bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global existence of large solutions for the three‐dimensional incompressible Navier–Stokes–Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations
Authors: Zhao Jihong , Li Ying
Published: November 2023

This work is concerned with the global existence of large solutions to the three‐dimensional dissipative fluid‐dynamical model, which is a strongly coupled nonlinear nonlocal system characterized by the incompressible Navier–Stokes–Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations. Making full use of the algebraic structure of the system, we obtain the global existence of solutions without smallness assumptions imposed on the third component of the initial velocity field and the summation of initial densities of charged species. More precisely, we prove that there exist two positive constants
such that if the initial data satisfies

then the incompressible Navier–Stokes–Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations admits a unique global solution.
A New Member of the Metal‐Porphyrin Frameworks Family: Structure, Physicochemical Properties, Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Adsorption
Authors: Király Nikolas , Zeleňák Vladimír , Zelenka Tomáš , Almáši Miroslav , Kuchár Juraj
Published: November 2023

A novel holmium‐based porous metal‐porphyrin framework, {(H3O+)[Ho(H2TPPS)]− ⋅ 4H2O}n (denoted as UPJS‐17), was synthesised by hydrothermal reaction. Structural analysis reveals, that UPJS‐17 has a three‐dimensional open framework. The framework is negatively charged and the negative charge is compensated by hydronium cation. The compound showed no N2 adsorption but the Ar, CO2 and H2. From the argon adsorption, the surface area of ~150 m2 g−1 was determined. Carbon dioxide adsorption was measured at various temperatures (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C) and the compound showed the highest adsorption capacity (at 0 °C) of 7.0 wt % of CO2. From the carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms the isosteric heat of 56,5 kJ mol−1 was determined. Hydrogen adsorption was studied at −196 °C with hydrogen uptake of 2.1 wt % at 1 bar.
Seeking central hopelessness symptoms which direct link to resilience among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in China—A network perspective
Authors: Huang Yulin , Huang Yalin , Lin Miaoxuan , Tao Yanqiang
Published: November 2023

The intervention process for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is inextricably associated with their parents' mental health problems, such as hopelessness, which may adversely affect resilience and indirectly impact the effectiveness of interventions for their children. Hence, the motivation to help parents of children with ASD reduce hopelessness prompted us to conduct the present study and explore the interrelationship between hopelessness symptoms and resilience. This study evaluated hopelessness and resilience using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC). Participants met the criteria for their children's ASD diagnosis by a psychiatrist (N = 448; 54.69% mothers; Meanage = 34.59 years, SDage = 4.94 years). Moreover, we used symptom network analysis to examine the variability in network structure between fathers and mothers. The flow function was applied to examine which hopelessness symptoms were directly or indirectly associated with resilience. The results showed that #BHS11 (i.e., unpleasantness‐ahead) was the central symptom found in the network structure for all parents and fathers, while #BHS17 (i.e., no‐future‐satisfaction) was the central symptom in the network structure for mothers. Additionally, #BHS6 ([NOT] expect‐to‐succeed) was directly and positively associated with resilience in all three network structures (i.e., all parents, fathers, and mothers). The results of the present study provide evidence that influential symptoms should be addressed and offer guidance for further interventions to reduce hopelessness and enhance resilience among parents of children with ASD.
Percutaneous fetal endoscopic third ventriculostomy for severe isolated cerebral ventriculomegaly
Authors: Peralta Cleisson Fábio Andrioli , Medrado Aletea Patrícia , Botelho Rafael Davi , Jorge Rodrigues da Costa Karina , Imada Vanessa , Lamis Fabricio
Published: November 2023

Objective

To demonstrate the feasibility and preliminary results of percutaneous fetal endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in human fetuses (pfETV) with isolated progressive and/or severe bilateral cerebral ventriculomegaly (IPSBV).

Methods

The initial results of pfETV for IPSBV were described. Perioperative, perinatal and postnatal variables were described. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐3), 3rd edition (ASQ‐3) was used for follow‐up of all infants.

Results

Successful pfETV was performed in 10/11 (91%) fetuses, at a median gestational age (GA) of 28.7 weeks (25.3–30.7). There were no perioperative complications. After pfETV, 70% (7/10) of the fetuses had a decreased or stabilized lateral ventricle atria|lateral ventricle's atria. The median GA at delivery was 38.2 weeks (35.9–39.3). There were no perinatal complications. The postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunt rate was 80% (8/10). Among neonates/infants who had prenatal stabilization or a decrease in the LVAs, 4 (4/7: 57.1%) had abnormal scores on the ASQ‐3. Among neonates/infants that experienced prenatal increases in the LVAs, all of them (3/3: 100%) had abnormal scores on the ASQ‐3.

Conclusion

Percutaneous ETV is feasible in human fetuses with progressive and/or severe cerebral ventriculomegaly and seems to be a safe procedure for both the mother and the fetus.
Comparison of different sustained‐release opioids and acute respiratory conditions in patients with cancer and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mitsuboshi Satoru , Imai Shungo , Kizaki Hayato , Hori Satoko
Published: November 2023

Study Objective

Few data are available on the association between the use of oxycodone in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute respiratory conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oxycodone is associated with an increased risk of acute respiratory conditions in patients with cancer and CKD compared with other opioids.

