bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling primary intracranial eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis: A rare case report and diagnostic dilemmas
Authors: Nayak Rumela , Nandeesh Bevinahalli N
Published: August 2024

Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) is a rare, benign fibroinflammatory condition primarily affecting the sinonasal and upper respiratory tract, with a few cases reported beyond these regions. Primary intracranial EAF is rare. To date, only one case of intracranial EAF has been reported; ours is the second. This case report presents a case of EAF in a 55‐year‐old man, initially misdiagnosed as meningioma based on clinical and radiological features. The patient complained of a persistent dull headache for six months without associated neurological symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a dural‐based lesion with characteristics suggestive of meningioma. However, histopathological examination post‐surgical resection revealed a nodular vascular lesion with concentric angiocentric fibrosis, a distinctive onion skin pattern, and an inflammatory infiltrate rich in eosinophils, plasma cells, and histiocytes. Immunohistochemistry ruled out IgG4‐related disease, and other systemic disorders were ruled out based on combined clinical and histological features. This case underscores the need for considering EAF in the differential diagnosis of dural‐based lesions. Awareness of its potential mimicking of meningioma is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, emphasizing the importance of histopathological examination in challenging cases.
Ipsilateral simultaneous multiple hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhages: Analysis of hematoma formation and comparison with distribution of hypertensive mixed‐type hematoma
Authors: Takeda Shigeki , Takahashi Hitoshi , Miyakawa Teruo , Yamazaki Kazunori , Onda Kiyoshi
Published: August 2024

A 55‐year‐old Japanese woman with a history of hypertension and right putaminal hemorrhage developed simultaneous hemorrhages in the left thalamus and putamen and died 24 h later. There were no vascular anomalies in the brain. Synaptophysin immunostaining combined with eosin azure 50 (EA50) staining clearly identified the hematoma and the surrounding brain structures. In the right cerebral hemisphere, a cystic lesion as a sequela of the usual type of hypertensive putaminal hematoma was evident. In the left cerebral hemisphere, two fresh hematomas were evident. One was a thalamic hematoma, which had destroyed the dorsal and medial structures of the thalamus, and the other was an unusual putaminal hematoma, which had destroyed the entire putamen and crossed the internal capsule and caudate nucleus. α‐Smooth muscle actin immunostaining combined with EA50 and Victoria bleu staining demonstrated three ruptured arteries associated with fibrin aggregates in the anterior thalamic nucleus and anterior putamen. Some circular structures composed of fibrin, suggesting the presence of ruptured arteries in the neighborhood, were evident in the thalamus and putamen. In the putamen, ruptured arteries and circular structures were present in the lateral to medial areas. Fibrin aggregates in the anterior thalamic nucleus were more numerous than those in the putamen. On the basis of these findings, we concluded that: (i) the artery with numerous fibrin aggregates in the anterior thalamic nucleus had ruptured first, followed by the arteries distributed in other parts of the thalamus and putamen; (ii) the unusual putaminal hematoma was attributable to rupture of the arteries around the center of the putamen, which are not responsible for the usual type of hypertensive putaminal hematoma; and (iii) it is suggested that even if hypertensive hemorrhage occurs simultaneously in the ipsilateral putamen and thalamus, the usual type of hypertensive mixed‐type hematoma does not form.
Elevated expression of N‐myc downstream regulated gene 1 protein in glioblastomas reflects tumor angiogenesis and poor patient prognosis
Authors: Sugita Yasuo , Furuta Takuya , Takahashi Kenji , Higaki Koichi , Murakami Yuichi , Kuwano Michihiko , Ono Mayumi , Abe Hideyuki , Akiba Jun , Morioka Motohiro
Published: August 2024

N‐myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a member of the NDRG family, of which four members (NDRG1, NDRG2, NDRG3, and NDRG4) have been identified. NDRG1 is repressed by c‐MYC and N‐MYC proto‐oncogenes. NDRG1 is translated into a 43 kDa protein that is associated with the regulation of cellular stress responses, proliferation, and differentiation. In this study, we aimed to clarify the relationship between progression of glioblastoma (GB) IDH‐wildtype and NDRG1 expression in tumor cells. We assessed the expression of NDRG1 in 41 GBs using immunostaining and evaluated its prognostic significance. NDRG1 expression by GBs was evaluated using Histoscore, which showed high and low scores in 23 and 18 cases, respectively. NDRG1‐positive cells were strongly expressed in Ki‐67 labeled proliferating tumor cells and CD105 positive proliferating microvessels around the area of palisading necrosis. Statistical analyses showed lower survival rates in the high‐score group than the low‐score group (P < 0.01). This study indicated that overexpression of NDRG1 by GB reflects tumor angiogenesis and poor patient prognosis.
Diminishing warming effects on plant phenology over time
Authors: Lu Chunyan , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Gillespie Mark A. K. , Hollister Robert D. , Post Eric , Cooper Elisabeth J. , Welker Jeffrey M. , Huang Yixuan , Min Xueting , Chen Jianghui , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg Svala , Mauritz Marguerite , Cannone Nicoletta , Natali Susan M. , Schuur Edward , Molau Ulf , Yan Tao , Wang Hao , He Jin‐Sheng , Liu Huiying
Published: August 2024

Plant phenology, the timing of recurrent biological events, shows key and complex response to climate warming, with consequences for ecosystem functions and services. A key challenge for predicting plant phenology under future climates is to determine whether the phenological changes will persist with more intensive and long‐term warming.

Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 103 experimental warming studies around the globe to investigate the responses of four phenophases – leaf‐out, first flowering, last flowering, and leaf coloring.

We showed that warming advanced leaf‐out and flowering but delayed leaf coloring across herbaceous and woody plants. As the magnitude of warming increased, the response of most plant phenophases gradually leveled off for herbaceous plants, while phenology responded in proportion to warming in woody plants. We also found that the experimental effects of warming on plant phenology diminished over time across all phenophases. Specifically, the rate of changes in first flowering for herbaceous species, as well as leaf‐out and leaf coloring for woody species, decreased as the experimental duration extended.

Together, these results suggest that the real‐world impact of global warming on plant phenology will diminish over time as temperatures continue to increase.
Lost needles, pads and where to find them
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Gao Min , Wan Jingwei , Liu Min , Cui Yan , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2024

This study aims to assess the frequency and associated factors of surgical “near‐miss” incidents (NMIs) in neurosurgery using an event reporting system, to inform the development of appropriate interventions. This retrospective study collected reports of NMIs in our hospital's neurosurgery operating room (OR) from January 2019 to January 2022 through an adverse event reporting system and anonymous surveys. We conducted intergroup difference analysis using t‐tests and investigated factors contributing to NMIs using Pearson correlation coefficients. We further constructed multinomial logistic regression models to explore the important factors affecting the types of lost objects and search times. A total of 195 NMIs were included in this study, with the primary items lost being 62 brain cotton pads and 133 needles. Statistical analysis revealed that smaller pads (48.4%) and size 3.0 needles (49.6%) were the most commonly missed items, with the longest retrieval times. The likelihood of NMIs occurring was higher for nurses with junior and/or non‐neurosurgical backgrounds (needles: 82.7%, pads: 83.9%). Furthermore, factors such as extended working hours, nighttime surgeries, larger incisions, and more surgical instruments all increased the incidence of NMIs. The results of the multinomial logistic regression model showed that the type and search time for lost needles in the OR were jointly influenced by multiple factors (p < 0.05) compared to cotton pads. The occurrence of NMIs is associated with various factors. Reporting NMIs and their causes helps identify solutions before adverse events occur, thereby enhancing patient safety.
Allowance or service: Public attitudes toward childcare‐related family policies in China
Authors: Fan Xin , Ngok Kinglun
Published: August 2024

Childcare has been considered a ‘new’ social risk and various childcare regimes have been developed worldwide to tackle this social problem. While welfare attitude studies have paid attention to public attitudes toward childcare services, little is known about public attitudes toward other childcare‐related family policies (i.e., leave and allowance). Using novel and unique survey data on welfare attitudes from China, this article investigates how socioeconomic factors matter to general as well as prioritised support for three types of childcare‐related family policies and to policy regimes in China where low fertility crisis is emerging. The survey data suggests the biggest gap between general and prioritised support is found in allowance policy and the smallest in service policy. Regression models suggest that the biggest gap between general and prioritised support for allowance policy can be explained by the reversed and negative effects of education and gender. We further develop a typology of public support for childcare regimes using Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and find four types: implicit and explicit familialism, de‐familialism, and ambiguous familialism. The results of multinomial logistic regression on public support for childcare regimes confirm the findings on prioritised support for different policies and suggest a bifurcation effect of age on regime preferences. We discuss the implications of the findings in the conclusion.
Yellowness in skin complexion: Analysis of self‐perception of women in China evaluated against clinical parameters of yellowness
Authors: Lua Bee Leng , Robic Julie
Published: August 2024

Background

Skin “yellowness” is an abstract and subjective term, without a definitive measurement protocol. Objectives were to analyze Chinese women's self‐perception of skin yellowness and associated parameters and identify objective clinical measurements that correlate with these perceptions.

Methods

Following focus group discussions, criteria for skin yellowness were defined, and validated by volunteer rankings of facial images. A typology study of 185 women was performed. Participants were grouped into yellow (Color Uniformity, Brightness and Transparency (CUBT) yellow scale grade > 3, chromameter b* value > 16) and non‐yellow (CUBT yellow scale grade < 2, b* value < 14) groups. Participants self‐evaluated their skin on yellowness, transparency, skin uniformity, dullness, radiance, oiliness, and texture. Expert assessments were performed to grade sebaceous pores, ocular area pigmentation, pigmentary spots and CUBT scores. Instrumental analysis of the skin was employed using corneometer, sebumeter, mexameter chromameter, and AGE reader.

