bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative management of maxillary cyst and genetic analysis in a patient with glycogen storage disease type 1a: A rare case report
Authors: Obayashi Fumitaka , Tani Ryouji , Hamada Atsuko , Ito Nanako , Koizumi Koichi , Yanamoto Souichi
Published: August 2023

Background

Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD1a) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with symptoms such as hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, and bleeding tendency.

Case Presentation

A 15‐year‐old male patient underwent cystectomy under general anesthesia. He had GSD1a. Despite perioperative blood glucose control, lactic acidosis worsened. No abnormal bleeding or infections were observed. A homozygous mutation of c.648G>T was detected by genetic testing for glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6PC).

Conclusion

Perioperative complications specific to this disease should be managed.
Political brand experience and voting intention: Is there a relation?
Authors: Banerjee Saikat
Published: August 2023

The current study reveals that Indian voters' political brand experiences positively influence their engagement and trust in a political party. Voters' addiction to political parties mediates the relationship between their party engagement and voting intentions. Thus, political marketers should increase voters' party brand addiction for proper conversion of party engagement in the ballot box. Although voters' political brand trust directly influences their voting intentions, interestingly, their political brand addictions indirectly influence the relationship between brand trust and voting intentions. The findings advocate that political marketers should ensure positive political party experiences to ensure voters' engagement with the party. Positive party experiences increase voters' trust in the party further. Another critical input for political marketers is the role of political brand addiction, which the study findings corroborate. Political brand addiction develops a set of loyal voters for a party and guarantees those voters' support for the party.
Navigating collaborative governance in Florida: An analysis of local governments resilience amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Alibašić Haris , Casula Mattia
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the effectiveness of collaborative governance in the context of state and local government responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic in Florida. Our analysis uncovers how local authorities have successfully adapted to implement policies to increase resilience and address the crisis, despite facing challenges, constraints, and limitations. Our findings underscore the significance of considering unique local characteristics when addressing pandemics and shed light on the potential influences of state‐level actors on Home Rule. Notably, research examining the interplay between state decisions and Home Rule during a pandemic is scarce. We utilize Florida as a case study to examine local government responses to COVID‐19, employing a qualitative analysis of data from webinars hosted by the Florida League of Cities and media reports on local government actions. To substantiate our findings and encourage further research, we apply the collaborative governance framework in the context of local government administrative responsibilities.
C/EBPβ isoform‐specific regulation of podocyte pyroptosis in lupus nephritis‐induced renal injury
Authors: Zou Huimei , Chen Min , Wang Xiuhong , Yu Jie , Li Xiaoying , Xie Ying , Liu Jun , Liu Miao , Xu Lifen , Zhang Qiong , Tian Xiaoxue , Zhang Fan , Guo Bing
Published: August 2023

As an essential factor in the prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN) can accelerate the rate at which patients with SLE can transition to chronic kidney disease or even end‐stage renal disease. Podocytes now appear to be a possible direct target in LN in addition to being prone to collateral damage from glomerular capillary lesions induces by immune complexes and inflammatory processes. The NLRP3 inflammasome is regulated by CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ), which is involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. However, the role and mechanism of C/EBPβ in LN remain unclear. In this investigation, glomerular podocytes treated with LN serum and MRL/lpr mice were employed as in vivo and in vitro models of LN, respectively. In vivo, the expression of C/EBPβ isoforms was detected in kidney specimens of humans and mice with LN. Then we assessed the effect of C/EBPβ inhibition on renal structure and function by injecting RNAi adeno‐associated virus of C/EBPβ shRNA into MRL/lpr mice. In vitro, glomerular podocytes were treated with LN serum and C/EBPβ siRNA to explore the role of C/EBPβ in the activation of the AIM2 inflammasome and podocyte injury. C/EBPβ‐LAP and C/EBPβ‐LIP were significantly overexpressed in kidney tissue samples from LN patients and mice, and C/EBPβ inhibition significantly alleviated renal function damage and ameliorated renal structural deficiencies. Inflammatory pathways downstream from the AIM2 inflammasome could be suppressed by C/EBPβ knockdown. Furthermore, the upregulation of C/EBPβ‐LAP could activate the AIM2 inflammasome and podocyte pyroptosis by binding to the promoters of AIM2 and CASPASE1 to enhance their expression, and the knockdown of AIM2 or (and) caspase‐1 reversed the effects of C/EBPβ‐LAP overexpression. Interestingly, C/EBPβ‐LIP overexpression could transcriptionally inhibit IRAG and promote Ca2+ release‐mediated activation of the AIM2 inflammasome. This finding suggests that C/EBPβ is not only involved in the regulation of the expression of key proteins of the AIM2 inflammasome but also affects the polymerization of key proteins of the AIM2 inflammasome through the regulation of Ca2+ release. In conclusion, this study provides a new idea for studying the regulatory mechanism of C/EBPβ and provides a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of LN in the future. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Unveiling new frontiers: Bast fiber‐reinforced polymer composites and their mechanical properties
Authors: Syduzzaman Md. , Hassan Abir , Anik Habibur Rahman , Tania Imana Shahrin , Ferdous Tabassum , Fahmi Fahmida Faiza
Published: August 2023

