bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory activity to Fusarium spp. and control potential for wheat Fusarium crown rot of a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor cyclobutrifluram
Authors: Li Yiwen , Dai Tan , Tang Yidong , Wang Yan , Wang Xixi , Huang Zhongqiao , Li Feng , Lu Liang , Miao Jianqiang , Liu Xili
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Wheat Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a serious problem primarily caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, a pathogenic agent known to produce mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON). Cyclobutrifluram, a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor devised by Syngenta, has immense potential to control both nematodes and Fusarium diseases. However, its efficacy in combating Fusarium species, its ability to prevent and reverse the detrimental effects of FCR, and its impact on the production of DON by F. pseudograminearum are yet to be fully ascertained.

RESULTS

Cyclobutrifluram exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against Fusarium species, with half‐maximal effective concentration values ranging from 0.0021–0.0647 μg mL−1. It demonstrated significant inhibitory activity toward three developmental stages of F. pseudograminearum, F. graminearum and F. asiaticum. Furthermore, cyclobutrifluram showed both protective and curative activities against FCR and was rapidly absorbed by roots and transported to wheat stems and leaves. Cyclobutrifluram could also decrease DON production by F. pseudograminearum.

CONCLUSION

This investigation has revealed the potential of cyclobutrifluram as a formidable candidate fungicide, particularly in its ability to effectively combat FCR and other Fusarium‐related ailments. This novel compound has exceptional pathogen‐fighting capabilities, coupled with remarkable systemic translocation properties and a notable ability to reduce the production of DON. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A longitudinal analysis of arrival infrastructures: The geographic pathways of EU labour migrants in the Netherlands
Authors: Loomans Dolly , Lennartz Christian , Manting Dorien
Published: December 2023

Although traditional migration research focuses predominantly on large cities as ports of entry for migrants, increasingly more migrants start in smaller cities and rural areas. These mobility patterns give access to specific arrival infrastructures with differentiated and often unequal opportunities. Current research has addressed the multiplicity and political nature of arrival infrastructures, but what happens after arrival remains a black box. By building on micro register data, this study employs a longitudinal approach to trace the trajectories of EU labour migrants in the Netherlands across time and space. Our findings indicate that among those who choose to remain in the Netherlands, internal migration is largely characterized by geographical immobility. When people did move to a different type of residential location, it was often to more urbanized places. As mostly migrants with a higher income made these moves, this strengthened the dualization of more precarious migrants in rural areas and more well‐off migrants in larger cities.
Nanocrystalline Composite Layer Realized by Simple Sintering Without Surface Treatment, Reducing Hydrophilicity and Increasing Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Cha Hyun‐Ae , Ha Su‐Jin , Jang Hye‐Jeong , Ahn Byeong‐Min , Moon Young Kook , Kim Jung‐Hwan , Choi Jong‐Jin , Hahn Byung‐Dong , Han Sang‐Ho , Lim Jun , Ahn Do‐Cheon , Jung In Chul , Cho Kyung‐Hoon , Kim Do Kyung , Kim Jae Chul , Ahn Cheol‐Woo
Published: December 2023

The surface treatment for a polymer‐ceramic composite is additionally performed in advanced material industries. To prepare the composite without a surface treatment, the simplest way to manufacture an advanced ceramic‐particle is devised. The method is the formation of a nanocrystalline composite layer through the simple liquid‐phase sintering. Using magnesia (MgO) which shows hydrophilicity, a nanocrystalline surface layer is realized by liquid‐phase sintering. The amorphous matrix of nanocrystalline composite layer makes MgO hydrophobic and ensures miscibility with polymers, and the nanocrystalline MgO ensures high thermal conductivity. In addition, the liquid phase removes the open pores and makes the surface morphology smooth MgO with smooth surface (MgO‐SM). Thermal interface materials (TIM) prepared with MgO‐SM and epoxy show a high thermal conductivity of ≈7.5 W m−1K−1, which is significantly higher than 4.5 W m−1K−1 of pure MgO TIM. Consequently, the formation process of a nanocrystalline surface layer utilizing simple liquid‐phase sintering is proposed as a fabrication method for a next‐generation ceramic‐filler. In addition, it is fundamentally identified that the thermal conductivity of MgO depends on the Mg deficiency, and therefore a poly‐crystal MgO‐SM (produced at a low temperature) has a higher thermal conductivity than a single‐crystal MgO (produced at a high temperature).
Boosted Ultraviolet Irradiation and Environmental Stability of Hole Transport Layer‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wei Qingbo , Cheng Yetai , Gao Yixuan , Wang Nannan , Hou Xiufang , Zan Lingxing , Duan Yuwei , Fu Feng , Yang Dong , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: December 2023

