bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infant carrying: Associations with parental reflective functioning, parental bonding and parental responses to infant crying
Authors: Firk Christine , Großheinrich Nicola
Published: January 2024

Infant carrying may have beneficial effects on the parent‐infant relationship but only limited research has been conducted in this area. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to investigate whether infant carrying is associated with parental reflective functioning, parental bonding, and parental (emotional) and behavioral responses to infant crying, key elements within the parent‐infant relationship, promoting infant development. Parents reporting high levels (N = 389) of infant carrying (six times a week or daily) and parents reporting low levels (N = 128) of infant carrying (less than once a week or not at all) who participated in an online survey about the developing parent‐infant relationship in Germany were included in the present study. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess parental reflective functioning, parental bonding impairments, and emotional responses to infant crying. Further insensitive (non‐responsive and hostile) behaviors in response to infant crying were assessed. Parents with high levels of infant carrying showed better parental reflective functioning, lower parental bonding problems, less negative emotions, and less insensitive behaviors in response to infant crying.
Three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound diagnosis of interstitial ectopic pregnancy in a unicornuate uterus: A case report
Authors: Dong Yanhua , Zhang Hongbin , Jin Ke , Li Hezhou
Published: January 2024

A rare case of unicornuate uterus with interstitial ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed using three‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D‐TVUS). The ultrasound revealed a “lancet‐shaped” endometrial corona, a gestational sac near the uterus base extending toward the uterine serosa, and visible interstitial lines. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for a lesion in the right fallopian tube. 3D‐TVUS was crucial in precisely locating the gestational sac, aiding in effective treatment. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies risk severe hemorrhaging upon rupture. Rapid, accurate diagnosis is vital for lifesaving treatment and preventing critical complications.
Integrated DNA methylation analysis reveals a potential role for PTPRN2 in Marfan syndrome scoliosis
Authors: Zheng Zhen‐zhong , Xu Jing‐hong , Chen Jia‐lin , Jiang Bin , Ma Hong , Li Lei , Li Ya‐wei , Dai Yu‐liang , Wang Bing
Published: January 2024

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the Fibrillin‐1 gene (FBN1) with significant clinical features in the skeletal, cardiopulmonary, and ocular systems. To gain deeper insights into the contribution of epigenetics in the variability of phenotypes observed in MFS, we undertook the first analysis of integrating DNA methylation and gene expression profiles in whole blood from MFS and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

The Illumina 850K (EPIC) DNA methylation array was used to detect DNA methylation changes on peripheral blood samples of seven patients with MFS and five HCs. Associations between methylation levels and clinical features of MFS were analyzed. Subsequently, we conducted an integrated analysis of the outcomes of the transcriptome data to analyze the correlation between differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and explore the potential role of methylation‐regulated DEGs (MeDEGs) in MFS scoliosis. The weighted gene co‐expression network analysis was used to find gene modules with the highest correlation coefficient with target MeDEGs to annotate their functions in MFS.

Results

Our study identified 1253 DMPs annotated to 236 genes that were primarily associated with scoliosis, cardiomyopathy, and vital capacity. These conditions are typically associated with reduced lifespan in untreated MFS. We calculated correlations between DMPs and clinical features, such as cobb angle to evaluate scoliosis and FEV1% to assess pulmonary function. Notably, cg20223687 (PTPRN2) exhibited a positive correlation with cobb angle of scoliosis, potentially playing a role in ERKs inactivation.

Conclusions

Taken together, our systems‐level approach sheds light on the contribution of epigenetics to MFS and offers a plausible explanation for the complex phenotypes that are linked to reduced lifespan in untreated MFS patients.
Narrow‐linewidth injection‐locked Ho:YAG laser by using thulium‐doped fiber laser as pumping source
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Yan Dong , Meng Xianghao , Zhang Dongming , Dai Tongyu , Ju Youlun
Published: January 2024

We demonstrated a narrow‐linewidth Ho:yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) injection‐locked laser by using a 1908 nm thulium‐doped fiber laser as a pumping source to generate 2.09 μm single‐frequency pulses. A compact single‐longitudinal‐mode nonplanar ring oscillator (NPRO) based on Ho:YAG material with a beam quality factor of 1.01 at the central wavelength of 2090.91 nm was considered as the seed source. In the experiment, the pulse energy of 3.6 mJ with a pulse width of 161.6 ns from single‐frequency Ho laser was achieved at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 100 Hz. The linewidth of the single‐frequency pulse spectrum monitored through the heterodyne method was approximately 1.9 MHz at the lowest Ho laser energy.
Efficient and fast screening and separation based on computer‐aided screening and complex chromatography methods for lipoxygenase inhibitors from Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Nong Yuyu , Zhou Xu , Li Sainan , Liu Qiang , Zhang Yutong , Liang Jiaqi , Zhang Yuchi , Liu Chunming
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Accurate screening and targeted preparative isolation of active substances from natural medicines have long been technical challenges in natural medicine research.

Objectives

This study outlines a new approach for improving the efficiency of natural product preparation, focusing on the rapid and accurate screening of potential active ingredients in Ganoderma lucidum and efficient preparation of lipoxidase inhibitors, with the aim of providing new ideas for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with G. lucidum.

Methods

The medicinal plant G. lucidum was selected through ultrafiltration coupled with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UF–LC–MS) and computer‐assisted screening for lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the active compounds on LOX was studied using enzymatic reaction kinetics, and the underlying mechanism is discussed. Finally, based on the earlier activity screening guidelines, the identified ligands were isolated and purified through complex chromatography (high‐speed countercurrent chromatography and semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography).

