bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of slags for the production of resource‐efficient paving stones
Authors: Shams Taban , Dittrich Sebastian
Published: December 2023

In a recent research project under the lead of the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, gravel and sand within a mixture of paving stones were replaced with LD converter slag and blast furnace slag for 50 wt. % and 100 wt. % to produce resource‐efficient concrete components. For this purpose, first, the dry processing of the slags including metal separation and crushing was carried out. In the next step, the particle size distributions of slags using sieve analysis were determined. Finally, the mix designs were set based on the optimum combination of different size fractions of slags. This combination was determined in a way to lead to an almost identical grading curve as that of the original formulation. Splitting tensile strengths of the obtained samples were measured after 14 days of curing under a humidity of 95%. Several paving stone specimens containing slags showed higher splitting tensile strengths than that of the reference sample. Similar results were observed for industrially produced paving stones which demonstrates the successful transfer of the laboratory mixes to the industrial plant.
Damage identification based on XFEM: inverse analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Nguyen‐Tuan Long , Alkam Feras , Lahmer Tom
Published: December 2023

Model‐based inverse analyses emerge as an alternative means to reconstruct buried objects in structures. In this paper, we introduced an inverse analysis using XFEM and adjoint method to identify the cracks, which is based on laboratory experimental data. XFEM model allows precisely reproducing the crack forms in the structures, whilst adjoint state with level set for inverse problem allows calculating the gradient of complex geometrical structures and avoiding the local minima traps. Besides proposing a modification XFEM to model reinforced concrete behaviors, we also establish the adjoint formulas for inverse analysis based on the measured displacement and strain in the experiments. Finally, the preliminary results are verified with experimental data.
Produkt‐ und Technologieentwicklung für Bauteile aus eindimensional gradiertem Beton
Authors: Weisheit Sandro , Zier Hans‐Werner
Published: December 2023

Kurzfassung

Der Schall‐ und Wärmeschutz von Wohn‐ und Industriegebäuden ist für den Menschen ein wesentlicher Faktor für eine hohe Lebens‐ und Arbeitsqualität. Die aktuellen Systeme in diesen Bereichen bestehen vorwiegend aus mehreren Lagen, welche aufwendig in mehreren Arbeitsschritten in der Produktion oder nachträglich an den Gebäuden installiert werden müssen.

Aus diesem Grund wurde im Rahmen eines vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [BMBF] geförderten Verbundprojektes ein Verfahren entwickelt, mit welchem es möglich ist Betonelemente herzustellen, welche über dem Bauteilquerschnitt sowohl lastabtragende als auch wärme‐ bzw. schalldämmende Eigenschaften besitzen. Im gegenständigen Bericht werden ausgewählte Ergebnisse zur Entwicklung der Betonrezeptur und der Herstellungstechnologie im Labor‐ und Technikumsmaßstab vorgestellt. Dabei wird vor allem auf die für diesen speziellen Fall benötigte Verdichtungstechnologie im Detail eingegangen.
Fracture toughness on compact tension specimen as a quality parameter for cement stone
Authors: Gierth Anne Zora , Syring Simon , Mielke Tommy , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: December 2023

A series of tests of compression strength and fracture toughness of hardened cement paste (cement stone) was carried out. The compression strength was tested on cubes with side lengths of 10, 20, 30 and 40 mm. Fracture toughness was measured on compact tension (CT) specimens with dimensions commonly used in metallurgy; two different thicknesses were used (h x l x b: 50 x 48 x 3 mm3 and 50 x 48 x 8 mm3). A particularly stiff piezo‐controlled test frame was used as testing device. The different thicknesses of the specimens allow the investigation of a possible size effect in toughness. In a Weibull statistical evaluation, the scatter of the strength results is compared with the scatter of the measured toughnesses. It could be shown that the fracture toughness results are as reliable as the strength results and the method is a useful addition to the research on fracture of binders.
Influence of silanes on the hydration of cement by separating the cement into its individual phases
Authors: Kaltenbach Jonas , Schwotzer Matthias , Süßmuth Julia , Arévalo Galván Beatriz , Gerdes Andreas
Published: December 2023

Cementitious materials can be treated with organosilicon compounds (silanes) to achieve a water‐repellent effect. However, the influence of silanes on cement hydration is still not fully understood. For this reason, we studied the hydration of the main Portland cement phase (C3S ‐ tricalcium silicate) and the interaction with iBTES (isobutyltriethoxysilane), iOTES (isooctyltriethxysilane) and nOTES (n‐octyltriethoxysilane) by isothermal calorimetry and in‐situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that C3S hydration is initially retarded and subsequently accelerated by iBTES and iOTES. In addition to the hydration process, the crystal growth of the portlandites (calcium hydroxide) is also affected by the silanes. The XRD results indicate that the portlandites grow significantly more plate‐like. In this context, the influence of the silanes on the portlandite crystallization was therefore also recorded in a special experimental setup. From the scanning electron microscope images it can be shown that all portlandite crystals grown in the presence of silanes have a platelike morphology. This is due to the fact that the hexagonal surfaces of the portlandite are covered by silanes and thus the growth direction of the crystals is affected. The modified portlandite crystals indicate that silanes also influence the microstructure of the cement paste and therefore its chemical and mechanical properties.
Fire resistance of gypsum drywall partitions with polyurethane foam filling
Authors: Kania Tomasz , Wieteska Marcin
Published: December 2023

