bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline gut microbiome features prior to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection are associated with host symptoms in and post COVID‐19
Authors: Zuo Tao , Liang Guanzhan , Huang Ziyu , Cao Zhirui , Bai Feiyu , Zhou Yingqian , Wu Xianrui , Wu Xiaojian , Chen Yao‐qing , Balati Maimaitituerxun , Maimaitiyiming Muyessar ,   The CORNER study team, Lan Ping
Published: September 2023

The human gut microbiome varies substantially across individuals and populations and differentially tames our immunity at steady‐state. Hence, we hypothesize that the large heterogeneity of gut microbiomes at steady‐state may shape our baseline immunity differentially, and then mediate discrepant immune responses and symptoms when one encounters a viral infection, such as SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. To validate this hypothesis, we conducted an exploratory, longitudinal microbiome‐COVID‐19 study involving homogenous young participants from two geographically different regions in China. Subjects were recruited and sampled of fecal specimens before the 3‐week surge window of COVID‐19 (between December 11 and December 31, 2022) in China, and then were followed up for assessment of COVID‐19 and post‐COVID‐19 manifestations. Our data showed that the baseline gut microbiome composition was intricately associated with different COVID‐19 manifestations, particularly gastrointestinal involvement and post‐COVID‐19 lingering symptoms, in both an individual‐ and population‐dependent manner. Our study intriguingly for the first time highlight that the gut microbiome at steady‐state may prepare us differentially for weathering a respiratory viral infection.
Carbamate‐functional, biobased surfactants derived from cardanol, carbon dioxide, and amino acids: Their synthesis and properties
Authors: Zhu Tianyu , Qian Dong , Duan Tong , Li Jinlan , Yu Hui , Huang Weizhou , Zhou Yi , Zhang Zhen , Sun Jie
Published: September 2023

Three biobased, CO2‐consuming, and carbamate‐groups‐containing surfactants (CC‐G, CC‐T, CC‐L) were synthesized separately by combination of Cardanol, CO2, Glycine sodium salt (G), Taurine sodium salt (T), and Lysine sodium salt (L). The chemical structures of CC‐G, CC‐T, CC‐L were confirmed by1H NMR and IR spectra. Thermal properties of these surfactants were studied with TGA and DSC. Their critical micelle concentration (CMC) and surface tension at CMC (CMC) in aqueous solution were obtained by surface tension and conductivity methods, respectively. The amount of excess concentration () and the average occupied surface area () of three surfactants were calculated. of CC‐G, CC‐T and CC‐L was 2.35 × 10−7 mmol/m2, 2.23 × 10−7 mmol/m2, and 6.16 × 10−7 mmol/m2, separately. of CC‐G was 0.71 nm2/mmol, CC‐T 0.74 nm2/mmol, CC‐L 2.70 nm2/mmol. The Krafft point, emulsification, and foaming power of these surfactants were investigated as well. The Krafft points were 0°C (CC‐G), 5°C (CC‐T) and 20°C (CC‐T). For CC‐G, the separation time of 10 mL double distilled water (DDW) was 43 min, CC‐T 40 min, and CC‐L 37 min. It was inferred from the calculated packing parameters that shape of the micelle of CC‐G, CC‐T were cylindrical in aqueous media, while CC‐L was spheroidal in aqueous media.
Biomarkers for predicting immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor‐associated bullous pemphigoid: A retrospective observational study with a case series
Authors: Sugiyama Seiko , Yamamoto Takenobu , Aoyama Yumi
Published: September 2023

Background

The prognosis of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor‐associated bullous pemphigoid (DPP‐4i‐BP) is variable, with some cases showing spontaneous remission after drug cessation and others showing worsening BP or developing infectious complications, termed infectious immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), after DPP‐4i cessation. We recently demonstrated that the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio measured at baseline and during treatment predicts the eventual development of infectious IRIS.

Objectives

To identify key molecular immune parameters that correlate with, and potentially shape, subsequent immune responses after DPP‐4i cessation.

Methods

This retrospective observational study examined DPP‐4i‐BP patients who were treated at our hospital for 4 years. Patients selected for this study were those who developed BP after initiation of DPP‐4i and were followed up at least 90 days after DPP‐4i cessation, if information and the relevant parameters were available from the medical records. The patients were divided into two cohorts: a spontaneous remission group and an exacerbation group showing worsening BP or developing infectious IRIS. Serum cytokine/chemokine levels were determined using a multiplex biometric immunoassay.

Results

Serum levels of eotaxin and interferon (IFN)‐α/γ before DPP‐4i cessation were significantly higher in the remission group (161.6 [standard error 21.9] pg/mL and 14.4 [4.8]/9.2 [4.6] pg/mL, respectively) than in the exacerbation group (51.1 [standard error 9.8] pg/mL and 1.6 [1.6]/1.0 [0.5] pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.005). Importantly, regarding changes in cytokine/chemokine levels before and after cessation of DPP‐4i, increasing levels of IFN‐α/γ, interleukin‐10, and interleukin‐1RA following drug cessation were associated with the subsequent development of infectious IRIS.