Results

Women in the yellow group self‐evaluated their skin as significantly duller, less uniform, and less radiant than women in the non‐yellow group (P ≤ 0.05). Higher levels of ocular area pigmentation and lower facial skin uniformity and brightness (P < 0.001) were observed in women with yellow skin. CUBT expert grading showed lower pink skin color, but significantly higher beige, yellow, and olive pigmentation (P ≤ 0.05) in women in the yellow skin group. Melanin and b* values were significantly higher in women with yellow skin while L value was significantly lower.

Conclusion

Self‐perceived skin yellowness in Chinese women correlates to chromameter and mexameter measurements, as well as expert evaluation of ocular pigmentation and CUBT parameters.
The Stoicism of Śāntideva: Comparisons between Stoic and Buddhist philosophy
Authors: Clarke Lee
Published: August 2024

Recently, due to various geopolitical events, a movement for 'decolonisation' has taken shape. In essence, this movements seeks to right the wrongs of Western colonialism. This desire has been expressed in many diverse ways depending on the context. Within academia, it has found expression in the idea of 'decolonising the curriculum' ‐ redesigning university courses to include more authors, texts, perspectives and more ‐ from those outside of the Western world and/or cultural sphere. Due to its prominence within academia, philosophy is one of the disciplines being scrutinised through the eyes of this current zeitgiest, and for good reason. Many philosophers have begun to take note and adapt accordingly, including those who specialise in non‐Western philosophical traditions already. There are growing realisations, not only about the pressing need to learn about other traditions of philosophy, given the geopolitical rise of such Eastern nations as India and China, but also that non‐Western philosophy has been unjustly 'othered' by Western academia. The issue of decolonisation is not going away and will only intensify with time. As such, this paper aims to make a contribution to these ongoing debates. It is a comparison of the Indian Buddhist philosopher, Śāntideva and the Greco‐Roman Stoic tradition. The paper hopes to demonstrate conclusively that diverse traditions of world philosophy, despite geographical, conceptual and cultural distances, are able to converse fruitfully—and contain much more that unites them than differentiates them. It is also hoped that this paper will encourage non‐specialists in non‐Western traditions to become aware of the complexity, sophistication and philosophical worth of non‐Western, in this case Asian, forms of thought. Lastly, it is desired, if nothing else, that this paper increases and contributes towards, inter‐cultural dialogue and understanding.
Australian fresh frozen plasma audit: A National Blood Transfusion Committee and Blood Matters collaboration
Authors: Clarke Lisa , Maxwell Ellen , Roberts Trish , Bielby Linley
Published: August 2024

Background

There is a paucity of high‐quality data to guide appropriate fresh frozen plasma transfusion with current recommendations based on consensus opinion. The limitations of the product and testing modalities are poorly understood with the rare but potentially serious side effects underappreciated. Combined this has resulted in the widespread misuse of FFP.

Study Design and Methods

Retrospective data capturing FFP transfusion within the 12‐month period of April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023 was entered by Australian health care providers. Appropriate transfusion was assessed by the adjudicators and defined as one in keeping with current recommendations. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using SAS Studio version 9.4.

Results

During the study period, 935 FFP transfusion episodes were captured. The most frequent indications for FFP were massive hemorrhage 344 (37%), bleeding 141 (15%), and preoperative use 90 (10%). Males received 534 (60%) transfusions. Critical care specialists were the largest users of FFP, prescribing 568 (63%) of transfusions.

FFP was used appropriately in 546 (61%) transfusions. However, when massive hemorrhage was excluded only 202 (37%) transfusions were appropriate. Patients with an INR <1.5 received 37% of transfusions. Transfusion associated adverse events were reported in 2% (15) of transfusions including two non‐fatal anaphylactic reactions.

Discussion

This audit assesses the appropriate use of FFP across all major clinical indications and provides the largest body of evidence of Australian plasma transfusion practices. It highlights the widespread misuse of FFP, which is predominantly guided by consensus recommendations due to a lack of high‐quality data.
Temporal microbiome changes in axolotl limb regeneration: Stage‐specific restructuring of bacterial and fungal communities with a Flavobacterium bloom during blastema proliferation
Authors: Altın Hanne , Delice Büşra , Yıldırım Berna , Demircan Turan , Yıldırım Süleyman
Published: August 2024

The intricate relationship between regeneration and microbiota has recently gained attention, spanning diverse model organisms. Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a critically endangered salamander species and a model organism for regenerative and developmental biology. Despite its significance, a noticeable gap exists in understanding the interplay between axolotl regeneration and its microbiome. Here, we analyse in depth bacterial 16S rRNA amplicon dataset that we reported before as data resource and profile fungal community by sequencing ITS amplicons at the critical stages of limb regeneration (0–1–4–7–30–60 days post amputation, ‘dpa’). Results reveal a decline in richness and evenness in the course of limb regeneration, with bacterial community richness recovering beyond 30 dpa unlike fungi community. Beta diversity analysis reveals precise restructuring of the bacterial community along the three phases of limb regeneration, contrasting with less congruent changes in the fungal community. Temporal dynamics of the bacterial community highlight prevalent anaerobic bacteria in initiation phase and Flavobacterium bloom in the early phase correlating with limb blastema proliferation. Predicted functional analysis mirrors these shifts, emphasising a transition from amino acid metabolism to lipid metabolism control. Fungal communities shift from Blastomycota to Ascomycota dominance in the late regeneration stage. Our findings provide ecologically relevant insights into stage specific role of microbiome contributions to axolotl limb regeneration.
Sex differences in human performance
Authors: Hunter Sandra K. , Senefeld Jonathon W.
Published: August 2024