Gypsum drywall systems have gained their popularity, among other reasons, due to the excellent fire‐resistant properties. The use of different variants of the structures filled with insulating material (most often mineral wool) makes it possible to shape the parameters of fire resistance according to the requirements. The use of polyurethane foam for filling spaces inside drywall systems has become increasingly popular. This is especially applicable to the performance of thermal insulation of wooden roof slopes. The advantages of polyurethane foams over mineral wool include good adhesion to the substrate, lower specific weight, lower thermal conductivity and shorter time to make a tight filling layer. Its undoubted disadvantage is lower fire resistance. The paper presents a research on the fire resistance of gypsum drywall systems with self‐extinguishing polyurethane foam filling. The fire resistance time of the structures was measured in accordance with EN1363‐1 using a standard temperature‐time curve. The tests simulated a fire on the outside of a service shaft with a layer of polyurethane foam on its interior side, and a fire in an attic room with self‐extinguishing polyurethane foam thermal insulation between wooden rafters, and an interior enclosure made of two layers of gypsum board on a steel frame. The tests made it possible to determine the times of meeting the fire resistance criteria of partitions with polyurethane filling.
Influences of Accelerators on Compressive Strength Development of Composite Cements
Authors: Herrmann Jens , Rickert Jörg
Published: December 2023

Low‐clinker composite cements often have the disadvantage of lower early compressive strength. Hardening accelerators can increase the early compressive strength of Portland cement at the expense of reduced late strength. The extent to which different hardening accelerators influence the compressive strength development of low‐clinker composite cements containing granulated blast furnace slag and limestone was systematically investigated using compressive strength test, ultrasound transmission experiments and heat flow calorimetry.

The results show that the accelerator must always be adapted to the particular composite cement in order to increase the early compressive strength. Synergetic effects of cement constituents besides clinker can partly compensate for the reduced late strength of accelerated systems.
Quellverhalten von Portland‐ und Hochofenzementstein bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen
Authors: Wagemann Falk , Schmidt‐Döhl Frank , Rahimi Amir
Published: December 2023

Kurzfassung

Zementgebundene Baustoffe quellen bei permanenter Wasserlagerung, d. h., sie erfahren eine zeitabhängige Volumenzunahme. Wesentlich für das Quellverhalten zementgebundener Baustoffe ist der volumetrische Anteil an Zementstein. Für Bereiche, in denen Betonbauteile permanent einer Wasserumgebung ausgesetzt sind, wie zum Beispiel bei Gründungen im Grundwasser, kann das Quellverhalten ggf. die Tragwirkung verbessern, da sich Bauteile im Boden infolge des Quelldruckes verspannen. Dieser Beitrag untersucht das Quellverhalten von Zementstein aus CEM I und CEM III/B mit w/z‐Werten von 0,3 und 0,5 bei 10 °C und 20 °C betrachtet. Zusätzlich wurden im Rahmen der Untersuchungen Zementsuspensionen verpresst, um Filtrationseffekte abzubilden. Neben dem Quellmaß zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten (1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 28 und 56 Tage) wurde der Hydratationsgrad und Gehalt an Calciumhydroxid mit Hilfe der Thermogravimetrie und die Porosität mittels Quecksilberdruckporosimetrie als Materialkennwerte bestimmt. Die Untersuchungsmethoden erlauben einen Rückschluss von Porosität und Hydratphasenausbildung auf das Quellverhalten der untersuchten Zementsteine zu ziehen. Bei beiden Zementarten führen niedrigere Lagerungstemperaturen zu höheren Quellmaßen.
Automatisierte Analyse natürlicher Gesteinskörnungen mit Betonschädigungspotenzial anhand hyperspektraler Informationen
Authors: Linß Elske , Anding Katharina , Hunhold Patrick , Polte Galina , Garten Daniel , Weisheit Sandro , Walz Jurij
Published: December 2023

Kurzfassung

Es wird ein Verfahren zur automatischen optischen Prüfung natürlicher Gesteinskörnungen vorgestellt, bei dem hyperspektrale Bildgebung und Algorithmen in Form von Klassifikatoren aus dem Machine Learning und dem Deep Learning eingesetzt werden. Ziel der Untersuchungen ist es, eine Auswahl der in der Betonherstellung benötigten Gesteinskörnungen anhand ihrer spektralen Eigenschaften mit Hilfe von Hyperspektralbildern zuverlässig und automatisch zu klassifizieren. Dazu wurden Spektren und Hyperspektralbilder verschiedener Gesteine mittels Laborspektrometer und Hyperspektralkamera in verschiedenen ausgewählten spektralen Wellenlängenbereichen aufgenommen und mit Klassifikatoren aus dem Bereich der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) ausgewertet. Zur Klassifizierung der dimensionsreduzierten Hyperspektralbilder wurden vortrainierte Deep‐Learning‐Modelle verwendet. Des Weiteren wurde eine kaskadierte Erkennungsroutine entworfen, die eine zweite Klassifikationsstufe für die mittels Deep‐Learning schlecht erkannten Objekte zur Verbesserung der Erkennungsperformance ermöglicht. Im Ergebnis konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass eine Klassifikation in vorgegebenen Gesteinskategorien anhand der Spektral‐ und Bildinformationen möglich ist und bereits mit rund 91 % hohe Erkennungsraten für die Klassifizierung in die drei Klassen “unkritisch”, “kritisch 1” und “kritisch 2” erzielt werden können.
Frosteinfluss auf den Chloridtransport in Beton ‐ Kennwerte
Authors: Langer Christoph , Kapteina Gesa
Published: December 2023

