bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory function testing for guiding ventilator mode conversion in congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Kimura Sasagu , Toyoshima Katsuaki , Shimokaze Tomoyuki , Katsumata Kaoru , Saito Tomoko , Hoshino Rikuo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

For patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) are used in initial ventilatory management. HFOV has recently been recommended as a rescue therapy; however, we use HFOV for initial ventilation management, with a preoperative challenge test for CMV conversion and respiratory function testing at the time of CMV conversion. We aimed to compare patient characteristics between CMV conversion‐ and HFOV‐preferred treatment groups.

Methods

Ventilator settings and blood gases were retrospectively evaluated pre‐ and post‐CMV conversion, and respiratory function tests for compliance of the respiratory system (Crs) and for resistance of the respiratory system (Rrs) were performed during the trial to CMV conversion.

Results

No differences were observed between the CMV conversion‐ and HFOV‐preferred groups regarding gestational age, birth weight, and observed/expected lung area‐to‐head circumference ratios. The median Crs (ml/cmH2O/kg) and Rrs (cmH2O･kg/L/s) in the CMV conversion‐ and HFOV‐preferred groups was 0.42 versus 0.53 (p = .44) and 467 versus 327 (p = .045), respectively. The pre and posttrial amount of change in blood gas levels and ventilator parameters in the CMV conversion‐ and HFOV‐preferred groups were as follows: mean airway pressure, −2.0 versus 0 cmH2O; partial pressure of carbon dioxide, 6.1 versus 2.9 Torr; alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference, −39.5 versus −50 Torr; and oxygenation index, −1.0 versus −0.6; respectively.

Conclusion

Respiratory function tests were useful in tailoring ventilator settings. Patients with high Rrs values responded better to CMV conversion.
ROX (Respiratory rate–OXygenation) index to predict early response to high‐flow nasal cannula therapy in infants with viral bronchiolitis
Authors: Milesi Christophe , Nogue Erika , Baleine Julien , Moulis Lionel , Pouyau Robin , Gavotto Arthur , Brossier David , Mortamet Guillaume , Cambonie Gilles ,   GFRUP Respiratory Study Group
Published: January 2024

Introduction

High‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is commonly used as first step respiratory support in infants with moderate‐to‐severe acute viral bronchiolitis (AVB). This device, however, fails to effectively manage respiratory distress in about a third of patients, and data are limited on determinants of patient response. The respiratory rate–oxygenation (ROX) index is a relevant tool to predict the risk for HFNC failure in adult patients with lower respiratory tract infections. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationship between ROX indexes collected before and 1 h after HFNC initiation, and HFNC failure occurring in the following 48 h in infants with AVB.

Method

This is an ancillary study to the multicenter randomized controlled trial TRAMONTANE 2, that included 286 infants of less than 6 months with moderate‐to‐severe AVB. Collection of physiological variables at baseline (H0), and 1 h after HFNC (H1), included heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), respiratory distress score (modified Wood's Clinical Asthma Score [mWCAS]), and pain and discomfort scale (EDIN). ROX and ROX‐HR were calculated as and , respectively. Predefined HFNC failure criteria included increase in respiratory distress score or RR, increase in discomfort, and severe apnea episodes. The accuracies of ROX, ROX‐HR indexes and clinical variable to predict HFNC failure were assessed using receiver operating curve analysis. We analyzed predictive factors of HFNC failure using multivariate logistic regressions.

Result

HFNC failure occurred in 111 of 286 (39%) infants, and for 56 (50% of the failure) of them within the first 6 h. The area under the curve of ROX indexes at H0 and H1 were, respectively, 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48–0.63, p = 0.14), 0.56 (95% CI 0.49–0.64, p = 0.09). ROX‐HR performances were better but remained poorly discriminant. HFNC failure was associated with higher mWCAS score at H1 (p < 0.01) and lower decrease in EDIN scale during the first hour of HFNC delivery (p = 0.02). In the multivariate analyses, age and mWCAS score were were found to be independent factors associated with HFNC failure at H0. At H1, weight and mWCAS were associated factors.

Conclusion

In this study, neither ROX index, nor physiological variables usually collected in infants with AVB had early discriminatory capacity to predict HFNC failure.
Development of a pharmaceutical science systematic review process using a semi‐automated machine learning tool: Intravenous drug compatibility in the neonatal intensive care setting
Authors: De Silva D. Thisuri N. , Moore Brioni R. , Strunk Tobias , Petrovski Michael , Varis Vanessa , Chai Kevin , Ng Leo , Batty Kevin T.
Published: January 2024