Sex as a biological variable is an underappreciated aspect of biomedical research, with its importance emerging in more recent years. This review assesses the current understanding of sex differences in human physical performance. Males outperform females in many physical capacities because they are faster, stronger and more powerful, particularly after male puberty. This review highlights key sex differences in physiological and anatomical systems (generally conferred via sex steroids and puberty) that contribute to these sex differences in human physical performance. Specifically, we address the effects of the primary sex steroids that affect human physical development, discuss insight gained from an observational study of ‘real‐world data’ and elite athletes, and highlight the key physiological mechanisms that contribute to sex differences in several aspects of physical performance. Physiological mechanisms discussed include those for the varying magnitude of the sex differences in performance involving: (1) absolute muscular strength and power; (2) fatigability of limb muscles as a measure of relative performance; and (3) maximal aerobic power and endurance. The profound sex‐based differences in human performance involving strength, power, speed and endurance, and that are largely attributable to the direct and indirect effects of sex‐steroid hormones, sex chromosomes and epigenetics, provide a scientific rationale and framework for policy decisions on sex‐based categories in sports during puberty and adulthood. Finally, we highlight the sex bias and problem in human performance research of insufficient studies and information on females across many areas of biology and physiology, creating knowledge gaps and opportunities for high‐impact studies.

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Regulation of ClC‐K/barttin by endocytosis influences distal convoluted tubule hyperplasia
Authors: Mayayo‐Vallverdú Clara , Gaitán‐Peñas Héctor , Armand‐Ugon Mercedes , Muhaisen Ashraf , Prat Esther , Castellanos Aida , Elorza‐Vidal Xabier , de Heredia Miguel López , Alonso‐Gardón Marta , Pérez‐Rius Carla , Vecino‐Pérez Marta , Mallen Adrián , Errasti‐Murugarren Ekaitz , Hueso Miguel , Artuch Rafael , Nunes Virginia , Estévez Raúl
Published: August 2024

ClC‐K/barttin channels are involved in the transepithelial transport of chloride in the kidney and inner ear. Their physiological role is crucial in humans because mutations in CLCNKB or BSND, encoding ClC‐Kb and barttin, cause Bartter's syndrome types III and IV, respectively. In vitro experiments have shown that an amino acid change in a proline‐tyrosine motif in the C‐terminus of barttin stimulates ClC‐K currents. The molecular mechanism of this enhancement and whether this potentiation has any in vivo relevance remains unknown. We performed electrophysiological and biochemical experiments in Xenopus oocytes and kidney cells co‐expressing ClC‐K and barttin constructs. We demonstrated that barttin possesses a YxxØ motif and, when mutated, increases ClC‐K plasma membrane stability, resulting in larger currents. To address the impact of mutating this motif in kidney physiology, we generated a knock‐in mouse. Comparing wild‐type (WT) and knock‐in mice under a standard diet, we could not observe any difference in ClC‐K and barttin protein levels or localization, either in urinary or plasma parameters. However, under a high‐sodium low‐potassium diet, known to induce hyperplasia of distal convoluted tubules, knock‐in mice exhibit reduced hyperplasia compared to WT mice. In summary, our in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that the previously identified PY motif is indeed an endocytic YxxØ motif in which mutations cause a gain of function of the channel.

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Key points

It is revealed by mutagenesis and functional experiments that a previously identified proline‐tyrosine motif regulating ClC‐K plasma membrane levels is indeed an endocytic YxxØ motif.

Biochemical characterization of mutants in the YxxØ motif in Xenopus oocytes and human embryonic kidney cells indicates that mutants showed increased plasma membrane levels as a result of an increased stability, resulting in higher function of ClC‐K channels.

Mutation of this motif does not affect barttin protein expression and subcellular localization in vivo.

Knock‐in mice with a mutation in this motif, under conditions of a high‐sodium low‐potassium diet, exhibit less hyperplasia in the distal convoluted tubule than wild‐type animals, indicating a gain of function of the channel in vivo.
Investigation of the Discharge Coefficient for Laidback Fan-Shaped Holes on Turbine Blades Under Internal Crossflow Condition
Authors: Liu Haoyang , Du Qiang , Xu Qingzong , Li Hongye , Xu Guangyao
Published: August 2024

