bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of an ionic porous organic polymer for efficient capture of environmentally toxic MnO4− and I3− from water
Authors: Hassan Atikur , Pandey Rishabh Kumar , Chakraborty Arnab , Wahed Sk Abdul , Rao T. Rajagopala , Das Neeladri
Published: September 2024

This study presents a green, one-step synthesis of an ionic porous polymer (iPOP-6). The iPOP-6 efficiently removes I3− and MnO4− from wastewater and is recyclable with minimal performance loss, making it suitable for sustainable water treatment.
BOTTS: broadband optimized time–temperature superposition for vastly accelerated viscoelastic data acquisition
Authors: Sheridan Richard J. , Zauscher Stefan , Brinson L. Catherine
Published: September 2024

By applying a broadband “chirp” to a viscoelastic sample tested with a typical DMA, one can collect complex modulus data at many frequencies at once. This approach dramatically accelerates the collection of viscoelastic data from polymer samples.
Polymer matrix-assisted commercial-level mass loading of porous cobalt manganese nitride towards high-performance binder-free electrodes for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Shankar Edugulla Girija , Kiran Ampasala Surya , Paranjape Mandar Vasant , Yu Jae Su
Published: September 2024

The primary obstacle for the commercialization of supercapacitors is the large discrepancy between lab-scale research and commercial-scale requirement. The present work focuses on the synthesis of polymer matrix-assisted high mass-loaded electrodes.
The Reconstruction of Helmholtz Plane Enables Robust F-Rich Interface for Long-Life and High-Safe Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: CHEN Long , CHEN Ming , CHEN Zhongxue
Published: September 2024

由于电池运行时负极处存在负电场,会对亥姆霍兹平面(HP)上的分子排布产生影响,阴离子被库仑力排斥出内层(IHP), 而极性较低的链状酯类滞留在内层并分解为SEI膜的根组分, 导致较差的界面性质。想要改善界面性质,进而提高硬碳与酯基电解液的兼容性,必须要优化负电场条件下亥姆霍兹层中的离子/溶剂分子排布。近期, 本研究团队提出了一种重构硬碳表面IHP 的新策略。首先, 在电解液中引入能够优先吸附在HC表面的溶剂, 然后利用溶剂与阴离子间的强相互作用将阴离子拉入IHP, 进而构筑阴离子诱导的稳固富氟界面。基于此思想, 作者确定了PFBE(阴离子结合能)和CAE(碳吸附能)两个重要指标, 并以此进行溶剂筛选, 确定了TFEP为最佳溶剂。合理设计的PTD电解液使Na||HC半电池和2.8 Ah HC||Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7软包电池具有优异的倍率性能、长循环寿命、高安全性和低温适应性。
Reconstrução dos ligamentos cruzados anterior e posterior com autoenxertos bilaterais dos isquiotibiais: Técnica e resultados funcionais
Authors: Ciancio Bruno Aspirino , Azuma Marina Mayumi , Cerqueira João Victor Medeiros De , Miyashita Gustavo Kenzo , Yamashita Jorge Liozi , Ramos Leonardo Addêo
Published: September 2024

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados clínicos e funcionais da reconstrução simultânea do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) com autoenxertos bilaterais de isquiotibiais. Nossa hipótese é que esta técnica de reconstrução gera menor morbidade e tem resultados semelhantes aos publicados na literatura anterior.

Métodos Dezoito pacientes com lesões em LCA e LCP foram selecionados e tratados por cirurgia artroscópica com tendões isquiotibiais autólogos em procedimento único. O tendão semitendinoso (ST) mais espesso e os dois tendões do músculo grácil (G) foram usados para a reconstrução do LCP com seis fios. O ST mais fino foi usado para reconstrução do LCA com três fios. A média de idade dos pacientes à cirurgia foi de 31 anos e o acompanhamento mínimo foi de 2 anos. A função do joelho operado foi avaliada de acordo com a escala de Lysholm. A lassidão anterior do joelho foi examinada com um artrômetro KT-1000. A lassidão posterior foi determinada por meio de radiografias de estresse.

Resultados Melhoras estatisticamente significativas foram observadas nas três medidas (p < 0,001). A função do joelho pelo escore de Lysholm aumentou de 43,8 ± 4,1 para 89,9 ± 3,8 após a cirurgia. A lassidão anterior média do joelho melhorou de 5,2 ± 0,8 mm para 2,4 ± 0,5 mm após a cirurgia. A translação posterior da tíbia em relação ao fêmur diminuiu de 10 ± 3,4 mm para 3 ± 1,6 mm no período pós-operatório. Nenhum paciente apresentou perda de movimento em extensão ou flexão do joelho.

Conclusão A reconstrução simultânea do LCA e do LCP com autoenxerto bilateral dos isquiotibiais é uma opção valiosa para obtenção de bons resultados funcionais e estabilidade ligamentar.
Avaliação de um protocolo para reserva de sangue para cirurgias de fratura do quadril em idosos
Authors: Miyasaki Maurício Rodrigues , Marques Lucas de Quadros , Miranda Thiago dos Santos , Ruiz André Ruan , Fernandez Karen Barros Parron , Biglia Bruna
Published: September 2024

Objetivo Identificar os fatores preditivos da necessidade de transfusão durante e após a cirurgia para o tratamento de fratura do quadril em idosos e avaliar um protocolo para orientar a solicitação de reserva de sangue para a cirurgia.

