bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
УРЕДБА КАО ОБЛИК НОРМАТИВНЕ ДЈЕЛАТНОСТИ ИЗВРШНЕ ВЛАСТИ
Authors: Пилиповић Милан
Published: November 2019

У савременим државама обављање нормативне функције јеподијељено између легислативе и егзекутиве. У сагледавању питања кади под којим условима извршна власт врши нормативну функцију, тј. до-носи опште правне акте и које врсте аката, треба поћи од тога да је из-вршна власт, власт са властитим уставним функцијама и овлашћењимаза вршење тих функција. Уредба је основни облик нормативне дјелатно-сти извршне власти, њен типични и, уједно, најзначајнији општи прав-ни акт. У одређивању појма уредбе у правној литератури и теорији сеизносе бројни и различити одговори на нека од основних питања битнихза њено одређење, а око којих теоретичари нису сагласни, као што су:правна природа уредбе, основ и подручјe уредбодавне власти, те класи-фикација уредби.
A recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow dipstick assay for rapid detection of the quarantine citrus pathogen in China, Phytophthora hibernalis
Authors: Dai Tingting , Hu Tao , Yang Xiao , Shen Danyu , Jiao Binbin , Tian Wen , Xu Yue
Published: November 2019

Phytophthora hibernalis, the causal agent of brown rot of citrus fruit, is an important worldwide pathogen and a quarantine pest in China. Current diagnosis of the disease relies on disease symptoms, pathogen isolation and identification by DNA sequencing. However, symptoms caused by P. hibernalis can be confused with those by other Phytophthora and fungal species. Moreover, pathogen isolation, PCR amplification and sequencing are time-consuming. In this study, a rapid assay including 20-min recombinase polymerase amplification targeting the Ypt1 gene and 5-min visualization using lateral flow dipsticks was developed for detecting P. hibernalis. This assay was able to detect 0.2 ng of P. hibernalis genomic DNA in a 50-µL reaction system. It was specific to P. hibernalis without detection of other tested species including P. citrophthora, P. nicotianae, P. palmivora and P. syringae, four other important citrus pathogens. Using this assay, P. hibernalis was also detected from artificially inoculated orange fruits. Results in this study indicated that this assay has the potential application to detect P. hibernalis at diagnostic laboratories and plant quarantine departments of customs, especially under time- and resource-limited conditions.
Angiogenic signaling in the lungs of a metabolically suppressed hibernating mammal (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus)
Authors: Logan Samantha M. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: November 2019

To conserve energy in times of limited resource availability, particularly during cold winters, hibernators suppress even the most basic of physiologic processes. Breathing rates decrease from 40 breaths/minute to less than 1 breath/min as they decrease body temperature from 37 °C to ambient. Nevertheless, after months of hibernation, these incredible mammals emerge from torpor unscathed. This study was conducted to better understand the protective and possibly anti-inflammatory adaptations that hibernator lungs may use to prevent damage associated with entering and emerging from natural torpor. We postulated that the differential protein expression of soluble protein receptors (decoy receptors that sequester soluble ligands to inhibit signal transduction) would help identify inhibited inflammatory signaling pathways in metabolically suppressed lungs. Instead, the only two soluble receptors that responded to torpor were sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, two receptors whose full-length forms are bound by VEGF-A to regulate endothelial cell function and angiogenesis. Decreased sVEGFR1/2 correlated with increased total VEGFR2 protein levels. Maintained or increased levels of key γ-secretase subunits suggested that decreased sVEGFR1/2 protein levels were not due to decreased levels of intramembrane cleavage complex subunits. VEGF-A protein levels did not change, suggesting that hibernators may regulate VEGFR1/2 signaling at the level of the receptor instead of increasing relative ligand abundance. A panel of angiogenic factors used to identify biomarkers of angiogenesis showed a decrease in FGF-1 and an increase in BMP-9. Torpid lungs may use VEGF and BMP-9 signaling to balance angiogenesis and vascular stability, possibly through the activation of SMAD signaling for adaptive tissue remodeling.
Effect of Post Emergent Herbicides on Centaurea diluta Aiton Infecting Wheat in Ouazzane Region - Morocco
Authors: Hajjaj B. , El Oualkadi A. , Tantaoui H. , Chentouf M.
Published: November 2019

