bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the Post-COVID Symptom Scale for Children/Youth (PCSS-C/Y)
Authors: Tso Winnie Wan Yee , Wang Yuliang , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Kwan Mike Yat Wah , Ip Patrick , Chan Jasper Fuk Woo , Leung Lok Kan , Chan Jason Ying Kuen , Tsao Sabrina Siu Ling , Chau Christy Shuk Kuen , Yip Ka Man , Hui Ka Yi , Duque Jaime Sou Rosa , Lau Yu Lung , Lee Tatia Mei Chun
Published: December 2024

This study aims to develop and validate the Post-COVID Symptom Scale for Children/Youth (PCSS-C/Y), which is a comprehensive tool for measuring the symptom burden of post-COVID-19 conditions—persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, commonly known as Long COVID—and its impact on health-related quality of life among children and adolescents. Parents of children and adolescents, adolescents, and young adults with and without a history of COVID-19 were invited to fill in a questionnaire from October 2022 to June 2023. There were 386 valid parent proxy-reported responses, 433 valid adolescent self-reported responses, and 324 valid young adult self-reported responses included in the final analysis. The PCSS-C/Y demonstrated stable factor structure and good internal consistency in different sampling groups. The scale score was negatively associated with Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) scores (young adult self-report, adjusted R
2 = 0.394; adolescent self-report, adjusted R
2 = 0.219; parent-report, adjusted R
2 = 0.292), while it was positively associated with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores (young adult self-report, adjusted R
2 = 0.195; adolescent self-report, adjusted R
2 = 0.154; parent-report, adjusted R
2 = 0.239). The scale can also discriminate the post-infected cases and control cases, Cohen’s d = 0.41, 0.50, and 0.38 for adult self-report, adolescent self-report, and parent-report, respectively.

Conclusions: The PCSS-C/Y is a valid and reliable tool for quantifying the diverse symptomatology of post-COVID-19 conditions in children and adolescents. It provides quantifiable measurements that enable clinicians to monitor post-COVID-19 symptoms in children and young people and facilitates the development of interventions for post-COVID-19 conditions.
Sampling from convex sets with a cold start using multiscale decompositions
Authors: Narayanan Hariharan , Rajaraman Amit , Srivastava Piyush
Published: December 2024

A standard approach for sampling approximately uniformly from a convex body $$K \subseteq \mathbb {R}^n$$

K
⊆

R

n

is to run a random walk within K. The requirement is that starting from a suitable initial distribution, the random walk should “mix rapidly”, i.e., after a number of steps that is polynomial in n and the aspect ratio R/r (here, K is assumed to contain a ball of radius r and to be contained within a ball of radius R), the distribution of the random walk should come close to the uniform distribution $$\pi _K$$

π
K

on K. Different random walks differ in aspects such as the ease of implementation of each step, or suitability for a specific class of convex bodies. Therefore, the rapid mixing of a wide variety of random walks on convex bodies has been studied. Many proofs of rapid mixing of such random walks however require that the initial distribution of the random walk is not too different from the target distribution $$\pi _K$$

π
K

. In particular, they require that the probability density function of the initial distribution with respect to the uniform distribution $$\pi _K$$

π
K

on K must be bounded above by $$\textrm{poly}(n)$$

poly
(
n
)

: this is called a warm start. Achieving such a warm start often requires a non-trivial pre-processing step before the random walk can be started. This motivates the problem of proving rapid mixing from “cold starts”, i.e., when the density of the initial distribution with respect to $$\pi _K$$

π
K

can be as high as $$\exp (\textrm{poly}(n))$$

exp
(
poly
(
n
)
)

. In contrast to warm starts, a cold start is usually trivial to achieve. However, rapid mixing from a cold start may not hold for every random walk, e.g., the well-known “ball walk” does not have rapid mixing from an arbitrary cold start. On the other hand, for the “hit-and-run” random walk, Lovász and Vempala proved rapid mixing from a cold start. For the related coordinate hit-and-run (CHR) random walk, which has been found to be promising in computational experiments, a rapid mixing result starting from a warm start was proven only recently, while the question of whether CHR mixes rapidly from a cold start remained open. In this paper, we construct a family of Markov chains inspired by classical multiscale decompositions of subsets of $$\mathbb {R}^n$$

R

n

into countably many axis-aligned cubes. We show that even with a cold start, the mixing times of these chains are bounded by a polynomial in n and the aspect ratio of the body. Our main technical ingredient is an isoperimetric inequality for K for a metric that magnifies distances between points that are close to the boundary of K. As a byproduct of the analysis of this new family of chains, we show that the coordinate hit-and-run (CHR) random walk also mixes rapidly from a cold start, and also from any point that is not too close to the boundary of the body.
A posteriori error control for a discontinuous Galerkin approximation of a Keller-Segel model
Authors: Giesselmann Jan , Kwon Kiwoong
Published: December 2024