The discharge coefficient of laidback fan-shaped holes on turbine blades under internal crossflow conditions is investigated using experimental and numerical simulation methods. The study is conducted on a linear cascade, with single rows of film holes set on both the pressure and suction surfaces of the test blade, coolant supplied by an internal crossflow channel. The internal crossflow Reynolds number ranged from 39,100 to 78,200, and the pressure ratio ranged from 1 to 1.5. This research considered the effects of internal crossflow Reynolds numbers and hole length-to-diameter ratio on the discharge coefficient of laidback fan-shaped holes. The findings are as follows: internal crossflow increases the inlet loss of film holes and flow separation within the holes, leading to a significant reduction in the discharge coefficient of film holes. Meanwhile, film holes on the pressure surface of the blade exhibit greater sensitivity to crossflow. Under different hole length-to-diameter ratio conditions, the length of the cylindrical section is the primary factor affecting the discharge coefficient, and the magnitude of the discharge coefficient depends on the extent of flow separation within the cylindrical section. The sensitivity of the discharge coefficient to variations in the cylindrical section length decreases once the cylindrical section length exceeds 2.8D for the pressure surface and 2.0D for the suction surface, where the inlet separation region reattaches to the wall. Under plenum conditions, there are significant differences in the discharge coefficients of film holes between the suction surface and pressure surface, especially at pressure ratios below 1.05.
Numerical and Experimental Study of Flow-Induced Vibrations in Micro-Tube Heat Exchangers
Authors: Phan H. M. , Newman F. , O'Pray C. E. , Parikh D.
Published: August 2024

Thermal management presents an increasing challenge in future engineering systems, especially in applications like combined cycle precooling, waste heat recovery, and innovative propulsion systems. These systems face a growing demand for managing higher heat loads while coping with limited heat sink. Central to these thermal management systems is the heat exchanger, with microtube heat transfer emerging as a promising solution for future technologies. Microtube heat exchangers are becoming popular owing to their ability to significantly enhance the heat transfer surface area while maintaining a compact core volume. As the demand for high-performance, lightweight heat exchangers escalates, microtube heat exchangers are being designed to be increasingly compact yet highly loaded. This trend poses significant challenges to their structural integrity, particularly under harsh operational conditions. Flow-induced vibrations, a critical concern in the design of tubular heat exchangers, can lead to tube failures, compromising the safe operation of engineering systems. While the flow-induced vibrations of conventional-sized heat exchangers have been extensively studied, there is a noticeable gap in the research on similar phenomena in microtube heat exchangers. This paper details ongoing research at Reaction Engines Ltd (REL) to aid the design of safe and robust heat exchangers, focusing on the flow-induced vibrations in microtube heat exchangers and utilizing a cutting-edge laser vibrometry test facility. A predictive model, employing an unsteady flow simulation approach and eigenvalue analysis, has been formulated. A key observation is the distinctive coupled transverse–streamwise orbital motion in microtube heat exchangers, differing from the predominantly transverse direction of failures in conventional-sized heat exchangers.
Numerical Investigation of Effusion Cooling Air Influence on the CO Emissions for a Single-Sector Aero-Engine Model Combustor
Authors: Recio Balmaseda Sandra , Karpowski Tim Jeremy Patrick , Nicolai Hendrik , Koob Philipp , Hasse Christian , Greifenstein Max , Dreizler Andreas
Published: August 2024

Stricter aviation emissions regulations have led to the desire for lean-premixed-vaporized (LPP) combustors over rich–quench–lean (RQL) burners. While this operation mode is beneficial for reducing NOx and particulate emissions, the interaction of the flame and hot exhaust gases with the cooling flow results in increased CO emissions. Predicting CO in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations remains challenging. To assess current model performance under practically relevant conditions, large-eddy simulation (LES) of a lab-scale effusion cooling test-rig is performed. Flamelet-based manifolds, in combination with the artificial thickened flame (ATF) approach, are utilized to model the turbulence–chemistry interaction (TCI) in the test-rig with detailed chemical kinetics at reduced computational costs. Heat losses are considered via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Local transport effects in CO emissions are included through an additional transport equation. Additionally, a conjugate heat transfer (CHT) simulation is performed for good estimations of the thermal boundary conditions. Extensive validation of this comprehensive model is conducted using the available experimental dataset for the studied configuration. Subsequently, model sensitivities for predicting CO are assessed, including the progress variable definition and the formulation of the CO source term in the corresponding transport equation. To investigate the flame thickening influence in the calculated CO, an ATF post-processing correction is further developed. Integrating multiple sophisticated pollutant submodels and evaluating their sensitivity offers insights for future investigations into modeling CO emissions in aero-engines and stationary gas turbines.
A Reactor-Network Framework to Model Performance and Emissions of a Longitudinally Staged Combustion System for Carbon-Free Fuels
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Harish S. , Maddipati Raj , Gruber Andrea , Bothien Mirko R. , Aditya Konduri
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen and ammonia are considered crucial carbon-free energy carriers optimally suited for seasonal chemical storage and balancing of the energy system. In this context, longitudinally staged combustion systems represent an attractive technology in power generation for their capability of achieving low NOx emissions while conserving high load and, crucially, fuel flexibility at high thermal efficiency. Such two-stage combustion systems have been successfully implemented for natural gas firing of gas turbines and, more recently, have shown significant potential for clean and efficient hydrogen-firing operation. However, optimal operation with ammonia-based fuel mixtures is yet to be established. In recent works, a novel Rich-Quench-Lean (RQL) operational concept was proposed to burn a fuel-rich mixture of partially decomposed ammonia and air (for equivalence ratios ϕ∼1.1−1.2) in the first stage of a longitudinally staged combustion system. Complete oxidation of the remaining (hydrogen) fuel is theoretically ensured by dilution-air addition downstream of the first stage combustor. However, any operational concept based on these near-stoichiometric combustion conditions, while minimizing undesired prompt NOx and N2O formation by ammonia oxidation, can potentially result in significant, and certainly unpractical, thermal load on the first stage combustor liner that needs to be mitigated. In the present study, we exploit a newly developed reactors-network model to efficiently investigate the NOx-emissions performance of a longitudinally staged combustion system fired with natural gas, hydrogen or ammonia. First, the reactors network framework is validated with experimental, computational and other similar reactor network results in the literature. Second, the optimal air distribution within the longitudinally staged combustion system is found for clean (low emissions) and efficient (complete fuel conversion) ammonia-firing operation. Third, the consequences of such “ammonia-optimized” air distribution on flame stabilization and NOx emissions in more conventional natural gas- and hydrogen-firing operation are considered. Finally, an optimal air and fuel distribution is suggested for the longitudinally staged combustion system on the basis that, while still ensuring robust flame stabilization and high turbine inlet temperature, it minimizes NOx emissions for all three fuels considered.
Factors influencing the minimum audible change in talker head orientation cues using diotic stimuli
Authors: Moriarty Brendan T. , Ananthanarayana Rohit M. , Monson Brian B.
Published: August 2024