High infestations of Centaurea diluta (Lesser star-thistle) become a serious problem to cereal farmers in Ouazzane region of Morocco. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of three post-emergent herbicides on C. diluta infestation in a soft wheat crop. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Each block contained 4 elementary plots, 3 plots of which were treated with the three post emergent herbicides and the untreated plots serving as control. Trials were conducted in Ouazzane region of Morocco in January 2017. Treatments were carried out with a knapsack sprayer with the nozzle delivering a 3 bar jet. Calculation of reduction of biomass in C. diluta was carried out at weed research laboratory of INRA-CRRA Tangier in March 2017 using an oven at 75ºC for 48 hours. The weights were then taken using a precision balance. A quadrant of 1 m2 was used to calculate the reduction of density in C. diluta. Results showed that treatment with Aminopyralid + Florasulam at (9.9 + 4.95) g/ha and 2,4-D at 600 g/ha  gave the best control of  C. diluta infestations. In fact, Aminopyralid + Florasulam at (9.9+4.95) g/ha recorded 88±4.1%, 86±5.1% and 97±1.6% respectively on reduction of density, height and biomass in C. diluta. 2,4-D at 600 g/ha recorded 75±3.1%, 84±4.2% and 94±2.5% respectively on reduction of density, height and biomass in C. diluta. Tribenuron-methyl at 9.50 g/ha recorded the lowest efficacies recording 25±4.9%, 21±4.8% and 37±8.1% respectively on reduction of density, height and biomass in C. diluta. Thus, Aminopyralid + Florasulam at (9.9+4.95) g/ha and 2,4-D at 600 g/ha could be recommended to farmers in Ouazzane region when C. diluta infestation is dominant on wheat. A further assessment of Aminipyralid and Florasulam residues in soil and their phytotoxicities should be evaluated on other crops grown in rotations.
Subclinical Mastitis Survey on Milk Composition in Dairy Sheep in Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Authors: Hussein Mahmood Ahmad
Published: November 2019

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland, characterized by the changes in the physical characteristics of the udder or milk. A cross sectional study was carried out in June, 2017 to December, 2018 to estimate the effect of subclinical mastitis (SCM) on milk composition in dairy sheeps in Kafri city of Kurdistan region of Iraq. Milk samples were gathered from residences of 295 sheeps with subclinical mastitis (California mastitis test (CMT) positive and somatic cell counts (SCC) >600,000 cells/ml in individual quarter foremilk), as well as from 50 healthy controls. Contrasted to the levels watched in milk from healthy quarters, milk from quarters with subclinical mastitis exhibited raised high chloride (>0.12 in contrast with <0.12 g/dl), pH (5.65 in comparison to 5.57), sodium (86.87 vs 47.81 mg/dl), albumin (4.52 in contrast with 1.75 g/dl), immunoglobulins (24.66% in comparison to 5.73%) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (1344.14 vs 449.84 IU/L). In compare, reduced values were discovered for potassium (147.47 in comparison to 161.34 mg/dl), inorganic phosphorous (19.42 in comparison to 26.48 mg/dl), calcium (86.35 vs 121.12 mg/dl), β-lactoglobulin (30.22% in comparison to 52.18%) and α- lactalbumin (19.15% vs 24.52%). In this study, no changes were seen in blood serum LDH activity. Moreover, an increase in positive response to CMT was found to be accompanied by an almost proportionate increase in immunoglobulin values to 44.32% and reduce of α-lactalbumin levels in milk serum (p<0.01). These alterations in LDH activity, pH, mineral concentrations and protein fractions in milk of quarters display the presence of tissue injury provoked by SCM. Therefore, these parameters can be used in the diagnosis of mastitis. The current study revealed that changes of the foremilk chemical composition are connected to the subclinical mastitis; and that mastitis progression of quarters (CMT scores) influenced protein fractions in milk.
Perception of Malaria Transmission and Preventive Strategies among Adolescents in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria
Authors: Gabriel-Job Nneka , Okagua Joyce
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Malaria is a cause of mortality in African. Though preventable it has remained a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 90% of all malaria cases occur. The study is intended to determine the perception of malaria transmission and prevention among adolescent in Rivers State.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adolescents in secondary schools in Port Harcourt.  A Self-administered questionnaire was employed for data collection. Descriptive analysis was carried out. Comparing two mean was by t-test while test for significance was by chi square. In all a p value of ≤ 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results: Results of the 969 subjects 445 (45.9%) were males while 524 (54.1%) were females. The mean age was 14.3 ± 1.2 years. All the respondent (100%) had heard of malaria, 957 (98.8%) were aware that mosquito was the vector, 923(95.3%) reported that the mode of transmission was through a bite by mosquito. Misconception regarding transmission of malaria was identified among 46(4.7%) participants. 760 (78.4%) of them possessed Insecticidal Treated Nets (ITN). Factors that enhanced ITN use among the respondents includes being a Junior student (p<0.001, OR=12.48, CI= 8.07-19.31), higher socioeconomic class (p<0.001, OR= 2.39, CI=1.71-3.33) while age and family size were not significantly associated.

Conclusion: Adolescents in Rivers State have considerable information on malaria transmission and prevention however utilization of ITN is poor. Health education is needed to enhance the use of ITN among adolescents in Rivers State.
The Effects of Some Thermo-physical Properties of Fluid on Heat and Mass Transfer Flow Past Semi-infinite Moving Vertical Plate with Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Durojaye M. O. , Jamiu K. A. , Ajala I. O.
Published: November 2019