Conclusions

As observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019, if the production of IFN‐α/γ and eotaxin occurs early and intense enough before DPP‐4i cessation, virus reactivation as a manifestation of infectious IRIS can be prevented. If not, exuberant virus‐related inflammatory reactions would ensue, as observed in a cytokine storm.
Effects of Short‐term Electronic(e)‐Cigarette Aerosol Exposure in the Mouse Larynx
Authors: Easwaran Meena , Maria Chloe Santa , Martinez Joshua D. , Hung Barbara , Yu Xuan , Soo Joanne , Kimura Akari , Gross Eric R. , Erickson‐DiRenzo Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The effects of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) on the larynx are relatively unknown. This study examined the short‐term effects of e‐cigarette inhalation on cellular and inflammatory responses within the mouse laryngeal glottic and subglottic regions after exposure to pod‐based devices (JUUL).

Methods

Male C57BL6/J mice (8–9 weeks) were assigned to control (n = 9), JUUL flavors Mint (JMi; n = 10) or Mango (JMa; n = 10). JUUL mice were exposed to 2 h/day for 1, 5, and 10 days using the inExpose inhalation system. Control mice were in room air. Vocal fold (VF) epithelial thickness, cell proliferation, subglandular area and composition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and surface topography were evaluated in the harvested larynges. Mouse body weight and urinary nicotine biomarkers were also measured. Chemical analysis of JUUL aerosols was conducted using selective ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

Results

JUUL‐exposed mice had reduced body weight after day 5. Urinary nicotine biomarker levels indicated successful JUUL exposure and metabolism. Quantitative analysis of JUUL aerosol indicated that chemical constituents differ between JMi and JMa flavors. VF epithelial thickness, cellular proliferation, glandular area, and surface topography remained unchanged after JUUL exposures. Acidic mucus content increased after 1 day of JMi exposure. VF macrophage and T‐cell levels slightly increased after 10 days of JMi exposures.

Conclusions

Short‐term e‐cigarette exposures cause minimal flavor‐ and region‐specific cellular and inflammatory changes in the mouse larynx. This work provides a foundation for long‐term studies to determine if these responses are altered with multiple e‐cigarette components and concentrations.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:1316–1326, 2024
Disparities in the Presentation and Management of Pediatric Retropharyngeal Abscess
Authors: Nicotera Dante J. , Islam Aseeyah A. , Liu Yupeng , Dunsky Kate , Lieu Judith E. C.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Differences in management and outcomes of otolaryngologic diseases may reflect inequities driven by social determinants of health. This study aimed to investigate disparities in presentation and outcomes of retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) among 231 pediatric patients.

Methods

Medical records were searched for pediatric patients with RPA from 2010 to 2021. Charts were reviewed for demographics, clinical features, and treatment decisions. Area deprivation index (ADI) scores for patient zip codes were determined. Chi‐square analysis independent samples t‐test, and regression analyses were used to investigate associations between variables.

Results

Among patients presenting for RPA, Black patients were less likely to undergo surgical management than non‐Black patients (53.2% vs. 71.6%, p = 0.009). Black patients had a lower rate of treatment with antibiotics prior to hospital admission (19.4% vs. 54.4%, p < 0.001). Among patients who received surgery, Black patients had higher cross‐sectional abscess area on CT (6.4 ± 8.4 cm2 > vs. 3.8 ± 3.3 cm2, p = 0.014), longer length of stay (5.4 ± 3.3 days vs. 3.2 ± 1.5, p < 0.001), and longer time between admission and surgery (2.3 ± 2.1 vs. 0.83 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Increased ADI was correlated with increased rate of trismus.

Conclusions

Lower rates of pre‐admission antibiotics and larger abscess area on CT imaging among Black patients may suggest disparities in access to primary care, resulting in presentation to tertiary care at later stages of disease and higher rates of medical management trial prior to surgical intervention.

Level of Evidence

3 (retrospective cohort study) Laryngoscope, 134:1907–1912, 2024
ROAD2H: Development and evaluation of an open‐source explainable artificial intelligence approach for managing co‐morbidity and clinical guidelines
Authors: Domínguez Jesús , Prociuk Denys , Marović Branko , Čyras Kristijonas , Cocarascu Oana , Ruiz Francis , Mi Ella , Mi Emma , Ramtale Christian , Rago Antonio , Darzi Ara , Toni Francesca , Curcin Vasa , Delaney Brendan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Clinical decision support (CDS) systems (CDSSs) that integrate clinical guidelines need to reflect real‐world co‐morbidity. In patient‐specific clinical contexts, transparent recommendations that allow for contraindications and other conflicts arising from co‐morbidity are a requirement. In this work, we develop and evaluate a non‐proprietary, standards‐based approach to the deployment of computable guidelines with explainable argumentation, integrated with a commercial electronic health record (EHR) system in Serbia, a middle‐income country in West Balkans.

