bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cost–utility analysis of thrombopoietin receptor agonists for treating pediatric immune thrombocytopenia purpura after failure of first‐line therapies
Authors: Du Huimin , Wang Jiamin , Livingston Joel , Alrajhi Ziyad , Kirby‐Allen Melanie , Chan Brian , Hancock‐Howard Rebecca , Coyte Peter C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO‐RAs) have emerged as a recommended treatment for children with persistent and/or chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of TPO‐RAs relative to treatment without TPO‐RAs (non‐TPO‐RAs/usual care) for ITP in children who do not respond to first‐line therapy and in whom splenectomy is not recommended in Ontario, Canada, from a hospital payer perspective.

Procedure

A 2‐year Markov model with an embedded decision tree was used. Data on medications used, dose, response rate, bleeding, and emergency treatment events were collected from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The health outcomes were described in quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). Health‐state utilities were derived from the peer‐reviewed literature. Scenario analyses, deterministic, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. Economic costs were measured in 2021 Canadian dollars ($1.00 = US$0.80)

Results

TPO‐RAs are estimated to result in an increased cost of $27,118 and a QALY gain of 0.21 compared to non‐TPO‐RAs over a 2‐year horizon, resulting in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $129,133. In a 5‐year scenario analysis, the ICER fell to $76,403. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, TPO‐RAs exhibit a 40.0% probability of being cost‐effective at a conventional ($100,000) willingness‐to‐pay threshold per QALY gained.

Conclusions

Further assessment of the long‐term efficacy of TPO‐RAs is warranted to obtain more precise long‐term estimates. As the costs of TPO‐RAs decline with the introduction of generic formulations, TPO‐RAs may be increasingly cost‐effective.
A qualitative exploration of parental caregivers’ experience caring for children who have survived medulloblastoma
Authors: Sayal Priya , Rizakos Sara , Lam Emily , Constantin Julie , Diskin Catherine , Bartels Ute , Orkin Julia , Nathan Paul C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Approximately 70% of children diagnosed with a medulloblastoma will become long‐term survivors. Medulloblastoma therapy frequently causes long‐term morbidities in survivors, which places a considerable burden on parental caregivers. We aimed to explore the experience of parental caregivers caring for medulloblastoma survivors.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using grounded theory thematic analysis. We used semi‐structured parental caregiver interviews to explore family experiences, social circumstances, and family‐reported impact within families of children who had survived medulloblastoma. Parental caregivers were recruited from specialized survivor clinics at two large quaternary centers in Toronto, Canada.

Results

Sixteen of 22 eligible families participated, and 20 parental caregiver interviews were completed. Survivors were a median age of 6 years (range: 1–9 years) at diagnosis, and were 9.5 years (range: 5–12 years) from treatment at the time of the interview. Three major themes and associated subthemes emerged: (i) parental caregivers described significant long‐term challenges associated with their child's survivorship. Subthemes included medical treatment sequelae, school issues and behavioral concerns, and surveillance and access to care. (ii) Parental caregivers recognized the impact that their child's quality of life (QOL) had on both their personal and family QOL. Subthemes included parental QOL, parental mental health and coping, spousal relationships, and effects on the family unit as a whole. (iii) Parental caregivers reported experiencing conflicting emotions related to their child's survivorship status and long‐term effects. Subthemes included feeling happiness with concurrent worry, fear, and stress, as well as concerns about the future.

Conclusions

Parental caregivers of medulloblastoma survivors experience long‐term challenges, with personal and family impacts. Further work is needed to improve care models and support systems for families with a child who has survived medulloblastoma.
Multilayer biocomposites of PLA woven fabric and PBS sheets using compression molding process
Authors: Preechawattanasakul Sakda , Pivsa‐Art Weraporn , Boonyod Saowaluk , Pivsa‐Art Sommai
Published: July 2023

Biocomposite materials play an important role to replace the conventional polymer composites in the issue of serious environmental problems from the end‐used products. The relationship between the design and construction of biocomposites structure and their properties is an important factor to the composite application. In this study, the biocomposites of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) reinforced with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) woven fabric to improve mechanical properties of PBS matrix was fabricated by compression molding process. The plain weave PLA woven fabrics showed higher tensile strength (28.9%) and modulus (21.5%) than the twill 2/2 weave pattern. However, the flexural strength and modulus of composites reinforced with multi‐layers PLA woven fabric are higher than the one‐layer reinforcement (57% and 31%, respectively). The impact and peel strength of PLA twill 2/2 weave biocomposite are higher than the plain weaving. The mechanical property of matrix reinforced with plain structure was found to increase on the vertical axis while the twill weaving showed the increase on horizontal axis adhesion between the reinforced PLA woven fabric and the PBS matrix.
R software for QSAR analysis in phytopharmacological studies
Authors: Ningthoujam Sanjoy Singh , Nath Rajat , Kityania Sibashish , Mazumder Pranab Behari , Dutta Choudhury Manabendra , Talukdar Anupam Das , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In recent decades, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analysis has become an important method for drug design and natural product research. With the availability of bioinformatic and cheminformatic tools, a vast number of descriptors have been generated, making it challenging to select potential independent variables that are accurately related to the dependent response variable.