This paper examines the effect of some thermo-physical properties of fluid on heat and mass transfer flow past semi-infinite moving vertical plate. The fluid considered is optically thin such that the thermal radiative heat loss on the fluid is modeled using Rosseland approximation.The governing partial differential equations in dimensionless forms are solved numerically using the Method of Lines (MOL). The velocity, the temperature, and the concentration profiles of the flow are discussed numerically and presented. Numerical values of the skin-friction coefficient, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number at the plate are discussed numerically for various values of thermo-physical parameters and they are presented by the tables.The result shows that an increase in thermal radiation causes increase in velocity and temperature profiles of the flow, thus, the thermal radiation intensifies the convective flow. Also, an increase in Soret number causes increase in velocity and concentration profiles of the flow while the effect is negligible on temperature profile distribution. Similarly, an increase in Dufour number causes increase in velocity and temperature profiles of the flow.
Study of the Role of New Technologies in Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Ahmed Shaikh Zaffar , Ali Sathio Anwar , Ali Laghari Asif , Ahmed Memon Mashooq , Hussain Mirani Ibrar
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to assess the importance and impact of new technologies in the pharmaceutical industry. The study also explores strategic visions for the development of technical requirements, the recognition of IT inventions that support patient care services and the assessment of pharmacists’ willingness to adopt inventions. The assumptions were therefore to assess the impact, positive or negative, of the use of new technologies on the pharmaceutical industry. Two kinds of respondents took part in collecting primary and secondary datasets. Thus, 100 participants were selected for questionnaire and 15 for interview-based data input. Pharmacy students, teachers/researchers, and employees of the pharmaceutical companies were included. The study concludes that new technologies have had a positive effect on the growth of the pharmaceutical industry. About the future, it is concluded that new technologies will give the pharmaceutical industry more advantages in expanding their businesses in their chosen fields. On the other hand, it is also concluded that some of the respondents are not satisfied with some technologies used. The study recommends that pharmacists organize training courses to educate employees on new technologies. It also suggests that Artificial Intelligence should be implemented in the pharmaceutical sector, which may not reduce the employment of individuals because this will lead to a considerable loss of Artificial Intelligence errors.
Injury to Internal Thoracic Artery to Left Anterior Descending Artery Grafts in Cardiac Reoperations
Authors: Insler Joshua E. , Ramsingh Richard A. E. , Bakhos Jules J. , Houghtaling Penny L. , Koprivanac Marijan , Svensson Lars G. , Blackstone Eugene H. , Bakaeen Faisal G.
Published: December 2024

This case series examines experiences and outcomes associated cardiac reoperations with preexisting internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery grafts.
Influence of High‐Pressure Grinding Parameters on Surface Topography and Microstructure
Authors: Kroiss Franz , Varga Markus , Rojacz Harald , Gachot Carsten
Published: December 2024

In recent years, high‐pressure grinding systems have been developed to remove surface defects created during the continuous casting process, and the subsequent solidification and cooling phases. The high‐pressure grinding process uses a controlled and constant force transmission from the grinding wheel, along with a pendulum mode workpiece transport, to achieve consistent and high material removal rates. Contrary to other applications of surface manufacturing, this process has not been investigated sufficiently in fundamental research. The aim of this article is therefore to explore the influence of high‐pressure grinding on the surface topography and microstructure of steel‐cast semifinished products, and to understand the effects of this machining process on surface quality, material removal, and microstructural changes. For this study, experimental tests are conducted using an industrial high‐pressure grinding machine. Various grinding parameters, such as grinding wheel speed, grinding wheel angle, workpiece speed (feed), contact force, and cutting depth, are recorded and analyzed. The results show clear differences in cutting depth and surface topography between the different grinding steps, as well as microstructural changes of the near‐surface layers which are observed through light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction.
Reconfiguring Zn2+ Solvation Structures and Modulating the Inner Helmholtz Plane Via Janus Supramolecules
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Wang Wanting , Chen Xing , Xie Ju , Li Xueyang , Li Longfei , Zhao Min , Li Chunsheng , Piao Yuanzhe , Chen Ming
Published: December 2024

Zn metal anodes (ZMAs) are plagued by dendritic growth and side reactions, which results in the degradation of their electrochemical performance. In this study, a carboxylated pillar[5]arene (CP5) is introduced with Janus properties to reconstruct the solvation structure of Zn2+ and modulate the inner Helmholtz plane (IHP). The electron‐rich cavity of CP5 adsorbs Zn2+ through electrostatic interactions synergistically reconfiguring the solvated structure of Zn. Concurrently, the zincophilic carboxyl groups preferentially adsorb onto the Zn electrode interface, while the hydrophobic cavity modulates the IHP by repelling certain H₂O molecules. The synergistic impact of this dual reconfiguration strategy effectively suppresses the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and curtails dendrite formation and associated side reactions, thereby enhancing the long‐term stability of the electrode‐electrolyte interface. The results demonstrate that a Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.1% in the Zn||Cu asymmetric cell is achieved during the galvanization/stripping process at 5 mA cm−2 under 1 mAh cm−2. Furthermore, the optimized electrolyte maintains a capacity retention of 91.4% after 1000 cycles in a Zn‐I2 battery, demonstrating exceptional cycling stability. This study offers a viable strategy for optimizing the Zn2+ solvation structure and informs the design of electrolytes for highly reversible metal‐anode batteries.
Principle and Progress of Interconnection Layers in Monolithic Perovskite‐Based Tandem Photovoltaics
Authors: Dong Chong , Yan Shuyu , Liu Dayu , Zhu Yongxin , Chen Chao , Tang Jiang
Published: December 2024