Kurzfassung

Im Winter wird überwiegend das Salz NaCl zur Aufrechterhaltung der Verkehrssicherheit auf Straßen und andere Infrastrukturbauwerke gestreut. Die in der Eisschmelze vorhandenen Chloridionen dringen in den Stahlbeton überwiegend durch die Transportprozesse Diffusion und Konvektion ein. Durch die Exposition Frost (XF) kann es zur Koppelung der Transportprozesse kommen und den Chlorideintrag in Hinblick auf die eingetragene Menge und Tiefe erhöhen. Betone, die bereits im CDF‐Test mit NaCl beaufschlagt wurden, werden zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten im Migrationstest auf die Widerstandsfähigkeit gegenüber erneutem Ioneneindringen (Bromidionen, RBM‐Versuch) getestet. Dadurch kann der Einfluss der Frost‐Tausalz‐Wechsel (FTSW) des CDF‐Versuches auf das Bromideindringen im anschließenden Migrationsversuch (RBM) untersucht werden. Die Quantifizierung der Chlorid‐ und Bromidgehalte erfolgt mit der Laser‐Induzierten Breakdown Spektroskopie (LIBS). Ergänzende Untersuchungen wie die Fluoreszenzmikroskopie liefern weitere Erkenntnisse, die auf das Wirken von Frost in der Konvektionszone zurückzuführen sind. Durch die Kombination der Laborversuche CDF‐ und Migrationsversuch (RBM) können unter Einbezug der LIBS‐Analyse Kennwerte ermittelt werden, die den Frosteinfluss auf den Chloridtransport in Beton quantifizierbar machen.
Acid Neutralization Capacity of Metakaolin‐based Geopolymers
Authors: Ukrainczyk Neven , Koenders Eddie
Published: December 2023

A titration method is used to analyse the acid neutralization/consumption capacity (ANC) of cement binders, which involves plotting the steady‐state pH against the amount of acid added to a diluted suspension of hardened cement samples. Despite ANC being employed for several decades, there is no reported application of ANC for metakaolin‐based geopolymers. This study compares the resistance of metakaolin geopolymers to acetic acid and hydrochloric acid with that of Calcium Aluminate Cement (CAC) and Portland Cement (PC). The proposed ANC test setup involves small acid dosage steps using an auto‐titrator, resulting in a high‐resolution titration curve. The effect of binder chemical composition on acid resistance is evaluated through cumulative and differential ANC analysis, providing a new rapid approach to evaluate the durability of geopolymers in low pH environments.
Schnellprüfverfahren für den Carbonatisierungswiderstand von dampfgehärteten Baustoffen: Erste Vorarbeiten
Authors: Felten Christian , Vollpracht Anya , Winkels Bernd , Nebel Holger , Matschei Thomas
Published: December 2023

Die Einflussfaktoren auf den Carbonatisierungswiderstand des 11Å‐Tobermorits in dampfgehärteten Baustoffen sind bislang nicht systematisch untersucht worden. In der Vergangenheit haben Forschungen gezeigt, dass ein geringer Carbonatisierungswiderstand mit einem auffällig hohen Trockenschwindwert einhergeht. Daher wurde durch das DIBt ein Grenzwert für das Schwinden von Porenbetonen von 0,4 mm/m eingeführt. Es ist jedoch nicht systematisch untersucht, ob ein geringer Carbonatisierungswiderstand per se mit niedrigen Schwindwerten beim Trocknungsschwinden einhergehen. In einem von der DFG geförderten Forschungsprojekt werden unterschiedliche potentielle Einflussfaktoren auf die Carbonatisierung von Porenbeton untersucht, wofür Modellporenbetone hergestellt wurden, die sich im Sulfatgehalt unterscheiden. Für eine möglichst hohe Vergleichbarkeit werden die äußeren Einflussfaktoren wie die Luft‐ und Materialfeuchtigkeit, Temperatur und Kohlendioxidkonzentration konstant gehalten.

Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchungen wurden kleinformatige Prismen extrahiert, an denen die Festigkeitsentwicklung mit zunehmender Carbonatisierung unter ansonsten gleichen Bedingungen untersucht wurde. Die spezifische Oberfläche dieser Prüfkörper wurde mit dem BET‐Verfahren vor und nach der Carbonatisierung charakterisiert, um Rückschlüsse auf die Veränderung der Mikrostruktur zu ziehen. Zudem wurde an aus den Prismen extrahierten Pulverproben die Phasen nach der Carbonatisierung mineralogisch analysiert.
CO2 and H2 Activation on Zinc‐Doped Copper Clusters
Authors: Zamora Bárbara , Nyulászi László , Höltzl Tibor
Published: December 2023