Objective

The objective of this study is to demonstrate various descriptor selection procedures, such as the Boruta approach, all subsets regression, the ANOVA approach, the AIC method, stepwise regression, and genetic algorithm, that can be used in QSAR studies. Additionally, we performed regression diagnostics using R software to test parameters such as normality, linearity, residual histograms, PP plots, multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity.

Results

The workflow designed in this study highlights the different descriptor selection procedures and regression diagnostics that can be used in QSAR studies. The results showed that the Boruta approach and genetic algorithm performed better than other methods in selecting potential independent variables. The regression diagnostics parameters tested using R software, such as normality, linearity, residual histograms, PP plots, multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity, helped in identifying and diagnosing model errors, ensuring the reliability of the QSAR model.

Conclusion

QSAR analysis is vital in drug design and natural product research. To develop a reliable QSAR model, it is essential to choose suitable descriptors and perform regression diagnostics. This study offers an accessible, customizable approach for researchers to select appropriate descriptors and diagnose errors in QSAR studies.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Saveer Ahmed M. , Hatano Eduardo , Wada‐Katsumata Ayako , Meagher Robert L. , Schal Coby
Published: July 2023

The cover image is based on the Research Article Nonanal, a new fall armyworm sex pheromone component, significantly increases the efficacy of pheromone lures by Ahmed M. Saveer et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7460. Image Credit: Matt Bertone.

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Influence of Different Nitrogen Plasmas Exposures of H‐Diamond (100) Surfaces on Ambient Oxygen Adsorption, Nitrogen Bonding, and Thermal Stability Studied by X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Kuntumalla Mohan Kumar , Hoffman Alon
Published: July 2023

This study reports on the influence of nitrogen plasma exposure of H‐diamond (100) on the adsorption of adventitious oxygen, nitrogen bonding, and thermal stability studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nitrogen‐plasma exposures include microwave (MW) and radio frequency (RF) (at pressures: 3 × 10−2 (damaging) and 7 × 10−2 Torr (nondamaging)) nitrogen plasmas. The largest amount of oxygen ambient adsorption occurs on the damaging RF(N2) (O = 2.8 at%) exposed surface, whereas for MW(N2) (O = 0.8 at%) and nondamaging RF(N2) (O = 1.3 at%) exposed surfaces, a lower oxygen concentration is observed. Also, the highest level of structural damage to the upper atomic layers of the diamond is induced by exposure to the damaging RF(N2), followed by nondamaging RF(N2) and MW(N2). Thus, the near‐surface damage induced by the plasma interaction promotes adventitious oxygen adsorption (in various bonding configurations, including COx and C–NOx). For ambient‐exposed MW(N2)‐processed surface, nitrogen is adsorbed mainly in C–N/C=N state. Whereas for ambient‐exposed nondamaging‐ and damaging RF(N2)‐treated surfaces, nitrogen is bonded in mixed C–N/C=N and C≡N states alongside a small C–NOx component depending on the degree of surface defects. The damaging RF(N2)‐exposed surface exhibits a lower oxygen and nitrogen thermal stability than the other cases.
Tick‐borne encephalitis: A comprehensive review of the epidemiology, virology, and clinical picture
Authors: Chiffi Gabriele , Grandgirard Denis , Leib Stephen L. , Chrdle Aleš , Růžek Daniel
Published: July 2023

Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus commonly found in at least 27 European and Asian countries. It is an emerging public health problem, with steadily increasing case numbers over recent decades. Tick‐borne encephalitis virus affects between 10,000 and 15,000 patients annually. Infection occurs through the bite of an infected tick and, much less commonly, through infected milk consumption or aerosols. The TBEV genome comprises a positive‐sense single‐stranded RNA molecule of ∼11 kilobases. The open reading frame is > 10,000 bases long, flanked by untranslated regions (UTR), and encodes a polyprotein that is co‐ and post‐transcriptionally processed into three structural and seven non‐structural proteins. Tick‐borne encephalitis virus infection results in encephalitis, often with a characteristic biphasic disease course. After a short incubation time, the viraemic phase is characterised by non‐specific influenza‐like symptoms. After an asymptomatic period of 2–7 days, more than half of patients show progression to a neurological phase, usually characterised by central and, rarely, peripheral nervous system symptoms. Mortality is low—around 1% of confirmed cases, depending on the viral subtype. After acute tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE), a minority of patients experience long‐term neurological deficits. Additionally, 40%–50% of patients develop a post‐encephalitic syndrome, which significantly impairs daily activities and quality of life. Although TBEV has been described for several decades, no specific treatment exists. Much remains unknown regarding the objective assessment of long‐lasting sequelae. Additional research is needed to better understand, prevent, and treat TBE. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, virology, and clinical picture of TBE.
Adaptive output observer for a nonautonomous leader system over periodic switching topologies and its applications to the formation control of offshore vessels
Authors: Zhou Panpan , Hu Xiaoming , Dong Yi
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes an adaptive observer for an active leader and designed a distributed observer‐based control law for the formation control of networked uncertain offshore vessels under the switching topologies. The design of the observer, only depending on the output of the leader system, is featured with the ability of accurately estimating the output of the leader system with an unknown input over the time‐varying communication network, satisfying the periodic switching condition. Then based on the output‐based observer, the formation problem of multiple offshore vessels is converted into the stabilization problem of a multi‐input multi‐output augmented system by further combining the internal model technique and performing a coordinate and input transformation. The original problem is finally solved through constructing a stabilizer for the time‐varying uncertain augmented system, and the efficiency of our design is validated by the formation control of a group of offshore vessels.
Observer‐based sliding mode fault tolerant control for nonlinear descriptor systems
Authors: Li Rongchang , Yang Ying
Published: July 2023