The perception of a talker's head orientation is an ecologically relevant task. Humans are able to discriminate changes in talker head orientation using acoustic cues. Factors that may influence measures of this ability have not been well characterized. Here, we examined the minimum audible change in head orientation cues (MACHO) using diotic stimuli. The effects of several factors were tested: talker and gender, stimulus bandwidth (full-band vs low-pass filtered at 8 or 10 kHz), transducer (loudspeaker vs headphone), stimulus uncertainty (interleaved vs blocked presentation of four talkers), and vocal production mode (speech vs singing). The best performance of ∼41° was achieved for full-band, blocked presentation of speech over a loudspeaker. Greater stimulus uncertainty (interleaved presentation) worsened the MACHO by 26%. Bandlimiting at 8 and 10 kHz worsened performance by an additional 22% and 14%, respectively. At equivalent overall sound levels, performance was better for speech than for singing. There was some limited evidence for the transducer influencing the MACHO. These findings suggest the MACHO relies on multiple factors manipulated here. One of the largest, consistent effects was that of talker, suggesting head orientation cues are highly dependent on individual talker characteristics. This may be due to individual variability in speech directivity patterns.
Nonlinear rheological behavior of glass-forming colloidal suspensions under oscillatory shear: Experiment and relation to mode coupling theory predictions
Authors: Fischer L. , Maier M. , Dingenouts N. , Hirschberg V. , Wittemann A. , Fuchs M. , Wilhelm M.
Published: August 2024

Glass-forming colloids consisting of soft core-shell particles were investigated experimentally under medium and large amplitude oscillatory shear (MAOS and LAOS) using Fourier transform rheology to decompose the stress signal into a series of higher harmonics. The anharmonicity of the stress response under MAOS and LAOS is quantified by the intensity of the third harmonic normalized to the fundamental (I3/1=I3/I1) and within the intrinsic nonlinearity framework of the Q-parameter (Q0=limγ0→0⁡(I3/1/γ02)). Furthermore, the results of the strain amplitude dependence were compared to the literature showing the mechanical anharmonic behavior of the core-shell system being close to the behavior of ultrasoft systems. In the glassy state, I3/1 shows an unusual scaling of I3/1∝γ04 at low frequencies, similar to amorphous polymeric materials when they undergo plastic deformation. For investigating the frequency dependence of the anharmonicity in a specially designed binary mixture to test for critical behavior close to the glass transition as predicted by mode coupling theory (MCT) and extend the measurements to the glassy state, we used the frequency sweep MAOS methodology. Using this time-efficient method, the frequency dependence of a wide range of volume fractions and frequencies was investigated, finding the anharmonicity parameter Q0 to be maximal in the region of the α-relaxation for colloidal liquids. The colloidal glasses do not exhibit a maximum in Q0, but an increase in Q0 with decreasing frequency over the investigated region, as the α-relaxation slows down significantly in colloidal glasses. Predictions from MCT from the literature show agreement with the experimentally determined scaling laws.
A decavalent composite mRNA vaccine against both influenza and COVID-19
Authors: Wang Yang , Ma Qinhai , Li Man , Mai Qianyi , Ma Lin , Zhang Hong , Zhong Huiling , Mai Kailin , Cheng Nan , Feng Pei , Guan Peikun , Wu Shengzhen , Zhang Lu , Dai Jun , Zhang Biliang , Pan Weiqi , Yang Zifeng
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has had a persistent and significant impact on global public health for 4 years. Recently, there has been a resurgence of seasonal influenza transmission worldwide. The co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal influenza viruses results in a dual burden on communities. Additionally, the pandemic potential of zoonotic influenza viruses, such as avian Influenza A/H5N1 and A/H7N9, remains a concern. Therefore, a combined vaccine against all these respiratory diseases is in urgent need. mRNA vaccines, with their superior efficacy, speed in development, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, offer a promising solution for such infectious diseases and potential future pandemics. In this study, we present FLUCOV-10, a novel 10-valent mRNA vaccine created from our proven platform. This vaccine encodes hemagglutinin (HA) proteins from four seasonal influenza viruses and two avian influenza viruses with pandemic potential, as well as spike proteins from four SARS-CoV-2 variants. A two-dose immunization with the FLUCOV-10 elicited robust immune responses in mice, producing IgG antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and antigen-specific cellular immune responses against all the vaccine-matched viruses of influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, the FLUCOV-10 immunization provided complete protection in mouse models against both homologous and heterologous strains of influenza and SARS-CoV-2. These results highlight the potential of FLUCOV-10 as an effective vaccine candidate for the prevention of influenza and COVID-19.