Results

Five active ingredients, ganoderic acids A, B, C2, D2, and F, were identified and isolated from G. lucidum. We improved the efficiency and purity of active compound preparation using virtual computer screening and enzyme inhibition assays combined with complex chromatography.

Conclusion

The innovative methods of UF–LC–MS, computer‐aided screening, and complex chromatography provide powerful tools for screening and separating LOX inhibitors from complex matrices and provide a favourable platform for the large‐scale production of bioactive substances and nutrients.
Prescribing trends of proton pump inhibitors and histamine blockers among children in the United Kingdom (1998–2019): A population‐based assessment
Authors: Masarwa Reem , Reynier Pauline , Lefebvre Claire , Platt Robert W. , Delaney Joseph A. C. , Filion Kristian B.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To describe the prescribing trends of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) among children with gastroesophageal reflux in the United Kingdom between 1998 and 2019.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink that included all children aged ≤18 years with a first ever diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux between 1998 and 2019. Using negative binomial regression, we estimated crude and adjusted annual prescription rates per 1000 person‐years and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PPIs and H2RAs. We also assessed rate ratios of PPIs and H2RAs prescription rates to examine changes in prescribing over time.

Results

Our cohort included 177 477 children with a first ever diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux during the study period. The median age was 13 years (IQR: 1, 17) among children prescribed PPIs and 0.2 years (IQR: 0.1, 0.6) among those prescribed H2RAs. The total prescription rate of all GERD drugs was 1468 prescriptions per 1000 person‐years (PYs) (95% CI 1463–1472). Overall, PPIs had a higher prescription rate (815 per 1000 PYs, 95% CI 812–818) than H2RAs (653 per 1000 PYs 95% CI 650–655). Sex‐ and age‐adjusted rate ratios of 2019 versus 1998 demonstrated a 10% increase and a 76% decrease in the prescription rates of PPIs and H2RAs, respectively.

Conclusions

Prescription rates for PPIs increased, especially during the first half of the study period, while prescription rates for H2RA decreased over time.
Plasma polymerization of isopentyl nitrite at atmospheric pressure: Gas phase analysis and surface chemistry
Authors: Wang Yong , Robson Alexander J. , Simon Stephane , Short Robert D. , Bradley James W.
Published: January 2024

Nitric oxide (NO)‐releasing coatings have promising potential for biomedical applications notably in implant safety and wound dressing by promoting healing and reducing bacterial growth. Yet, the production of NO‐films remains difficult through classic approaches. In this study, plasma polymerized NO‐coatings are produced using a helium‐isopentyl nitrite mixture under two power settings and deposited on aluminum samples. Analyses of the plasma phase by mass spectroscopy reveal the presence of nitrosoxy groups (O–N═O) in monomer and quasi‐monomer at low power, and a higher fragmentation rate at high power. Static and no‐static samples are made and analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showing the presence of these group for both power conditions, with a better retention on the sample's center for the latest.
Insensitive high explosives: VI. experimental determination of the chemical compatibility of nitroguanidine with seven high explosives**
Authors: Bohn Manfred A. , Heil Moritz , Pontius Heike , Koch Ernst‐Christian
Published: January 2024

Two compatibility test types based on gas generation obtained by vacuum stability test (VST) procedure and on heat generation obtained by heat flow microcalorimetry (HFMC) show that nitroguanidine (NGu), CAS‐No. [556‐88‐7], is compatible with ammonium nitrate (AN), CAS‐No. [6484‐52‐2], ammonium dinitramide (ADN), CAS‐No. [140456‐78‐6], 1,1‐diamino‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7, DADNE), CAS‐No. [145250‐81‐3], N‐guanylurea dinitramide (FOX‐12, GUDN, carbamoylguanidinium dinitramide), CAS‐No. [217464‐38‐5], hexogen (RDX), CAS‐No. [121‐82‐4], octogen (HMX), CAS‐No. [2691‐41‐0], and trinitrotoluene (TNT), CAS‐No. [118‐96‐7]. The evaluations with gas generation and heat generation were done using the so‐called corresponding reactivity quantities RV and RQ, but the assessment criteria are in accordance with the present NATO standards. NGu and ADN show the rare case of reactivity with a negative assessment quantity, that is their inter‐component reactivity quantities show negative values in RV and RQ. The evolved gas volume and the produced heat generation of the 1 : 1 mixture have lower values than the formally calculated values of the mixture. The root cause of this cannot be deduced with mere compatibility testing. A negative assessment quantity RQ is also observed with NGu and TNT at 80 °C, but not at 70 °C.
Decreased hepatic enzymes reflect the decreased vitamin B6 levels in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Ikenaka Kensuke , Kajiyama Yuta , Aguirre César , Choong Chi‐Jing , Taniguchi Seira , Doi Junko , Wang Nan , Ajiki Takahiro , Ogawa Kotaro , Kakuda Keita , Kimura Yasuyoshi , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: January 2024

