bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propyl acetate protects intestinal barrier during parenteral nutrition in mice and Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Wang Jiwei , Du Jing , Gou Xiaomei , Huang Yong , He Jixin , Lu Xiaoyun , Xie Ming
Published: August 2024

Background

Gut microbiota dysbiosis induces intestinal barrier damage during parenteral nutrition (PN). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate gut microbiota dysbiosis, luminal short‐chain fatty acids, and autophagy in a mouse model and how these short‐chain fatty acids regulate autophagy.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male specific‐pathogen–free mice were randomly divided into a Chow group (standard diet and intravenous normal saline infusion) and a PN group (continuous infusion of PN nutrient solution) for 7 days. Caco‐2 cells were also treated with intestinal rinse solutions from Chow and PN mouse models.

Results

Compared with the Chow group, the PN group exhibited increased Proteobacteria and decreased Firmicutes, correlating with decreased propyl acetate. In the PN group, intestinal tissue exhibited elevated adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation, LC3II protein levels, and Atg3 and Atg7 messenger RNA levels. P62 protein levels were decreased, indicating an increase of autophagy flux in the PN group. In the Caco‐2 cell model, cells treated with PN solution plus propyl acetate exhibited increased Claudin‐1 and occluding along with decreased interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor α compared with those treated with PN solution alone. Propyl acetate addition inhibited the AMPK–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, mitigating the excessive autophagy induced by the PN intestinal rinse solution in Caco‐2 cells.

Conclusion

PN led to a significant reduction in propyl acetate levels in the intestine, excessive activation of autophagy, and barrier dysfunction. Propyl acetate inhibited excessive autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and protected the intestinal barrier during PN.
Breast cancer‐related lymphedema: A comprehensive analysis of risk factors
Authors: Siotos Charalampos , Arnold Sydney H. , Seu Michelle , Lunt Lilia , Ferraro Jennifer , Najafali Daniel , Damoulakis George , Vorstenbosch Joshua , Mehrara Babak J. , Antony Anuja K. , Shenaq Deana S. , Kokosis George
Published: August 2024

Background

Breast cancer‐related lymphedema is a devastating condition that negatively affects the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. We sought to identify risk factors that predicted the timing and development of lymphedema.

Methods

Women with breast cancer that underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) at our institution between 2007 and 2022 were identified and sociodemographic and clinical information was extracted. We used logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for lymphedema and performed cox‐regression analysis to predict the timing of lymphedema presentation after surgery.

Results

We identified 1,223 patients, of which 161 (13.2%) developed lymphedema within 1.8 (mean, SD = 2.5) years postoperatively. Patients with SLNB had significantly lower odds for lymphedema development (vs. ALND, OR = 0.29 [0.14–0.57]). Patients between 40 and 49 years of age, and 50‐59 (vs. <40 years, OR = 2.14 [1.00–4.60]; OR = 2.42, [1.13–5.16] respectively), African American patients (vs. Caucasian, OR = 1.86 [1.12–3.09]), patients with stage II, III, and IV disease (vs. stage 0, OR = 3.75 [1.36–10.33]; OR = 6.62 [2.14–20.51]; OR = 9.36 [2.94–29.81]), and patients with Medicaid (vs. private insurance, OR = 3.56 [1.73–7.28]) had higher rates of lymphedema. Cox‐regression analysis showed that African American (HR = 1.71 [1.08–2.70]), higher BMI (HR = 1.03 [1.00–1.06]), higher stage (stage II, HR = 2.22 [1.05–7.09]; stage III, HR = 5.26 [1.86–14.88]; stage IV, HR = 6.13 [2.12–17.75]), and Medicaid patients (HR = 2.15 [1.12–3.80]) had higher hazards for lymphedema. Patients with SLNB had lower hazards for lymphedema (HR = 0.43 [0.87–2.11]).

Conclusion

Lymphedema has identifiable risk factors that can reliably be used to predict the chances of lymphedema development and enable clinicians to educate patients better and formulate treatment plans accordingly.

Level of Evidence

III (Retrospective study).
Validating an Evoked Potential Platform for Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Varghese Jordan J. , Shew Matthew A. , Walia Amit , Lefler Shannon M. , Durakovic Nedim , Wick Cameron C. , Ortmann Amanda J. , Herzog Jacques A. , Buchman Craig A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To validate electrocochleography (ECochG) between an auditory evoked potential (AEP) machine and an established cochlear implant (CI) manufacturer ECochG system.

Methods

Intraoperative validation study at a tertiary referral center. Patients included adults and children undergoing cochlear implantation. Intraoperative ECochG was measured with both the Intelligent Hearing Systems (IHS) Duet AEP machine and Cochlear Corporation (CC) ECochG platform. Recording electrodes captured extracochlear measurements through a standard facial recess. Tone‐bursts were presented from 250 Hz to 2 kHz (~110 dB SPL). A fast Fourier transform (FFT) of ECochG waveforms at key frequencies was summed into a total response (ECochG‐TR). Pearson's correlation was utilized to evaluate the relationship between IHS‐ECochG‐TR and CC‐ECochG‐TR after confirming normality.

