bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergetic Combination of Carbon Xerogels, Graphene Oxide and nano‐ZnO for Aqueous and Organic Supercapacitors
Authors: Coneo‐Rodríguez Rusbel , Tesio Alvaro Yamil , Cometto Fernando Pablo , Morales Gustavo Marcelo , Planes Gabriel Ángel , Caballero Alvaro
Published: September 2024

Three‐dimensional carbon xerogels were synthesised via a facile approach that included the use of ZnO nanostructures both as a templating agent and as a catalyst for resorcinol–formaldehyde resin (R−F) polymerisation simultaneously. Graphene oxide (GO) served as a stabilising agent during the drying and pyrolysis processes, avoiding the collapse of structure and improving the area surface. The method enabled the as‐obtained materials to possess optimised 3D porous structures for energy‐storage devices, such as wires or spaghetti‐like structures. Also, a high BET surface area was obtained (1661 m2 g−1) without using an additional activating agent. This great surface area improved the specific capacitance compared to materials without GO (358.1 F g−1 vs 170.4 F g−1). The carbon‐containing devices derived from resorcinol‐formaldehyde resin, GO, and Zn oxide showed better performance than the devices without GO. In particular, the sample that contained 2.5 % of GO in the synthesis showed a specific capacitance of 166.6 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and remained at ∼120 F g−1 at 5 A g−1 current density. Also, it showed interesting energy density values at 0.5 A g−1 (14.8 Wh kg−1) and a power density of 200.7 W kg−1. This reveals that the synthesis process made it possible to obtain composite materials with large surface areas without using a supercritical drying process. The materials can be used in supercapacitor‐type devices with high performance in aqueous electrolytes.
Ökobilanzierung von Beton mit 100 % rezyklierter Gesteinskörnung im Vergleich zu Normalbeton
Authors: Stengel Thorsten , Kustermann Andrea
Published: September 2024

Der Bausektor verursacht einen großen Teil des Verbrauchs natürlicher Ressourcen und ist zugleich Quelle der größten Abfallströme. Daher muss es Ziel sein, die Kreislaufwirtschaft im Bausektor zu verbessern. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde am Institut für Material‐ und Bauforschung der Hochschule München die Verwendung rezyklierter Gesteinskörnung über die technischen Baubestimmungen hinaus bis zu 100 % für Konstruktionsbetone untersucht. Die ersten Anwendungen von Beton mit 100 % rezyklierter Gesteinskörnung (100 % R‐Beton) wurden bereits abgeschlossen. Basierend auf den Erkenntnissen aus den Forschungs‐ und Bauprojekten wurden Ökobilanzen erstellt, in denen 100 % R‐Beton (zirkuläres System) mit Normalbeton (lineares System) für den Anwendungsfall C30/37 XC4/XF3 verglichen wurde. Die Ökobilanzen der beiden Produktsysteme wurden in Form von Nomogrammen aufbereitet, sodass Eingangsparameter wie z. B. Transportleistungen angepasst und eine grafische Auswertung zur Ermittlung des GWP durchgeführt werden können. Somit lassen sich basierend auf den durchgeführten Ökobilanzen leicht Empfehlungen für den Einsatz von 100 % R‐Beton bzgl. der Verringerung des GWP in konkreten Anwendungsfällen geben. Dabei können auch andere Zemente nach einer einfachen Umrechnung berücksichtigt werden. Die Analysen zeigen, dass das zirkuläre System bei gleichen Transportleistungen und gleichem Zementgehalt jedoch etwas höherem FM‐Gehalt ein geringfügig niedrigeres GWP aufweist.
Ökobilanzierung von Instandsetzungsvarianten nach TR‐IH in Abhängigkeit vom Schädigungsgrad
Authors: Dauberschmidt Christoph , Stengel Thorsten
Published: September 2024

Ziel dieser Veröffentlichung ist die vergleichende Ökobilanzierung von Instandsetzungsmaßnahmen nach TR‐IH anhand eines Fallbeispiels. Hierbei wird eine fiktive zweigeschossige Tiefgarage betrachtet, deren Bodenplatte unbeschichtet ist und deren Zwischendecke zahlreiche Trennrisse aufweist. Anhand gängiger Chloriddiffusionsmodelle kann das zeitliche Chlorideindringen in die Bodenplatte und damit die zeitliche Entwicklung des Schädigungsgrades abgeschätzt werden. In Abhängigkeit vom Schädigungsgrad werden zulässige Instandsetzungsverfahren nach TR‐IH ausgewählt und deren erforderliche Einzelmaßnahmen definiert, für die wiederum das Global Warming Potential (GWP) im Rahmen einer Ökobilanzierung berechnet wird. Somit kann abhängig vom Bauteilalter zum Zeitpunkt der Instandsetzung das GWP für verschiedene Instandsetzungsverfahren ermittelt werden. In einem weiteren Schritt werden praxisnahe Annahmen für Betrieb und Wartung getroffen, sodass das GWP der Instandsetzungsverfahren über die Restnutzungsdauer in Abhängigkeit vom Instandsetzungszeitpunkt ermittelt werden kann. Die Berechnungsergebnisse belegen, dass frühzeitige Instandsetzungen zu einem niedrigen GWP führen. Ferner sind behutsame Instandsetzungsverfahren ohne große Eingriffe in die Struktur (Verfahren 7.7, 7.8 oder 8.3) mit besonders geringem GWP verbunden. Vergleicht man KKS (Verfahren 10.1) mit dem Verfahren 7.2, so ist KKS deutlich günstiger bei der Rissinstandsetzung oder wenn über die Betriebsdauer Strom aus erneuerbaren Energien angesetzt wird.
Targeting SRSF10 might inhibit M2 macrophage polarization and potentiate anti‐PD‐1 therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cai Jialiang , Song Lina , Zhang Feng , Wu Suiyi , Zhu Guiqi , Zhang Peiling , Chen Shiping , Du Junxian , Wang Biao , Cai Yufan , Yang Yi , Wan Jinglei , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Dai Zhi
Published: September 2024