The study aims to investigate the vitamin B6 levels in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and their association with liver enzymes and evaluate how much dysregulation is associated with levodopa dose. Furthermore, to evaluate the effect of Opicapone, a catechol‐o‐methyl‐transferase inhibitor, on vitamin B6 levels by monitoring the AST and ALT levels in patients treated with Levodopa–Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion (LCIG). For these aims, serum vitamin B6 levels were measured (PD, n = 72 and controls, n = 31). The vitamin B6 level was compared with the total levodopa dose, clinical parameters, and blood homocysteine, albumin, and hemoglobin levels in PD patients. Correlations between vitamin B6 levels and AST and ALT levels, as well as the ratio ALT/AST, were analyzed. Changes in the AST and ALT levels and ALT/AST were analyzed in the patients treated with LCIG before and after the therapy (n = 24) and in the patients treated with LCIG + Opicapone before and after Opicapone treatment (n = 12). We found vitamin B6 levels were significantly lower in PD patients. Total levodopa dose and albumin levels were independently associated with vitamin B6 levels. Decreased vitamin B6 levels appeared as lower AST and ALT levels and ALT/AS. Treatment with LCIG decreased the AST and ALT levels and ALT/AST. Adjunctive therapy with Opicapone to LCIG ameliorated the decreased ALT and ALT/AST. We conclude that the ALT and ALT/AST can be useful parameters for monitoring vitamin B6 levels and Opicapone can ameliorate the dysregulated vitamin B6 in PD patients.
Evaluation of the drug–drug interaction potential of brigatinib using a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling approach
Authors: Hanley Michael J. , Yeo Karen Rowland , Tugnait Meera , Iwasaki Shinji , Narasimhan Narayana , Zhang Pingkuan , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Gupta Neeraj
Published: January 2024

Brigatinib is an oral anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor approved for the treatment of ALK‐positive metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer. In vitro studies indicated that brigatinib is primarily metabolized by CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 and inhibits P‐gp, BCRP, OCT1, MATE1, and MATE2K. Clinical drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies with the strong CYP3A inhibitor itraconazole or the strong CYP3A inducer rifampin demonstrated that CYP3A‐mediated metabolism was the primary contributor to overall brigatinib clearance in humans. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for brigatinib was developed to predict potential DDIs, including the effect of moderate CYP3A inhibitors or inducers on brigatinib pharmacokinetics (PK) and the effect of brigatinib on the PK of transporter substrates. The developed model was able to predict clinical DDIs with itraconazole (area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity [AUC∞] ratio [with/without itraconazole]: predicted 1.86; observed 2.01) and rifampin (AUC∞ ratio [with/without rifampin]: predicted 0.16; observed 0.20). Simulations using the developed model predicted that moderate CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., verapamil and diltiazem) may increase brigatinib AUC∞ by ~40%, whereas moderate CYP3A inducers (e.g., efavirenz) may decrease brigatinib AUC∞ by ~50%. Simulations of potential transporter‐mediated DDIs predicted that brigatinib may increase systemic exposures (AUC∞) of P‐gp substrates (e.g., digoxin and dabigatran) by 15%–43% and MATE1 substrates (e.g., metformin) by up to 29%; however, negligible effects were predicted on BCRP‐mediated efflux and OCT1‐mediated uptake. The PBPK analysis results informed dosing recommendations for patients receiving moderate CYP3A inhibitors (40% brigatinib dose reduction) or inducers (up to 100% increase in brigatinib dose) during treatment, as reflected in the brigatinib prescribing information.
Determinants of cesarean mode of childbirth among Rwandan women of childbearing age: Evidence from the 2019–2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS)
Authors: Etienne Nsereko , Aline Uwase , Ornella Mpinganzima , Henriette Usanzineza , Pierre Niyitegeka Jean , Léonard Turabayo Jean , Josee Mwiseneza Marie , Candide Mugeni Girimpundu , Patricia Moreland
Published: January 2024

Background

Rwanda has made progress in reducing maternal mortality, with rates decreasing by three‐quarters between 1990 and 2015, in part due to increased access to cesarean delivery (CD). However, the prevalence of CD is also increasing for reasons other than clinical indications. Rwanda's 15% CD delivery rate is higher than World Health Organization guidelines, sparking debate about optimal CD use and potential negative outcomes in child and maternal health. This study aimed to identify the key clinical and nonclinical factors relating to CD in Rwanda.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (2019–2020) was performed, using the outcome variable of vaginal birth versus CD in women who had delivered in the survey period and for 5 years preceding. We used logistic regression modeling to identify the explanatory sociodemographic, economic, and obstetric characteristics associated with CD.

Results

More than half of participants were between 20‐ and 34‐year old, 65.2% had completed primary school at least, 79.0% lived in rural areas, and 81.2% had health insurance. Fifteen percent of participants had given birth by CD in the preceding 5 years. CD was independently associated with higher levels of education, religion, higher socioeconomic status, perceived financial constraints, and giving birth in a private health facility. Obstetric predictors for CD included twin pregnancy, male infancy, and primiparity.

Conclusion

Results suggest that indications for CD should be monitored and the birthing preferences of women further evaluated, with guidelines implemented to inform decision‐making around CD.
A modified laser ablation‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for in situ analysis of sulfur isotope composition of sulfides
Authors: Guo Dongwei , Fan Changfu , Hu Bin , Li Yanhe , Wu Xiaopei , Sun Pengcheng , Hou Kejun , Wang Qian
Published: January 2024

Rationale

A novel laser ablation‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LA‐IRMS) method for in situ analysis of sulfur isotopes in sulfides has been developed. Instead of the in situ reaction applied by the traditional laser microprobe, the analyte gas preparation in this method is separated temporally and spatially from the LA, resulting in improved precision and accuracy.

Methods

Our LA‐IRMS system combines an ultraviolet LA system, an elemental analyzer (EA), a custom‐built cryogenic concentration system, a continuous‐flow interface, and an IRMS. The sulfide aerosol particles generated from LA were transferred by a helium carrier gas from the ablation cell into the reaction tube and were then converted into SO2. Subsequently, SO2 was enriched in two cold traps and was finally introduced into the ion source of the IRMS through the continuous‐flow interface.