Interconnection layers (ICLs) serve as critical components in monolithic perovskite‐based tandem solar cells (Pe‐TSCs), determining the series connection between the top and bottom sub‐cells. ICLs have garnered considerable attention, with numerous studies focusing on their experimental effects. However, their operational mechanism and overall impact on Pe‐TSCs remain underexplored. This review elucidates the structure and functionality of ICLs, distinguishing the working mechanisms between Pe‐TSCs and traditional multijunction solar cells. The carrier injection balance around ICLs and its impact on the tandem device performance is delved into. The discussion also encompasses current advancements of ICLs within Pe‐TSCs, and focuses on the uniqueness of ICLs in Pe‐TSCs and evaluation methods. Finally, the requirements of ICLs in Pe‐TSCs are proposed, and provide cogitations about the potential designs and stability of ICLs. This review not only deepens the physical understanding of ICLs but also broadens the research scope in tandem photovoltaics.
A Motion‐Sensing Integrated Soft Robot with Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Pipeline Inspection
Authors: Chen Rui , Wang Huigang , Wang Haoji , Wang Huijiang , Bai Li , Ai Xinpei , Liu Lifu , Hu Zhihao , Yuan Zean
Published: December 2024

The challenging and unstructured environment within pipelines demands the robotic exploration platforms with high adaptability, maneuverability, and recognition ability. Current soft robots equipped with cutting‐edge actuators have demonstrated inherent benefits in navigating pipeline environments due to their material compliance and morphological adaptability. However, achieving inner‐pipe detection for pipeline‐climbing robots challenges the integration of sensors without compromising the robot's flexibility and operational functionalities. Herein, a soft robot that locomotes within pipelines and performs exteroception is presented. The main body of the robot is fabricated based on origami designs, powered by pneumatic actuators for locomotion and incorporates triboelectric nanogenerators as tactile sensors (T‐TENGs). Physical experiments have demonstrated the soft robot's capacity in crawling in various pipeline conditions such as the horizontal, vertical, and curved configurations. The T‐TENG‐based sensory system outputs distinct voltage signals upon exposed to different material and structural conditions, for which a 1D‐convolutional neutral network algorithm is exposed to process with the sequential signals. The robot achieves an overall recognition accuracy of 99% for distinguishing between eight distinct pipe inner surface structures and four different types of materials.
Beyond Dimerization: Harnessing Tetrameric Coiled‐Coils for Nanostructure Assembly
Authors: Vidmar Sara , Šmidlehner Tamara , Aupič Jana , Strmšek Žiga , Ljubetič Ajasja , Xiao Fei , Hu Guang , Liu Chuan , Beck Florian , Erdmann Philipp S. , Jerala Roman
Published: December 2024

Versatile DNA and polypeptide‐based structures have been designed based on complementary modules. However, polypeptides can also form higher oligomeric states. We investigated the introduction of tetrameric modules as a substitute for coiled‐coil dimerization units used in previous modular nanostructures. Tetramerizing helical bundles can run in parallel or antiparallel orientation, expanding the number of topological solutions for modular nanostructures. Furthermore, this strategy facilitates the construction of nanostructures from two identical polypeptide chains. Importantly, tetrameric modules substantially stabilized protein nanostructures against air–water interface denaturation, enabling the determination of the first cryo‐electron microscopy three‐dimensional structure of a coiled‐coil‐based nanostructure, confirming the designed agreement of the modules forming a tetrahedral cage.
A Kinetically Stabilized Dianthraceno[2,3‐a:3′,2′‐h]‐s‐Indacene: Stable Kekulé Diradical Polycyclic Hydrocarbon with Triplet Ground State
Authors: Jiang Qing , Wang Lei , Wei Haipeng , Peng Yuchen , Xu Guangyan , Li Zhaoyang , Liu Pengfei , Hu Zhenni , Niu Weiwei , Chen Yifan , Tang Hui , Zeng Wangdong , Li Guangwu
Published: December 2024

High‐spin polycyclic hydrocarbons (PHs) hold significant potential in organic spintronics and organic magnets. However, their synthesis is very challenging due to their extremely high reactivity. Herein, we report the successful synthesis and isolation of a kinetically blocked derivative (1) of dianthraceno[2,3‐a : 3′,2′‐h]‐s‐indacene, which represents a rare persistent triplet diradical of a Kekulé PH. Its triplet ground state was unambiguously confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance and superconducting quantum interference device measurements. Its structure was also unequivocally confirmed through X‐ray crystallographic analysis, and its electronic properties were systematically investigated by both experiments and theoretical calculations. The key design principle is to extend the π‐conjugation for achieving the decrease of the bonding interaction and the increase of the exchange interaction between unpaired electrons, which are essential for accessing the stable triplet ground state. Due to kinetic blocking, 1 shows a reasonable stability with a half‐life time of 64 h under ambient conditions. It has a narrow HOMO–LUMO energy gap and displays amphoteric redox behavior. Notably, its dication and dianion exhibit a closed‐shell ground state and near‐infrared absorption, and the structures were identified by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. This study will shed new light on the design and synthesis of novel stable PHs with high‐spin multiplicity.
Psoriasis vulgaris arising on a vascular malformation in an 11‐month‐old female child
Authors: Tartaglia Jacopo , Franceschin Ludovica , Tudurachi Ina , Ciolfi Christian , Caroppo Francesca , Fortina Anna Belloni
Published: December 2024