Métodos Foram levantados os prontuários de 172 pacientes idosos submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de fratura proximal do fêmur. Os dados relativos a sexo, idade, nível pré-operatório de hemoglobina, diagnóstico e tipo de cirurgia foram testados para a verificar a existência de correlação com a transfusão sanguínea. Determinamos o número de unidades reservadas de concentrado de hemácias, o índice de transfusão e a razão prova cruzada:transfusão em nossa casuística, e fizemos os mesmos cálculos em uma situação hipotética em que a solicitação de reserva de sangue para a nossa amostra seguisse os critérios de um protocolo definido.

Resultados Encontramos correlação entre a classificação da American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) e a ocorrência de transfusão, e correlação inversa entre o nível de hemoglobina de entrada e o número de bolsas transfundidas. Foi solicitada reserva de 328 unidades de concentrado de hemácias para 167 cirurgias. Caso se tivesse aplicado o protocolo proposto, teriam sido solicitadas 72 unidades para 61 cirurgias.

Conclusão Encontramos correlação entre as variáveis classificação da ASA e nível pré-operatório de hemoglobina e a ocorrência de transfusão. A aplicação de um protocolo proposto para decidir entre a solicitação de reserva e apenas a tipagem para indivíduos idosos que serão submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico de fratura do quadril mostrou-se adequada para diminuir o número de reservas de concentrado de hemácias.
Comparação de preparações de enxertos ósseos para tratamento de defeitos ósseos críticos em um modelo animal roedor
Authors: Vieira Rian Souza , Borges Renan Ernesto Reis , Tiezzi Daniel Guimarães , Shimano Antonio Carlos , Zamarioli Ariane , Defino Helton Luiz Aparecido
Published: September 2024

Objetivo Embora enxertos ósseos autólogos sejam o tratamento mais utilizado para defeitos ósseos, a preparação mais eficaz ainda é obscura. Este estudo animal teve como objetivo comparar diferentes preparações de enxerto ósseo autólogo para o tratamento de defeito ósseo crítico no crânio de ratos.

Métodos No total, 122 ratos foram alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos: Simulado, enxerto macerado e enxerto picado. Os espécimes foram submetidos a craniotomias no centro superior do crânio com broca de corte circunferencial de 7 mm de diâmetro. O defeito ósseo crítico produzido foi tratado ou não de acordo com o grupo de alocação do animal. Os ratos foram eutanasiados às 3, 6 ou 12 semanas após a cirurgia e seus crânios foram analisados por histomorfometria, densitometria óssea, nanotomografia computadorizada (nTC) e testes biomecânicos.

Resultados A análise histomorfométrica mostrou maior percentual de preenchimento do defeito ósseo crítico no grupo picado e macerado em comparação ao simulado. A avaliação densitométrica evidenciou maior massa óssea em todos os desfechos de análise (p < 0,05) no grupo picado. Os dados de nTC revelaram um aumento ósseo expressivo no grupo picado em comparação aos grupos simulado e macerado. Os testes biomecânicos mostraram maiores valores de deformação, resistência máxima e rigidez relativa no grupo picado em qualquer momento da eutanásia (p < 0,05).

Conclusões Nosso estudo mostrou que a preparação de enxerto ósseo picado gerou resultados significativamente melhores do que os enxertos macerados no tratamento de defeitos ósseos críticos no crânio de ratos.
Visualizing imperial encounters: PLACA and US-Central American solidarity murals in San Francisco’s Mission District
Authors: Ramírez Mauricio Ernesto
Published: September 2024

This article examines two 1984 murals—Keeping the Peace in Central America and Culture Contains the Seed of Resistance, Which Blossoms into the Flower of Liberation—painted in San Francisco’s Mission District by members of PLACA, a multi-ethnic collective of thirty-six mural activists. I discuss how the artists depicted imperial encounters in their murals dedicated to US-Central American solidarity as a strategy for building transnational support for Central American liberation movements in the 1980s. PLACA transformed Balmy Alley by creating twenty-seven murals protesting US intervention in Central America and celebrating Central American culture. The collective played a pivotal role in transforming Balmy Alley and manifested the larger Central American solidarity movement taking place across the United States.
Influence of abiotic factors on the fecundity and ecological plasticity of a freshwater prawn in estuary and river environments
Authors: Silva Breno R. M. , Silva Gicelle M. F. , Mendes Yanne A. , Pantoja Juliana C. D. , Viana Ivana K. S. , De Oliveira Antonio E. P. , Rocha Rossineide M. , Ferreira Maria A. P.
Published: September 2024