Our objective was to establish and test a machine learning‐based screening process that would be applicable to systematic reviews in pharmaceutical sciences. We used the SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type) model, a broad search strategy, and a machine learning tool (Research Screener) to identify relevant references related to y‐site compatibility of 95 intravenous drugs used in neonatal intensive care settings. Two independent reviewers conducted pilot studies, including manual screening and evaluation of Research Screener, and used the kappa‐coefficient for inter‐reviewer reliability. After initial deduplication of the search strategy results, 27 597 references were available for screening. Research Screener excluded 1735 references, including 451 duplicate titles and 1269 reports with no abstract/title, which were manually screened. The remainder (25 862) were subject to the machine learning screening process. All eligible articles for the systematic review were extracted from <10% of the references available for screening. Moderate inter‐reviewer reliability was achieved, with kappa‐coefficient ≥0.75. Overall, 324 references were subject to full‐text reading and 118 were deemed relevant for the systematic review. Our study showed that a broad search strategy to optimize the literature captured for systematic reviews can be efficiently screened by the semi‐automated machine learning tool, Research Screener.
Effect of walnut consumption on markers of endothelial function in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hsu Chou‐Yi , Alzahrani Abdullah Ali , Maabreh Hatem Ghaleb , Prasad K. D. V. , Bokov Dmitry O. , Kareem Anaheed Hussein , Alawadi Ahmed , Ihsan Ali , Shakir Maha Noori , Alasheqi Mohammed Qasim
Published: January 2024

Findings on the effect of walnut consumption on endothelial function are conflicting. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta‐analysis summarized available trials in this regard. A systematic search was performed in online databases including PubMed‐Medline, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to October 2023. Articles that reported the effect of walnut intake on flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), and stimulus‐adjusted response measure (SARM) were included. Random effects models for a weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to test for the overall effect. Six eligible trials were analyzed (250 participants). Walnut intake significantly increased FMD (WMD: 0.94%, 95% CI: 0.12 to 1.75; p = 0.02). However, meta‐analysis could not show any beneficial effect of walnut intake on ICAM‐1 (SMD: −0.23, 95% CI: −0.68 to 0.22; p = 0.31), VCAM‐1 (SMD: −0.02, 95% CI: −1.38 to 1.34; p = 0.97), and SARM (WMD: 0.01%, 95% CI: −0.01 to 0.04; p = 0.28). In conclusion, the present meta‐analysis suggests that walnuts may reduce cardiovascular disease risk by improving FMD. However, further studies should be performed on adults to determine the effect of walnut intake on endothelial function.
Costs of UK Community Care for Individuals with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: Findings of the Prospective Epidermolysis Bullosa Longitudinal Evaluation Study
Authors: Jeffs Eunice , Pillay Elizabeth , Ledwaba-Chapman Lesedi , Bisquera Alessandra , Robertson Susan , McGrath John , Wang Yanzhong , Martinez Anna , Patel Anita , Mellerio Jemima
Published: January 2024

Background

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inherited skin fragility disorder requiring multidisciplinary management. Information regarding costs of current standard treatment is scant.

Objectives

As part of a longitudinal natural history study, we explored the community care costs of UK patients with different forms of RDEB.

Methods

Fifty-nine individuals with RDEB provided detailed information on multiple facets of RDEB including disease severity scores (iscorEB, BEBS) and patient reported outcomes (quality of life evaluation in epidermolysis bullosa, iscorEB patient questionnaire). Costs data included time spent doing dressings, frequency of dressing changes, details of materials used, and paid and unpaid care.

Results

Overall costs of dressing materials and associated care were high in RDEB. Median annual costs across all subtypes for those using dressings (n = 51) were over £26 000. For severe RDEB (RDEB-S), median costs were almost £90 000 per annum, with a median of 18 h per week spent on dressing changes. Half of working-age adults with RDEB were unemployed and 39% of carers were unable to take on full-time or part-time paid employment, adding to indirect costs and the financial burden from RDEB on families and society.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate the high costs of care of RDEB, particularly for RDEB-S. The current expense supports the drive to develop new therapies which accelerate wound healing and diminish total wound burden, thereby reducing costs of dressings and care. While costly to bring to market, these might ultimately reduce the overall cost of treatment and also the impact on individuals living with this rare disease. The data also highlight the need for adequate reimbursement for EB care which can place significant financial strain on families.
Biobased Glycols – Towards the Use of Solid Bases in the Hydrogenolysis of Sorbitol
Authors: Beine Anna Katharina , Albano Ylenia , Reichenberger Sven , Gupta Kavita , Palkovits Regina
Published: January 2024

In this study, mixed metal oxides of alkaline earth metals and Ti or Zr were synthesized and investigated as solid bases in the hydrogenolysis of sorbitol in combination with Ru/C. Desired products of this reaction are glycols, which are today produced from fossil feedstock and find application as monomers or anti‐freezes. The most promising mixed metal oxide CaZr−O possesses CaO, Ca(OH)2, perovskite and ZrO2 phases. CaO and Ca(OH)2 leach out over the reaction making the solid a depot for the homogeneous base. Additionally, catalytic activity also results from a synergistic effect of the solid perovskite and ZrO2 phases increasing the sum of liquid phase products. After an optimization of the process parameters, a maximum selectivity to glycols of 50 % was achieved at 74 % conversion within 4 h at 220 °C.
Facile Synthesis of Highly Sensitive Hybrid Nanomaterial Modified with a Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Fe3+ Ions
Authors: Kamel Ghada M. , El‐Khouly Mohamed E. , Fayed Tarek A. , El‐Kemary Maged , El‐Nahass Marwa N.
Published: January 2024

