bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinese investors in the US residential rental market: Micro evidence
Authors: Lin Chuan , Seiler Michael J. , Siebert Ralph B. , Yang Liuming
Published: November 2024

This article examines rental prices charged by Chinese investors in the US residential rental market. Focusing on homes purchased by an individual investor and subsequently rented from 2000 to 2021 in Orange County, CA, we find that Chinese landlords, who are identified by all‐cash buyers with Chinese names, charge an average rental price discount of 4.0% compared with domestic landlords. The underlying mechanisms are likely a wealth effect and risk diversification strategy. The rental price discount is more pronounced for luxury, larger, and newly built properties. Our study complements studies of the China shock effect on US housing markets.
Structural and functional alterations of the hippocampal subfields in T2DM with mild cognitive impairment and insulin resistance: A prospective study
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhang Huiyan , Ma Zihan , Fan Yanjun , Xu Yanan , Tan Jian , Tian Jing , Cao Jiancang , Zhang Wenwen , Huang Gang , Zhao Lianping
Published: November 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and is often accompanied by mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The detrimental effects of T2DM and IR on the hippocampus have been extensively demonstrated. Few studies have examined the effects of IR on structure and function of hippocampal subfields in T2DM‐MCI patients.

Method

A total of 104 T2DM patients were recruited in this prospective study and divided into four groups (T2DM‐MCI‐higherIR, n = 17; T2DM‐MCI‐lowerIR, n = 32; T2DM‐nonMCI‐higherIR, n = 19; T2DM‐nonMCI‐lowerIR, n = 36). Structure and function MRI data were captured. Clinical variables and neuropsychological scores were determined for all participants. Hippocampal subfield volume and functional connectivity were compared among four groups. Partial correlation analysis was performed between imaging indicators, clinical variables, and neuropsychological scores in all patients.

Results

T2DM‐MCI‐higher IR group had the smallest volumes of bilateral hippocampal tail, right subiculum‐body, right GC‐ML‐DG‐body, and right CA4‐body. IR in right hippocampal tail, right subiculum‐body, and right GC‐ML‐DG‐body exerted main effect. Furthermore, elevated functional connectivity was found between right subiculum‐body and bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right anterior cingulate–medial prefrontal cortex. Hippocampal subfield volume positively correlates with total cholesterol and triglycerides and negatively correlates with fasting insulin.

Conclusion

The present study found that T2DM‐MCI patients have structural and functional alterations in hippocampal subfields, and IR is a negative factor influencing the alteration of hippocampal subfields volume. These findings support the importance of IR in T2DM‐MCI patients and might be potential neuroimaging biomarkers of cerebral impairment in T2DM‐MCI patients.

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Age‐associated metabolic and epigenetic barriers during direct reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes
Authors: Santos Francisco , Correia Magda , Dias Rafaela , Bola Bárbara , Noberini Roberta , Ferreira Rita S. , Trigo Diogo , Domingues Pedro , Teixeira José , Bonaldi Tiziana , Oliveira Paulo J. , Bär Christian , de Jesus Bruno Bernardes , Nóbrega‐Pereira Sandrina
Published: November 2024

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in developed countries, and novel regenerative procedures are warranted. Direct cardiac conversion (DCC) of adult fibroblasts can create induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) for gene and cell‐based heart therapy, and in addition to holding great promise, still lacks effectiveness as metabolic and age‐associated barriers remain elusive. Here, by employing MGT (Mef2c, Gata4, Tbx5) transduction of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and adult (dermal and cardiac) fibroblasts from animals of different ages, we provide evidence that the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into iCMs decreases with age. Analyses of histone posttranslational modifications and ChIP‐qPCR revealed age‐dependent alterations in the epigenetic landscape of DCC. Moreover, DCC is accompanied by profound mitochondrial metabolic adaptations, including a lower abundance of anabolic metabolites, network remodeling, and reliance on mitochondrial respiration. In vitro metabolic modulation and dietary manipulation in vivo improve DCC efficiency and are accompanied by significant alterations in histone marks and mitochondrial homeostasis. Importantly, adult‐derived iCMs exhibit increased accumulation of oxidative stress in the mitochondria and activation of mitophagy or dietary lipids; they improve DCC and revert mitochondrial oxidative damage. Our study provides evidence that metaboloepigenetics plays a direct role in cell fate transitions driving DCC, highlighting the potential use of metabolic modulation to improve cardiac regenerative strategies.
Posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy for metastatic disease: a multi‐site Australian series
Authors: Fenton Mark , Leong David , Wong Jessica , Zotov Paul , Farrell Stephen , Miller Julie A , Sywak Mark S , O'Neill Christine J
Published: November 2024

Background

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) for isolated adrenal metastasis is minimally invasive, may prolong survival and improve quality of life. The current evidence base is scant.

Methods

A multi‐site retrospective analysis of all cases of PRA for adrenal metastasis between 2011 and 2023, by four high‐volume adrenal surgeons was performed. Perioperative morbidity, disease‐free and survival outcomes were reported.