IMPORTANCE

Amidst the ongoing and emerging respiratory viral threats, particularly the concurrent and sequential spread of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, our research introduces FLUCOV-10. This novel mRNA-based combination vaccine, designed to counteract both influenza and COVID-19, by incorporating genes for surface glycoproteins from various influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 variants. This combination vaccine was highly effective in preclinical trials, generating strong immune responses and ensuring protection against both matching and heterologous strains of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2. FLUCOV-10 represents a significant step forward in our ability to address respiratory viral threats, showcasing potential as a singular, adaptable vaccine solution for global health challenges.
Sarcopenia shortens overall survival of patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer: inverse probability of treatment-weighting analysis
Authors: Aichi Masahiro , Hasegawa Sho , Shinoda Satoru , Suzuki Yukio , Kamiya Natsuko , Ishidera Yumi , Imai Yuichi , Miyagi Etsuko , Mizushima Taichi
Published: August 2024

Objective

The association between sarcopenia and prognosis in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer remains unclear. This study investigated whether sarcopenia is a prognostic factor in patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods

A total of 52 patients diagnosed with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer who had undergone non-platinum chemotherapy at our institution formed our study population. Body composition and clinicopathological data of these patients were collected retrospectively. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans obtained at the time of platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer diagnosis were used to measure the cross-sectional area of skeletal muscles at L3 level. These values were corrected for height to calculate the skeletal muscle index, and accordingly sarcopenia was defined. Overall survival was defined as the primary outcome of the study. The impact of sarcopenia on overall survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models with inverse probability weighting of treatment based on propensity scores and log-rank tests.

Results

The median patient age was 63 years (IQR: 53–71). The most common International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 stage was stage III (50%) and the most common histology was serous or adenocarcinoma (67.3%). The optimal cut-off value of skeletal muscle index was 35.6 cm2/m2, which was calculated using the data of 21 patients with sarcopenia and 31 without sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.06–3.49; p=0.03). Subgroup analysis based on patient attributes and prognostic factors suggested a consistent prognostic impact of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was identified as a significant risk factor, particularly in patients who had higher CA125 levels (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.07 to 5.69; p=0.034) and a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.02 to 8.31; p=0.045).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia significantly shortened the overall survival of patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.
Birth’s transformative shift: a response to Waleszczyński
Authors: Singh Prabhpal
Published: August 2024

Waleszczyński critiques my argument for why the relationship between a pregnant person and any fetus they carry is not a relationship between a parent and a child. I argue Waleszczyński does not show that my ‘argument from potentiality’ is inadequate, and I provide further justification for why birth marks a transformative shift into a moral relationship.
Psilocybin and chronic neuropathic pain: a systematic review
Authors: Jevotovsky David S , Chopra Harman , Pak Daniel J , Durbhakula Shravani , Shustorovich Alexander , Juneja Tanya , Broachwala Mustafa Y , AlFarra Tariq , Silver Caroline , Kreitzer Greg , Oreoluwa Philip , Weissman Braden B , AlFarra Abraham , Mayrsohn Brian G , Orhurhu Vwaire , Emerick Trent , Furnish Timothy , Castellanos Joel P
Published: August 2024

Background/Importance

Chronic pain affects many people globally, requiring alternative management strategies. Psilocybin is gaining attention for its potential in chronic pain management despite being classified as Schedule I.

Objective

This systematic review critically evaluates the evidence for psilocybin, a Schedule I substance, in the treatment of chronic pain. The exact purpose of the review is to assess the impact of psilocybin on chronic pain relief, focusing on dosing protocols, treated conditions, and patient outcomes.