Key Clinical Message

While atypical, the development of psoriatic plaques over vascular malformations in children is plausible and should not necessarily prompt clinicians to perform costly or invasive procedures.
Lean ZSF1 rats in basic research on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Büttner Petra , Augstein Antje , Abdellatif Mahmoud , Lourenço André , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Falcão‐Pires Inês , Werner Sarah , Thiele Holger , Sedej Simon , Schauer Antje , Adams Volker
Published: December 2024

Aims

ZSF1 obese rats harbouring two mutant leptin receptor alleles (Leprcp and Leprfa) develop metabolic syndrome and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), making them a widely used animal model in cardiometabolic research. Studies using ZSF1 rats have contributed significantly to the elucidation of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HFpEF and therapeutic strategies against this multi‐organ syndrome. In contrast, hybrid, lean ZSF1 rats (L‐ZSF1) do not develop HFpEF and generally serve as controls, disregarding the possibility that the presence of one mutant Lepr allele might affect left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), diastolic dysfunction and other relevant HFpEF parameters, such as N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels and cardiac inflammation, which could increase during disease manifestation.

Methods and Results

We collected specimens and echocardiography data of male and female L‐ZSF1 rats (n = 165; ZSF1‐LeprfaLeprcp/Crl) at the age of 6–32 weeks from four independent research groups and performed genotyping as well as the genotype–phenotype analyses. The genotype distribution within L‐ZSF1 was in line with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Genotypes were not associated with CD68 counts (n = 52, P = 0.886), E/e′ ratio (n = 125, P > 0.250) and NT‐proBNP (n = 126, P = 0.874). LVEF significantly decreased from 25 weeks of age (P = 0.021) but was independent of the genotype (P = 0.768 at <25 weeks of age and P = 0.069 at ≥25 weeks of age, n = 128).

Conclusions

In conclusion, validation of the genotype distribution in L‐ZSF1 rats revealed no associations between the genotype and HFpEF‐relevant measures, namely, NT‐proBNP, CD68 count, LVEF or E/e′.
Effect of reduced irradiance on drought resistance of three turfgrasses
Authors: Duan Huanyun , Xiang Mingying , Fontanier Charles
Published: December 2024

Irrigation management of turfgrass under reduced irradiance can be complicated by interactions between reduced evaporative demand, shade tolerance, and competition for soil water from tree roots. A greenhouse study was conducted to understand how reduced irradiance influences the drought resistance of three turfgrasses. The turfgrasses used in this study were Falcon IV tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.], OKC1119 (Latitude 36®) hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy], and Meyer Japanese lawngrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.). Plants were established in 15‐cm diameter lysimeters and subjected to two irradiance levels: shaded (55% nominal shade fabric) and non‐shaded (ambient greenhouse conditions with supplemental lights). Within each irradiance level, plants were subjected to either well‐watered conditions (daily replacement of evapotranspiration) or drought stress (no irrigation). Plants were assessed for leaf relative water content, visual leaf firing, water use rate, and dry root mass. The fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW) was used to compare the break point where transpiration began to decline due to soil water stress. Transpiration began to decline at 48%–53% of FTSW under the non‐shaded environment. Irradiance intensity had no effect on the transpiration break point for tall fescue or Japanese lawngrass, while the break point was delayed (soil became drier) for hybrid bermudagrass. Results suggest reduced irradiance affects bulk surface resistances to transpiration (e.g., stomatal regulation) of turfgrasses under declining soil water differently for shade‐tolerant species and shade‐sensitive species.
Estimation of extreme wind speeds with different return periods in the Northwest Pacific
Authors: Kong Lisha , Zhang Xiuzhi , Wu Huanping , Li Yu
Published: December 2024

It is vital to analyze extreme wind speed in marine engineering designs. However, due to the lack of observational data, it is impossible to establish the measured long‐term wind speed series. This study simulates the annual hourly wind field of every tropical cyclone (TC) with a resolution of 5 km in the Northwest Pacific (NWP) from 1981 to 2020. On this basis, combined with the sea surface wind speed data observed by the satellites and the ships, the 40‐year annual maximum wind speed series of NWP are established. The Gumbel, three‐parameter Weibull (Weibull‐3par), two‐parameter Weibull (Weibull‐2par), generalized extreme‐value (GEV) distribution, and the two parameter estimation methods are used to estimate the extreme wind speeds with different return periods (RPs) at four typical locations in the NWP. Meanwhile, the effects of different extreme‐value distributions and different parameter estimation methods on the estimation results are discussed. Subsequently, the best distribution and parameter estimation method for each grid in the NWP are determined by the goodness‐of‐fit test, and then the spatial distributions of extreme wind speeds with different RPs along with uncertainty estimates in the entire NWP are obtained. The results show that extreme wind speeds with RPs of 5, 25, 50, and 100 years in the east of Taiwan and Philippines can reach a maximum of 43.8, 60.8, 70.4, and 81.4 m s−1, respectively.
Evaluation of regional myocardial dynamics at physical stress in hypertensive patients
Authors: Kucukler Nagehan , Yalcin Fatih , Abraham Theodore
Published: December 2024

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in adaptive phase is related to sympathetic overdrive and hyperdynamic tissue could be detected differently from cardiomyopathies. This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of physical stress on myocardial tissue velocities and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity and additionally correlation between LVOT velocity and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) parameters in hypertensive patients.