Results

We measured three synthetic and four natural sulfide reference materials to test the performance of this method. Precisions of ±0.25‰–±0.48‰ and ±0.32‰–±0.64‰ (1SD, n = 5) for δ34S values of synthetic and natural sulfide standards can be obtained for spot sizes ranging from 64 to 80 μm. Measured values and their recommended values showed a good linear relationship (R2 within 0.998 and 0.9995) with the slope of approaching unity (within 1.0509 and 1.1313).

Conclusions

Data from the measurement of reference materials showed that the precision and accuracy of our method were satisfactory. This method is a powerful tool for in situ sulfur isotope measurement of sulfides and can be further applied to in situ carbon and oxygen isotope analyses.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of Metal‐Metal‐Nonmetal Multidoped TiO2 Nanoparticles towards Visible Light
Authors: Khatun M. Mahfuza , Islam M. Bodiul , Sumona Hasnat Jahan , Al Mahmood Abdullah
Published: January 2024

TiO2 is the most important and remarkable material in photocatalytic applications. In the present work, pure and doped TiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated by the sol‐gel synthesis route. The impact of the metal and nonmetal dopants on the performance of the photocatalysts was examined systematically. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis affirmed the existence of anatase and rutile phases in the fabricated nanoparticles. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analysis confirmed that all doped TiO2 nanoparticles have a lower bandgap than undoped TiO2, and (N, Cu, Ag)‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles having the lowest bandgap (2.38 eV), demonstrating that metal‐metal‐nonmetal multidoping improves TiO2′s sensitivity towards visible light. In comparison to pure and other doped TiO2 nanoparticles, methylene blue (MB) photodegrades at a faster rate (rate constant of 0.04878 min−1) with the highest photocatalytic activity (99.61 % MB degradation) on the surface of (N, Cu, Ag)‐doped TiO2. The photocatalytic activities of TiO2 nanoparticles have been improved by multidoping in the following sequence: TiO2<N‐doped TiO2<(N, Cu)‐doped TiO2<(N, Ag)‐doped TiO2<(N, Cu, Ag)‐doped TiO2.
An Efficient Synthesis, Antimicrobial Evaluation and In Silico Studies of 1,2,3‐Triazolyl‐isoxazolyl‐ethanol Derivatives
Authors: Bhoye Manish R. , Latif Shaikh Abdul , Walunj Yogesh , Pissurlenkar Raghuvir R. S. , Chavan Abhijit , Mhaske Pravin C.
Published: January 2024

A series of 2‐(1‐substituted benzyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)‐1‐(5‐arylisoxazol‐3‐yl)ethanol (8 a–p) have been designed and efficiently synthesized. The structure of the compounds 8 a–p was characterized by spectral methods. The newly synthesized 1,2,3‐triazolyl‐isoxazolyl‐ethanol (8 a–p) derivatives were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity against P. mirabilis, E. coli, S. albus, B. subtilis, C. albicans and A. niger. Eleven derivatives showed good activity against the Gram‐negative strains. Compounds 8 b, 8 c, 8 d, 8 g, 8 h, 8 i, 8 j, 8 k, 8 n, 8 o, and 8 p showed good antibacterial against E. coli activity. Against P. mirabilis, compounds 8 a, 8 b, 8 d, 8 g, 8 h, 8 k, 8 l, 8 m, 8 n, 8 o, and 8 p showed good activity, compounds 8 o, and 8 p showed two‐fold less activity than the reference drug streptomycin. Against the Gram‐positive strain, B. subtilis, compounds 8 c, 8 d and 8 f showed good activity, from which the compounds 8 d and 8 f were found only two‐fold less potent than the reference drug streptomycin. Against fungal strains, C. albicans, compound 8 g and against A. niger, compounds 8 f, 8 h and 8 j showed good antifungal activity. Against A. niger strain, the compounds 8 f and 8 h reported only two‐fold less activity than the reference drug fluconazole. The active compounds were studied for molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
DBN Promoted [4+2] Annulation of Malononitrile and 2‐(3‐Oxo‐3‐arylprop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenyl buta‐2,3‐dienoates to Construct 2‐Amino‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitriles
Authors: Sun Xiaobin , Lu Tianyu , Lin Weisheng , Miao Zhiwei
Published: January 2024

A DBN promoted [4+2] cycloaddition of malononitrile with 2‐(3‐oxo‐3‐arylprop‐1‐en‐1‐yl)phenyl buta‐2,3‐dienoates has been developed. This protocol provides a simple strategy for the construction of 2‐amino‐4‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitriles in moderate to good yields.
Highly Stable Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Tuning the Molecular Polarity of Diluents in Localized High‐Concentration Electrolytes
Authors: Yang Xin‐Tao , Han Chong , Xie Yi‐Meng , Fang Rong , Zheng Shisheng , Tian Jing‐Hua , Lin Xiu‐Mei , Zhang Hua , Mao Bing‐Wei , Gu Yu , Wang Yao‐Hui , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: January 2024