Herein, a highly sensitive nanosensor was developed by covalent grafting of Schiff base. (E)‐2,3‐dimethyl‐1‐phenyl‐4‐(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyleneamino)‐1,2‐dihydropyrazol‐5‐one (DPPDO) on the surface of mesoporous titanium, Mes‐TiO2, via an aminopropyl bridge to get Mes‐TiO2‐NH2/DPPDO. The effective grafting was validated by different spectroscopic techniques. Using absorption, and emission measurements, the colorimetric and optical detection behaviors of several metal ions such as Mn2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Ag+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Al3+, and Pb2+ were investigated. By dispersing the nanosensor in an aqueous solution containing the metal ions of interest, the resulting solid materials exhibited high binding to Fe3+ ions compared to other metal ions, resulting in dramatic fluorescence intensity up to 87 %. It showed quenching and yellow discoloration. When 0.2 M hydrochloric acid was added to the produced nanosensor‐Fe complex, the effect of the investigated nanosensor was reversible, restoring the original absorption and emission spectra of the free sensor. It is shown that there are solvent effects are also discussed for solvents of different polarities. Fluorescence quantum yields, fluorescence lifetimes, binding constants, and limit of detection were determined. In addition, reusability was evaluated to determine the adsorption efficacy of the nanosensor and was found to be effective seven times, suggesting that nanosensor is potential one for metal ion detection.
Tuning the Structure of 4‐Aminopyridine Catalysts for Improved Activity and Selectivity in Functionalization of Alcohols
Authors: Saady Fatma , Targel Tom , Fleischer Or , Amer Ibrahim , Portnoy Moshe
Published: January 2024

Seeking to improve the site selectivity in the catalytic phosphorylation and acylation of a model amphiphilic substrate, further increasing the preference for the apolar domain, which we recently disclosed, we attempted to augment the nucleophilicity of the 4‐aminopyridine core unit used in our catalysts, while simultaneously preserving or even increasing the density of their lipophilic outer‐sphere components. Of the three approaches to the new catalyst design, the most promising, in the case of phosphorylation, was that placing two benzyl moieties, substituted with long apolar alkoxy groups in the ortho positions, on the amine nitrogen of the core. This modification also substantially improved the activity of the catalyst in both reactions. Although this approach reduced the selectivity in the acylation reaction, we demonstrated that by altering the geometry of the benzyl substituents (e. g., by restricting the degree of their freedom), the higher selectivity can be regained.
Effects of cardiovascular exercise on eating behaviours: Accounting for effects on stress, depression‐, and anger‐related emotional eating in women with obesity
Authors: Annesi James J.
Published: January 2024

Obesity remains a medical issue of great concern. Behavioural methods attempting to induce weight loss have largely failed because of a minimal understanding of stress‐ and depression‐associated psychosocial correlates. This study extended research into the effects of exercise on weight loss through psychological pathways to improve treatments. Women with obesity (N = 108), participating in an original theory‐driven cognitive‐behavioural treatment within community‐based health promotion centres, were evaluated over 24 months. Their mean scores on anxiety, depression, and anger at baseline were significantly higher than normative data from a general sample of United States women. Three serial mediation models were specified assessing mediation of the significant exercise→dietary change relationship. These yielded two significant paths: changes in exercise→anxiety→anxiety‐associated emotional eating→self‐efficacy→diet, and changes in exercise→depression→depression‐associated emotional eating→self‐efficacy→diet; and one non‐significant path: changes in exercise→anger→anger‐associated emotional eating→self‐efficacy→diet. In a subsequent moderated moderation model, change in eating‐related self‐regulation moderated the relationship between changes in anxiety and anxiety‐associated emotional eating, where exercise‐associated self‐regulation moderated effects from eating‐related self‐regulation. Dietary improvement was significantly related to weight loss over 6 (β = −0.40), 12 (β = −0.42), and 24 (β = −0.33) months. Findings indicated an increased treatment focus on the completion of moderate amounts of exercise for weight loss and, following that, attention to improvements in anxiety, depression, anxiety‐ and depression‐associated emotional eating, self‐efficacy for controlled eating, and the transfer of exercise‐related self‐regulation to eating‐related self‐regulation. Given the scope of the obesity problem, extensions of this research within field settings are warranted to accelerate application opportunities.
Engineering Directional Charge Carrier Transport Using Ferroelectric Polarization for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Xu Qian , Berardan David , Brisset François , Colbeau‐Justin Christophe , Ghazzal Mohamed Nawfal
Published: January 2024

Introducing ferroelectric polarization has shown great potential to facilitate interfacial charge separation in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, unambiguous evidence of the actual influence of spontaneous ferroelectric polarization, as compared to heterojunction formation, on electron extraction and PEC water splitting is still lacking to date. Herein, core‐shell BaTiO3/TiO2 nanostructures are designed as photoanodes based on paraelectric cubic and ferroelectric tetragonal phases BaTiO3 (BTO) perovskite. The cubic and tetragonal crystalline phases are stabilized using selected elaboration methods. Compared to the paraelectric cubic (c‐BTO), the ferroelectric tetragonal (t‐BTO) leads to a favorable ferroelectric polarization, enhancing directional charge separation and as a consequence to increased photocurrent up to a factor of 1.95. More interestingly, the charge separation efficiency can be tuned by applying positive or negative polarization, with the highest charge separation obtained for the positive one. When loading Ni(OH)2 as a cocatalyst on the t‐BTO@TiO2 photoanode, the Ni(OH)2/TiO2/t‐BTO exhibits a high performance and superior stability toward PEC water oxidation with a photocurrent almost 6.7 times that of the reference SiO2@TiO2. The proposed facilitation may open an avenue to engineer charge separation and transport for high‐performance PEC water oxidation.
High‐Performance Engineered Composites Biofabrication Using Fungi
Authors: Zhang Mingchang , Zhao Xiaoqi , Bai Mingyang , Xue Jing , Liu Ru , Huang Yuxiang , Wang Mingzhi , Cao Jinzhen
Published: January 2024