Methods

We used an ontological framework, the Transition‐based Medical Recommendation (TMR) model, to represent, and reason about, guideline concepts, and chose the 2017 International global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) guideline and a Serbian hospital as the deployment and evaluation site, respectively. To mitigate potential guideline conflicts, we used a TMR‐based implementation of the Assumptions‐Based Argumentation framework extended with preferences and Goals (ABA+G). Remote EHR integration of computable guidelines was via a microservice architecture based on HL7 FHIR and CDS Hooks. A prototype integration was developed to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with comorbid cardiovascular or chronic kidney diseases, and a mixed‐methods evaluation was conducted with 20 simulated cases and five pulmonologists.

Results

Pulmonologists agreed 97% of the time with the GOLD‐based COPD symptom severity assessment assigned to each patient by the CDSS, and 98% of the time with one of the proposed COPD care plans. Comments were favourable on the principles of explainable argumentation; inclusion of additional co‐morbidities was suggested in the future along with customisation of the level of explanation with expertise.

Conclusion

An ontological model provided a flexible means of providing argumentation and explainable artificial intelligence for a long‐term condition. Extension to other guidelines and multiple co‐morbidities is needed to test the approach further.
Climate zones in Iran
Authors: Najafi Mohammad Saeed , Alizadeh Omid
Published: September 2023

Climate classification provides a framework for a better understanding of the dominant weather patterns in different regions of the Earth. This study aims at identifying climate zones in Iran based on the analysis of monthly temperature and precipitation over 139 synoptic stations across Iran during the period 1991–2020. Based on the application of the principal component analysis, we identified six distinct climate zones in Iran: mild and humid, cool and sub‐humid, cold and temperate semi‐arid, warm and semi‐arid, cool and arid, and warm and hyperarid. The highest precipitation occurs in the southern coastal plains of the Caspian Sea, characterized by a mild and humid climate. The climate of western Iran is identified as cool and sub‐humid, while northwestern Iran is characterized by a cold and temperate semi‐arid climate. Southwestern Iran is identified as a region with a warm and semi‐arid climate, while northeastern Iran has a cool and arid climate. Southeastern and central Iran are both characterized by a warm and hyperarid climate. The highest monthly and seasonal precipitation values over Iran occur in March (48.6 mm) and winter (134.2 mm), respectively, while the highest monthly and seasonal mean temperature values occur in July (29.1°C) and summer (28.0°C), respectively. In terms of seasonal variation, the maximum precipitation occurs in the southern coastal plains of the Caspian Sea in autumn, while the minimum occurs in southwestern Iran in summer. Our results have important implications for better understanding and analysing the climatic characteristics across Iran.
Informal regulation by nongovernmental organizations enhances corporate compliance: Evidence from a nationwide randomized controlled trial in China
Authors: Tang Yaru , Liu Mengdi , Xia Fan , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2023

As a key component of informal regulation, nongovernmental organization (NGO) monitoring reduces the cost of government oversight and increases the visibility of corporate performance to stakeholders, thereby promoting corporate compliance. We conduct a nationwide randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the causal effect of NGO monitoring on corporate compliance as measured by the environmental information disclosure (EID) of China's highly polluting listed companies. We find that companies improve their EID after being alerted to NGO monitoring, especially private companies and companies with poor baseline performance. Both the threat of being reported to regulators and that of being reported to the market are effective ways of NGO monitoring, while companies with strong political connections show no response to regulatory threats. Our findings indicate the efficacy of informal regulations and the significance of NGOs in the promotion of corporate compliance.
Scattering transform in microstructure reconstruction
Authors: Reck Paul , Seibert Paul , Raßloff Alexander , Kästner Markus , Peterseim Daniel
Published: September 2023

Descriptor‐based microstructure characterization plays a crucial role in the field of reversed material engineering for random heterogeneous media. With the advent of differentiable microstructure characterization and reconstruction, there has been a growing interest in the development of differentiable formulations of descriptors. The search for effective descriptors becomes indispensable to adequately characterize a wide range of microstructures. This work proposes a novel approach to construct a descriptor by utilizing a wavelet‐based transformation called the scattering transformation on microstructure images. The characterization and reconstruction capabilities of this newly developed descriptor are compared to a benchmark descriptor based on spatial correlation functions using various 2D microstructure images. The comparative analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and potential advantages of the proposed wavelet‐based descriptor.
An overview of reproductive carrier screening panels for autosomal recessive and/or X‐linked conditions: How much do we know?
Authors: Wang Tianjiao , Scuffham Paul , Byrnes Joshua , Delatycki Martin B. , Downes Martin
Published: September 2023

Background & Aim

Reproductive carrier screening seeks to identify couples at a high risk of having offspring affected by autosomal recessive and X‐linked (XL) conditions. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of existing carrier screening panels by examining their gene content and characteristics, identifying the most common genes/conditions included in these panels, and analyzing their listed prices.

Methods

A comprehensive evaluation of existing carrier screening panels was conducted by searching for web‐based content, reviewing information brochures, and establishing direct contact with the providers via email or phone.

Results

Twenty‐two panels and their providers were identified with a cumulative total of 2205 unique genes. The number of genes included in these panels varied from 44 to 2054. Only 15 genes (0.7%) were included in all the panels. The carrier frequency of these 15 common genes and their associated conditions varied greatly, but the conditions associated with the genes are “severe”. The price of these 22 panels ranged from $349 to $4320 per couple (USD in 2023). The correlation between the listed price and the number of selected genes among these panels was small and not statistically significant (r = 0.1023, p = 0.6959).

