bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Upcycling of Polyethylene over Ru/H‐ZSM‐5 Bifunctional Catalyst into High‐Quality Liquid Fuel at Mild Conditions
Authors: Gao Li , Zhong Xia , Liu Jie , Chen Junnan , Wang Ziru , Zhang Ying , Wang Deli , Shakeri Mozaffar , Zhang Xia , Zhang Bingsen
Published: May 2024

It has been known that plastics with undegradability and long half‐times have caused serious environmental and ecological issues. Considering the devastating effects, the development of efficient plastic upcycling technologies with low energy consumption is absolutely imperative. Catalytic hydrogenolysis of single‐use polyethylene over Ru‐based catalysts to produce high‐quality liquid fuel has been one of the current top priority strategies, but it is restricted by some tough challenges, such as the tendency towards methanation resulting from terminal C−C cleavage. Herein, we introduced Ru nanoparticles supported on hollow ZSM‐5 zeolite (Ru/H‐ZSM‐5) for hydrocracking of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) under mild reaction conditions. The implication of experimental results is that the 1Ru/H‐ZSM‐5 (~1 wt % Ru) acted as an effective and reusable bifunctional catalyst providing higher conversion rate (82.53 %) and liquid fuel (C5−C21) yield (62.87 %). Detailed characterization demonstrated that the optimal performance in hydrocracking of PE could be attributed to the moderate acidity and appropriate positively charged Ru species resulting from the metal‐zeolite interaction. This work proposes a promising catalyst for plastic upcycling and reveals its structure‐performance relationship, which has guiding significance for catalyst design to improve the yield of high‐value liquid fuels.
Galectin‐3 levels and long‐term all‐cause mortality and hospitalization in heart failure patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng Wenke , Maciej Rosolowski , Thiele Holger , Büttner Petra
Published: May 2024

Aims

This meta‐analysis investigated the dose–response relationship between circulating galectin‐3 levels and adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

PubMed and Embase were screened for studies on galectin‐3 and HF. The outcomes of interest were all‐cause mortality (ACM), and all‐cause mortality or HF‐related rehospitalization (ACM/HFR), with a follow‐up time of more than 6 months. For categorical variables, comparisons between groups with the highest and lowest galectin‐3 levels were pooled. For continuous variables, the risks of ACM and ACM/HFR increase per 1‐standard deviation (SD) and 1‐unit after logarithmic transformation galectin‐3 levels were pooled. A random‐effects model was employed to calculate the pooled results, and all pooled results were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Besides, a dose–response analysis was performed. Twenty‐four cohort studies were included. In HF patients, higher circulating galectin‐3 levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of long‐term ACM (HR, 1.65; 95% CI 1.28–2.13; I2 = 66%), and 1 ng/mL increase in galectin‐3 was associated with a 4% (HR, 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.06; P = 0.002) increase in hazard. Similarly, higher circulating galectin‐3 levels were significantly associated with a higher risk of long‐term ACM/HFR (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.00; I2 = 76%), and 1 ng/mL increase in galectin‐3 was associated with a 3% (HR, 1.03; 95% CI 1.02–1.04; P < 0.001) increase in hazard. An increase of 1‐SD in galectin‐3 units was associated with a 29% increased hazard of long‐term ACM (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.13–1.48; I2 = 42%) and a 22% increased hazard of ACM/HFR (HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.07–1.38; I2 = 60%). Similarly, an increase of 1‐log in galectin‐3 units was associated with a 98% higher hazard of long‐term ACM (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.48–2.65; I2 = 41%) and an 83% higher hazard of ACM/HFR in HF patients (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.02–3.28; I2 = 7%). Correlation analysis showed a moderate positive correlation between baseline galectin‐3 and N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide levels (r = 0.48, P = 0.045) and a weak negative correlation with eGFR (r = −0.39, P = 0.077).

Conclusions

Higher circulating galectin‐3 levels after hospitalization of HF patients are linearly and positively associated with the risk of long‐term ACM and ACM/HFR.
Supramolecular Chemistry: Exploring the Use of Electronic Structure, Molecular Dynamics, and Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Colaço Matheus C. , Glitz Vinícius A. , Jacobs Amanda K. , Port Vinícius C. , Caramori Giovanni F.
Published: May 2024

This review aims to highlight the role that computational chemistry has played in advancing the supramolecular chemistry field. We demonstrated recent uses of computational methodologies to elucidate noncovalent interactions in various processes occurring in supramolecular systems. We also emphasized the contributions of these techniques to studying reactions within confined space, showing how computational methodologies help clarify the effects of reactivity and conformational locking. Furthermore, we underscore the utilization of Molecular Dynamics (MD) in elucidating dynamical processes, understanding temperature and pressure effects, and exploring conformational space within supramolecular chemistry. Finally, we highlight the impact that the age of machine learning has on computational chemistry, showing how these universal approximators can enhance existing methods, predict properties, and efficiently explore the chemical space encompassed by these complex systems.
Isolation and characterization of rabies monoclonal antibody charge variants
Authors: Divase Ambika , Pisal Sambhaji , Dake Manjusha Sudhakar , Dakshinamurthy Pravin Kumar , Reddy PeddiReddy Shrinivas , Dhere Rajeev , Kamat Chandrashekhar , Chahar Digamber Singh , Pal Jayanta , Nawani Neelu
Published: May 2024