We provide a posteriori error estimates for a discontinuous Galerkin scheme for the parabolic-elliptic Keller-Segel system in 2 or 3 space dimensions. The estimates are conditional in the sense that an a posteriori computable quantity needs to be small enough—which can be ensured by mesh refinement—and optimal in the sense that the error estimator decays with the same order as the error under mesh refinement. A specific feature of our error estimator is that it can be used to prove the existence of a weak solution up to a certain time based on numerical results.
Moral Luck and the Imperfect Duty to Spare Blame
Authors: Hartman Robert J.
Published: December 2024

It is conventional wisdom that appreciating the role of luck in our moral lives should make us more sparing with blame. But views of moral responsibility that allow luck to augment a person’s blameworthiness are in tension with this wisdom. I resolve this tension: our common moral luck partially generates a duty to forgo retributively blaming the blameworthy person at least sometimes. So, although luck can amplify the blame that a person deserves, luck also partially generates a duty not to give the blameworthy person the retributive blame that he deserves at least sometimes.
Advanced Schiff base bio-electrode as sensitive sensor for ibuprofen in environmentally contaminant water
Authors: Elnouby Mohamed S. , Zahran Hoda F. , Younes Sara M.
Published: December 2024

One of the most effective oral antipyretics and analgesics, ibuprofen (IBP) is a primary ingredient in hospital wastewater because it is widely used to treat both acute and chronic pain. It is important to detect its concentration in the wastewater. Bio-electrochemical sensor is a promising detection method due to its durability and accuracy. Schiffbase is an advanced electrode materials for bio-electrochemical sensor. Which able to detect (IBP) concentration in wastewater.2,3dihydroxy-N'1-((E)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-N'4-((Z)-2-hydroxybenzylidene (Schiffbase) materials have been synthesized and characterized.IR spectroscopy data identified (OH/H2O), ʋ (H-bonding), ʋ (C = O), ʋ (COH), ʋ (C = N) function groups. The SEM images of Schiff base presented needle-like shape with regular morphology. Electrochemical electrode have been fabricated from Schiffbase materials. IBP detected electrochemically by CV, DPV, and EIS methods, sensing rate of (2E−7 A/mgL−1) with coefficient of determination was (R2 = 0.999), into two steps sensing mechanism, which correspond to the ion diffusion process, respectively. Schiffbase electrodes shows superior sensitivity for low concentration of IBP (~ 2 mg/L). Sensing mechanism proposed upon electrochemical results.
Charging behaviour and range anxiety in long-distance EV travel: an adaptive choice design study
Authors: Thorhauge Mikkel , Rich Jeppe , Mabit Stefan E.
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a novel adaptive stated choice experiment to capture range anxiety during long-distance travel. It is assumed that respondents have forward-looking properties allowing them to select from a set of charging alternatives along the route or postpone charging for a later (choice) stage. Data was collected among members of the Danish electric car association. Based on this data, we develop a mixed logit model that reveals several interesting findings. First, we quantify a relationship between the probability to charge and the remaining range. Secondly, we find that range anxiety, and thereby battery utilisation between recharges is indeed a heterogeneous quantity that varies among user groups. Tesla drivers and individuals below 50 years of age are less prone to range anxiety compared to other segments. Finally, the results suggest that charging at the early stages of a trip is indeed likely even when the battery level is high.
Intelligent integrated sensing and communication: a survey
Authors: Zhang Jifa , Lu Weidang , Xing Chengwen , Zhao Nan , Al-Dhahir Naofal , Karagiannidis George K. , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: December 2024

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a promising technique to increase spectral efficiency and support various emerging applications by sharing the spectrum and hardware between these functionalities. However, the traditional ISAC schemes are highly dependent on the accurate mathematical model and suffer from the challenges of high complexity and poor performance in practical scenarios. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a viable technique to address these issues due to its powerful learning capabilities, satisfactory generalization capability, fast inference speed, and high adaptability for dynamic environments, facilitating a system design shift from model-driven to data-driven. Intelligent ISAC, which integrates AI into ISAC, has been a hot topic that has attracted many researchers to investigate. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of intelligent ISAC, including its motivation, typical applications, recent trends, and challenges. In particular, we first introduce the basic principle of ISAC, followed by its key techniques. Then, an overview of AI and a comparison between model-based and AI-based methods for ISAC are provided. Furthermore, the typical applications of AI in ISAC and the recent trends for AI-enabled ISAC are reviewed. Finally, the future research issues and challenges of intelligent ISAC are discussed.
Posterior Urethral Valves: Overview of Urologic Management from the Antenatal Period to Adulthood
Authors: Davis Meghan F. , Zack Jennifer , Weiss Dana A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the urologic management for children with posterior urethral valves from the antenatal period to adulthood.