Conclusion

Considerable discrepancies exist among carrier screening panels. Ongoing research and monitoring are necessary to capture the dynamic nature of the carrier screening landscape, providing up‐to‐date information for clinical practice and informed decision‐making.
Synthesis of styrene–acrylate emulsion by glow discharge electrolysis plasma and its application for the conservation of simulated disrupting murals in Dunhuang Mogao grottoes
Authors: Yu Jie , Ma Qingying , Fang Xiaoyun , Li Yanfei , Zhao Linyi , Lu Quanfang
Published: September 2023

In this work, a styrene (ST)–acrylate emulsion was synthesized via glow discharge electrolysis (GDE) plasma technique. A possible forming mechanism was proposed. Moreover, the adhesion property of the emulsion was evaluated for the conservation of simulated disrupting murals. The results showed that under optimum conditions, the solid content, emulsion conversion, and gel rate are 29.0%, 85.6%, and 1.04%, respectively. The obtained ST–acrylate emulsion is spherical in shape, with a particle size of about 100 nm. The property of ST–acrylate emulsion prepared by GDE is superior to that of the commercial ST–acrylate emulsion for the conservation of simulated disrupting murals. Compared with other methods, GDE has the advantages of simple steps, controllable reaction, environmental friendliness, no chemical initiator, and no N2 atmosphere.
Immersion infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopy studies on diamond‐like carbon surfaces. I. Formation of electrophilic groups on surfaces of amorphous carbon films aging in ambient air
Authors: Klages Claus‐Peter , Bandorf Ralf , Gerdes Holger , Jung Antje , Raev Vitaly
Published: September 2023

To study chemical functional groups on surfaces of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films, a highly sensitive infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopic technique, immersion infrared reflection‐absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), is applied in the present study. The method employs (i) a conventional attenuated total reflection (ATR) accessory with a Ge crystal as an immersion medium and (ii) an aluminum underlayer beneath the 50–70 nm thick DLC film. Sensitivity, selectivity, and quantifiability of the method can be enhanced by chemical derivatization (CD), coupling chemical moieties with strong characteristic vibrational bands to specific functional groups on the DLC surface. The method is applied to amorphous sputtered carbon films (a‐C) to demonstrate that electrophilic groups, most probably epoxy groups, are formed during aging under ambient conditions.
Phenotyping agronomic and physiological traits in peanut under mid‐season drought stress using UAV‐based hyperspectral imaging and machine learning
Authors: Bagherian Kamand , Bidese‐Puhl Rafael , Bao Yin , Zhang Qiong , Sanz‐Saez Alvaro , Dang Phat M. , Lamb Marshall C. , Chen Charles
Published: September 2023

Agronomic and physiological traits in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) are important to breeders for selecting high‐yielding and resilient genotypes. However, direct measurement of these traits is labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. This study assessed the feasibility of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)‐based hyperspectral imaging and machine learning (ML) techniques to predict three agronomic traits (biomass, pod count, and yield) and two physiological traits (photosynthesis and stomatal conductance) in peanut under drought stress. Two different approaches were evaluated. The first approach employed eighty narrowband vegetation indices as input features for an ensemble model that included K‐nearest neighbors, support vector regression, random forest, and multi‐layer perceptron (MLP). The second approach utilized mean and standard deviation of canopy spectral reflectance per band. The resultant 400 features were used to train a deep learning (DL) model consisting of one‐dimensional convolutional layers followed by an MLP regressor. Predictions of the agronomic traits obtained using feature learning and DL (R2 = 0.45–0.73; symmetric mean absolute percentage error [sMAPE] = 24%–51%) outperformed those obtained using feature engineering and conventional ML models (R2 = 0.44–0.61, sMAPE = 27%–59%). In contrast, the ensemble model had a slightly better performance in predicting physiological traits (R2 = 0.35–0.57; sMAPE = 37%–70%) compared to the results obtained from the DL model (R2 = 0.36–0.52; sMAPE = 47%–64%). The results showed that the combination of UAV‐based hyperspectral imaging and ML techniques have the potential to assist breeders in rapid screening of genotypes for improved yield and drought tolerance in peanut.
Impact of malnutrition on prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Nakashima Mitsutaka , Akagi Satoshi , Ejiri Kentaro , Nakamura Kazufumi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a life‐threatening disease that coexists with right heart failure. We evaluated the relationship between malnutrition and prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, as malnutrition is known as a prognosis determinant in chronic heart failure. We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension before treatment. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, Prognostic Nutritional Index, and Controlling Nutritional Status scores on the day of diagnosis were calculated to assess the nutritional status. Clinical endpoints were defined as composite outcomes of all‐cause death or lung transplantation. Eighty patients were enrolled (mean age, 50 years; 23 men). The mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 47 ± 19 mmHg, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index was 99.9 ± 12.0, and Prognostic Nutritional Index was 46.3 ± 10.0. The median Controlling Nutritional Status score was 2 (1–4). During the median 5.5‐year follow‐up period, 28 composite events occurred. Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated significant differences in the incidence of clinical endpoints between groups divided by each median Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, Prognostic Nutritional Index, and Controlling Nutritional Status score (p = 0.007, 0.039, and 0.010, respectively). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, clinical endpoints were significantly associated with Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (hazard ratio: 0.953, 95% confidence interval: 0.918–0.990), Prognostic Nutritional Index (hazard ratio: 0.942, 95% confidence interval: 0.892–0.996), and Controlling Nutritional Status score (hazard ratio: 1.230, 95% confidence interval: 1.056–1.433) after adjustment for factors associated in univariate Cox regression analysis. Malnutrition at diagnosis is a useful prognostic predictor for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Windows versus waves of opportunity: How reputation alters venture capital firms' resource mobilization
Authors: DeSantola Alicia , Zhelyazkov Pavel I. , Hallen Benjamin L.
Published: September 2023