Various natural polymers offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum‐based adhesives, enabling the creation of high‐performance engineered materials. However, additional chemical modifications and complicated manufacturing procedures remain unavoidable. Here, a sustainable high‐performance engineered composite that benefits from bonding strategies with multiple energy dissipation mechanisms dominated by chemical adhesion and mechanical interlocking is demonstrated via the fungal smart creative platform. Chemical adhesion is predominantly facilitated by the extracellular polymeric substrates and glycosylated proteins present in the fungal outer cell walls. The dynamic feature of non‐covalent interactions represented by hydrogen bonding endows the composite with extensive unique properties including healing, recyclability, and scalable manufacturing. Mechanical interlocking involves multiple mycelial networks (elastic modulus of 2.8 GPa) binding substrates, and the fungal inner wall skeleton composed of chitin and β‐glucan imparts product stability. The physicochemical properties of composite (modulus of elasticity of 1455.3 MPa, internal bond strength of 0.55 MPa, hardness of 82.8, and contact angle of 110.2°) are comparable or even superior to those of engineered lignocellulosic materials created using petroleum‐based polymers or bioadhesives. High‐performance composite biofabrication using fungi may inspire the creation of other sustainable engineered materials with the assistance of the extraordinary capabilities of living organisms.
Swarms of Enzyme‐Powered Nanomotors Enhance the Diffusion of Macromolecules in Viscous Media
Authors: Ruiz‐González Noelia , Esporrín‐Ubieto David , Hortelao Ana C. , Fraire Juan C. , Bakenecker Anna C. , Guri‐Canals Marta , Cugat Ramón , Carrillo José María , Garcia‐Batlletbó Montserrat , Laiz Patricia , Patiño Tania , Sánchez Samuel
Published: January 2024

Over the past decades, the development of nanoparticles (NPs) to increase the efficiency of clinical treatments has been subject of intense research. Yet, most NPs have been reported to possess low efficacy as their actuation is hindered by biological barriers. For instance, synovial fluid (SF) present in the joints is mainly composed of hyaluronic acid (HA). These viscous media pose a challenge for many applications in nanomedicine, as passive NPs tend to become trapped in complex networks, which reduces their ability to reach the target location. This problem can be addressed by using active NPs (nanomotors, NMs) that are self‐propelled by enzymatic reactions, although the development of enzyme‐powered NMs, capable of navigating these viscous environments, remains a considerable challenge. Here, the synergistic effects of two NMs troops, namely hyaluronidase NMs (HyaNMs, Troop 1) and urease NMs (UrNMs, Troop 2) are demonstrated. Troop 1 interacts with the SF by reducing its viscosity, thus allowing Troop 2 to swim more easily through the SF. Through their collective motion, Troop 2 increases the diffusion of macromolecules. These results pave the way for more widespread use of enzyme‐powered NMs, e.g., for treating joint injuries and improving therapeutic effectiveness compared with traditional methods.
Boosting Electrochemical Nitrogen Fixation via Regulating Surface Electronic Structure by CeO2 Hybridization
Authors: Fang Bin , Wang Xiao , Zhang Shuaishuai , Zhang Lingling , Zhang Rui , Wang Ke , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: January 2024

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) paves a sustainable way to produce NH3 but suffering from the relatively low NH3 yield and poor selectivity. High‐performance NRR catalysts and a deep insight into the structure‐performance relationship are higher desired. Herein, a molten‐salt approach is developed to synthesize tiny CeO2 nanoparticles anchored by ultra‐thin MoN nanosheets as advanced catalysts for NRR. Specifically, a considerably high NH3 yield rate of 27.5 µg h−1 mg−1 with 17.2% Faradaic efficiency (FE) can be achieved at ‐0.3 V vs (RHE) under ambient conditions. Experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further point out that the incorporation of MoN with CeO2 can promotes the enlargement of the electron deficient area of nitrogen vacancy site. The enlarged electron deficient area contributes to the accommodation of lone pair electrons of N2, which dramatically improves the N2 adsorption/activation and the key intermediates (*NNH and *NH3) generation, thus boosting the NRR performance.
Ru Single Atoms Integrated into Cobalt Oxide Spinel Structure with Interstitial Carbon for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Wang Guowei , Zhang Guikai , Chen Xu
Published: January 2024