In this article, the design and analysis of fault tolerant control (FTC) are investigated for stochastic nonlinear descriptor systems by using the sliding mode approach. First, an integral sliding mode‐based descriptor observer (ISM‐DO) is constructed to estimate the state and fault. The proposed ISM‐DO retains the basic characteristics of descriptor systems, meanwhile, it is not only suitable for dual normalized descriptor systems, but also for non‐dual normalized descriptor systems. It is more universal than the existing sliding mode fault tolerant control (SMFTC) methods. In the sequel, a novel restricted equivalent form based algorithm is developed to solve the sliding parameters. The proposed method provides a general algorithm, and it does not impose additional rank constraints. Further, a new adaptive sliding mode fault tolerant controller is constructed to stabilize the fault system, the assumption related to the diffusion matrix is removed. Based on these ingredients, the asymptotically mean square admissibility of the closed‐loop fault system and the observer gain matrix are got by a sufficient linear matrix inequality condition. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulations.
Water table effect on phosphorus solubility in biosolids‐amended soils
Authors: Vieira‐Filho Leandro O. , Silveira Maria L. , Kohmann Marta M. , Sales Caetano A. R. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Bhadha Jehangir H. , Strauss Sarah L. , Moriel Philipe
Published: July 2023

The predominantly coarse texture of Florida Spodosols, limited P‐holding capacity, and fluctuating water table present major challenges for management of P, particularly in agricultural areas receiving biosolids. This study evaluated the impacts of water table level on P fate in Spodosols with contrasting P‐management histories. Treatments were a combination of soils with different biosolids histories (control [no biosolids], intermediate and high [biosolids‐P loads of 567 and 706 kg P ha−1, respectively]) and two moisture regimens (drained and flooded [water table at the depth of spodic horizon or 2 cm above soil surface, respectively]). Soil samples (A, E, and B horizons) were packed into PVC columns (96 cm tall, 11 cm in diameter), mimicking the soil profile. Leachate and pore water samples were collected at 2‐week intervals for 20 weeks. Regardless of treatment, proportion of P leached was low (∼0.2% total P mass). This was due to the significant P storage provided by the spodic horizon. Despite elevated soil P levels, Al and Fe added with biosolids reduced P solubility by as much as 55% compared with the control. Although flooding increased P leaching due to the reductive dissolution and hydrolysis of Al‐P and Fe‐P compounds, moisture regimen effects were generally negligible and inconsistent. Soil P storage capacity has been used as a risk assessment tool to determine biosolids‐P applications; however, our data demonstrated that additional field studies are needed to validate this concept, particularly its applicability and interpretation in biosolids‐amended soils that contain appreciable amounts of Fe‐ and Al‐organic complexes.
Towards a sustainable future: The role of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and urbanization in limiting CO2 emissions in Sweden
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Ullah Sami
Published: July 2023

The curtailment of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions plays a pivotal role in realizing sustainable development goals, protecting the environment, mitigating climate change, and preserving biodiversity for a cleaner and more resilient future. Thus, it is essential to adopt comprehensive approaches that prioritize energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable urbanization to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future. This study employs wavelet analysis methods, involving Wavelet correlation and covariance, Wavelet coherence (WTC), Wavelet cohesion (WC), and Wavelet‐based Granger causality (WCT), to examine the time and frequency‐based interactions between the variables over the period of 1990–2020. The empirical analysis reveals a significant and negative correlation among CO2 emissions and energy efficiency measures such as coal and gas in the short‐, medium‐, and long‐term frequency domains. Similarly, renewable energy usage and urbanization also exhibit negative correlation with CO2 emissions during analyzed years in the short‐ and medium‐term. Furthermore, the intensity of the correlations among considered variables varies across time and frequency domains. The study recommends to implement such policies that enhance the energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and sustainable urbanization to achieve the net‐zero goal and fostering sustainable development in Sweden.
Estimating contact network properties by integrating multiple data sources associated with infectious diseases
Authors: Goyal Ravi , Carnegie Nicole , Slipher Sally , Turk Philip , Little Susan J. , De Gruttola Victor
Published: July 2023