Although the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is 26.1%, their stability is still a roadblock for large‐scale commercialization. In the initial density‐functional theory research, it is shown that the most damaging type of defect that destroys device performance is undercoordinated Pb2+ on the surface of the perovskite thin film. An ultraviolet‐absorbent material, 2‐hydroxybenzophenone (HBP), is utilized to specifically passivate this type of defect. In theoretical studies, it is shown that it effectively binds to the undercoordinated Pb2+ via its –C═O group. It also passivates I−‐related defects by forming a hydrogen bond using its –OH group, resulting in decreased trap density and hence prolonged carrier lifetime. The HBP can absorb ultraviolet irradiation, leading to much‐reduced UV degradation; its hydrophobic benzene rings protect the perovskite from moisture permeation. As a result, the constructed device reaches a high PCE of 16.39% with superior stability. The bare device maintains 80.4% of its initial PCE after exposure to ambient air for 792 h. In comparison, the control device without HBP retains only 63.2% of its initial efficiency. Under UV irradiation (80 mW cm−2, 365 nm) for 13 h, the former retains 77.9% of its initial PCE while the control device lost 52% of its initial value.
Diffusion of Lanthanum/Cerium/Manganese in Rare‐Earth Heavy Rail Steel at the Refractory Interface
Authors: Wang Yi , Song Guangjie , Shen Ping , He Jianzhong , Zhang Daxian , Fu Jianxun
Published: December 2023

One of the key factors determining the degree of erosion in the outlet parts of refractory interfaces is diffusion. By studying the representative diffusion behavior of lanthanum, cerium, and manganese in molten rare‐earth high‐carbon heavy rail steel using different refractory interfaces, the diffusion kinetics mechanism of each alloying element is illustrated. The results show that the concentration of diffused lanthanum, cerium, and manganese in rare‐earth high‐carbon heavy rail steel imparts minor changes on the two aluminum–magnesium refractories used in our experiments, whereas the other four refractories show unstable behavior. Furthermore, it is revealed that the smaller the porosity of a refractory material, the greater the decrease in the diffusion channel of each element in molten steel, which in turn increases the diffusion activation barrier and results in slower diffusion. Overall, the suitability degree of the refractory materials tested in experiments for processing molten rare‐earth high‐carbon heavy rail steel with regard to cost, adhesion strength, and erosion degree is as follows: Al2O3–MgO > Al2O3–MgO–SiO2 coating > Al2O3–SiO2–SiO2 coating > Al2O3–SiO2 > Al2O3 > ZrO2.
Interpreting Precision Breeding: Key Legal Concepts Under International Law and Current Domestic Regulatory Approaches in the Global South
Authors: Rosado André
Published: December 2023

In various countries, especially in the Global South, there is legal uncertainty about which products or organisms derived from precision breeding, also called new breeding technologies, are subject to biosafety regulation. It is not clear whether which precision breeding products are classified as Living Modified Organisms (LMOs), or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and therefore be subject to regulatory oversight under biosafety laws.

This section, under Chap. 3 of Policies and Regulations, provides an overview of key definitions under international and national legislation to clarify the regulatory status of precision breeding products. This is done by assessing provisions under international biosafety law and national legislation in selected countries in the Global South. The outcome of this section is to provide a baseline for further discussion about the regulatory status of precision breeding globally.

First, the background is presented, covering the development of international and national legal frameworks governing biosafety of LMOs and GMOs. Second, the legal definition of LMO and related terms under international law is discussed. Third, the GMO definition of national law in selected jurisdictions is presented. Fourth, a snapshot of the emergence of regulations governing precision breeding in the Global South is analyzed. Finally, key future perspectives to the regulatory status of precision breeding products are suggested.
The View of the European Seed Sector on Genome Editing Tools in Plant Breeding
Authors: Jorasch Petra , Vangheluwe Nick
Published: December 2023

Reconciling sustainability with agricultural productivity relies strongly on crop improvement. The continuous development of new plant breeding methods and high investment in crop research has triggered an unprecedented acceleration of progress in crop productivity. Companies active in the seed sector are innovative to meet the challenging and ever-evolving needs of growers, farmers, consumers, and other actors of the agri-food value chain. Communication and stakeholder engagement are extremely important to identify shared values and goals in the transition to more sustainable food systems. The seed sector is characterised by a multitude of collaborations and partnerships that contribute to the development of improved, high-quality, and diverse plant varieties that address specific market needs. In this article, we describe on behalf of Euroseeds the view of the European seed sector on plant breeding innovation.
Prospects for Plant Genome Editing
Authors: Ricroch Agnès , Eriksson Dennis , Miladinović Dragana , Sweet Jeremy , Van Laere Katrijn , Woźniak-Gientka Ewa
Published: December 2023

Genome editing – the focus of this book – is a set of methods that provide opportunities to precisely and efficiently improve crop traits by tailoring genes and regulatory domains. In combination with genetic modifications (GM), RNA interference (RNAi), epigenetics and the range of -omics technologies, they offer multiple methods for enhancing crop production, crop protection, crop quality and climate change adaptation. Combining these technologies with traditional breeding and careful management of crop cultivation methods in integrated systems can make major contributions to improving the sustainability of agricultural production, particularly in response to climate change. These technologies could also contribute to achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and national/EU policy objectives for agriculture, food safety, food security and the environment.
Gebäudezertifizierungen
Authors: Gebetsroither Michaela , Honic Meliha , Kovacic Iva , Löffler Christoph , Marx Klemens , Pamminger Rainer , Robbi Steffen , Sustr Christian , Schützenhofer Stefan , Weber Gundula
Published: December 2023

