bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling uncertainty of specimens employing spines and force‐limiting connections tested at E‐defense shake table
Authors: Astudillo Bryam , Rivera David , Duke Jessica , Simpson Barbara , Fahnestock Larry A. , Sause Richard , Ricles James , Kurata Masahiro , Okazaki Taichiro , Kawamata Yohsuke , Tao Zhuoqi , Qie Yi
Published: July 2023

In light of the significant damage observed after earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, enhanced performing seismic force‐resisting systems and energy dissipation devices are increasingly being utilized in buildings. Numerical models are needed to estimate the seismic response of these systems for seismic design or assessment. While there have been studies on modeling uncertainty, selecting the model features most important to response can remain ambiguous, especially if the structure employs less well‐established lateral force‐resisting systems and components. Herein, a global sensitivity analysis was used to address modeling uncertainty in specimens with elastic spines and force‐limiting connections (FLCs) physically tested at full‐scale at the E‐Defense shake table in Japan. Modeling uncertainty was addressed for both model class and model parameter uncertainty by varying primary models to develop several secondary models according to pre‐established uncertainty groups. Numerical estimates of peak story drift ratio and floor acceleration were compared to the results from the experimental testing program using confidence intervals and root‐mean‐square error. Metrics such as the coefficient of variation, variance, linear Pearson correlation coefficient, and Sobol index were used to gain intuition about each model feature's contribution to the dispersion in estimates of the engineering demands. Peak floor acceleration was found to be more sensitive to modeling uncertainty compared to story drift ratio. Assumptions for the spine‐to‐frame connection significantly impacted estimates of peak floor accelerations, which could influence future design methods for spines and FLC in enhanced lateral‐force resisting systems.
Petrography and geochemistry of basic and intermediate plutonic suite of the Mayo Nielse and Mayo Balche areas, (Poli Group, Central Africa Fold Belt, Northern Cameroon): Post‐collisional mantle refertilization and magma genesis
Authors: Ojong Eugen Lifanda Ashu , Tamen Jules , Yannah Mero , Njoh Olivier Anoh , Tematio Paul
Published: July 2023

The study area is located in the Poli Group, Western Cameroon Domain of the Central African Fold Belt. It is constituted mainly of Pan‐African granitoids intruding Neoproterozoic volcano‐sedimentary rocks, schists and gneisses. The granitoids host dykes of gabbroic and dioritic rocks which are the focus of this study. Gabbroic and dioritic rocks are clinopyroxene‐hornblende gabbros, clinopyroxene‐hornblende melagabbro, clinopyroxene‐hornblende leucogabbro and quartz‐diorite. Geochemically, the rocks are characterized by: SiO2 (46.03–58.88 wt. %); Mg# (27.78–79.46); MgO (2.10–18.40 wt.%); total alkali (0.97–10.7 wt.%); Fe2O3 (8.42–13.19 wt.%); and CaO (4.90–16.57 wt. %), meanwhile all the rare earth elements are enriched with respect to chondrites. The rocks are mainly medium‐K calc‐alkaline with subordinate low‐K and alkaline samples. The ratios of La/Ta (4.0–76.0), La/Nb (0.8–9.88) and Zr/Ba (0.11–0.52) indicate that their source is both asthenospheric and lithospheric. This source has characteristics of NMORB to EMORB, overprinted by fluids‐enriched silicic and carbonatitic metasomes likely as a result of slab‐mantle interactions in a subduction environment. The weak to strong fractionation of La/Yb ratio (La/YbN = 0.9–13.51) and non‐fractionation of the Dy/Yb ratio (Dy/YbN = 0.6–1.5) together with the behaviour of the rocks in the La/Sm versus Sm/Yb modelization diagram are consistent with a polybaric melting which started in the asthenosphere at a small rate, yielding the limited volume of alkaline rocks. It then continued in the lithosphere where a more extensive degree of melting produced medium‐K calc‐alkaline rocks. The melting was likely induced by the adiabatic decompression of the metasomatized mantle during the post‐collisional relaxation closing the tectonic stage of the Pan‐African Orogeny in the Poli area. The magma generated was near‐primitive and evolved by assimilation‐fractional crystallization.
Is a green world real or a dream? A look at green growth from green innovation and financial development: Evidence from fragile economies
Authors: Anwar Ahsan , Huong Nguyen Thi Thu , Sharif Arshian , Kilinc‐Ata Nurcan , Çitil Mücahit , Demirtaş Furkan
Published: July 2023

The growing concerns of environmental degradation call for attaining higher green growth (GRG) in both developing and developed countries. Therefore, achieving a higher GRG has been a main concern of policymakers worldwide. To this end, a comprehensive policy framework is needed to attain higher level of GRG and sustainable development goals (SDGs). In doing so, this study is an earliest attempt that investigates the impact of economic policy uncertainty, green innovation and financial development on GRG using the data of selected fragile countries during 1996–2019. For this purpose, we use different preliminary tests for checking the reliability of the data and panel quantile regression for testing the association among the variables. The empirical results indicate that economic policy uncertainty, green innovation and financial development contribute to the growth of green economy. The positive association of economic policy uncertainty with GRG is due to the decline in investment and overall energy consumption pattern. Based on the empirical results, this study proposes some policy implications to achieve higher level of GRG and different targets of SDG 08 (economic growth), SDG 09 (innovations), and SDG 13 (climate change).
Selection of rhizobial strains differing in their nodulation kinetics under low temperature in four temperate legume species
Authors: D'Amours Emmanuelle , Bertrand Annick , Cloutier Jean , Chalifour François‐Philippe , Claessens Annie , Rocher Solen , Bipfubusa Marie , Giroux Chantal , Beauchamp Chantal J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Winter climate change including frequent freeze‐thaw episodes and shallow snow cover will have major impacts on the spring regrowth of perennial crops. Non‐bloating perennial forage legume species including sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil, red clover, and alsike clover have been bred for their adaptation to harsh winter conditions. In parallel, the selection of cold‐tolerant rhizobial strains could allow earlier symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation to hasten spring regrowth of legumes.