Results

Of 51 patients, 34(67%) male, mean age 63 ± 12 years, mean BMI 28; 49 PRAs for adrenal metastatectomy were completed (one abandoned due to tumour unresectability, one conversion to anterior laparoscopic approach) across 11 hospitals (49% public). Primary tumours included: 11 colorectal, 11 renal, 8 lung, 6 hepatocellular, 4 sarcoma, 3 breast, 2 melanoma, 2 ovarian and 1 each of pancreatic, oesophageal, testicular and prostate cancer. There were 12 synchronous (<6 months) and 39 metachronous (>6 months after primary diagnosis) tumours; 21 (42%) left sided, none bilateral. Mean operative time was 95 ± 34 minutes, mean maximal tumour diameter was 34 mm ± 13 mm and median length of hospitalization 1 ± 1 days. There were 8 (16%) complications; 1 ICU admission, 1 re‐admission for pneumonia and 6 Clavien‐Dindo grade I complications. There were 10 (20%) mortalities and a median overall survival of 29 months (range 7–123, n = 41). Disease recurred in 15 (40%) patients (n = 37), with a median disease‐free interval of 18 months (range 1–68). Port site recurrence occurred in 2 patients, both simultaneously with disseminated metastases.

Conclusion

In carefully selected patients with adrenal metastases, PRA by high‐volume adrenal surgeons has minimal morbidity and short hospitalization. Surgery should be considered prior to local ablation.
Maternal asthma during pregnancy and the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring
Authors: Kemppainen Mari , Gissler Mika , Kirjavainen Turkka
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Asthma is the most common chronic disease during pregnancy. Maternal asthma has been associated with a multitude of unwanted pregnancy outcomes, in some studies also with neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we investigated associations between maternal asthma and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Material and Methods

We studied a retrospective population‐based cohort of 1 271 439 mother–child pairs from singleton live births in Finland between the years 1996–2018. We used multiple high‐cover registers for data collection. Adjusted unconditional Cox regression models were used to investigate associations between maternal asthma, asthma medication used during pregnancy, and offspring's neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses.

Results

We identified 106 163 mother–child pairs affected by maternal asthma. We found that maternal asthma was associated with offspring neurodevelopmental disorders, but the differences in absolute prevalence between the control and exposure groups were small. Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was found in 4114 (3.9%) offspring with maternal asthma and in 32 122 (3.0%) controls (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.49; 95% CI 1.44–1.54); autism in 1617 (1.5%) offspring vs 13 701 (1.3%) controls (HR: 1.33; 95% CI 1.26–1.40); motor‐developmental disorder in 1569 (1.5%) offspring vs 12 147 (1.1%) controls (HR: 1.37; 95% CI 1.30–1.45); language disorder in 3057 (2.9%) offspring vs 28 421 (2.7%) controls (HR: 1.13; 95% CI 1.08–1.17), learning disabilities in 849 (0.8%) offspring vs 6534 (0.6%) controls (HR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.41–1.62); mixed developmental disorder in 1633 (1.5%) offspring vs 14 434 (1.3%) controls (HR 1.20; 95% CI, 1.14–1.26); and intellectual disability in 908 (0.9%) vs 9155 (0.9%) controls (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 1.04–1.20). No substantial differences were found between allergic and non‐allergic asthma phenotypes, and neither allergic tendency nor respiratory infection was associated with a similar likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusions

Maternal asthma and allergic and non‐allergic phenotypes showed weak associations with the offspring's neurodevelopmental disorders. The association is concerned especially with learning disabilities, ADHD, motor development, and autism.
Evaluation of a meaning in life intervention applied to work: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ríos Diana C. , Hervas Gonzalo
Published: November 2024

Meaning‐based interventions have demonstrated promising outcomes in enhancing meaning in life. However, understanding their efficacy in diverse contexts requires further research. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a meaning‐based intervention in a military sample and the impact of incorporating an additional emotion regulation module into the intervention. We conducted a randomized three‐group parallel trial with active‐duty military personnel: a waitlist control group (n = 21), a meaning‐based intervention group (n = 42), and a meaning‐based intervention with emotion regulation group (n = 43). Both intervention groups received six 2‐hour sessions and a follow‐up session 4 months later. Meaning in life and work‐related variables, as well as well‐being, depression, emotion regulation, and work‐related factors, were assessed using a mixed‐factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that only the meaning‐based intervention with an emotion regulation component significantly increased the presence of meaning in life. We also observed a trend toward improved well‐being scores over time that did not emerge for the other intervention. This study provides initial support for the efficacy of meaning‐based interventions within the military context when supplemented with emotion regulation skills.
Individualized rTMS Intervention Targeting Sleep Deprivation‐Induced Vigilance Decline: Task fMRI‐Guided Approach
Authors: Zhu Yuanqiang , Wang Chen , Xu Ziliang , Guo Fan , Chang Yingjuan , Liu Jiali , Liu WenMing , Fang Peng , Zheng Minwen
Published: November 2024

Study Objectives

Sleep deprivation (SD) is prevalent in our increasingly round‐the‐clock society. Optimal countermeasures such as ample recovery sleep are often unfeasible, and brief naps, while helpful, do not fully restore cognitive performance following SD. Thus, we propose that targeted interventions, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), may enhance cognitive performance recovery post‐SD.