Posterior urethral valves pose a significant challenge in pediatric urology, with a range of impacts on urologic and renal health. While initial management requires alleviation of the obstruction, there can be profound ongoing changes that require comprehensive care from birth to adulthood, which is critical to improving patient outcomes and addressing the needs of those affected by posterior urethral valves. Management strategies focus on ensuring the safety of the bladder to protect the upper tracts. Urologists may employ a variety of strategies depending on the child’s clinical course. Despite advancements aimed at preventing renal damage and improving outcomes, posterior urethral valves continue to be a leading cause of pediatric kidney transplant.
Nietzsche on the Eternal Recurrence
Authors: Sinhababu Neil
Published: December 2024

The idea of the eternal recurrence is that we will live the exact same lives again an infinite number of times. Nietzsche appreciates that this would multiply the value of a single life by infinity, justifying intense emotional responses. His unpublished notes provide a cosmological argument for the eternal recurrence that anticipates Poincaré's recurrence theorem. Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra describes its hero discovering this idea and struggling to accept the recurrence of all bad things. He eventually comes to love the eternal recurrence because it will bring back all the joys of his life, and teaches this idea to others.
Genetic algorithm-based path planning of quadrotor UAVs on a 3D environment
Authors: Gutierrez-Martinez M.A. , Rojo-Rodriguez E.G. , Cabriales-Ramirez L.E. , Estabridis K. , Garcia-Salazar O.
Published: December 2024

In this article, a genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed as a solution for the path planning of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in 3D, both static and dynamic environments. In most cases, genetic algorithms are utilised for optimisation in offline applications; however, this work proposes an approach that performs real-time path planning with the capability to avoid dynamic obstacles. The proposed method is based on applying a genetic algorithm to find optimised trajectories in changing static and dynamic environments. The genetic algorithm considers genetic operators that are employed for path planning, along with high mutation criteria, the population of convergence, repopulation criteria and the incorporation of the destination point within the population. The effectiveness of this approach is validated through results obtained from both simulations and experiments, demonstrating that the genetic algorithm ensures efficient path planning and the ability to effectively avoid static and dynamic obstacles. A genetic algorithm for path planning of UAVs is proposed, achieving optimised paths in both static and dynamic environments for real-time tasks. In addition, this path planning algorithm has the properties to avoid static and moving obstacles in real-time environments.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology – Taylor–Couette (OIST-TC): a new experimental set-up to study turbulent Taylor–Couette flow
Authors: Butcher Christian , Barros Julio M. , Higashi Yasuo , Ng Henry C.-H. , Meuel Tinihau , Gioia Gustavo , Chakraborty Pinaki
Published: December 2024

We present the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology – Taylor–Couette set-up (OIST-TC), a new experimental set-up for investigating turbulent Taylor–Couette (TC) flow. The set-up has independently rotating inner and outer cylinders, and can achieve Reynolds numbers up to

$10^6$

. Noteworthy aspects of its design include innovative strategies for temperature control and vibration isolation. As part of its flow-measurement instrumentation, we have implemented the first ‘flying hot-wire’ configuration to measure the flow velocity whilst either or both cylinders are rotating. A significant challenge for obtaining reliable measurements from sensors within the inner cylinder is the data distortion resulting from electrical and electromagnetic interference along the signal pathway. Our solution involves internal digitization of sensor data, which provides notable robustness against noise sources. Additionally, we discuss our strategies for efficient operation, outlining custom automation tools that streamline both data processing and operational control. We hope this documentation of the salient features of OIST-TC is useful to researchers engaged in similar experimental studies that delve into the enchanting world of turbulent TC flow.
The Disc-structure space
Authors: Krannich Manuel , Kupers Alexander
Published: December 2024

We study the

$\mathscr {D}\mathrm {isc}$

-structure space

$S^{\mathscr {D}\mathrm {isc}}_\partial (M)$

of a compact smooth manifold M. Informally speaking, this space measures the difference between M, together with its diffeomorphisms, and the diagram of ordered framed configuration spaces of M with point-forgetting and point-splitting maps between them, together with its derived automorphisms. As the main results, we show that in high dimensions, the

$\mathscr {D}\mathrm {isc}$

-structure space a) only depends on the tangential

$2$

-type of M, b) is an infinite loop space, and c) is nontrivial as long as M is spin. The proofs involve intermediate results that may be of independent interest, including an enhancement of embedding calculus to the level of bordism categories, results on the behaviour of derived mapping spaces between operads under rationalisation, and an answer to a question of Dwyer and Hess in that we show that the map

$\mathrm {BTop}(d)\rightarrow \mathrm {BAut}(E_d)$

is an equivalence if and only if d is at most

$2$

.
Temporal evolution of the turbulence interface of a turbulent plane jet
Authors: Xie Yuanliang , Zhang Xinxian , Xiong Xue-Lu , Zhou Yi
Published: December 2024