To effectively mitigate the spread of communicable diseases, it is necessary to understand the interactions that enable disease transmission among individuals in a population; we refer to the set of these interactions as a contact network. The structure of the contact network can have profound effects on both the spread of infectious diseases and the effectiveness of control programs. Therefore, understanding the contact network permits more efficient use of resources. Measuring the structure of the network, however, is a challenging problem. We present a Bayesian approach to integrate multiple data sources associated with the transmission of infectious diseases to more precisely and accurately estimate important properties of the contact network. An important aspect of the approach is the use of the congruence class models for networks. We conduct simulation studies modeling pathogens resembling SARS‐CoV‐2 and HIV to assess the method; subsequently, we apply our approach to HIV data from the University of California San Diego Primary Infection Resource Consortium. Based on simulation studies, we demonstrate that the integration of epidemiological and viral genetic data with risk behavior survey data can lead to large decreases in mean squared error (MSE) in contact network estimates compared to estimates based strictly on risk behavior information. This decrease in MSE is present even in settings where the risk behavior surveys contain measurement error. Through these simulations, we also highlight certain settings where the approach does not improve MSE.
An inverse probability weighted regression method that accounts for right‐censoring for causal inference with multiple treatments and a binary outcome
Authors: Yu Youfei , Zhang Min , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: July 2023

Comparative effectiveness research often involves evaluating the differences in the risks of an event of interest between two or more treatments using observational data. Often, the post‐treatment outcome of interest is whether the event happens within a pre‐specified time window, which leads to a binary outcome. One source of bias for estimating the causal treatment effect is the presence of confounders, which are usually controlled using propensity score‐based methods. An additional source of bias is right‐censoring, which occurs when the information on the outcome of interest is not completely available due to dropout, study termination, or treatment switch before the event of interest. We propose an inverse probability weighted regression‐based estimator that can simultaneously handle both confounding and right‐censoring, calling the method CIPWR, with the letter C highlighting the censoring component. CIPWR estimates the average treatment effects by averaging the predicted outcomes obtained from a logistic regression model that is fitted using a weighted score function. The CIPWR estimator has a double robustness property such that estimation consistency can be achieved when either the model for the outcome or the models for both treatment and censoring are correctly specified. We establish the asymptotic properties of the CIPWR estimator for conducting inference, and compare its finite sample performance with that of several alternatives through simulation studies. The methods under comparison are applied to a cohort of prostate cancer patients from an insurance claims database for comparing the adverse effects of four candidate drugs for advanced stage prostate cancer.
A Patient-Centred Conceptual Model of Nocturnal Scratch and its Impact in Atopic Dermatitis: A Mixed-Methods Study Supporting the Development of Novel Digital Measurements
Authors: Cesnakova Lucia , Meadows Keith , Avey Stefan , Barrett Judy , Calimlim Brian , Chatterjee Meenakshi , Goss Sandra , Keyloun Katelyn R. , Lambert Jérémy , Northcott Carrie A. , Patalano Francesco , Sirbu Doina , Begolka Wendy Smith , Thyssen Nadia , Zorman Sylvain , Goldsack Jennifer C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Emerging digital measures and clinical outcome assessments (COAs) leveraging digital health technologies (DHTs) could address the need for objective, quantitative measures of symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD), such as nocturnal scratching. Development of such measures needs to be supported by evidence reflecting meaningfulness to patients.

Objectives

To assess nocturnal scratching as a concept of interest associated with meaningful aspects of health of patients with AD (adults and children); and to explore patient-centred considerations for novel COAs measuring nocturnal scratch using DHTs.

Methods

Phase 1 evaluated disease impacts on everyday life and the lived experience with nocturnal scratching through qualitative interviews of AD patients and caregivers. Phase 2 deployed a quantitative survey to a sample of AD patients as well as caregivers.

Results

Four cohorts with various AD severity levels participated in Phase 1: (1) adults with AD (n = 15), (2) their caregivers/spouses/partners (n = 6), (3) children with AD (n = 14), and (4) their adult caregivers (n = 14). Findings were used to develop a conceptual model for nocturnal scratching as a potential concept of interest. The Phase 2 survey was completed by 1349 of 27640 invited adults with AD and caregivers of children with AD. The most burdensome aspects of AD reported were itchy skin and scratching. Overall, ~65% of participants reported nocturnal scratching ≥1 day/week, resulting in ~1–1.4 h of sleep lost per night. In all, 85%–91% of respondents considered it at least somewhat valuable that a treatment reduces night-time scratching. About 50% reported willingness to use technology to this end and ~25% were unsure.