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a critical role in energy conversion technologies. Significant progress has been made in alkaline conditions. In contrast, it remains a challenge to develop stable OER electrocatalysts in acidic conditions. Herein, a new strategy is reported to stabilize single atoms integrated into cobalt oxide spinel structure with interstitial carbon (Ru0.27Co2.73O4), where the optimized Ru0.27Co2.73O4 exhibits a low overpotential of 265, 326, and 367 mV to reach a current density of 10, 50, and 100 mA cm2, respectively. More importantly, Ru0.27Co2.73O4 has long‐term stability of up to 100 h, representing one of the most stable OER electrocatalysts. X‐ray adsorption spectroscopy (XAS) characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations jointly demonstrate that the significant catalytic performance of Ru0.27Co2.73O4 is due to the synergistic effect between the Ru and Co sites and the bridging O ligands, as well as the significant reduction of the OER energy barrier. This work provides a new perspective for designing and constructing efficient non‐noble metal‐based electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Bandgap Pairing in Three‐Terminal Tandem Solar Cells: From Limiting Efficiency to Voltage‐Matched Device Performance
Authors: Wagner Philipp , Tockhorn Philipp , Zimmermann Lea , Köhnen Eike , Mariotti Silvia , Scheler Florian , Härtel Marlene , Albrecht Steve , Korte Lars
Published: January 2024

Three‐terminal tandem solar cells (3 T TSCs) have recently sparked increasing interest as they feature a lean monolithic device architecture similar to two‐terminal TSCs and, like four‐terminal TSCs, do not require current matching for optimal operation. In this contribution, detailed balance limit calculations for different combinations of top and bottom cell bandgaps are conducted to determine the optimum bandgap pairing and limiting efficiency of 3T TSCs. An experimental realization of a 3T TSC with perovskite and silicon sub‐cells and a combined efficiency of 28.9% is presented and used to derive a realistic parameterization for non‐radiative recombination. Herein, the optimum bandgap pairing and resulting maximum efficiency under voltage‐matched conditions for voltage‐matching ratios of 1:2 and 2:3, which is relevant for stringing and module integration of 3T TSCs, are further determined. To this end, non‐radiative recombination is incorporated in the model and quantified by matching theoretical open‐circuit voltages and those of real‐world high‐efficiency solar cells based on different absorber materials (and thus bandgaps), including the perovskite top cell of the best in‐house 3T TSC.
Deformation Behavior and Texture Evolution of Ferrite and Austenite Phases in Lean Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhang Xinghai , Cao Zhu , Li Jiaqi , Guo Huihua , Li Jingyuan
Published: January 2024

To avoid cracks during hot rolling, a short process of direct cold rolling following solution treatment of the casting billet for preparing lean duplex stainless steel plates is proposed. The effect of cold rolling reduction on the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of UNS S32101 is investigated. The results show that dislocation slip is the main character in ferrite, which leads to dislocation tangles, dislocation cells, high‐density dislocation walls, and deformed microbands. However, twinning and strain‐induced martensite transformation (SIMT) occur in austenite, and the SIMT mechanism of austenite follows the classical model γ → ε → α′ and γ → α′, with the orientation relationship of Kurdjumov–Sachs ( and ) and Nishyama–Wassermann (N–W) ( and ). Meanwhile, at 50%, there is a transition from Cu texture to Brass texture in the austenite phase. At 12.5%, the yield strength is 344 MPa higher than that of the traditional hot rolling process, and the elongation remains about 35%. With the increasing cold rolling reduction, the elongation decreases while the strength rises significantly. Strengthening dislocations, fine‐tuning grains, and SIMT are the primary contributors to the improvement in strength.
Wastepaper fiber‐reinforced concrete containing metakaolin: Effect on fracture behavior
Authors: Rezaei Shahmirzadi Mohsen , Gholampour Aliakbar , Hosseini Seyed Amirhossein , Ngo Tuan D. , Nematzadeh Mahdi
Published: January 2024

Plasterboard, a commonly utilized construction material, comprises a gypsum core nestled between two paper layers. Gypsum after demolition of plasterboards is a recyclable waste that has been reused into new plasterboard or other purposes such as agricultural products. However, there is a lack of understanding on the potential for recycling the paper layers. This study investigates the use of wastepaper fibers, obtained from the paper layers, as a reinforcing material and metakaolin as a partial cement replacement material in concrete. This study demonstrates the ability of the paper from waste plasterboard for reinforcing concrete. Wastepaper fibers were used at different concentrations ranging from 0 to 2.5% by weight of binder. Bending test was conducted for assessing fracture behavior of concretes, including load bearing capacity, modulus of rupture, crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) at the load bearing capacity, fracture toughness, and fracture energy. Slump, axial compression, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also conducted on the concretes. It is found that incorporating wastepaper fiber by up to an optimum content of 1.5% results in an increase in the compressive strength (57%), flexural load bearing capacity and modulus of rupture (31%), CMOD displacement at load capacity (14%), fracture toughness (37%), and fracture energy (73%) of the metakaolin‐based concrete. However, further increase in the wastepaper fiber content results in decreased mechanical properties of the concrete, which is due to the fiber agglomeration and non‐uniform distribution within the concrete matrix. Based on the results, the concrete with 20% metakaolin and 1.5% wastepaper fiber experiences similar mechanical properties to the conventional concrete. The results of this study underscore the substantial potential of leveraging waste materials such as wastepaper and by‐products like metakaolin to diminish reliance on conventional cement. This approach not only enhances the mechanical properties of concrete but also fosters sustainable building practices by promoting the recycling of waste materials, reducing carbon footprint, and mitigating the environmental impacts inherent in traditional concrete production.
“That's a Third Rail Issue” UsingLGBTQ+ Children's Literature as Backup to Counter Pushback
Authors: Wargo Jon M. , Giunco Kierstin , Smith Kyle
Published: January 2024

Offering insights from a research–practice partnership, we examine how five pre‐K–6 teachers discussed using LGBTQ+‐inclusive children's literature as backup to counter curricular censorship and community pushback.
Anatomical and physiological diagnostic discrepancies in fetuses with single‐ventricle congenital heart disease in a contemporary cohort
Authors: Patel T. , Kreeger J. , Sachdeva R. , Border W. , Michelfelder E.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Image quality of fetal echocardiography (FE) has improved in the recent era, but few recent studies have reported the accuracy of FE, specifically in single ventricle (SV) congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to assess the ability of FE to correctly predict SV‐CHD postnatal anatomy and physiology in a contemporary cohort.