Evidence Review

A comprehensive review of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE was conducted up to January 2024. Eligibility criteria included studies evaluating psilocybin for chronic pain management. The risk of bias was assessed using the MASTER (MethodologicAl STandards for Epidemiological Research) scale, and the strength of evidence was graded using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Findings

The review identified 28 relevant studies focusing on dosing, treated conditions, and outcomes. The majority of the included studies (76.2%) were of low or very low quality. Several studies with moderate-to-low-quality evidence utilized a 0.14 mg/kg dosing protocol. The findings suggest promise for the use of psilocybin in chronic pain relief, though the quality of evidence is generally low.

Conclusions

The current research shows potential for psilocybin as a treatment option for chronic pain relief. However, methodological issues and a lack of high-quality evidence underscore the need for further investigations with standardized protocols. Despite these limitations, the potential for psilocybin in chronic pain management is encouraging.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023493823.
From across the globe – traumatic injuries are an international concern at the US-Mexico border wall
Authors: Lagan Sarah , Haines Laura , Waters Gabriella , Santorelli Jarrett , Berndtson Allison E , Doucet Jay , Costantini Todd W , Adams Laura
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Socio-economic and political events of recent years have caused a significant increase in immigrants attempting to illegally cross the United States (US)-Mexico border. While a 30-foot border wall separates the US and Mexico, immigrants from around the world have used this location as their point of entry to the US. These border crossings have led to a dramatic increase in major trauma resulting in increased inpatient resource utilization and the need for comprehensive hospital services. The aim of this study was to describe the nationality of injured immigrants admitted to a Trauma Center serving a segment of the US-Mexico border wall and to report their ultimate destinations after discharge.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted to an academic, Level 1 Trauma Center after injury at the US-Mexico border wall from 2021 to 2022. Demographic information was obtained from the trauma registry. The electronic medical record was searched to identify each patient’s self-reported country of origin. Patients’ nationality was then stratified by region of the world to understand geographic representation of border injury admissions.

Results

We identified 597 patients injured while crossing the US-Mexico border wall representing 38 different countries. The mean age of patients was 32.2±10.4 years and 446 (75%) were male. Most patients (405, 67.8%) were Mexican, followed by 23 (3.9%) patients from Peru, 17 (2.8%) patients from India, 14 (2.3%) patients from El Salvador, 13 (2.2%) patients from Cuba and 12 (2.0%) patients from Jamaica. When considering regions of the world other than Mexico, patients were most commonly from Africa, South America and Central America.

Conclusion

The increased volume of trauma associated with the US-Mexico border wall is a humanitarian and health crisis.(1) The diverse national origin of patients admitted after injury from border wall falls has shed new light on the social and interpreter services needed to care for these border injury patients and the challenges that exist in their post-discharge care.
Effect of acclimation temperature on thermal tolerance between American lobster (Homarus americanus) collected in different lobster fishing areas in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Horricks Ryan A. , Clark K. Fraser , Watson Kiersten L. , Lewis-McCrea Leah M. , Reid Gregor K.
Published: August 2024

The American lobster fishery is the most economically significant commercial fishery in Atlantic Canada and takes place in waters that are warming due to climate change. Lobster are poikilotherms that tolerate a wide range of seasonal temperatures with an optimal range of 12–18 °C. Lobster in the Canadian Maritimes may be naturally acclimated to a wide range of temperatures and thus, could have a wide range of thermal tolerance that may be distinct across regions. The present study used non-invasive open-source tools to explore differences in thermal tolerance in real time between geographically separated lobster populations from around the Canadian Maritimes. Lobsters were acquired from six lobster fishing areas in the Canadian Maritimes and acclimated to either warm (15 °C) or cold (5 °C) water for two weeks before the onset of thermal trials. Geographic origin was not a significant predictor of estimated thermal maximum, while acclimation temperature was a significant predictor. These results suggest that thermal tolerance is more strongly linked to acclimation temperature than to geographic region.
Experimental study on coherent structures by small particles suspended in high aspect-ratio ($$\Gamma =$$ 2.5) thermocapillary liquid bridges of high Prandtl number
Authors: Kato Keiichiro , Sensui Shogo , Noguchi Shin , Kurose Kizuku , Ueno Ichiro
Published: August 2024

In time-dependent traveling-wave convection, it has been confirmed that small particles of low Stokes number ($$\textrm{St}\ll$$

St
≪

1) form three-dimensional closed structures known as the particle accumulation structures (PASs). We focus on coherent structures formed in high aspect-ratio thermocapillary liquid bridges ($$\Gamma =$$

Γ
=

2.5), where oscillatory convection due to the so-called hydrothermal wave instability of $$m_{\textrm{HTW}}=$$

m
HTW

=

1 stably emerges, and carry out experimental explorations into the volume ratio dependence of the emergence of coherent structures. Variation in the volume ratio induces the presence of coherent structures with different azimuthal wave numbers, that is, different spatial structures. Among the particles added to the liquid bridge, we perform spatio-temporal tracking of particles to quantify the correlation between the behavior of particles and the spatial structures of coherent structures with different rational wave numbers.