Methods

To identify strains forming nodules rapidly and showing high N‐fixing potential, 60 rhizobial strains in association with four temperate legume species were evaluated over 11 weeks under spring soil temperatures for kinetics of nodule formation, nitrogenase activity, and host yield.

Results

Strains differed in their capacity to form efficient nodules on legume hosts over time. Strains showing higher nitrogenase activity were arctic strain N10 with sainfoin and strain L2 with birdsfoot trefoil. For clovers, nitrogenase activity was similar for control and inoculated plants, likely due to formation of effective nodules in controls by endophyte rhizobia present in seeds.

Conclusions

Selection based on nodulation kinetics at low temperature, nitrogenase activity, and yield was effective to identify performant rhizobial strains for legume crops. The use of cold‐tolerant strains could help mitigate winter climatic changes.
Phonological and morphological literacy skills in English and Chinese: A cross‐linguistic neuroimaging comparison of Chinese–English bilingual and monolingual English children
Authors: Zhang Kehui , Sun Xin , Yu Chi‐Lin , Eggleston Rachel L. , Marks Rebecca A. , Nickerson Nia , Caruso Valeria C. , Hu Xiao‐Su , Tardif Twila , Chou Tai‐Li , Booth James R. , Kovelman Ioulia
Published: July 2023

Over the course of literacy development, children learn to recognize word sounds and meanings in print. Yet, they do so differently across alphabetic and character‐based orthographies such as English and Chinese. To uncover cross‐linguistic influences on children's literacy, we asked young Chinese–English simultaneous bilinguals and English monolinguals (N = 119, ages 5–10) to complete phonological and morphological awareness (MA) literacy tasks. Children completed the tasks in the auditory modality in each of their languages during functional near‐infrared spectroscopy neuroimaging. Cross‐linguistically, comparisons between bilinguals' two languages revealed that the task that was more central to reading in a given orthography, such as phonological awareness (PA) in English and MA in Chinese, elicited less activation in the left inferior frontal and parietal regions. Group comparisons between bilinguals and monolinguals in English, their shared language of academic instruction, revealed that the left inferior frontal was less active during phonology but more active during morphology in bilinguals relative to monolinguals. MA skills are generally considered to have greater language specificity than PA skills. Bilingual literacy training in a skill that is maximally similar across languages, such as PA, may therefore yield greater automaticity for this skill, as reflected in the lower activation in bilinguals relative to monolinguals. This interpretation is supported by negative correlations between proficiency and brain activation. Together, these findings suggest that both the structural characteristics and literacy experiences with a given language can exert specific influences on bilingual and monolingual children's emerging brain networks for learning to read.
Contribution of private health services to universal health coverage in low and middle‐income countries: Factors affecting the use of private over public health services in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Mai P. , Tariq Amina , Hinchcliff Reece , Luu Hoat N. , Dunne Michael P.
Published: July 2023

The private sector's contribution to Universal health coverage (UHC) has been increasingly recognised by policymakers in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study aimed to identify service‐provider and consumer‐level factors affecting choice of private over public health services in Vietnam. A concurrent mixed‐method design was adopted. A quantitative phase explored consumers' health service choice by analysing data from a random national sample of 10,354 individuals aged 16 and over. The qualitative phase investigated how private and public providers organise their services to influence consumer choices by conducting interviews with policymakers, hospital and clinic managers, and health practitioners. The combined results demonstrate that at the individual level, absence of any type of health insurance was the factor most closely associated with the use of private services. Private health services were more likely to be used by people from ethnic majority groups compared to ethnic minorities (odds ratio [OR]: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.4–2.0), and by people living in urban compared to rural areas (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0–1.3). The service providers suggested that consumers opted for private services that were perceived to have poorer quality in the public sector, such as counselling, physical therapy and rehabilitative care. Additional motivational factors include the private sector's more flexible working hours, shorter waiting times, flexible pricing of services, personalised care and better staff behaviour. The findings can inform national health system planning and coordination activities in Vietnam and other countries that aim to harness the attributes of both the public and private sectors to achieve UHC.
Teaching clinicians and nurses to prepare for and present at interdisciplinary meetings through behavioral skills training
Authors: Harper Jill M. , Bird Frank , Wizboski Maria , Steinhauser Haley , Luiselli James K.
Published: July 2023