Direct numerical simulations are performed to explore the evolution behaviour of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI) in a temporally evolving turbulent plane jet, using the evolution equation for the TNTI surface area. A novel algorithm is used to calculate the surface area of the TNTI and entrainment flux. It is shown that the surface area remains relatively constant, which leads to the mean entrainment velocity being inversely proportional to the square root of time. On average, the effects of the stretching and curvature/viscous terms on the TNTI area roughly counterbalance each other, while the curvature/inviscid term associated with vortex stretching is virtually zero. More specifically, the stretching term contributes to the production of the surface area, while the curvature/viscous term is associated with a destruction in the surface area. The local effect of the curvature/viscous term exhibits high spatial intermittency with small-scale extreme/intense events, whereas the effect of the large-scale stretching term is more continuous. To shed light on the contribution of curvature/viscous term to the evolution of the surface area, we decompose it into three components. The effect of the curvature/normal diffusion term (the curvature/viscous dissipation term) in the bulging regions (the valley regions) mainly contributes to the production of the area. The continuous decrease of the average mean curvature is associated with the production of the bulging regions and the destruction of the valley regions. Finally, although the entrainment velocity is mainly dominated by the normal diffusion effect, all three components related to the viscous effect are indispensable to the production and destruction of the TNTI area. This numerical study contributes to a better understanding of the evolution of the TNTI area.
Linear models of strip-type roughness
Authors: Lasagna D. , Zampino G. , Ganapathisubramani B.
Published: December 2024

Prandtl's secondary flows of the second kind generated by laterally varying roughness are studied using the linearised Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach proposed by Zampino et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 944, 2022, p. A4). The momentum equations are coupled to the Spalart–Allmaras model while the roughness is captured by adapting established strategies for homogeneous roughness to heterogeneous surfaces. Linearisation of the governing equations yields a framework that enables a rapid exploration of the parameter space associated with heterogeneous surfaces, in the limiting case of small spanwise variations of the roughness properties. Channel flow is considered, with longitudinal high- and low-roughness strips arranged symmetrically. By varying the strip width, it is found that linear mechanisms play a dominant role in determining the size and intensity of secondary flows. In this setting, secondary flows may be interpreted as the time-averaged output response of the turbulent mean flow subjected to a steady forcing produced by the wall heterogeneity. In fact, the linear model predicts that secondary flows are most intense when the strip width is about 0.7 times the half-channel height, in excellent agreement with available data. Furthermore, a unified framework to analyse combinations of heterogeneous roughness properties and laterally varying topographies, common in applications, is discussed. Noting that the framework assumes small spanwise variations of the surface properties, two separate secondary-flow-inducing source mechanisms are identified, i.e. the lateral variation of the virtual origin from which the turbulent structure develops and the lateral variation of the streamwise velocity slip, capturing the acceleration/deceleration perceived by the bulk flow over troughs and crests of non-planar topographies.
Genome-wide association study analysis of single nucleotide variants in L. infantum associated with IL-6 inflammatory response in visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: da Silva Amanda Miranda , Carvalho Kátia Silene Sousa , Januário Caio Andrey Bezerra , Caldas Raquel Gomes de Sena Carneiro , Paulino Bianka Lopes da Silva , Braz Débora Cavalcante , Costa Dorcas Lamounier , Wallau Gabriel da Luz , da Silva Junior Wilson Jose , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery
Published: December 2024

Elevated levels of IL-6 in plasma are associated with the severity of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The clinical manifestations of VL vary among patients, influenced by host factors and the virulence of the Leishmania infantum parasite. Considering that severe VL may result from an exaggerated inflammatory response, this study investigated whether IL-6 could serve as a biomarker to identify pro-inflammatory virulence factors. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis on L. infantum isolates from patients with VL, whose IL-6 concentrations were measured. The analysis revealed that the relationship between IL-6 levels and clinical outcomes (survival vs mortality) had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.67 (95% CI 0.52–0.81). A cut-off of 391.7 pg mL−1 for IL-6 was established to conduct a logistic regression analysis. We identified 10 029 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) across 62 genomes, resulting in 6,948 SNVs after filtering, of which 6,341 are located in protein-coding regions. The association analysis with PLINK identified 722 variants, of which 35 showed significant associations, with odds ratios ≥3.3, primarily in coding regions. These findings demonstrate that IL-6 levels tended to be associated with the fatal outcome of VL and highlight 35 novel genetic variants that could serve as potential biomarkers for prognosis. Further research into the biological role of these variants may lead to new therapeutic targets and improve the clinical management of VL, especially in identifying high-risk patients.
Maternal parenting style and self-regulatory private speech content use in preschool children
Authors: Wall Kendall , Mulvihill Aisling , Matthews Natasha , Dux Paul E. , Carroll Annemaree
Published: December 2024

Private speech is a tool through which children self-regulate. The regulatory content of children’s overt private speech is associated with response to task difficulty and task performance. Parenting is proposed to play a role in the development of private speech as co-regulatory interactions become represented by the child as private speech to regulate thinking and behaviour. This study investigated the relationship between maternal parenting style and the spontaneous regulatory content of private speech in 3- to 5-year-old children (N = 70) during a problem-solving Duplo construction task. Sixty-six children used intelligible private speech which was coded according to its functional self-regulatory content (i.e., forethought, performance, and self-reflective). Mothers completed the Australian version of the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire. Results revealed a significant positive association between maternal authoritative parenting and the frequency and proportion of children’s forethought type (i.e., planning and self-motivational) utterances during the construction task. There were no significant associations between maternal parenting style and other private speech content subtypes.
Fault diagnosis of proton exchange membrane fuel cells based on improved YOLOv5
Authors: Deng Xiangshuai , Du Dongshen , Fang Huaisong , Ren Yiming
Published: December 2024

