khellin was performed at 45 mg/kg in Wistar rats. The results were promising, with 1.7‐fold higher plasma exposure by SEDDS formulation. Hence, the results warrant further developmental studies on SEDDS in dose reduction.
Application of CRISPR/Cas Technology in Biological Nano‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Pingping , Aodeng Gerile , Ga Lu , Ai Jun
Published: December 2023

Currently, with the growing global demand for infectious disease diagnostics, environmental testing and food safety, CRISPR‐Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats‐CRISPR associated proteins) system has unlimited potential as one of the emerging technologies in the field of biotechnology. Recent studies have shown that CRISPR‐Cas system has become a powerful weapon for gene editing, disease treatment, molecular diagnosis and imaging. As important biomarkers, various nucleic acid and non‐nucleic acid targets need to be detected from various samples before the situation deteriorates. In addition, there are still some limitations and challenges in the current biosensor platforms based on the CRISPR‐Cas system. Therefore, summarising the strategies, strengths and weaknesses, and development prospects of the CRISPR‐Cas system in nucleic acid and non‐nucleic acid target identification is beneficial to fully explore the potential development directions of CRISPR‐Cas‐based biosensor systems. This review briefly introduces and summarises the classification, mechanisms and applications of the system (diagnostics when combined with some signal detection means). In addition, some of the current limitations, challenges and future prospects for optimisation of biosensor platforms based on this system are discussed.
Chemistry of nanomaterials in Ukraine: per aspera
Authors: Nykyruy Lyubomyr , Andriichuk Yuliia , Tynkevych Olena , Shyliuk Oleg , Khalavka Yuriy
Published: December 2023

This review covers major aspects of nanochemistry in Ukraine. It describes current state of the field, lists main contributors and discuss the trends and limitations of its development. Ukraine's nanotechnology can be traced back to the country's rich scientific heritage, which includes a long tradition of excellence in materials science, chemistry, and physics. Despite limited and sporadic financial support, nanochemistry has occupied decent plase in the country scientific agenda. Related courses in the education institution contributed to the formation of the generation of skilled chemists who build their successful career internationally.
Boosting Photovoltaic Output by Dual External Manipulations on 1D Ferroelectric Nanorods Solar Cell: Electric Field and Giant Dielectric Constant Variation
Authors: Fan Dayong , Wu Tiange , Zhang Kun , Yang Zhou , Lu Zhenhuan , Lu Huidan , Liu Yongping
Published: December 2023

Unlike common photovoltaic (PV) cells whose performance has been anchored, the merits for the cells made of ferroelectric crystals, due to the non‐centrosymmetric structure, provide possibility to further enhance the efficiency by dual external manipulations through increasing the internal electric field strength and the dielectric screening effect, based on anomalous photovoltaic (APV) arisen by the external poling and giant dielectric constant variation through temperature‐controlled ferro‐paraelectric phase transition. In this study, a synergistic effect achieving a 67% improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the n‐i‐p configuration solar cell by ferroelectric polarization and high dielectricity is observed, taking c‐axis‐aligned single‐crystalline ferroelectric SbSI nanorods as the active layer. The opposite poling effects are revealed leading to asymmetric characteristics in the n‐i‐p configuration. The enhancements of Jsc induced by inherent giant variation imply strong dielectric screening facilities to lower carrier cross section captured by charged defects, uniformly suppressing various recombination mechanisms, understood by the Langevin model. Therefore, solar cells employing n‐i‐p structured ferroelectric thin films as absorbing layers hold promising potential for achieving defect‐tolerance high performance through rational design, external polarization, and dielectric property control.
Beurteilung des Vorspannkraft‐Zeit‐Verhaltens gleitfest vorgespannter Verbindungen in Turmbauwerken für Windenergieanlagen
Authors: Dörre Maik , Glienke Ralf , Wegener Fritz , Henkel Knuth‐Michael
Published: December 2023