Design and Setting

The data were obtained from a claims database in Japan. Patients with cancer and CKD who had received sustained‐release opioids, including oral oxycodone, oral morphine, or transdermal fentanyl, between April 2014 and May 2021 were selected. The primary outcome was defined as an acute respiratory condition. Data for age and sex, morphine equivalent daily dose, concomitant use of specified medications, comorbidities defined based on the modified Charlson comorbidity index, substance use disorder, and lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer were investigated as covariates. Distribution of acute respiratory conditions was compared among the three sustained‐release opioid groups using the log‐rank test. Estimates of the incidence of acute respiratory conditions were compared among the groups using a Cox proportional hazards model with time‐varying variables.

Main Results

A significant difference in the distribution of acute respiratory conditions was found among the three groups (p < 0.01). Cox regression analysis showed a significantly higher risk of acute respiratory conditions with morphine (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–8.65, p = 0.04) compared with oxycodone but no significant difference in risk with oxycodone (HR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.32–1.38, p = 0.27) compared with fentanyl.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the risk of acute respiratory conditions may be lower in patients with CKD who use oxycodone for cancer pain than in those who use morphine. Additionally, no difference in the risk of acute respiratory conditions was found between oxycodone and fentanyl use.
Study on the performance and application of coatings based on chitosan/gelatin/microbeads composite aerogel
Authors: Lin Min , Sun Haolin , Chen Yuheng , Chen Jinghua
Published: November 2023

Plastic reduction regulations have resulted in the gradual replacement of traditional food plastic packaging materials with biodegradable and recyclable paper‐based ones. However, paper is prone to water absorption and moisture damage, and it has poor insulation properties, which can impact food quality and user experience. Recently, biopolymers have gained wide interest as the main substrate for paper coatings, providing various qualities for paper‐based materials to meet food packaging requirements. The coating based on chitosan/gelatin/microbeads composite aerogel prepared in this study not only possesses inherent antimicrobial and preservation properties but also enhances the cardboard's mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and thermal insulation effect after coating on cardboard. When the coating thickness was 30 μm, the tensile strength of the cardboard was enhanced by 0.65 kN/m, the contact angle increased by 19.3°, and the thermal conductivity coefficient decreased by 0.024 W·m−1·K−1. Therefore, the biopolymer composite coating developed in this study provides an eco‐friendly substitute for plastic coatings on cardboard. In addition to bacteriostatic and preserving freshness, it can also address paper‐based material shortcomings, ensuring food quality and safety with comprehensive packaging protection.
Event‐triggered asymmetrical saturation‐constraint impulsive control of multi‐agent systems
Authors: You Le , Jiang Xiaowei , Zheng Shiqi , Yan Huaicheng , Zhang Xianhe
Published: November 2023

The impulsive consensus problem of nonlinear multi‐agent system under energy consumption constraint is considered in the article. For considering the restricted communication channel, asymmetrical input saturation constraint is adopted into impulse control protocol. Then, based on the current national policy of energy conservation and emission reduction, a novel control protocol which combines asymmetrical input saturation constraint impulse protocol with event‐triggered approach is raised and set event decision time at pulse time. Then, the control protocol not only can be able to decrease communication frequency and energy consumption, but also avoid “Zeno behavior”. Furthermore, some theorems and their proofs about the consensus problems with and without leader are provided. Through mathematical derivation, sufficient conditions of problems have been crystallized. In the end, some different simulation instances are presented to verify the research.
Green Hydrogenation of C=C, C=O, and C=N Bonds in Water by Palladium‐Tin Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Mukhi Priyabrata , Kumar Nayak Mukesh , Mohanty Anuradha , Roy Sujit
Published: November 2023

The reduction of various functional groups under atmospheric H2 by Pd−Sn nanoparticles in water is reported. A broad set of C−C, C−O, and C−N multiple bonds were reduced using a catalyst loading of 0.56 mol % to give rise to a high yield of products up to 99 % and good tolerance with various substrates. Additionally, the bimetallic Pd−Sn system successively hydrogenated the olefinic double bond of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds with selectivity up to 99 % demonstrating further its chemoselectivity. The catalyst is recyclable for up to five cycles with α‐methyl styrene as the substrate. However, with functionalized alkenes such as acrylic acid, the recyclability was poor.
Coumarin‐Oxazolyl‐Based Chemosensor for Selective Detection of Fe2+ Ions: Preparation, Spectral Characterization, Theoretical Studies and Cellular Bioimaging
Authors: Kalaiarasi Giriraj , Ranjani Mohanasundaram , Aswathy Mani , Kosiha Arumugam , Prabhakaran Rathinasabapathi
Published: November 2023

New coumarin‐oxazolyl derived receptor (E)‐3(2‐(2‐(1‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)ethylidene)hydrazinyl)oxazol‐4‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (AOX) was designed, synthesised from the reaction of 3‐acetyl‐coumarin semicarbazone with 3‐bromoacetyl coumarin in chloroform/ethanol and the formation of AOX was confirmed by using different spectroscopic methods. The interaction of the AOX with different metal ions was investigated using photometric titrations and its selectively detected the Fe2+ ions.
Synergetic Regulation of Interface Defects and Carriers Dynamics for High‐Performance Lead‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Bo , Sun Yapeng , Zhang Jiankai , Wang Kai , Yu Huangzhong
Published: November 2023