Research Summary

This paper investigates how reputation affects firm responses to resource mobilization opportunities. We theorize that lower‐reputation firms are likely to be particularly responsive to resource mobilization opportunities because they are otherwise constrained. By contrast, higher‐reputation firms have access to greater resource supply and may self‐restrain demand. We test these arguments in the context of venture capital (VC) firms raising investment funds. We indeed find that lower‐reputation VCs are more responsive to opportunities presented by recent successes. Unexpectedly, we find that high‐reputation VCs are more responsive to market‐wide heat. Through multi‐method follow‐on analyses, we propose that while recent successes constitute “windows of opportunity” upon which firms act with individual discretion, hot market conditions serve as “waves of opportunity,” exerting a push on the resource mobilization of all firms and influencing their propensity toward scaling up.

Managerial Summary

We explore how low‐ and high‐reputation venture capital (VC) firms respond to fundraising opportunities such as recent successes or hot market conditions. We show that low‐reputation VCs are more likely to fundraise from limited partners in response to firm‐specific “windows of opportunity” (such as after a portfolio company IPO) because it is a rare chance to attract resource provider attention. By contrast, high‐reputation firms are more likely to fundraise at their own pace, regardless of short‐term successes. However, we unexpectedly find that high‐reputation firms are more likely than low‐reputation ones to take advantage of market‐wide “waves of opportunity” (i.e., hot markets), likely because they benefit from increased fundraising process efficiency. Our study illustrates how hot market periods may be unusually advantageous fundraising opportunities for high‐reputation firms and may be a key driver of when such firms scale up.
Direct Laser Writing Photonic Crystal Hydrogels with a Supramolecular Sacrificial Scaffold
Authors: Zeng Yi , Liu Keliang , Ding Haibo , Chong Zhejun , Niu Yanfang , Guo Yijun , Wei Mengxiao , Du Xin , Gu Zhongze
Published: September 2023

Photonic crystal hydrogels (PCHs), with smart stimulus‐responsive abilities, have been widely exploited as colorimetric sensors for years. However, the current fabrication technologies are mostly applicable to produce PCHs with simple geometries at the sub‐millimeter scale, limiting the introduction of structural design into PCH sensors as well as the accompanied advanced applications. This paper reports the microfabrication of three‐dimensional (3D) PCHs with the help of supramolecular agarose PCH as a sacrificial scaffold by two‐photon lithography (TPL). The supramolecular PCHs, formulated with SiO2 colloidal nanoparticles and agarose aqueous solutions, show bright structural color and are degradable upon short‐time dimethyl sulfoxide treatment. Leveraging the supramolecular PCH as a sacrificial scaffold, PCHs with precise 3D geometries can be fabricated in an economical and efficient way. This work demonstrates the application of such a strategy in the creation of structural‐designed PCH mechanical microsensors that have not been explored before.
Performance evaluation and optimization of the treatment of dye laden wastewater using alum and Luffa cylindrica seed extract as coagulant
Authors: Nnaji Patrick C. , Emenike Grace A. , Ume Cyril S. , Agu Chinedu M. , Ohanehi Anselem A.
Published: September 2023

The treatment of dye laden wastewater (DLW) was investigated using alum, and Luffa cylindrica seed extract, . Cibacron green dye and distilled water were used to simulate the DLW in the laboratory. The optimum conditions for the removal of color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from DLW was determined using both regular and response surface methodology, RSM‐Jar tests with coagulant dosage, DLW pH, stirring time, and temperature as the independent variables. Instrumental characterization of the coagulant and produced sludge were studied. Individual effect using regular Jar test, and had best color removal efficiency of 98.4% (2 g/L, pH 8, 30 min and 55°C), and 97.7% (5 g/L, pH 2, 20 min and 55°C), respectively. Also, for COD removal efficiency, and had 85.6% (2 g/L, pH 10 and 30 min), and 88.1% (4 g/L, pH 4 and 30 min), respectively. Applying RSM‐Jar test, 99.6% and 88.7% color and COD removal efficiency were achieved with 4 g/L , 0.25 g/L , pH 8, and 40°C and 5 g/L , 0.40 g/L , pH 6, and 40°C, respectively. The results indicated that the combination of both coagulants () performed maximally with highly reduced alum dosage, exposing the novelty of the work. Hence, the novelty of the work is the use of minimal quantity of alum and Luffa cylindrica seed extract for effective removal color and COD from the DLW.
Testicular microlithiasis: a cause for concern?
Authors: Yao Mark , Satchi Maria
Published: September 2023