Conclusion

Our results represented by the conceptual model confirm that nocturnal scratch is a concept of interest related to meaningful aspects of health for patients with AD and therefore is worth being captured as a distinct outcome for clinical and research purposes. DHTs are suitable tools presenting an important measurement opportunity to assess and evaluate occurrence, frequency, and other parameters of nocturnal scratching as a disease biomarker or COA of treatment efficacy.
The half‐life of political capital: An examination of the temporal effects of board political connections
Authors: Hawk Ashton , Lahiri Debtanu , Pacheco‐de‐Almeida Gonçalo
Published: July 2023

Research Summary

Does corporate political activity (CPA) help sustain performance? Prior literature did not address this question, only whether CPA increases profits—with mixed results over short timescales. We theorize about how political capital affects the regression‐to‐the‐mean of profits through firm and industry persistence mechanisms. Using data on over 6000 firms from 14 democratic countries, we estimate time‐varying, firm‐specific performance persistence coefficients with random‐coefficient models—and profit volatility measures. Triangulating identification methods suggests that the half‐life of political capital is shorter than expected, also compared with other strategy interventions. Political connections are marginally effective at sustaining performance and reducing volatility, delaying profit convergence by only 0.180 years—and with no effect beyond 7 years. Preliminary evidence shows that legislative constraints further curb these modest benefits of CPA.

Managerial Summary

Corporate political activity (CPA) has an ambiguous impact on firm profits. Yet, it still is a prominent and recurrent firm strategy. Do firms use CPA to sustain existing performance advantages—rather than to create new ones? We show that one type of CPA—the co‐optation of politicians into company boards—does increase the persistence and lowers the volatility of firm performance. However, this effect is surprisingly small: advantages only last 2.4% longer, 7.44 years compared to 7.26 years for politically unconnected firms. Political capital erodes faster than expected, presumably due to political cycles or politically motivated firm strategies that are detrimental to performance. CPA seems less effective at sustaining performance advantages than firm investments in R&D or skilled labor—and has a limited anticompetitive effect.
Elucidating Individual Magnetic Contributions in Bi‐Magnetic Fe3O4/Mn3O4 Core/Shell Nanoparticles by Polarized Powder Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Golosovsky I. V. , Kibalin I. A. , Gukasov A. , Roca A. G. , López‐Ortega A. , Estrader M. , Vasilakaki M. , Trohidou K. N. , Hansen T. C. , Puente‐Orench I. , Lelièvre‐Berna E. , Nogués J.
Published: July 2023

Heterogeneous bi‐magnetic nanostructured systems have had a sustained interest during the last decades owing to their unique magnetic properties and the wide range of derived potential applications. However, elucidating the details of their magnetic properties can be rather complex. Here, a comprehensive study of Fe3O4/Mn3O4 core/shell nanoparticles using polarized neutron powder diffraction, which allows disentangling the magnetic contributions of each of the components, is presented. The results show that while at low fields the Fe3O4 and Mn3O4 magnetic moments averaged over the unit cell are antiferromagnetically coupled, at high fields, they orient parallel to each other. This magnetic reorientation of the Mn3O4 shell moments is associated with a gradual evolution with the applied field of the local magnetic susceptibility from anisotropic to isotropic. Additionally, the magnetic coherence length of the Fe3O4 cores shows some unusual field dependence due to the competition between the antiferromagnetic interface interaction and the Zeeman energies. The results demonstrate the great potential of the quantitative analysis of polarized neutron powder diffraction for the study of complex multiphase magnetic materials.
Properties of cement‐based materials containing calcium stearate and supplementary cementitious materials
Authors: Chari Mehdi Nemati , Naseroleslami Ramin , Ahmadi Babak
Published: July 2023

Calcium stearate (CS) is effective to reduce permeability of different building materials under nonhydrostatic pressure but more actions need to be taken to shed light on its main and side effects on properties of cement‐based materials. This research project investigates the effect of CS on properties of these materials. Compressive strength analysis shows that the addition of CS at the dosage of 1% of cement weight reduces this parameter by approximately 20% but reducing water‐to‐binder ratio, and replacing 7.5% of cement weight with silica fume (SF) compensate for the strength loss caused by CS. Results of drying shrinkage test show that the addition of CS slightly increases drying shrinkage but replacing 7.5% of cement weight with SF can compensate for the negative effects of CS on drying shrinkage. Permeability analysis shows that CS is not as effective as SF and natural zeolite (NZ) to improve impermeability under hydrostatic pressure but it is more effective than SF and NZ to improve impermeability under nonhydrostatic pressure because the addition of CS at the dosage of 1% of cement weight reduces capillary water absorption by roughly 60%. Therefore, the simultaneous use of CS and these supplementary cementitious materials improves not only impermeability under hydrostatic pressure but also impermeability under nonhydrostatic pressure.
Correlation analysis of pore structure and frost resistance of carbon nanotube concrete based on gray relational theory
Authors: Song Shushuang , Niu Yanning , Kong Lingping
Published: July 2023

In order to explore the micro‐pore structure improvement mechanism of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the frost resistance of concrete, five kinds of MWCNT concrete with different contents were prepared and the frost resistance test and mercury intrusion test were carried out. The results show that when the content of MWCNT is 0.1 wt%, the mass loss rate and compressive strength loss rate of concrete after freezing and thawing are 15.97% and 23.85% lower than that of ordinary concrete, respectively, indicating that this content is best amount to improve the frost resistance of concrete in this study. Moreover, 0.1 wt% MWCNT can significantly optimize the internal pore structure of concrete, and the average pore diameter growth rate and harmful pore ratio are 30.1% and 64.45%, respectively, after 200 freeze–thaw cycles. The proportion of more harmful pores has the greatest influence on compressive strength and relative elastic modulus, and the gray correlation degree is more than 0.8. Finally, the mathematical models of compressive strength‐pore parameters and relative dynamic elastic modulus‐pore parameters of MWCNT concrete after freeze–thaw cycle are established considering pore structure parameters and pore size distribution.
Seismic design and engineering practice of a 10‐story self‐centering precast concrete wall structure
Authors: Zhou Ying , Zhu Xiaoying , Wu Hao , Gu Anqi , Tian Wenbo
Published: July 2023