Background

The efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poor. Although serine‐ and arginine‐rich splicing factor (SRSF) family members play crucial roles in tumors, their impact on tumor immunology remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of SRSF10 in HCC immunotherapy.

Methods

To identify the key genes associated with immunotherapy resistance, we conducted single‐nuclear RNA sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence, and The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database analyses. We investigated the biological functions of SRSF10 in immune evasion using in vitro co‐culture systems, flow cytometry, various tumor‐bearing mouse models, and patient‐derived organotypic tumor spheroids.

Results

SRSF10 was upregulated in various tumors and associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, SRSF10 positively regulated lactate production, and SRSF10/glycolysis/ histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) formed a positive feedback loop in tumor cells. Increased lactate levels promoted M2 macrophage polarization, thereby inhibiting CD8+ T cell activity. Mechanistically, SRSF10 interacted with the 3′‐untranslated region of MYB, enhancing MYB RNA stability, and subsequently upregulating key glycolysis‐related enzymes including glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 1 (HK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), resulting in elevated intracellular and extracellular lactate levels. Lactate accumulation induced histone lactylation, which further upregulated SRSF10 expression. Additionally, lactate produced by tumors induced lactylation of the histone H3K18la site upon transport into macrophages, thereby activating transcription and enhancing pro‐tumor macrophage activity. M2 macrophages, in turn, inhibited the enrichment of CD8+ T cells and the proportion of interferon‐γ+CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thus creating an immunosuppressive TME. Clinically, SRSF10 could serve as a biomarker for assessing immunotherapy resistance in various solid tumors. Pharmacological targeting of SRSF10 with a selective inhibitor 1C8 enhanced the efficacy of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in both murine and human preclinical models.

Conclusions

The SRSF10/MYB/glycolysis/lactate axis is critical for triggering immune evasion and anti‐PD‐1 resistance. Inhibiting SRSF10 by 1C8 may overcome anti‐PD‐1 tolerance in HCC.
Efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy for cancer cachexia: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Hao , Ishihara Masashi , Kazahari Hiroki , Ochiai Ryusuke , Tanzawa Shigeru , Honda Takeshi , Ichikawa Yasuko , Horita Nobuyuki , Nagai Hisashi , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Seki Nobuhiko
Published: September 2024

Background

Cancer cachexia affects more than half of all cancer patients, reducing survival rates. Evidence‐based approaches are urgently needed to optimize treatment.

Methods

A systematic review and network meta‐analysis were conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of different pharmacotherapies for cancer cachexia. Three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for the period from January 1, 2000, to March 20, 2024. The netmeta package in R software was used to calculate the pooled effect, employing a random effects model.

Results

Seven placebo‐controlled randomized trials involving 1421 patients were analyzed. Pairwise analysis showed that body weight increases were 4.6 kg (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–8.37 kg) for olanzapine, 3.82 kg (95% CI 0.73–6.91 kg) for espindolol (20 mg), 2.36 kg (95% CI 1.84–2.89 kg) for anamorelin (100 mg), and 1.31 kg (95% CI 0.42–2.19 kg) for anamorelin (50 mg). In terms of safety profiles, olanzapine demonstrated the lowest odds ratio when compared to placebo, at 0.26 (95% CI 0.07–0.94), followed by anamorelin (50 mg) at 0.86 (95% CI 0.30–2.48), and anamorelin (100 mg) at 0.89 (95% CI 0.42–1.88). However, network meta‐analysis could not confirm the superiority of olanzapine over anamorelin in terms of efficacy and safety.

Conclusion

Both olanzapine and anamorelin are useful in improving body weight in patients with cancer cachexia. Personalization may be helpful for different patients.
Poor outcome despite modern treatments: A retrospective study of 99 patients with primary and secondary plasma cell leukemia
Authors: Tessier Camille , LeBlanc Richard , Roy Jean , Trudel Sabrina , Côté Julie , Lalancette Marc , Boudreault Jean‐Samuel , Lemieux‐Blanchard Émilie , Kaedbey Rayan , Pavic Michel
Published: September 2024

Background

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare monoclonal gammopathy, associated with short survival. Because of its very low incidence, only a few cohorts have been reported and thus, information on this disease is scarce. The goal of this study was to better understand the clinical features, prognostic factors, and efficacy of modern treatments in both primary PCL (pPCL) and secondary PCL (sPCL).

Methods

We performed a retrospective, multicenter study of patients diagnosed with PCL, defined as circulating plasma cells ≥20% of total leukocytes and/or ≥2 × 109/L.