Current postexposure prophylaxis of rabies includes vaccines, human rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), equine RIG, and recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAb). In the manufacturing of rabies recombinant mAb, charge variants are the most common source of heterogeneity. Charge variants of rabies mAb were isolated by salt gradient cation exchange chromatography (CEX) to separate acidic and basic and main charge variants. Separated variants were further extensively characterized using orthogonal analytical techniques, which include secondary and tertiary structure determination by far and near ultraviolet circular dichroism spectroscopy. Charge and size heterogeneity were evaluated using CEX, isoelectric focusing (IEF), capillary‐IEF, size exclusion chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and western blotting. Antigen binding affinity was assessed by enzyme linked immuno‐sorbent assay and rapid florescence foci inhibition test. Results from structural and physicochemical characterizations concluded that charge variants are formed due to posttranslational modification demonstrating that the charge heterogeneity, these charge variants did neither show any considerable physicochemical change nor affect its biological function. This study shows that charge variants are effective components of mAb and there is no need of deliberate removal, until biological functions of rabies mAb will get affected.
High dimensional variable selection through group Lasso for multiple function‐on‐function linear regression: A case study in PM10 monitoring
Authors: Evangelista Adelia , Acal Christian , Aguilera Ana M. , Sarra Annalina , Di Battista Tonio , Palermi Sergio
Published: May 2024

Analyzing the effect of chemical and local meteorological variables over the behaviour in concentrations in the Abruzzo region (Italy), with the objective of forecasting and controlling air quality, motivates the current work. Given that the available data are curves that represent the day‐to‐day variations, a multiple function‐on‐function linear regression (MFFLR) model is considered. By assuming the Karhunen‐Loève expansion, MFFLR model can be reduced to a classical linear regression model for each principal component of the functional response in terms of all principal components (PCs) of the functional predictors. In this sense, a regularization approach for functional principal component regression based on the merge of functional data analysis with group Lasso is proposed. This novel methodology allows to estimate the model and, simultaneously, select those relevant functional predictors with the functional response, where each functional independent variable is represented by a group of input variables derived by the PCs.
A zero‐inflated Poisson spatial model with misreporting for wildfire occurrences in southern Italian municipalities
Authors: Arima Serena , Calculli Crescenza , Pollice Alessio
Published: May 2024

We propose a Poisson model for zero‐inflated spatial counts contaminated by measurement error: we accommodate the excess of zeroes in the counts, consider the possible under/over reporting of the response and account for the neighboring structure of spatial areal units. Bayesian inferences are provided by MCMC implementation through the R package NIMBLE. To evaluate the model performance, a simulation study is carried out under configurations that allow for structured and unstructured spatial random effects. The proposed model is applied to investigate the distribution of the counts of wildfire occurrences in the municipal areas of two neighboring Italian regions for the summer season 2021. Fire counts are obtained by processing MODIS satellite data, while several socio‐economic and environmental‐driven potential risk factors are also considered in the model formulation. Data from multiple sources with different spatial support are processed in order to comply with the municipal units. Results suggest the appropriateness of the approach and provide some insights on the features of wildfire occurrences.
Gender violence, emotion, and the state symposium commentary
Authors: Lamphere Louise
Published: May 2024

Feminist anthropologists have long emphasized the cultural, social, economic, and political contexts of gender violence rather than only focusing on interpersonal relationships between intimate partners or within the family. This commentary situates the five articles in the Gender Violence, Emotion, and the State Symposium within that context while noting their “evocative ethnographic” approach as a vital contribution to feminist anthropological thought, paying particular attention to power and its exercise within institutions and various forms of structural violence.
A hybrid CPU‐GPU paradigm to accelerate reactive CFD simulations
Authors: Ghioldi Federico , Piscaglia Federico
Published: May 2024

The solution of reactive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is accelerated by the implementation of a hybrid central processing unit/graphics processing units (CPU/GPU) Finite Volume solver based on the operator‐splitting strategy, where the chemistry integration is treated independently of the flow solution. The integration of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) describing the finite‐rate chemical kinetics is solved by an adaptive multi‐block explicit solver on GPUs, while the load of the fluid solution is distributed on a multicore CPU algorithm. The resulting speed‐up for reactive CFD simulations is up to 10; the performance gain increases with the size of the mechanism. The proposed implementation is general and can be applied to any CFD problem where the governing equations for the fluid transport are coupled with an ODE system. Code validation is performed against reference solutions on a selection of test cases involving reacting flows.
Perspectives on the impact of generative AI on early‐childhood development and education
Authors: Kanders Karlis , Stupple‐Harris Louis , Smith Laurie , Gibson Jenny Louise
Published: May 2024