The increasing expectation of structures capable of fulfilling the requirements of minimizing post‐earthquake repair or re‐occupancy has led to the emergence of damage‐control technologies. In recent years, self‐centering precast concrete wall systems that are characterized by low damage as well as full prefabrication have become a popular topic. Previous research has shown that the system is not only capable to reduce the construction time but also has the characteristics of small residual displacement and quick restoration of normal service function after a major earthquake event. Nevertheless, there is still much to be studied for high‐rise buildings and practical engineering applications. This paper introduces the process of self‐centering precast concrete wall systems from conceptual design to detailing and construction aspects of a 10‐story case study building. Specifically, the hybrid type of unbonded post‐tensioned wall is adopted with mild steel functioning as the energy‐dissipating component. The design and construction of mild steel take into account the requirements of both building function and replaceability. In addition, the lateral resisting system is decoupled from the gravity system using isolated joints for wall‐to‐floor connection. Various factors such as higher mode effects, torsional effects, and wind loads are considered in the design process in order to achieve the overall high performance of the structure. Finally, the numerical model of the designed structure is established and analyzed under both static and dynamic loading. Results show that the self‐centering wall structure studied in this paper has satisfactory seismic performance, i.e., each component and joint can work to achieve the function as expected, and has broad engineering application prospects in the future.
Re: ‘Turkish turban’ sign: a rare phenotype of acrania‐exencephaly‐anencephaly sequence
Authors: Demir N. , Yazıcıoglu H. Fehmi , Mendilcioglu I.
Published: July 2023

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Tonni et al. Click here to view the article.
Preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial effects of root bark of Ferula communis (Apiaceae)
Authors: Yirdaw Betelihem , Kassa Temesgen
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Plants are widely used in traditional medicine because they contain a high concentration of antimicrobial agents, serving as the foundation for medicines. The aim of this study was preliminary identification of phytochemicals and assesses the antimicrobial activity of extracts of Ferula communis root bark.

Methods

Plant was collected, and standard qualitative procedures were conducted. The plant samples were extracted with 99.9% methanol and 80% ethanol. To identify phytochemicals found in plants, a preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed. Agar diffusion tests, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were performed to evaluate antibacterial activity.

Result

The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanol and methanol extract revealed positive results for flavonoids, coumarins and tannins. Terpenoids and anthraquinones were detected only in the methanol extract. The extract of Ferula communis showed an antibacterial effect on both gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria in a concentration‐dependent manner. The average zone of inhibition for gram‐positive bacteria was 11 mm, whereas for gram‐negative bacteria, it was 9 mm. The MIC and MBC values also varied with the type of bacteria. In all bacterial species tested, the mean MBC value was similar to the MIC.

Conclusion

Different phytochemicals were detected in extracts of the root bark of F. communis and extracts showed antibacterial effects in a concentration‐dependent manner. Therefore, further purification and evaluation of the extracts and antioxidant activity of the plant should be investigated.
Efficacy of dietary live or heat‐killed Bacillus subtilis in goldfish (Carassius auratus) infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: Shahbazi Parisa , Sheikhzadeh Najmeh , Siahtan Mohamad Ali Nazarpour , Ghadimi Amin Keshavarz , Soltani Mehdi , Nofouzi Katayoon , Mousavi Shalaleh , Khordadmehr Monireh , Marandi Amin , Firouzamandi Masoumeh
Published: July 2023

Background

The beneficial effects of Bacillus subtilis on growth, immune response, and disease resistance against various diseases in different fish species have been proved. However, there are no data concerning this probiotic effect on skin mucosal immunity in fish infected with Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich). Ich has a high mortality rate in both edible and ornamental fish and consequently is concerned with heavy economic losses.

Objectives

Thus, we assessed the efficacy of live and heat‐killed B. subtilis on skin immunity and histopathology in goldfish (Carassius auratus) infected with Ich.

Methods

Goldfish (144 fish, 2.38 g average weight) were stocked in nine glass tanks each in three replicates. Fish were fed 109 CFU g−1 live or heat‐killed B. subtilis for 80 days.

Results

Probiotic administration in both viable and non‐viable forms could enhance the growth performance in goldfish. Probiotic therapy also reduced the density of the parasite and histopathological level on skin and gill tissues of the treated fish. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed a higher expression of lysozyme and tumour necrosis factor‐α in the treated groups compared to the control group.