Methods

We recruited 50 participants for two SD experiments. In the first experiment, participants performed a psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) under three conditions: normal sleep (resting wakefulness), after 24 h of SD, and following a subsequent 30‐min nap. We analyzed dynamic changes in PVT outcomes and cerebral responses across conditions to identify the optimal stimulation target. Experiment 2 adopted the same protocol except that, after the nap, 10‐Hz, sham‐controlled, individualized rTMS was administrated. Then, an analysis of variance was conducted to investigate the ability of stimulation to improve the PVT reaction times.

Results

Through task‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging, we identified cerebral responses within the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) as the optimal stimulation target. Subsequent application of individualized 10‐Hz rTMS over the right MFG attenuated SD‐induced deterioration of vigilance.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that combining a brief nap with individualized rTMS can significantly aid the recovery of vigilance following SD. This approach, through modulating neural activity within functional brain networks, is a promising strategy to counteract the cognitive effects of SD.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Patients With Isolated Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia or Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia With Thrombosis
Authors: Hassan Kaiya , Kinan Robert , Casey Ashley , Dermady Miranda , Mizuki Britta , Stanilova Katerina , Savage Heather , Yuan Helen , Hillis Emma , Bertaut Connor , Guillory Taylor , Coons Eric
Published: November 2024

No existing studies compare oral anticoagulants to treat heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia with or without thrombosis (HIT/HITT). This retrospective study evaluated thrombotic and bleeding outcomes in adults treated for HIT/HITT with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) or warfarin between 2012 and 2023 within the Ochsner Health System. Patients with mechanical heart valves, valvular atrial fibrillation, antiphospholipid syndrome, active malignancy, or venous thromboembolism (VTE) within the previous 6 months were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of new or progressive VTE or arterial thromboembolism. Secondary outcomes included major and clinically relevant non‐major bleeding, duration of hospitalization, time to platelet recovery, and incidence of skin necrosis, gangrene, and amputation. Forty‐nine patients receiving a DOAC and 30 patients receiving warfarin were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between cohorts. There were non‐statistically significant increased rates of both the primary outcome (8.9% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.65) and the composite bleeding outcome (32.7% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.37) in the DOAC cohort. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
¿Espíritus animales al acecho? Sentimientos empresariales y demanda de trabajo durante la pandemia de COVID‐19
Authors: BELLO Ridwan Bolaji
Published: November 2024

Los economistas han teorizado que los sentimientos, o creencias espontáneas carentes de fundamentación económica, son un factor que influye en los comportamientos económicos. En este artículo se investiga si los sentimientos influyeron en el comportamiento empresarial tras el brote de COVID‐19. Sobre una muestra de empresas italianas se observa que, inmediatamente después del brote inicial, las expectativas empresariales de recuperación económica reflejaban opiniones en gran medida ajenas a sus experiencias durante la crisis sanitaria. Estas opiniones guardan relación con el comportamiento laboral de las empresas. Las más pesimistas eran más propensas a aplicar medidas de reducción de costos laborales, como el despido y la reducción de jornada.
Los efectos del salario mínimo en la adquisición de educación en el Brasil
Authors: MARIONI Larissa da Silva
Published: November 2024

A partir de datos administrativos del sector formal brasileño de 2006‐2013, se investiga el impacto del salario mínimo absoluto y relativo sobre la prima de la calificación y las inversiones en educación compaginada con el empleo, teniendo en cuenta las variaciones de precios entre estados y en el tiempo. El salario mínimo absoluto reduce la prima de la calificación y, en promedio, afecta negativamente a la adquisición de estudios, sobre todo en la parte inferior de la distribución salarial. El salario mínimo relativo aumenta la prima en los niveles educativos superiores y, en promedio, no incide significativamente en las inversiones en educación, pero sus efectos son heterogéneos a lo largo de la distribución.
Role adaptation of nurses caring for older adults with terminal diseases in geriatric hospitals
Authors: Liu Qiushi , Yih Bongsook
Published: November 2024

Aim

To understand the role adaptation process of nurses caring for older adult patients with terminal diseases in Chinese geriatric hospitals.

Background

The Chinese government has been encouraging the conversion of secondary general hospitals and some tertiary hospitals into specialized geriatric hospitals; however, research on nurses’ adaptation to caring for older adult patients with terminal diseases in these hospitals is lacking.

Methods

Individual in‐depth interviews were conducted with 13 registered nurses with a minimum of two years of experience caring for older adults with terminal diseases. Following Glaserian grounded theory, open, selective, and theoretical coding were conducted for data analysis. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist.

Results

“Guards of the shining sunset” emerged as the core category. Participants experienced three stages: “chaotic me,” “rational me,” and “inclusive me.” They highlighted two causes, three contexts, two intervention conditions, three strategies, and two consequences.

Conclusion

The study shows that nurses play a key role in “guarding the shining sunset” of older adult patients with terminal diseases. The observed role adaptation process provides theoretical support for interventions to assist nurses in becoming inclusive “guards of the shining sunset.”