Context Macrobrachium amazonicum is a freshwater prawn of socioeconomic importance in the Amazon region, whose growth, reproduction and fecundity vary according to the environment. Aims To determine which abiotic factors influence the size and fecundity of populations of M. amazonicum in estuary and river environments. Methods To do so, we captured a total of 255 ovigerous females, 181 from the estuary and 74 from the river, and measured temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and precipitation. Key results We found that turbidity, precipitation and dissolved oxygen explained the variation in M. amazonicum size, and that the estuarine females were larger and had more and smaller eggs than riverine females. Conclusions Precipitation, turbidity and dissolved oxygen were found to bedetermining factors for the ecological plasticity of M. amazonicum females in different environments. Implications Freshwater prawn species display different reproductive strategies for distinct environments, and understanding their fecundity is important to establish efficient management policies. In addition, this information should be useful to improve the cost–benefit ratio of freshwater prawn farming in the Amazon region.
Structure-based design of a soluble human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B antigen stabilized in a prefusion-like conformation
Authors: Sponholtz Madeline R. , Byrne Patrick O. , Lee Alison G. , Ramamohan Ajit R. , Goldsmith Jory A. , McCool Ryan S. , Zhou Ling , Johnson Nicole V. , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Connors Megan , Karthigeyan Krithika P. , Crooks Chelsea M. , Fuller Adelaide S. , Campbell John D. , Permar Sallie R. , Maynard Jennifer A. , Yu Dong , Bottomley Matthew J. , McLellan Jason S.
Published: September 2024

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) glycoprotein B (gB) is a class III membrane fusion protein required for viral entry. HCMV vaccine candidates containing gB have demonstrated moderate clinical efficacy, but no HCMV vaccine has been approved. Here, we used structure-based design to identify and characterize amino acid substitutions that stabilize gB in its metastable prefusion conformation. One variant containing two engineered interprotomer disulfide bonds and two cavity-filling substitutions (gB-C7), displayed increased expression and thermostability. A 2.8 Å resolution cryoelectron microscopy structure shows that gB-C7 adopts a prefusion-like conformation, revealing additional structural elements at the membrane-distal apex. Unlike previous observations for several class I viral fusion proteins, mice immunized with postfusion or prefusion-stabilized forms of soluble gB protein displayed similar neutralizing antibody titers, here specifically against an HCMV laboratory strain on fibroblasts. Collectively, these results identify initial strategies to stabilize class III viral fusion proteins and provide tools to probe gB-directed antibody responses.
ERRα and ERRγ coordinate expression of genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease, inhibiting
DKK1
to suppress tau phosphorylation
Authors: Sato Kaoru , Takayama Ken-ichi , Saito Yuko , Inoue Satoshi
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline and learning/memory impairment associated with neuronal cell loss. Estrogen-related receptor α (ERRα) and ERRγ, which are highly expressed in the brain, have emerged as potential AD regulators, with unelucidated underlying mechanisms. Here, we identified genome-wide binding sites for ERRα and ERRγ in human neuronal cells. They commonly target a subset of genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Notably, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), a Wnt signaling pathway antagonist, was transcriptionally repressed by both ERRα and ERRγ in human neuronal cells and brain. ERRα and ERRγ repress RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) accessibility at the
DKK1
promoter by modulating a specific active histone modification, histone H3 lysine acetylation (H3K9ac), with the potential contribution of their corepressor. This transcriptional repression maintains Wnt signaling activity, preventing tau phosphorylation and promoting a healthy neuronal state in the context of AD.
Optimizing Drilling Process Parameters: An MCDM-Based Comparative Analysis Using CRITIC, MOORA and CoCoSo
Authors: Baraily Abinay , Das Soham , Sapkota Gaurav , Anand Raghav , Kumar Ghadai Ranjan
Published: September 2024

In today’s competitive environment, the desire for superior-performance and affordable composite materials is growing promptly. This study aims to address the need for high-performance materials by creating a low-cost hybrid aluminium metal matrix composite with aluminium alloy LM6 as the matrix material and reinforcement materials of SiC 1%, bagasse ash 1.25%, and fly ash 1.25%. Given that fly ash and bagasse ash are readily available, low-cost industrial and agricultural wastes produced during combustion. The Stir casting technique was adopted for the creation of the hybrid AMMC material. The developed composite is subjected to drilling operation employing Taguchi L9 orthogonal array considering feed rate, drill diameter and spindle speed as the input parameters. To select the best process variables, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) was implemented. CRITIC was adopted for weight distribution to each criterion, and MOORA, CoCoSo was employed to rank each alternative. MOORA ranked alternative A3 with spindle speed 60 (rpm), feed rate 82 (mm/rev), and drill diameter 8 (mm), MRR 0.2 (g/s) and Ra 9.7853(µm) as rank 1.Similarly, CoCoSo rank alternative A6 as the best alternative with spindle speed 140 (rpm), feed rate 50(mm/rev), diameter of drill bit 10(mm), MRR 0.0986 (g/s) and Ra 8.4989(µm). Further, studies shows that CoCoSo proved to be the effective techniques compared to MOORA for ranking alternative.
Formation mechanism of delta-ferrite in fusion zone during fiber laser welding of SS-316L
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Chundi Sukumar , Prakash Leelasai , Gogoi Debashish , Kumar Manjesh , Paul C. P. , Bindra K. S.
Published: September 2024

Fiber laser welding is conducted on 0.5 mm SS-316L steel plates. Microstructural evaluation in fusion zone (FZ) of welded specimens are investigated at three different welding speeds. Autogenous welding process favors epitaxial grain growth in the FZ. The morphology of delta ferrite changed from skeletal to lathy ferrite with the increase of welding speed and further at higher welding speed of 1000 mm/min cellular structure is developed in FZ. XRD patterns demonstrate the existence of δ-ferrite in FZ at all welding conditions. The tensile properties of weldments are increased with the increase of welding speed due to the change in morphology of austenitic structure in the FZ. Ductile mode of fracture is observed in both base material and the weldments.
Limits to forests-based mitigation in integrated assessment modelling: global potentials and impacts under constraining factors
Authors: Rouhette Théo , Escobar Neus , Zhao Xin , Sanz María José , van de Ven Dirk-Jan
Published: September 2024