Bast fibers such as flax, hemp, and jute‐reinforced polymer composites due to their exceptional properties are gaining significant demand as a sustainable and cost‐effective alternative to conventional synthetic fiber‐reinforced composites. This comprehensive study aims to shed light on the potential of bast fiber reinforced composites (BFRCs) as innovative materials for various industrial applications. The manuscript presents a comprehensive discussion on bast fibers, polymer matrices, and the fabrication techniques employed to produce BFPCs, highlighting the effects of different modification techniques on the resulting mechanical properties. Industrial and structural applications of BFPCs are explored, with a specific focus on their use in the automotive and aerospace industries, construction materials, and sporting goods. Finally, the manuscript concludes with a discussion of the challenges and future prospects of BFPCs. This manuscript can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and professionals interested in the emerging field of bast fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. It opens new frontiers in material design and highlights the enormous potential of BFPCs to revolutionize industrial applications through their exceptional mechanical properties.

Highlights

Materials and processing of fiber‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites.

Exploration of various fiber and matrix modification techniques.

Recent advances in the mechanical properties of bast fiber‐reinforced composites.

Ashby charts to illustrate the comparative analysis.
In vitro evaluation of polycaprolactone‐based structure for guiding segmental bone defect
Authors: Khodabakhshi Vahid , Soleimanimehr Hamid , Etemadi Haghighi Shahram , Imam Ali
Published: August 2023

Segmental bone tissue engineering is a highly effective approach for the repair of large bone defects. In this article, 3D printing was used to fabricate the polycaprolactone (PCL)/NaCl‐based cylindrical structures. The effects of the structure's thickness (L) and NaCl concentration on the mechanical properties, degradability, swelling behavior, porosity, and cytotoxicity of the samples were investigated. Response surface methodology was employed to study the mechanical behavior using the central composite design (CCD). Results showed that increasing the NaCl concentration up to 10% wt significantly improved the degradability, swelling, and hydrophilicity of the structures. It was also indicated that the maximum stiffness of the guide structures under vertical loading was almost five times larger than the horizontal loading direction, but the samples showed greater compressive strength and elongation under horizontal compressive loading. Results indicated that the mechanical properties of the structures were more dependent on the structure thickness so the thicker structures with an 800 μm thickness had better mechanical properties in both vertical and horizontal loading. Cytotoxicity assay also approved the nontoxic effect of the PCL structures on the MC3T3 osteoblast cell line. Based on the results, the PCL‐based structures were a suitable candidate to act as a guide for segmental bone tissue engineering.

Highlights

A 3D‐printed conduit was manufactured to guide bone reconstruction

Response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design (CCD) was employed

NaCl concentration and the diameter of strands were the main parameters

This 3D‐printed guiding approach is useful for segmental bone tissue engineering
The effect of tranexamic acid on perioperative blood loss in transurethral resection of the prostate: A double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vanderbruggen Wies , Brits Tim , Tilborghs Sam , Derickx Katleen , De Wachter Stefan
Published: August 2023

Background

Bleeding and bleeding‐related complications remain common after bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia. This may possibly lead to prolonged postoperative irrigation, catheterization, and hospital stay. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of high‐dose tranexamic acid (TXA) on perioperative blood loss in patients treated with bipolar TURP for prostate sizes between 30 and 80 g.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial. Eighty patients were screened for inclusion between March 2020 and January 2023. After exclusion, 65 patients were randomized in two comparable groups. The TXA group (31 patients) received a TXA intravenous loading dose of 10 mg/kg over 30 min before induction, followed by a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg/h over 12 h. The placebo group (34 patients) received an equal dose of saline infusion. We measured age, weight, preoperative prostate size, anticoagulant use, 5‐alpha reductase inhibitor use, preoperative urinary tract infection, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, difference in pre‐ and 24 h postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, operative time, resected adenoma weight, duration of postoperative irrigation, total amount of postoperative irrigation fluid, indwelling catheter time, duration of hospital stay, blood transfusion rate, and 4‐week complication rate.