Implications for nursing practice and policy

Nurses play a unique role as guardians protecting the end‐of‐life quality of elderly patients. Their role needs to be expanded and strengthened via effective coping strategies and comprehensive legal, education, welfare, and professional promotion support policies. The substantive theory offered by this study may be applied by nurses, department leaders, geriatric hospital managers, and national‐level institutions to underpin future interventions and improve role adaptation.
A Tailored De‐Implementation Strategy to Reduce Low‐Value Home‐Based Nursing Care: A Mixed‐Methods Feasibility Study
Authors: Wendt Benjamin , Nieuwboer Minke S. , Vermeulen Hester , Huisman‐de Waal Getty , van Dulmen Simone A.
Published: November 2024

Aim

To facilitate the delivery of appropriate care, the aim was to test if a tailored, multifaceted de‐implementation strategy (RENEW) (1) would lead to less low‐value nursing care and (2) was acceptable, implementable, cost effective and scalable in the home‐based nursing care context.

Design

A mixed‐methods design.

Methods

The RENEW strategy with components on education, persuasion, enablement, incentives and training was introduced in seven teams from two organisations in the Netherlands. To estimate the effect size, data were collected at baseline (T0) and follow‐up measurement (T1), on the volume of care in both frequency and time in minutes per week and independent samples t‐tests were performed. A qualitative evaluation was conducted to understand feasibility aspects, see how the strategy works and identify influencing factors and used document analyses and semi‐structured interviews. Deductive coding was used to analyse the results.

Results

The time spent on low‐value nursing care (mean, minutes per week per client) in seven teams for 210 clients in T1 compared to 222 clients in T0 reduced statistically significant. The difference between T0 and T1 equals 17.94%. The frequency of delivered low‐value nursing care (mean per week) reduced but not statistically significant. From the transcripts of eight semi‐structured interviews and documents, a list of 79 influencing factors were identified. Practical implementation tools, workplace coaching and sharing experiences within and between teams were considered as the most contributing elements.

Conclusion

The results showed that for the seven home‐healthcare teams in this study, the RENEW strategy (1) leads to a reduction in low‐value care and (2) is—conditional upon minor modifications—acceptable, implementable, cost effective and scalable.

Reporting Method

Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Effect of adipose tissue deposition on insulin resistance in middle‐aged and elderly women: Based on QCT and MRI mDIXON‐Quant
Authors: Liu Ying , Gao Lei , Wu Mengfei , Yang Boyang , Ren Dongxue , Zhang Zekun , Zhang Wei , Wang Yan
Published: November 2024

Objective

To explore the relationship between adipose tissue deposition and triglyceride‐glucose (TyG) index, an indicator clinically used to assess insulin resistance (IR), in middle‐aged and elderly women using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and MRI mDIXON‐Quant sequence.

Methods

All participants underwent quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and MRI mDIXON‐Quant examination and calculated the TyG index based on the fasting blood glucose and triacylglycerol. Bounded by the median TyG index, all participants were divided into low TyG group and high TyG group. Visceral fat mass (VFM) and subcutaneous fat mass (SFM) were measured on QCT images. Hepatic proton density fat fraction (H‐PDFF), pancreatic proton density fat fraction (P‐PDFF), and lumbar bone marrow fat fraction (L‐BMFF) were measured on MRI mDIXON‐Quant images.

Results

Adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), TyG was moderately positively correlated with H‐PDFF, and r/P was 0.416/<0.001, TyG index was weakly positively correlated with VFM and P‐PDFF, and r/P were 0.385/<0.001 and 0.221/0.030. There was a difference of VFM, H‐PDFF, and P‐PDFF between low TyG group and high TyG group (P < 0.05). Adjusting for age and BMI, VFM, and H‐PDFF were the risk factors of high TyG, and H‐PDFF was the independent risk factor of high TyG.

Conclusions

VFM and H‐PDFF were the risk factors of IR, and H‐PDFF was the independent risk factor. Early identification and active treatment of adipose tissue deposition, especially hepatic fat deposition, may reserve and delay the progression of IR and even metabolic syndrome.
The PtobZIP55–PtoMYB170 module regulates the wood anatomical and chemical properties of Populus tomentosa in acclimation to low nitrogen availability
Authors: Wu Jiangting , Deng Shurong , Wang Yang , Jia Chenlin , Wei Jia , Zhou Mengyan , Zhu Dongyue , Li Zhuorong , Fayyaz Payam , Luo Zhi‐Bin , Zhou Jing , Shi Wenguang
Published: November 2024

Poplar plantations are often established on nitrogen‐poor land, and poplar growth and wood formation are constrained by low nitrogen (LN) availability. However, the molecular mechanisms by which specific genes regulate wood formation in acclimation to LN availability remain unclear. Here, we report a previously unrecognized module, basic region/leucine zipper 55 (PtobZIP55)–PtoMYB170, which regulates the wood formation of Populus tomentosa in acclimation to LN availability. PtobZIP55 was highly expressed in poplar wood and induced by LN. Altered wood anatomical properties and increased lignification were detected in PtobZIP55‐overexpressing poplars, whereas the opposite results were detected in PtobZIP55‐knockout poplars. Molecular and transgenic analyses revealed that PtobZIP55 directly binds to the promoter sequence of PtoMYB170 to activate its transcription. The phenotypes of PtoMYB170 transgenic poplars were similar to those of PtobZIP55 transgenic poplars under LN conditions. Further molecular analyses revealed that PtoMYB170 directly bound the promoter sequences of lignin biosynthetic genes to activate their transcription to increase lignin concentrations in LN‐treated poplar wood. These results suggest that PtobZIP55 activates PtoMYB170 transcription, which in turn positively regulates lignin biosynthetic genes, increasing lignin deposition in the wood of P. tomentosa in the context of acclimation to LN availability.
Impact of PNPLA3 in Lean Individuals and in Cryptogenic Steatotic Liver Disease
Authors: Seko Yuya , Lin Huapeng , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Okanoue Takeshi
Published: November 2024