With the widespread application of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the PEMFCs is becoming more and more important. Timely diagnosis of fault types and the implementation of targeted interventions are crucial for addressing these challenges. In this study, a simulated PEMFC model is firstly introduced by using Fluent, and the effectiveness is validated through experiments involving membrane dry faults, water flooding faults, normal states, and unknown states. Then, a data-driven deep learning convolutional neural network, YOLOv5-CG-AS, is developed, which employs the EfficientViT network as the backbone, incorporating lightweight improvements through the proposed CG-AS attention layer. The results demonstrate that YOLOv5-CG-AS can automatically extract fault features from images for offline fault diagnosis and can perform real-time online diagnosis of multiple parameter curves of PEMFCs. Moreover, the experimental results have validated the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed method and shown the average precision mean Average Precision (mAP) of the trained model reaches 99.50%, superior than other conventional strategies. This has significant implications for advancing fault diagnosis methods, enhancing the reliability and durability of PEMFC systems, and promoting further development in the field.
Lizards as sentinels for the distribution of Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Anettová Lucia , Baláž Vojtech , Coufal Radovan , Horsák Michal , Izquierdo-Rodriguez Elena , Šipková Anna , Foronda Pilar , Modrý David
Published: December 2024

The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic metastrongyloid nematode currently considered an emerging pathogen. Originating in Southeast Asia, this nematode has spread to tropical and subtropical parts of the world via its invasive rodent and gastropod hosts.

On the island of Tenerife in the Canary archipelago, the A. cantonensis invasion was recognized more than a decade ago. The endemic lizard Gallotia galloti has been identified as a paratenic host of this nematode in the Canary Island ecosystem. Because this lizard species is the most abundant reptile in Tenerife, we tested its suitability as a possible sentinel for A. cantonensis presence. Lizards were captured alive in nine localities, spanning an environmental gradient across the island. Tail muscle tissue was obtained by provoked caudal autotomy and tested for the nematode infection by a species-specific qPCR. Infection intensities were assessed by detecting A. cantonensis DNA quantities based on a calibrated standard curve. Of the 129 samples tested, 31 were positive. The prevalence varied among localities, with the highest (63.6%) recorded in a humid laurel forest. Even though the prevalence in Valle San Lorenzo was the lowest, this is the first record of A. cantonensis from the arid south of Tenerife. Variation in prevalence at different localities was significantly and positively correlated with increasing vegetation cover and negatively correlated with seasonal variability of precipitation, as determined by Spearman correlation coefficients. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the variation in the prevalence of A. cantonensis among adult males, females, and juveniles and showed no significant difference. Also, there was no significant difference in infection intensity between males and females (as determined by GEE-g). We demonstrated that provoking caudal autotomy can be an effective non-lethal method of A. cantonensis mapping in island ecosystems with abundant lizard species, particularly those with a sharp climatic and vegetation gradient, from xeric to humid conditions.
Space scan statistics to identify clusters of neonatal mortality associated with bacterial sepsis
Authors: Costa-Nobre Daniela Testoni , Marinonio Ana Sílvia Scavacini , Miyoshi Milton Harumi , Sanudo Adriana , Areco Kelsy Catherina Nemo , Kawakami Mandira Daripa , Balda Rita de Cássia Xavier , Konstantyner Tulio , Vieira e Oliveira Carina Nunes , Bandiera-Paiva Paulo , de Freitas Rosa Maria Vieira , Teixeira Monica La Porte , Waldvogel Bernadette , de Almeida Maria Fernanda , Guinsburg Ruth , Kiffer Carlos Roberto Veiga
Published: December 2024

Our study aim was to identify high-risk areas of neonatal mortality associated with bacterial sepsis in the state of São Paulo, Southeast Brazil. We used a population-based study applying retrospective spatial scan statistics with data extracted from birth certificates linked to death certificates. All live births from mothers residing in São Paulo State from 2004 to 2020 were included. Spatial analysis using the Poisson model was adopted to scan high-rate clusters of neonatal mortality associated with bacterial sepsis (WHO-ICD10 A32.7, A40, A41, P36, P37.2 in any line of the death certificate). We found a prevalence of neonatal death associated with bacterial sepsis of 2.3/1000 live births. Clusters of high neonatal mortality associated with bacterial sepsis were identified mainly in the southeast region of the state, with four of them appearing as cluster areas for all birth weight categories (<1500 g, 1500 to <2500 g and ≥ 2500 g). The spatial analysis according to the birth weight showed some overlapping in the detected clusters, suggesting shared risk factors that need to be explored. Our study highlights the ongoing challenge of neonatal sepsis in the most developed state of a middle-income country and the importance of employing statistical techniques, including spatial methods, for enhancing surveillance and intervention strategies.
The effect of anti-scatter grids on radiation exposure during transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants
Authors: Khallaf Mohamed , Aldoss Osamah , Bischoff Adrianne Rahde , Windsor Jimmy , Stopak Joshua , Mukundan Chaitra , McNamara Patrick J. , Mohammad Nijres Bassel
Published: December 2024

Background:

Radiation exposure and the effect of anti-scatter grids are not well studied in premature infants during transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure.