Here we systematically investigate the CO2 and H2 activation and dissociation on small CunZn0/+ (n=3–6) clusters using Density Functional Theory. We show that Cu6Zn is a superatom, displaying an increased HOMO‐LUMO gap and is inert towards CO2 or H2 activation or dissociation. While other neutral clusters weakly activate CO2, the cationic clusters preferentially bind the CO2 in monodentate nonactivated way. Notably, Cu4Zn allows for the dissociation of activated CO2, whereas larger clusters destabilize all activated CO2 binding modes. Conversely, H2 dissociation is favored on all clusters examined, except for Cu6Zn. Cu3Zn+ and Cu4Zn, favor the formation of formate through the H2 dissociation pathway rather than CO2 dissociation. These findings suggest the potential of these clusters as synthetic targets and underscore their significance in the realm of CO2 hydrogenation.
Suppression of Photocyclization of an Inverse Type Diarylethene Derivative by Inclusion into β‐Cyclodextrin
Authors: Suganuma Misato , Kitagawa Daichi , Hamatani Shota , Sotome Hikaru , Ito Syoji , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Kobatake Seiya
Published: December 2023

Diarylethene derivatives are one of the promising compounds for practical applications including optical memory, display, sensor, and photoactuator. In this work, we newly designed and synthesized an inverse type diarylethene derivative bearing sodium carbonate groups at the p‐position of the lateral phenyl ring and investigated the photochromic behavior in the presence and absence of cyclodextrins (CDs) (αCD, βCD, and γCD). Interestingly, only in the presence of βCD, the photocyclization reactivity decreased. From the results of job‐plots, NOESY spectra, and quantum chemical calculations, it was suggested that the distinctive interaction between the diarylethene and βCD leads to the restriction of molecular geometrical change, resulting in the suppression of the photocyclization reactivity. These results provide information on the rational designing of inverse type diarylethenes with advanced properties.
Insularization drives physiological condition of Amazonian dung beetles
Authors: de Cerqueira Leonardo Vilas‐Bôas M. P. , González Tokman Daniel , Correa César M. A. , Storck‐Tonon Danielle , Cupello Mario , Peres Carlos A. , Salomão Renato Portela
Published: December 2023

The fragmentation and degradation of otherwise continuous natural landscapes pose serious threats to the health of animal populations, consequently impairing their fitness and survival. While most fragmentation ecology studies focus on habitat remnants embedded withinn terrestrial matrices, the effects of true insularization remains poorly understood. Land‐bridge islands created by major dams leads to habitat loss and fragmentation, negatively affecting terrestrial biodiversity. To assess the effects of insularization, we conducted a study on the key aspects of dung beetle physiological condition and body size throughout the Balbina Hydroelectric Reservoir located in the Central Amazon. We assessed these traits at the population and assemblage levels, collecting dung beetles from both forest islands and continuous forest areas while analyzing various landscape variables. We show that landscapes with higher forest cover positively affected dung beetle body size. Interestingly, dung beetle responses to insularization were species‐dependent; larger islands tended to host larger individuals of Deltochilum aspericole, while in Canthon triangularis, smaller islands showed larger body sizes. However, individuals from the mainland were larger than those from the islands. Moreover, the proportion of closed‐canopy forest in the landscapes also impacted physiological attributes. It negatively affected the body size of Deltochilum aspericole and the lipid mass of Dichotomius boreus, but positively affected the lipid mass of Canthon triangularis. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how habitat fragmentation in aquatic matrices affects the size structure and physiology of insect assemblages. This is essential in formulating effective conservation strategies for preserving biodiversity loss in tropical forest regions and mitigating the consequences of hydropower infrastructure.
The timing of reproduction is responding plastically, not genetically, to climate change in yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer)
Authors: St. Lawrence Sophia , Blumstein Daniel T. , Martin Julien G. A.
Published: December 2023

With global climates changing rapidly, animals must adapt to new environmental conditions with altered weather and phenology. The key to adapting to these new conditions is adjusting the timing of reproduction to maximize fitness. Using a long‐term dataset on a wild population of yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventer) at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), we investigated how the timing of reproduction changed with changing spring conditions over the past 50 years. Marmots are hibernators with a 4‐month active season. It is thus crucial to reproduce early enough in the season to have time to prepare for hibernation, but not too early, as snow cover prevents access to food. Importantly, climate change in this area has, on average, increased spring temperatures by 5°C and decreased spring snowpack by 50 cm over the past 50 years. We evaluated how female marmots adjust the timing of their reproduction in response to changing conditions and estimated the importance of both microevolution and plasticity in the variation in this timing. We showed that, within a year, the timing of reproduction is not as tightly linked to the date a female emerges from hibernation as previously thought. We reported a positive effect of spring snowpack but not of spring temperature on the timing of reproduction. We found inter‐individual variation in the timing of reproduction, including low heritability, but not in its response to changing spring conditions. There was directional selection for earlier reproduction since it increased the number and proportion of pups surviving their first winter. Taken together, the timing of marmot reproduction might evolve via natural selection; however, plastic changes will also be extremely important. Further, future studies on marmots should not operate under the assumption that females reproduce immediately following their emergence.
Unveiling the hidden diversity of marine eukaryotes in the Ross Sea: A comparative analysis of seawater and sponge eDNA surveys
Authors: Jeunen Gert‐Jan , Lamare Miles , Cummings Vonda , Treece Jackson , Ferreira Sara , Massuger Jack , Pryor Rodgers Lily , Tait Leigh , Lust Bobby , Wilkinson Shaun , Mariani Stefano , Mills Sadie , Gemmell Neil
Published: December 2023