Background

Although metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is strongly associated with obesity, around 20% of individuals with hepatic steatosis may nonetheless have normal body mass index, a condition often referred to as lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Under the new nomenclature and definition of MASLD, lean NAFLD can be further divided into lean MASLD (when there is one or more cardiometabolic risk factors) and cryptogenic steatotic liver disease (when there is no cardiometabolic risk factor).

Results

Current studies suggest that the at‐risk PNPLA3 rs738409 variant is more common among individuals with lean NAFLD than their overweight and obese counterparts. However, even in this group, cardiometabolic risk factors are often required for the development of hepatic steatosis and liver injury. In the general population, PNPLA3 gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of MASLD, more severe liver histology (i.e., the presence of steatohepatitis and fibrosis) and future development of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhotic complications. Emerging data also suggest that individuals carrying the PNPLA3 GG genotype might have a greater reduction in hepatic steatosis and liver enzymes with lifestyle intervention and metabolic treatments, such as glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists.

Conclusion

Studies have not specifically examined the impact of PNPLA3 in lean individuals.
Towards targeted engineering of promoters via deletion of repressive cis‐regulatory elements
Authors: Wang Flora Zhiqi , Niyogi Krishna K.
Published: November 2024

This article is a Commentary on Wang et al. (2025), 245: 2103–2116.
Modulatory responses of physiological and biochemical status are related to drought tolerance levels in peanut cultivars
Authors: Checchio M. V. , Bacha A. L. , Carrega W. C. , da Silveira Sousa Júnior G. , da Costa Aguiar Alves P. L. , Gratão P. L.
Published: November 2024

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the fourth most cultivated oilseed in the world, but its cultivation is subject to fluctuations in water demand. Current studies of tolerance between cultivars and physiological mechanisms involved in plant recovery after drought are insufficient for selection of tolerant cultivars.

We evaluated tolerance of different peanut cultivars to water deficit and subsequent rehydration, based on physiological and biochemical status. Gas exchange, photosynthetic pigments, Fv/Fm, MDA, H2O2 and antioxidant enzyme activity were analysed.

Drought stress and rehydration triggered distinct changes in pigments, Fv/Fm, gas exchange, and H2O2 across genotypes, with increased MDA in all cultivars under stress. Based on multivariate analysis, ‘IAC Sempre Verde’ was identified as most drought sensitive, while ‘IAC OL3’, ‘IAC 503’, and ‘IAC OL6’ exhibited variations in physiological responses and antioxidant activity correlated to their respective tolerance levels. Notably, ‘IAC OL3’ had higher WUE and enhanced enzymatic defence and was classified as the most drought tolerant in this context.

The above findings suggest that antioxidant metabolism is a important factor for plant recovery post‐rehydration. Our study provides insights into antioxidant and physiological responses of peanut cultivars, which can support breeding programs for selection of drought‐tolerant genotypes. Future field studies should be conducted for a better understanding of tolerance of these cultivars, particularly through correlation of these data with crop yield impact.
How does government feel? Toward a theory of institutional pathos in public administration
Authors: Boswell John , Corbett Jack , Grube Dennis C. , Stein Mari‐Klara
Published: November 2024

In the study of policy and administration, emotions are largely conceived as an exogenous factor that impacts on institutions and processes. Still ignored are the emotions felt and performed not just individually by civil servants, but collectively within government organizations. This article turns to insights on emotions from organizational studies to offer a conceptual framework through which to understand the lifeworld of government, or “institutional pathos.” It then applies this framework to an extreme case: Whitehall's response to the Brexit vote. Drawing on rich interview material from the Brexit Witness Archive, this article illustrates how the experience of individual and collective emotions deeply colored the work of British Government in delivering Brexit. The article concludes with a research agenda for public administration that foregrounds emotions.
Prospective evaluation of hospital‐acquired skin lesions in dogs: A case–control study
Authors: Gómez‐Soto Esther , Herrería‐Bustillo Vicente , Delhom‐Alcoy Pau , Oliver‐Ballester Carolina , Zapata‐Debón Tania , Martínez‐Molina Adrián , Ravera Iván
Published: November 2024

Background

Hospital‐related dermatological conditions are well‐studied and reported in human medicine. However, studies about these dermatological disorders in veterinary medicine are lacking.

Objectives

To report the incidence, type and distribution of hospital‐acquired skin lesions (HASL) in dogs, and to investigate risk factors that may be associated with their development.