Testicular microlithiasis is seen on ultrasound investigation of the testis. This article aims to review the history, prevalence, aetiology and current classification of this pathology. The association between testicular microlithiasis and other conditions such as male subfertility and testicular malignancy are also explored. An outline of recommended clinical management is provided from review of current literature and guidelines.
Mathematical modeling and analysis for electromagnetohydrodynamic viscous fluid flow with corrugated walls inside a curved channel
Authors: Zakri Waleed , Nadeem Sohail , Rashid Madhia , Alzabut Jehad , Ghazwani Hassan Ali
Published: September 2023

The current study considered electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow properties on viscid liquid over wavy walls. Initially, performed the scientific evidence and then explanation of velocity attained by applying the perturbation approach. Through mathematical calculations, we evaluated the corrugation impact on EMHD velocity flow. The impacts of evolving constraints from attained solutions are studied by intriguing the diagrams. The significant hypothesis is that decrease the imperceptible wave consequence on the velocity for the minor value of amplitude proportion parameter. For the small value of amplitude, the curvy phenomenon becomes understandable. In graphical results trapped bolus appears for out phase corrugations. From this study, we have come up with the result that the velocity achieves the extreme value in the mid of the channel. The velocity profile declines for the Reynolds number. The reason is that for the greater amount of the Reynolds number, the velocity fluctuates quickly by lesser amplitudes. The velocity profile decay with the growing value of the curving parameter in [−1,0] and grow in [0,1]. The stress components decline and the stress components rise for the curving parameter. The present analysis has practical applications in biomedical propulsion of targeted drug delivery, manufacturing of peristaltic pumps, transportation of diverse fluids.
Umami and Satiety
Authors: Yeomans Martin R.
Published: September 2023

This chapter evaluates evidence from human studies that umami taste may enhance satiety. The author elaborates on the idea that humans evolved umami taste to detect and regulate protein intake, providing wider evidence that protein intake is more tightly regulated than other macronutrients and discussing specific evidence that protein is the most satiating. Three strands of evidence that suggest umami may have a role in satiety are evaluated. (1) Evidence from key studies that tested acute effects of manipulated umami taste on satiety in adult volunteers suggests that umami may enhance satiety, especially when coupled with protein intake. (2) A review of studies exploring the role of umami in infant feeding suggests that augmenting umami taste in bottle-fed babies leads to slower growth, implying that the presence of umami taste leads to greater satiety. (3) Evidence from studies exploring responses to umami in relation to protein deprivation suggests that sensitivity to umami varies depending on both acute and habitual protein need state, consistent with a regulatory role for umami involving satiety. This chapter draws these strands of evidence together to suggest two possible models of umami-induced satiety while noting limitations in the data that warrant further investigation.
Umami Taste as a Component of Healthy Diets
Authors: Gabriel Ana San , Rains Tia M.
Published: September 2023

The effects of climate change on food production, together with the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have challenged the true resilience of current global food systems, which has been further constrained with the escalation of global conflicts. As a result, people around the globe are living in a nutritional and health crisis. Providing sustainable, healthy, and nutritious foods to a growing population will require a shift to more plant-based diets that align more closely with national dietary guidelines. Although often minimized in dietary recommendations, taste is among the key determinants to consuming healthful diets. This chapter reviews how umami, through its taste and physiological functions, supports and has the potential to further enhance the acceptance of foods that align with human and planetary health.
Practicalities from Culinology®: How Umami Can Contribute to Culinary Arts and Sciences
Authors: Koetke Chris , Miller Lauren , Deutsch Jonathan
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on umami from a practical gustatory and culinary standpoint. The overall objective of this chapter is to apply the science of umami to daily culinary preparation. It focuses on the umami experience and the traditional role that umami plays in foods loved around the globe. Informed by culinary science, the field at the intersection of culinary arts and food science, this chapter is about the intentional incorporation of umami to create balanced dishes. Umami may be introduced from foods intrinsically rich in umami, foods manipulated by further processing to further develop umami (e.g., fermentation), or the addition of MSG (monosodium glutamate), the purest form of umami available to everyday cooks. This chapter addresses benefits of umami in cooking, which include to aid in salt reduction, to provide a bass note for flavor, to increase salivation, and to aid in perception of meatiness. The benefits of umami make it an attractive option to improve both health and flavor.
A Revised Interpretation of Marine Primary Productivity in the Indian Ocean: The Role of Mixoplankton
Authors: Mitra Aditee , Leles Suzana Gonçalves
Published: September 2023