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is rapidly becoming ubiquitous in many contexts. There is limited scholarship, however, in the fields of Developmental Psychology and Early Childhood Education exploring the implications of generative AI for babies and young children. In this Perspectives piece, we discuss potential use cases, opportunities, and risks for the application of AI in early childhood. Our insights are informed by extensive discussion with stakeholders and by desk research carried out in our roles as academics and analysts in a social innovation foundation. Our aim is to stimulate nuanced and informed discourse on the topic of generative AI in early childhood that can inform innovation in both research and practice.
Daily links between objective smartphone use and sleep among adolescents
Authors: Burnell Kaitlyn , Garrett Shedrick L. , Nelson Benjamin W. , Prinstein Mitchell J. , Telzer Eva H.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Concerns abound on how digital technology such as smartphone use may impair adolescent sleep. Although these linkages are supported in cross‐sectional studies, research involving intensive longitudinal assessments and objective measures has called into question the robustness of associations.

Methods

In this study, a sample of ethnically diverse U.S. adolescents (N = 71; Mage = 16.49; 56% girls) wore Fitbit devices and submitted screenshots of their smartphone screen time, pickups, and notifications over a 14‐day period in 2021. The Fitbits recorded nightly sleep quality and sleep onset. Adolescents also completed daily diaries reporting the previous night's sleep onset time and sleep quality.

Results

On days when adolescents engaged in greater nighttime screen time and, to some extent, pickups relative to their own average, they also had poorer sleep outcomes that night. Greater screen time was associated with later self‐reported and Fitbit‐recorded sleep onset and poorer self‐reported sleep quality. Greater pickups was associated with later self‐reported and Fitbit‐recorded sleep onset. Smartphone use during the day did not relate to sleep outcomes, indicating the importance of distinguishing nighttime from daytime use.

Conclusions

Parents and clinicians should help adolescents develop healthy digital skills to avoid exacerbating sleep problems that are known to occur during this developmental period.
An FBG‐based optical pressure sensor for the measurement of radial artery pulse pressure
Authors: Gowda Ranjith B. , Sharan Preeta , Saara K  , Braim Mona , Alodhayb Abdullah N.
Published: May 2024

One of the diagnostic tool for clinical evaluation and disease diagnosis is a pulse waveform analysis. High fidelity radial artery pulse waveforms have been investigated in clinical research to compute central aortic pressure, which has been demonstrated to be predictive of cardiovascular diseases. The radial artery must be inspected from several angles in order to obtain the best pulse waveform for estimate and diagnosis. In this study, we present the design and experimental testing of an optical sensor based on Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG). A 3D printed device along with the FBG is used to measure the radial artery pulses. The proposed sensor is used for the purpose of quantifying the radial artery pulse waveform across major pulse position point. The suggested optical sensing system can measure the pulse signal with good accuracy. The main characteristic parameters of the pulse can then be retrieved from the processed signal for their use in clinical applications. By conducting experiments under the direction of medical experts, the pulse signals are measured. In order to experimentally validate the sensor, we used it to detect the pulse waveforms at Guan position of the wrist's radial artery in accordance with the diagnostic standards. The findings show that combining optical technologies for physiological monitoring and radial artery pulse waveform monitoring using FBG in clinical applications are highly feasible.
Usability of myocardial work parameters in demonstrating myocardial involvement in INOCA patients
Authors: Unkun Tuba , Demirci Koray , Fidan Serdar , Derebey Sevim Türkday , Sengör Büsra Güvendi , Yılmaz Cemalettin , Efe Süleyman Cagan , Alıcı Gokhan , Özkan Birol , Karagöz Ali
Published: May 2024

Background

Myocardial work (MW) is a novel echocardiographic modality, which has been shown to have diagnostic and prognostic values in patients with cardiovascular diseases, patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, in particular. However, only a handful of studies have examined the MW analysis in ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery (INOCA) disease. This study, therefore, aimed to detect the early left ventricular involvement in INOCA patients diagnosed by an invasive coronary angiography performing the MW analysis.

Methods

This study included a total of 119 patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease diagnosed by invasive coronary angiography, who were checked for prior ischemia tests performing myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Out of these 119 patients, 49 patients developed ischemia (i.e., ischemic group) diagnosed using cardiac single‐photon emission computed tomography, whereas 70 patients did not (i.e., nonischemic group). The subjects were divided into three groups based on the global MW tertiles. The groups were compared in terms of the conventional, longitudinal strain, and MW findings by conducting echocardiographic examinations.