The Ross Sea, Antarctica, while largely pristine, is experiencing increased anthropogenic pressures, necessitating enhanced biomonitoring efforts for conservation purposes. Environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from marine sponges provides a promising approach for biodiversity monitoring in remote areas by circumventing the need for time‐consuming water filtration. Investigations into the efficacy of eDNA signal detection across the tree of life from marine sponges have yet to be fully explored. Here, we conducted a seawater and sponge eDNA metabarcoding survey at seven coastal locations in the Ross Sea to assess spatial eukaryote biodiversity patterns and investigate eDNA signal differences between both substrates. In total, we detected 1450 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) across 30 phyla. Significant differences in water and sponge eDNA signal richness and composition were observed, with a partial overlap in OTU detection between both substrates and, thereby, underscoring the crucial role of substrate selection in eDNA metabarcoding surveys. Furthermore, alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed distinct eDNA signals among sampling locations, which were corroborated by known species distributions. However, only 135 OTUs (9%) could be successfully assigned to species level, and 574 OTUs (40%) were unable to be taxonomically classified, due to limitations in the reference database. Our results provide evidence for the potential of eDNA monitoring in remote areas, demonstrate the need to consider more sophisticated sampling strategies whereby multiple eDNA substrates are incorporated, and highlight the importance of complete reference databases for robust taxonomy assignment of eDNA signals.
The influence of nutrition knowledge, attitude, practices, and dietary diversity on obesity among market women in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Apprey Charles , Mensah Martina , Agyarko Desmond , Klu Yaa Asantewaa K. , Acquah Samuel
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Obesity and overweight are major public health threat affecting many people globally. This study aimed to examine the role of nutrition knowledge (NK), attitude, practices, and dietary diversity (DD) on the prevalence of obesity among market women in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted at Abura and Kotokuraba markets in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Apparently healthy female traders (n = 402) aged ≥18 years were selected randomly from the markets. DD was assessed with dietary diversity score (DDS) using a 24h dietary recall method. NK, dietary practices, and attitudes were assessed using validated semistructured questionnaires. Body composition parameters were assessed using appropriate tools. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of overweight was 31.84% and obesity was 39.30%. Majority of respondents had poor DD as about 91% had DDS <5. About 75% of the market women had no knowledge in nutrition. About 57% eat thrice daily and 82% take supper from 7 p.m. Knowledge in nutrition was significantly associated with body fat (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.26–0.78, p = 0.004), body mass index (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.28–0.71, p = 0.001), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.19–0.56, p < 0.001)

Conclusion

The prevalence of obesity and overweight was high among the market women. Poor NK and poor DD may have influenced this. A campaign on better dietary practices and delivery of nutrition education may help to minimize the prevalence of obesity among market women.
Investigation of serum trimethylamine‐N‐oxide levels in missed abortion: A prospective study
Authors: Sarikaya Sevcan , Körez Muslu Kazım , Ovali Fadime , Turgut Esranur , Vatansev Hüsamettin , Günenc Oğuzhan
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between missed abortion and serum trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) levels.

Methods

A total of 129 patients with 56 missed abortions and 73 healthy pregnancies were included in our study. Patients who had more than one pregnancy loss, had systemic disease (hypertension, diabetes, rheumatologic disease, hematologic disease, and so forth) and did not accept to participate in the study were excluded. Pregnant women who did not have a fetal heartbeat in the first 20th week of pregnancy were considered as missed abortion. Demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. The serum TMAO levels of these patients were compared with the serum TMAO levels of healthy pregnant women with the same gestational week between the two groups.

Results

The median (IQR) serum level of TMAO was significantly higher in woman with missed abortus compared to the healthy controls (201.5 [IQR, 129.75–345] vs 150 [IQR, 86.9–273], U = 1534, P = 0.015, rrb = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.05–0.43]). We observed a positive and significant relationship between serum TMAO levels and age of the patients (Spearman's rho = 0.272 [95% CI: 0.01–0.50], P = 0.043). However, no significant relationship was found between serum TMAO levels and BMI (Spearman's rho = 0.093 [95% CI: −0.18 to 0.35], P = 0.496).

Conclusion

In our study, we found that the serum TMAO level was higher in patients with missed abortion compared to healthy pregnancies. Serum TMAO levels measured at early gestational weeks can provide information about the course of pregnancy.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal association between atrial fibrillation and sarcopenia: Findings from the Korean frailty and aging cohort study
Authors: Shim Ga Yang , Kim Miji , Won Chang Won
Published: December 2023

Background

Sarcopenia is commonly observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, studies on the association between sarcopenia and atrial fibrillation and their causal relationships are limited. We performed cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses to investigate the association between sarcopenia and atrial fibrillation among community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A total of 2225 participants from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS) from 2016 to 2017 were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 consensus. Atrial fibrillation was diagnosed on the basis of electrocardiographic findings. We investigated whether atrial fibrillation increased the risk of incident sarcopenia 2 years later and whether sarcopenia, in turn, increased the 2‐year risk of developing atrial fibrillation using KFACS data from 2018 to 2019.

Results

Of the 2225 participants (54.2% women; mean age 76.0 ± 3.9 years), 509 (22.9%) had sarcopenia at baseline. In the cross‐sectional analysis, sarcopenia was associated with atrial fibrillation after multivariate adjustment [odd ratio (OR), 2.127; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.240–3.648; P = 0.006]. Among the sarcopenia components, low physical performance was associated with atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.872; 95% CI, 1.123–3.120; P = 0.016). During the 2‐year follow‐up period, atrial fibrillation was not associated with new‐onset of sarcopenia (OR, 1.483; 95% CI, 0.597–3.685; P = 0.396), and sarcopenia also did not significantly increase the risk of incident atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.120; 95% CI, 0.384–3.264; P = 0.836).