Behavior analysts frequently collaborate with interdisciplinary colleagues to share information and make decisions about client services. This study evaluated the effects of behavioral skills training on preparation for and presentation during interdisciplinary review team meetings by clinicians (n = 4) and nurses (n = 4) at a residential school for students with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. The primary dependent measure was the percentage of preparation and presentation steps from task‐analyzed behavior checklists that the participants implemented correctly. As evaluated by multiple‐baseline designs, the participants improved their preparation and presentation skills to nearly 100% following behavioral skills training, maintained performance 1 month after the study, and rated training positively. We discuss elements of the training program, practice implications, and research directions.
Low‐dose ketamine improves animals' locomotor activity and decreases brain oxidative stress and inflammation in ammonia‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Ommati Mohammad Mehdi , Mobasheri Ali , Niknahad Hossein , Rezaei Mohammad , Alidaee Sepideh , Arjmand Abdollah , Mazloomi Sahra , Abdoli Narges , Sadeghian Issa , Sabouri Samira , Saeed Mohsen , Mousavi Khadijeh , Najibi Asma , Heidari Reza
Published: July 2023

Ammonium ion (NH4+) is the major suspected molecule responsible for neurological complications of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). No specific pharmacological action for NH4+‐induced brain injury exists so far. Excitotoxicity is a well‐known phenomenon in the brain of hyperammonemic cases. The hyperactivation of the N‐Methyl‐
d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors by agents such as glutamate, an NH4+ metabolite, could cause excitotoxicity. Excitotoxicity is connected with events such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Hence, utilizing NMDA receptor antagonists could prevent neurological complications of NH4+ neurotoxicity. In the current study, C57BL6/J mice received acetaminophen (APAP; 800 mg/kg, i.p) to induce HE. Hyperammonemic animals were treated with ketamine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, s.c) as an NMDA receptor antagonist. Animals' brain and plasma levels of NH4+ were dramatically high, and animals' locomotor activities were disturbed. Moreover, several markers of oxidative stress were significantly increased in the brain. A significant increase in brain tissue levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β was also detected in hyperammonemic animals. It was found that ketamine significantly normalized animals' locomotor activity, improved biomarkers of oxidative stress, and decreased proinflammatory cytokines. The effects of ketamine on oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammation seem to play a key role in its neuroprotective mechanisms in the current study.
Gastro‐protective effect of l‐arginine against nitric oxide deficiency‐related mucosal injury induced by indomethacin: Does age matter?
Authors: Heeba Gehan H. , Morsy Mohamed A. , Mahmoud Magda E. , Abdel‐latif Rania
Published: July 2023

Gastric ulcer is a common disease with increased prevalence in the aged population. Aged gastric mucosa has increased susceptibility to injury along with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs use due to impaired mucosal defense and decreased vasodilator release. We investigated whether l‐arginine could protect against age‐related gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin. Aged and adult male Wistar rats were administered sole and combined treatment of 
l‐arginine and Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (
l‐NAME) before induction of gastric ulceration by indomethacin. The gastroprotective effect of 
l‐arginine was displayed only in adult rats with indomethacin‐induced gastric ulceration, as evidenced by a significant decrease in ulcer index, oxidative stress parameters, and mucosal myeloperoxidase activity along with increased mucosal PGE2 levels. Interestingly, the mucosal gene expressions of NF‐кB, iNOS, and COX‐2 were significantly suppressed by 
l‐arginine pretreatment and aggregated upon pretreatment with 
l‐NAME in both adult and aged rats treated with indomethacin. In conclusion, 
l‐arginine protected the rats' gastric mucosa against indomethacin‐induced gastric ulceration, possibly, at least in part, by enhancement of mucosal nitric oxide/PGE2 content along with suppressing gastric inflammation and oxidative stress. This study supposed that the gastroprotective effect of 
l‐arginine depends on aging, and even so, the adoption of a new approach to gastric ulcer treatment for the aged population is warranted.
Gendered time poverty in three developing countries: An intra‐household analysis of children's time use
Authors: Khanna Madhulika , Thomas Milan
Published: July 2023

Advances in data collection and methodology have contributed to the rise of time use as a topic of economic analysis, but much of the research focuses on adults in advanced economies. We document gendered differences in the intra‐household allocation of children's time in Ethiopia, India, and Vietnam based on the Young Lives Longitudinal Study. Using household fixed effects regressions, we document a leisure deficit for girls, highlighting a gender gap that has received less attention. We use the concept of time poverty to further investigate the nature of the leisure deficit, applying a relative time poverty line. A gender gap in the incidence of time poverty emerges at an early age and is spread across the wealth distribution. Our findings relate to the literature on time poverty of women in developing countries and have implications for promoting gender equality under Sustainable Development Goal target 5.4 on unpaid care and domestic work.
Tips for writing plain language summaries of medical journal publications
Authors: Wen Ju , Yi Lan
Published: July 2023

Key points

Plain language summaries make scientific papers readable to the general public.

As researchers are accustomed to communicate in technical language, writing plain language summaries may be a challenging task.