Traditional interpretations of marine plankton ecology, such as that in the Indian Ocean, mirror the plant-animal dichotomy of terrestrial ecology. Thus, single-celled phytoplankton produce food consumed by single-celled zooplankton, and these are in turn consumed by larger zooplankton through to higher trophic levels. Our routine monitoring surveys, research, models, and water management protocols all reflect this interpretation. The last decade has witnessed the development of an important revision of that traditional vision. We now know that the phytoplankton-zooplankton dichotomy represents, at best, a gross simplification. A significant proportion of the protist plankton at the base of the oceanic food-web can photosynthesise (make food ‘like plants’) and ingest food (eat ‘like animals’), thus contributing to both primary and secondary production simultaneously in the same cell. These protists are termed ‘mixoplankton’, and include many species traditionally labelled as ‘phytoplankton’ (a term now reserved for phototrophic microbes that are incapable of phagocytosis) or labelled as ‘protist zooplankton’ (now reserved for protist plankton incapable of phototrophy). Mixoplankton include various harmful algal species, most likely all the phototrophic dinoflagellates, and even iconic exemplar ‘phytoplankton’ such as coccolithophorids (which can consume bacteria). Like all significant revisions to ecology, the mixoplankton paradigm will take time to mature but to ignore it means that we fail to properly represent plankton ecology in teaching, science, management, and policy. This chapter introduces the mixoplankton functional groups and provides the first insight into the biogeography of these organisms in the Indian Ocean. A first attempt to consider the implications of the mixoplankton paradigm on marine primary productivity and ecology in the Indian Ocean is also given.
Building the Politeness Repertoire Through the Linguistic Landscape
Authors: Ritchey Elyse
Published: September 2023

The treatment of politeness in the language classroom is often restricted to a brief overview of polite forms of address, verb tenses, and lexical items. In this chapter, a novel pedagogical approach is proposed which uses instructional signage found in the linguistic landscape to enrich students’ appreciation of the real pragmatic force of politeness practices. Creators of instructional signage, whether official or ad-hoc, aim to regulate behavior in public spaces by informing observers of the rules in effect there. A careful reading of such signs reveals the rhetorical strategies employed to achieve the desired objective. Thus, by exploring them, the engaged observer – in this case, the language learner – can broaden their own cultural and linguistic repertoires. In this chapter, the analysis of multimodal instructional signage serves as a tool for improving students’ pragmatic competence. The approach was developed and tested in an intermediate French classroom; students were asked not only to examine signs but also to revise the text with different pragmatic goals in mind. These exercises encourage students to develop a more critical eye toward (im)politeness in the target culture and demonstrate that it is not reducible to sets of lexical items, tenses, or gestures, but is continuously constructed by creators and viewers alike.
Uncovering Spanish Harlem: Ethnographic Linguistic Landscape Projects in an Advanced Content-Based Spanish Course
Authors: Jiménez-Caicedo Juan Pablo
Published: September 2023

Linguistic and cultural diversity are hallmarks of postmodern globalized societies. In New York city, for example, the massive influx of immigrants from the Caribbean, especially Puerto Ricans after 1917, altered the linguistic and cultural landscape of an urban center already known for its large concentration of foreign settlers. This chapter reports on a case study of an advanced Spanish course application of the linguistic landscape (LL) as a site for learning. Drawing on a literacy-oriented approach to Foreign Language (FL) education as a framework for integrating LL into an advanced foreign language curriculum, It focuses on the critical role L2 students’ agency plays in making sense of LL as ‘lived spaces’ (e.g., Malinowski) in New York’s El Barrio (Spanish Harlem). Specifically, the chapter demonstrates students’ use of ethnographic tools for interpreting meanings and functions of multimodal cityscapes as situated signs-in-space, in order to understand the social, cultural and political complexity of these immigrant communities in the city. After describing the course design, the chapter provides concrete examples of students’ ethnographic linguistic landscapes projects, followed by a discussion on the importance of implementing LL as a way to contextualize advanced language and literacy practices.
An Educational Perspective on Community Languages in Linguistic Landscapes: Russian and Arabic
Authors: Bever Olga , Azaz Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

This chapter brings a fresh view on engagements with linguistic landscapes as learning environments and learning tools through the lenses of language and literacy studies and community-based language learning. We discuss the local linguistic landscape as naturally occurring and strategically constructed linguistic and semiotic representations of community languages and cultures. This approach highlights the link between learners, texts, social practices, and social environments, involving both dominant and minority community languages.

The chapter focuses on the multilingual multimodal linguistic landscape involving two local immigrant community languages, Russian and Arabic, in Tucson, Arizona, a city in the southwest of the United States. It shows how the linguistic landscape, as a fusion of the social space and a social practice, stimulates language learning through everyday social experiences, and how these social experiences can integrate with the learning process. We discuss how engagements and interactions with both the linguistic landscape and the representatives of those language communities as sign makers and sign readers, reinforce negotiation of linguistic and cultural meaning of the linguistic landscapes. Thus, the local linguistic landscape as a learning tool and discursive space, inspires the exploration, production, and interpretation of public signs, offers a learning context, and stimulates language and cultural learning in naturally occurring contexts.
Gouvernementalität: Ein Konzept zur Analyse von Regierungsweisen und als Basis einer Soziologie des individuellen Widerstands
Authors: Lenk Alexander
Published: September 2023