Methods

The contemporary clinical reports of patients with SV‐CHD, in which FE was performed between July 2017 and July 2021, were compared with postnatal echocardiograms from a formal quality assurance program. SV fetuses were grouped by anatomical subtype. Diagnostic errors were designated as major if the error would have caused significant alteration in parental counseling or postnatal management. The remaining errors were classified as minor. Physiological discrepancies, including prostaglandin‐E (PGE) dependency, atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR), pulmonary venous obstruction and restrictive atrial septum (RAS), were assessed by chart review of the postnatal course.

Results

A total of 119 subjects were analyzed. SV subtypes in the cohort included hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (n = 68), tricuspid atresia (n = 16), double‐inlet left ventricle (n = 12), unbalanced atrioventricular canal (UAVC) (n = 11), heterotaxy (n = 9) and other (n = 3). The rate of major anatomical and physiological errors was low (n = 6 (5.0%)). A higher proportion of minor errors was noted in HLHS and tricuspid atresia, but the differences were not statistically significant. Physiological discrepancies were uncommon, with three major discrepancies, including underestimation of the degree of venous obstruction in one non‐HLHS fetus with total anomalous pulmonary venous return, overestimation of RAS in one HLHS fetus and incorrect prediction of PGE dependency in one case false‐negative for pulmonary blood flow. No discrepancy in degree of AVVR or RAS affected postnatal care. Minor physiological discrepancies included two false‐positive predictions of PGE dependency with one false‐positive for ductal‐dependent systemic flow and one false‐positive for pulmonary blood flow.

Conclusions

In this contemporary review of FE at our center, there was high accuracy in describing anatomical and physiological findings in SV‐CHD. Major physiological discrepancies were uncommon but included important cases of false‐negative prediction of PGE dependency and underestimation of obstruction of total anomalous pulmonary venous return. These data can inform more accurate counseling of families with SV‐CHD fetuses and guide diagnostic improvement efforts. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Primary colorectal follicular lymphoma in a Savannah cat
Authors: Paraschou Georgios , Kemper Regina Toser , Fairs James Alexander Kjelland , Kiupel Matti
Published: January 2024

Lymphoma is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in cats. Historically, most feline lymphomas were associated with feline leukaemia virus infection, but due to routine vaccination against the virus, especially in developed countries, feline leukaemia virus‐associated cases are dramatically reduced in numbers. More recently, the most common lymphoma in cats is intestinal lymphoma, with most common type being the enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphomas. Follicular lymphoma is recognised in cats, but is very uncommon. Primary colorectal follicular lymphoma is rare in humans and has been reported in three dogs. In this case report, we describe a primary colorectal lymphoma with histological and immunohistochemical features of a follicular lymphoma in a Savannah cat. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of a primary colorectal follicular lymphoma in cats, and differential diagnosis of tumours in the colorectal area in cats should include follicular lymphoma.
Investigating the effects of three trace metals on the viability, embryonic development, and locomotor behavior of the Seminole ramshorn snail at environmentally relevant concentrations
Authors: Tanner Talia , Giancarlo Leanna , Frankel Tyler
Published: January 2024

Trace metal contamination is a widespread issue due to its many natural and anthropogenic sources and known carcinogenic, teratogenic, and reproductive effects. As previous invertebrate trace metal research has primarily focused on model species (Daphnia magna, Chironomidae, etc.), our understanding of effects on non‐model invertebrate species remains relatively poor. As such, this study assessed the exposure effects of cadmium, arsenic, and lead on viability, locomotor behavior, and embryonic development of the Seminole ramshorn snail (Planorbella duryi). Exposure treatments of CdCl2, Na2HAsO4 • 7H2O, or Pb (NO3)2 were prepared at concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L and confirmed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). Individual adult P. duryi were exposed for 7 days with viability assessed every 24 h, and locomotor behavior was accessed on Days 1 and 7 using ToxTrac v2.97 automated behavior software. Individual embryos from newly laid (<6 h old) embryonic clutches were exposed for 10 days, during which embryonic development stage was documented every 24 h. Based on our results, an additional follow‐up study for cadmium was conducted using a lower range of 0–0.1 mg/L to allow for the observation of sublethal endpoints. Adult lead and cadmium exposure resulted in significant mortality in the highest treatments (1 and 10 mg/L), dose‐dependent behavioral effects, and delayed embryonic development. Arsenic exposures resulted in little to no impacts for all assessed endpoints. Our results provide new insight into the sublethal impacts of these contaminants and highlight potential for behavior and embryonic development as useful tools for risk assessment.