Das Bauwesen hat erhebliche Auswirkungen auf die Nachhaltigkeit, da hierbei große Energie- und Massenströme entstehen und Bauprodukte sowie Gebäude über einen langen Zeitraum auf die Umwelt und Gesellschaft einwirken. Nachhaltige Gebäudestandards, die hinsichtlich des Energieverbrauchs, relevanter Umweltauswirkungen, der Qualität der Innengestaltung sowie der optimalen Nutzung quantifizieren, fanden ihren Ursprung bereits in den 1990iger Jahren und nehmen seither einen größeren Stellenwert am österreichischen Markt ein (TU Wien TU Wien) Technische Universität Wien (2020). Lehrmaterialien zu Kreislaufwirtschaft und). Zunehmend auch im Bereich kreislauffähigen Bauens.
Fermion mass hierarchy in an extended left-right symmetric model
Authors: Bonilla Cesar , Cárcamo Hernández A. E. , Kovalenko Sergey , Lee H. , Pasechnik R. , Schmidt Ivan
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We present a Left-Right symmetric model that provides an explanation for the mass hierarchy of the charged fermions within the framework of the Standard Model. This explanation is achieved through the utilization of both tree-level and radiative seesaw mechanisms. In this model, the tiny masses of the light active neutrinos are generated via a three-loop radiative inverse seesaw mechanism, with Dirac and Majorana submatrices arising at one-loop level. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of the inverse seesaw mechanism being implemented with both submatrices generated at one- loop level. The model contains a global U(1)X symmetry which, after its spontaneous breaking, allows for the stabilization of the Dark Matter (DM) candidates. We show that the electroweak precision observables, the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments as well as the Charged Lepton Flavor Violating decays, μ → eγ, are consistent with the current experimental limits. In addition, we analyze the implications of the model for the 95 GeV diphoton excess recently reported by the CMS collaboration and demonstrate that such anomaly could be easily accommodated. Finally, we discuss qualitative aspects of DM in the considered model.
Accuracy of intraoperative aberrometry versus modern preoperative methods in post-myopic laser vision correction eyes undergoing cataract surgery with capsular tension ring placement
Authors: Chen Allison J. , Long Christopher P. , Lu Tianlun , Garff Kevin J. , Heichel Christopher W.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To assess the accuracy of intraoperative wavefront aberrometry (IWA) versus modern intraocular lens formulas in post-myopic laser vision correction (LVC) patients undergoing cataract surgery with capsular tension ring placement.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review conducted at an academic outpatient center. All post-myopic LVC eyes undergoing cataract surgery with IWA from a single surgeon from 05/2017 to 12/2019 were included. All patients received a capsular tension ring (CTR). Mean numerical error (MNE), median numerical error (MedNE), and percentages of prediction error within 0.50D, 0.75D, and 1.00D were calculated for the above formulas.

Results

Twenty-seven post-myopic LVC eyes from 18 patients were included. In post-myopic LVC, MNE with Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA), Barrett True K (BTK), Haigis, Haigis-L, Shammas, SRK/T, Hill-RBF v3.0, and W-K AL-adjusted Holladay 1 were + 0.224, − 0.094, + 0.193, − 0.231, − 0.372, + 1.013, + 0.860, and + 0.630 (F = 8.49, p < 0.001). MedNE were + 0.125, − 0.145, + 0.175, + 0.333, + 0.333, + 1.100, + 0.880, and + 0.765 (F = 7.89, p < 0.001), respectively. BTK provided improved accuracy in both MNE (p < 0.001) and MedNE (p = .033) when compared to ORA in pairwise analysis. If the ORA vs. BTK-suggested IOL power were routinely selected, 30% and 15% of eyes would have projected hyperopic outcomes, respectively (p = 0.09).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that in post-myopic LVC eyes undergoing cataract surgery with CTRs, BTK performed more accurately than ORA with regard to accuracy and yielded a lower percentage of eyes with hyperopic outcomes. Haigis, Haigis-L, and Shammas yielded similar results to ORA with regard to accuracy and percentage of eyes with hyperopic outcomes. On average, Shammas and Haigis-L suggested IOLs that would yield outcomes more myopic than expected when compared to BTK.
EasyClick: an improved system for confocal microscopy of live roots with a user-optimized sample holder
Authors: Kaduchová Kateřina , Čmiel Vratislav , Koláčková Veronika , Pecinka Ales
Published: December 2023

Main conclusion

We describe a user-optimized sample holder EasyClick for medium-sized plants that reduces root side movements and thus greatly extends the duration of live cell confocal microscopy.