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled with an average age of 67 years (SD 18.8). In the ear that was implanted, mean preoperative pure‐tone average (PTA; 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) was 87.4 dB HL (SD 19.3) and mean preoperative word‐recognition scores (WRS) was 17.0% correct (SD 19.1). There was strong correlation (r = 0.905, 95% confidence interval: 0.809 to 0.954) between IHS‐ECochG‐TR (median 2.30 μV, range 0.1–148.26) and CC‐ECochG‐TR (median 3.00 μV, range 0.1–239.63). Four patients underwent transtympanic ECochG with the IHS system for feasibility evaluation and achieved similar responses.

Conclusion

Extracochlear ECochG has been predictive of CI speech perception performance. The IHS duet system is a valid measure of extracochlear ECochG for the CI population. Future work will utilize this system for measuring transtympanic ECochG to improve preoperative estimation of CI performance.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Do changes in land use and climate change overlap? An analysis of the World Bank Data
Authors: Spalevic Velibor , Barati Ali Akbar , Goli Imaneh , Movahhed Moghaddam Saghi , Azadi Hossein
Published: August 2024

Land use change (LUC), including deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization, is a major contributor to climate change (CC). This change in land use has impacts on food, water, and energy systems, creating a complex interconnected web of issues. This study aimed to investigate the global link between LUC and CC from 1990 to 2012. Using time‐series data from the World Bank, LUC was represented by irrigated land, arable lands, and forest areas, while CC was represented by CO2 emissions. Moreover, the relationship between economic growth in high‐income and low‐income countries and LUC and CC was examined in this study. Based on the findings of this study, in low‐income countries, the intensity of LUC is higher in comparison with high‐income countries. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are increasing in middle‐income and high‐income countries. Economic growth is closely related to CO2 emissions in countries with different levels of income. The study indicated that managing land use is of high importance to mitigate CO2 emissions globally. According to the findings, recent LUC has shown more obvious effects on ecological variables than CC. Although LUC is not inherently directly related to CC, humans change land use, especially in terms of land management, to adapt to CC, and these changes will inevitably bring many environmental impacts. This study contributes significantly to advancing the understanding of the complex relationship between CC and LUC, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches in policy development. These measures are crucial to achieving resilience and meeting global CC reduction targets.
A dataset of individual wet weights of benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: Hrycik Allison R. , Burlakova Lyubov E. , Karatayev Alexander Y. , Daniel Susan E. , Dermott Ronald , Tarbell Morgan , Hinchey Elizabeth K.
Published: August 2024

Biomass estimates are crucial for modeling and understanding energy flow through ecosystems. Many modeling frameworks rely on published body weights of organisms to convert density estimates to biomass. However, published body weight data are limited to few taxa in a limited number of systems. Here we present mean individual weights for common benthic macroinvertebrates of the Laurentian Great Lakes from over 2000 benthic samples and 8 yr of data collection. We also compiled wet to dry weight conversions to facilitate data reuse for researchers interested in dry weight. We compared our benthic invertebrate weights to other lakes, demonstrating when weight measurements may be applied outside the Great Lakes. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of our calculations. Our dataset is applicable to food web energy flow models, calculation of secondary production, interpretation of trophic markers, and for understanding how biomass distribution varies by benthic invertebrate species in the Great Lakes.
Automated machine learning with interpretation: A systematic review of methodologies and applications in healthcare
Authors: Yuan Han , Yu Kunyu , Xie Feng , Liu Mingxuan , Sun Shenghuan
Published: August 2024

Machine learning (ML) has achieved substantial success in performing healthcare tasks in which the configuration of every part of the ML pipeline relies heavily on technical knowledge. To help professionals with borderline expertise to better use ML techniques, Automated ML (AutoML) has emerged as a prospective solution. However, most models generated by AutoML are black boxes that are challenging to comprehend and deploy in healthcare settings. We conducted a systematic review to examine AutoML with interpretation systems for healthcare. We searched four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus) complemented with seven prestigious ML conferences (AAAI, ACL, ICLR, ICML, IJCAI, KDD, and NeurIPS) that reported AutoML with interpretation for healthcare before September 1, 2023. We included 118 articles related to AutoML with interpretation in healthcare. First, we illustrated AutoML techniques used in the included publications, including automated data preparation, automated feature engineering, and automated model development, accompanied by a real‐world case study to demonstrate the advantages of AutoML over classic ML. Then, we summarized interpretation methods: feature interaction and importance, data dimensionality reduction, intrinsically interpretable models, and knowledge distillation and rule extraction. Finally, we detailed how AutoML with interpretation has been used for six major data types: image, free text, tabular data, signal, genomic sequences, and multi‐modality. To some extent, AutoML with interpretation provides effortless development and improves users' trust in ML in healthcare settings. In future studies, researchers should explore automated data preparation, seamless integration of automation and interpretation, compatibility with multi‐modality, and utilization of foundation models.
Development of tunable mid‐infrared laser at 10–25 μm
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhao Lu , Li Kuan , Niu Chao , Wu Chunting , Yu Yongji
Published: August 2024