Severe nonradiative recombination and open‐circuit voltage loss triggered by high‐density interface defects greatly restrict the continuous improvement of Sn‐based perovskite solar cells (Sn‐PVSCs). Herein, a novel amphoteric semiconductor, O‐pivaloylhydroxylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate (PHAAT), is developed to manage interface defects and carrier dynamics of Sn‐PVSCs. The amphiphilic ionic modulators containing multiple Lewis‐base functional groups can synergistically passivate anionic and cationic defects while coordinating with uncoordinated Sn2+ to compensate for surface charge and alleviate the Sn2+ oxidation. Especially, the sulfonate anions raise the energy barrier of surface oxidation, relieve lattice distortion, and inhibit nonradiative recombination by passivating Sn‐related and I‐related deep‐level defects. Furthermore, the strong coupling between PHAAT and Sn perovskite induces the transition of the surface electronic state from p‐type to n‐type, thus creating an extra back‐surface field to accelerate electron extraction. Consequently, the PHAAT‐treated device exhibits a champion efficiency of 13.94% with negligible hysteresis. The device without any encapsulation maintains 94.7% of its initial PCE after 2000 h of storage and 91.6% of its initial PCE after 1000 h of continuous illumination. This work provides a reliable strategy to passivate interface defects and construct p‐n homojunction to realize efficient and stable Sn‐based perovskite photovoltaic devices.
A Self‐Assembly‐Induced Exciton Delocalization Strategy for Converting a Perylene Diimide Derivative from a Type‐II to Type‐I Photosensitizer
Authors: Fang Lei , Huang Rong , Gong Wenqi , Ji Yuanhui , Sun Yanyan , Gou Shaohua , Zhao Jian
Published: November 2023

Type‐I photosensitizers have shown advantages in addressing the shortcomings of traditional oxygen‐dependent type‐II photosensitizers for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of hypoxic tumors. However, developing type‐I photosensitizers is yet a huge challenge because the type‐II energy transfer process is much faster than the type‐I electron transfer process. Herein, from the fundamental point of view, an effective approach is proposed to improve the electron transfer efficiency of the photosensitizer by lowering the internal reorganization energy and exciton binding energy via self‐assembly‐induced exciton delocalization. An example proof is presented by the design of a perylene diimide (PDI)‐based photosensitizer (PDIMp) that can generate singlet oxygen (1O2) via a type‐II energy transfer process in the monomeric state, but induce the generation of superoxide anion (O2˙ˉ) via a type‐I electron transfer process in the aggregated state. Significantly, with the addition ofcucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]), the self‐assembled PDIMp can convert back to the monomeric state via host–guest complexation and consequently recover the generation of 1O2. The biological evaluations reveal that supramolecular nanoparticles (PDIMp‐NPs) derived from PDIMp show superior phototherapeutic performance via synergistic type‐I PDT and mild photothermal therapy (PTT) against cancer under either normoxia or hypoxia conditions.
An Electrochemically Initiated Self‐Limiting Hydrogel Electrolyte for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anode
Authors: Wang Yuetao , Yang Luyi , Xu Pengfei , Liu Lele , Li Shunning , Zhao Yan , Qin Runzhi , Pan Feng
Published: November 2023

The zinc dendrite growth generally relies upon a “positive‐feedback” mode, where the fast‐grown tips receive higher current densities and ion fluxes. In this study, a self‐limiting polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel that presents negative feedback to dendrite growth is developed. The monomers are purposefully polymerized at the dendrite tips, then the hydrogel reduces the local current density and ion flux by limiting zinc ion diffusion with abundant functional groups. As a consequence, the accumulation at the dendrite tips is restricted, and the (002) facets‐oriented deposition is achieved. Moreover, the refined porous structure of the gel enhances Coulombic Efficiency by reducing water activity. Due to the synergistic effects, the zinc anodes perform an ultralong lifetime of 5100 h at 0.5 mA cm−2 and 1500 h at 5 mA cm−2, which are among the best records for PAM‐based gel electrolytes. Further, the hydrogel significantly prolongs the lifespan of zinc‐ion batteries and capacitors by dozens of times. The developed in situ hydrogel presents a feasible and cost‐effective way to commercialize zinc anodes and provides inspiration for future research on dendrite suppression using the negative‐feedback mechanism.
Belly of the World: Toxicity, Innocence, and Indigestibility in Plastic China
Authors: Ng Emily
Published: November 2023

In 2018, on the eve of the Trump administration’s trade war against China, the Xi administration inaugurated a ban on most plastic waste imports. Set in a small family-run plastic waste processing factory, Wang Jiuliang’s documentary Plastic China (2016) was rumored to have been an impetus for the ban. Approaching Plastic China as a cinematic portrayal of hinterlands, this chapter considers how ecocritical momentum is produced in the film by juxtaposing an aesthetics of the toxic sublime and a temporality of stagnation with the child as a figure of innocence and potentiality. Such waste and waste-times are not exclusive to China, but point to a reluctantly shared body between post/socialist and late capitalist worlds, as stubborn materials move through the intimate organs of the global digestive system.
Stable Solvers for Stiff ODE Systems
Authors: Sundnes Joakim
Published: November 2023