Results

Baseline characteristics in both groups were comparable. Postoperative hemoglobin decrease in TXA versus placebo group was 1 versus 1.6 mg/dL, respectively (p = 0.04). In addition, the amount of postoperative irrigation fluid (10.7 vs. 18.5 L), irrigation time (24.3 vs. 37.9 h), catheterization time (40.8 vs. 53.7 h), and hospital stay (46.9 vs. 59.2 h) were statistically significant in favor of TXA use. No blood transfusions were carried out. Four‐week complication rate was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

Perioperative high‐dose TXA seems beneficial in reducing hemoglobin loss, postoperative irrigation, catheterization time, and hospital stay in bipolar TURP for prostate sizes between 30 and 80 g, without increased risk of TXA‐related thromboembolic events.
National strategies for coordinating process safety and COVID‐19 pandemic control in China
Authors: Niu Yi , Fan Yunxiao , Liu Xiaobing , Han Dandan , Ju Xing
Published: August 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, while China blocked the spread of the coronavirus, its process safety status still maintained a positive trend. Hence, an in‐depth exploration of China's experience and lessons in coordinating epidemic control and process safety is an urgent need to exchange knowledge with other countries to prevent similar catastrophes. This paper comprehensively traces China's national strategies in coordinating epidemic control and safety regulation since the end of 2019 through information collection, literature surveys, and investigative interviews. According to the characteristics of these strategies, China's anti‐pandemic process is divided into three stages: outbreak, concentrated resumption of work, and normalization of epidemic prevention. On this basis, the main risks of each stage and the response measures taken by the Chinese government are further subdivided. Furthermore, the changes brought about by COVID‐19 on Chinese safety regulators are also discussed.
Coaching program sets struggling students up for success
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2023

BOSTON — When student affairs staff at Texas State University wanted to boost student retention and graduation rates, they decided to focus on students on academic probation and in developmental education courses. Knowing that 20% of first year students find themselves on academic probation, and 75% of those students don’t get into good academic standing, and so they lose their financial aid and have to leave the institution, according to Victoria Black, Associate Dean for Student Services at Texas State University. To set those struggling students on a path to success, staff developed a success coaching program, resulting in improved GPAs for at least 50% of students who received success coaching at least three times. And about 75% of students who received coaching at least two times described the program as helpful, Black said during a presentation at the annual conference for NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
Consider implications of Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in admissions
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: August 2023

In a decision that reverberated through the halls of higher education, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down race‐conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina (See Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, Slip Op. No. 20‐1199 (2023)). The decision overturns decades of precedent and effectively invalidates affirmative action policies in college admissions.
Master 4‐step approach to violence prevention training, no matter your budget
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2023

When it comes to violence prevention training, most colleges and universities “are really great at those one‐off programs,” according to Tawney Alonzo, Director of Training at Title IX Solutions LLC, such as the “things you see at freshman orientation, or that Red Zone period, the first pivotal weeks we know campus violence is at its highest.” Although those programs are vital to the health and well‐being of your students, simply checking the box without working hard to change the culture on your campus doesn’t go far enough.
Observation is an important leadership skill
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: August 2023

A few months ago, my siblings and I agreed it was necessary to place my mother in a skilled nursing facility. It's something you swear you’ll never do, but at 91, with congestive heart failure and progressing vascular dementia, it was the best decision for everyone.
Cultural capital and underdevelopment in less developed countries: The case of northern Ghana
Authors: Klutsey Jonas Quashie , Adusei‐Asante Kwadwo , Nunfam Victor Fannam
Published: August 2023

Development paradigms under the sustainable development goals (SDGs) identify cultural capital as an indispensable asset for development in less developed countries. However, the phenomenon of culture and underdevelopment nexus has attracted little research attention in Ghana. The study used modernization theory and ethnographic research methodology to explore the role of cultural capital deficits in northern Ghana's underdevelopment. Our findings suggest a close correlation between cultural capital and underdevelopment relative to unethical attitudinal standards, value deficits, and an anti‐development mindset. We recommend the inclusion of cultural reorientation in the design of development intervention programs to uphold high integrity standards. We further suggest that the curriculum and concept of quality education in schools should be broadened to include inculcating high‐value standards. Our study has contributed to academic discourses on cultural capital's role in the search for sustainable development in less developed countries, particularly in implementing the SDGs.
Environmental education for sustainable development in Bangladesh and its challenges
Authors: Uddin Md. Kamal
Published: August 2023

Environmental Education is very vital to reaching the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals. However, a lack of environmental awareness and gaps in theoretical knowledge and its practices still exists in Bangladesh. Therefore, this research aims to understand the students' perceptions of whether and how their behavior is environment‐friendly to achieve sustainable development goals. It also addresses teachers' perceptions of what are the shortcomings of environmental education in Bangladesh. It uses qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques based on in‐depth interviews, surveys among different categories of participants, and classroom observation. The article finds that the level of Environmental Education and students' awareness of the environment is inadequate. Some teachers believe that Environmental Education is not better in Bangladesh due to the absence of practical learning of Environmental Education, lack of motivations and actions, institutional weakness, inadequate policies, poor implementation, and cultural and traditional beliefs. Thus, this article argues that Bangladeshi Environmental Education is insufficient to change the students' behavior towards the environment, making it difficult for the country to ensure Sustainable Development.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association between anxiety symptoms and coping in family carers of dependent people aged 18 and over
Authors: Muñoz‐Cruz Juan Carlos , López‐Martínez Catalina , Orgeta Vasiliki , Del‐Pino‐Casado Rafael
Published: August 2023