Animals

Hospitalised client‐owned dogs with HASL and a control group of hospitalised dogs without skin lesions.

Materials and Methods

Prospective clinical evaluation of all HASL and dermatological tests, when indicated, were performed, over 6 months. A variety of potentially predisposing factors also were recorded.

Results

Thirty‐one dogs with HASL and a matched control group of 60 hospitalised dogs without skin lesions were included. The incidence of HASL was 11.2% (31 of 278). The most common lesion was erythema in 74.2% of dogs (23 of 31) and the most affected area was the abdomen in 58.1% (18 of 31) of dogs. Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was identified as an important risk factor for the development of skin lesions during hospitalisation (odds ratio 14.445, 95% confidence interval 1.444–144.479, p = 0.023). Immobilisation and changes in body temperature also may play a role in the development of such lesions in dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Faecal and/or urinary incontinence was found to be an important factor in the development of HASL. The impact of HASL on patient outcomes and the prevention of these lesions requires further investigation.
The alarmin, interleukin‐33, increases vascular tone via extracellular signal regulated kinase‐mediated Ca2+ sensitization and endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibition
Authors: DeVallance Evan , Bowdridge Elizabeth , Garner Krista , Griffith Julie , Seman Madison , Batchelor Thomas , Velayutham Murugesan , Goldsmith W. Travis , Hussain Salik , Kelley Eric E. , Nurkiewicz Timothy R.
Published: November 2024

Alarmins are classified by their release from damaged or ruptured cells. Many alarmins have been found to increase vascular tone and oppose endothelium‐dependent dilatation (EDD). Interleukin (IL)‐33 plays a prominent role in lung injury and can be released during vascular injury and in chronic studies found to be cardioprotective. Our recent work has implicated IL‐33 in acute vascular dysfunction following inhalation of engineered nanomaterials (ENM). However, the mechanisms linking IL‐33 to vascular tone have not been interrogated. We therefore aimed to determine whether IL‐33 directly influenced microvascular tone and endothelial function. Isolated feed arteries and in vivo arterioles from male and female Sprague–Dawley rats were used to determine direct vascular actions of IL‐33. Mesenteric feed arteries and arterioles demonstrated reduced intraluminal diameters when treated with increasing concentrations of recombinant IL‐33. IL‐33 activated extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 of rat aortic smooth muscle cells but not phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase. This suggested IL‐33 may sensitize arterioles to Ca2+‐mediated responses. Indeed, IL‐33 augmented the myogenic‐ and phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction. Additionally, incubation of arterioles with 1 ng IL‐33 attenuated ACh‐mediated EDD. Mechanistically, in human aortic endothelial cells, we demonstrate that IL‐33‐mediated ERK1/2 activation leads to inhibitory phosphorylation of serine 602 on endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Finally, we demonstrate that IL‐33‐ERK1/2 contributes to vascular tone following two known inducers of IL‐33; ENM inhalation and the rupture endothelial cells. The present study provides novel evidence that IL‐33 increases vascular tone via canonical ERK1/2 activation in microvascular smooth muscle and endothelium. Altogether, it is suggested IL‐33 plays a critical role in microvascular homeostasis following barrier cell injury.

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Key points

Interleukin (IL)‐33 causes a concentration‐dependent reduction in feed artery diameter.

IL‐33 acts on vascular smooth muscle cells to augment Ca2+‐mediated processes.

IL‐33 causes inhibitory phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and opposes endothelium‐dependent dilatation.

Engineered nanomaterial‐induced lung injury and endothelial cell rupture in part act through IL‐33 to mediate increased vascular tone.
Nucleation of Fracture: The First-Octant Evidence Against Classical Variational Phase-Field Models
Authors: Kamarei Farhad , Dolbow John E. , Lopez-Pamies Oscar
Published: November 2024

As a companion work to [1], this article presents a series of simple formulae and explicit results that illustrate and highlight why classical variational phase-field models cannot possibly predict fracture nucleation in elastic brittle materials. The focus is on “tension-dominated” problems where all principal stresses are nonnegative, that is, problems taking place entirely within the first octant in the space of principal stresses.
Experimental Performance Analysis of R410A Heat Pump System in Northeastern US Winter Climates
Authors: Rob S M Abdur , Garraway David , Turbeville Geoffrey , Ramamurthy Prathap , Gonzalez-Cruz Jorge E.
Published: November 2024