This study aimed to investigate whether the use of anti-scatter grids altered the level of radiation exposure to premature infants undergoing transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure.

Methods and Results:

Demographic and radiation exposure data for premature infants who underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital from 10/2019 to 10/2021 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Twenty-four patients (41%) underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure with anti-scatter grids, while 34 (59%) underwent the procedure without using anti-scatter grids. At the time of catheterization, the median age, corrected age, and weight were 4.3 weeks (3.4–6), 29 weeks (28.1–30.9), and 1200g (1000-1600), respectively. Total radiation exposures for the dose area product and air kerma were 2.73 µGy.m2 (1.65–4.16), and 1.63 mGy (1.15–2.58), respectively. Radiation doses were higher in the group in whom the anti-scatter grids were utilized with dose area product of 3.33 µGy.m2 (2.39–5.43) and air kerma of 2.27 mGy (1.41–3.06) versus 1.86 µGy.m2 (1.46–3.60) and air kerma of 1.40 mGy (1.08–1.92). When radiation doses were adjusted to the radiation time, no difference in radiation exposure was noticed between the groups.

Conclusions:

Transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus closure in premature infants can be safely performed with minimal radiation exposure. In the authors’ laboratory, the use of anti-scatter grids does not impact radiation exposure in premature infants.
Management of common cattail (Typha latifolia) with florpyrauxifen-benzyl in rice fields
Authors: Inci Deniz , Leinfelder-Miles Michelle M. , Al-Khatib Kassim
Published: December 2024

Common cattail is a perennial weed that naturally occurs in wet or saturated soils, such as in marshes, lakes, ponds, irrigation and drainage canals, and streams, throughout North America. Recently, common cattail has become an important problem for the drill-seeded rice systems in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta of northern California. This research was conducted in 2022 and 2023 at three sites near Stockton, CA, to evaluate the efficacy of florpyrauxifen-benzyl, a newly registered auxin-mimic herbicide, to control common cattail in drill-seeded rice. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl was applied alone at 40 g ai ha–1 and 80 g ha–1 on 0- to 1-m-tall and 1- to 2-m-tall common cattail and in a sequential application of florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 40 g ha–1 followed by 40 g ha–1 between 14-d intervals on 0- to 1-m-tall and 1- to 2-m-tall common cattail. Triclopyr, another auxin-mimic rice herbicide widely used in California, was applied alone at 420 g ae ha–1 on 0- to 1-m-tall common cattail for comparison. Triclopyr was also applied in combination with florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 40 g ha–1 at the 0- to 1-m growth stage. The injury symptoms on common cattail started within 3 d after treatment (DAT) for the florpyrauxifen-benzyl + triclopyr mixture treatment and within 7 DAT for all other florpyrauxifen-benzyl applied treatments. All florpyrauxifen-benzyl treatments controlled 100% of common cattail at 28 DAT regardless of application rate and timing. Common cattail height and dry biomass at 28 DAT were lower for all treatments compared to the nontreated control. While the common cattail control was excellent for all florpyrauxifen-benzyl applications, rice injury was minimal. This research indicates that common cattail up to 2 m tall can be effectively and rapidly controlled in rice fields with florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 40 g ha–1.
Local and Downstream Effects of Vertical Soil Water Flow on Summer Persistent Extreme Precipitation Events in Southeast China
Authors: Xie Youyong , Yuan Huiling
Published: December 2024

Persistent extreme precipitation events (PEPEs) in Southeast China cause casualties and economic losses, and accurate simulations of these events continue to face significant challenges. This study identifies critical features associated with PEPEs during boreal summer in this region, such as both cool land surface and air at 850 hPa, indicating strong land‐atmosphere interactions. Vertical soil water flow (VSWF) significantly affects near‐surface soil hydro‐thermodynamics and can potentially enhance the PEPEs' simulation. However, VSWF is often ignored in land surface models. To improve the simulation of PEPEs, the VSWF term is incorporated into the soil heat transfer equation within the Noah‐MP model coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting model, improving the simulation of PEPEs. Further analysis reveals that incorporating VSWF strengthens the cold features of PEPEs and improves precipitation simulation. Detailed examination shows that incorporating VSWF induces a secondary circulation anomaly and a positive geopotential height anomaly in Southeast China compared to simulations without VSWF. The southeast flank of the anticyclone anomaly reduces water vapor transport, while the northwest flank enhances it. Additionally, the geopotential height anomaly triggers adjustments in downstream regions of Southeast China, depending on changes in downstream circulation patterns of PEPEs. This research contributes to a better understanding of land‐atmosphere interactions, particularly the effects of VSWF on PEPEs in Southeast China.
A Novel Framework for Heterogeneity Decomposition and Mechanism Inference in Spatiotemporal Evolution of Groundwater Storage: Case Study in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Yu Ying , Cheng Jianmei , Ding Kuiyuan , Luo Yiming , Zheng Kun , Xian Yang , Lin Yihang
Published: December 2024