Conclusions

These data demonstrated the beneficial effect of B. subtilis as probiotic and paraprobiotic on growth performance and disease resistance to Ich infestation in goldfish.
Demonstration of hyperfibrinolysis on the VCM Vet in a dog with Angiostrongylus vasorum
Authors: Beeston Dave , Cortellini Stefano
Published: July 2023

This case report details the clinical investigation of an 11‐month‐old, entire, male Cockapoo, who presented with acute left forebrain signs associated with suspected intra‐cranial haemorrhage due to Angiostrongylus vasorum. Initial investigations failed to identify a coagulopathy using traditional coagulation testing. Subsequent viscoelastic testing using the Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM Vet, Entegrion) identified a hypocoagulable, hyperfibrinolytic trace. Anti‐fibrinolytic treatment with tranexamic acid showed improvement of hypocoagulability and normalisation of hyperfibrinolysis. Subsequent canine fresh frozen plasma transfusion and treatment of the underlying A. vasorum led to resolution of the patient's coagulopathy. This case report demonstrates the ease of use and utility of viscoelastic monitoring in global assessment of coagulation, and is the first case to document hyperfibrinolysis using the VCM Vet in a patient with Angiostrongylus vasorum.
Successful clinical remission of feline cutaneous lymphangiosarcoma with surgical resection
Authors: McInnis Marley , White Amelia G. , Matz Brad , Yin Ji‐Hang , Lea Christopher
Published: July 2023

This case report highlights the successful management of cutaneous lymphangiosarcoma in an 11‐year‐old, female spayed, domestic longhair cat with surgical resection alone. A 2.0 cm × 1.5 cm, compressible, erythematous, alopecic dermal plaque located on the caudoventral abdomen with associated subcutaneous thickening was cytologically examined, revealing abundant small lymphocytes and a low number of large mesenchymal cells. A definitive diagnosis could not be made based on cytology; therefore, biopsy with histopathology was performed and was consistent with cutaneous lymphangiosarcoma. Complete clinical remission was achieved with curative intent surgical excision. This rare malignant neoplasm of the lymphatic endothelium carries a poor prognosis with rapid progression of disease even after surgical resection. Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical intervention likely resulted in the good outcome in this case.
Unfinished business in a nonlinear sigma model on de Sitter background
Authors: Woodard R. P. , Yesilyurt B.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Nonlinear sigma models on de Sitter background possess the same kind of derivative interactions as gravity, and show the same sorts of large spacetime logarithms in correlation functions and solutions to the effective field equations. It was recently demonstrated that these logarithms can be resummed by combining a variant of Starobinsky’s stochastic formalism with a variant of the renormalization group. This work considers one of these models and completes two pieces of analysis which were left unfinished: the evolution of the background at two loop order and the one loop beta function.
Carroll/fracton particles and their correspondence
Authors: Figueroa-O’Farrill José , Pérez Alfredo , Prohazka Stefan
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We exploit the close relationship between the Carroll and fracton/dipole algebras, together with the method of coadjoint orbits, to define and classify classical Carroll and fracton particles. This approach establishes a Carroll/fracton correspondence and provides an answer to the question “What is a fracton?”.

Under this correspondence, carrollian energy and center-of-mass correspond to the fracton electric charge and dipole moment, respectively. Then immobile massive Carroll particles correspond to the fracton monopoles, whereas certain mobile Carroll particles (“centrons”) correspond to fracton elementary dipoles. We uncover various new massless carrollian/neutral fractonic particles, provide an action in each case and relate them via a GL(2, ℝ) symmetry.

We also comment on the limit from Poincaré particles, the relation to (electric and magnetic) Carroll field theories, contrast Carroll boosts with dipole transformations and highlight a generalisation to curved space ((A)dS Carroll).
The normalizing effects of the CYP46A1 activator efavirenz on retinal sterol levels and risk factors for glaucoma in Apoj−/− mice
Authors: El-Darzi Nicole , Mast Natalia , Li Yong , Dailey Brian , Kang Min , Rhee Douglas J. , Pikuleva Irina A.
Published: July 2023

Apolipoprotein J (APOJ) is a multifunctional protein with genetic evidence suggesting an association between APOJ polymorphisms and Alzheimer’s disease as well as exfoliation glaucoma. Herein we conducted ocular characterizations of Apoj−/− mice and found that their retinal cholesterol levels were decreased and that this genotype had several risk factors for glaucoma: increased intraocular pressure and cup-to-disk ratio and impaired retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function. The latter was not due to RGC degeneration or activation of retinal Muller cells and microglia/macrophages. There was also a decrease in retinal levels of 24-hydroxycholesterol, a suggested neuroprotectant under glaucomatous conditions and a positive allosteric modulator of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors mediating the light-evoked response of the RGC. Therefore, Apoj−/− mice were treated with low-dose efavirenz, an allosteric activator of CYP46A1 which converts cholesterol into 24-hydroxycholesterol. Efavirenz treatment increased retinal cholesterol and 24-hydroxycholesterol levels, normalized intraocular pressure and cup-to-disk ratio, and rescued in part RGC function. Retinal expression of Abcg1 (a cholesterol efflux transporter), Apoa1 (a constituent of lipoprotein particles), and Scarb1 (a lipoprotein particle receptor) was increased in EVF-treated Apoj−/− mice, indicating increased retinal cholesterol transport on lipoprotein particles. Ocular characterizations of Cyp46a1−/− mice supported the beneficial efavirenz treatment effects via CYP46A1 activation. The data obtained demonstrate an important APOJ role in retinal cholesterol homeostasis and link this apolipoprotein to the glaucoma risk factors and retinal 24-hydroxycholesterol production by CYP46A1. As the CYP46A1 activator efavirenz is an FDA-approved anti-HIV drug, our studies suggest a new therapeutic approach for treatment of glaucomatous conditions.
Curved channels with constant cross sections may support trapped surface waves
Authors: Nazarov Sergei A. , Ruotsalainen Keijo M.
Published: July 2023