Conclusions

Although we found a significant association between sarcopenia and atrial fibrillation in a cross‐sectional analysis, we could not establish a causal relationship between the two based on 2 years of follow‐up. Further research with long‐term follow‐up is required to identify causal relationship between atrial fibrillation and sarcopenia.
Effects of nanocarbon and nano‐calcium carbonate on soil enzyme activities and soil microbial community in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere soil
Authors: Chen Shuang , Dong Chengwu , Gao Yu , Li Yajun , Shi Yan
Published: December 2023

Background

Nanofertilisers can enhance the efficiency of nutrient utilization in crop production. Nevertheless, it is unclear how soil microbial and enzyme activities are affected by the application of nanofertilisers to wheat inter‐root soil.

Aims

The study aims to investigate the influences of nanocarbon (NC) and nano‐calcium carbonate (NCC) on soil enzyme activities and microbial community in the open field setting.

Methods

The effects of nanofertilisers on soil wheat rhizosphere soil were studied through the evaluation of soil microbial quantity, enzyme activity, and microbial diversity.

Results

The findings revealed that the combined utilization of nanofertilizers and compound fertilizers (CF) led to an augmentation in the diversity of the soil microbial community. When comparing the effects of 100% composite nanofertilizers (100% CF + 50% NC + 50% NCC) with the control (CK) (100% CF), it was observed that the activities of urease (EC 3.5.1.5), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), sucrase (EC.3.2.1.26), as well as the number of fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria, increased by 22.4%, 7.7%, 17.8%, 9.3%, 35.9%, 27.7%, and 26.0%, respectively. Similarly, the employment of 70% composite nanofertilizers (70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC) also resulted in an enhancement of these aforementioned indicators. The magnitude of increase over the 100% CF was 19.0%, 6.6%, 13.6%, 6.2%, 26.8%, 21.3%, and 23.5%, respectively. Notably, there was no significant difference observed between 100% CF + 50% NC + 50 % NCC and 70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC within the 0–35 d after anthesis. Furthermore, both 100% CF + 50% NC + 50% NCC and 70% CF + 35% NC + 35% NCC contributed to an improvement in the species uniformity and operational taxonomic unit abundance of wheat rhizosphere microorganisms, while also increasing the abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria compared to the CK. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria was found to be elevated in the nanomaterials‐treated groups, both at 0–7 d and 14–21 d after anthesis, and positively correlated with soil enzyme activities and soil microbial populations.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the application of composite nanofertilizers can enhance the soil microenvironment in wheat fields, particularly under reduced fertilization conditions.
Quantitative brain mapping using magnetic resonance fingerprinting on a 50‐mT portable MRI scanner
Authors: Xuan Liang , Zhang Yuxiang , Wu Jiamin , He Yucheng , Xu Zheng
Published: December 2023

Ultralow‐field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF‐MRI) has broad application prospects because of its portable hardware system and low cost. However, the low B0 magnitude of ULF‐MRI results in a reduced signal‐to‐noise ratio in qualitative images compared with that of commercial high‐field MRI, which can affect the visibility and delineation of tissues and lesions. In this work, a magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) approach is applied to a homemade 50‐mT ULF‐MRI scanner to achieve efficient quantitative brain imaging, which is an original and promising disease‐diagnosis approach for portable MRI systems. An inversion recovery fast imaging with steady‐state precession‐based sequence is utilized for MRF through Cartesian acquisition. A microdictionary analysis method is proposed to select the optimal repetition time and flip angle variation schedule and ensure the best possible tissue discriminative ability of MRF. The T1 and T2 relaxation properties and the B1+ distribution are considered for estimation, and the results are compared with those of gold standard (GS) quantitative imaging or qualitative imaging methods. The phantom experiment indicates that the quantitative values obtained by schedule‐optimized MRF show good agreement, and the bias from the GS results is acceptable. The in vivo experiment shows that the relaxation times of white and gray matter estimated by MRF are slightly lower than the reference data, and the relaxation times of lipid are within the range of the reference data. Compared with qualitative MRI under ULF, MRF can intuitively reflect various items of brain tissue information in a single scan, so it is a valuable addition to point‐of‐care imaging approaches.
Regulatory mechanisms of the LBD40 transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana somatic embryogenesis
Authors: Joshi Sanjay , Hill Kristine , Chakrabarti Manohar , Perry Sharyn E.
Published: December 2023