Forests-based measures such as afforestation/reforestation (A/R) and reducing deforestation (RDF) are considered promising options to mitigate climate change, yet their mitigation potentials are limited by economic and biophysical factors that are largely uncertain. The range of mitigation potential estimates from integrated assessment models raises concerns about the capacity of land systems to provide realistic, cost-effective and permanent land-based mitigation. We use the Global Change Analysis Model to quantify the economic mitigation potential of forests-based measures by simulating a climate policy including a tax on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, and other land uses. In addition, we assess how constraining unused arable land (UAL) availability, forestland expansion rates, and global bioenergy demand may influence the forests-based mitigation potential by simulating scenarios with alternative combinations of constraints. Results show that the average forests-based mitigation potential in 2020–2050 increases from 738 MtCO2.yr−1 through a forestland increase of 86 Mha in the fully constrained scenario to 1394 MtCO2.yr−1 through a forestland increase of 146 Mha when all constraints are relaxed. Regional potentials in terms of A/R and RDF differ strongly between scenarios: unconstrained forest expansion rates mostly increase A/R potentials in northern regions (e.g., +120 MtCO2.yr−1 in North America); while unconstrained UAL conversion and low bioenergy demand mostly increase RDF potentials in tropical regions (e.g., +76 and +68 MtCO2.yr−1 in Southeast Asia, respectively). This study shows that forests-based mitigation is limited by many factors that constrain the rates of land use change across regions. These factors, often overlooked in modelling exercises, should be carefully addressed for understanding the role of forests in global climate mitigation and defining pledges towards the Paris Agreement.
Sustainability in project portfolios: a scoping literature review for the transport sector
Authors: Minoretti Arianna , Johansen Agnar , Wondimu Paulos
Published: September 2024

Sustainable transport is one of the strategic goals of public roads administrations. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is working to develop a sustainable portfolio of projects. Literature on sustainable portfolio management for the infrastructure sector could help in developing strategies for portfolio management and succeed the challenges. The purpose of the paper is to identify existing literature on sustainable portfolio management in the transport sector and identify key findings in the existing literature. A literature review is performed by combining the three main keywords of “portfolio management”, “sustainability” and “infrastructure”. Structured search is performed in scientific databases, such as Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science, considering relevant keywords’ synonyms and using string combinations. The study shows that there is scarce relevant literature dealing with the topic of interest, combining all the chosen keywords. Partial combinations of the keywords are investigated. The results provide five key findings on the paper’s topic. First, the existing literature on Portfolio Management focused on sustainability is more on energy, finance, data, or product fields, and is seldom related to infrastructure. Second, the literature focuses more on project portfolio selection than on portfolio management. Third, when the literature focuses on constructions, different sets of criteria are used to identify sustainability. As a result, sustainability does not have a unique definition. Fourth, there is little available literature on tools and methodologies for using a set of criteria to select projects specific to the transport sector. Fifth, there is no unison agreement in the literature on which tools and methodologies to use for Portfolio Management in the infrastructure sector. In conclusion, the paper identifies a gap in Portfolio Management focused on sustainability in the infrastructure sector.
Navigating Sustainability Dilemmas in Decision-Making for Sports Facilities
Authors: Torp Olav , Onshuus Malvik Tobias , Christie Ørke Johan , Cato Røsnæs Stein
Published: September 2024

Every year, sports facilities for around 5 billion NOK are built in Norway. The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF) aim to take responsibility for the environment while planning, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining sports facilities. There will always be dilemmas between the three dimensions of sustainability in decision-making processes. This research aims to illustrate different dilemmas and show how they should be dealt with when planning new sports facilities. This will help doing more informed decisions. The main objective of new sports facilities is to create activity, which creates value for users and the society. We have, through some examples, showed some dilemmas between sustainability’s social, economic, and environmental dimensions. A dilemma is how to plan, design, and construct more environmentally friendly facilities that still support the increased activity within a limited amount of funding. The “Sustainability Check” is presented as a tool, where the impact from the sports facility on the UN’s 17 sustainability goals is evaluated. But it lacks a way of weighting the different criteria. A further development suggested is to integrate the “Sustainabililty Check” with a multi-criteria decision-making method like Choosing by Advantages. More research is needed to test this integration.
Improving Safety through Leveraging Machine Learning and Safety-Related Data in the Construction Industry
Authors: Pilskog Orvik Casper
Published: September 2024