Ten to 25 μm‐long‐wavelength mid‐infrared laser has broad application prospects in fields such as military, industrial, medical, and spectroscopy. Currently, lasers capable of emitting 10–25 μm‐long‐wavelength mid‐infrared radiation include CO2 lasers, solid‐state lasers, quantum cascade lasers, infrared supercontinuum light sources, and free electron lasers. This review summarizes the development status of these five types of lasers, providing a detailed analysis and summary of their operating principles, advantages, limitations, and future outlooks. The aim is to offer valuable reference information for related research and to promote the further development and application of tunable mid‐infrared laser at 10–25 μm.
Quantitative analysis of selected alkaloids of Mitragyna speciosa using 1H quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Garba Suleiman Abubakar , Shaari Khozirah , Abdul Manap Mohd Rashidi , Lee Soo Yee , Abdulazeez Isah , Mohd Faudzi Siti Munirah
Published: August 2024

Mitragyna speciosa is a perennial plant native to Asia, well known for its psychoactive properties. Its major alkaloid mitragynine is known to have sedative and euphoric effects. Hence, the plant has been a subject of abuse, leading to addiction, necessitating efficient analytical methods to detect its psychoactive constituents. However, current chromatography‐based methods for detecting the alkaloids are time consuming and costly. Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy emerges as a promising alternative due to its nondestructive nature, structural insights, and short analysis time. Hence, a rapid and precise qNMR method was developed to quantify selected major psychoactive alkaloids in various parts of M. speciosa. Mitragynine, specioliatine, and speciogynine were quantified in relation to the integral value of the ‐OCH3 groups of the alkaloids and the internal standard 1,4‐dinitrobenzene. The precision and reproducibility of the method gave a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2%, demonstrating the reliability of the method. In addition, the method showed excellent specificity, sensitivity, high linearity range (R2 = 0.999), and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) values. The analysis revealed that the red‐veined M. speciosa leaves contained higher levels of mitragynine (32.34 mg/g), specioliatine (16.84 mg/g) and speciogynine (7.69 mg/g) compared to the green‐veined leaves, stem bark, or fruits.
On the impact of B0 shimming algorithms on single‐voxel MR spectroscopy
Authors: Vejdani Afkham Behrouz , Alonso‐Ortiz Eva
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To assess the impact of different B0 shimming algorithms on MRS.

Methods

B0 field maps and single‐voxel MR spectroscopy were acquired in the prefrontal cortex of five volunteers at 3 T using five different B0 shimming approaches. B0 shimming was achieved using Siemens' proprietary shim algorithm, in addition to the Pseudo‐Inverse (PI), Quadratic Programming (QuadProg), Least Squares (LSq), and Gradient optimization (Grad) algorithms. The standard deviation of the shimmed B0 field, as well as the SNR and FWHM of the measured metabolites, was used to evaluate the performance of each B0 shimming algorithm.

Results

Compared to Siemens's shim, significant reductions (p < 0.01) in the standard deviation of the B0 field distribution within the MRS voxel were observed for the PI, QuadProg, and Grad algorithms (3.8 Hz, 7.3 Hz, and 3.9 Hz respectively, compared to 11.5 Hz for Siemens), but not for the LSq (12.9 Hz) algorithm. Moreover, significantly increased SNR and reduced FWHM for the N‐acetylaspartate metabolite were consistent with the improvement in B0 homogeneity for the aforementioned shimming algorithms.

Conclusion

Here, we demonstrate that the choice of B0 shimming algorithm can have a significant impact on the quality of MR spectra and that significant improvements in spectrum quality could be achieved by using alternatives to the default vendor approach.
Run‐time motion and first‐order shim control by expanded servo navigation
Authors: Riedel Malte , Ulrich Thomas , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To provide a navigator‐based run‐time motion and first‐order field correction for three‐dimensional human brain imaging with high precision, minimal calibration and acquisition, and fast processing.

Methods

A complex‐valued linear perturbation model with feedback control is extended to estimate and correct for gradient shim fields using orbital navigators (2.3 ms). Two approaches for sensitizing the model to gradient fields are presented, one based on finite differences with three additional navigators, and another projection‐based approximation requiring no additional navigators. A mechanism for noise decorrelation of the matrix and the data is proposed and evaluated to reduce unwanted parameter biases.

Results

The rigid motion and first‐order field control achieves robust motion and gradient shim corrections improving image quality in a series of phantom and in vivo experiments with varying field conditions. In phantom scans, magnet drifts, forced gradient field perturbations and field distortions from shifts of a second bottle phantom are successfully corrected. Field estimates of the magnet drifts are in good agreement with concurrent field probe measurements. For in vivo scans, the proposed method mitigates field variations from torso motions while being robust to head motion. In vivo gradient field precisions were along with single‐digit micrometer and millidegree rigid precisions.