Results

The study subjects were divided into three groups based on the global constrictive work (GCW) value. The three groups were not statistically different in terms of the mean age of the patients (53.0 ± 12 vs. 52.4 ± 13.3 vs. 52.1 ± 12.3; p = 0.96). Furthermore, the three groups were not statistically different regarding the gender, height, weight, and laboratory parameters of the patients except albumin. There was no statistically difference among the tertiles of GCW groups in the measurements of cardiac chambers, LA diameter, interventricular septum, E wave, and A wave. Also, there was no statistical difference in tissue Doppler recordings. The parameters associated with MW were examined, three groups were not statistically different in terms of the global waste work (GWW) (116 ± 92, 122 ± 73, 135 ± 62, p = 0.52, respectively). In contrast, the three groups were different regarding the Global work index (GWI) (1716 ± 300, 1999 ± 130, 2253 ± 195, p < 0.001, respectively), GCW (1888 ± 206, 2298 ± 75, 2614 ± 155, p < 0.001, respectively), and Global work efficiency parameters (92.8 ± 3.6, 94.4 ± 3.2, 95.1 ± 1.8 p = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

It was concluded that the MW parameters GCW and GWI may have been used for predicting INOCA in patients.
Evolving Characteristics of Gadolinium‐Based Contrast Agents for MR Imaging: A Systematic Review of the Importance of Relaxivity
Authors: Kanal Emanuel , Maki Jeffrey H. , Schramm Peter , Marti‐Bonmati Luis
Published: May 2024

Gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely and routinely used to enhance the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography examinations. T1 relaxivity (r1) is the measure of their ability to increase signal intensity in tissues and blood on T1‐weighted images at a given dose. Pharmaceutical companies have invested in the design and development of GBCAs with higher and higher T1 relaxivity values, and “high relaxivity” is a claim frequently used to promote GBCAs, with no clear definition of what “high relaxivity” means, or general concurrence about its clinical benefit. To understand whether higher relaxivity values translate into a material clinical benefit, well‐designed, and properly powered clinical studies are necessary, while mere in vitro measurements may be misleading. This systematic review of relevant peer‐reviewed literature provides high‐quality clinical evidence showing that a difference in relaxivity of at least 40% between two GBCAs results in superior diagnostic efficacy for the higher‐relaxivity agent when this is used at the same equimolar gadolinium dose as the lower‐relaxivity agent, or similar imaging performance when used at a lower dose. Either outcome clearly implies a relevant clinical benefit.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Research of saccharides and related biocomplexes: A review with recent techniques and applications
Authors: Sirén Heli
Published: May 2024

Saccharides and biocompounds as saccharide (sugar) complexes have various roles and biological functions in living organisms due to modifications via nucleophilic substitution, polymerization, and complex formation reactions. Mostly, mono‐, di‐, oligo‐, and polysaccharides are stabilized to inactive glycosides, which are formed in metabolic pathways. Natural saccharides are important in food and environmental monitoring. Glycosides with various functionalities are significant in clinical and medical research. Saccharides are often studied with the chromatographic methods of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and anion exchange chromatograpy, but also with capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry with their on‐line coupling systems. Sample preparation is important in the identification of saccharide compounds. The cases discussed here focus on bioscience, clinical, and food applications.
Compositional analysis of multilayered plastic constituents and constituent mixtures using benchtop 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Senthil Kumar Harrish Kumar , Noh Yoorae , Bachmann Adam L. , Beckingham Bryan S.
Published: May 2024

Multilayered plastics are widely used in food packaging and other commercial applications due to their tailored functional properties. By layering different polymers, the multilayered composite material can have enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties compared to a single plastic. However, there is a significant need to recycle these multilayer plastics, but their complex structure offers significant challenges to their successful recycling. Ultimately, the use and recycling of these complex materials requires the ability to characterize the composition and purity as a means of quality control for both production and recycling processes. New advances and availability of low‐field benchtop 1H NMR spectrometers have led to increasing interest in its use for characterization of multicomponent polymers and polymer mixtures. Here, we demonstrate the capability of low‐field benchtop 1H NMR spectroscopy for characterization of three common polymers associated with multilayered packaging systems (low‐density polyethylene [LDPE], ethylene vinyl alcohol [EVOH], and Nylon) as well as their blends. Calibration curves are obtained for determining the unknown composition of EVOH and Nylon in multilayered packaging plastics using both the EVOH hydroxyl peak area and an observed peak shift, both yielding results in good agreement with the prepared sample compositions. Additionally, comparison of results extracted for the same samples characterized by our benchtop spectrometer and a 500‐MHz spectrometer found results to be consistent and within 2 wt% on average. Overall, low‐field benchtop 1H NMR spectroscopy is a reliable and accessible tool for characterization of these polymer systems.
Effects of modified coal gasification fine slag on the processing and mechanical properties of natural rubber composites
Authors: Ding Guoxin , Hu Yuexiang , Liu Jun , Cheng Guojun , Cheng Xiangxiang , Sun Chenfeng , Liu Yan
Published: May 2024

Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) is rich in unburned residual carbon, silica and alumina, and has a large specific surface area, making it a potential polymer‐reinforcing filler. Tea polyphenol (TP)‐modified coal gasification fine slag (TP‐CGFS‐T) was prepared using flotation and modification methods in this study. The effects of unmodified and modified CGFS‐T on the sulfurization performance, processing properties, thermal stability, fracture morphology, and mechanical properties of natural rubber composite materials were investigated. Results indicated that after TP modification, CGFS‐T exhibited highly uniform dispersion on the surface without the agglomeration of fillers. When the dosage of TP‐CGFS‐T was 20 phr, the comprehensive performance of the natural rubber (NR) composite material was optimal, with a tensile strength of 12.12 MPa, the elongation at break of 1208.83%, the tear strength of 30.94 kN/m, and the shore hardness of 38.7 A. As the amount of TP‐CGFS‐T increased, the scorch time of NR increased, which enhanced the processing safety of rubber. This study provides a strategy for treating CGFS, which can both reduce the pollution caused by CGFS and save costs for NR composite materials.