Results

We identified 99 eligible PCL patients, of whom 33 were pPCL and 66 were sPCL. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) to frontline treatment and overall survival (OS) were, respectively, 4.8 (95% CI, 0.4–9.2) and 18.3 months (95% CI, 0.0–39.0) for pPCL and 0.8 (95% CI, 0.5–1.1) and 1.2 months (95% CI, 0.9–1.5) for sPCL (both p < 0.001). We observed no improvement in OS over time (2005–2012 vs. 2013–2020, p = 0.629 for pPCL and p = 0.329 for sPCL). Finally, our data suggested that sPCL originates from a high‐risk multiple myeloma (MM) population with a short OS (median 30.2 months), early relapse after stem cell transplant (median 11.9 months) and a high proportion of patients with multiple cytogenetic abnormalities (36% with ≥2 abnormalities).

Conclusions

This study is one of the largest PCL cohorts reported. We are also the first to investigate characteristics of MM before its transformation into sPCL and demonstrate that high‐risk biologic features already present at the time of MM diagnosis. Moreover, our data highlights the lack of improvement in PCL survival in recent years and the urgent need for better treatment options.
Review recent rulings involving racial discrimination
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: September 2024

An overview of the key topics faced by higher education professionals with citations of noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Focusing on men in campus sexual assault prevention education pays dividends
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2024

As the academic year begins and campuses enter the “Red Zone” — the time of year between orientation and Thanksgiving break when on‐campus sexual assault rates are most likely to spike — recent research points to the benefit of educating men specifically on campus sexual assault.
Electroanalytical Overview: Screen‐Printed Electrochemical Sensing Platforms
Authors: Crapnell Robert D. , Banks Craig E.
Published: September 2024

Screen‐printed electrochemical sensing platforms are ubiquitous within the field of electrochemistry where they provide benefits of being disposable, cost‐effective, reproducible, easily customisable, portable and allow one to transfer the laboratory approach into the field. In this review, we introduce the concept of screen‐printed electrodes, we summarise positive and negative aspects before moving into the current highlights of using traditional screen‐printed carbon electrodes within the field of electroanalysis. We then look to cover metallic and bulk modified varieties, geometric changes (micro, microband and associated arrays), electrode activation and finally the physical length of screen‐printed electrodes, providing insights for future research.
The impacts of coupon and discount on exposure and various stages of conversion funnel: An empirical investigation of the online food delivery service
Authors: Shao Jiehao , Jing Ranzhe , Li Jie
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of delivery services, online‐to‐offline food delivery systems provide merchants the traffic support and marketing efforts to reach potential customers. Monitoring customer behavior allows us to measure conversion rates and analyze the relationship between marketing performance and the efforts of platforms or merchants. This study investigates the impact of incentives, including coupons from platforms and discounts from merchants, on exposure and conversion rates for different merchants. Besides, the dynamic analysis demonstrates significant adverse effects of lagged incentives on exposure and click rate. Platforms and merchants of online food delivery services stand to benefit from these insights.
Efficient semiparametric estimation in two‐sample comparison via semisupervised learning
Authors: Tan Tao , Zhang Shuyi , Zhou Yong
Published: September 2024

We develop a general semisupervised framework for statistical inference in the two‐sample comparison setting. Although the supervised Mann–Whitney statistic outperforms many estimators in the two‐sample problem for nonnormally distributed responses, it is excessively inefficient because it ignores large amounts of unlabelled information. To borrow strength from unlabelled data, we propose a class of efficient and adaptive estimators that use two‐step semiparametric imputation. The probabilistic index model is adopted primarily to achieve dimension reduction for multivariate covariates, and a follow‐up reweighting step balances the contributions of labelled and unlabelled data. The asymptotic properties of our estimator are derived with variance comparison through a phase diagram. Efficiency theory shows our estimators achieve the semiparametric variance lower bound if the probabilistic index model is correctly specified, and are more efficient than their supervised counterpart when the model is not degenerate. The asymptotic variance is estimated through a two‐step perturbation resampling procedure. To gauge the finite sample performance, we conducted extensive simulation studies which verify the adaptive nature of our methods with respect to model misspecification. To illustrate the merits of our proposed method, we analyze a dataset concerning homelessness in Los Angeles.
Evidence of longitudinal differences in spring migration strategies of an Arctic‐nesting goose
Authors: VonBank Jay A. , Kraai Kevin J. , Collins Daniel P. , Link Paul T. , Weegman Mitch D. , Cao Lei , Ballard Bart M.
Published: September 2024

During spring, migratory birds are required to optimally balance energetic costs of migration across heterogeneous landscapes and weather conditions to survive and reproduce successfully. Therefore, an individual's migratory performance may influence reproductive outcomes. Given large‐scale changes in land use, climate, and potential carry‐over effects, understanding how individuals migrate in relation to breeding outcomes is critical to predicting how future scenarios may affect populations. We used GPS tracking devices on 56 Greater White‐fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) during four spring migrations to examine whether migration characteristics influenced breeding propensity and breeding outcome. We found a strong longitudinal difference in arrival to the breeding areas (18 days earlier), pre‐nesting duration (90.9% longer), and incubation initiation dates (9 days earlier) between western‐ and eastern‐Arctic breeding regions, with contrasting effects on breeding outcomes, but no migration characteristic strongly influenced breeding outcome. We found that breeding region influenced whether an individual likely pursued a capital or income breeding strategy. Where individuals fell along the capital‐income breeding continuum was influenced by longitude, revealing geographic effects of life‐history strategy among conspecifics. Factors that govern breeding outcomes likely occur primarily upon arrival to breeding areas or are related to individual quality and previous breeding outcome, and may not be directly tied to migratory decision‐making across broad scales.
Can Multiscale Thermal Infrared Imaging Help Validate and Monitor Water Stress in Alluvial Forests?
Authors: Godfroy Julien , Malherbe Pauline , Gerle Flavie , Marteau Baptiste , Lochin Pierre , Puijalon Sara , Lejot Jérôme , Vernay Antoine , Piégay Hervé
Published: September 2024