Methods

Sixty patients (mean age: 52 ± 9 years) with essential hypertension underwent echocardiographic examination both at rest and physical stress (bicycle ergometry). The patients were separated into two groups according to presence LVH (45 in LVH group, 15 in non‐LVH group). In addition to the conventional echo, regional myocardial functions by DTI and LVOT velocities by pulsed Doppler were detected.

Results

LVOT velocities both at rest and stress were similar between two groups. Myocardial systolic velocity at basal septum s' was 7.3 ± 1.2 cm/s in LVH group and 8.1 ± 2.0 cm/s in non‐LVH group (p:0.04) at rest, but similar between two groups at stress (9.2 ± 2.2 cm/s vs. 8.8 ± 1.0 cm/s, non‐significant). LVOT velocity was correlated with septal s' at rest (r:0.371, p:0.03) and stress (r:0.294, p:0.04).

Conclusions

Correlation between stress‐related regional tissue dynamics and LVOT velocities demonstrates the response of myocardial tissue to stress in adaptive phase of LV remodeling of hypertensive LVH.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01442116.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Industrial Electric Arc Furnace Operation: Validation and Performance of Melting Phenomena
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Ugarte Orlando , Ryan Steve , Okosun Tyamo , Zhou Chenn Q.
Published: December 2024

A tap‐to‐tap operation conducted in a 150 t AC electric arc furnace (EAF) by NLMK Indiana is used to validate a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)‐EAF solver. Model validation is conducted by comparing the electrodes position and melting rates obtained by CFD model against those reported in actual operation. Comparison demonstrates close alignment between simulation and actual process. Namely, electrode position is predicted with less than 5% error. Electrode bore‐in after the first bucket charge is predicted to within 3% of industrial data, whereas bore‐in prediction after the second bucket charge deteriorates due to arc instabilities driven by cave‐ins, not currently included in the CFD solver. At the beginning of the refining stage, the predicted ratio of solid to molten steel mass is 6% higher than that expected by industry. Validated tap‐to‐tap results are further analyzed to determine main features of the melting process. Specifically, in the results, reduction of molten steel temperature after each scrap charge and a temperature rise after electrode bore‐in are shown. Molten steel temperature further increases during the refining/melting stage due to reduction of arc heating losses. In the thermal analysis, it is shown that heating losses increase with pit size, reaching 25% right before charging of second bucket and 20% at the beginning of refining.
Geometric and structural optimization of concrete shells
Authors: Sá Marques Tatiana , Dias da Silva Vítor , Júlio Eduardo N. B. S.
Published: December 2024

The thickness distribution in continua concrete shells is a key factor in minimizing the volume of material required for the construction of these distinctive structures, with a significant impact on both sustainability and economic costs. In this study, second‐degree functions are used to approximate and optimize the thickness distribution of continua concrete shells. Three distribution parameters are considered: (i) the thickness at the center; (ii) the thickness at the support; and (iii) the thickness at the middle of the free border. The ideal solution is defined as achieving a uniform stress distribution across the shell, referred to as the “target stress.” The residual error (calculated as the difference between the actual stress and the target stress) and final material volume are used to compare results obtained for different shape configurations. The shape of the shell's middle surface is also optimized, with the distribution parameters being updated iteratively at each step of the membrane form‐finding process. The adopted optimization methods produced good results, namely more efficient structural behavior and reduced material consumption. While the developed methodology was applied to a concrete shell in this study, its broader application is evident; it can be applied to any type of shell that is partially supported along its boundary and has a rotational symmetry axis.
Glass‐blowing, brass‐playing, and other laryngocele etiologies: Fact or fiction? A systematic literature review
Authors: Pugliese Giorgia , Giudici Leonardo , Scotti Alberto , Maccari Alberto , Lozza Paolo , Maniaci Antonino , Pipolo Giorgia Carlotta , Felisati Giovanni , Saibene Alberto Maria
Published: December 2024

Objective

Laryngocele is a rare condition, which can be congenital or acquired, characterized by an abnormal dilatation of the laryngeal ventricle filled with air. A correlation between laryngocele formation and increased intralaryngeal pressure has been postulated, as much as a frequent coexistence with laryngeal carcinoma. Despite this, systematic research on its potential etiology is still limited up to date.

Methods

We carried out a systematic an electronic search on the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for all articles related to laryngocele or laryngopyocele. The authors performed a PRISMA‐compliant systematic review across multiple databases including all studies published until February 7, 2023, focusing on laryngocele etiology. Case reports and articles in languages other than English were excluded. The authors recorded etiology, age of patients, male‐to‐female ratio, history of smoking, symptoms, management, and overall follow‐up.

Results

The majority of publications related to laryngocele are case reports and case series. We found a total of 10 articles correctly reporting etiologies, the majority of which included only a limited number of patients. Most case series explored the association of laryngocele and laryngeal cancer. Other reported etiologies were wind instruments' playing, cricohyoidoepiglottopexy's execution, amyloidosis, and chronic constipation. Some cases of congenital laryngocele were also reported.