Properly understanding the evolution mechanisms of groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) is the basis of making effective groundwater management strategies. However, current analysis methods cannot objectively capture the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of GWSA, which might lead to erroneous inferences of the evolution mechanisms. Here, we developed a new framework to address the challenge of spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the GWSA evolution analysis. It is achieved by integrating the Bayesian Estimator of Abrupt change, Seasonal change, and Trend (BEAST), the Balanced Iterative Reducing and Clustering using Hierarchies (BIRCH), and the Optimal Parameters‐based Geographical Detector (OPGD). In the case study of the North China Plain (NCP), the GWSA time series is divided into four stages by three trend change points in BEAST. An increasing trend of GWSA is observed at Stage IV, and the third trend change point occurs before the third seasonal change point. This distinguishes the positive feedback of anthropogenic interventions and the effects of seasonal precipitations for the first time. Moreover, the spatial distribution of GWSA in the NCP is classified into two clusters by BIRCH in each stage. The differences in GWSA trends and responses to environmental changes between Cluster‐1 and Cluster‐2 are significant. Then the driving effects of 16 factors on the evolution of GWSA are identified using OPGD, in which the contributions of topographic and aquifer characteristics are highlighted by quantitative analysis. This framework provides a novel method for examining the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of GWSA, which can be extended to analyze spatiotemporal trends in GWSA at diverse scales.
Magnetic Meteorites May Explain How the Solar System Assembled
Authors: Ahart Jenna
Published: December 2024

Faint magnetic properties in primitive asteroid fragments suggest an early magnetic field strong enough to shepherd the growth of the outer planets.
First Comprehensive Study of MSTID Generation and Propagation Characteristics in Iran
Authors: Vazifehkhah Hafteh M. , Mahmoudian A.
Published: December 2024

To investigate medium‐scale TID (MSTIDs) at mid‐latitudes across Iran, TEC data obtained from a dense ground‐based GNSS receiver during the 7 months from May–November 2021 were analyzed. To remove the diurnal variability of the TEC, an 8th‐order Butterworth bandpass filter was applied to the data. Then, two‐dimensional TEC maps of the detrended TEC with a spatial resolution of 0.5 0.5 in longitude and latitude were obtained. Considering MSTID periods, four bandpass filters were applied to the TEC data: 10–15, 15–20, 20–25, and 25–30 min. The objective was to determine whether MSTID propagation occurred during specific times and whether consistent directions were followed. The results indicate that MSTIDs in all bandpass filters exhibit the same direction at particular times. Distinctive MSTID features are revealed by lower period filters. To identify MSTID trends propagating throughout the region within each month, stations along a constant longitude were selected. The trends of each month were depicted using the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) technique applied to the detrended TEC. The resulting 2D map illustrates MSTID occurrence trends based on the combination of day of the month and time of day. No nighttime trend, except for two cases in July, is observed. Most of the observed MSTID trends propagate southeastward. Notably, as the end of each month approaches, there is a time shift to earlier hours for MSTID activity. The horizontal phase velocity, wavelength, and amplitude of the trends fall within the range of 200–615 m/s, 152–460 km, and dTECU, respectively.
Permeability Development During Fault Growth and Slip in Granite
Authors: Aben Franciscus M. , Farsi Ado , Brantut Nicolas
Published: December 2024

In tight crystalline rocks faults are known to be substantially more hydraulically conductive than the rock matrix. However, most of our knowledge relies on static measurements, or before/after failure data sets. The spatio‐temporal evolution of the permeability field during faulting remains unknown. Here, we determine at which stage of faulting permeability changes most, and the degree of permeability heterogeneity along shear faults. We conducted triaxial deformation experiments in intact Westerly granite, where faulting was stabilized by monitoring acoustic emission rate. At repeated stages during deformation and faulting we paused deformation and imposed macroscopic fluid flow to characterize the overall permeability of the material. The pore pressure distribution was measured along the prospective fault to estimate apparent hydraulic transmissivity, and propagation of the macroscopic shear fault was monitored by locating acoustic emissions. We find that average permeability increases dramatically (by two orders of magnitude) with increasing deformation up to peak stress, where the fault is not yet through‐going. Post‐peak stress, overall permeability increases by a factor of three. However, at this stage we observed local heterogeneities in permeability by up to factors of eight, ascribed to a partially connected fracture network. This heterogeneity decreases with fault completion at residual shear stress. With further slip on the newly formed fault, the average hydraulic transmissivity remains mostly stable. Our results show that permeability enhancement during shear rupture mostly occurs ahead of the rupture tip, and that strongly heterogeneous permeability patterns are generated in the fault cohesive zone due to partial fracture connectivity.
Structure, Properties, and Applications of Plant-based and Bacterial Nanocellulose in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Gouripriya D. A. , Debnath Poonam , Saha Prosenjit
Published: December 2024