Alluvial forests are sensitive to drought induced by climate change and exacerbated by altered flow regimes. Our ability to detect and map their sensitivity to drought is crucial to evaluate the effects of climate change and adjust management practices. Therefore, we explore the potential of multiscale thermal infrared imagery (TIR) to diagnose their sensitivity to droughts. In summer 2022, we sampled leaves and phloem on Populus nigra trees from two sites with contrasted hydrological connectivity along the Ain River (France) to investigate the seasonality of water stress and act as ground truth for airborne TIR images. To map forest sensitivity to drought, we used TIR data from four airborne campaigns and Landsat archives over a larger spatial and temporal extent. Field data showed that stress conditions were reached for both sites but were higher in the site with lower groundwater connectivity, which was also the case for individual tree crown temperatures. At the forest plot scale, canopy temperature was linked to forest connectivity for two of four TIR campaigns, with higher values in the more degraded reaches. Landsat data were used to locate the areas of the riparian forest impacted by a historical drought event and monitor their recovery and proved useful to identify trends. TIR data showed promising results to help detect and map tree water stress in riparian environments. However, stress is not detected in all TIR campaigns, demonstrating that one‐shot TIR acquisitions alone are not enough to diagnose stress and complementary in‐field eco‐physiological measurements are necessary.
Navigating the landscape of fear: Fruit flies exhibit distinct antipredator and antiparasite defensive behaviors
Authors: MacLeod Colin D. , Luong Lien T.
Published: September 2024

Most organisms are at risk of being consumed by a predator or getting infected by a parasite at some point in their life. Theoretical constructs such as the landscape of fear (perception of risk) and nonconsumptive effects (NCEs, costly responses sans predation or infection) have been proposed to describe and quantify antipredator and antiparasite responses. How prey/host species identify and respond to these risks determines their survival, reproductive success and, ultimately, fitness. Most studies to date have focused on either predator–prey or parasite–host interactions, yet habitats and ecosystems contain both parasitic and/or predatory species that represent a complex and heterogenous mosaic of risk factors. Here, we experimentally investigated the behavioral responses of a cactophilic fruit fly, Drosophila nigrospiracula, exposed to a range of species that include parasites (ectoparasitic mite), predators (jumping spiders), as well as harmless heterospecifics (nonparasitic mites, ants, and weevils). We demonstrate that D. nigrospiracula can differentiate between threat and non‐threat species, increase erratic movements and decrease velocity in the presence of parasites, but decrease erratic movements and time spent grooming in the presence of predators. Of particular importance, flies could distinguish between parasitic female mites and nonparasitic male mites of the same species, and respond accordingly. We also show that the direction of these NCEs differs when exposed to parasitic mites (i.e., risk of infection) versus spiders (i.e., risk of predation). Given the opposing effects of predation versus infection risk on fly behavior, we discuss potential trade‐offs between parasite and predator avoidance behaviors. Our findings illustrate the complexity of risk assessment in a landscape of fear and the fine‐tuned NCEs that arise in response. Moreover, this study is the first to examine these behavioral NCEs in a terrestrial system.
Metabolic dysfunction and incidence of heart failure subtypes among Black individuals: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Kaze Arnaud D. , Bertoni Alain G. , Fox Ervin R. , Hall Michael E. , Mentz Robert J. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B.
Published: September 2024

Aims

The extent to which metabolic syndrome (MetS) severity influences subclinical myocardial remodelling, heart failure (HF) incidence and subtypes, remains unclear. We assessed the association of MetS with incident HF (including ejection fraction subtypes) among Black individuals.

Methods and results

We included 4069 Jackson Heart Study participants (mean age 54.4 years, 63.8% women, 37.2% with MetS) without HF. We categorized participants based on MetS status and MetS severity scores (based on waist circumference [MetS‐Z‐WC] and body mass index [MetS‐Z‐BMI]). We assessed the associations of MetS indices with echocardiographic parameters, biomarkers of myocardial damage (high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I [hs‐cTnI] and B‐type natriuretic peptide [BNP]) and incident HF hospitalizations including HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). MetS severity was associated with subclinical cardiac remodelling (assessed by echocardiographic measures and biomarkers of myocardial damage). Over a median of 12 years, 319 participants developed HF (157 HFpEF, 149 HFrEF and 13 HF of unknown type). MetS was associated with a twofold greater risk of HF (hazard ratio [HR] 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64–2.61). Compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) of MetS‐Z‐WC, the highest quartile (Q4) conferred a higher risk of HF (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.67–3.30), with a stronger association for HFpEF (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 4.94, 95% CI 2.67–9.14) vs. HFrEF (HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.06–2.70).