This work is motivated by the accelerated pathways to decarbonize our cities. New York City (NYC) is a key example with local law 97 which calls to decarbonize the city by 2050. One of the major sources of carbon emissions is the usage of natural gas and oil for space heating. Air source heat pump (ASHP) systems can replace the natural gas-based heating systems due in large to their deployable in existing buildings. However, a major drawback of ASHP systems is that the performance decreases significantly when outdoor temperature becomes extremely low. It is therefore imperative for comprehensive studies on the performance of ASHP systems in cold climates to determine deployability. In this study, the performance of variable capacity ASHP using R410A refrigerant was investigated in the Northeastern US winter climate, specifically for NYC. A complete laboratory setup was built to simulate the extreme outdoor winter conditions similar to NYC temperatures in January 2022. First law and second law analyses were conducted including a comprehensive exergy analysis. The study reveals that the coefficient of performance (COP) increases from 2.53 to 3.81 when the outdoor temperature increases from 16 °F to 50 °F. The compressor has the highest exergy losses followed by the condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The power consumption of the system decreases significantly with the increase in outdoor temperature. This study provides insights into the feasibility and challenges of deploying air source heat pump systems in the NYC winter climates.
Effect of Variation of the Aspect Ratio of Rectangular Twisted Tapes Inserted in a Circular Pipe on the Thermal Performance
Authors: Paul Koustav , Pradhan Kaustav , Mandal Bijan Kumar
Published: November 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of the aspect ratio of the cross section of a rectangular twisted tape on the laminar heat transfer characteristics inside an isothermally heated circular pipe. Detailed three-dimensional simulations reveal facts that would be difficult to estimate otherwise. A novel study of the evolution of the axial and secondary velocity fields as well as the temperature field within the pipe is presented to understand the flow physics behind the heat transfer enhancement. The three-dimensional simulation results are used to accurately calculate the portion of the total energy of the flow that is converted to secondary kinetic energy. In addition to the Nusselt number and friction factor, three parameters, viz. relative increase in heat transfer coefficient, relative increase in pressure drop, and thermo-hydraulic performance factor are used to quantify the effect of the twisted tape. While both the heat transfer and the pressure drop increase with a decrease in the twist ratio (TR), the thermo-hydraulic performance factor (THPF) is found to become almost independent of TR as the aspect ratio (AR) decreases to low values. It is inferred from the present results that although a twisted tape with a small pitch and large aspect ratio enhances heat transfer performance, a lower aspect ratio may provide a better option from a power requirement perspective. Hence, this work shows, for the first time, that a square-like cross section of the twisted tape could be advantageous.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Boundary Layer of a High-Lift Low-Pressure Turbine Cascade Under Periodic Wakes With Different Flow Coefficients
Authors: Sun Shuang , Tan Tianrong , Huang Zhen , Sun Xiaopeng , Lu Lehan , Wang Maomao
Published: November 2024

This article investigates the boundary layer on the suction surface of a low-pressure turbine (LPT) subjected to upstream wakes with three different unsteady flow cases, characterized by the variation of flow coefficients. The unsteady behaviors of the boundary layer on the LPT suction surface are studied numerically and experimentally. The Reynolds number in the cascade is constant. Three flow coefficients are achieved by varying the bar speed, while the cascade's outlet velocity remains stable across the three test cases. The wake shapes under the three flow coefficients are captured by numerical simulation, and the instantaneous characteristics of the boundary layer are analyzed by hot-film test data and numerical results. The wake can be divided into a center and a tail, each with different effects on boundary layer multimode transitions. The wake center promotes the separation bubble breakdown, inducing wake-induced transition. Klebanoff streaks, formed by shear sheltering at the blade's leading edge, accelerate wake-induced transition by breaking down vortices in the interaction between the wake tail and the boundary layer. Under the three different flow coefficients, the wake shapes are different, resulting in a difference in the intensity and development of the Klebanoff streaks. The interactions among the Klebanoff streaks and roll-up vortices, the wake shapes, and the timing of Klebanoff streak involvement in the wake-induced transitions are important coupled factors. Additionally, the flow coefficient can change the factors, resulting in different wake-induced transitions, which should be considered in the design of high-lift LPTs.
Unsteady Flow Mechanism of Impeller Stall Inception in a High-Pressure Ratio Centrifugal Compressor With Bleed Slots
Authors: Fujisawa Nobumichi , Yamamoto Yuta , Ohta Yutaka , Ogino Atsushi , Nakayama Ryo , Kitamura Eijiro
Published: November 2024

The impeller stall inception in a high-pressure ratio centrifugal compressor with bleed slots was investigated by experiments and unsteady numerical analysis. This study reported that the flow instability of the internal flow was first initiated around the leading edge of the splitter blades and finally resulted in tip leakage flow instability at the leading edge of the main blades. The impeller stall consisted of a stall cell and rotated about 70% of the impeller rotational speed. Furthermore, a pressure disturbance occurs at the splitter blade leading edge before the main blade leading edge. The blockage within the passage of the suction side at the leading edge of the splitter blade was first increased because the leading-edge separation on the suction surface of the splitter blade was enlarged. The blockage within the passage of the pressure side was increased after that of the suction side stopped increasing. Therefore, the blockage development of both pressure and suction passage at the leading edge of the splitter blade was the main cause of the stall inception. Then, a longitudinal vortex was formed near the bleed slots and blocked the mainstream near tip side. Subsequently, the reverse flow region in the inducer was developed and extended to the impeller inlet. Finally, the flow angle to the main blade increased, the spillage occurred at a leading edge of a main blade, and the rotating stall was generated. The cause of impeller instability was the separation of the suction surface of the splitter blade and the formation of a stagnation region on the pressure surface at the splitter leading edge.
Rewriting the Ratcheting Stress Limits
Authors: Seipp Trevor G.
Published: November 2024

The 2023 Edition of ASME Section VIII, Division 2 states that the allowable limit on the primary plus secondary stress range, SPS, is the larger of 3 times the average of the S values at the highest and lowest temperatures during the operational cycle or 2 times the average of the Sy values at the highest and lowest temperatures during the operational cycle. The upcoming 2025 Edition is proposed to drop the 3S limit and replace it with a single limit of cold yield plus hot yield. This paper discusses the historical context for the 3S limit, and the technical rationale and justification for this proposed change.