Electrolyte plays a crucial role in ensuring stable operation of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have the potential to form a robust solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and mitigate Li dendrite growth, making them a highly promising electrolyte option. However, the principles governing the selection of diluents, a crucial component in LHCE, have not been clearly determined, hampering the advancement of such a type of electrolyte systems. Herein, the diluents from the perspective of molecular polarity are rationally designed and developed. A moderately fluorinated solvent, 1‐(1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethoxy)propane (TNE), is employed as a diluent to create a novel LHCE. The unique molecular structure of TNE enhances the intrinsic dipole moment, thereby altering solvent interactions and the coordination environment of Li‐ions in LHCE. The achieved solvation structure not only enhances the bulk properties of LHCE, but also facilitates the formation of more stable anion‐derived SEIs featured with a higher proportion of inorganic species. Consequently, the corresponding full cells of both Li||LiFePO4 and Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells utilizing Li thin‐film anodes exhibit extended long‐term stability with significantly improved average Coulombic efficiency. This work offers new insights into the functions of diluents in LHCEs and provides direction for further optimizing the LHCEs for LMBs.
An Industry Perspective on Dix pour cent and Ten Percent
Authors: Valentin Harold , Baute Christian , Kitsopanidou Kira , Thévenin Olivier , Harrod Mary , Moine Raphaëlle , Sellier Geneviève , Kaftal Anne
Published: January 2024

This chapter comprises the transcript of an interview with Harold Valentin, producer of Dix pour cent (Mother Production), and Christian Baute, producer of its British remake, Ten Percent (Headline Pictures), that took place on Saturday 11 September 2021 as part of the bilingual online workshop ‘Global Gallicisms II: Circulating Frenchness Through Mainstream Film and Television’ (10–11 September 2021). Topics covered include the reasons for the success of Dix pour cent locally and internationally; how different industry actors, both national and transnational, influenced this; and factors shaping the British adaptation. Discussion also ranged beyond the specific case study to discuss hindrances and affordances of the current global industry for producing French series, notably postnational ones.
Study of new physics effects in $$ {\overline{B}}_s\to {D}_s^{\left(\ast \right)}{\tau}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$ semileptonic decays using lattice QCD form factors and heavy quark effective theory
Authors: Penalva Neus , Flynn Jonathan M. , Hernández Eliecer , Nieves Juan
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We benefit from the lattice QCD determination by the HPQCD of the Standard Model (SM) form factors for the $$ {\overline{B}}_s\to {D}_s $$

B
¯

s

→

D
s

[Phys. Rev. D101 (2020) 074513] and the SM and tensor ones for the $$ {\overline{B}}_s\to {D}_s^{\ast } $$

B
¯

s

→

D
s
∗

(arXiv:2304.03137 [hep-lat]) semileptonic decays, and the heavy quark effective theory (HQET) relations for the analogous B → D(*) decays obtained by F.U. Bernlochner et al. in Phys. Rev. D95 (2017) 115008, to extract the leading and sub-leading Isgur-Wise functions for the $$ {\overline{B}}_s\to {D}_s^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

B
¯

s

→

D
s

∗

decays. Further use of the HQET relations allows us to evaluate the corresponding scalar, pseudoscalar and tensor form factors needed for a phenomenological study of new physics (NP) effects on the $$ {\overline{B}}_s\to {D}_s^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

B
¯

s

→

D
s

∗

semileptonic decay. At present, the experimental values for the ratios $$ {\mathcal{R}}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}}=\Gamma \left[\overline{B}\to {D}^{\left(\ast \right)}{\tau}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\tau}\left]/\Gamma \right[\overline{B}\to {D}^{\left(\ast \right)}{e}^{-}\left({\mu}^{-}\right){\overline{\nu}}_{e\left(\mu \right)}\right] $$

R

D

∗

=
Γ

B
¯

→

D

∗

τ
−

ν
¯

τ

/
Γ

B
¯

→

D

∗

e
−

μ
−

ν
¯

e

μ

are the best signal in favor of lepton flavor universality violation (LFUV) seen in charged current (CC) b → c decays. In this work we conduct a study of NP effects on the $$ {\overline{B}}_s\to {D}_s^{\left(\ast \right)}{\tau}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

B
¯

s

→

D
s

∗

τ
−

ν
¯

τ

semileptonic decays by comparing tau spin, angular and spin-angular asymmetry distributions obtained within the SM and three different NP scenarios. As expected from SU(3) light-flavor symmetry, we get results close to the ones found in a similar analysis of the $$ \overline{B}\to {D}^{\left(\ast \right)} $$

B
¯

→

D

∗

case. The measurement of the $$ {\overline{B}}_s\to {D}_s^{\left(\ast \right)}\ell {\overline{\nu}}_{\ell } $$

B
¯

s

→

D
s

∗

ℓ

ν
¯

ℓ

semileptonic decays, which is within reach of present experiments, could then be of relevance in helping to establish or rule out LFUV in CC b → c transitions.
Supersymmetric solutions of type-II supergravity from λ-deformations and zoom-in limits
Authors: Itsios Georgios
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We construct the embedding of the λ-model on SL(2, ℝ) × SU(2) × SU(2) in type-II supergravity. In the absence of deformation, the ten-dimensional background corresponds to the near-horizon limit of the NS1-NS5-NS5 brane intersection. We show that when the deformation is turned on, supersymmetry breaks by half, and the solution preserves 8 supercharges. The Penrose limits along two null geodesics of the deformed geometry are also considered. It turns out that none of the associated plane-wave backgrounds exhibit supernumerary supercharges.
Orbifolds and Manifold Quotients with Upper Curvature Bounds
Authors: Lange Christian
Published: January 2024

We characterize Riemannian orbifolds with an upper curvature bound in the Alexandrov sense as reflectofolds, i.e., Riemannian orbifolds all of whose local groups are generated by reflections, with the same upper bound on the sectional curvature. Combined with a result by Lytchak–Thorbergsson this implies that a quotient of a Riemannian manifold by a closed group of isometries has locally bounded curvature (from above) in the Alexandrov sense if and only if it is a reflectofold.
Odd Distances in Colourings of the Plane
Authors: Davies James
Published: January 2024