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a process by which an embryo is derived from somatic tissue. Transcription factors (TFs) have been identified that control this process. One such TF that promotes SE is AGAMOUS‐like 15 (AGL15). Prior work has shown that AGL15 can both induce and repress gene expression. One way this type of dual function TF works is via protein interactions, so a yeast 2‐hybrid (Y2H) screen was undertaken. One intriguing protein with which AGL15 interacted in Y2H was LBD40. LBD40 encodes a LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES (LOB)‐domain TF that is unique to plants and is primarily expressed during seed development. Here, we confirm the AGL15‐LBD40 interaction by quantitative assays and in planta co‐immunoprecipation. We also document a role for LBD40, and the closely related protein LBD41, in supporting SE. To determine downstream genes potentially controlled by LBD40, chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing (ChIP‐seq) was used. More than 400 binding regions for LBD40 were consistently found genome‐wide. To determine genes responsive to LBD40/41 accumulation, RNA‐seq analysis of transcriptomes of wild‐type control and loss‐of‐function lbd40/lbd41 was performed. Combining these datasets provides insight into genes directly and indirectly controlled by these LOB domain TFs. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of these regulated genes showed an overrepresentation of biological processes that are associated with SE, further indicating the importance of LBD40 in SE. This work provides insight into SE, a poorly understood, but essential process to generate transgenic plants to meet agricultural demands or test gene function. This manuscript reports on experiments to understand the role that LDB40, a TF, plays in support of SE by investigating genes directly and indirectly controlled by LBD40 and examining physical and genetic interactions with other TFs active in SE. We uncover targets of LBD40 and an interacting TF of the MADS family and investigate targets involvement in SE.
Effects of N‐oxide on the thermal stability of energetic materials: A case study of 2,6‐Diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide
Authors: Yu Qian , Zhao Chuande , Liao Longyu , Li Jianjun , Yang Fang , Li Gang , Li Jinshan
Published: December 2023

Finding new insensitive high explosives has been the focus of the energetic materials community in recent decades. To accelerate the discovery process, it is necessary to elucidate the relationship between molecular structure and the performance of explosives. In this regard, the effects of N‐oxide groups, commonly introduced to increase the energy density of explosives, on the thermal stability of explosives were investigated by comparing the thermal behaviors of a typical energetic N‐oxide, ANPZO, and its analogue ANPZ. The presence of N‐oxide facilitated the thermal decomposition of ANPZO thoroughly and suppressed its sublimation to a certain extent. Compared to ANPZ, the introduction of N‐oxide increased the thermal enthalpy, reduced the solid residues, and shortened the acceleration period of thermal decomposition of ANPZO. Additionally, the sublimation rate and vapor pressure of ANPZO were lower than those of ANPZ. The enthalpy of sublimation for ANPZO was 175.1 kJ mol−1, compared to 135.2 kJ mol−1 for ANPZ. The effects of N‐oxide on the thermal decomposition and sublimation are attributed to its contribution to the augmentation of oxygen sources and intermolecular interactions, respectively. This study provides further insight into the relationship between the N‐oxide group and the performance of explosives, which could be beneficial for the design and application of new explosives.
Fluorescent Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Dots as Nanosensors for the Detection of Fe3+ Ions
Authors: Zhao Jingying , Ji Xinxin , Xing Huan , Yang Guang
Published: December 2023

Fluorescent nitrogen‐doped carbon dots (N‐CDs) are obtained by a straightforward hydrothermal method, and tartaric acid and L‐histidine hydrochloride are used as precursors. The obtained N‐CDs exhibit nanoscale structure, good water solubility, photostability, and excellent fluorescence (FL) properties with a high FL quantum yield of 19%. The designed N‐CDs are used as fluorescent probes for detecting Fe3+ with the FL “on‐off” strategy. Two good linear relationships can be observed for the concentration of Fe3+ from 0 to 80 μm and from 80 to 600 μm, and the calculated detection limit for Fe3+ is 0.88 μm (3σ/slope). Moreover, the N‐CDs‐based FL probe can also be used for detecting Fe3+ in tap water and possesses great potential application in the field of anti‐fake information encryption.
Dual biologics for severe asthma and atopic dermatitis: Synopsis of two cases and literature review
Authors: Matsumoto Takeshi , Sakurai Yumiko , Tashima Noriyuki , Matoba Tomoya , Kaneko Akiko , Fujiki Takahiro , Kusakabe Yusuke , Nakayama Emi , Tanaka Ayaka , Tashima Mayuko , Yamamoto Naoki , Aihara Kensaku
Published: December 2023

The efficacy and safety of the combination of biologic therapies remain unclear with an ineffective and insufficient single biologic for managing asthma. Herein, we report two cases using dual biologics for severe asthma and atopic dermatitis. A 52‐year‐old male patient who received dupilumab and mepolizumab, benralizumab, or tezepelumab, followed by bronchial thermoplasty, and a 41‐year‐old male patient who received dupilumab and omalizumab, both experienced improved asthma and atopic dermatitis. To date, 38 cases are using dual biologics for severe asthma. The success rate was 84%, with no major adverse effects. We report the first case of severe asthma receiving dual biologics with tezepelumab and furthermore bronchial thermoplasty, and comprehensive literature review on dual biologics. Dual biologics may be an effective treatment method for severe asthma, requiring further investigation.
High‐Stability RuNi/C Electrocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction in Alkaline Condition
Authors: Fu Xiaorui , Chen Zanyu , Zhang Shiyu , Wang Jiajun , Ding Jia , Han Xiaopeng
Published: December 2023