Practitioner Points

The exposure effects of lead, cadmium, and arsenic on the viability, embryonic development, and locomotor behavior of a common freshwater snail species was investigated using environmentally relevant concentrations.

The severity of impact differed for each trace metal, with cadmium being the most toxic and arsenic the least toxic at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 mg/L.

Embryonic development appeared to be the most sensitive endpoint of those tested in this study, suggesting that exposure may have prolonged effects that extend to population and community levels.

The Seminole ramshorn snail serves as a sensitive alternative model species that can be used to assess the impacts of contaminants on freshwater invertebrates in future studies.
Transcription as source of genetic heterogeneity in budding yeast
Authors: Piguet Baptiste , Houseley Jonathan
Published: January 2024

Transcription presents challenges to genome stability both directly, by altering genome topology and exposing single‐stranded DNA to chemical insults and nucleases, and indirectly by introducing obstacles to the DNA replication machinery. Such obstacles include the RNA polymerase holoenzyme itself, DNA‐bound regulatory factors, G‐quadruplexes and RNA‐DNA hybrid structures known as R‐loops. Here, we review the detrimental impacts of transcription on genome stability in budding yeast, as well as the mitigating effects of transcription‐coupled nucleotide excision repair and of systems that maintain DNA replication fork processivity and integrity. Interactions between DNA replication and transcription have particular potential to induce mutation and structural variation, but we conclude that such interactions must have only minor effects on DNA replication by the replisome with little if any direct mutagenic outcome. However, transcription can significantly impair the fidelity of replication fork rescue mechanisms, particularly Break Induced Replication, which is used to restart collapsed replication forks when other means fail. This leads to de novo mutations, structural variation and extrachromosomal circular DNA formation that contribute to genetic heterogeneity, but only under particular conditions and in particular genetic contexts, ensuring that the bulk of the genome remains extremely stable despite the seemingly frequent interactions between transcription and DNA replication.
A thermal product formula
Authors: Dodelson Matthew , Iossa Cristoforo , Karlsson Robin , Zhiboedov Alexander
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We show that holographic thermal two-sided two-point correlators take the form of a product over quasi-normal modes (QNMs). Due to this fact, the two-point function admits a natural dispersive representation with a positive discontinuity at the location of QNMs. We explore the general constraints on the structure of QNMs that follow from the operator product expansion, the presence of the singularity inside the black hole, and the hydrodynamic expansion of the correlator. We illustrate these constraints through concrete examples. We suggest that the product formula for thermal correlators may hold for more general large N chaotic systems, and we check this hypothesis in several models.
Renormalization of a Standard Model extension with a Dark Abelian Sector and predictions for the W-boson mass
Authors: Dittmaier Stefan , Rehberg Jonas , Rzehak Heidi
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The described Dark Abelian Sector Model (DASM) extends the Standard Model (SM) by a “dark” sector containing a spontaneously broken U(1)d gauge group. Keeping this dark sector quite generic we only add one additional Higgs boson, one Dirac fermion, and right-handed SM-like neutrinos to the SM. Using the only two singlet operators of the SM with dimension less than 4 (the U(1)Y field-strength tensor and the SM Higgs mass operator |Φ|2) as well as the right-handed neutrino fields we open up three portals to the dark sector. Dark sectors, such as the one of the DASM, that introduce an additional Higgs boson H as well as an additional Z′ gauge boson can have a large influence on the predictions for electroweak precision observables and even accommodate possible dark matter candidates. We consider one of the two Higgs bosons to be the known 125 GeV Higgs boson and parameterize the extension of the scalar sector by the mass of the second Higgs boson, the Higgs mixing angle, and a Higgs self-coupling. We do not assume any mass hierarchy in the gauge sector and use the mass of the additional Z′ boson and a corresponding gauge-boson mixing angle to parameterize the extension of the gauge sector. The fermion sector is parameterized by the mass of the additional fermion and a fermion mixing angle. We describe an on-shell as well as an $$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

renormalization scheme for the DASM sectors and give explicit results for the renormalization constants at the 1-loop level, and, thus, prepare the ground for full NLO predictions for collider observables in the DASM. As a first example, we provide the DASM prediction for the W-boson mass derived from muon decay.
Consistent truncation of eleven-dimensional supergravity on S8 × S1
Authors: Bossard Guillaume , Ciceri Franz , Inverso Gianluca , Kleinschmidt Axel
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Eleven-dimensional supergravity on S8 × S1 is conjectured to be dual to the M-theory matrix model. We prove that the dynamics of a subset of fluctuations around this background is consistently described by D = 2 SO(9) gauged maximal supergravity. We provide the full non-linear uplift formulæ for all bosonic fields. We also present a further truncation to the SO(3)×SO(6) invariant sector and discuss its relation to the BMN matrix model at finite temperature. The construction relies on the framework of generalised Scherk-Schwarz reductions, established for E9 exceptional field theory in a companion paper. As a by-product, we severely constrain the most general gauge deformations in D = 2 admitting an uplift to higher dimensions.
A mini review on optimal reactive power dispatch incorporating renewable energy sources and flexible alternating current transmission system
Authors: Adegoke Samson Ademola , Sun Yanxia , Wang Zenghui , Stephen Oladipo
Published: January 2024