Conclusion

The navigator‐based method achieves accurate, high‐precision run‐time motion and field corrections with low sequence impact and calibration requirements.
Reproducible and highly miniaturized bazooka RF Balun using a printed capacitor
Authors: Lu Ming , Yang Yijin , Chai Shuyang , Yan Xinqiang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There is currently a strong trend in developing RF coils that are high‐density, lightweight, and highly flexible. In addition to the resonator structure of the RF coil itself, the balun or cable trap circuit serves as another essential element in the functionality and sensitivity of RF coils. This study explores the development and application of reproducible highly miniaturized baluns in RF coil design.

Methods

We introduce a novel approach to producing Bazooka baluns with printed coaxial capacitors, enabling the achievement of significant capacitance per unit length. Rigorous electromagnetic simulations and thorough hardware fabrication validate the efficacy of the proposed design across various magnetic field strengths, including 1.5 T, 3 T, and 7 T MRI systems.

Results

Bench testing reveals that the proposed balun can achieve an acceptable common‐mode rejection ratio even when it is highly miniaturized. The use of printed capacitors allows for a notable reduction in balun length and ensures high reproducibility. Findings demonstrate that the proposed balun exhibits no RF field distortion even when placed close to the sample, making it suitable for flexible coils, wearable coils, and high‐density coils, particularly in high‐field MRI.

Conclusion

The reproducibility inherent in the manufacturing process of printed coaxial capacitors allows for simple fabrication and ensures consistency in production. These advancements pave the way for the development of flexible coils, wearable coils, and high‐density coils.
Imaging arterial and venous vessels using Iron Dextran enhanced multi‐echo 3D gradient echo MRI at 7T
Authors: Li Yinghao , Li Wei , Paez Adrian , Cao Di , Sun Yuanqi , Gu Chunming , Zhang Kaihua , Miao Xinyuan , Liu Peiying , Li Wenbo , Pillai Jay J. , Lu Hanzhang , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Earley Christopher , Li Xu , Hua Jun
Published: August 2024

Iron Dextran is a widely used iron oxide compound to treat iron‐deficiency anemia patients in the clinic. Similar to other iron oxide compounds such as Ferumoxytol, it can also be used off‐label as an intravascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent due to its strong iron‐induced T2 and T2* shortening effects. In this study, we seek to evaluate the feasibility of using Iron Dextran enhanced multi‐echo susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) MRI at 7T to image arterial and venous blood vessels in the human brain. Phantom experiments were performed to measure the r2* relaxivity for Iron Dextran in blood, based on which the SWI sequence was optimized. Pre‐ and post‐infusion MR images were acquired in human subjects from which maps of arteries and veins were extracted. The post‐contrast SWI images showed enhanced susceptibility difference between blood and the surrounding tissue in both arteries and veins. Our results showed that the proposed Iron Dextran enhanced multi‐echo SWI approach allowed the visualization of blood vessels with diameters down to ~100 μm, including small blood vessels supplying and draining small brain structures such as the hippocampus. We conclude that Iron Dextran can be an alternative iron‐based MRI contrast agent for blood vessel imaging in the human brain.
Cognitive dysfunction in older patients undergoing non‐neurosurgery in the immediate postoperative period: A systematic review
Authors: Kitthanyateerakul Pinyapat , Tankumpuan Thitipong , Davidson Patricia M.
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore the risk factors associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older patients within the first 7 days after non‐neurosurgical surgery and anaesthesia.

Design

A systematic review.

Methods

Following, PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses). Checklist, a systematic review of studies published from January 2018 to January 2024. The literature search was conducted across six electronic online databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, MEDLINE and Science Direct, and the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence‐Based Practice Evidence Rating Scale was used for study appraisal.

Results

The initial search yielded 1750 studies. The review included 19 studies which comprised prospective observational, case–control and retrospective studies. The prevalence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction ranged from 19% to 64% among older adults undergoing non‐neurosurgery. The identified risk factors were classified into three phases including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. Preoperative risk factors were found in age, educational attainment, malnutrition, preoperative biomarkers and co‐morbidities. Intraoperative risk factors were the duration of the operation, blood loss during the operation and anaesthesia used. Postoperative risk factors consisted of postoperative biomarkers and postoperative pain.

Patient or Public Contribution

The result from this review may assist researchers and healthcare providers in assessing the underlying causes and risk factors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and in formulating suitable preventative and therapeutic strategies for older adults with non‐neurosurgery during the short‐term postoperative period.
Sex estimation of the human os coxae in archeological contexts: An advocacy of using both Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste and Brůžek's morphoscopic method
Authors: Villotte Sébastien , Kacki Sacha , Thomas Aline
Published: August 2024