We offer specific suggestions to guide researchers in developing plain language summaries.
USF1‐mediated ALKBH5 stabilizes FLII mRNA in an m6A‐YTHDF2‐dependent manner to repress glycolytic activity in prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fu Dewang , Si Qingyue , Yu Chenxi , Han Zhifu , Zang Li'e
Published: July 2023

Upstream‐stimulating factor 1 (USF1) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor implicated in multiple cellular processes, including metabolism and proliferation. This study focused on the function of USF1 in glycolysis and the malignant development of prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). Bioinformatics predictions suggested that USF1 is poorly expressed in PRAD. The clinical PRAD samples revealed a low level of USF1, which was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis. Artificial upregulation of USF1 significantly repressed glycolytic activity in PRAD cells and reduced cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Potential downstream genes of USF1 were probed by integrated bioinformatics analyses. The chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays indicated that USF1 bound to the α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) promoter for transcription activation. Flightless I (FLII) was identified as the gene showing the highest degree of correlation with ALKBH5. As an m6A demethylase, ALKBH5 enhanced FLII mRNA stability by inducing m6A demethylation in an m6A‐YTH N6‐methyladenosine RNA‐binding protein F2 (YTHDF2)‐dependent manner. Either silencing of ALKBH5 or FLII blocked the role of USF1 in PARD cells and restored glycolysis, cell proliferation, and invasion. This study demonstrates that USF1 activates ALKBH5 to stabilize FLII mRNA in an m6A‐YTHDF2‐dependent manner, thereby repressing glycolysis processes and the progression of PRAD.
Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase downregulation in uric acid‑induced hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Ning , Huang Lei , Xu Hu , He Xinyu , He Xueqing , Cao Jun , Xu Wenjun , Wang Yaoxing , Wei Hongquan , Wang Sheng , Zheng Hong , Gao Shan , Xu Youzhi , Lu Wenjie
Published: July 2023

The molecular mechanisms underlying uric acid (UA)‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis have not yet been elucidated. Herein, we investigated underlying mechanisms of UA in the development of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. We analyzed blood samples of individuals with normal UA levels and patients with hyperuricemia. Results showed that patients with hyperuricemia had significantly elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, which may indicate liver or mitochondrial damage in patients with hyperuricemia. Subsequently, lipidomic analysis of mouse liver tissue mitochondria and human liver L02 cell mitochondria was performed. Compared with control group levels, high UA increased mitochondrial phosphatidylserine (PS) and decreased mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) levels, whereas the expression of mitochondrial phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PISD) that mediates PS and PE conversion was downregulated. High UA levels also inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） phosphorylation as well as mitochondrial respiration, while inducing apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with allopurinol, overexpression of PISD, and lyso‐PE (LPE) administration significantly attenuated the three above‐described effects in vitro. In conclusion, UA may induce mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis through mitochondrial PISD downregulation. This study provides a new perspective on liver damage caused by hyperuricemia.
Dystonia Linked to EIF4A2 Haploinsufficiency: A Disorder of Protein Translation Dysfunction
Authors: Harrer Philip , Škorvánek Matej , Kittke Volker , Dzinovic Ivana , Borngräber Friederike , Thomsen Mirja , Mandel Vanessa , Svorenova Tatiana , Ostrozovicova Miriam , Kulcsarova Kristina , Berutti Riccardo , Busch Hauke , Ott Fabian , Kopajtich Robert , Prokisch Holger , Kumar Kishore R. , Mencacci Niccolo E. , Kurian Manju A. , Di Fonzo Alessio , Boesch Sylvia , Kühn Andrea A. , Blümlein Ulrike , Lohmann Katja , Haslinger Bernhard , Weise David , Jech Robert , Winkelmann Juliane , Zech Michael
Published: July 2023

Background

Protein synthesis is a tightly controlled process, involving a host of translation‐initiation factors and microRNA‐associated repressors. Variants in the translational regulator EIF2AK2 were first linked to neurodevelopmental‐delay phenotypes, followed by their implication in dystonia. Recently, de novo variants in EIF4A2, encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 2 (eIF4A2), have been described in pediatric cases with developmental delay and intellectual disability.

Objective

We sought to characterize the role of EIF4A2 variants in dystonic conditions.

Methods

We undertook an unbiased search for likely deleterious variants in mutation‐constrained genes among 1100 families studied with dystonia. Independent cohorts were screened for EIF4A2 variants. Western blotting and immunocytochemical studies were performed in patient‐derived fibroblasts.

Results

We report the discovery of a novel heterozygous EIF4A2 frameshift deletion (c.896_897del) in seven patients from two unrelated families. The disease was characterized by adolescence‐ to adulthood‐onset dystonia with tremor. In patient‐derived fibroblasts, eIF4A2 production amounted to only 50% of the normal quantity. Reduction of eIF4A2 was associated with abnormally increased levels of IMP1, a target of Ccr4‐Not, the complex that interacts with eIF4A2 to mediate microRNA‐dependent translational repression. By complementing the analyses with fibroblasts bearing EIF4A2 biallelic mutations, we established a correlation between IMP1 expression alterations and eIF4A2 functional dosage. Moreover, eIF4A2 and Ccr4‐Not displayed significantly diminished colocalization in dystonia patient cells. Review of international databases identified EIF4A2 deletion variants (c.470_472del, c.1144_1145del) in another two dystonia‐affected pedigrees.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that EIF4A2 haploinsufficiency underlies a previously unrecognized dominant dystonia‐tremor syndrome. The data imply that translational deregulation is more broadly linked to both early neurodevelopmental phenotypes and later‐onset dystonic conditions. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the nervous system
Authors: Huang Meng , Gong Gu , Deng Yicheng , Long Xinmiao , Long Wenyong , Liu Qing , Zhao Wei , Chen Rufu
Published: July 2023