Highlight

The CGFS is separated into concentrate and tailings by flotation.

The compatibility between fillers and the matrix is enhanced by TP modification of CGFS‐T.

The composite materials show excellent mechanical and processing properties.
A narrative review of the effects of psychoeducation on children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Syed Ali , Morandini Hugo A. E. , Barbaro Parma , Watson Prue , Rao Pradeep
Published: May 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents (CAA) and its treatment plan includes a multimodal approach. Psychoeducation is a potential therapeutic modality in the multimodal treatment of ADHD. Psychoeducation intervention generally consists of single or multiple sessions providing education to the recipient regarding ADHD with the aim to facilitate an informed, self‐responsible management of the disorder and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Previous reviews have highlighted the positive effects of parental psychoeducation on ADHD symptoms, behavioral problems and social skills of CAA with ADHD. However, the effects of child only and combined parental and CAA psychoeducation interventions are unclear and under investigated. In the current paper, for the first time, we review, individually, the outcomes of parent only psychoeducation, child only psychoeducation and combined parental and CAA psychoeducation across a range of domains in CAA with ADHD. The findings reveal that including psychoeducation in the treatment of ADHD may improve clinical symptoms, social skills, functioning and family relationships in CAA with ADHD.
Wenn das Wasser bergauf fließt
Authors: Suhr Wilfried , Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: May 2024

Ein offener Siphon, wie er mit einem Docht realisiert werden kann, funktioniert trotz des Fehlens einer festen Rohrwand nach denselben physikalischen Prinzipien wie ein klassischer Siphon. Zum Ausgleich der zwischen geförderter Flüssigkeit und äußerem Luftdruck auftretenden Druckdifferenz dellt sich die den getränkten Docht einhüllende „Flüssigkeitshaut“ konkav ein, sodass der dadurch provozierte Krümmungsdruck eine ähnliche stützende Funktion übernimmt wie die Rohrwand beim klassischen Siphon. Zum besseren Verständnis des Strömungsverhaltens im komplexen Kanalsystem eines Dochts kann ein vereinfachendes Modell in Form eines durchgehenden Flüssigkeitsfadens dienen, der in einer V‐förmigen Rinne geführt wird.
Energie‐Weltrekord bei der Kernfusion
Authors: Schneider Philip A. , Bernert Matthias , Faitsch Michael
Published: May 2024

Kurz vor Ende seines aktiven Betriebs hat das Kernfusionsexperiment Joint European Torus (JET) seinen eigenen Weltrekord verbessert: 69 MJ Fusionsenergie in einem stationären Deuterium‐Tritium‐Plasma. Für die Forschung war der Rekord ein positives Nebenprodukt. Vorrangig ging es bei diesen Experimenten um den Test wichtiger Konzepte für den in Bau befindlichen Experimentalreaktor ITER.
Farbenspiel beim Kürbiskernöl
Authors: Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: May 2024

Die Farbe des Kürbiskernöls hängt nicht nur von der Konzentration der Pigmente ab, sondern auch von der Schichtdicke des Öls.
Rare type of tracheal agenesis: Unexpected presentation and immediate consideration of emergent esophageal intubation in neonatal resuscitation program. Case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Wu Yi‐Hsin , Hsiao Ching‐Heng , Chen Yi‐Ling , Tsai Li‐Yi , Mu Shu‐Chi
Published: May 2024

Background

Tracheal agenesis, or tracheal atresia, is a rare congenital anomaly. The presence of a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) can help with breathing for newborns with tracheal agenesis. In this article, we presented three unique cases and outcomes of neonates with tracheal agenesis along with a review of the literature.

Methods

This study consisted of a single center case series followed by a review of literature. Case reports were generated using both written and electronic medical records from a single hospital. We summarized three unique cases and outcomes of neonates with tracheal agenesis and performed a review of the literature.

Results

We identified three cases of tracheal agenesis presented with severe cyanosis without spontaneous crying upon birth. Experienced pediatricians attempted to intubate the babies but were unsuccessful. Endotracheal tubes were subsequently either accidentally or purposely placed into the esophagus, and oxygen saturation levels improved. This suggested tracheal agenesis with TEF. Two cases underwent surgical intervention after resuscitation with esophageal intubation.