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome severity was associated with both HF subtypes among Black individuals, highlighting the importance of optimal metabolic health for preventing HF.
Thermally integrated pumped thermal energy storage systems based on organic Rankine cycle: Comparative investigation and multi‐objective multiverse optimization
Authors: Norooziyan Fateme , Noorpoor Arshiya , Boyaghchi Fateme Ahmadi
Published: September 2024

This work introduces two new thermally integrated pumped thermal energy storage (TIPTES) systems, including thermally integrated vapor compression heat pump (TIHP) as a charging cycle and dual‐pressure organic Rankine cycle (DPORC) and dual‐loop organic Rankine cycle (DLORC) as discharging cycles to investigate their capability of improving roundtrip efficiency compared with the basic ORC (BORC). The thermodynamic and economic performance of the proposed TIHP‐DPORC and TIHP‐DLORC are analyzed and compared with TIHP‐BORC using various working fluids. The multi‐objective multiverse optimization algorithm is conducted to ascertain the systems' optimum roundtrip efficiency and cost rate. Results indicate that at the same storage temperature, the TIHP‐DLORC gives the highest roundtrip and exergy efficiencies of 219.9% and 43.53% with R1233zd(E), indicating 6.69% and 8.04% improvements compared with the optimum TIHP‐BORC. Moreover, it shows the lowest levelized cost of storage (LCOS) and payback period (PP) of 0.160 $/kWh and 4.5 years, respectively, with a maximum net present value of 1.973 M$. Although the cost rate of TIHP‐DLORC is high, its excellent thermodynamic and economic performance compared with the existing TIPTES systems in the literature indicates that DLORC is a more appropriate candidate to be applied in the TIPTES systems.
Parametric Based Techno‐Economic Evaluation for a Solar Thermal‐PV Integrated Multi‐Commodity Storage Facility
Authors: Shahzaib Malik , Moeez Abdul , Memon Abdul Ghafoor , Kumar Laveet
Published: September 2024

Postharvest losses and spoilage of agricultural products are a major problem for tropical countries, and it is even more challenging for countries encountering fluctuating power shortages, such as Pakistan. Therefore, this study focused on the energy and economic analysis of cold storage to store three products (potatoes, pomegranates, and potatoes) according to the season and storage span throughout the year. The cooling load of the cold store was supported by a LiBr‐H2O vapor absorption and vapor compression refrigeration system to maintain the desired temperature for each product during cold storage. A solar thermal PV system is installed to operate cold storage refrigeration systems. Cold storage performance was analyzed by developing thermal models of integrated systems using the ambient conditions of Lahore, Pakistan. A parametric study was also conducted to analyze the impact of various working parameters on integrated system performance, and it was found that the maximum peak cooling load of 91 kW inside cold storage is attributed to pomegranates owing to high ambient conditions during its loading month. The product loading rate significantly affects the cooling load of cold storage and varies directly with it, as observed for an increase in the product loading rate from 0 to 50 000 kg/day cooling load also increases from 34 to 87 kW. To meet the thermal demand of the generator of the vapor absorption system, parabolic troughs were installed to operate cold storage, and it was found that a minimum of four PTC were needed to support the peak cooling load at the maximum product loading rate and minimum DNI value. To meet the electrical demand of cold storage electrical equipment and the compressor of the vapor compression system, solar photovoltaic panels were installed, and it was found that a minimum of 618 panels was required at a minimum tilted radiation value. To validate the viability of proposed design system economic analysis was also conducted which revealed a payback period of 12 years for Kinnow and potatoes and 16 years for pomegranates.
Unleashing creativity in STEM teacher education through scripting task pedagogy
Authors: Milner‐Bolotin Marina , Zazkis Rina
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes a creative pedagogical approach that aims to foster authentic STEM teacher education through incorporating scriptwriting tasks in science and mathematics courses for future secondary STEM teachers. These tasks invite teachers to create imaginary dialogues addressing specific pedagogical challenges, such as conceptual difficulties, misconceptions, or unexpected questions arising during instruction. We assert that traditional approaches to lesson planning in STEM methods courses do not provide sufficient opportunity for exploring both content and pedagogy and fostering student engagement. Hence, we propose scriptwriting‐based pedagogy as an innovative and creative way of cultivating future STEM teachers' pedagogical content knowledge. This paper showcases three examples of scriptwriting tasks implemented in secondary STEM teacher education. We elucidate the pedagogical opportunities afforded by scriptwriting and underscore its pedagogical potential for STEM teacher education.
Behavioral and brain morphological changes before and after hemispherotomy
Authors: Yu Hao , Chen Yijun , Bao Ziyu , Luo Junhao , Liu Qingzhu , Qin Peipei , Wang Changtong , Qu Jingli , Wang Wei , Cai Lixin , Gong Gaolang
Published: September 2024