Crosstalk between tumors and the nervous system has emerged as a significant hallmark of human cancer. In the central nervous system, neurons closely interact with tumor cells, promoting the proliferation of glioma and neuroblastoma. Additionally, the peripheral nervous system plays a crucial role in reshaping the tumor microenvironment, modulating angiogenesis, and regulating immune cell function, while also directly promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis. Current research has elucidated some of the specific neural signaling mechanisms involved in this crosstalk, including neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and growth factors. In this review, we aim to summarize these mechanisms and highlight the latest discoveries in various solid tumors, such as glioma, pancreatic, prostate, and gastrointestinal cancers. By understanding the intricate crosstalk between cancer cells and the nervous system, we can develop more effective and targeted treatments for cancer patients.
A high gain uniplanar end‐fire electrically small antenna with a spilt‐ring resonator loading
Authors: Chen Chunling
Published: July 2023

This letter presents a design of a high gain uniplanar end‐fire electrically small antenna. The design starts from an equivalent antenna of an antenna array with two half‐wavelength dipoles, which consists of two linear strips and produces the end‐fire unidirectional radiation. Two U‐shaped strips are utilized to replace the linear strips, which makes the antenna compact. In addition, a spilt‐ring resonator is loaded to make the realized gain of the electrically small antenna increase by ~2 dB. An antenna prototype is fabricated and measured. The measurements reveal that the proposed antenna has a peak realized gain of 6.02 dBi and a front‐to‐back ratio of 12.71 dB at its resonance frequency of 747.8 MHz. Its size is only 0.254 λ0 × 0.184 λ0 × 0.0037 λ0, and ka = 0.984. The measured realized gain exceeds both the Harrington and Kildal–Best ka‐based upper limits.
Recent progress in Epoxy Nanocomposites: Corrosion, structural, flame retardancy and applications — A comprehensive review
Authors: Zaghloul Moustafa Mahmoud Yousry , Zaghloul Mai Mahmoud Yousry , Fuseini Mohammed
Published: July 2023

In the past few years, epoxy resins utilization has gained much significant recognition from researchers worldwide as a result of its advantages in different sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronic systems, constructions, and other related fields because of its outstanding mechanical performance, corrosion protection, and dielectric properties. The nanomaterials incorporation into the matrix has been duly examined to be the most productive route to enhance polymer composite's mechanical properties. Despite that, the inherent brittleness, relatively low fracture toughness, cross‐linking ability, poor electrical, and thermal properties of epoxy render it weak to growth and initiation of cracks, limiting its utilization in state‐of‐the‐art structural applications. Especially, epoxy is flammable while releasing a considerable amount of gases and smoke, thus, extending a potential risk to lives. Consequently, several nanofiller materials like graphene (Gr), transition metal dichalcogenides, MXene, and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) produce extensive chances to equip multi‐functional characteristics and then reinforce the epoxy resins for the state‐of‐the‐art application. With this current review, the present literature investigation of epoxy filled with nano‐sized material has been examined thoroughly. Current advances in the approach of integrating nanosized materials in the epoxy matrices have been also introduced. Most significantly, anti‐corrosion, mechanical, and flame‐retardant properties of nanomaterials reinforced epoxy nanocomposites have also been reviewed in particular. Ultimately, the present statuses of the field in addition to the future approach have been considered concerning the usefulness of numerous nanofillers toward reinforcement of epoxy in construction and building materials. The expectation in this extensive review could produce a valuable reference, ingenuity, and guidance for researchers in this area of study.
All organic polymer dielectrics for high‐temperature energy storage from the classification of heat‐resistant insulation grades
Authors: Liang Yujie , Sun Wenjie , Li Tianyu , Chen Yue , Cheng Yonghong , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2023

Dielectric film capacitors for high‐temperature energy storage applications have shown great potential in modern electronic and electrical systems, such as aircraft, automotive, oil exploration industry, and so on, in which polymers are the preferred materials for dielectric capacitors. This review tries to summarize the recent progress in the field of energy storage based on heat‐resistant all‐organic polymers from the perspective of their operating temperatures. Based on this, a summary of commonly used and latest research on high‐temperature polymers is conducted, and they are classified into different heat‐resistant insulation grades, consequently providing a new perspective for high‐temperature polymers dielectric research, especially on the selection of them under different occasions. Emphasis is placed on the influencing factors of polymer performance and ways to develop high‐temperature polymers. Especially, properties under high temperature including dielectric constant and loss, glass transition temperature, and energy density are summarized, inspiring researchers devoting further efforts in this area. A future prospect in this field is also discussed.
Pediatric Pulmonology 2022 year in review: Rare and diffuse lung disease
Authors: Barber Andrew T. , Liptzin Deborah R. , Gower William A. , Hinds Daniel M.
Published: July 2023

The field of rare and diffuse pediatric lung disease continues to evolve and expand rapidly as clinicians and researchers make advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of children's interstitial and diffuse lung disease, non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Papers published on these topics in Pediatric Pulmonology and other journals in 2022 describe newly recognized disorders, elucidate disease mechanisms and courses, explore potential biomarkers, and assess novel treatments. In this review, we will discuss these important advancements and place them in the context of existing literature.
ARAS method based on Z‐numbers in FMEA
Authors: Adalı Esra Aytaç , Tuş Ayşegül
Published: July 2023