Historically, the Criteria Document from 1972 defined the ratcheting limit strictly in terms of yield, going so far as to state that “a calculated elastic stress range equal to twice the yield stress has a very special significance”. This document goes further to define 2Sy as the stress range limit for primary-plus-secondary membrane-plus-bending. However, at the very end of the document, it is noted that the “design” value for the pre-2007 ASME Section VIII, Division 2 is only with respect to the allowable stress, and therefore as a final step the 2Sy limit is converted to a 3S limit. It was only between the 2001 Edition and the 2004 Edition when the 3S limit was updated to have a form similar to the form that exists in the 2023 Edition, noting that the S in 3S referred to the average of the tabulated values of the material at the highest and lowest temperatures of the cycle, as well as adding 2 times the average of the Sy values at the highest and lowest temperatures during the operational cycle to the limit definition.

The technical justification for this proposed change includes the historical context, where ratcheting is defined purely in terms of yield, since it is a yield-based failure mode. The justification also examines the removal of the limitation in the 2023 Edition that the yield-based criteria cannot be used when the yield-to-ultimate ratio is greater than 0.7. The justification continues to discuss the situation for materials that cyclically-soften. Finally, the justification discusses the consistency between the proposed limit format, which is appropriate for temperatures below the creep regime, and a comparable limit format for when the hot temperatures are in the creep regime.
Effect of Interrupting Master Curve Fracture Toughness Tests for a Material Exhibiting Ductile Crack Growth at the KJc Between KJclimit and the Final KJc at Test Termination
Authors: Yamamoto Masato , Kirk Mark
Published: November 2024

The Master Curve (MC) standard ASTM E1921 [1] employs two different censoring requirements on measured fracture toughness values (KJc) to avoid the combined effects of (#1) excessive plastic deformation, and (#2) ductile crack growth (DCG) on the evaluated reference temperature (T0). While the limit and censoring values for (#1) are given as a single value of KJclimit, they are different for (#2). The second limit is currently determined as the moment when DCG exceeds a specified value, without knowing the exact applied KJ corresponding to that amount of DCG, a value called KJcDCG in this paper. A conservative value of KJcΔa, which E1921 defines as the maximum of all uncensored KJc values in the dataset, is used by E1921 instead of the unknown KJcDCG. If both the KJclimit and DCG requirements are violated, KJcΔa is most likely selected as the censoring value. Censoring using the lower KJcΔa value rather than KJcDCG (see nomenclature and introduction for detail of difference in those two values) may produce an unnecessary conservative (i.e., artificially high) T0 or T0Q value when KJclimit is less than KJcDCG.

In the present study, interrupting the test at the moment the applied KJ exceeds KJclimit is proposed to distinguish whether KJclimit or KJcDCG is lower, so that KJclimit would be used as the censoring value when the KJclimit < KJcDCG. A series of Monte-Carlo simulations with synthetic KJc data reveal that the proposed procedure always produces an estimate of T0Q closer to the true T0 than the existing E1921 procedure, especially when the number of uncensored KJc values is small. A demonstration of how this procedure would work in a laboratory testing situation is provided using the test temperature selection procedure described in PVP2022-82754 [2). The proposed censoring procedure refines the T0Q estimation and the test temperature selection, contributing to a stable estimation of T0Q that is close to the true T0 with only a few sampled KJc values. Identification of a better T0Q estimate early in the testing sequence helps reduce the number of tests needed to achieve a valid T0. This is practically advantageous especially when testing limited quantities of irreproducible materials (for example: in surveillance testing of nuclear reactor pressure vessel steels).
Creep-Rupture Prediction of Inconel 617 Using a Python-Based Machine-Learning Approach
Authors: Haque Mohammad Shafinul , Al Kadri Zakia
Published: November 2024

Creep rupture data is only sometimes readily available at the desired temperature or stress levels, and performing creep tests can be both time-consuming and expensive. Creep-rupture data from various sources are often combined for model calibration and validation. However, such combined data may overlap or exhibit a wide scatter band because of different metadata factors. A small change in chemical composition may affect the creep properties creating a large variation in the rupture data. Advances in data mining techniques make it possible to use machine learning to consider metadata such as the chemical composition of different heats in modeling for improved prediction. In this study, a Python-based machine-learning approach is applied to predict the creep rupture of alloy Inconel 617. Data from five different sources (General Electric Company (GE), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), German HTGR, Huntington Alloy, and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI)) which encompasses multiple heats are used. Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) and Spearman Correlation Coefficient (SCC) are employed to identify the dominant chemical elements and operating conditions (stress) influencing creep rupture. Six different regression methods (Random Forest Regression (RF), Linear Regression (LR), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Gradient Boosting Regression (GB)) are used for model training. The resulting prediction curve is validated against data not used in calibration. A detailed flow diagram elucidating the methodology is also provided.