Curved channels with constant cross sections are constructed which support a trapped surface wave. Since corresponding eigenvalues are embedded in the continuous spectrum of the water wave problem and therefore possess the natural instability, the construction procedure requires “fine-tuning” of several parameters in the (small) curvature of the channel as well as geometrical restrictions on the cross section. In particular, the mirror symmetry of the cross section with respect to the vertical axis disrupts the procedure, but examples of suitable non-symmetric cross sections are provided.
Many regular triangulations and many polytopes
Authors: Padrol Arnau , Philippe Eva , Santos Francisco
Published: July 2023

We show that for fixed $$d>3$$

d
>
3

and n growing to infinity there are at least $$(n!)^{d-2 \pm o(1)}$$

(
n
!
)

d
-
2
±
o
(
1
)

different labeled combinatorial types of d-polytopes with n vertices. This is about the square of the previous best lower bounds. As an intermediate step, we show that certain neighborly polytopes (such as particular realizations of cyclic polytopes) have at least $$(n!)^{ \left\lfloor {(d-1)/2} \right\rfloor \pm o(1)}$$

(
n
!
)

(
d
-
1
)
/
2

±
o

(
1
)

regular triangulations.
Optofluidic force induction as a process analytical technology
Authors: Šimić Marko , Neuper Christian , Hohenester Ulrich , Hill Christian
Published: July 2023

Manufacturers of nanoparticle-based products rely on detailed information about critical process parameters, such as particle size and size distributions, concentration, and material composition, which directly reflect the quality of the final product. These process parameters are often obtained using offline characterization techniques that cannot provide the temporal resolution to detect dynamic changes in particle ensembles during a production process. To overcome this deficiency, we have recently introduced Optofluidic Force Induction (of2i) for optical real-time counting with single particle sensitivity and high throughput. In this paper, we apply of2i to highly polydisperse and multi modal particle systems, where we also monitor evolutionary processes over large time scales. For oil-in-water emulsions we detect in real time the transition between high-pressure homogenization states. For silicon carbide nanoparticles, we exploit the dynamic of2i measurement capabilities to introduce a novel process feedback parameter based on the dissociation of particle agglomerates. Our results demonstrate that of2i provides a versatile workbench for process feedback in a wide range of applications.

Graphical abstract
Vacuum and convection drying effects on volatile compounds profile and physicochemical properties of selected herbs from Lamiaceae family
Authors: Żbik Klara , Górska-Horczyczak Elżbieta , Onopiuk Anna , Kurek Marcin , Zalewska Magdalena
Published: July 2023

During drying herbs, the aim is to preserve their bioactive properties and characteristic aroma, which requires choosing a drying method and parameters that minimize degradation. In this study, the effects of convection and vacuum drying methods on peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) were compared. Fresh herb leaves were dried at 35 °C (using both methods) with an airflow of 0.5 m·s−1 for convection (CONV) and with reduced pressure (300 mbar) for the vacuum method (VAC). Physical and chemical properties were measured (color measurement in the L*a*b* system, weight loss, profile of volatile compounds, total phenolic content (TFC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total antioxidant activity (TAA)). After drying, a reduction in the brightness of the leaf color and the proportion of red color was observed in most replicates (e.g., for peppermint—control sample L* = 43.11, CONV sample L* = 40.21, VAC sample L* = 37.30). Water evaporated by varying degrees depending on the herb species and the drying method as follows:. The TPC of peppermint was 332.44 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g of sample for CONV and 451.38 for VAC; for sweet basil sequentially: 80.59 and 105.63 GAE/100 g; for lemon balm 248.31 and 314.41 GAE/ 100 g. TFC of peppermint was 244.12 mg quercetin/100 g of sample for CONV and 261.92 for VAC; sweet basil sequentially: 76.91 and 83.31 mg quercetin/100 g; lemon balm 186.50 and 203.87 mg quercetin/100 g. The TAA of peppermint was 84.28% for convection drying, 87.49% for vacuum drying, and sweet basil, it was 20.35% and 47.35% sequentially, and for lemon balm, it was 87.67% and 89.69%. The vacuum method was statistically more effective in preserving the polyphenols and flavonoids in the herbs. Different drying methods also affected the volatile compounds recognized in dried herbs using the Electronic Nose.