This study presents a conceptual framework for integrating safety-related data with machine learning to improve its understanding of safety performance and construction safety management. Machine Learning techniques could discover latent hazards and risks by utilizing project-specific safety-related data and improve safety and decision-making processes. Findings suggest that machine learning can significantly improve safety performance by proactively identifying risks and measures from safety-related data rather than relying solely on historical safety outcomes and data. This could also provide a better understanding of the forthcoming construction projects’ complex challenges and the impact of increasingly technical and organizational complexities on safety. However, challenges such as data compatibility, lack of standardization, misinformation risks, and ethical concerns (transparency, privacy, and fairness) necessitate a cautious approach to the use of machine learning. This proactive approach could lead to safer construction environments and continuous improvements in safety management. Future work will refine data collection and develop predictive models, with the current research in the ‘DiSCo’ project aiming for sustainable safety improvements in the construction industry.
Innovation meets institutions: AI and the Finnish construction ecosystem
Authors: Ainamo A , Peltokorpi A
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) are technologies that have recently transformed many industries. The construction industry has traditionally been a laggard industry in terms of digital-technology adoption. When leading firms in this industry have experimented with these technologies, many of these experiments have met resistance. In this paper we take an institutional lens to study why and particular social structures appears to have contributed to the resistance and paucity of success stories. Within institutional research, we focus on research with traces to cognitive science and psychology. We have carried out a qualitative embedded multiple-case study on resistance to new technologies and how to overcome such resistance. The study involves four use cases in the Finnish construction industry: (1) automation of a material-product subcontractor’s production planning; (2) business-model innovation by contractor on how to best work across multiple construction sites at once; (3) machine learning and automation of documentation by a software firm; and (4) promotion of a vision of information sharing across organizations by the above software firm. Based on within and cross-case analyses, preliminary empirical findings are that AI, ML and DL have in the Finnish construction industry challenged institutionalized forms of organizing and workflow established long since in the industry and, until about the time of this piece of research, taken for granted. Resistance was nonetheless beginning to be overcome at the time of writing this piece of research with small-group interaction across firms – such as those in this study - - in the industry ecosystem. Human-human mediation and face-to-face encounters were building trust in and across the organizations. The implication for practice and policy is that business transformation will not quickly and autonomously transform into “impersonal” or machine-machine exchange but, before that, requires human-human mediation. “ In the long-term, AI and analytics have boundless potential use cases in E&C [i.e. engineering and construction]. Machine learning is gaining some momentum as an overarching use case (that is, one applicable to the entire construction life cycle, from preconstruction through O&M 8i.e. operations and management), particularly in reality capture (for example, in conjunction with computer vision) as well as for comparison of in situ field conditions with plans (for example, supporting twin models). Indeed, by applying machine learning to an ongoing project, schedules could be optimized to sequence tasks and hit target deadlines, and divergences from blueprints could be caught closer to real time and corrected using a variety of predetermined potential scenarios.” [1]
Opportunism in the management of opportunities: client’s perspective
Authors: Marsov A , Olsson N O E
Published: September 2024

Opportunity management offers the possibility of increasing the chances of achieving the project objectives. In construction projects, some opportunities may be associated with quality improvement, whereas others may lead to time and cost savings. Opportunities leading to savings may be beneficial for one contracting party and disadvantageous for other project stakeholders. An unbalanced distribution of benefits from opportunities, sometimes coupled with negative effects, can arise from opportunistic behaviours. Much is known about opportunism in the context of project management. Although the link between opportunism in projects and opportunity management is evident, extant literature does not explicitly bridge these two aspects of project management practice. This paper is conceptual, and its purpose is to broaden the view on opportunity management in construction projects by emphasising that the implementation of some opportunities may be associated with opportunism. This paper summarises realistic examples of certain opportunities arising from opportunism. These examples show that some opportunities favouring one party can trigger negative effects that compromise the needs of various project stakeholders such as clients, end users, and project owners of current and future expansion projects. The perspective on opportunity management from the lens of opportunism helps clients recognise possible hidden agendas of contractors striving to optimise design solutions and ease project execution. Understanding the opportunistic nature of certain opportunities proposed by internal project team members can prevent clients from exploiting such opportunities. Since it is impossible to eradicate opportunism in construction projects, clients need to be prepared to deal with opportunism before it becomes a matter of concern. Thus, the early involvement of knowledgeable project members capable of flagging the presence of antecedents of opportunism is beneficial for clients.
Exploring the molecular biology of zinc-doped hydroxyapatite nanocomposites as fillers for dental materials: a self-defensive approach targeting bacterial DNA
Authors: Hamza Muhammad , Kanwal Qudsia , Ali Zahid , Zargar Seema , Alshammari Atekah Hazzaa , Wani Tanveer A , Rizwan Muhammad , Rohm Kanwal , Mushtaq Muhammad Asim
Published: September 2024