Hemispherotomy is an effective surgery for treating refractory epilepsy from diffuse unihemispheric lesions. To date, postsurgery neuroplastic changes supporting behavioral recovery after left or right hemispherotomy remain unclear. In the present study, we systematically investigated changes in gray matter volume (GMV) before and after surgery and further analyzed their relationships with behavioral scores in two large groups of pediatric patients with left and right hemispherotomy (29 left and 28 right). To control for the dramatic developmental effect during this stage, age‐adjusted GMV within unaffected brain regions was derived voxel by voxel using a normative modeling approach with an age‐matched reference cohort of 2115 healthy children. Widespread GMV increases in the contralateral cerebrum and ipsilateral cerebellum and GMV decreases in the contralateral cerebellum were consistently observed in both patient groups, but only the left hemispherotomy patients showed GMV decreases in the contralateral cingulate gyrus. Intriguingly, the GMV decrease in the contralateral cerebellum was significantly correlated with improvement in behavioral scores in the right but not the left hemispherotomy patients. Importantly, the preoperative voxelwise GMV features can be used to significantly predict postoperative behavioral scores in both patient groups. These findings indicate an important role of the contralateral cerebellum in the behavioral recovery following right hemispherotomy and highlight the predictive potential of preoperative imaging features in postoperative behavioral performance.
A preliminary study of the mechanical properties of 3D‐printed personalized mesh titanium alloy prostheses and repair of hemi‐mandibular defect in dogs
Authors: Zhao Bingjing , Wang Hong , Liu Changkui , Liu Huawei , Zhao Xiaowen , Sun Zenghui , Hu Min
Published: September 2024

This study is a preliminary investigation exploring the mechanical properties of three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed personalized mesh titanium alloy prostheses and the feasibility of repairing hemi‐mandibular defects. The ANSYS 14.0 software and selective laser melting (SLM) were used to produce personalized mesh titanium alloy scaffolds. Scaffolds printed using different parameters underwent fatigue property tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture points. Models of hemi‐mandibular defects (encompassing the temporomandibular joint) were created using beagle dogs. Freeze–dried allogeneic mandibles or 3D‐printed personalized mesh titanium alloy prostheses were used for repair. Gross observation, computed tomography (CT), SEM, and histological examinations were used to compare the two repair methods. The prostheses with filament diameters of 0.5 and 0.7 mm could withstand 14,000 times and >600,000 cycles of alternating stresses, respectively. The truss‐structure scaffold with a large aperture and large aperture ratio could withstand roughly 250,000 cycles of alternating forces. The allogeneic mandible graft required intraoperative shaping, while the 3D‐printed mesh titanium alloy prostheses were personalized and did not require intraoperative shaping. The articular disc on the non‐operated sides experienced degenerative changes. No liver and kidney toxicity was observed in the two groups of animals. The 3D‐printed mesh titanium alloy prostheses could effectively restore the shape of the mandibular defect region and reconstruct the temporomandibular joint.
Age has an independent association with total cost of care in adults admitted to pediatric hospitals
Authors: Dornbush Sean Robert , Kleinman Michael Scott , McCoy Elisha , Winer Jeffrey Craig , Allen Anna Quantrille
Published: September 2024

Previous studies in adults admitted to pediatric hospitals primarily investigated associations between complex chronic condition characteristics and patient outcomes. Our study explored the association of age with length of stay (LOS) and total cost in these adults, accounting for other patient factors. Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we included 1,215,736 patient encounters from 2021 to 2022. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed using bivariable and multivariable log‐linear regression. There was a significant positive association between age and total cost, with adults 18–20 years having 13% higher total cost (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12%–15%), 21–25 years with 25% higher total cost (95% CI: 22%–29%), and 25–99 years having 72% higher total cost (95% CI: 66%–79%) than 1–17 years. Our findings suggest expanding upon the existing status quo to identify the most appropriate environment to care for this unique and growing population, especially given the anticipated reduction in pediatric beds and subspecialty expertise.
Impact of Electric Field Magnitude in the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Changes in Intrinsic Functional Connectivity Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Kim Eunkyung , Yun Seo Jung , Oh Byung‐Mo , Seo Han Gil
Published: September 2024

This study investigated whether the electric field magnitude (E‐field) delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L‐DLPFC) changes resting‐state brain activity and the L‐DLPFC resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC), given the variability in tDCS response and lack of understanding of how rsFC changes. Twenty‐one healthy participants received either 2 mA anodal or sham tDCS targeting the L‐DLPFC for 10 min. Brain imaging was conducted before and after stimulation. The fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (fALFF), reflecting resting brain activity, and the L‐DLPFC rsFC were analyzed to investigate the main effect of tDCS, main effect of time, and interaction effects. The E‐field was estimated by modeling tDCS‐induced individual electric fields and correlated with fALFF and L‐DLPFC rsFC. Anodal tDCS increased fALFF in the left rostral middle frontal area and decreased fALFF in the midline frontal area (FWE p < 0.050), whereas sham induced no changes. Overall rsFC decreased after sham (positive and negative connectivity, p = 0.001 and 0.020, respectively), with modest and nonsignificant changes after anodal tDCS (p = 0.063 and 0.069, respectively). No significant differences in local rsFC were observed among the conditions. Correlations were observed between the E‐field and rsFC changes in the L‐DLPFC (r = 0.385, p = 0.115), left inferior parietal area (r = 0.495, p = 0.037), and right lateral visual area (r = 0.683, p = 0.002). Single‐session tDCS induced resting brain activity changes and may help maintain overall rsFC. The E‐field in the L‐DLPFC is associated with rsFC changes in both proximal and distally connected brain regions to the L‐DLPFC.
A new gate driver employing linearly sweep signal generated module for high‐resolution micro‐LED display with line‐by‐line pulse width modulation driving method
Authors: Zhang Li‐Rong , Mei Xiang‐Lin , Zhou Zhao‐Hua , Zhou Lei , Liu Chun , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Wu Wei‐Jing , Peng Jun‐Biao
Published: September 2024