We prove that every finite colouring of the plane contains a monochromatic pair of points at an odd distance from each other.
Detection of Spinal Cord Multiple Sclerosis Lesions Using a 3D-PSIR Sequence at 1.5 T
Authors: Peters Sönke , Neves Fernando Bueno , Huhndorf Monika , Gärtner Friederike , Stürner Klarissa , Jansen Olav , Salehi Ravesh Mona
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent autoimmune inflammatory disease. Besides cerebral manifestations, an affection of the spinal cord is typical; however, imaging of the spinal cord is difficult due to its anatomy. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of a 3D PSIR pulse sequencing at a 1.5 T magnetic field strength for both the cervical and thoracic spinal cord.

Methods

Phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR), short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and T2-weighted (T2-w) images of the spinal cord of 50 patients were separately evaluated by three radiologists concerning the number and location of MS lesions. Furthermore, lesion to cord contrast ratios were determined for the cervical and thoracic spinal cord.

Results

Of the lesions 54.81% were located in the cervical spinal cord, 42.26% in the thoracic spinal cord and 2.93% in the conus medullaris. The PSIR images showed a higher sensitivity for lesion detection in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord (77.10% and 72.61%, respectively) compared to the STIR images (58.63% and 59.10%, respectively) and the T2-w images (59.95% and 59.52%, respectively). The average lesion to cord contrast ratio was significantly higher in the PSIR images compared to the STIR images (p < 0.001) and the T2-w images (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Evaluation of the spinal cord with a 3D PSIR sequence at a magnetic field strength of 1.5 T is feasible with a high sensitivity for the detection of spinal MS lesions for the cervical as well as the thoracic segments. In combination with other pulse sequences it might become a valuable addition in an advanced imaging protocol.
A comparative study of the thermal and mechanical cutting influence on the cut-edge hardness of structural steels S355 and S1100
Authors: Diekhoff Paul , Sun Jiamin , Nitschke-Pagel Thomas , Dilger Klaus
Published: January 2024

Thermal and mechanical cutting processes are commonly applied in manufacturing industries for making a specific size and shape of samples. The material properties of the heat-affected metal at the cut edge might be different from those of the parent metal. Hardness as a very important parameter for the assessment of material properties has been widely used in the design procedure. The Vickers hardness test is a versatile method to measure material hardness in practice. In this study, a comparison of cut-edge hardness between the thermal and mechanical cutting processes was performed on the structural steels S355 and S1100 by using the Vickers hardness test method with a small angle at cut edges to widen the heat-affected zone (HAZ). Based on the measurements, the influence of the Vickers test load on the magnitude and distribution of cut-edge hardness for laser-cut samples of steels S355 and S1100 was clarified. Furthermore, the effects of cutting processes on the hardness were illustrated. Finally, a comparison between the distribution characteristics of the cut-edge hardness of steels S355 and S1100 was made. For structural steel, it is recommended to apply the Vickers hardness testing method with a test load of 1 kpf and with a small angle at cut edges to widen the HAZ and to get reasonable results. The hardness distribution and the maximum for laser- and plasma-cut edges are similar, depending on the material, with a maximum of 450 HV1 for S355N and of 550 HV1 for S1100M.
Cloudwork als Chance für den Globalen Süden?
Authors: López Tatiana , Feuerstein Patrick , de Vera Janine , Varaschin Giulia , Karlıdağ Zeynep , Graham Mark
Published: January 2024