Infections during or after the denture filling pose a serious threat to recovery later, and antibiotics are scanty for quick healing. The antibacterial potential of Zn has convinced us to fabricate its composites with hydroxyapatite (HA), which has distinct biological properties. The main aim of the study is to evaluate the antibacterial potential of Zn-doped HA and investigate its molecular interaction with bacterial strains to enhance its defensive ability against bacterial attack. This study investigates the synthesis of zinc-doped hydroxyapatite nano-powder (Zn-HA) as coating and filling materials for dental applications. The co-precipitation technique was used in this regard to obtain the purest form of nanoparticles. The as-prepared Zn-HA samples were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy to assess the interaction of functional groups between components, x-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine percentage crystallinity, SEM to explore the surface morphology of composites, and EDX to confirm the incorporation of Zn in the apatite structure. The crystalline size of Zn-HA decreases from 99 nm to 40 nm with an increase in the doping of Zncl2 from 0 to 2.5 g. With increasing the concentration of Zn doping, the effectiveness of antibacterial potential was increased. Due to an increased in the concentration of doped Zn, the Zn ions effectively rupture the bacterial membrane and destroy its DNA. Meanwhile, it shows the highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas (20.2 ± 0.02), Klebsiella (25.8 ± 0.05), Bacillus (18.3 ± 0.09), S. aureus (24 ± 0.03), and E. coli (19.3 ± 0.09) with Zn/HA5. It showed that by increasing the concentration of Zinc ions in hydroxyapatite, the antibacterial potential increased. This increased concentration of zinc ions in HA enhances its-defensive ability against the attack of various bacterial strains, this makes it a potential material and enhances its efficacy in dental applications like coating, filling material, or dental restoratives, in inhibiting the growth of bacterial colonies and biofilm formation in the oral cavity. In this way, Zn/HA as an efficient dental composite as a restorative material with enhanced antibacterial potential may help to mitigate the risk of dental infections, promote dental as well as oral health, and overall improve the life of dentine.
Zinc oxide behavior in CO detection as a function of thermal treatment time
Authors: Munguía-Martín M P , Sánchez-Campos D , Mendoza-Anaya D , Karthik T V K , Villaseñor-Cerón L S , Reyes-Valderrama M I , Rodríguez-Lugo V
Published: September 2024

Gas sensors are crucial for safety and well-being in various environments. Zinc oxide (ZnO) gas sensors are notable for their broad gas detection capabilities. In this study, ZnO structures were synthesized by optimized chemical precipitation method with urea, followed by a thermal treatment at 500 °C for 5, 10, 13, and 15 h. The microstructural, morphological, and CO sensing properties were examined. X-ray Diffraction analysis confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite phase. Crystallite size increased from 17.28 to 18.95 nm with longer thermal treatment times. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed spherical and semi-spherical agglomerates with middle distribution of particle sizes ranging from 140 to 445 nm. The synthesized ZnO structures were evaluated as gas sensors for CO detection. Response time, recovery time, and sensor response were analyzed in a CO atmosphere at 100, 200, and 300 °C. The sample with thermal treatment for 13 h exhibited the lowest Tr of 2.43 s at a concentration of 166 parts per million and 300 °C. The Tr reduction correlated with a ZnO decrease particle size observed with longer thermal treatment times, highlighting the influence of particle size on sensor performance.
Determinants of non-physical intimate partner violence: A cross-sectional study with nationally representative data from Canada
Authors: Shields Margot , Tonmyr Lil , Pollock Nathaniel , Gonzalez Andrea , Hovdestad Wendy , Tanaka Masako , MacMillan Harriet
Published: September 2024

Based on a nationally representative survey of the Canadian population conducted in 2019/2020, this study examined the prevalence and determinants of non-physical Intimate partner violence (NP-IPV). NP-IPV was defined as experiences of emotional abuse, controlling behaviours, or economic abuse during the past five years. Women (17.3%) and men (16.9%) were equally likely to report NP-IPV, often without co-occurring physical/sexual IPV. For both genders, the risk of NP-IPV decreased with age, and increased with financial strain and having a disability. Childhood maltreatment (sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to emotional IPV for women, and sexual abuse and emotional abuse for men) was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting NP-IPV in adulthood. Other risk factors included heavy episodic drinking (self and/or spouse/partner) for women and living in a neighbourhood with high levels of social disorder for men. Having confidence in the police was a protective factor for both genders. These associations generally persisted in regression analyses controlling for co-occurring physical/sexual IPV. Future research should focus on methods of preventing NP-IPV and the development of gender-specific interventions to reach and support those who experience NP-IPV. Furthermore, there is a need to improve and standardize measures of NP-IPV.
High-dimensional Iterative Causal Forest (hdiCF) for Subgroup Identification Using Health Care Claims Data
Authors: Wang Tiansheng , Pate Virginia , Wyss Richard , Buse John B , Kosorok Michael R , Stürmer Til
Published: September 2024

We recently developed a machine-learning subgrouping algorithm, iterative causal forest (iCF), to identify subgroups with heterogeneous treatment effects (HTEs) using predefined covariates. However, such predefined covariates may miss or poorly define important features leading to inaccurate subgrouping. To address such limitations, we developed a new semi-automatic subgrouping algorithm, hdiCF, which adapts methodology from high-dimensional propensity score for feature recognition in claims data. The hdiCF algorithm has 3 steps: 1) high-dimensional feature identification by International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural Terminology, and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes (in/outpatient diagnoses, procedures, prescriptions) and creation of ordinal variables by frequency of occurrence; 2) propensity score trimming and high-dimensional feature preparation; 3) iCF implementation to identify subgroups. We applied hdiCF in a 20% random sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries who initiated sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists to identify subgroups with HTEs for incidence of hospitalized heart failure. HdiCF findings were consistent with studies suggesting SGLT2i to be more beneficial for patients with pre-existing heart failure or chronic kidney disease. HdiCF is not dependent on prior hypotheses about HTEs and identifies subgroups with markers for potential HTEs in real-world evidence studies where active-comparator, new-user study designs limit the potential for unmeasured confounding.
Compensating for the corolla? Pollen exposure is not associated with pollen-collecting hair length
Authors: Makowski Hanna , Scott Emily , Lamb Keric , Galloway Laura F
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Secondary pollen presentation, the relocation of pollen from the anthers to elsewhere on the flower, has evolved multiple times across many plant families. While hypotheses suggest it evolved to promote outcrossing, a by-product of relocation may be protection of pollen from loss due to abiotic factors. In Campanulaceae pollen is presented on pollen-collecting hairs along the style and the hairs retract over time and release pollen for transfer. Campanulaceae taxa vary in the degree to which pollen is exposed to environmental factors due to variation in the corolla shape and size. We tested the protective function of pollen-collecting hairs by assessing whether there was a trade-off between the protection provided by the corolla and the pollen-collecting hairs.