The aims of this article are (1) to present the applicability of two methods of sex estimation of the coxal bone—the Diagnose Sexuelle Probabiliste (second version, DSP2) and the Brůžek's morphoscopic method (statistical version, SBMM)—on a large archeological metasample; (2) to provide the percentage of agreement between the two methods; and (3) to illustrate the interest to use both methods together. The metasample under study is composed of adult skeletons from several European collections spanning from the Final Mesolithic to the Early Modern period. It includes 1270 coxal bones belonging to 765 individuals. Final sex estimation provided by each method is compared for each coxal bone and for each individual. A sex estimate (female or male) has been obtained by at least one method for 1066 coxal bones, and for 685 of the individuals (83.9% and 89.5% of our sample, respectively). Incongruity between methods and/or left and right coxal bones is extremely rare. The combined use of SBMM and DSP2 yields high rates of congruent sex estimations. While DSP2 results in a lower rate of sex estimation compared to SBMM, it likely offers better inter‐observer reproducibility, and their joint application significantly increases the total number of classified individuals. It is recommended to record both metric and nonmetric variables from DSP2 and SBMM on both coxal bones to increase the number of sex estimations while maintaining high reliability.
Social Determinants of Health Impact Complications Following Free‐Flap Reconstruction for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Goldberg Zachary N. , Jain Amiti , Wu Richard , Cognetti David M. , Goldman Richard A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) have increased in prevalence and often require free‐flap reconstruction (FFR) after tumor ablation. Postoperative complications following FFR can be high, occurring in as many as 48% and 71% of cases. HNC patients also have many disparities in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), but the potential impact of SDOH disparities on postoperative complications following FFR has not been formally assessed.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort review.

Setting

Academic Tertiary Care Institution in Northeast United States.

Methods

Patients that underwent head and neck FFR between January 2018 and December 2021 were analyzed to determine associations between quartiles of the national Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a proxy for SDOH disparity, and various medical and surgical postoperative complications. Associations were assessed using χ2 analysis.

Results

Two hundred four patients were included in the study, and 61 patients had 97 complications. Significant associations between higher national ADI quartile and incidence of several postoperative complications were identified, including any surgical complication (P = .0419), wound dehiscence (P = .0494), myocardial infarction (MI) (P = .0215), and sepsis (P = .0464).

Conclusion

There are significant associations between SDOH disparities and postoperative surgical complications, wound dehiscence, MI, and sepsis following head and neck FFR. Addressing SDOH disparities in HNC is pivotal to enhance postoperative outcomes and promote holistic patient care.
A transparent, anti‐blue‐light, and high strength nylon/nickel phosphate oligomer nanocomposite formed via intermolecular hydrogen bond crosslinking
Authors: Shui Linyi , Zhou Lintao , Guo Xianxin , Chen Guohua , Zhao Xiaomin
Published: August 2024

Polymer/transition metal inorganic salts nanocomposites are promising engineering materials in automotive, electronics, aerospace and smart wearables fields. However, the interfacial incompatibility always causes agglomeration and phase separation, constraining their further application. Inspired by inorganic oligomers' polymerization, nylon/nickel phosphate oligomer (NPO) nanocomposite (ENCC) was prepared via hydrogen bond crosslinking method. Due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between PO43− end groups of NPO with an average diameter of 6.5 ± 1.2 nm and NH groups on the nylon molecular chain, the phase compatibility is greatly improved. Hence, NPO was uniformly nano‐dispersed and had no obvious agglomerate in ENCC, inducing an invisible phase interface at nano‐micro scale. Nylon/nickel phosphate oligomer showed an excellent reinforcing effect on nylon, the tensile strength and elongation of ENCC reached 28 ± 0.8 MPa and 585 ± 26% at a high loading of 20 wt%, increased by 155% and 92%, compared with pure matrix, respectively. Furthermore, ENCC was still optically transparent and had excellent anti‐blue‐light performance (up to 96.6%).

Highlights

Novel inorganic/nylon composite prepared by hydrogen bond crosslinking method.

Phase separation and aggregation problems were solved remarkably.

Inorganic metal phosphate dispersed with a diameter of 6.5 ± 1.2 nm.

The composite was still transparent at 20 wt% loading of metal phosphate.

Tensile strength and elongation increased by 155% and 92%, respectively.
Comparing tensile, bending and interlaminar shear performance of GFRP composites fabricated using recovered and virgin glass fibers: Optimization of the microwave assisted chemical recycling technique
Authors: Khan Enamul Hussain , Gandi Rohith , Patnaik Satyaroop , Bera Madhab , Mukherjee Subrata , Prusty Rajesh Kumar , Ray Bankim Chandra
Published: August 2024

Global glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) recycling provides an effective solution to the end‐of‐life wastes and industrial scrap, by which we can construct a closed‐loop system that reduces environmental impact while increasing sustainability. This study reports the tensile, flexural and shear properties of GFRP composites fabricated from reclaimed fibers from the waste GFRP. A hybrid recycling technique that is, microwave assisted chemical recycling has been used for recovering the glass fiber fabrics. The quantity of solvents (a mixture of 30% H2O2 and CH3COOH in 1:1 ratio) required (in mL/g) for degrading the polymer is optimized with respect to the amount of microwave irradiation time. The microwave irradiation duration was varied at constant power of 900 W for optimizing the quantity of solvent used. SEM analysis of both virgin and reclaimed fiber surfaces indicate an almost complete degradation of polymer from the waste composites. RGFE laminates, fabricated from reclaimed glass fiber fabrics, exhibited marginally higher tensile strength (7%–8%) and significant lower tensile modulus (~29%). On the other hand, RGFE composites demonstrated a greater strain to failure of ~44% compared to VGFE composites during tensile testing, consequently leading to a subsequent increase in tensile toughness by ~28%. The ILSS values obtained from SBS tests and storage modulus and loss factor curves from DMA tests showed almost similar values. SEM studies revealed the probable causes of failures of the samples for tensile and flexural tests.