Preparation and mounting of the samples are key factors for successful live cell microscopy. To acquire biologically relevant data, it is necessary to minimize stress and avoid physical damage to plant tissues during the installation of the sample into the microscope. This is challenging, particularly when the whole plant is mounted as the living sample needs to be properly anchored in the microscopic system to obtain high-quality and high-resolution data. Here, we present a user-optimized sample holder EasyClick for live cell inverted confocal microscopic analysis of plant roots with diameters from 0.3 to 0.7 mm. The EasyClick holder was tested on an inverted confocal microscope using germinating plants of several cereals. Nevertheless, it can be directly used on other types of inverted microscopes from various producers and on different plant species. The EasyClick holder effectively restricts root lateral and vertical movements. This greatly improves the conditions for time-lapse microscopy of the samples of interest.
Pediatric and adult patients with ME/CFS following COVID-19: A structured approach to diagnosis using the Munich Berlin Symptom Questionnaire (MBSQ)
Authors: Peo Laura-Carlotta , Wiehler Katharina , Paulick Johannes , Gerrer Katrin , Leone Ariane , Viereck Anja , Haegele Matthias , Stojanov Silvia , Warlitz Cordula , Augustin Silvia , Alberer Martin , Hattesohl Daniel B. R. , Froehlich Laura , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Jason Leonard A. , Mihatsch Lorenz L. , Pricoco Rafael , Behrends Uta
Published: December 2023

A subset of patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) fulfill the clinical criteria of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). To establish the diagnosis of ME/CFS for clinical and research purposes, comprehensive scores have to be evaluated. We developed the Munich Berlin Symptom Questionnaires (MBSQs) and supplementary scoring sheets (SSSs) to allow for a rapid evaluation of common ME/CFS case definitions. The MBSQs were applied to young patients with chronic fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM) who presented to the MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC). Trials were retrospectively registered (NCT05778006, NCT05638724). Using the MBSQs and SSSs, we report on ten patients aged 11 to 25 years diagnosed with ME/CFS after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild to moderate COVID-19. Results from their MBSQs and from well-established patient-reported outcome measures indicated severe impairments of daily activities and health-related quality of life.

   Conclusions: ME/CFS can follow SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients younger than 18 years, rendering structured diagnostic approaches most relevant for pediatric PCC clinics. The MBSQs and SSSs represent novel diagnostic tools that can facilitate the diagnosis of ME/CFS in children, adolescents, and adults with PCC and other post-infection or post-vaccination syndromes.

What is Known:• ME/CFS is a debilitating disease with increasing prevalence due to COVID-19. For diagnosis, a differential diagnostic workup is required, including the evaluation of clinical ME/CFS criteria.• ME/CFS after COVID-19 has been reported in adults but not in pediatric patients younger than 19 years.

What is New:• We present the novel Munich Berlin Symptom Questionnaires (MBSQs) as diagnostic tools to assess common ME/CFS case definitions in pediatric and adult patients with post-COVID-19 condition and beyond.• Using the MBSQs, we diagnosed ten patients aged 11 to 25 years with ME/CFS after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild to moderate COVID-19.
Unified Grothendieck’s and Kwapień’s Theorems for Multilinear Operators
Authors: Núñez-Alarcón Daniel , Santos Joedson , Serrano-Rodríguez Diana
Published: December 2023

Kwapień’s theorem asserts that every continuous linear operator from $$\ell _{1}$$

ℓ
1

to $$\ell _{p}$$

ℓ
p

is absolutely $$\left( r,1\right) $$

r
,
1

-summing for $$1/r=1-\left| 1/p-1/2\right| .$$

1
/
r
=
1
-

1
/
p
-
1
/
2

.

When $$p=2$$

p
=
2

it recovers the famous Grothendieck’s theorem. In this paper we investigate multilinear variants of these theorems and related issues. Among other results we present a unified version of Kwapień’s and Grothendieck’s results that encompasses the cases of multiple summing and absolutely summing multilinear operators.
Diagnosing and grading gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia using semi-supervised deep learning on pathological images: development and validation study
Authors: Fang Shuangshuang , Liu Zhenyu , Qiu Qi , Tang Zhenchao , Yang Yang , Kuang Zhongsheng , Du Xiaohua , Xiao Shanshan , Liu Yanyan , Luo Yuanbin , Gu Liping , Tian Li , Liang Xiaoxia , Fan Guiling , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ping , Zhou Weixun , Liu Xiuli , Tian Jie , Wei Wei
Published: December 2023

Objective

Patients with gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia (IM) were at risk for gastric cancer, necessitating an accurate risk assessment. We aimed to establish and validate a diagnostic approach for gastric biopsy specimens using deep learning and OLGA/OLGIM for individual gastric cancer risk classification.

Methods

In this study, we prospectively enrolled 545 patients suspected of atrophic gastritis during endoscopy from 13 tertiary hospitals between December 22, 2017, to September 25, 2020, with a total of 2725 whole-slide images (WSIs). Patients were randomly divided into a training set (n = 349), an internal validation set (n = 87), and an external validation set (n = 109). Sixty patients from the external validation set were randomly selected and divided into two groups for an observer study, one with the assistance of algorithm results and the other without. We proposed a semi-supervised deep learning algorithm to diagnose and grade IM and atrophy, and we compared it with the assessments of 10 pathologists. The model’s performance was evaluated based on the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and weighted kappa value.