In the previous chapter, we introduced explicit Runge-Kutta (ERK) methods and demonstrated how they can be implemented as a hierarchy of Python classes. For most ODE systems, replacing the simple forward Euler method with a higher-order ERK method will significantly reduce the number of time steps needed to reach a specified accuracy. Furthermore, it often leads to reduced computation time, since the additional cost per time step is outweighed by the reduced number of steps. However, there exists a class of ODEs known as stiff systems, where all the ERK methods require very small time steps, and any attempt to increase the time step leads to spurious oscillations and possible divergence of the solution. Stiff ODE systems pose a challenge for explicit methods, and they are better addressed by implicit solvers such as implicit Runge-Kutta (IRK) methods. IRK methods are well-suited for stiff problems and can offer substantial reductions in computation time when tackling challenging problems.
Leading loops in cosmological correlators
Authors: Lee Mang Hei Gordon , McCulloch Ciaran , Pajer Enrico
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Cosmological correlators from inflation are often generated at tree level and hence loop contributions are bounded to be small corrections by perturbativity. Here we discuss a scenario where this is not the case. Recently, it has been shown that for any number of scalar fields of any mass, the parity-odd trispectrum of a massless scalar must vanish in the limit of exact scale invariance due to unitarity and the choice of initial state. By carefully handling UV-divergences, we show that the one-loop contribution is non-vanishing and hence leading. Surprisingly, the one-loop parity-odd trispectrum is simply a rational function of kinematics, which we compute explicitly in a series of models, including single-clock inflation. Although the loop contribution is the leading term in the parity-odd sector, its signal-to-noise ratio is typically bounded from above by that of a corresponding tree-level parity-even trispectrum, unless instrumental noise and systematics for the two observables differ. Furthermore, we identify a series of loop contributions to the wavefunction that cancel exactly when computing correlators, suggesting a more general phenomenon.
Lepton-pair scattering with an off-shell and an on-shell photon at two loops in massless QED
Authors: Badger Simon , Kryś Jakub , Moodie Ryan , Zoia Simone
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We compute the two-loop QED helicity amplitudes for the scattering of a lepton pair with an off-shell and an on-shell photon, 0 → $$ \ell \overline{\ell}\gamma \gamma $$
ℓ

ℓ
¯

γγ
*, using the approximation of massless leptons. We express all master integrals relevant for the scattering of four massless particles with a single external off-shell leg up to two loops in a basis of algebraically independent multiple polylogarithm, which guarantees an efficient numerical evaluation and compact analytic representations of the amplitudes. Analytic forms of the amplitudes are reconstructed from numerical evaluations over finite fields. Our results complete the amplitude-level ingredients contributing to the N3LO predictions of electron-muon scattering eμ → eμ, which are required to meet the precision goal of the future MUonE experiment.
Stationäre chirurgische Versorgung in Großschadenslagen und Katastrophen – Grundlagen, Ziele, Konzepte, Vorbereitung
Authors: Franke Axel , Lehmann Wolfgang , Wurmb Thomas
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund

Der Krieg in der Ukraine und die SARS-CoV-2(„severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“)-Pandemie haben die Resilienz unseres Gesundheitssystems in den Fokus einer breiten Diskussion gerückt. Die Vorbereitung auf solche Schadenslagen steht im Zeichen des Verhältnisses aus verfügbarer Behandlungskapazität und einen weit über die Norm hinausgehenden Bedarf. Ziel eines resilienten Gesundheitssystems muss es sein, auf solche Ausnahmesituationen adäquat zu reagieren. Insbesondere in akuten Katastrophen- und Großschadenslagen gilt es, möglichst lange medizinische Standards und eine individualmedizinische chirurgische Versorgung aufrechtzuerhalten.

Material, Methode und Ziel der Arbeit

Zielsetzung der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, anhand definierter Schadenslagen die aktuellen Begrifflichkeiten zur katastrophenmedizinischen Patientenversorgung aus chirurgischer Perspektive zu erläutern, vorhandene weiterzuentwickeln und mögliche Konzepte der Krisenversorgung anhand dreier schematisch dargestellter Szenarien darzustellen. Darüber hinaus werden allgemeine Reaktionsmöglichkeiten zur Mobilisation von Behandlungskapazitäten beschrieben.

Ergebnisse

Um die medizinische Versorgungsqualität in einer Schadenslage einheitlich zu erfassen, ist es sinnvoll, von den Stadien der Individualstandardversorgung, kompensierter Krisenversorgung und dekompensierter Krisenversorgung zu sprechen. Im Rahmen einer Großschadenslage oder einer Katastrophe werden traumatologisch-chirurgische Patienten überwiegen und es muss das Ziel sein, das Stadium einer kompensierten Krisenversorgung zu erhalten oder wieder herzustellen. Je nach Ausdehnung der Schadenslage kann dies nur unabhängig von den Landesgrenzen und durch eine übergeordnete zentrale Führungsstruktur zeitnah realisiert werden. Für eine flächendeckende Bereitstellung chirurgischer Behandlungskapazitäten ist die Darstellung eines kontinuierlichen Lagebildes mit aktuellen Ressourcen und Strukturdaten der Krankenhäuser in der betroffenen Region erforderlich.