Anxiety symptoms are prevalent in family carers of dependent people. Despite accumulating evidence in the area, there are still inconsistent findings on the association between carer anxiety symptoms and coping strategies. The aim of our study was to systematically analyse the relationship between anxiety symptoms and coping strategies in carers of dependent adults aged 18 years and older, and examine possible sources of heterogeneity in the results. The study design was a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched several international databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and LILACS) from June 2022 up to February 2023. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses statement and performed several subgroup analyses to examine whether study design, cause of dependency and whether or not controlling for various biases influenced results. Forty‐one studies were included in the review. We found significant associations between greater use of dysfunctional coping and higher anxiety symptoms. Greater use of problem‐focused coping was associated with lower anxiety symptoms in carers of frail older people, but higher anxiety in carers of people surviving cancer. Emotion‐focused coping and some of its individual strategies, such as acceptance and positive reappraisal, in probabilistic samples, were associated with lower anxiety symptoms across all groups. Most of the studies included in this review were cross‐sectional. Evidence overall indicates that only specific dimensions and strategies of coping are significantly associated with anxiety symptoms in family carers. These findings should be considered when developing future interventions supporting carers.
SERS Sensing of Dopamine with Fe(III)‐Sensitized Nanogaps in Recleanable AuNP Monolayer Films
Authors: Niihori Marika , Földes Tamás , Readman Charlie A , Arul Rakesh , Grys David‐Benjamin , Nijs Bart de , Rosta Edina , Baumberg Jeremy J
Published: August 2023

Sensing of neurotransmitters (NTs) down to nmconcentrations is demonstrated by utilizing self‐assembled monolayers of plasmonic 60 nm Au nanoparticles in close‐packed arrays immobilized onto glass substrates. Multiplicative surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy enhancements are achieved by integrating Fe(III) sensitizers into the precisely‐defined <1 nm nanogaps, to target dopamine (DA) sensing. The transparent glass substrates allow for efficient access from both sides of the monolayer aggregate films by fluid and light, allowing repeated sensing in different analytes. Repeated reusability after analyte sensing is shown through oxygen plasma cleaning protocols, which restore pristine conditions for the nanogaps. Examining binding competition in multiplexed sensing of two catecholamine NTs, DA and epinephrine, reveals their bidentate binding and their interactions. These systems are promising for widespread microfluidic integration enabling a wide range of continuous biofluid monitoring for applications in precision health.
Engineering 2D MXene and LDH into 3D Hollow Framework for Boosting Photothermal Energy Storage and Microwave Absorption
Authors: Gao Yan , Lin Jinjie , Chen Xiao , Tang Zhaodi , Qin Geng , Wang Ge
Published: August 2023

2D MXene is highly preferred for photothermal energy conversion and microwave absorption. However, the aggregation issue, insufficient dielectric loss capacity, and lack of magnetic loss capacity for MXene severely hinder its practical applications. Herein, the authors propose multi‐dimensional nanostructure engineering to electrostatically assemble 2D MXene and layered double hydroxides (LDH) derived from ZIF‐67 polyhedron into a 3D hollow framework (LDH@MXene), and subsequently calcined to construct a Co nanoparticle‐modified 3D hollow C‐LDH@MXene framework to encapsulate a paraffin wax (PW) phase change material (PCM). The 3D hollow C‐LDH@MXene framework not only prevents 2D MXene from aggregation but also contributes a high thermal energy storage density (131.04 J g−1). Benefiting from a 3D conductive network facilitating the rapid transport of photons and phonons from the interface to the interior and the synergistic localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of MXene and Co magnetic nanoparticles, the C‐LDH@MXene‐PW composite PCM yielded a high photothermal storage efficiency of 96.52%. Besides, C‐LDH@MXene‐PW composite PCMs also exhibited efficient microwave absorption with a minimum reflection loss of −20.87 dB at 13.30 GHz with a matching thickness of only 2 mm. This distinctive design provides constructive references for the development of integrated composite materials for energy storage and microwave absorption.
Natural Antioxidant‐Based Nanodrug for Atherosclerosis Treatment
Authors: Lu Xiaoluan , He Zhongshan , Xiao Xiao , Wei Xuelian , Song Xiangrong , Zhang Shiyong
Published: August 2023