Results

The algorithm, named GasMIL, was established and demonstrated encouraging performance in diagnosing IM (AUC 0.884, 95% CI 0.862–0.902) and atrophy (AUC 0.877, 95% CI 0.855–0.897) in the external test set. In the observer study, GasMIL achieved an 80% sensitivity, 85% specificity, a weighted kappa value of 0.61, and an AUC of 0.953, surpassing the performance of all ten pathologists in diagnosing atrophy. Among the 10 pathologists, GasMIL’s AUC ranked second in OLGA (0.729, 95% CI 0.625–0.833) and fifth in OLGIM (0.792, 95% CI 0.688–0.896). With the assistance of GasMIL, pathologists demonstrated improved AUC (p = 0.013), sensitivity (p = 0.014), and weighted kappa (p = 0.016) in diagnosing IM, and improved specificity (p = 0.007) in diagnosing atrophy compared to pathologists working alone.

Conclusion

GasMIL shows the best overall performance in diagnosing IM and atrophy when compared to pathologists, significantly enhancing their diagnostic capabilities.
Rhizomic communication practices bridging international students and the host society and beyond
Authors: Jokila Suvi , Mathies Charles
Published: December 2023

Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted international student communities while reflecting wider societal inequalities. This study in the Finnish context examined international students’ experiences of the published national crisis communication and media usage during the first year of the pandemic. Using the national COVID-19 crisis communication practices as an example, we examined what kinds of strategies the international students deployed to access information in this non-English-speaking country and how they perceived the information communicated. Theoretically, we based the analysis on the theories of crisis communication and information inequality, which identify communication practices, such as language choice, that differentiate groups of people and impact their health outcomes. These are combined with rhizomic understanding, as reported by Deleuze and Guattari (1988/2020), of accessing media, and extended it to a mobile group of people (international students) living transnational lives. The data included interviews with international students studying at Finnish universities. The findings show that the students deployed five interlinked strategies to access information during the COVID-19 pandemic that highlight the heterogeneity of information and its usage, global asynchronousness of pandemic paths, and temporal changes in approaching information.
Effects of Dapagliflozin in Chronic Kidney Disease Across the Spectrum of Age and by Sex
Authors: Yu Margaret K. , Vart Priya , Jongs Niels , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Rossing Peter , McMurray John J.V. , Hou Fan-Fan , Douthat Walter , Khullar Dinesh , Langkilde Anna Maria , Wheeler David C. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Chertow Glenn M.
Published: December 2023

Background

The sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduces the risk of progressive kidney disease and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease, with and without type 2 diabetes. Whether its effects are uniform across the spectrum of age and among men and women is unknown.

Objective

We performed a pre-specified analysis in DAPA-CKD to evaluate efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin according to baseline age and sex.

Design

Prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Participants

A total of 4304 adults with chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 25–75 mL/min/1.73 m2; urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio 200–5000 mg/g) with and without type 2 diabetes.

Intervention

Dapagliflozin 10 mg versus placebo once daily.

Main Measures

Primary endpoint was a composite of ≥ 50% sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and kidney or cardiovascular death. Secondary endpoints included kidney composite endpoint (same as primary composite endpoint but without cardiovascular death), cardiovascular composite endpoint (hospitalized heart failure or cardiovascular death), and all-cause mortality.

Key Results

Median follow-up was 2.4 years. Absolute risks of cardiovascular composite endpoint and all-cause mortality were higher in older patients. Absolute risk of kidney composite endpoint was highest in patients < 50 years (10.7 and 6.2 per 100 patient-years in the placebo and dapagliflozin groups, respectively) and lowest in patients ≥ 80 years (3.0 and 1.2 per 100 patient-years in the placebo and dapagliflozin groups, respectively). There was no evidence of heterogeneity of the effects of dapagliflozin on the primary or secondary endpoints based on age or sex. Neither age nor sex modified the effects of dapagliflozin on total or chronic eGFR slope.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin reduced the risks of mortality, cardiovascular events, and CKD progression in older patients, including in septuagenarians and octogenarians who comprised 25% of participants. Ageism and/or therapeutic nihilism should not discourage the use of dapagliflozin in older women and men who are likely to experience considerable benefit.

Trial Registry

clinicaltrials.gov

NIH Trial Registry Number

NCT03036150
Blue emitting exciplex for yellow and white organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Rajeev Kavya , Vipin C. K. , Sajeev Anjali K. , Shukla Atul , McGregor Sarah K. M. , Lo Shih-Chun , Namdas Ebinazar B. , Narayanan Unni K. N.
Published: December 2023

White organic light-emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have several desirable features, but their commercialization is hindered by the poor stability of blue light emitters and high production costs due to complicated device structures. Herein, we investigate a standard blue emitting hole transporting material (HTM) N,N'-bis(naphthalen-1-yl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl)benzidine (NPB) and its exciplex emission upon combining with a suitable electron transporting material (ETM), 3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (TAZ). Blue and yellow OLEDs with simple device structures are developed by using a blend layer, NPB:TAZ, as a blue emitter as well as a host for yellow phosphorescent dopant iridium (III) bis(4-phenylthieno[3,2-c]pyridinato-N,C2')acetylacetonate (PO-01). Strategic device design then exploits the ambipolar charge transport properties of tetracene as a spacer layer to connect these blue and yellow emitting units. The tetracene-linked device demonstrates more promising results compared to those using a conventional charge generation layer (CGL). Judicious choice of the spacer prevents exciton diffusion from the blue emitter unit, yet facilitates charge carrier transport to the yellow emitter unit to enable additional exciplex formation. This complementary behavior of the spacer improves the blue emission properties concomitantly yielding reasonable yellow emission. The overall white light emission properties are enhanced, achieving CIE coordinates (0.36, 0.39) and color temperature (4643 K) similar to daylight. Employing intermolecular exciplex emission in OLEDs simplifies the device architecture via its dual functionality as a host and as an emitter.