Schlussfolgerung

Ziel aller Bemühungen und Vorbereitungen muss es sein, die Krankenhäuser dauerhaft zu ertüchtigen und bezüglich der katastrophenmedizinischen Bewältigung einer Schadenslage auszubilden und zu entwickeln. Es ist dabei wichtig, einen allgemeinen Konsens über Begrifflichkeiten, Art der Versorgung und die taktisch strategischen Grundsätze der chirurgischen Versorgung zur Bewältigung einer Katastrophe oder Schadenslage zu etablieren.
Incidence rate and histology of appendiceal neoplasms in complicated versus uncomplicated appendicitis: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Solis-Pazmino Paola , Oka Kimberly , La Kristina , Termeie Orly , Figueroa Luis A. , Pilatuna Eduardo , Solis-Pazmino Daniel , Harnegie Mary Pat , Cohen Jason , Barnajian Moshe , Nasseri Yosef
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Studies evaluating the rate and histology of appendiceal neoplasms between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis include a small number of patients. Therefore, we sought a meta-analysis and systematic review comparing the rates and types of appendiceal neoplasm between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis.

Methods

We included articles published from the time of inception of the datasets to September 30, 2022. The electronic databases included English publications in Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Scopus.

Results

A total of 4962 patients with appendicitis enrolled in 4 comparative studies were included. The mean age was 43.55 years (16- 94), and half were male (51%). Based on intra-operative findings, 1394 (38%) had complicated appendicitis, and 3558 (62%) had uncomplicated appendicitis. The overall incidence rate of neoplasm was 1.98%. No significant difference was found in the incidence rate of appendiceal neoplasm between complicated (3.29%) and uncomplicated (1.49%) appendicitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.16- 1.23; p < 0.087; I2 = 54.9%). The most common appendiceal neoplasms were Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET) (49.21%), Nonmucinous Adenocarcinoma (24.24%), Mixed Adeno-Neuroendocrine Tumor (MANEC) (11.40%), Mucinous Adenocarcinoma (4.44%). There was a significant difference between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis in rates of adenocarcinoma (50% vs. 13%), NET (31% vs. 74%), MANEC (19% vs. 13%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

While there was no significant difference in the overall neoplasm rate between complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis, the NET rate was significantly higher in uncomplicated appendicitis. In comparison, the Adenocarcinoma rate was considerably higher in Complicated appendicitis. These findings emphasize the importance of evaluating risk factors for neoplasm when considering appendectomy in patients with appendicitis.
Preventing HIV Infection in Pregnant Women in Western Uganda Through a Comprehensive Antenatal Care-Based Intervention: An Implementation Study
Authors: Jahn Lisa S. , Kengonzi Agnes , Kabwama Steven N. , Rubaihayo John , Theuring Stefanie
Published: November 2023

We implemented and assessed a comprehensive, antenatal care (ANC)-embedded strategy to prevent HIV seroconversions during pregnancy in Uganda. HIV-negative first-time ANC clients were administered an HIV risk assessment tool and received individual risk counseling. Those attending ANC without partners obtained formal partner invitation letters. After three months, repeat HIV testing was carried out; non-attending women were reminded via phone. We analyzed uptake and acceptance, HIV incidence rate, and risk behavior engagement. Among 1081 participants, 116 (10.7%) reported risk behavior engagement at first visit; 148 (13.7%) were accompanied by partners. At the repeat visit (n = 848), 42 (5%, p < 0.001) reported risk behavior engagement; 248 (29.4%, p < 0.001) women came with partners. Seroconversion occurred in two women. Increased odds for risk behavior engagement were found in rural clients (aOR 3.96; 95% CI 1.53–10.26), women with positive or unknown partner HIV-status (2.86; 1.18–6.91), and women whose partners abused alcohol (2.68; 1.15–6.26). Overall, the assessed HIV prevention strategy for pregnant women seemed highly feasible and effective. Risk behavior during pregnancy was reduced by half and partner participation rates in ANC doubled. The observed HIV incidence rate was almost four times lower compared to a pre-intervention cohort in the same study setting.
Grappling with the success and trade-offs of global nutrient redistribution
Authors: Kleinman P. J. A. , Harmel R. D.
Published: November 2023

Inputs of fertilizer nutrients in agriculture are estimated to have contributed to > 40% increase in crop production over the past century, resulting in widespread benefits to food security and prosperity. However, fertilizer nutrient redistribution has fundamentally altered global and local nutrient cycles alike, yielding trade-offs in socioeconomic and environmental outcomes. David Pimentel’s body of work on the management of energy, water, and soil resources in agriculture, along with his perspectives on agronomy and sustainable resource management, resonates with a critical understanding of the consequences of nutrient redistribution in agriculture. With Pimentel's legacy in mind, we consider trade-offs of global nutrient redistribution, improved recycling of nutrients in agricultural systems, as well as the challenges of, and opportunities for, transformations that seek to adjust nutrient cycles in modern agriculture. Pimentel’s legacy and contributions provide valuable insight into agriculture’s wicked nutrient challenge, as he framed the costs and opportunities of production systems across different scales of food production, developed foundational understanding of global resource challenges, promoted often marginalized or underemployed management strategies to enhance agriculture’s ecosystem services, confronted conventional wisdom and popular trends, and appropriately, attacked the use of “silver bullets” as singular solutions to ecological challenges and instead promoted systems-level analyses.
Tax policy design in a hierarchical model with occupational decisions
Authors: Castillo Sebastián
Published: November 2023