Highlights

Hybrid recycling technique using microwave irradiation is optimized.

Amount of solvent used is optimized by varying the irradiation times.

Tensile and flexural strengths exhibit a marginal increase of 7%–8%.

Significant rise in strain at failure by 44% and tensile toughness by 28%.

Fractography studies have been performed for analyzing failures.
Development of phytotherapeutic nanoformulation containing Gypsophila eriocalyx and its evaluation as a candidate formulation for osteoporosis treatment on human bone marrow stem cells
Authors: Kaymak Sibel , Kurtur Ozan Baris , Gok Bahar , Budama‐Kilinc Yasemin , Kecel‐Gunduz Serda , Nath Ebru Özdemir , Kartal Murat
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Osteoporosis, one of the common bone diseases, manifests itself as a decrease in bone mass. Recently, the use of medicinal plants in the search for effective and low‐toxicity therapeutics for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis has become a trending topic.

Objective

In this study, we aim to prepare a controlled drug carrier system loaded with Gypsophila eriocalyx to determine its potential for anti‐osteoporosis applications.

Methods

Gypsophila eriocalyx extract (GEE) was prepared, and components were determined. The molecular interactions of the components with Cathepsin K (CatK), which is used as a target in drug development against osteoporosis, were revealed by in silico molecular docking and MD methods. ADMET profiles were also examined. GEE‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were synthesized. The nanoparticles' morphology, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, release profile, average size, polydispersity index, and zeta potentials were determined. The cytotoxic effects of GEE and GEE‐loaded CNPs on the L929 and osteogenic proliferation profiles on human bone marrow stem cells (hBMC) were examined.

Results

The MD analysis revealed no breaks or atomic changes in the dynamic system, and the docking analysis confirmed the continued interaction of identical residues. It was determined that the GEE‐loaded CNP formulation was produced successfully, had no toxic effect on the L929, and had an osteogenic proliferation effect on hBMC.

Conclusion

In line with the in vitro and in silico results obtained, it was evaluated that GEE‐loaded CNPs can be used as a controlled drug release system as a candidate formulation with phytotherapeutic properties for osteoporosis treatment.q1
Supramolecular structure of epoxy oligomers
Authors: Chalykh Anatoly E.
Published: August 2024

Based on the generalized results of experimental methods for studying the viscosity of oligomers—DSC, electron microscopy, NMR spin echo, x‐ray diffraction analysis, edge wetting angles, laser microinterference, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, plastic flow—an analysis of the features of the supramolecular organization of melts and solutions of epoxy oligomers was carried out. In terms of thermofluctuation approach, a qualitative assessment of the structural elements forming a macroscopic polymer body is given, and direct morphological evidence of their structure, thermodynamic stability, size evolution with temperature changes and elastic‐strain effects is presented. A mathematical apparatus has been developed to describe the destruction of domains in solutions and melts of oligomers. Analytical equations have been proposed for calculating the time of thermofluctuation relaxation of domains. Based on the analysis of the supramolecular structure of dian epoxy oligomers by transmission electron microscopy and translational mobility of oligomer macromolecules in the high temperature region (Tg + 150°C), it has been suggested that a structure such as “flickering clusters” of free volume elements is formed in the oligomer melts.

Highlights

Phase diagrams of aromatic and aliphatic epoxy oligomers have been constructed.

The influence of molecular weight on the activation energy of diffusion of viscous flow is estimated.

It has been shown that the supramolecular structure of epoxy oligomers in the melt contains “flickering clusters.”

The lifetime of density fluctuations of epoxy oligomers domains in melts has been calculated.
Precipitation enhancement over tropical land through the lens of the moisture–precipitation relationship
Authors: Schmidt Luca , Hohenegger Cathy
Published: August 2024

Tropical precipitation has been found to be related to column relative humidity by a simple relationship known as the moisture–precipitation relationship . Based on one decade of daily ERA5 reanalysis data, we test whether is able to reproduce the tropical land–ocean precipitation contrast measured by , the ratio between mean precipitation over land and ocean. We find that captures the mean seasonal cycle of as long as we account for the fact that is distinct over land and ocean, and that it varies seasonally. Typical values of above 0.86 imply that precipitation is enhanced over land, relative to the ocean. We therefore investigate next whether this enhancement is due to the differences in and/or in the humidity distribution between land and ocean. We show that, rather than enhancing precipitation, the presence of land modifies in such a way that precipitation over land is disfavored compared to over ocean. Precipitation enhancement over land is instead explained by the modified terrestrial humidity distribution that features a more pronounced tail towards high values compared to the one over ocean. All results rest on an accurate construction of from the underlying data. Simple fit models such as an exponential function that were proposed by previous studies are unable to capture the seasonal cycle of and fail to explain land–ocean differences in precipitation.
Weibull mixture estimation based on censored data with applications to clustering in reliability engineering
Authors: Lamalle Florian , Feuillard Vincent , Sabourin Anne , Clémençon Stephan
Published: August 2024