Graphical abstract
A Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar Investigation of Impact-Induced Reaction of HMX, RDX and PETN
Authors: Williamson D. M. , Morley O. J.
Published: December 2023

We have used a split Hopkinson pressure bar arrangement to investigate impact-induced reaction of the secondary explosives HMX, RDX and PETN in granular form. Sentencing of the experiments was performed by detecting reaction light emission, the spectral analysis of which can also provide information about the temperature of reaction. We measure the fraction of the mechanical energy that passes through the specimens that is absorbed in the run up to reaction, which we refer to as the efficiency factor, and for these experiments is of order 5–10%. We postulate that the efficiency factor is a function of the microstructure. The measured amounts of energy that were absorbed are comparable to those amounts required to bulk heat the samples to their melt points. A critical absorbed energy for reaction implies a minimum duration of loading for a given mechanical power and efficiency factor, and this idea is supported by the observation that the more intense the loading, the shorter the time to reaction. Additionally, we postulate a critical minimum mechanical power below which heat is redistributed faster than it can be accumulated. A minimum mechanical power threshold in turn dictates a minimum pressure threshold; but the idea of a stand-alone critical pressure is not experimentally supported.
Thermal damage evolution of granite under different thermal conditions based on two-scale tessellation via discrete element method
Authors: Ma Qianchi , Liu Xiaoli , Song Danqing , Wang Enzhi , Zhang Jianmin , Yao Wenli , Wang Mingyang
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a numerical modeling method that integrates a grain-growth model and Voronoi polygon configuration to investigate the thermal damage characteristics and fracture mechanism of granite under three distinct thermal conditions: rapid heating, slow heating, and cycle heating. The proposed method accurately simulates the intra-grain damage modes of mineral particles and the mechanical responses of granite. Through the simulation, it was observed that slow heating induces more significant deterioration compared to rapid heating, while cycle heating leads to wider crack openings and apparent brittle damage during the cooling phase. Furthermore, the peak strength and elastic modulus of granite demonstrate a significant decrease with increasing temperature under all three heating conditions. Notably, slow heating exhibits ductility characteristics in its post-peak residual strength. This study also analyzes the effects of different thermal conditions on the damage evolution pattern and cracking mechanism of rocks. It is found that slow heating generates a higher number of cracks with a broader distribution and intra-grain damage, whereas cycle heating results in severe cracks and fractures. The findings of this study have practical implications for preventing and controlling thermal disasters in deep rock engineering.
Impact of intensified prevention measures on the rate of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients
Authors: Lampl Shimrit , Cohen Yael , Maor Yasmin , Ben-David Debby
Published: December 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased rates of hospital-acquired infections. During the early months of the pandemic, we observed high rates of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) among COVID-19 patients, prompting the implementation of intensified prevention measures.

Objectives:

To assess the prevalence of HA-BSI among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, identify risk factors, and evaluate the effect of prevention measures.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective matched case-control study in adult medical step-up units between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. We matched mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with ventilated non-COVID-19 patients based on age group and length of stay before ventilation. In response to the high rates of HA-BSI among COVID-19 patients, a comprehensive infection control intervention was implemented.

Results:

A total of 136 COVID-19 patients were matched with 136 non-COVID-19 patients. No significant differences were observed in pre-hospitalization characteristics. The central venous catheter utilization ratio was higher in COVID-19 patients (83.6%) versus 35.6% in the control group (p < 0.001). During pre-intervention, 35.2% (32/91) of COVID-19 patients developed HA-BSI, compared to 17.8% (13/73) in the control group (p < 0.001). Following the intervention, no significant difference was observed between the groups (17.8% (8/45) versus 15.9% (10 /63), p = 0.79). In a multivariate analysis, HA-BSI was associated with low body mass index (OR 0.9 (95% CI 0.9–1.0), p = 0.015)) and presence of temporary dialysis catheter (OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.0–7.3), p = 0.05)).