Natural antioxidants are always considered as candidates for the antioxidative therapy of atherosclerosis (AS) due to their good safety profile. However, restricted to their limited reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination and rapid metabolism, the natural antioxidants’ treatment suffers from the undesirable clinical outcomes. Herein, a new natural antioxidant‐based nanodrug (VC@cLAVs) that can overcome above issues is developed to treat AS by loading natural antioxidant vitamin C (VC) into the natural antioxidant lipoic acid (LA)‐constructed cross‐linked vesicles. This integration not only greatly increases the blood half‐life of natural antioxidants, but also amplifies the antioxidation capacity by the mutual recycling of two redox pairs LA/DHLA (reduced form of LA) and VC/DHA (oxidized form of VC). In vivo results disclose that VC@cLAVs decreases the apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice's plaque area from 52% to 13%, much lower than those of free VC (≈45%) and LA (≈38%). This natural antioxidant‐based nanodrug holds great potential in clinics.
Empirical exploration of critical challenges of requirements implementation in global software development
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Requirements collection is difficult and a critical phase of software development life cycle, in particular in a global software development (GSD) environment. In GSD, clients and vendors are physically separated such that there exist challenges such as lack of face‐to‐face communication, language differences, culture variation, and time zone differences. The objective of current research is to identify critical challenges of requirement engineering in GSD. There is no work done yet to empirically analyze all possible challenges via questionnaire survey from software industries. This research paper empirically investigates and analyze the identified challenges from systematic literature review (SLR) based on a questionnaire survey. For this purpose, 50 respondents from different countries are organized. From this research, 13 challenges during requirements implementation in the context of GSD have been identified previously via SLR. These challenges were then evaluated using an empirical approach of questionnaire survey. The results from respondents were analyzed based on type of respondents, level of experience of respondents, and from client–vendor perspective. Finally, the challenges were prioritized based on its frequency of occurrences from the SLR and the questionnaire survey. The relationships between the challenges and the survey results were evaluated using the Spearman's correlation coefficient. The results produced a 0.835 Spearman's correlation coefficient at significance levelρ = 0.000, which showed a strong positive correlation between the outcome of SLR and survey with no significant difference. The implication of this research work lies in both fundamental and practical perspective. The prioritized set of challenges was provided based on SLR, and questionnaire survey acts as a knowledge base for both researchers and industrial practitioners. This work will help researchers to identify challenges in GSD projects or other software engineering areas.
A framework to support interoperable Game‐based Assessments as a Service (GBAaaS): Design, development, and use cases
Authors: Gomez Manuel J. , Ruipérez‐Valiente José A. , García Clemente Félix J.
Published: August 2023

During the last few years, there has been increasing attention paid to serious games (SGs), which are games used for non‐entertainment purposes. SGs offer the potential for more valid and reliable assessments compared to traditional methods such as paper‐and‐pencil tests. However, the incorporation of assessment features into SGs is still in its early stages, requiring specific design efforts for each game and adding significant time to the design of Game‐based Assessments (GBAs). In this research, we present a completely novel framework that aims to perform interoperable GBAs by: (a) integrating a common GBA ontology model to process RDF data; (b) developing in‐game metrics to infer useful information and assess learners; (c) integrating a service API to provide an easy way to interact with the framework. We then validate our approach through performance evaluation and two use cases, demonstrating its effectiveness in real‐world scenarios with large‐scale datasets. Our results show that the developed framework achieves excellent performance, replicating metrics from previous literature. We anticipate that our work will help alleviate current limitations in the field and facilitate the deployment of GBAs as a Service.
The state of Black women in higher education: A critical perspective 20 years later
Authors: West Nicole M. , Porter Christa J.
Published: August 2023

The editors describe the purpose of and continuing need for this 20th anniversary edition, explicate their positionality as Black women who study Black women's experiences in higher education and student affairs, and introduce the contents of the 2023 monograph.
“Playing with” and “Letting go”: Employing theoretical frameworks and methodologies to examine Black women's experiences in higher education
Authors: Porter Christa J.
Published: August 2023

Author overviews interdisciplinary and culturally relevant theoretical/conceptual frameworks and methodologies researchers and theorists have employed to examine Black women's experiences in higher education as students, administrators, and faculty. In conversation with literature and her lived experiences, the author offers three lessons for Black women and those seeking to employ critical frameworks and methodologies: (1) do your research; (2) play with theory and let go; and (3) align positionality, epistemology, and praxis.
Shining the light: Black women thriving in graduate school
Authors: Jones Tamara Bertrand , Brewster Brittany , Matthews Dawn Y.
Published: August 2023

In this article, authors examine literature on the enrollment, degree attainment, and experiences of Black women graduate students. Authors use socialization to examine the failures of academia to account for Black women's intersectional identities and identify ways administrators and faculty can further support these women's success.
Ertüchtigung der Rheinbrücke Maxau
Authors: Weidner Philipp , Schneider Lukas , Ruff Daniel C. , Ummenhofer Thomas
Published: August 2023