A new gate driver with metal oxide thin‐film transistors (MO‐TFTs) has been presented for micro‐light‐emitting diode (Micro‐LED) display. The proposed gate driver employing linearly decreasing sweep signal generated module could realize the line‐by‐line pulse width modulation (PWM) driving method, which is valuable for application in high‐resolution Micro‐LED display compared with the conventional driving method employing global sweep signal. A simple Micro‐LED pixel circuit including an inverter module driven by the analog PWM method is employed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed gate driver. A 10 × 10 green Micro‐LED display array has been fabricated with MO‐TFTs backplane technology. It is shown that a 10‐μs width pulse and linearly scanning sweep signal can be successfully output. Consequently, the pixel circuit array can be driven properly under analog line‐by‐line PWM driving method.
Rest Tremor in Parkinson's Disease Is Associated with Ipsilateral Striatal Dopamine Transporter Binding
Authors: Niemi Kalle J. , Sunikka Juha , Soltanian‐Zadeh Hamid , Davoodi‐Bojd Esmaeil , Rahmim Arman , Kaasinen Valtteri , Joutsa Juho
Published: September 2024

Background

The cardinal motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) include rigidity, bradykinesia, and rest tremor. Rigidity and bradykinesia correlate with contralateral nigrostriatal degeneration and striatal dopamine deficit, but association between striatal dopamine function and rest tremor has remained unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible link between dopamine function and rest tremor using Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative dataset, the largest prospective neuroimaging cohort of patients with PD.

Methods

Clinical, [123I]N‐ω‐fluoropropyl‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)nortropane ([123I]FP‐CIT) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 354 early PD patients and 166 healthy controls were included in this study. We employed a novel approach allowing nonlinear registration of individual scans accurately to a standard space and voxelwise analyses of the association between motor symptoms and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding.

Results

Severity of both rigidity and bradykinesia was negatively associated with contralateral striatal DAT binding (PFWE < 0.05 [FWE, family‐wise error corrected]). However, rest tremor amplitude was positively associated with increased ipsilateral DAT binding (PFWE < 0.05). The association between rest tremor and binding remained the same controlling for Hoehn & Yahr stage, Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) part III score, bradykinesia–rigidity score, or motor phenotype. The association between rest tremor and binding was independent of bradykinesia‐rigidity and replicated using 2‐year follow‐up data (PFWE < 0.05).

Conclusion

In agreement with the existing literature, we did not find a consistent association between rest tremor and contralateral dopamine defect. However, our results demonstrate a link between rest tremor and increased or less decreased ipsilateral DAT binding. Our findings provide novel information about the association between dopaminergic function and parkinsonian rest tremor. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and swim training affect copper metabolism in skeletal muscle in a mouse model of disease
Authors: Białobrodzka Emilia , Flis Damian Jozef , Akdogan Banu , Borkowska Andzelika , Wieckowski Mariusz Roman , Antosiewicz Jedrzej , Zischka Hans , Dzik Katarzyna Patrycja , Kaczor Jan Jacek , Ziolkowski Wieslaw
Published: September 2024

Introduction/Aims

Swim training and regulation of copper metabolism result in clinical benefits in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mice. Therefore, the study aimed to determine whether swim training improves copper metabolism by modifying copper metabolism in the skeletal muscles of ALS mice.

Methods

SOD1G93A mice (n = 6 per group) were used as the ALS model, and wild‐type B6SJL (WT) mice as controls (n = 6). Mice with ALS were analyzed before the onset of ALS (ALS BEFORE), at baseline ALS (first disease symptoms, trained and untrained, ALS ONSET), and at the end of ALS (last stage disease, trained and untrained, ALS TERMINAL). Copper concentrations and the level of copper metabolism proteins in the skeletal muscles of the lower leg were determined.

Results

ALS disease caused a reduction in the copper concentration in ALS TERMINAL untrained mice compared with the ALS BEFORE (10.43 ± 1.81 and 38.67 ± 11.50 μg/mg, respectively, p = .0213). The copper chaperon for SOD1 protein, which supplies copper to SOD1, and ATPase7a protein (copper exporter), increased at the terminal stage of disease by 57% (p = .0021) and 34% (p = .0372), while the CTR1 protein (copper importer) decreased by 45% (p = .002). Swim training moderately affected the copper concentration and the concentrations of proteins responsible for copper metabolism in skeletal muscles.

Discussion

The results show disturbances in skeletal muscle copper metabolism associated with ALS progression, which is moderately affected by swim training. From a clinical point of view, exercise in water for ALS patients should be an essential element of rehabilitation for maintaining quality of life.
Community awareness, knowledge and perception about malaria vaccine in the Kassena‐Nankana East Municipality: A descriptive cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Mohammed Abdulai , Bam Victoria , Armah Jerry , Kusi‐Amponsah Diji Abigail , Lomotey Alberta Yemotsoo , Poku Collins Atta , Budu Hayford Isaac
Published: September 2024

Aim

To assess community awareness, knowledge and perception of the malaria vaccine.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Multistage sampling was adopted in recruiting 400 participants. A structured questionnaire designed based on study objectives guided data collection.