It is the purpose of this paper to propose a novel clustering technique tailored to randomly censored data in reliability/survival analysis. It is based on an underlying mixture model of Weibull distributions and consists in estimating its parameters by means of a variant of the Expectation–Maximization method in the presence of random censorship. Beyond the description of the algorithm, model selection issues are addressed and we investigate its performance from an empirical perspective by applying it to possibly strongly censored (synthetic and real) survival data. The experiments carried out provide strong empirical evidence that our algorithm performs better than alternative methods standing as natural competitors in this framework.
Designing and leading justice‐centered informal STEM education: A framework for core equitable practices
Authors: Greenberg Day , Kim Won Jung , Brien Sinead , Barton Angela Calabrese , Balzer Micaela , Archer Louise
Published: August 2024

We explore how experienced informal educators worked towards equitable and consequential opportunities for learning in informal STEM settings through pedagogical practice. Drawing from a justice‐centered social practice stance we argue that pedagogical practice that promotes social transformation towards more just futures must confront and respond to, in integrated fashion, how unequal power dynamics, connected to systemic, structural oppressions, impact individual and collective learning. We refer to this focus on the entanglements between justice and responsibility as the ethical and relational dimensions of teaching and learning. In a research‐practice partnership, we drew upon participatory ethnography to explore how practice partners operationalized these “big justice ideas” in their practice. Using two detailed vignettes of practice we illustrate five interconnected patterns of practice: Recognizing, authority sharing, shifting narratives, co‐designing, and embracing humanity. We illustrate how these practices, and their variations, took shape in‐the‐moment, and worked in transformational ways. Last we discuss how these practices are consequentially directed towards shifting power—who has the power to name and legitimize what and who matters in informal STEM learning (ISL), how, and why—and about how youths and educators alike engaged each other towards affecting their lives, social relations, and possibilities. Findings can help informal educators refine and expand their mental models of youth, what matters to them, how and why, and what this could mean for their futures.
Reversible Electrochemical Swelling of Straight Carbon Nanotube Yarns for High‐Performance Linear Actuation
Authors: Wang Yulian , Wang Xiaobo , Zhao Yueran , Dong Lizhong , Zhou Tao , Yong Zhenzhong , Di Jiangtao
Published: August 2024

Coiled artificial muscle yarns outperform their straight counterparts in contractile strokes. However, challenges persist in the fabrication complexity and the susceptibility of the coiled yarns to becoming stuck by surrounding objects during contraction and recovery. Additionally, torsional stability remains a concern. In this study, it is reported that straight carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns when driven by a low‐voltage electrochemical approach, can achieve a contractile stroke that surpasses even NiTi shape memory alloy fibers. The key lies in the suitable match between a yarn consisting of randomly aligned CNTs and the reversible and substantial electrochemical swelling induced by solvated ions. Wrinkled structures are formed on the surface of the CNT yarn to adapt to the swelling process. This not only assures torsional stability but also enhances the surface area for improved electrode–electrolyte interaction during electrochemical actuation. Remarkably, the CNT artificial muscle yarn generates a contractile stroke of 8.8% and an isometric stress of 7.5 MPa under 2.5 V actuation voltages, demonstrating its potential for applications requiring low energy consumption while maintaining high operational efficiency. This study highlights the crucial impact of CNT orientation on the effectiveness of electrochemically‐driven artificial muscles, signaling new possibilities in smart material and biomechanical system development.
The case for nominalGDPlevel targeting
Authors: Hendrickson Joshua
Published: August 2024

In this paper, I make the case for a nominal GDP level target in the United States. I begin by arguing that the Federal Reserve's current flexible average inflation targeting regime is deficient. I then argue that since a competitive monetary equilibrium is optimal, monetary policy should seek to replicate the competitive monetary model. Doing so resembles nominal GDP targeting. I also offer the following practical reasons why policymakers might prefer a nominal GDP target. Nominal GDP targeting (a) does not require policymakers to determine whether current economic fluctuations are demand‐driven or supply‐driven nor does it require real‐time estimates of the output gap, (b) automatically prevents the central bank from exacerbating supply shocks, and (c) leads to greater financial stability. Finally, I make the case for targeting the level, rather than the growth rate, of nominal GDP. Doing so prevents the path of nominal GDP from deviating arbitrarily far from its intended growth path, which anchors expectations and aids in long‐run economic decision‐making.
Molecularly Imprinted Polyaniline as Solid‐Phase Material for the Extraction of UV Filters From Waters
Authors: Anene Amira , Chevalier Yves , Hbaieb Souhaira
Published: August 2024