Gouvernementalität (frz. gouvernementalité) wird vom Adjektiv „gouvernemental“, d. h. „die Regierung betreffend“, abgeleitet und beschreibt einen Machttypus moderner Regierungsweisen. Regierungsweisen lassen sich anhand von verschiedenen Wissensordnungen, Rationalitäten, Technologien und Apparaten unterscheiden, die zur Ausübung von (politischer) Souveränität entwickelt werden (ebd.). Bei Gouvernementalitätsanalysen werden weniger spezifische Herrschaftstechnologien im Brennglas betrachtet, sondern Regierungweisen als Rationalisierung der Regierungspraxis erschlossen und die (sozialen) Effekte der Regierungsweisen beleuchtet.
Akademische Subjektivierung im Dispositiv neoliberaler Gouvernementalität
Authors: Lenk Alexander
Published: September 2023

Für diesen Dialogprozess werden die theoretischen Überlegungen zu einem gouvernementalen Dispositiv mit dem empirischen Material angereichert. Zusätzlich wird mit den empirischen Erkenntnissen eine forschungspraktische Verhältnisbestimmung innerhalb und zwischen den Dimensionen eines Dispositivs vorgenommen. Damit bewegt sich die abschließende Analyse von akademischer Subjektivierung in einem Dispositiv neoliberaler Gouvernementalität zwischen den Dimensionen Diskurse/Rationalitäten, Praktiken/Herrschaftstechnologien und Vergegenständlichungen/Subjektivierung.
Resümee und Ausblick
Authors: Lenk Alexander
Published: September 2023

Die empirischen Befunde der vorliegenden Arbeit belegen, dass in den vergangenen drei Dekaden unter NPM eine fundamentale Reorganisation der deutschen Hochschullandschaft stattgefunden hat. Während dieser Transformation beziehen sich herrschende Subjekte des Managementdiskurses auf eine neoliberale Wissens- und Identitätspolitik, auch wenn im alltagspraktischen Handeln teilweise eine neoliberale Regierungsweise, Technologien der Menschenführung und Subjektivierungsformen erodieren. Sei es bei der Machtausübung von privilegierten akademischen Subjekten über feudale Strukturen an deutschen Hochschulen im 21. Jahrhundert oder bei Hochschulverträgen, in denen der Staat über sein Nachfragemonopol konkrete Kennzahlen festlegt.
Chern-Simons-Trinion theories: One-form symmetries and superconformal indices
Authors: Comi Riccardo , Harding William , Mekareeya Noppadol
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We study 3d theories containing $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 Chern-Simons vector multiplets coupled to the SU(N)3 flavour symmetry of 3d TN theories with Chern-Simons levels k1, k2 and k3. It was formerly pointed out that these theories flow to infrared SCFTs with enhanced $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetry when 1/k1 + 1/k2 + 1/k3 = 0. We examine superconformal indices of these theories which reveal that supersymmetry of the infrared SCFTs may get enhanced to 4 ≤ $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
≤ 6 if such a condition is satisfied. Moreover, even if the Chern-Simons levels do not obey the aforementioned condition, we find that there is still an infinite family of theories that flows to infrared SCFTs with $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetry. The ’t Hooft anomalies of the one-form symmetries of these theories are analysed. As a by-product, we observe that there is generally a decoupled topological sector in the infrared. When the infrared SCFTs have $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
≥ 4 supersymmetry, we also study the Higgs and Coulomb branch limits of the indices which provide geometric information of the moduli space of the theories in question in terms of the Hilbert series.
Bernstein–Jackson Inequalities on Gaussian Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Lopushansky Oleh
Published: September 2023

Estimates of best approximations by exponential type analytic functions in Gaussian random variables with respect to the Malliavin derivative in the form of Bernstein–Jackson inequalities with exact constants are established. Formulas for constants are expressed through basic parameters of approximation spaces. The relationship between approximation Gaussian Hilbert spaces and classic Besov spaces are shown.
High-power motorcycle accidents in Spain: a descriptive study
Authors: Díez-Navarro José Miguel , Leal-Costa Cesar , Planes-Muñoz David , Suárez-Cortés María , Castaño-Molina María de los Ángeles , Molina-Rodríguez Alonso , Díaz-Agea José Luis
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In modern societies, motorcycle accidents have become a great problem for health systems worldwide. In Spain, the size and the power of the engine of 2-wheel vehicles determine the type of driving license and the age at which these vehicles can be used (mopeds and motorcycles, which at the same time can have a small or large engine capacity). The objective of the present study was to analyze and characterize low- and high-power motorcycle accidents in Spain, between 2014 and 2020, both included and compared these categories with each other.

Methods

Retrospective, descriptive, and observational study of motorcycle and moped accidents in Spain between 2014 and 2020, both included.

Results

The mortality of motorcycle accident riders in Spain is associated with males aged between 30 and 40 years old, with a high-power motorcycle, and an A or A1 driver’s license, who is 6.7 times more likely to die in crossings and highways than a moped, while wearing a helmet, and if not, this increases to 4.89 times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in death at 24 h after a high-power motorcycle accident was observed, as compared with a large reduction in the total medical assistance provided in 2019–2020.

Conclusions

High-power motorcycles had higher scores in mortality and morbity rates than low-power ones, with a significant increase in mortality during the pandemic, even though number of accidents and medical assistance provided were drastically reduced.