Durch die Belastung aus dem stetig zunehmenden Verkehrsaufkommen traten an der orthotropen Fahrbahnplatte der Rheinbrücke Maxau Ermüdungsschäden auf, die eine Ertüchtigung der Fahrbahn erforderlich machten. Hierzu wurde eine Aufbetonplatte aus hochfestem Beton (HFB) auf dem Deckblech aufgebracht. Die Versuchsanstalt für Stahl, Holz und Steine des Karlsruher Instituts für Technologie (KIT) begleitete die Ertüchtigungsmaßnahme messtechnisch. Dieser Beitrag stellt die erhaltenen Messergebnisse vor, geht auf die erzielten Effekte der Sanierungsmaßnahme ein und zieht Rückschlüsse auf deren Wirksamkeit. Zusätzliche numerische Untersuchungen belegen die durch die Maßnahme erzeugte Reduktion ermüdungswirksamer Beanspruchungen in der orthotropen Fahrbahnplatte, die auf die verbesserte Lastverteilung zurückzuführen ist, die sich mit den messtechnischen Ergebnissen deckt.
An Analytical Study on Effective Lightning Protection Measures for Pole‐Mounted Distribution Transformers on Terminal Poles
Authors: Kanatani Kenichi , Matsuura Susumu , Michishita Koji
Published: August 2023

In Hokuriku area, where lightning strikes with a large amount of electric charge occur in winter, failure rate of lightning protection devices such as surge arresters and devices with built‐in zinc oxide (ZnO) elements tends to be high. In order to prevent failure of surge arresters, 5 kA surge arresters which have a larger energy capability are installed on terminal poles of distribution lines. As for lightning protection of pole‐mounted distribution transformers, insulators with ZnO are utilized to support medium‐voltage drop wires connected to the transformers on non‐terminal poles. In this paper, we have studied the effect of insulators with 5 kA ZnO which have a larger energy capability as a lightning protection measure for transformers on terminal poles using lightning‐surge analysis. The lightning outage rate, which is the total of insulation breakdown rate and failure rate of a lightning protection device, is found to be lower in the case of insulators with 5 kA ZnO than in the case of 5 kA surge arresters. In addition, by replacing 5 kA surge arresters with insulators with 5 kA ZnO, a cost reduction effect is found to be also expected. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Harmonic Analysis and Cancellation of Inverter Systems with Linear Phase‐Shifting Transformer
Authors: Zhou Changduo , Zhao Jinghong , Wang Hanming , Yan Sinian , Yan Dongao
Published: August 2023

In order to improve the electrical performance of the inverter system and make its output waveform close to a sinusoidal waveform, an inverter based on a linear phase‐shifting transformer is proposed, which can eliminate the low harmonics with opposite phase by the effect of phase shift and superposition. Firstly, the components and working process of the multiple superposition inverter system are introduced, and the working principle and winding structure of the linear phase‐shifting transformer are analyzed; Secondly, the Fourier decomposition of the inverter output voltage is carried out to obtain the harmonic currents at the same frequency as it, and it is demonstrated that the inverter is capable of eliminating most of the harmonics below the 23rd order by calculating the magneto‐dynamic potential synthesized in the air gap; Again, in order to overcome the harmonic electric potential caused by the edge‐end effect and the tooth slot structure of the linear phase‐shifting transformer, the secondary side winding of the linear phase‐shifting transformer adopts a short pitch structure, and it is proved that this structure has a significant suppression effect on the 5th and 7th harmonics without reducing the fundamental wave amplitude; Then, the model of multiple superposition inverter system is built based on Maxwell simulation software, and the effectiveness of the inverter device and winding structure on harmonic suppression is proved through spectral analysis of voltage waveforms with different load types and power factors; Finally, its reasonableness and accuracy are verified by experiments. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Quantitative Analysis on Efficiency Performance of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Lixin Wang , Xiaoyuan Wang , Shuangshuang Liu , Peng Gao
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the influence of the loss distribution and magnetic saturation on the efficiency performance, which includes the location of maximum efficiency point, the size of high‐efficiency region and the value of maximum efficiency, for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). The loss expressions considering magnetic saturation are first proposed and then the efficiency‐losses function model of the IPMSM is constructed. The efficiency performance of the motor is analyzed quantitatively. The general principle is summarized including adjusting the location of maximum efficiency point, expanding the size of high‐efficiency zone and improving the maximum value of efficiency from the perspective of loss distribution and magnetic saturation. Two IPMSMs with different magnetic circuit characteristics are designed to verify the correctness of the analytical method by finite‐element analysis (FEA). Finally, prototypes are manufactured for the experiment and measurement results are given for validations. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Radioprotective efficacy of Astilbin in mitigating radiation‐induced lung injury through inhibition of p53 acetylation
Authors: Liang Lixing , Huang Yaqin , Chen Liuyin , Shi Zhiling , Wang Housheng , Zhang Tingting , Li Zhixun , Mi Jinglin , Fan Ting , Lu Yushuang , Chen Fuli , Huang Weimei , Hu Kai
Published: August 2023

Radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) is a common side effect in thoracic tumor patients undergoing radiotherapy. At present, there is no ideal radio‐protective agent which is widely used in RILI treatment. Astilbin (AST), a bioactive flavonoid, exhibits various biological effects, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti‐fibrotic activities, which partly result from reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in various pathogenic conditions. However, the protective efficacy of AST to ameliorate RILI has not been reported. In this study, we employed network pharmacology, RNA sequencing, and experimental evaluation to reveal the effects and pharmacological mechanism of AST to treat RILI in vivo and in vitro. We observed that AST reduced radiation‐induced apoptosis, DNA damage, inflammatory reactions, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in human normal lung epithelial cells BEAS‐2B. Further study showed that AST treatment significantly ameliorated RILI by reducing the radiation‐induced pathology changes and inflammatory reaction of lung tissue in C57BL/6J mice. Mechanistically, the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and radiation‐triggered acetylation of the p53 protein were alleviated by AST treatment. Furthermore, AST alleviated the acetylation of p53 after intervention of Trichostatin A (TSA). Our data indicate that AST can alleviate RILI by inhibiting inflammatory reactions and the EMT process through decreasing the expression of p53 acetylation. In conclusion, our study suggests that AST has great potential to be a new protective and therapeutic compound for RILI.
Improving comparability across cognitive training trials for brain aging: A focus on interoperability
Authors: Turnbull Adam , Seitz Aaron , Lin Feng V.
Published: August 2023

Cognitive training may promote healthy brain aging and prevent dementia, but results from individual studies are inconsistent. There are disagreements on how to evaluate cognitive training interventions between clinical and basic scientists. Individual labs typically create their own assessment and training materials, leading to difficulties reproducing methods. Here, we advocate for improved interoperability: the exchange and cooperative development of a consensus for cognitive training design, analysis, and result interpretation. We outline five guiding principles for improving interoperability: (i) design interoperability, developing standard design and analysis models; (ii) material interoperability, promoting sharing of materials; (iii) interoperability incentives; (iv) privacy and security norms, ensuring adherence to accepted ethical standards; and (v) interpretability prioritization, encouraging a shared focus on neurobiological mechanisms to improve clinical relevance. Improving interoperability will allow us to develop scientifically optimized, clinically useful cognitive training programs to slow/prevent brain aging.

HIGHLIGHTS

Interoperability facilitates progress via resource sharing and comparability.

Better interoperability is needed in cognitive training for brain aging research.

We adapt an interoperability framework to cognitive training research.

We suggest five guiding principles for improved interoperability.

We propose an open‐source pipeline to facilitate interoperability.
Bridging the rodent to human translational gap: Marmosets as model systems for the study of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sukoff Rizzo Stacey J. , Homanics Gregg , Schaeffer David J. , Schaeffer Lauren , Park Jung Eun , Oluoch Julia , Zhang Tingting , Haber Annat , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Paten Benedict , Greenwood Anna , Murai Takeshi , Choi Sang Ho , Huhe Hasi , Kofler Julia , Strick Peter L. , Carter Gregory W. , Silva Afonso C.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Our limited understanding of the mechanisms that trigger the emergence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has contributed to the lack of interventions that stop, prevent, or fully treat this disease. We believe that the development of a non‐human primate model of AD will be an essential step toward overcoming limitations of other model systems and is crucial for investigating primate‐specific mechanisms underlying the cellular and molecular root causes of the pathogenesis and progression of AD.

Methods

A new consortium has been established with funding support from the National Institute on Aging aimed at the generation, characterization, and validation of Marmosets As Research Models of AD (MARMO‐AD). This consortium will study gene‐edited marmoset models carrying genetic risk for AD and wild‐type genetically diverse aging marmosets from birth throughout their lifespan, using non‐invasive longitudinal assessments. These include characterizing the genetic, molecular, functional, behavioral, cognitive, and pathological features of aging and AD.

Results

The consortium successfully generated viable founders carrying PSEN1 mutations in C410Y and A426P using CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, with germline transmission demonstrated in the C410Y line. Longitudinal characterization of these models, their germline offspring, and normal aging outbred marmosets is ongoing. All data and resources from this consortium will be shared with the greater AD research community.

Discussion

By establishing marmoset models of AD, we will be able to investigate primate‐specific cellular and molecular root causes that underlie the pathogenesis and progression of AD, overcome limitations of other model organisms, and support future translational studies to accelerate the pace of bringing therapies to patients.
Austin Paul Kirwan
Authors: Brown Lydia , Kirwan Dr Elliot
Published: August 2023

Having achieved his dream of becoming a vet, Austin spent his life in service of the profession.
Derek Brian Edwards
Authors: Lyon Derek
Published: August 2023

A great veterinary surgeon and a family man.
Topology of SU(N) lattice gauge theories coupled with ℤN 2-form gauge fields
Authors: Abe Motokazu , Morikawa Okuto , Onoda Soma , Suzuki Hiroshi , Tanizaki Yuya
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We extend the definition of Lüscher’s lattice topological charge to the case of 4d SU(N) gauge fields coupled with ℤN 2-form gauge fields. This result is achieved while maintaining the locality, the SU(N) gauge invariance, and ℤN 1-form gauge invariance, and we find that the manifest 1-form gauge invariance plays the central role in our construction. This result gives the lattice regularized derivation of the mixed ’t Hooft anomaly in pure SU(N) Yang-Mills theory between its ℤN 1-form symmetry and the θ periodicity.
Comparison of speech perception in bimodal cochlear implant patients with respect to the cochlear coverage
Authors: Rader Tobias , Schrank Leonhard , Spiegel Jennifer L. , Nachtigäller Pascal , Spiro Judith E. , Hempel John-Martin , Canis Martin , Mueller Joachim
Published: August 2023

Background

The hearing success of patients with bimodal fitting, utilizing both a cochlear implant (CI) and a hearing aid (HA), varies considerably: While some patients benefit from bimodal CI and HA, others do not.