Conclusions:

Mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients were at higher risk for developing HA-BSI compared to non-COVID-19 patients. Intensified prevention measures were associated with decreased rates of HA-BSI.
Prehospital Mass Casualty Incident Response to a Fire in a Nursing Home in Milan, Italy: Actions Taken and Shortcomings
Authors: Ripoll-Gallardo Alba , D’Ambrosio Annapaola , Manzoni Paola , Grifone Vincenzo , Pedrazzi Catia , De Luca Giovanni , Arghetti Davide , Stellini Armando , Zambelan Alessandro , Ruggiero Ilaria , Cusmà-Piccione Riccardo , Bacullo Gianluca , Lorito Franco , Perbellini Paolo , Giacovelli Matteo , De Donno Massimo , Pelà Simone , Colzani Giacomo , Brioschi Elena , Chiodini Gianliuca , Sechi Giuseppe , Zoli Alberto , Fumagalli Roberto , Stucchi Riccardo
Published: December 2023

On July 7, 2023, at 1:21 am, a fire was declared in a retirement home in Milan, Italy. The number of casualties (n = 87) according to the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) triage system was categorized as 65 green, 14 yellow, 2 red, and 6 black; 75% were women, and the mean age was 85.1 years (± 9). Most patients were unable to walk. A total of 30 basic life support (BLS) ambulances, 3 advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) teams on fast cars, 2 buses, and 1 coordination team were deployed. A scoop and run approach was adopted with patients being transported to 15 health care facilities. The event was terminated at 5:43 am. Though the local mass casualty incident (MCI) response plan was correctly applied, the evacuation of the building was difficult due to the age and comorbidities of the patients. START failed to correctly identify patients categorized as minor. Communication problems arose on site that led to the late evacuation of critical patients.
Effect of fluid inertial torque on the rotational and orientational dynamics of tiny spheroidal particles in turbulent channel flow
Authors: Cui Zhiwen , Qiu Jingran , Jiang Xinyu , Zhao Lihao
Published: December 2023

Rotation and orientation of non-spherical particles in a fluid flow depend on the hydrodynamic torque they experience. However, little is known about the effect of the fluid inertial torque on the dynamics of tiny inertial spheroids in turbulent channel flows, as only Jeffery torque has been considered in previous studies by point-particle direct numerical simulations. In this study, we investigate the rotation and orientation of tiny spheroids with both fluid inertial torque and Jeffery torque in a turbulent channel flow. By comparing with the case in the absence of fluid inertial torque, we find that the rotational and orientational dynamics of spheroids is significantly affected by the fluid inertial torque when the Stokes number, which is non-dimensionalized by fluid viscous time scale, is larger than the critical value

$St_c\approx 2$

, indicating that the fluid inertial torque is non-negligible for most particle cases considered in earlier studies. In contrast to the earlier findings considering only Jeffery torque (Challabotla et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 776, 2015, p. R2), we find that prolate (oblate) spheroids with a large Stokes number tend to tumble (spin) in the streamwise–wall-normal plane in a thinner region near the wall due to the presence of the fluid inertial torque. Approaching the channel centre, the flow shear gradually vanishes, but the velocity difference between local fluid and particles is still pronounced and increasing as particle inertia grows. As a result, in the core region, fluid inertial torque is dominant and drives the particles to align with its broad side normal to the streamwise direction rather than a random orientation observed in earlier studies without fluid inertial torque. Meanwhile, the presence of fluid inertial torque enhances the tumbling rates of spheroids in the core region. In addition, the effect of fluid inertial force on the dynamics of spheroids is also examined in this study, but the results indicate the effect of fluid inertial force is weak. Our findings imply the importance of fluid inertial torque in modelling the dynamics of inertial non-spherical particles in turbulent channel flows.
On Cognitive Modeling and Other Minds
Authors: Gamboa J. P.
Published: December 2023

Scientists and philosophers alike debate whether various systems such as plants and bacteria exercise cognition. One strategy for resolving such debates is to ground claims about nonhuman cognition in evidence from mathematical models of cognitive capacities. In this article, I show that proponents of this strategy face two major challenges: demarcating phenomenological models from process models and overcoming underdetermination by model fit. I argue that even if the demarcation problem is resolved, fitting a process model to behavioral data is, on its own, not strong evidence for any cognitive process, let alone processes shared with humans.
Ordovician sedimentation and basin development in the North Armorican Massif, NW France: Field evidence from the northern Cotentin Peninsula
Authors: Went David J.
Published: December 2023

Field evidence from the northern Cotentin Peninsula and regional data are used to construct a tectono-stratigraphic model for the Ordovician which characterizes basin development in the North Armorican Massif. In La Hague, 15 m of transgressive marine sandstone belongs to the Dapingian age Grès Armoricain Formation which onlaps lower Cambrian, rift-fill deposits via an unconformity. Approximately 450 m of overlying Darriwilian strata are dominated by shallow marine sandstone showing hummocky cross-stratification with subordinate shales containing trace and body fossils. Together, these facies support an interpretation of offshore shallow marine strata overlying a break-up unconformity. Regional analysis indicates the time gap at the unconformity is 20–40 Ma and formed from crustal upwarping, which was greatest in the north of the Armorican Massif. Dapingian strata (Grès Armoricain) thins irregularly to the north (0–94 m), interpreted to reflect passive onlap onto residual relief associated with the uplift and the initiation of thermal subsidence on the margin. The succeeding Darriwilian strata (Schistes de Beaumont to Grès de May) conversely display a steady thickening (161–623 m) to the north, the stratal patterns suggesting that from the Darriwilian onwards, the ocean basin to the north was firmly established as the main locus of subsidence on the continental margin.
OP01 Causal Association Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus And Risk Of Cancer
Authors: Lemus Fabiola , Hawkins Neil , Boyd Kathleen A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health problem. Evidence suggests an association between diabetes and cancer, but this may be distorted by confounding. This research aimed to identify and assess the evidence suggesting a causal association between T2DM and cancer.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for literature on the association between T2DM and cancer, from inception to 7 May 2021. Case-control and cohort studies published in any language were considered. Based on a targeted literature review, a directed acyclic graph for each type of cancer was developed to test whether the causal effects were adequately controlled for potential confounding.