Methods

We used phylogenetic comparative methods to test for associations between pollen-collecting hair length, floral shape and size metrics, and pollen exposure traits across 39 species.

Results

We anticipated longer pollen-collecting hairs in taxa with more exposed pollen presentation but found there was no relationship between estimates of pollen exposure and pollen-collecting hair length. However, pollen-collecting hair length scaled allometrically with floral size, and variation in pollen-collecting hairs, as well as most floral traits, was phylogenetically structured.

Conclusions

These results indicate that variation in pollen exposure across species does not structure variation in the pollen-collecting hairs, rather hair length scales allometrically and is phylogenetically constrained; therefore pollen-collecting hairs are unlikely to facilitate protection from environmental pressures.
HMM for discovering decision-making dynamics using reinforcement learning experiments
Authors: Guo Xingche , Zeng Donglin , Wang Yuanjia
Published: September 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD), a leading cause of years of life lived with disability, presents challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its complex and heterogeneous nature. Emerging evidence indicates that reward processing abnormalities may serve as a behavioral marker for MDD. To measure reward processing, patients perform computer-based behavioral tasks that involve making choices or responding to stimulants that are associated with different outcomes, such as gains or losses in the laboratory. Reinforcement learning (RL) models are fitted to extract parameters that measure various aspects of reward processing (e.g. reward sensitivity) to characterize how patients make decisions in behavioral tasks. Recent findings suggest the inadequacy of characterizing reward learning solely based on a single RL model; instead, there may be a switching of decision-making processes between multiple strategies. An important scientific question is how the dynamics of strategies in decision-making affect the reward learning ability of individuals with MDD. Motivated by the probabilistic reward task within the Establishing Moderators and Biosignatures of Antidepressant Response in Clinical Care (EMBARC) study, we propose a novel RL-HMM (hidden Markov model) framework for analyzing reward-based decision-making. Our model accommodates decision-making strategy switching between two distinct approaches under an HMM: subjects making decisions based on the RL model or opting for random choices. We account for continuous RL state space and allow time-varying transition probabilities in the HMM. We introduce a computationally efficient Expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for parameter estimation and use a nonparametric bootstrap for inference. Extensive simulation studies validate the finite-sample performance of our method. We apply our approach to the EMBARC study to show that MDD patients are less engaged in RL compared to the healthy controls, and engagement is associated with brain activities in the negative affect circuitry during an emotional conflict task.
Liquid nitrogen-based cryoablation: complication rates for lung, bone, and soft tissue tumors cryoablation
Authors: Orsi Franco , Hamiddin Aida Shazlin , Sattin Caterina , Pizzi Caterina , Varano Gianluca Maria , Della Vigna Paolo , Mauri Giovanni , Maiettini Daniele , Bonomo Guido
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the complication rate during and 24 hours after cryoablation in lung, bone, and soft tissue tumors.

Methods

We reviewed complications in a total of 85 consecutive patients who underwent cryoablation using a liquid nitrogen-based system in various lesions between April 2017 and October 2022. There were no liver and renal lesions. Complications were categorized using the Society of Interventional Radiology classification.

Results

Eighty-five patients were treated for 96 lesions in the bone (36.4%; 35 of 96), lung (18.8%; 18 of 96), and soft tissue (44.8%; 43 of 96). The primary technical success rate was 97.7% (83 of 85). The total grade 2 and 1 complication rates were 5.2% (5/96) and 20.8% (20/96), respectively. Two patients had asymptomatic pulmonary embolisms incidentally noted at the 24-hour follow-up computed tomography (grade 2). The most frequent complications were simple and hemorrhagic pleural effusions (18.7%; 18 of 96). Lung procedures had the highest complication rate, where 13 patients (72.2%; 13 of 18) reported complications, including 2 cases of symptomatic hydropneumothorax requiring drainage (grade 2) and an additional 2 days of hospital stay. Eight patients (24.2%; 8 of 33) with bone lesions and 4 (9.3%; 4 of 43) with soft tissue lesions experienced complications.

Conclusion

Cryoablation using a liquid nitrogen-based system is safe, with only minor complications observed.