This research examines the impact of occupational choices and tax evasion on the tax administration policy in a hierarchical tax model. The economy has two sectors, wage-earners and self-employment, with evasion only possible in the latter. Incorporating occupational decisions produces a smaller marginal tax rate and a larger budget for the IRS. However, the resources are still insufficient to audit all self-employed, resulting in distortions in occupational choices favoring self-employment. These distortions prevent production efficiency from achieving the optimum level, indicating that the Diamond-Mirrlees theorem is not applicable in this context. Finally, applying differential taxation represents a Pareto improvement, but it results in higher taxes for self-employment.
Experiences of Parental PTSD for Children Aged 9–17 in Military and Emergency First Responder Families
Authors: May Karen , Van Hooff Miranda , Doherty Matthew , Carter Drew
Published: November 2023

This study is the first to examine the experiences of children aged 9–17 who have a military or emergency first responder (EFR) parent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These experiences of children are important to understand through a lens of intergenerational trauma theory, given the high rates of PTSD in these service populations. Additionally, we need to know if they differ from the experiences of children of civilian parents with PTSD. To examine this, we conducted a total of 17 in-depth interviews in Australia with 5 service parents, 5 co-parents and 7 children aged 9–17 who have a parent who had formerly served in the military or an emergency service. Interviewees were not always from the same family. The families included single-parent, dual-parent, separated, and same-sex families. Gender and service type (military or EFR) were evenly distributed among interviewees. We used a critical humanist approach and undertook a reflexive thematic analysis of the interview data. The major themes were (1) parental emotional extremes, volatility, and unpredictability, (2) changes in home and family relations, (3) impacts on child wellbeing, and (4) PTSD awareness and help-seeking. We found evidence of specific impacts for children related to a combination of parental PTSD symptoms and service conditioning and culture. This study highlights the role of reduced parental capacity in the transmission of trauma from parent to child. It provides an evidence base to direct policy and research into targeted and culturally specific therapeutic interventions and support services for children and parents in service families living with PTSD.
5D solid-state NMR spectroscopy for facilitated resonance assignment
Authors: Klein Alexander , Vasa Suresh K. , Linser Rasmus
Published: November 2023

1H-detected solid-state NMR spectroscopy has been becoming increasingly popular for the characterization of protein structure, dynamics, and function. Recently, we showed that higher-dimensionality solid-state NMR spectroscopy can aid resonance assignments in large micro-crystalline protein targets to combat ambiguity (Klein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2022). However, assignments represent both, a time-limiting factor and one of the major practical disadvantages within solid-state NMR studies compared to other structural-biology techniques from a very general perspective. Here, we show that 5D solid-state NMR spectroscopy is not only justified for high-molecular-weight targets but will also be a realistic and practicable method to streamline resonance assignment in small to medium-sized protein targets, which such methodology might not have been expected to be of advantage for. Using a combination of non-uniform sampling and the signal separating algorithm for spectral reconstruction on a deuterated and proton back-exchanged micro-crystalline protein at fast magic-angle spinning, direct amide-to-amide correlations in five dimensions are obtained with competitive sensitivity compatible with common hardware and measurement time commitments. The self-sufficient backbone walks enable efficient assignment with very high confidence and can be combined with higher-dimensionality sidechain-to-backbone correlations from protonated preparations into minimal sets of experiments to be acquired for simultaneous backbone and sidechain assignment. The strategies present themselves as potent alternatives for efficient assignment compared to the traditional assignment approaches in 3D, avoiding user misassignments derived from ambiguity or loss of overview and facilitating automation. This will ease future access to NMR-based characterization for the typical solid-state NMR targets at fast MAS.
Semantic agreement in Russian: Gender, declension, and morphological ineffability
Authors: Privizentseva Mariia
Published: November 2023

In this paper, I argue that declension classes are not primitives (see Aronoff 1994; Alexiadou 2004; Kramer 2015; i.a.), but are decomposed into simpler features, one of which is gender (Harris 1991; Wiese 2004; Caha 2019). The argument is based on semantic gender agreement in Russian, where a grammatically masculine noun can trigger feminine agreement if its referent is female (Mučnik 1971; Pesetsky 2013). Semantic agreement is grammatical only in those forms where a regular nominal exponent is syncretic with an exponent of a declension class that includes feminine nouns. In other forms, conflicting masculine and feminine gender features lead to ineffability in morphology (cf. Schütze 2003; Asarina 2011; Coon and Keine 2020). Ineffability arises because the Subset Principle (Halle 1997) that holds between features of a vocabulary item and a terminal at the point of Vocabulary Insertion is violated later in the derivation. This is in turn possible if Vocabulary Insertion applying cyclically bottom-up (Bobaljik 2000) is interleaved with Lowering that alters structure below a triggering node (Embick and Noyer 2001). Finally, I show that Russian also has a number of cases where conflicting gender features in a noun phrase do not result in a realization failure (Iomdin 1980). The difference between these patterns is derived in a principled way and follows from the positions where conflicting features are introduced.
Theoretical elucidation of the structure, bonding, and reactivity of the CaMn4Ox clusters in the whole Kok cycle for water oxidation embedded in the oxygen evolving center of photosystem II. New molecular and quantum insights into the mechanism of the O–O bond formation
Authors: Yamaguchi Kizashi , Miyagawa Koichi , Shoji Mitsuo , Kawakami Takashi , Isobe Hiroshi , Yamanaka Shusuke , Nakajima Takahito
Published: November 2023