Conclusions

Actual knowledge concerning laryngocele etiology appears—based on literature studies—inferential at best. The association between laryngocele and laryngeal cancer is, on the other hand, well‐established and must be taken into account when evaluating patients with this condition. Wider and prospective data collections should allow further insight into this condition and its pathogenesis.
Ethnos of the Earth
Authors: Heiskanen Jaakko
Published: December 2024

By constructing the first transnational and interlingual conceptual history of ethnicity, Ethnos of the Earth reveals the pivotal role this concept played in the making of the international order. Rather than being a primordial or natural phenomenon, ethnicity is a contingent product of the twentieth-century transition from a world of empires to a world of nation-states. As nineteenth-century concepts such as 'race' and 'civilisation' were repurposed for twentieth-century ends, ethnicity emerged as a 'filler' category that was plugged into the gaps created in our conceptual organisation of the world. Through this comprehensive conceptual reshuffling, the governance of human cultural diversity was recast as an essentially domestic matter, while global racial and civilisational hierarchies were pushed out of sight. A massive amount of conceptual labour has gone into the 'flattening' of the global sociopolitical order, and the concept of ethnicity has been at the very heart of this endeavour.
A viscoelastic–plastic deformation model of hemisphere-like tip growth in Arabidopsis zygotes
Authors: Kang Zichen , Nonoyama Tomonobu , Ishimoto Yukitaka , Matsumoto Hikari , Nakagawa Sakumi , Ueda Minako , Tsugawa Satoru
Published: December 2024

Plant zygote cells exhibit tip growth, producing a hemisphere-like tip. To understand how this hemisphere-like tip shape is formed, we revisited a viscoelastic–plastic deformation model that enabled us to simultaneously evaluate the shape, stress and strain of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) zygote cells undergoing tip growth. Altering the spatial distribution of cell wall extensibility revealed that cosine-type distribution and growth in a normal direction to the surface create a stable hemisphere-like tip shape. Assuming these as constraints for cell elongation, we determined the best-fitting parameters for turgor pressure and wall extensibility to computationally reconstruct an elongating zygote that retained its hemisphere-like shape using only cell contour data, leading to the formulation of non-dimensional growth parameters. Our computational results demonstrate the different morphologies in elongating zygotes through effective non-dimensional parameters.
The leaky pipeline: gender ratios in UK brass playing
Authors: Guénault Eleanor , Ginsborg Jane , Habron-James John
Published: December 2024

Recent research has explored gender ratios in orchestras but not specifically in brass playing, a historically masculine field. Three studies investigated gender ratios in a variety of brass-playing situations. Public domain and questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test found a significant effect of instrument size on gender ratios. The highest percentage of female brass players was found in youth ensembles, followed by the freelance workforce, semi-professional brass bands and then professional orchestras, indicating a leaky pipeline effect. These results show that women are still under-represented in most brass-playing contexts, particularly the most prestigious positions, and that more can be done in music education to change this.
Neglect and adolescent internalizing mental health: Testing competing longitudinal hypotheses
Authors: Logan-Greene Patricia , Lee JoAnn S. , Zhu Jingtao , Wilding Gregory E
Published: December 2024

Neglect remains understudied compared to other forms of maltreatment. While studies have shown that neglect has negative effects on mental health in adolescence, yet unresolved is whether these impacts result from critical period or cumulative effects. In the present article, we use a novel approach to compare these two hypotheses from the impact of two types of neglect, failure to provide (FTP) and lack of supervision (LOS), on adolescent depression and internalizing symptoms. Data derive from the LONGSCAN consortium, a diverse, multi-site, prospective study of children from approximately age 2–16. Despite our hypothesis that the critical period of early childhood would have the greatest impact on adolescent internalizing mental health, exposure to neglect during the critical period of adolescence (ages 12–16) was the best-fitting model for the effects of FTP neglect on depression, and the effects of LOS neglect on both depression and internalizing symptoms. The cumulative model (exposure across all time periods) best explained the effects of FTP neglect on internalizing symptoms. Results were robust to the addition of control variables, including other forms of maltreatment. These findings demonstrate that responding to neglect into adolescence must be considered as urgent for child welfare systems.
The role of children’s neural responses to emotional faces in the intergenerational transmission of anxiety symptomatology
Authors: Kane-Grade Finola E. , Sacks Dashiell , Petty Carter R. , Xie Wanze , Nelson Charles A. , Bosquet Enlow Michelle
Published: December 2024