The Ru‐based catalyst for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) with remarkable activity and reliability at high potential range remains a formidable challenge. Herein, the RuNi/C nanoparticles are customized, in which NiRu alloy is tightly wrapped with a carbon layer, delivering 2.2‐fold and 8.3‐fold enhancement in kinetic current density than that of commercial Pt/C and Ru/C, respectively. Notably, the current density maintains 2.93 mA cm−2disk at 0.6 V vs RHE, which effectively improves the stability of Ru‐based catalysts at high voltage. The NiRu alloy triggers electron redistribution between two metal elements and regulates the surface adsorption performance, coupled with a tightly wrapped outer carbon layer which is in situ formed with alloy as a good conductor of electronic and protection from the electrolyte. This work not only provides a novel electrocatalyst for efficient HOR with its potential for industrial application but also opens up a new avenue for designing highly active catalytic systems.
Comparison of competing‐risks model with angiogenic factors in midgestation screening for preterm growth‐related neonatal morbidity
Authors: Papastefanou I. , Menenez M. , Szczepkowska A. , Gungil B. , Syngelaki A. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

First, to evaluate the predictive performance for preterm growth‐related neonatal morbidity of a high soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio or low PlGF at midgestation and, second, to compare the performance of a high sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF with that of the competing‐risks model for small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), utilizing a combination of maternal risk factors, sonographic estimated fetal weight and uterine artery pulsatility index.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study in women attending for a routine hospital visit at 19–24 weeks' gestation in two maternity hospitals in England. The visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, carrying out an ultrasound scan and measuring serum PlGF and sFlt‐1. The primary outcome was delivery < 32 and < 37 weeks' gestation of a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10th or < 3rd percentile, combined with neonatal unit (NNU) admission for ≥ 48 h or a composite of major neonatal morbidity. The detection rates in screening by PlGF < 10th percentile, sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile and the competing‐risks model for SGA were estimated and then compared using McNemar's test.

Results

In the study population of 40 241 women, prediction of preterm growth‐related neonatal morbidity provided by the competing‐risks model for SGA was superior to that of screening by low PlGF concentration or high sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio. For example, at a screen‐positive rate of 10.0%, as defined by the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile, the competing‐risks model predicted 70.1% (95% CI, 61.0–79.2%) of SGA < 10th percentile and 76.9% (95% CI, 67.6–86.3%) of SGA < 3rd percentile with NNU admission for ≥ 48 h delivered < 32 weeks' gestation. The respective values for SGA with major neonatal morbidity were 73.8% (95% CI, 64.4–83.2%) and 77.9% (95% CI, 68.0–87.8%). These were significantly higher than the respective values of 35.1% (95% CI, 25.6–44.6%), 35.9% (95% CI, 25.3–46.5%), 38.1% (95% CI, 27.7–48.5%) and 39.7% (95% CI, 28.1–51.3%) achieved by the application of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile (all P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

At midgestation, the prediction of growth‐related neonatal morbidity by the competing‐risks model for SGA is superior to that of a high sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Using Clustering and Machine Learning Methods to Provide Intelligent Grocery Shopping Recommendations
Authors: Chabane Nail , Bouaoune Mohamed Achraf , Tighilt Reda Amir Sofiane , Mazoure Bogdan , Tahiri Nadia , Makarenkov Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, grocery lists make part of shopping habits of many customers. With the popularity of e-commerce and plethora of products and promotions available on online stores, it can become increasingly difficult for customers to identify. products that both satisfy their needs and represent the best deals overall. In this paper, we present a grocery recommender system based on the use of traditional machine learning methods aiming at assisting customers with creation of their grocery lists on the MyGroceryTour platform which displays weekly grocery deals in Canada. Our recommender system relies on the individual user purchase histories, as well as the available products’ and stores’ features, to constitute intelligent weekly grocery lists. The use of clustering prior to supervised machine learning methods allowed us to identify customers profiles and reduce the choice of potential products of interest for each customer, thus improving the prediction results. The highest average F-score of 0.499 for the considered dataset of 826 Canadian customers was obtained using the Random Forest prediction model which was compared to the Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting Tree, XGBoost, Logistic Regression, Catboost, Support Vector Machine and Naive Bayes models in our study.
PcTVI: Parallel MDP Solver Using a Decomposition into Independent Chains
Authors: Gareau Jaël Champagne , Beaudry Éric , Makarenkov Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) are useful to solve real-world probabilistic planning problems. However, finding an optimal solution in an MDP can take an unreasonable amount of time when the number of states in the MDP is large. In this paper, we present a way to decompose an MDP into Strongly Connected Components (SCCs) and to find dependency chains for these SCCs. We then propose a variant of the Topological Value Iteration (TVI) algorithm, called parallel chained TVI (pcTVI), which is able to solve independent chains of SCCs in parallel leveraging modern multicore computer architectures. The performance of our algorithm was measured by comparing it to the baseline TVI algorithm on a new probabilistic planning domain introduced in this study. Our pcTVI algorithm led to a speedup factor of 20, compared to traditional TVI (on a computer having 32 cores).
Robustness Aspects of Optimized Centroids
Authors: Kalina Jan , Janáček Patrik
Published: December 2023

Centroids are often used for object localization tasks, supervised segmentation in medical image analysis, or classification in other specific tasks. This paper starts by contributing to the theory of centroids by evaluating the effect of modified illumination on the weighted correlation coefficient. Further, robustness of various centroid-based tools is investigated in experiments related to mouth localization in non-standardized facial images or classification of high-dimensional data in a matched pairs design. The most robust results are obtained if the sparse centroid-based method for supervised learning is accompanied with an intrinsic variable selection. Robustness, sparsity, and energy-efficient computation turn out not to contradict the requirement on the optimal performance of the centroids.