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is one of the risk assessment methods, and is widely applied to the various areas in real life. The method has two main phases. In the first phase, the potential failure modes of products, processes, systems, and services are determined, whereas in the second phase, the risk assessment and prioritization of these failure modes are made, and preventive and corrective actions are taken to prevent the emergence of failure modes with relatively higher risk. Although the method is widely used over the years, researchers have used FMEA together with different theories and methods to overcome several shortcomings of the method. In this study, a new method, Z‐ARAS (Additive Ratio ASsessment), is proposed on a risk analysis in FMEA to eliminate uncertainty information in decision‐making practice. This method is the modification of ARAS method by integrating with Z‐numbers. Z‐numbers are performed to reflect the reliability of decision makers’ evaluations. A real case covering a cable company's production failures that is adopted from the literature is solved to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. A sensitivity analysis is performed, and also a comparative analysis is presented with Z‐MARCOS (Measurement Alternatives and Ranking according to the COmpromise Solution) and Z‐CODAS (COmbinative Distance‐based ASsessment) methods to highlight the effectiveness of Z‐ARAS method. It can be concluded that Z‐ARAS is an alternative method to detect and analyze critical failure modes, and assist decision makers in implementing a reliable preventive strategy.
Case report: Crossed fused renal ectopia with stones: A surgical challenge overcome by robotic surgery
Authors: Chai Jiagui , Ke Changxing
Published: July 2023

Background

Crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is an extremely rare congenital anomaly of the urinary tract that is prone to stone formation. The surgical treatment of CFRE with stones is challenging due to anatomical abnormalities.

Materials and Methods

Right kidney stones were treated by flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (FURSL) and left kidney stones were treated by robotic surgery.

Results

The authors present an unreported case of bilateral renal stones in a patient with CFRE, which was successfully treated by robotic pyelolithotomy combined with FURSL. The procedure was manoeuverable, and the stone‐free rate was satisfactory.

Conclusions

CFRE with stones (S‐shaped kidney) present a surgical challenge due to anatomical abnormalities and a high stone burden. The authors recommend robotic pyelolithotomy with or without FURSL as a viable treatment option for stones with similar anatomical abnormalities.
Winter is coming? University teachers' and students' views on the value of learning English in China
Authors: Fan Hongming
Published: July 2023

China released two new policies in 2021, the ‘double reduction’ and a Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination) regulation, which have significantly impacted English learning and Languages other than English (LOTEs) learning respectively. This has intensified the existing dispute over ‘English fever’ and made people question whether the ‘winter’ of English education in China has come. In this article, findings from a multiple‐case study exploring teachers' and students' opinions on the value of English learning in Chinese higher education are discussed under the circumstances of such new policies. This study employs the Bourdieusian approach and involves English major, non‐English major learners as well as their teachers in Yunnan and Shanghai, two socio‐economically different areas, to see diversity. The participants reported a cooling down of the ‘English fever’ in the universities and the wider society, yet an increasing demand for a higher level of English proficiency in particular industries or disciplines. The findings also demonstrate the tension between the standardised national curriculum and regionally different language needs along with the influence of an incoherent national curricula for different educational stages regarding foreign language education. This paper concludes with suggestions to modify the curriculum and teaching practices for multilingual and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) education in China as well as other English as a Foreign Language contexts.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

The ‘double reduction’ and the new Gaokao regulation have a top‐down effect on English learning and the learning of LOTEs in China, while individual stakeholders' opinions have drawn little attention.

Why the new findings matter

This study provides a timely insight into English teachers' and learners' changes in thinking against the backdrop of recent policy changes.

Implications for English teachers and policy makers

This research revealed a trend away from the English‐only approach towards multilingual learning along with an increasing demand for ESP teaching and learning. English teachers can draw on the findings to design ESP pedagogical activities to accommodate their students' demands. This study also presents a refreshing new perspective on the curriculum by identifying the inconsistency in the national curriculum about foreign language subjects and the tension between the standardised national curriculum and regionally different language needs. Policy makers are suggested to use the findings to improve the curriculum for the greater continuity of language learning and the greater satisfaction of learners' demands.
Event‐based joint estimation for unknown inputs and states: A distributed recursive filtering method
Authors: Fu Miaomiao , Liu Shuai , Wei Guoliang , Li Hui
Published: July 2023

This article addresses the problem of distributed joint estimation for a class of discrete‐time time‐varying systems subject to random nonlinearities and unknown inputs over sensor networks. For the purpose of energy‐saving, the dynamic event‐triggering mechanism is adopted to govern the signal transmission between the sensor and the local estimator. First, some constraint conditions are introduced to decouple the unknown input to eliminate their impact. Then, by means of mathematical induction, an upper bound of the filtering error covariance is individually obtained for the state and the unknown input by solving coupled Riccati‐like difference equations. Subsequently, the matrix simplification method is adopted to tackle the sparsity problem caused by sensor networks. In addition, the required distributed estimator gains are acquired by minimizing the obtained upper bounds of filtering error covariances. Finally, a numerical simulation is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed joint estimator design scheme.
Aplasia Cutis Congenita in Monozygotic Twins
Authors: Lai Hui-Jun , Lai Mei-Yan , Ma Ping-Ping , Guo Hong-Wei
Published: July 2023