Advances in knowledge

This study provides data on the safety of liquid nitrogen-based percutaneous cryoablation in tumors located in lung, in bones and in soft tissues. Despite using larger diameter cryoprobes than those typically reported with argon-based system, our experience shows that complications are mostly low and comparable in frequency and severity.
Multiple disconnection syndrome, interoceptive metacognition deficits and fatigue in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chalah Moussa A , Ayache Samar S
Published: September 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Understanding the mechanisms of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: linking interoception, metacognition and white matter dysconnectivity’, by Danciut et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae292).
Cefepime–taniborbactam activity against antimicrobial-resistant clinical isolates of Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: GEARS global surveillance programme 2018–22
Authors: Karlowsky James A , Wise Mark G , Hackel Meredith A , Six David A , Uehara Tsuyoshi , Daigle Denis M , Pevear Daniel C , Moeck Greg , Sahm Daniel F
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Taniborbactam is a boronate-based β-lactamase inhibitor in clinical development in combination with cefepime.

Methods

Cefepime–taniborbactam and comparator broth microdilution MICs were determined for patient isolates of Enterobacterales (n = 20 725) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 7919) collected in 59 countries from 2018 to 2022. Taniborbactam was tested at a fixed concentration of 4 mg/L. Isolates with cefepime–taniborbactam MICs ≥ 16 mg/L underwent WGS. β-Lactamase genes were identified in additional meropenem-resistant isolates by PCR/Sanger sequencing.

Results

Taniborbactam reduced the cefepime MIC90 value for all Enterobacterales from >16 to 0.25 mg/L (>64-fold). At ≤16 mg/L, cefepime–taniborbactam inhibited 99.5% of all Enterobacterales isolates; >95% of isolates with MDR and ceftolozane–tazobactam-resistant phenotypes;  ≥ 89% of isolates with meropenem-resistant and difficult-to-treat-resistant (DTR) phenotypes; >80% of isolates with meropenem–vaborbactam-resistant and ceftazidime–avibactam-resistant phenotypes; 100% of KPC-positive, 99% of OXA-48-like-positive, 99% of ESBL-positive, 97% of acquired AmpC-positive, 95% of VIM-positive and 76% of NDM-positive isolates. Against P. aeruginosa, taniborbactam reduced the cefepime MIC90 value from 32 to 8 mg/L (4-fold). At ≤16 mg/L, cefepime–taniborbactam inhibited 96.5% of all P. aeruginosa isolates; 85% of meropenem-resistant phenotype isolates; 80% of isolates with MDR and meropenem–vaborbactam-resistant phenotypes; >70% of isolates with DTR, ceftazidime–avibactam-resistant and ceftolozane–tazobactam-resistant phenotypes; and 82% of VIM-positive isolates. Multiple potential mechanisms of resistance, including carriage of IMP, or alterations in PBP3 (ftsI), porins (decreased permeability) and efflux (up-regulation) were present in most isolates with cefepime–taniborbactam MICs ≥ 16 mg/L.

Conclusions

Cefepime–taniborbactam exhibited potent in vitro activity against Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa, and inhibited most carbapenem-resistant isolates, including those carrying serine carbapenemases or NDM/VIM MBLs.
Chemerin in immunity
Authors: Laffranchi Mattia , Schioppa Tiziana , Sozio Francesca , Piserà Arianna , Tiberio Laura , Salvi Valentina , Bosisio Daniela , Musso Tiziana , Sozzani Silvano , Del Prete Annalisa
Published: September 2024

Chemerin is a distant member of the cystatin protein family, initially discovered as a chemotactic factor and subsequently also reported to act as adipokine and angiogenetic factor. The biological activity of chemerin is regulated at different levels, such as gene expression, protein processing, and interaction with both signaling and nonsignaling receptors. Chemerin is mostly produced by stromal cells, such as adipocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelial and endothelial cells, and circulates in almost all human tissues as a zymogen that needs to be proteolytically activated to exert its biological functions. At the receptor level, chemerin binds a G protein-coupled 7-transmembrane domain receptor Chemerin1 (also named ChemR23 and CMKLR1), mostly expressed by innate immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, and by border cells. In addition, chemerin may bind GPR1, a weak signaling receptor, and CCRL2, a nonsignaling receptor expressed by barrier cells, such as endothelial and epithelial cells, able to regulate leukocytes’ migration by multiple mechanisms. The aim of this review is to summarize the contribution of chemerin in the regulation of immune responses.
Individually customized gender affirming genital procedures: techniques and considerations
Authors: Ascha Mona , Rigsby Siri , Shoham Maia , Akhavan Arya Andre , Swanson Marco , Streed Jr Carl G , Gurjala Anandev , Morrison Shane D , Pang John Henry , Satterwhite Thomas
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Gender-affirming surgery is being increasingly performed for transgender and gender-diverse individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria. However, there is a group of patients who may seek outcomes that are either a combination of or altogether different from those of binary procedures such as penile inversion vaginoplasty or phalloplasty.

Methods

We describe surgical techniques for less commonly performed gender-affirming genital procedures, in order to introduce these procedures to the medical and surgical community.

Results

Operative techniques for phallus-preserving vaginoplasty, vagina-preserving phalloplasty, and removal of genitalia with creation of perineal urethrostomy are described. Demographic characteristics and complications of these procedures in 16 patients are reported.

Conclusion

Individually customized gender-affirming genital procedures, such as phallus-preserving vaginoplasty, vaginal-preserving phalloplasty, and removal of genitalia and creation of perineal urethrostomy, may better affirm the identities of some gender-diverse patients, and may also preserve desired sexual function of natal genitalia.