This chapter discusses, in detail, the structure, characteristics, and uses of nanocellulose sourced from plants and bacteria within the discipline of tissue engineering. Nanocellulose, a distinct and potentially useful natural substance taken from plant fibres and bacteria, has attracted considerable interest due to its easy availability, renewability, impressive physical properties, unique surface chemistry, and outstanding biological attributes, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. The chapter describes how top-down mechanical and chemical techniques may be used to extract nanofibres and nanocrystals from plant fibres due to cellulose’s semi-crystalline and hierarchical structure. By way of a bottom-up production method, bacterial cellulose, on the other hand, is made up of cellulose nanofibres that are released by certain bacteria. Bacterial cellulose’s unique nanofibrillar structure confers superior mechanical and physical qualities, including high porosity, elastic modulus, and crystallinity. This chapter discusses their characteristics, including their physico-mechanical qualities, biological factors, macrostructural morphology, and chemical structure. The chapter highlights the use of nanocellulose in tissue engineering, emphasising how it may be used to create novel, previously unheard-of materials with unique, multipurpose qualities. These are intended to meet demands in several industries, including biomedicine, the environment, energy, pharmaceutics, food, and agriculture.
Electrospinning of Nanocellulose–Nanoparticle Composites: Multifunctional Biomaterials for Advanced Tissue Engineering
Authors: Saebnazar Aysan , Ahdeno Niloufar , Nazemiyeh Amirreza , Dadashi Hamed , Jaymand Mehdi , Eskandani Morteza , Vandghanooni Somayeh
Published: December 2024

This chapter offers an outline of the emerging field of nanocellulose–nanoparticle composites and their usage in tissue engineering (TE). Cellulose and its derivates, such as nanocellulose, have garnered considerable attention in the biomedical field due to their outstanding characteristics, which include biocompatibility, biodegradability, and adjustable surface chemistry. The chapter delves into the electrospinning process, a versatile technique for producing nanofiber-based scaffolds that replicate the inherent extracellular matrix. The incorporation of diverse nanoparticles, such as metal nanoparticles (e.g., silver, gold, and iron), quantum dots, mesoporous nanoparticles, and ceramic nanoparticles (like calcium phosphate, bioactive glass ceramics, and hydroxyapatite), into nanocellulose-based composites is reviewed. These composite materials exhibit improved functionalities, such as antibacterial properties, enhanced mechanical strength, and the capacity to foster cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, thus presenting themselves as promising options for TE applications. The chapter spotlights the potential of nanocellulose-based polymer composites in regenerating various tissue types, including skin, bone, nerve, and vascular tissues. Additionally, the chapter addresses the current obstacles and future outlooks for the advancement of these advanced biomaterials for TE.
Functionalisation of Nanocellulose for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Damiyan Betsy Mery T. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Ullah Muhammad Wajid
Published: December 2024

Nanocellulose has emerged as a promising biomaterial for tissue engineering because of its unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high mechanical strength. However, to fully harness its potential in tissue regeneration, it often requires functionalisation to tailor its properties for a particular use. Various techniques for functionalisation, ranging from chemical modifications to biological and physical methods, allow for the integration of bioactive molecules, controlled drug delivery, and enhancement of mechanical properties. This chapter offers an overview of nanocellulose functionalisation in tissue engineering, emphasising recent progress and future avenues in this field.
Nanocellulose Composites in Skin Tissue Engineering and Wound Dressings
Authors: Bakadia Bianza Moise , Shi Zhijun , Li Ying , Yang Guang
Published: December 2024

Nanocelluloses have emerged as a novel biomaterial used in biomedical applications. They are derived from diverse sources, including plants, bacteria, and algae. Their classification is based on the extraction method and the dimensions, namely the diameter and length. They are broadly divided into three primary types, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). CNCs exhibit a high degree of crystallinity and are needle-shaped, while CNFs have a network structure consisting of both amorphous and crystalline areas. BNC represents the most refined and unadulterated manifestation of nanocellulose. Chemical functionalization can potentially modify the characteristics of nanocellulose, enhancing its suitability for biomedical applications. Due to its high hydrophilicity, fibrous structure resembling collagen, biocompatibility, and mechanical stability, nanocellulose exhibits the essential characteristics necessary for medical application as a wound dressing material. Moreover, its chemical composition enables additional functionalization and composite formation, thereby facilitating the creation of enhanced and versatile materials. This chapter provides a concise overview of skin physiology and wound healing biology, followed by exploring the potential of nanocellulose in skin tissue engineering, highlighting its benefits and advantages for use in skin wound healing.