This paper reviews our historical developments of broken-symmetry (BS) and beyond BS methods that are applicable for theoretical investigations of metalloenzymes such as OEC in PSII. The BS hybrid DFT (HDFT) calculations starting from high-resolution (HR) XRD structure in the most stable S1 state have been performed to elucidate structure and bonding of whole possible intermediates of the CaMn4Ox cluster (1) in the Si (i = 0 ~ 4) states of the Kok cycle. The large-scale HDFT/MM computations starting from HR XRD have been performed to elucidate biomolecular system structures which are crucial for examination of possible water inlet and proton release pathways for water oxidation in OEC of PSII. DLPNO CCSD(T0) computations have been performed for elucidation of scope and reliability of relative energies among the intermediates by HDFT. These computations combined with EXAFS, XRD, XFEL, and EPR experimental results have elucidated the structure, bonding, and reactivity of the key intermediates, which are indispensable for understanding and explanation of the mechanism of water oxidation in OEC of PSII. Interplay between theory and experiments have elucidated important roles of four degrees of freedom, spin, charge, orbital, and nuclear motion for understanding and explanation of the chemical reactivity of 1 embedded in protein matrix, indicating the participations of the Ca(H2O)n ion and tyrosine(Yz)-O radical as a one-electron acceptor for the O–O bond formation. The Ca-assisted Yz-coupled O–O bond formation mechanisms for water oxidation are consistent with recent XES and very recent time-resolved SFX XFEL and FTIR results.
Cerebral arterial vascularization of the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah)
Authors: Zdun Maciej , Ruszkowski Jakub Jędrzej , Sobolewski Jarosław , Gogulski Maciej
Published: November 2023

The Scimitar-horned Oryx (Oryx dammah) is a large terrestrial mammal native to Africa. Since the year 2000, it is classified as extinct in the wild. It is a subject of various conservation projects. The aim of this study was to describe the arterial vascularization of the brain in this species of oryx. Three different anatomical methods were used to obtain a complete arterial pattern - latex injection, corrosion cast, and computed tomography. The arterial vascularization of the brain was described. The main components of the cerebral arterial circle were the rostral cerebral arteries and the caudal communicating arteries. These vessels were created from the intracranial part of the internal carotid artery, that emerged from the rostral epidural rete mirabile. In the juvenile specimen, the whole internal carotid artery was observed. The anatomical pathways of the blood supply to the brain are important during medical procedures in cases of congestion and fainting caused by inadequate brain blood perfusion.
Application of Kaplan–Meier and Weibull Procedures for Qualitative Assessment of Recycled Aluminum Bronzes
Authors: Bydałek A. W. , Stępnik R. , Migas P.
Published: November 2023

The article describes the application of the Kaplan–Meier and Weibull procedures for the qualitative assessment of aluminum bronzes obtained from the remelting of metals (e.g., copper, aluminum, iron, manganese). The analysis was carried out on the example of selected bronzes, evaluating the influence of chemical composition on fatigue strength. Melting kinetics and method of casting alloys as well as the influence of admixtures on the castings’ properties are important for quality assessment of mentioned alloys. The performed analyses of bronze production show that small changes in the technological process can have a significant impact on the content of individual elements in the alloy, thus determining the properties of the cast element. The calculations carried out allowed for the estimation of the "survivability" function, including the probability of failure using fatigue tests on randomly selected samples. The tests carried out showed that the BA1032 alloy withstands a maximum of 4.89 h (out of 5 h assumed during the strength test) of loads with the parameters assumed in the company. The quality of production was improved by applied methods of statistical assessment of chemical composition allowed to obtain the probability of destruction at the level of 6.13%.
Enhanced composite thermal conductivity by percolated networks of in-situ confined-grown carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Tan Wei , Carey Tian , Wen Bo , He Delong , Arbab Adrees , Groombridge Alex , Smail Fiona , de La Verpilliere Jean , Yao Chengning , Wang Yanchun , Wei Xiaojun , Liu Huaping , Xie Sishen , Torrisi Felice , De Volder Michael , Zhou Weiya , Boies Adam
Published: November 2023