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is defined as complete or partial loss or absence of skin at birth and it can occur on any part of the body, but most commonly on the scalp. Single offspring with ACC have been reported in most case reports, but cases in twins are rarely reported. Here, we report two cases of ACC, monozygotic twin boys presented with scattered skin absence over the scalp vertex after birth. All the lesions presented as ulcers with no hair and healed with scars, otherwise, the twins were well developed mentally and physically. In addition, the whole exome sequencing of the twins and their parents might provide diagnosis and classification assistance.
Fabrication of Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Barium Hydroxide Nanocomposite as an Effective Anticancer Agent against MCF‐7 Cell Lines
Authors: Saumya  , Imtiyaz Khalid , Rizvi Moshahid A. , Nenavathu Bhavani P.
Published: July 2023

Graphitic carbon nitride/Barium hydroxide (g‐C3N4/Ba(OH)2) nanocomposites (NCs) are synthesized using chemical precipitation method. Scanning Electron Microscopic images revealed nanoneedle‐like formation of Ba(OH)2 in addition to g‐C3N4 nanosheets. MTT assay confirmed that g‐C3N4/Ba(OH)2 NC exhibited more anticancer activity against MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line, compared to pristine Ba(OH)2 NPs. The % cytotoxicity of Ba(OH)2 NPs, g‐C3N4 (5 mg/mL) @ Ba(OH)2 NCs, g‐C3N4 (10 mg/mL) @ Ba(OH)2 NCs and g‐C3N4 (20 mg/mL) @ Ba(OH)2 NCs against MCF‐7 cell line was found to be 0.79 %, 22.77 %, 6.97 and 9.44 % respectively at the lowest dose of concentration 2 μg mL−1 after 24 h. At 64 μg/mL concentration, the cell viability in pristine Ba(OH)2 NPs and g‐C3N4 (10 mg/mL) @ Ba(OH)2 NCs were found to be 25 % and 6.38 % respectively. The corresponding IC −50 values Ba(OH)2 NPs: 3.71 μg/mL; g‐C3N4 (5 mg/mL) @ Ba(OH)2 NCs: 3.60 μg/mL; g‐C3N4 (10 mg/mL) @ Ba(OH)2 NCs: 3.26 μg/mL; g‐C3N4 (20 mg/mL) @ Ba(OH)2 NCs: 4.04 μg/mL are observed. The mechanism behind the killing of tumor cells by the synthesized nanocomposites is through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The hydroxyl radicals formation in the solution treated with nanocomposites is confirmed through Terephthalic acid assay.
Integrating multiple energy storage in 1D–2D bridged array carbon‐based phase change materials
Authors: Chen Xiao , Xu Jianhang , Li Yang , Gao Yan , Wang Ge
Published: July 2023

In response to global energy scarcity, frontiers in multifunctional composite phase change materials (PCMs) with photo‐/electro‐/magnetothermal triggers show great potential in multiple energy utilization. However, most available composite PCM candidates are inadequate for multiple energy storage applications simultaneously. Herein, a green synthetic route is proposed to develop bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐derived 1D–2D bridged array carbon‐based composite PCMs for simultaneous photo‐/electro‐/magnetothermal energy storage applications. As graphitization‐induced catalyst, Co nanoparticles greatly boost the formation of ZIF‐derived 1D–2D bridged array carbon framework with high graphitization and low interface electrical/thermal resistance. Benefiting from the broadband intense photon capture, fast photon/electron/phonon transport, and surface plasma resonance effect of Co nanoparticles, the resulting composite PCMs integrate advanced photo‐, electro‐, and magnetothermal storage functions. Furthermore, composite PCMs also exhibit long‐lasting shape stability, structural stability, thermal storage stability, and photo‐/electro‐/magnetothermal storage stability after undergoing multiple heating–cooling cycles. This study is promising to accelerate the major breakthroughs of advanced multifunctional carbon‐based composite PCMs toward multiple energy utilization.
ATM participates in fine particulate matter‐induced airway inflammation through regulating DNA damage and DNA damage response
Authors: Jin Yan , Li Yiting , He Shiyi , Ge Yijun , Zhao Yun , Zhu Ke , He Andong , Li Siyu , Yan Siyu , Cao Chao
Published: July 2023