Objectives

This retrospective study aimed to investigate speech perception in bimodally fitted patients and compare it with the cochlear coverage (CC).

Methods

The CC was calculated with the OTOPLAN software, measuring the cochlear duct length on temporal bone CT scans of 39 patients retrospectively. The patients were categorized into two groups: CC ≤ 65% (CC500) and CC > 65% (CC600). Monaural speech intelligibility for monosyllables at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 65 dB in a free-field setting was assessed before and after CI at various time points. The two groups, one with preoperative HA and one with postoperative CI, were compared. Additionally, speech intelligibility was correlated with CC in the entire cohort before CI and at the last available follow-up (last observation time, LOT).

Results

Overall, there was no significant difference in speech intelligibility between CC500 and CC600 patients, with both groups demonstrating a consistent improvement after implantation. While CC600 patients tended to exhibit earlier improvement in speech intelligibility, CC500 patients showed a slower initial improvement within the first 3 months but demonstrated a steeper learning curve thereafter. At LOT, the two patient groups converged, with no significant differences in expected speech intelligibility. There was no significant relationship between unimodal/unilateral free-field speech intelligibility and CC. Interestingly, patients with a CC of 70–75% achieved the highest speech intelligibility.

Conclusion

Despite of the lack of a significant correlation between CC and speech perception, patients appeared to reach their maximum in unimodal/unilateral speech perception primarily at a coverage level of 70–75%. Nevertheless, further investigation is warranted, as CC500 was associated with shorter cochlear duct length, and different types of electrodes were used in both groups.
Die Ideale der IT-Industrie
Authors: Popow Christian
Published: August 2023

In diesem Artikel werden die Geschichte und Hintergründe der IT-Industrie, die hohen Ziele und was aus ihnen geworden ist, beschrieben. Ausgehend vom militärischen Kommunikationsprojekt ARPANET haben sich seit den 1970er-Jahren die Computertechnologie und insbesondere die Informationstechnologie ungemein rasant entwickelt. In 6 Thesen wird der Hintergrund dieser wissenschaftlichen und wirtschaftlichen Erfolgsgeschichte dargestellt und hinterfragt.
Potentials and challenges in enhancing the gear transmission development with machine learning methods—a review
Authors: Sendlbeck Stefan , Maurer Matthias , Otto Michael , Stahl Karsten
Published: August 2023

The electrification of vehicle powertrains and the expected engineering labor shortage are ongoing key challenges in the gear transmission development. Because traditional methods reach limits, the solution is further automating the design process while enabling flexible and optimal design solutions even with rapidly changing constraints and requirements. We therefore review the current design process, review state-of-the-art methods for automated gear transmission design, and evaluate their potential and the challenges in combination with using machine learning methods. In focus are grammars and graph grammars in particular, which offer an approach to represent and generate the relational structure of transmission topologies or shaft arrangements. Other potential approaches are knowledge-based engineering, which allows to choose various predefined expert design solution and combine them to new designs, and constraint programming for gear transmission generation. Combining these methods with latest advances in reinforcement learning, machine learning for inverse problem-solving, and graph neural networks offers promising capabilities for automatic topology generation and dimensioning of gear transmissions.
The contribution of aphids (Aphidoidea) to atmospheric concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores
Authors: Magyar Donát , Strażyński Przemysław , Grewling Łukasz , Pashley Catherine H. , Satchwell Jack , Bobvos János , Ladányi Márta
Published: August 2023

Honeydew extracted by aphids serves as nutrient for the development of sooty moulds. Hypothetically, population dynamics of aphids should therefore have an effect on the airborne levels of the spores of fungi colonizing honeydew. In this study, the effects of seven aphid taxa on Alternaria and Cladosporium spore seasons (both pathogenic and allergenic fungi) were analysed on a total of 20-year-long dataset in Kecskemét (Hungary), Leicester (UK) and Poznań (Poland). Meteorological factors strongly effected both aphid and fungal populations. In most cases, a direct effect of weather on fungal levels were found. Direct effect of two aphid species, Acyrthosiphon pisum and Euceraphis punctipennis, on the atmospheric concentration of Alternaria spores was identified in Leicester and Poznań in June and July respectively. Other aphid species had secondary, but significant effects during other time periods. This suggests aphid population data can be informative in predicting airborne concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium spores.

Graphical abstract