Results

A total of 131 studies with a low risk of bias were selected that reported 415 effect estimates of the association of T2DM with 57 types of cancer. Breast, colorectal, pancreas, prostate, and lung were the cancer sites with the highest number of studies. Causality was claimed in 57 studies, but only 34 percent of the outcomes were adequately controlled for confounders. Of the studies assessing a causal relationship for prostate and pancreatic cancer, 87 and 70 percent adequately controlled for confounding. In contrast, only 29 percent of lung cancer, 27 percent of colorectal cancer, and 17 percent of breast cancer results considered the minimal sufficient adjustment set. Lifestyle variables were identified as key potential confounders in more than 20 types of cancer, but they were not included in the analyses.

Conclusions

Many studies simply reported an association between diabetes and cancer. The policy implications of such studies are unclear. Of the studies claiming a causal link between diabetes and cancer, a large proportion did not adequately control for confounding. It is critical that studies take a systematic approach to identifying potential confounding factors, such as targeted reviews and the development of directed acyclic graph approaches, to estimate causal effects that may be useful in informing health policy.
OP07 Eleven Years Of Conitec: Advances And Challenges Of Patient And Public Involvement In The Brazilian Health Technology Assessment Process
Authors: Souza Andrea Brigida , Prates Adriana , Almeida Andrija , Portugal Clarice , Losco Luiza , Fonseca Mariana , Barros Melina , Canuto Vania
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is a core element of the health technology assessment (HTA) process. Since its creation in 2011, the National Committee for Health Technology Incorporation (Conitec) has promoted initiatives to include stakeholders in HTA for the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS). This work aimed to present a report on the advances and challenges related to PPI in 11 years of Conitec.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of PPI actions carried out at Conitec was conducted, based on an analysis of minutes and records of meetings and discussions held internally and documents published on Conitec´s website.

Results

Events and meetings were held over the years with different actors interested in the HTA process. Since 2015, a plain-language version of the technical report has been made available to the public during public consultations for each HTA topic. Recently, a register of patients, specialists, and SUS managers was created to form a database and establish a network with the stakeholders. Since 2020, SUS users have been allocated time to speak at Conitec´s meetings. Qualitative analysis of public consultation documents started in 2021 and a pilot qualitative evidence synthesis was carried out in 2022. These initiatives, although not directly focused on PPI, increase the consideration of the perspectives of patients, family members, and caregivers in the HTA process.

Conclusions

PPI actions implemented at Conitec have significantly promoted inclusiveness and exchanges among stakeholders, contributing to a greater transparency regarding Conitec’s actions. Nonetheless, we have important challenges on our horizon, such as strengthening connections with primary healthcare managers and professionals and social movements. It is also strategic to expand the technical and scientific discussion on PPI and qualitative approaches with HTA researchers and the voting members of Conitec. Finally, another aim is to improve knowledge of HTA and public health policy among law professionals and the pharmaceutical industry in Brazil.
OP08 International Benchmarking Of Health Technology Assessment Training Tools And Materials For Patients And Consumers
Authors: Low Eunice , André-Vert Joëlle , Guerrier Marc , Fanelli Gaëlle , Galbraith Margaret
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The objective was to conduct a benchmarking study of available online health technology assessment (HTA) training tools for patients, specifically those used by HTA agencies and major European and international patient and consumer groups (PCGs). We compared existing online training tools on this topic in order to develop in-house HTA training tools for French patients and consumers.

Methods

A literature search and a scoping review of websites was conducted by including the websites of HTA agencies, European and international PCGs, and other bodies. This was supplemented with videoconference interviews with selected HTA agencies and patient groups. The inclusion criterion was the existence of content describing HTA and patient and public involvement (PPI) in HTA that PCGs could use (regardless of its format).

Results

Eighty-two online training tools were selected according to the specified inclusion criterion. Sixteen international HTA bodies, nine European and international PCGs, and 13 other bodies provided online HTA training tools available for patients and consumers. No journal articles matching the inclusion criterion were found. Two broad categories of content were identified: the first relating to HTA and the second relating to PPI in HTA. Moreover, the formats of these tools ranged from interactive to non-interactive, with varying accessibility (freely available or with a paywall) and assessment methods.

Conclusions

These results should be considered together with budget requirements, project time constraints, human resources, and the preferences of HAS and patients when developing HTA training tools to improve the participation of patients and consumers in the HTA process at HAS.