The relationship between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and chronic airway inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, have garnered public attention, while the detailed mechanisms of PM2.5‐induced airway inflammation remain unclear. This study reveals that PM2.5 induces airway inflammation both in vivo and in vitro, and, moreover, identifies DNA damage and DNA damage repair (DDR) as results of this exposure. Ataxia telangiectasia‐mutated heterozygous (ATM+/−) and wild‐type C57BL/6 (WT) mice were exposed to PM2.5. The results show that, following exposure to PM2.5, the number of neutrophils in broncho alveolar lavage fluid and the mRNA expression of CXCL‐1 in lung tissues of the ATM+/− mice were lower than those of the WT mice. The mRNA expression of FANCD2 and FANCI were also down‐regulated. Human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were transfected with ATM‐siRNA to induce down‐regulation of ATM gene expression and were subsequently stimulated with PM2.5. The results show that the mRNA expression of TNF‐α decreased in the ATM‐siRNA‐transfected cells. The mRNA expression of CXCL‐1 and CXCL‐2 in peritoneal macrophages, derived from ATM‐null mice in which experiments showed that the protein expression of FANCD2 and FANCI decreased, were also decreased after PM2.5 exposure in ATM‐siRNA‐transfected HBE cells. In conclusion, PM2.5‐induced airway inflammation is alleviated in ATM+/− mice compared with WT mice. ATM promotes PM2.5‐induced airway inflammation, which may be attributed to the regulation of DNA damage and DDR.
Xenorhabdus aichiensis sp. nov., Xenorhabdus anantnagensis sp. nov., and Xenorhabdus yunnanensis sp. nov., Isolated from Steinernema Entomopathogenic Nematodes
Authors: Machado Ricardo A. R. , Bhat Aashaq Hussain , Castaneda-Alvarez Carlos , Askary Tarique Hassan , Půža Vladimir , Pagès Sylvie , Abolafia Joaquín
Published: July 2023

Three bacterial strains, XENO-2T, XENO-7T, and XENO-10T, isolated fromSteinernemaentomopathogenic nematodes, were found to represent novelXenorhabdusspecies. In this study, we describe these new species by whole-genome and whole-proteome phylogenomic reconstructions, by calculating sequence identity scores using core genome sequences, and by phenotypic characterization. Phylogenomic reconstructions using ribosomal and house-keeping genes, and whole-genome and whole-proteome sequences show that XENO-2Tand XENO-10Tare closely related toXenorhabdus japonicaDSM 16522Tand that XENO-7Tis closely related toXenorhabdus bovieniisubsp.africanaXENO-1Tand toX. bovieniisubsp.bovieniiT228T. The dDDH values between XENO-2Tand XENO-10Tand between XENO-2TandX. japonicaDSM 16522Tare 56.4 and 51.8%, respectively. The dDDH value between XENO-10TandX. japonicaDSM 16522Tis 53.4%. The dDDH values between XENO-7TandX. bovieniisubsp.africanaXENO-1Tand between XENO-7TandX. bovieniisubsp.bovieniiT228Tare 63.6 and 69.4%, respectively. These dDDH values are below the 70% divergence threshold for prokaryotic species delineation. The newly described species are highly pathogenic toG. mellonellalarvae, grow at pH between 5 and 9 (optimum 5–7), at salt concentrations of 1–3% (optimum 1–2%), and temperatures between 20 and 37 °C (optimum 28–30 °C). Biochemical tests such as lysine decarboxylase, ornithine decarboxylase, urease, gelatinase, citrate utilization, indole and acetoin production, and cytochrome oxidase tests allow to differentiate the novel species from their more closely related species. Considering these genetic and phenotypic divergencies, we propose the following new species:Xenorhabdus aichiensissp. nov. with XENO-7T(= CCM 9233T = CCOS 2024T) as the type strain,Xenorhabdus anantnagensissp. nov., with XENO-2T(= CCM 9237T = CCOS 2023T) as the type strain, andXenorhabdus yunnanensissp. nov., with XENO-10T(= CCM 9322T = CCOS 2071T) as the type strain. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the biodiversity and phylogenetic relationships of entomopathogenic bacteria associated with insect parasitic nematodes.
Processing and storage of tree fruits, cereals and pulses at PPNA Sharara, southern Jordan
Authors: Whitlam Jade , Finlayson Bill , Bogaard Amy , Charles Michael , Makarewicz Cheryl A.
Published: July 2023

Recent excavations at the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A site of Sharara (ca. 9250 calbc) in southern Jordan have yielded a rich assemblage of charred macrobotanical remains. The bulk of this assemblage was recovered from a single structure at the settlement that was destroyed by fire and which appears to have functioned as an area for processing and possibly also for storing plant foods. Among the charred plant remains recovered from this space were nearly 700 fig fruits. Based on detailed archaeobotanical and contextual analyses, we infer that these were laid out to dry on the roof of the structure when it burnt down. We also demonstrate that plant exploitation and processing strategies at Sharara focused on a range of wild cereals, pulses and tree fruits (fig and pistachio), including several taxa that are not part of the canonical ‘Neolithic founder crop package’. We discuss our findings in relation to broader understandings of pre-agricultural plant management in southwest Asia and within the southern Levant specifically.
The archerfish predictive C-start
Authors: Schuster Stefan
Published: July 2023

A very quick decision enables hunting archerfish to secure downed prey even when they are heavily outnumbered by competing other surface-feeding fish. Based exclusively on information that is taken briefly after the onset of prey motion, the fish select a rapid C-start that turns them right towards the later point of catch. Moreover, the C-start, and not later fin strokes, already lends the fish the speed needed to arrive at just the right time. The archerfish predictive C-starts are kinematically not distinguishable from escape C-starts made by the same individual and are among the fastest C-starts known in teleost fish. The start decisions allow the fish—for ballistically falling prey—to respond accurately to any combination of the initial variables of prey movement and for any position and orientation of the responding fish. The start decisions do not show a speed–accuracy tradeoff and their accuracy is buffered against substantial changes of environmental parameters. Here, I introduce key aspects of this high-speed decision that combines speed, complexity, and precision in an unusual way.