Online-Plattformarbeit – auch als „Cloudwork“ bekannt – hat in den letzten Jahren ein rasantes Wachstum verzeichnet. Entwicklungspolitische Debatten betonen in diesem Zusammenhang die neuen Einkommens- und professionellen Entwicklungschancen für gut ausgebildete, jedoch oft unterbeschäftigte Arbeiter*innen aus Ländern des Globalen Südens. Cloudwork-Plattformen bieten diesen Arbeiter*innen neue Zugänge zu Kund*innen und Aufträgen aus dem Globalen Norden, die in Dollar oder Euro vergütet werden. Gleichzeitig zeigen Studien jedoch, dass Online-Plattformarbeit oftmals mit unsicheren Bedingungen und psychischen Belastungen einhergeht. Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Einkommens- und professionellen Entwicklungschancen von Online-Plattformarbeiter*innen aus dem Globalen Süden im Übersetzungs- und Transkriptionssektor. Er stützt sich auf eine quantitative Online-Befragung mit 401 Plattformarbeiter*innen (darunter 266 aus dem Globalen Süden), die im Jahr 2022 im Rahmen des Fairwork-Projekts durchgeführt wurde. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Einkommens- und professionellen Entwicklungschancen von Cloud-Arbeiter*innen durch ihre geographische Verortung und die Art der Arbeitsorganisation auf den einzelnen Plattformen beeinflusst werden. Arbeiter*innen aus dem Globalen Süden mussten im Vergleich zu ihren Kolleg*innen aus dem Globalen Norden mehr unbezahlte Arbeitszeit (z. B. in die Suche nach Jobs) investieren. Trotzdem konnten Arbeiter*innen aus dem Globalen Süden auch unter Einberechnung der unbezahlten Arbeitsstunden eher ein Einkommen über dem lokalen Mindestlohnniveau erzielen – eine Tatsache, die sich durch internationale Unterschiede in den lokalen Lohnniveaus erklären lässt. Unbezahlte Arbeitszeit ist besonders ausgeprägt auf sogenannten „Micro-Task-Plattformen“ im Transkriptionssektor, da hier das Überangebot von Arbeitskräften in der Regel sehr hoch ist. Insgesamt verdeutlicht unser Beitrag die Machtposition von Plattformunternehmen, welche neue globale Geographien der Online-Arbeit hervorbringen und kontrollieren, und damit Chancen für gute Arbeit im Globalen Süden beeinflussen.
Usage of nivolumab and ipilimumab for recurrent or advanced malignant vaginal melanoma: a two-case series
Authors: Konishi Kota , Okamoto Mamiko , Tokumitsu Ryuichi , Yano Mitsutake , Nasu Kaei , Kobayashi Eiji
Published: January 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors help treat malignant melanoma, but show limited use in treating malignant vaginal melanoma, an aggressive, rare gynecological malignancy. We identified two patients treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab for vaginal melanoma; both were immunonegative for programmed cell death-ligand 1 and wild-type BRAF. Case 1, a 56-year-old female who underwent radical surgery for stage 1 malignant vaginal melanoma, experienced recurrence 15 months postoperatively. She briefly responded to ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy before showing disease progression. Tumor shrinkage occurred with nivolumab and local radiotherapy and, 45 months postoperatively, she survives with the melanoma. Case 2, a 50-year-old female, presented with a 4-cm blackish polypoid vaginal tumor with metastatic pelvic lymph nodes. She received ipilimumab and nivolumab combination therapy for stage III unresectable malignant vaginal melanoma. The vaginal tumor shrank after the third course of treatment, and the lymphadenopathy disappeared. The patient underwent radical surgery and is currently disease-free, using nivolumab for maintenance therapy. Both patients had immune-related adverse events coinciding with periods of high therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Neoadjuvant therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy for immune checkpoint inhibitor resensitization may effectively treat advanced or recurrent vaginal melanoma.
Exploring smallholder farmers’ climate change adaptation intentions in Tiruchirappalli District, South India
Authors: Mitter Hermine , Obermeier Kathrin , Schmid Erwin
Published: January 2024

Smallholder farmers are disproportionally vulnerable to climate change, and knowledge on cognitive factors and processes is required to successfully support their adaptation to climate change. Hence, we apply a qualitative interview approach to investigate smallholder farmers’ adaptation intentions and behavior. The theoretical Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to Climate Change has guided data collection and analysis. We conducted twenty semi-structured interviews with smallholder farmers living and working in Tiruchirappalli District in South India. We applied a qualitative content analysis by combining a content-structuring with a type-building approach. The systematic analysis resulted in four types of smallholder farmers that differ in the formation of adaptation intentions. Three of these types intend to adapt and follow different adaptation plans: (i) innovative measures that are new to the farm or region and are considered effective to overcome the detriments experienced from past efforts, (ii) contractive measures such as selling land or livestock, and (iii) retaining past measures they consider effective while relying on their access to resources. Only one type does not intend to adapt, emphasizing that rain is absolutely necessary to continue farming. We conclude that public efforts could focus on education and training programs adjusted to the farmers’ needs, measures to maintain or increase the fertility of land and farmers’ livelihood, flexible water conservation technologies and regular checking of dams, fostering combined adaptation and mitigation measures, providing access to loans up to debt cancellation, and offering physical and mental health programs.
Solving a real-life multi-skill resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem
Authors: Torba Rahman , Dauzère-Pérès Stéphane , Yugma Claude , Gallais Cédric , Pouzet Juliette
Published: January 2024

This paper addresses a multi-skill resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem (MSRCMPSP) with different types of resources and complex industrial constraints, which originates from SNCF heavy maintenance factories. Two objective functions, that have been rarely addressed in the literature, are independently considered: (i) Minimization of the sum of the weighted tardiness of the projects and (ii) Minimization of the sum of the weighted duration of the projects. A time-indexed mixed-integer linear programming model is presented with both resource assignment and capacity constraints. To solve large instances with several thousand activities, a new memetic algorithm combining a novel hybrid simulated genetic algorithm with a simulated annealing is implemented. The memetic algorithm is compared with popular solution approaches. Computational experiments conducted on real instances and benchmark instances validate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
A window to the future: effects of climate change on the distribution patterns of Iranian Zygaenidae and their host plants
Authors: Noori Sajad , Hofmann Axel , Rödder Dennis , Husemann Martin , Rajaei Hossein
Published: January 2024

Climate change has been suggested as an important human-induced driver for the ongoing sixth mass extinction. As a common response to climate change, and particularly global warming, species move toward higher latitudes or shift uphill. Furthermore, rapid climate change impacts the biotic interactions of species, particularly in the case of Zygaenid moths which exhibit high specialization in both habitat and host plant preferences. Iranian Zygaenidae are relatively well-known and represent a unique fauna with a high endemism rate (46%) in the whole Palearctic; as such they are a good model group to study the impact of climate change on future distributions. In this study, we used species distribution models (SDMs) and ensembles of small models (ESMs) to investigate the impact of climate change on the future distribution of endemic and non-endemic species of zygaenids, as well as their larval host plants. Three different climate scenarios were applied to forecast the probable responses of the species to different climate change intensities. Our results suggest that the central and southern parts of the country will be impacted profoundly by climate change compared to the northern regions. Beyond this, most endemic species will experience an altitudinal shift from their current range, while non-endemic species may move towards higher latitudes. Considering that the regions with higher diversity of zygaenids are limited to mountainous areas, mainly within the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot, the identification of their local high diversity regions for conservation practices has a high priority.
3D printed microfluidic valve on PCB for flow control applications using liquid metal
Authors: Hamza Ahmed , Navale Anagha , Song Qingchuan , Bhagwat Sagar , Kotz-Helmer Frederik , Pezeshkpour Pegah , Rapp Bastian E.
Published: January 2024