Children’s neural responses to emotions may play a role in the intergenerational transmission of anxiety. In a prospective longitudinal study of a community sample of N = 464 mother–child dyads, we examined relations among maternal anxiety symptoms when children were infants and age 5 years, child neural responses to emotional faces (angry, fearful, happy) at age 3 years, and child internalizing symptoms at age 5 years. Path analyses tested whether amplitudes of event-related potential (ERP) components selected a priori (N290, Nc, P400) (a) mediated associations between maternal anxiety symptoms in infancy and child internalizing symptoms at 5 years and/or (b) moderated associations between maternal anxiety symptoms at 5 years and child internalizing symptoms at 5 years. Mediating effects were not observed for any of the ERP measures. Nc and P400 amplitudes to angry faces and Nc amplitude to happy faces moderated the effect of maternal anxiety at 5 years on child internalizing symptoms at 5 years. Effects were not related to maternal depressive symptoms. Differential sex effects were not observed. The findings suggest that larger neural responses to emotional faces may represent a biological risk factor that amplifies vulnerability to the development of internalizing symptomatology in young children exposed to maternal anxiety.
Multidimensional Diversity and Research Impact in Political Science: What 50 Years of Bibliometric Data Tell Us
Authors: Zhu Yuner , Cheng Edmund W.
Published: December 2024

We examine the changing patterns of knowledge production and diffusion in political science over the past five decades using a dataset of over 200,000 SSCI-indexed research articles from 1970 to 2020. We analyze how author identity and team diversity influence research outputs and outcomes. The results show that historically excluded groups of scholars have gradually improved their representation and expanded their collaboration networks over time. Although the publication gaps are narrowing, obscured gaps in evaluation and citation practices persist. Research specialties with higher proportions of minority researchers tend to have lower average citation impacts. The least cited research specialties are largely studied by women and racial/ethnic minority scholars. Papers written by racial/ethnic minorities and Global South scholars are significantly less cited. However, collaborating with outgroup scholars can effectively overcome this citation gap. We also find that papers written by women receive more citations than those written by men, after controlling for journal prestige and research topics. Furthermore, when we limit our investigation to leading universities, citation gaps diminish. However, scholars of African descent continue to experience entrenched citation disadvantages even if they are affiliated with highly prestigious universities. This study provides multidimensional measurements to advance diversity debates and adds nuances to our understanding of opportunity structures in political science.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enhanced Milieu Teaching
Authors: Kang Veronica Y. , Kim Sunyoung , Gregori Emily V. , Maggin Daniel M. , Chow Jason C. , Zhao Hongyang
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Early language intervention is essential for children with indicators of language delay. Enhanced milieu teaching (EMT) is a naturalistic intervention that supports the language development of children with emerging language. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all qualifying single-case and group design studies that evaluate the experimental effects of EMT on child outcomes.

Method:

We evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies and conducted a descriptive analysis of study quality, effect sizes, and demographics. We reviewed a total of 29 single-case and 17 group design studies in which 1,590 children participated.

Results:

Out of 46 studies, 39 met the What Works Clearinghouse standards without reservations, showing low levels of risk of bias. The effects were comparable when EMT was implemented alone and when it was implemented with another intervention component, and EMT was more effective when implemented by caregivers than when implemented by therapists. Most studies did not report sufficient participant demographics.

Conclusions:

The EMT research literature published thus far is of high study quality; the effects across studies are comparable; and the intervention has been studied via a wide range of delivery modalities, contexts, implementers, and samples. Future research could systematically examine the effects of EMT and explore these varying intervention delivery, implementer, and learner characteristics as moderators.
Splitdrainage versus Monodrainage 1
Authors: Krönung Gerhard
Published: December 2024

Grundsätzlich ist die höhere Maturationsrate bei Monodrainage für die Shuntentwicklung, Shuntnutzung (Punktion) und den Shunterhalt vorteilhaft. Trotzdem bleibt die Indikation für eine Mono- oder Splitdrainage eine kasuistische Einzelentscheidung, die für jede Shuntanlage individuell erarbeitet werden muss.
The impact of the xSPECT reconstruction algorithms on the recovery coefficients value for small tumors: a phantom study with 177Lu
Authors: Ebrahimifard Ali , Rajabi Hossein , Geramifar Parham , Luster Markus , Yousefi Behrooz Hooshyar , de Nijs Robin
Published: December 2024

Quantifying small tumors is still a challenge due to the partial volume effect (PVE). Although iterative reconstruction had promising results with a better recovery coefficient (RC), it suffers from the PVE. RC values typically depend on the reconstruction method, which may affect on 177Lu quantifying. In this study, we investigated the effect of different reconstruction methods on RC values for 177Lu SPECT/CT images.

A water-filled cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) phantom without background radioactivity with two solid cylinders which represent the bone and soft tissue equivalent was used for SPECT/CT imaging. We placed syringes with different volumes containing 177Lu in the vicinity of the cylinders as tumors. The iterative reconstructions of xSPECT, xSPECT Bone, and Flash3D was performed on SPECT/CT images.The effect of the reconstruction algorithms on the RC values was determined by calculating the radioactivity concentration in volumes of interest which were drawn manually and by a threshold method.

The xSPECT Bone reconstruction has shown an RC value of approximately 100%, while the other reconstructions typically show an RC value of 93%. The RC values for all the reconstructions were decreased for smaller tumors. The smallest tumor showed a minimum RC between 52% and 72% compared to the largest tumor.

In this study, it was possible to obtain an RC value close to 100% when the xSPECT Bone reconstruction algorithm was used. The xSPECT results were slightly lower RC values compared to the Flash3D algorithm. In using standard RC curves for tumors close to the bone, special care has to be taken since RC values relative to bone are higher than in tissue.