Conclusion

Esophageal intubation may be a life‐sustaining ventilation support for patients with tracheal agenesis and TEF at initial resuscitation. Clinicians should suspect tracheal agenesis when a newborn presents with severe cyanosis and voiceless crying upon birth, and esophageal intubation should be immediately attempted.
Nuclear Physics in the Era of Quantum Computing and Quantum Machine Learning
Authors: García‐Ramos José‐Enrique , Sáiz Álvaro , Arias José M. , Lamata Lucas , Pérez‐Fernández Pedro
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the application of quantum simulations and quantum machine learning is explored to solve problems in low‐energy nuclear physics. The use of quantum computing to address nuclear physics problems is still in its infancy, and particularly, the application of quantum machine learning (QML) in the realm of low‐energy nuclear physics is almost nonexistent. Three specific examples are presented where the utilization of quantum computing and QML provides, or can potentially provide in the future, a computational advantage: i) determining the phase/shape in schematic nuclear models, ii) calculating the ground state energy of a nuclear shell model‐type Hamiltonian, and iii) identifying particles or determining trajectories in nuclear physics experiments.
Navigation line extraction algorithm for corn spraying robot based on YOLOv8s‐CornNet
Authors: Guo Peiliang , Diao Zhihua , Zhao Chunjiang , Li Jiangbo , Zhang Ruirui , Yang Ranbing , Ma Shushuai , He Zhendong , Zhao Suna , Zhang Baohua
Published: May 2024

The continuous and close combination of artificial intelligence technology and agriculture promotes the rapid development of smart agriculture, among which the agricultural robot navigation line recognition algorithm based on deep learning has achieved great success in detection accuracy and detection speed. However, there are still many problems, such as the large size of the algorithm is difficult to deploy in hardware equipment, and the accuracy and speed of crop row detection in real farmland environment are low. To solve the above problems, this paper proposed a navigation line extraction algorithm for corn spraying robot based on YOLOv8s‐CornNet. First, the Convolution (Conv) module and C2f module of YOLOv8s network are replaced with Depthwise Convolution (DWConv) module and PP‐LCNet module respectively to reduce the parameters (Params) and giga floating‐point operations per second of the network, so as to achieve the purpose of network lightweight. Second, to reduce the precision loss caused by network lightweight, the spatial pyramid pooling fast module in the backbone network is changed to atrous spatial pyramid pooling faster module to improve the accuracy of network feature extraction. Meanwhile, normalization‐based attention module is introduced into the network to improve the network's attention to corn plants. Then the corn plant was located by using the midpoint of the corn plant detection box. Finally, the least square method is used to extract the corn crop row line, and the middle line of the corn crop row line is the navigation line of the corn spraying robot. From the experimental results, it can be seen that the navigation line extraction algorithm proposed in this paper ensures both the real‐time and accuracy of the navigation line extraction of the corn spraying robot, which contributes to the development of the visual navigation technology of agricultural robots.
Can women empowerment enhance rice productivity? The case of Vietnam
Authors: Tuan Cao Minh , Lee Ji Yong , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Quach Duong Tu
Published: May 2024

This study examines the impact of women empowerment in agricultural production on household rice production in the Mekong River Delta, Vietnam, based on interview data from 281 rice farmers. Using the Abbreviated Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A‐WEAI), the study finds that 73.7% of women were considered empowered in agricultural production, with an average overall empowerment score of 0.84. The study identifies Leadership as the foremost component responsible for women's disempowerment. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis demonstrates that empowering women increases household rice productivity by 0.457 tons per hectare and 4.035 tons per farmer. Furthermore, women empowerment enhances rice income by 24.168 million VND per farmer and 2.805 million VND per hectare. This study conducts additional robustness analyses to confirm the result's consistency. Additionally, the study examines the difference in rice production outcomes between women empowered in four domains versus five domains, finding that achieving four out of the five domains of the A‐WEAI ensures women empowerment. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions that promote women empowerment and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.
Enhancing Zinc Electrode Stability Through Pre‐Desolvation and Accelerated Charge Transfer via a Polyimide Interface for Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lai Chi‐Yu , Liao Yin‐Song , Ku Hao‐Yu , Jao Wen‐Yang , Gull Sanna , Chen Han‐Yi , Chou Jyh‐Pin , Hu Chi‐Chang
Published: May 2024

Aqueous zinc‐based energy storage devices possess superior safety, cost‐effectiveness, and high energy density; however, dendritic growth and side reactions on the zinc electrode curtail their widespread applications. In this study, these issues are mitigated by introducing a polyimide (PI) nanofabric interfacial layer onto the zinc substrate. Simulations reveal that the PI nanofabric promotes a pre‐desolvation process, effectively desolvating hydrated zinc ions from Zn(H2O)62+ to Zn(H2O)42+ before approaching the zinc surface. The exposed zinc ion in Zn(H2O)42+ provides an accelerated charge transfer process and reduces the activation energy for zinc deposition from 40 to 21 kJ mol−1. The PI nanofabric also acts as a protective barrier, reducing side reactions at the electrode. As a result, the PI‐Zn symmetric cell exhibits remarkable cycling stability over 1200 h, maintaining a dendrite‐free morphology and minimal byproduct formation. Moreover, the cell exhibits high stability and low voltage hysteresis even under high current densities (20 mA cm−2, 10 mAh cm−2) thanks to the 3D porous structure of PI nanofabric. When integrated into full cells, the PI‐Zn||AC hybrid zinc‐ion capacitor and PI‐Zn||MnVOH@SWCNT zinc‐ion battery achieve impressive lifespans of 15000 and 600 cycles with outstanding capacitance retention. This approach paves a novel avenue for high‐performance zinc metal electrodes.
Tumor‐On‐A‐Chip Models for Predicting In Vivo Nanoparticle Behavior
Authors: de Roode Kim E. , Hashemi Khadijeh , Verdurmen Wouter P. R. , Brock Roland
Published: May 2024