Direct 3D printing of active microfluidic elements on PCB substrates enables high-speed fabrication of stand-alone microdevices for a variety of health and energy applications. Microvalves are key components of microfluidic devices and liquid metal (LM) microvalves exhibit promising flow control in microsystems integrated with PCBs. In this paper, we demonstrate LM microvalves directly 3D printed on PCB using advanced digital light processing (DLP). Electrodes on PCB are coated by carbon ink to prevent alloying between gallium-based LM plug and copper electrodes. We used DLP 3D printers with in-house developed acrylic-based resins, Isobornyl Acrylate, and Diurethane Dimethacrylate (DUDMA) and functionalized PCB surface with acrylic-based resin for strong bonding. Valving seats are printed in a 3D caterpillar geometry with chamber diameter of 700 µm. We successfully printed channels and nozzles down to 90 µm. Aiming for microvalves for low-power applications, we applied square-wave voltage of 2 Vpp at a range of frequencies between 5 to 35 Hz. The results show precise control of the bistable valving mechanism based on electrochemical actuation of LMs.
Evaluating left atrial strain and left ventricular diastolic strain rate as markers for diastolic dysfunction in patients with mitral annular calcification
Authors: Chen Edward W. , Bashir Zubair , Churchill Jessica L. , Has Phinnara , Klas Berthold , Aurigemma Gerard P. , Bisaillon Jonathan , Dickey John B. , Haines Philip
Published: January 2024

Background

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) poses many challenges to the evaluation of diastolic function using standard echocardiography. Left atrial (LA) strain and left ventricular early diastolic strain rate (DSr) measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) are emerging techniques in the noninvasive evaluation of diastolic function. We aim to evaluate the utility of LA strain and early DSr in predicting elevated left ventricular filling pressures (LVFP) in patients with MAC and compare their effectiveness to ratio of mitral inflow velocity in early and late diastole (E/A).

Methods

We included adult patients with MAC who presented between January 1 and December 31, 2014 and received a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and cardiac catheterization with measurement of LVFP within a 24-h period. We used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to assess associations of LA reservoir strain and average early DSr with LVFP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were computed to assess the effectiveness of LA strain and DSr in discriminating elevated LVFP as a dichotomized variable and to compare their effectiveness with E/A ratio categorized according to grade of diastolic dysfunction.

Results

Fifty-five patients were included. LA reservoir strain demonstrated poor correlation with LVFP (Spearman’s rho = 0.03, p = 0.81) and poor discriminatory ability for detecting elevated LVFP (AUC = 0.54, 95% CI 0.38–0.69). Categorical E/A ratio alone also demonstrated poor discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.53, 95% CI 0.39–0.67), and addition of LA reservoir strain did not significantly improve effectiveness (AUC = 0.58, 95% CI 0.42–0.74, p = 0.56). Average early DSr also demonstrated poor correlation with LVFP (Spearman’s rho = −0.19, p = 0.16) and poor discriminatory ability for detecting elevated LVFP (AUC = 0.59, 95% CI 0.44–0.75). Addition of average early DSr to categorical E/A ratio failed to improve effectiveness (AUC = 0.62, 95% CI 0.46–0.77 vs. AUC = 0.54, 95% CI 0.39–0.69, p = 0.38).

Conclusions

In our sample, LA reservoir strain and DSr do not accurately predict diastolic filling pressure. Further research is required before LA strain and early DSr can be routinely used in clinical practice to assess filling pressure in patients with MAC.
5Ni/MgO and 5Ni/MgO + MOx (M = Zr, Ti, Al) Catalyst for Hydrogen Production via Dry Reforming of Methane: Promotor-Free, Cost-Effective, and Handy Catalyst System
Authors: Patel Naitik , Al-Fatesh Ahmed S. , Bamatraf Nouf A. , Osman Ahmed I. , Alreshaidan Salwa B. , Fakeeha Anis H. , Wazeer Irfan , Kumar Rawesh
Published: January 2024

Utilization of CO2 as a promising oxidant under dry reforming methane (DRM) can mitigate two greenhouse gases (CO2 and CH4) together, as well as DRM reaction may be a source of H2 energy in future. The cost-effective and handy catalyst preparation procedures like mixing, drying and calcining may turn this reaction from lab to industry. In this line, herein, 5Ni/MgO and 5Ni/MgO + MOx (M = Zr, Ti, Al) catalysts were prepared, investigated for DRM and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman, temperature programmed reduction/desorption, thermogravimetry and transmission electron microscope. Among the prepared catalysts, the 5Ni/MgO + TiO2 catalyst exhibits the highest concentration of active Ni sites enhanced reducibility under oxidizing and reducing environments, but catalytic excellency is hindered by severe graphitic-type coke deposition. On the other hand, the 5Ni/MgO + Al2O3 catalyst predominantly comprises metallic Ni resulting from the reduction of “strongly interacted NiO”, expanded surface area and the highest concentration of easily accessible active sites, contributing to its superior performance (H2 yield ~ 71% up to 430 min time on stream) under oxidizing and reducing conditions during DRM. The outstanding performance of the 5Ni/MgO + Al2O3 catalyst marks a significant stride towards the development of an industrially viable, cost-effective, and convenient catalyst system for DRM.

Graphical Abstract