The electrical power system (EPS) has been heavily stressed due to high load demand. It operates close to the total capacity limits, resulting in voltage instability that can lead to voltage collapse. In this regard, incorporating flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices and renewable energy sources (RESs) to obtain the optimum values of the generator voltage, reactive compensation, and transformer tab in optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) is essential in increasing the reliability and safety of the system. ORPD involves discrete and continuous variables, which are nonlinear, noncontinuous, non-convex, and complex problems. The objective functions of ORPD are reduction in active power loss (Ploss), voltage deviation, and voltage profile enhancement. This paper presents a recent advancement of the ORPD problem, mathematical formulation of the objectives function, and a summary of various metaheuristic optimization methods (single and hybrid) used to solve the ORPD problems. The hybrid method combines two or more methods to improve the demerits of one method to obtain a quality solution to a problem. This review covered incorporating FACTS devices and RESs used in solving the ORPD problem to reduce the active Ploss and improve the voltage profile in the EPS. The benefits of FACTS devices and RESs are also discussed. Also, various metaheuristic algorithms (single, modified, and hybrid) employed to solve the ORPD problem were discussed. The future direction for researchers in this field was provided to give insight into the applicability and performance. Overall, this research explores different techniques used in solving ORPD problems from the optimization point of view to incorporating RESs and FACTS devices to obtain quality solutions. Some existing methods do not guarantee an optimum solution, but incorporating RESs and FACTS devices will help attain the best solution to the problem for better power system operation to improve system reliability and voltage profile. Based on the review journal, it can be concluded that hybrid techniques offer efficient quality solutions to the ORPD problem.
Aspergillus oryzae PrtR alters transcription of individual peptidase genes in response to the growth environment
Authors: Numazawa Rika , Tanaka Yukako , Nishioka Sawako , Tsuji Ryotaro , Maeda Hiroshi , Tanaka Mizuki , Takeuchi Michio , Yamagata Youhei
Published: January 2024

Aspergillus oryzae PrtR is an ortholog of the transcription factor PrtT, which positively regulates the transcription of extracellular peptidase genes in Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. To identify the genes under the control of PrtR and elucidate its regulatory mechanism in A. oryzae, prtR gene disruption mutants were generated. The control strain clearly showed a halo on media containing skim milk as the nitrogen source, whereas the ΔprtR strain formed a smaller halo. Measurement of acid peptidase activity revealed that approximately 84% of acidic endopeptidase and 86% of carboxypeptidase activities are positively regulated by PrtR. As the transcription of the prtR gene varied depending on culture conditions, especially with or without a protein substrate, it was considered that its transcription would be regulated in response to a nitrogen source. In addition, contrary to previous expectations, PrtR was found to act both in promoting and repressing the transcription of extracellular peptidase genes. The mode of regulation varied from gene to gene. Some genes were regulated in the same manner in both liquid and solid cultures, whereas others were regulated in different ways depending on the culture conditions. Furthermore, PrtR has been suggested to regulate the transcription of peptidase genes that are closely associated with other transcription factors.

Key points

• Almost all peptidase genes in Aspergillus oryzae are positively regulated by PrtR

• However, several genes are regulated negatively by PrtR

• PrtR optimizes transcription of peptidase genes in response to culture conditions
Characterization of Tau95 led to the identification of a four-subunit TFIIIC complex in trypanosomatid parasites
Authors: Mondragón-Rosas Fabiola , Florencio-Martínez Luis E. , Villa-Delavequia Gino S. , Manning-Cela Rebeca G. , Carrero Julio C. , Nepomuceno-Mejía Tomás , Martínez-Calvillo Santiago
Published: January 2024

RNA polymerase III (RNAP III) synthetizes small essential non-coding RNA molecules such as tRNAs and 5S rRNA. In yeast and vertebrates, RNAP III needs general transcription factors TFIIIA, TFIIIB, and TFIIIC to initiate transcription. TFIIIC, composed of six subunits, binds to internal promoter elements in RNAP III-dependent genes. Limited information is available about RNAP III transcription in the trypanosomatid protozoa Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania major, which diverged early from the eukaryotic lineage. Analyses of the first published draft of the trypanosomatid genome sequences failed to recognize orthologs of any of the TFIIIC subunits, suggesting that this transcription factor is absent in these parasites. However, a putative TFIIIC subunit was recently annotated in the databases. Here we characterize this subunit in T. brucei and L. major and demonstrate that it corresponds to Tau95. In silico analyses showed that both proteins possess the typical Tau95 sequences: the DNA binding region and the dimerization domain. As anticipated for a transcription factor, Tau95 localized to the nucleus in insect forms of both parasites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrated that Tau95 binds to tRNA and U2 snRNA genes in T. brucei. Remarkably, by performing tandem affinity purifications we identified orthologs of TFIIIC subunits Tau55, Tau131, and Tau138 in T. brucei and L. major. Thus, contrary to what was assumed, trypanosomatid parasites do possess a TFIIIC complex. Other putative interacting partners of Tau95 were identified in T. brucei and L. major.

Key points

• A four-subunit TFIIIC complex is present in T. brucei and L. major

• TbTau95 associates with tRNA and U2 snRNA genes

• Putative interacting partners of Tau95 might include some RNAP II regulators