Despite the ever-increasing demand of nanofillers for thermal enhancement of polymer composites with higher thermal conductivity and irregular geometry, nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been constrained by the nonuniform dispersion and difficulty in constructing effective three-dimensional (3D) conduction network with low loading and desired isotropic or anisotropic (specific preferred heat conduction) performances. Herein, we illustrated the in-situ construction of CNT based 3D heat conduction networks with different directional performances. First, to in-situ construct an isotropic percolated conduction network, with spherical cores as support materials, we developed a confined-growth technique for CNT-core sea urchin (CNTSU) materials. With 21.0 wt.% CNTSU loading, the thermal conductivity of composites reached 1.43 ± 0.13 W/(m·K). Secondly, with aligned hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as an anisotropic support, we constructed CNT-hBN aligned networks by in-situ CNT growth, which improved the utilization efficiency of high density hBN and reduced the thermal interface resistance between matrix and fillers. With ~ 8.5 wt.% loading, the composites possess thermal conductivity up to 0.86 ± 0.14 W/(m·K), 374% of that for neat matrix. Due to the uniformity of CNTs in hBN network, the synergistic thermal enhancement from one-dimensional (1D) + two-dimensional (2D) hybrid materials becomes more distinct. Based on the detailed experimental evidence, the importance of purposeful production of a uniformly interconnected heat conduction 3D network with desired directional performance can be observed, particularly compared with the traditional direct-mixing method. This study opens new possibilities for the preparation of high-power-density electronics packaging and interfacial materials when both directional thermal performance and complex composite geometry are simultaneously required.
Miocene Stromboid Gastropods (Superfamily Stromboidea Rafinesque, 1815) from the Dwarka Basin, Western India and their Paleobiogeographic Implications
Authors: Bose Kanishka , Das Shiladri S. , Saha Sandip
Published: November 2023

Stromboid gastropods (Superfamily Stromboidea) are one of the most diverse groups of gastropods present in the Neogene marine successions of western India. In the present endeavor, we report eight stromboid species, of which four are described as new, from the early-middle Miocene marine successions of the Dwarka Basin, western India. The species are Conomurex indica n. sp., Persististrombus deperditus, Persististrombus sp., Dilatilabrum mahalonobisi n. sp., Tibia indica, Terebellum obtusum, Hemithersitea kanerus n. sp. and Hemithersitea nadharus n. sp. Paleobiogeographic distribution of most of the stromboid genera reported here reveals a unidirectional migration from the Tethys Region towards the Indo-Pacific Region during the Paleogene and Neogene. Conomurex originated in the western India and further radiated to the eastern Indian-Western Pacific localities with the onset of the Neogene. Persististrombus and Tibia show widespread distribution in the Mediterranean and gradually radiated towards the eastern Africa-western India localities during the Paleogene. However, from the middle Miocene onwards, these two genera further migrated towards the eastern Indian-Western Pacific localities and became more diverse. The remaining two genera, i.e., Dilatilabrum and Hemithersitea originated in the Mediterranean and later migrated to take refuge in western India during the late Paleogene, and ultimately succumbed to extinction during the middle Miocene.
A new Loriciferan, Scaberiloricus samba gen. et sp. nov., links the Higgins larva and the aberrant Shira larva
Authors: Sørensen Martin V. , Herranz Maria , Neves Ricardo C. , Kristensen Reinhardt M. , Garraffoni André R. S.
Published: November 2023

A new genus and species of Loricifera, Scaberiloricus samba gen. et sp. nov., is described from the continental shelf and slope off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Adult morphology remains unknown for the new entity, but information is available from three different Higgins larval instars. The Higgins larva of the new species is characterised by a bulbous head and a slender, elongate trunk, separated by a constriction behind the head. The cuticle of the thorax and the posterior part of the head is characterised by numerous longitudinal zigzag folds. The new species and genus shows greatest morphological resemblance with Wataloricus japonicus, and a phylogenetic analysis based on Higgins larval morphological characters suggests that Scaberiloricus gen. nov., Wataloricus, Tenuiloricus, and Patuloricus form a monophyletic group within Pliciloricidae. The analysis furthermore suggests that the Higgins larvae of Scaberiloricus gen. nov. and Wataloricus represent transitional, evolutionary stages towards the highly aberrant Shira larvae, found in species of Tenuiloricus and Patuloricus.
Development of a rapid, accurate, and field deployable LAMP-CRISPR-Cas12a integrated assay for Xylella fastidiosa detection and surveillance
Authors: Farrall Thomas , Abeynayake Shamila Weerakoon , Webster Wesley , Fiorito Sonia , Dinsdale Adrian , Whattam Mark , Campbell Paul Richard , Gambley Cherie
Published: November 2023

Xylella fastidiosa is an aggressive plant pathogenic bacterium of significant quarantine concern. Accurate and reliable detection tools are essential to minimise the risk of the pathogen’s spread and for outbreak control, as limited post-infection management strategies are possible. Here, we report the development of a specific and potentially field-deployable assay combining a pre-existing Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay and a Cas12a-based DNA Endonuclease-Targeted (DETECTR) Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) trans reporter for X. fastidiosa detection. The LAMP-CRISPR-Cas12a integrated assay detected the amplified target region of the X. fastidiosa specific rimM gene at the low femto-molar range within 10 min of initiation. The assay detected varied X. fastidiosa sub-species in a range of naturally infected and economically relevant host material, with no non-target amplification recorded. The results show integration of LAMP with CRISPR-based detection is a specific, sensitive and a potentially field-adaptable strategy for the detection of X. fastidiosa and has the potential for further operationally focused improvements.