Nanosized drug formulations are broadly explored for the improvement of cancer therapy. Prediction of in vivo nanoparticle (NP) behavior, however, is challenging, given the complexity of the tumor and its microenvironment. Microfluidic tumor‐on‐a‐chip models are gaining popularity for the in vitro testing of nanoparticle targeting under conditions that simulate the 3D tumor (microenvironment). In this review, following a description of the tumor microenvironment (TME), the state of the art regarding tumor‐on‐a‐chip models for investigating nanoparticle delivery to solid tumors is summarized. The models are classified based on the degree of compartmentalization (single/multi‐compartment) and cell composition (tumor only/tumor microenvironment). The physiological relevance of the models is critically evaluated. Overall, microfluidic tumor‐on‐a‐chip models greatly improve the simulation of the TME in comparison to 2D tissue cultures and static 3D spheroid models and contribute to the understanding of nanoparticle behavior. Interestingly, two interrelated aspects have received little attention so far which are the presence and potential impact of a protein corona as well as nanoparticle uptake through phagocytosing cells. A better understanding of their relevance for the predictive capacity of tumor‐on‐a‐chip systems and development of best practices will be a next step for the further refinement of advanced in vitro tumor models.
A Two‐Stage Multi‐Objective Optimal Scheduling Model for Community Integrated Energy System
Authors: Liu Ronghui , Huang Abiao , Sun Gaiping , Lin Shunfu , Li Fen
Published: May 2024

Community integrated energy system coupled with renewable energy generation provides an effective solution to improve economy and reduce carbon emissions. This paper establishes a two‐stage multi‐objective optimal scheduling model for community integrated energy system. During the day‐ahead scheduling stage, a comprehensive customer dissatisfaction model based on Kano model is established, and the model takes total operating cost, comprehensive customer dissatisfaction, and carbon emissions as multi‐objectives. The Non‐dominate Sorting Genetic Algorithmic‐II (NSGA‐II) and the CRITIC‐TOPSIS evaluation model are used to develop a day‐ahead scheduling scheme. On the premise of ensuring customer dissatisfaction, the intra‐day scheduling stage evens out the uncertainty of wind power and photovoltaic power through rolling optimization and improves the reliability of system operation. Simulation results show that the proposed model reduces the total operating cost and carbon emissions by 8.1% and 12.8%, respectively, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed model. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
The effects of placement method on multilingual learner success in higher education
Authors: Key William
Published: May 2024

In the United States, many actors are pushing for the use of grade point average (GPA) as the main placement tool for gatekeeper math and English courses for community college students (Quarles, 2022; Scott‐Clayton, 2018; Turk, 2017). One community college system (pseudonymously, SXCC) in a New England state has begun placing students in initial math and English classes based on self‐reported GPA. There have been studies on the effects of placement changes of this type (Belfield & Crosta, 2012; Hodara & Cox, 2016; Ngo & Kwon, 2014; Scott‐Clayton, 2012). However, studies have not included the effects of these changes on multilingual learners (MLLs).Using a census of every MLL placed in SXCC in the summer and fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021 (N = 12,603), a MANOVA found that MLL students in the SXCC system who were placed using previous placement methods had a higher overall GPA than students placed using self‐reported GPA (M = 3.32, SD = 0.740; M = 2.01, SD = 1.27, respectively) and had higher satisfactory academic progress (SAP) (M = 102.98, SD = 51.52; M = 57.66, SD = 55.53, respectively), and took longer to enroll in English 101 (M = 5.11, SD = 3.55; M = 2.36, SD = 1.76, respectively).
Aggregation‐enhanced photothermal therapy of organic dyes
Authors: Yang Mengyun , Ji Chendong , Yin Meizhen
Published: May 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) represents a groundbreaking approach to targeted disease treatment by harnessing the conversion of light into heat. The efficacy of PTT heavily relies on the capabilities of photothermal agents (PTAs). Among PTAs, those based on organic dyes exhibit notable characteristics such as adjustable light absorption wavelengths, high extinction coefficients, and high compatibility in biological systems. However, a challenge associated with organic dye‐based PTAs lies in their efficiency in converting light into heat while maintaining stability. Manipulating dye aggregation is a key aspect in modulating non‐radiative decay pathways, aiming to augment heat generation. This review delves into various strategies aimed at improving photothermal performance through constructing aggregation. These strategies including protecting dyes from photodegradation, inhibiting non‐photothermal pathways, maintaining space within molecular aggregates, and introducing intermolecular photophysical processes. Overall, this review highlights the precision‐driven assembly of organic dyes as a promising frontier in enhancing PTT‐related applications.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Registration of Filtration Efficiency of Active or Reactive Filters in Contact with Steel Melt in a Steel Casting Simulator
Authors: Dudczig Steffen , Storti Enrico , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: May 2024