Die Tragfähigkeit gleitfest vorgespannter Verbindungen hängt neben der Haftreibungszahl maßgeblich von der Vorspannkraft und ihrem Erhalt ab. Für zyklisch beanspruchte Stahltragwerke wie Türme für Windenergieanlagen (WEA) sind wartungsfreie/‐arme Schraubverbindungen von besonderem Interesse. Die Ausführung mechanisch wartungsfreier Verbindungen erfordert zwingend die Kenntnis der über die Lebensdauer der betreffenden Struktur auftretenden Vorspannkraftverluste, da diese bereits bei der Bemessung der Verbindung zu berücksichtigen sind. Im stahlbaulichen Kontext werden die mechanisch gefügten Bauteile aus Korrosionsschutzgründen jedoch oftmals beschichtet. Aus diesem Grund ist anstelle einer analytischen Berechnung häufig eine versuchsgestützte Ermittlung der Verluste notwendig. Umfang und Aufwand entsprechender Versuchskampagnen im Labor oder im Feld können jedoch unter Zuhilfenahme bestehender Erfahrungen entscheidend reduziert werden. Der vorliegende Beitrag thematisiert daher Laboruntersuchungen in Anlehnung an die IEC‐Richtlinie 61400‐6, in denen erstmals systematisch die Sensitivität der Vorspannkraftverluste gegenüber relevanten Einflussgrößen bewertet wurde. Hierbei wurden neben Langzeitsetzversuchen auch Versuche unter schwingender Beanspruchung durchgeführt, die aus für Windenergieanlagen typischen Belastungssituationen abgeleitet wurden.
Flexible Borders, Permeable Territories and the Role of Water Management in Territorial Dynamics in Pre-Hispanic and Early Hispanic Peru
Authors: Prządka-Giersz Patrycja , Giersz Miłosz , Chyla Julia M.
Published: December 2023

The Peruvian Andes are well known for its ethnic and highly compressed ecological diversity. Ancient and modern Andean societies faced and continue to face various crises of climatic, social, political, or economic nature. Those crises forced the population to establish different types of inter-group relationships and identities, resulting in vast range of competitive/cooperative behaviors across the varied social and physical landscapes, including warfare, trade, alliance-building, co-residence, and any combinations of these and other practices. Judging by the results of systematic surveys and archaeological excavations run by the authors for the last 20 years, access to water resources has always been a major concern, especially in the vast desert areas on the coast of today's Peru. Using spatial, diachronic, and multidisciplinary approaches and employing fieldwork data from the archaeological sites of the province of Huarmey authors try to better understand the nature and outcome of distinct groups interacting across the varied social and physical landscapes of the desertic coast and highlands and how their different entanglements shaped the geo-political landscape of this area throughout the pre-Hispanic and early Hispanic periods.
The Interrelation Between Language, History, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Within the Nahuat-Pipil Context of El Salvador
Authors: Dohle Ebany
Published: December 2023

This chapter looks at the interrelation between Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), language, and historical events within the context of the Nahuat-Pipil language of El Salvador. It deals with what some refer to as Indigenous Knowledge (IK), Traditional Knowledge (TK), or Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), domains that position knowledge within broader contexts and social systems. The approaches and theories applied in this chapter are based on interactions with Indigenous people in western El Salvador from the towns of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Nahuizalco, and Cuisnahuat where Nahuat-Pipil is most widely spoken. The research questions are a response to their specific request to conduct research on TEK, as ‘We are losing this knowledge, and without it we cannot call ourselves Indigenous’ (T. Pedro, personal communication, July 2012). Having established a baseline for understanding the motivations behind Indigenous interest in TEK, it is possible to then focus on the Nahuat-Pipil linguistic repertoire and how TEK is encoded within it. Thus, the investigation turns to the question of the ethnobiological categorization and classification of plants, how this is achieved by speakers of Nahuat-Pipil, and whether cognitive categorization strategies are reflected in the language itself. The investigation then examines folk nomenclature of plants by presenting their internal linguistic composition. The investigation of plant names is used to further inform the documentation efforts of Nahuat-Pipil by adding new focalized materials to the existing range of resources. The theoretical framework and methods employed to collect data for this body of research are interdisciplinary and draw largely upon ethnobotany, anthropology, the collection of oral histories, and sociolinguistics, in addition to my core background as a linguist and language documenter. By seeking to listen to and understand the requests of the language and speech community, this chapter thus aims to investigate how TEK informs the construction of sociocultural identity through language use, and how TEK itself is cognitively, culturally, and linguistically encoded in Nahuat-Pipil.
The time-like minimal surface equation in Minkowski space: low regularity solutions
Authors: Ai Albert , Ifrim Mihaela , Tataru Daniel
Published: December 2023

It has long been conjectured that for nonlinear wave equations that satisfy a nonlinear form of the null condition, the low regularity well-posedness theory can be significantly improved compared to the sharp results of Smith-Tataru for the generic case. The aim of this article is to prove the first result in this direction, namely for the time-like minimal surface equation in the Minkowski space-time. Further, our improvement is substantial, namely by $3/8$
3
/
8
derivatives in two space dimensions and by $1/4$
1
/
4
derivatives in higher dimensions.