Results

Participants were 18–47 years with a mean age of 30 years. A statistically significant association was observed between socio‐demographic characteristics (age, marital status, religion, education) and the awareness of the malaria vaccine. Majority of the participants (n = 190, 86.4%) said the vaccine was for the protection of children and they perceived that the vaccine would improve children's ability to fight diseases (n = 158, 71.8%), hence should be administered to every child (n = 201, 91.4%). Nurses and other health workers should intensify public education on the malaria vaccine.

Patient or Public Contribution

Caregivers of children in Kassena‐Nankana East Municipality.
Comparison of race‐ and ethnicity‐specific BMI cutoffs for categorizing obesity severity: a multicountry prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Sujing , Shen Jie , Koh Woon‐Puay , Yuan Jian‐Min , Gao Xiang , Peng Yinshun , Xu Yaqing , Shi Shuxiao , Huang Yue , Dong Ying , Zhong Victor W.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare race‐ and ethnicity‐specific BMI cutoffs for the three classes of obesity based on equivalent risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Participants without T2D were included from the UK Biobank, the China Health and Nutrition Survey, and the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Poisson regressions with restricted cubic splines were applied to determine BMI cutoffs for each non‐White race and ethnicity for equivalent incidence rates of T2D at BMI values of 30.0, 35.0, and 40.0 kg/m2 in White adults.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 13.8 years among 507,763 individuals, 5.2% developed T2D. In women, BMI cutoffs for an equivalent incidence rate of T2D as observed at 40.0 kg/m2 in White adults were 31.6 kg/m2 in Black, 29.2 kg/m2 in British Chinese, 27.3 kg/m2 in South Asian, 26.9 kg/m2 in Native Chinese, and 25.1 kg/m2 in Singapore Chinese adults. In men, the corresponding BMI cutoffs were 31.9 kg/m2 in Black, 30.6 kg/m2 in British Chinese, 29.0 kg/m2 in South Asian, 29.6 kg/m2 in Native Chinese, and 27.6 kg/m2 in Singapore Chinese adults. The race and ethnicity order was consistent when equivalent BMI cutoffs were estimated for class I and II obesity.

Conclusions

Establishing a race‐ and ethnicity‐tailored classification of the three classes of obesity is urgently needed.
Inequality in Public Provision of Healthcare: Do Fiscal Transfers Matter?
Authors: Harikrishnan K. S. , Hiremath Gourishankar S.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate the inequality in the public provision of healthcare in India and assess whether states are converging over time. We locate the equalization of public provision within the framework of fiscal federalism. Departing from previous work, we gauge disparity in public provision by scrutinizing the provision in terms of primary and community health centers. The and convergence analysis indicate no substantial reduction in inter‐state disparities, raising concerns regarding the attainment of universal healthcare access. In addition, the club convergence analysis identifies states converging into multiple clubs in the public provision of health centers, indicating the persistence of inter‐state disparity. The panel regression estimates indicate the prominence of own revenue over fiscal transfers in determining the public provision of healthcare. The findings underscore the necessity of reforms in fiscal devolution, with a particular emphasis on tax devolution and revamping sector‐specific grants to achieve national targets. The present paper contributes to a long‐standing debate on unconditional versus conditional transfers for public provision.
Native seed collector networks in Brazil: Sowing social innovations for transformative change
Authors: Padovezi Aurelio , Adams Cristina , Chazdon Robin L. , Mendonça Maria Alice , Secco Laura , Campos‐Filho Eduardo Malta , Sampaio Alexandre , Damasceno Edjane , Albuquerque Natalia , Santarem Fabricia , Camargo Maria Eduarda , Pinã‐Rodrigues Fatima
Published: September 2024

To investigate whether and how Social Innovation (SI) can contribute to transformative change, we explored nine Native Seed Collectors Networks (NSCNs) in Brazil. Employing Social Network Analysis, we delved into the organisational structure of four NSCNs. Additionally, we identified five instances of social innovations (SIs) using the guiding questions of the Social Innovation—Forest and Landscape Restoration (SI‐FLR) framework.

These networks, which received a total of US$ 12 million in investments from 2018 to 2021, have not only contributed to the production of 180 tonnes of native seeds but also had a significant socioeconomic impact. They have generated a total income of US$ 1.01 million for 997 seed collectors, 46% of whom are from traditional communities and marginalised groups. Furthermore, 55% of these collectors are women, and 23% rely solely on seed collection as their only source of income.

While the NSCNs represent a fledgling economy, they have effectively activated local agency capacity. With the support of the NSCNs' social capital, a favourable context and clear motivations, this agency capacity can trigger SIs. By generating positive impacts, these SIs are changing values and empowering local agents (scaling deep), inspiring agents in other geographies (scaling out) and even influencing policies favourable to socially inclusive landscape restoration (scaling up). This three‐dimensional scaling underscores the catalysing power of SI in NSCNs and their potential contribution to transformative change.

We also emphasise the role of public bodies in promoting enabling conditions, the vital role of local experimentation and the rarely evidenced local agency capacity to leverage SIs in FLR.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Kristallkeimbildung in Zeitlupe
Authors: Grisenti Robert E.
Published: September 2024

Die Wahrscheinlichkeit des Einfrierens einer Flüssigkeit haben wir mit ultraschneller Röntgenstreuung untersucht. Unsere Ergebnisse stellen die am weitesten verbreitete Theorie zur Beschreibung dieses grundlegenden Phasenübergangs in Frage. Sie bieten daher eine aufregende Möglichkeit, alternative Theorien der Kristallbildung zu erforschen.