Aspecial metal-casting simulator allowed to investigate the behavior of nozzles and filters in contact with a steel melt under controlled atmosphere. First, the clogging of carbon-bonded alumina nozzles with different active or reactive coatings was evaluated by introducing exogenous inclusions while monitoring the changes in melt flow with time. In addition, the microstructure of the nozzles was investigated by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to assess the coating decomposition and phase transformations. In further approaches, endogenous inclusions were generated in situ by pre-oxidizing and deoxidizing the steel melt. Filters with different active and reactive coatings were immersed for different times in order to investigate the evolution of newly formed phases on the filter surface as well as characterize their cleaning performance based on the analysis of the solidified steel. The inclusions in the frozen steel melt were characterized with the aid of an automatic SEM – ASPEX-system, which identified the chemistry as well as the size and population of the inclusions. In the last approach, investigations of a new combined refining process based on the immersion of reactive filters and a subsequent filtration via carbon-free active filters was investigated, in order to remove the remaining clusters of inclusions.
Decopperization by Utilization of the Filter
Authors: Wei Xingwen , Volkova Olena
Published: May 2024

The current contribution aims to find the optimal method for removing dramp element copper from molten steel scrap. A special reactive ceramic coating on filter ceramic substrates based on ZnAl2O4 was reported as an effective material for the decopperization process. Therefore, the interaction between the molten copper containing iron Fe-Cu alloys and ZnAl2O4 as well with pure alumina were investigated by applying the sessile drop method at low oxygen partial pressure atmosphere. Furthermore, selenium was found to have a great affinity to copper for forming copper selenide, later on selenium was added to liquid Fe-Cu alloy to verify its decopperization efficiency.
High-Temperature Strength and Form Stability of Compact and Cellular Carbon-Bonded Alumina
Authors: Biermann Horst , Weidner Anja , Wu Xian
Published: May 2024

To prove the applicability of carbon-bonded refractories on basis of Al2O3-C for the filtration of metal melts, their mechanical properties such as compression and bending strength were investigated at elevated temperatures up to 1500 °C. The tests have been carried out on compact specimens and on real filter structures without and with functional coatings. Fracture mechanical tests were performed at room temperature and 1400 °C. In a further approach, the residual strength after contact of the filters with molten steel was determined at elevated temperatures. In addition, a new environmentally friendly binder system based on tannin and lactose has been evaluated.
Effect of Non-metallic Inclusions on the Temperature and Strain-Rate-Dependent Strength, Deformation and Toughness Behavior of High-Strength Quenched and Tempered Steel
Authors: Koch Kevin , Henschel Sebastian , Krüger Lutz
Published: May 2024

This chapter presents results of investigations on the strength, deformation and toughness behavior of quenched and tempered 42CrMo4 steel. Intentional impurification and, afterwards, filtration by functionalized ceramic foam filters were applied in order to process cast steels with different amounts and distributions of non-metallic inclusions. As references, a hot-rolled steel batch and spark-plasma sintered materials were studied. The investigations focused on the loading rate and temperature effects. Both, tensile and fracture mechanics tests, were performed in order to investigate the damaging behavior due to non-metallic inclusions remaining after the melt processing of the steel. A further goal was to predict the fracture toughness of the material based on the combination of microstructural information on the inclusion distribution and the strain rate and temperature-dependent strength and deformation behavior. It was shown that the damaging effect of non-metallic inclusions, in particular agglomerated inclusions properties, is localized which leads to relatively low strain to fracture and fracture toughness, but also to crack path deflection. Furthermore, it could be observed that the small interparticle distances within agglomerated non-metallic inclusions determine the fracture toughness behavior of the materials. By analyzing the acoustic emissions, the onset of crack growth as well as the size of the plastic zone at the crack tip could be estimated.
Temperature-Induced Changes in the Microstructure of the Metal Melt Filters and Non-metallic Inclusions
Authors: Thümmler Martin , Dopita Milan , Motylenko Mykhaylo , Salomon Anton , Brendler Erica , Rafaja David
Published: May 2024

The functionalization of ceramic foam filters aims typically at the enhancement of the thermal shock resistance and the reactivity of the filters with respect to specific inclusions and impurities. For this purpose, thermodynamically metastable phases are utilized that have a strongly defective crystal structure and/or nanocrystalline character. Such phases possess frequently better or even unique properties in comparison with their thermodynamically stable counterparts. However, the stability of metastable or defect-rich phases is usually impaired by microstructural changes, which occur during the contact of these phases with the metallic melt at high temperatures and which speed up finally the degradation of the functionalized filters. In general, the first step towards the stabilization of the thermodynamically metastable and/or defect-rich phases is the understanding of their microstructure and the microstructure changes accompanying the transition to the thermodynamically stable state. In this chapter, the thermally induced microstructure changes are illustrated on the examples of selected carbon containing binders and metastable alumina phases. In order to be able to describe the crystal structure and microstructure of these compounds in more details, which is required for the targeted development of the functional filter materials, complementary methods of crystal structure and microstructure analysis like X-ray and electron diffraction, X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electron microscopy were combined and further developed.