Solid‐phase extraction (SPE) using a polyaniline molecularly imprinted polymer (PANI@MIP) is optimized for the extraction of benzophenone‐4 (BP4) from aqueous matrices. First, the three main variables influencing the washing step of the SPE method—type, composition, volume, and percolation flow rate of the washing solvent—were investigated. The optimal conditions for the washing step using the new PANI@MIP‐SPE for maximum retention of BP4 and elimination of interfering molecules (benzophenone‐3 [BP3] and benzophenone [BP]) were determined as follows: 1.25 mL acetonitrile/acetic acid/hexane (45/05/50 v/v/v) as wash solvent at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1. A multiple linear regression model was validated using Student's t‐test to identify the most significant variables affecting this step, including the type and volume of each eluent solvent and the volume of the ternary mixture solvents. The reliability of the model was further confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher's F‐test at α = 0.05. The extraction recoveries of the target analyte exceeded 92% over the range of concentrations (from 0.1 to 120 mg L−1), and the maximum retention capacity of PANI@MIP‐SPE was 600 µg g−1, in contrast to 50 µg g−1 for PANI@NIP‐SPE.
Performance Comparison of Traditional, Nanopolymerized, and Entangled Belousov−Zhabotinsky Self‐Oscillating Gels
Authors: Cheng Zhenfang , Yuan Ling , Wang Hui , Yu Haodi , Zhang Meng , Epstein Irving R , Gao Tan , Ren Lin , Gao Qingyu
Published: August 2024

Belousov−Zhabotinsky (BZ) self‐oscillating gels exhibit periodic volumetric swelling−deswelling, providing the basis for autonomous soft robots without external control. However, traditional BZ self‐oscillating gels suffer from degradation and slow chemo−mechanical response. Here, three types of BZ self‐oscillating gels were prepared by adjusting the monomer/crosslinker ratio and using N‐isopropylacrylamide nanogels as crosslinker. Compared with traditional gels, the toughness of nanopolymerized and entangled gels was markedly improved and their response to the Ru (III)/Ru (II) alternation was accelerated. The three self‐oscillating gels showed different periodic responses in a BZ reaction solution. Entangled gels, as a result of their greater spatial uniformity in energy dissipation and enhanced interconnection between mesopores, respectively, showed the longest lifetime and shortest chemo‐mechanical oscillation delay. The synthesis of tougher and faster responding entangled gels expands the function and application of BZ self‐oscillating gels.
Description of lesions in lambs intoxicated with sodium selenite included in intraruminal boluses
Authors: Serratos Midori Jocelyn Hernández , Ramírez Mireya Juárez , Fariña Isauro Garrido , Pérez Jorge Luis Tórtora , Trujillo Elein Hernández , Sánchez Víctor Manuel Díaz
Published: August 2024

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for ruminants, which participates in the optimal functioning of proteins and enzymes that can combat oxidative stress in the body; however, its toxicity is documented in different species. The objective of this work was to describe macroscopic and microscopic lesions in lambs intoxicated with selenium administered through intraruminal boluses. The main lesions at necropsy were pulmonary oedema; the myocardial surface presented multifocal pale areas; the thyroid and thymus glands were decreased in size, and areas of necrosis, haemorrhage and hyperkeratosis were observed in the reticulum and rumen. At the microscopic level, congestion, haemorrhage, oedema and hyaline membranes were observed in the lung; hepatic congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration and necrosis; degeneration and necrosis of the reticulum mucosa, as well as areas of hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis; myocardial degeneration, necrosis and fibrosis; congestion, haemorrhage, degeneration and renal tubular necrosis; thyroid follicular atrophy and thymic cortical atrophy. This study evidenced the main lesions related to selenium poisoning in lambs supplemented with the mineral through intraruminal boluses.
A field evaluation of a new porcine circovirus type 2d and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bivalent vaccine in herds suffering from subclinical PCV2d infection and enzootic pneumonia
Authors: Ham Sehyeong , Suh Jeongmin , Kim Chonghan , Seo Byoung‐Joo , Park Gyeong‐Seo , Chae Chanhee
Published: August 2024

Background

This field efficacy study was designed to determine the efficacy of a new bivalent vaccine containing porcine circovirus type 2d (PCV2d) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae at three independent pig farms.

Methods

Three pig farms were selected based on their history of subclinical PCV2 infection and enzootic pneumonia. Each farm housed a total of 40, 18‐day‐old pigs that were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Pigs were administered a 2.0 mL dose of the bivalent vaccine intramuscularly at 21 days of age in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, whereas unvaccinated pigs were administered a single dose of phosphate‐buffered saline at the same age.

Results

Clinically, the average daily weight gain of vaccinated groups was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of unvaccinated animals during the growing (70–112 days of age), finishing (112–175 days of age) and overall (3–175 days of age) stages of production. Vaccinated animals elicited neutralizing anti‐PCV2 antibodies and PCV2d‐specific interferon‐γ secreting cells (IFN‐γ‐SC), which reduced the amount of PCV2d genomic copies in blood and reduced lymphoid lesions severity when compared with unvaccinated animals. Similarly, vaccinated animals elicited M. hyopneumoniae‐specific IFN‐γ‐SC, which reduced the amount of M. hyopneumoniae in the larynx and reduced lung lesions severity.

Conclusions

The result of the field trial demonstrated that the bivalent vaccine was efficacious in the protection of swine herds suffering from subclinical PCV2d infection and enzootic pneumonia.