bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bt corn hybrids expressing mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab Proteins protect corn roots against western corn rootworm injury
Authors: Oyediran Isaac , Rice Marlin E. , Conville Jared , Boudreau Eric , Morsello Shannon , Burd Tony
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is one of the most serious pests of corn (Zea mays L.) In 2017 and 2018, studies were conducted in fields with and without known unexpected root injury to Cry3Bb1, to determine root protection by Bt corn hybrids expressing both mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab insecticidal crystal proteins, and hybrids expressing either mCry3A or eCry3.1Ab only against the WCR root injury. Node injury was evaluated using the Iowa State University 0–3 node‐injury scale (NIS), and the consistency of root protection was also determined.

RESULTS

In 2017, with medium to high larval feeding pressure, the Bt corn hybrids expressing both mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab in the breeding stack, molecular stack, and Bt corn hybrid expressing eCry3.1Ab only, sustained low node injury compared with Bt corn hybrid expressing mCry3A only, and the non‐Bt corn. In 2018, with low larval feeding pressure in most of the locations, node injury was not different for the Bt and Non‐Bt corn hybrids. Across all locations in both years, the Bt corn hybrids expressing both mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab provided better and consistent node injury protection.

CONCLUSION

Bt corn hybrids expressing both mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab proteins provided better root protection and consistency than the Bt corn hybrid expressing mCry3A only, and non‐Bt. Therefore, stacking of Bt traits will be the best option for managing insect resistance. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Implementing the EXPEDITE parenteral induction protocol: Rapid parenteral treprostinil titration and transition to oral treprostinil
Authors: Kingrey John F. , Miller Chad E. , Franco Veronica , Smith Jimmy S. , Zolty Ronald , Oudiz Ronald J. , Elwing Jean M. , Huston Jessica H. , Melendres‐Groves Lana , Ravichandran Ashwin , Balasubramanian Vijay , Wu Benjamin , Hwang Stephanie , Seaman Scott , Broderick Meredith , Rahaghi Franck F.
Published: July 2023

Treprostinil is a prostacyclin analogue that targets multiple cellular receptors to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In certain scenarios, patients may require aggressive treprostinil titration. Several studies have demonstrated that higher doses of treprostinil lead to greater clinical benefit. Data supports successful transitions from parenteral to oral treprostinil; however, administration routes, transition duration, and transition setting vary in the real‐world. The EXPEDITE clinical trial (NCT03497689) prospectively studied whether rapid parenteral treprostinil induction can be used to achieve high doses of oral treprostinil (total daily dose: ≥12 mg) in prostacyclin naïve PAH patients. Parenteral prostacyclin induction may be more appropriate for patients who need to reach therapeutic dosing more urgently than longer titration durations reported with conventional de novo oral treprostinil initiation. This summary provides strategies utilized in EXPEDITE. Parenteral treprostinil was initiated at 2 ng/kg/min intravenously or subcutaneously; clinicians determined the frequency and dose increment of up‐titration. Two distinct transition schedules from parenteral to oral treprostinil were employed: rapid cross‐titration in an inpatient setting (median: 2 days) or gradual cross‐titration in an outpatient setting (median: 5 days). Patient status was closely monitored after transition; oral treprostinil dose was titrated to clinical effect and tolerability. Factors considered when individualizing dosing strategies included parenteral and oral treprostinil target doses, nursing support, patient education, medication counseling and adverse events management. EXPEDITE demonstrated the time to a therapeutic dose of oral treprostinil is significantly shorter when utilizing a short‐term parenteral induction strategy and may be suitable for patients requiring aggressive titration of oral treprostinil.
Impact of assimilating Aeolus observations in the global model ICON: A global statistical overview
Authors: Martin Anne , Weissmann Martin , Cress Alexander
Published: July 2023

Global wind profiles provided by the satellite mission Aeolus are an important recent supplement to the Global Observing System. This study investigates the impact of Aeolus horizontal line‐of‐sight wind observations in the operational global assimilation and forecasting system of Deutscher Wetterdienst that is based on the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic (ICON) model. For this purpose, an observing system experiment was conducted and evaluated for a 3‐month period from July 2020 to October 2020. The Aeolus Rayleigh clear and Mie cloudy data quality and consistency were derived from observation minus background statistics. To correct for an altitude‐dependent bias, a model‐based bias correction scheme has been implemented. Comparisons of the systematic changes in the analysis and the respective forecasts provide an overview of the overall impact of the Aeolus horizontal line‐of‐sight wind assimilation in ICON. Increased influence of Aeolus wind profiles is found in jet regimes (e.g., amplification of the zonal wind component), around large‐scale circulation systems, and convectively active areas in the Tropics. The reduction in forecast error is largest in the tropical upper troposphere and stratosphere, as well as in the mid and upper troposphere of the Southern Hemisphere. The Northern Hemisphere shows a somewhat smaller but still beneficial impact of Aeolus observations. The verification with other conventional observations shows a mean relative reduction in short‐range forecast error between 0.1% and 0.6% in the Northern Hemisphere and up to 1.6% in the Tropics and the Southern Hemisphere. When verifying against the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast Reanalysis v5, forecast errors of zonal wind, temperature, and geopotential up to 5 days lead time are reduced by 2–4% on global average and up to 5–8% around the tropical tropopause.
Assimilating FY3D‐MWRI 23.8 GHz observations in the CMA‐GFS 4DVAR system based on a pseudo All‐Sky data assimilation method
Authors: Xie Hejun , Han Wei , Bi Lei
Published: July 2023

In the current operational four‐dimensional variational (4DVar) data assimilation (DA) system of the Global Forecast System developed by the China Meteorology Administration (CMA‐GFS), all microwave observation data in cloud and precipitation regions are discarded during pre‐processing. This study implemented a Pseudo All‐Sky DA (referred to as PAS‐DA hereafter) subsystem in the operational cycle version of the CMA‐GFS (CMA‐GFS v3.2). The term “pseudo” in this study indicates that the Jacobians of brightness temperature with respect to hydrometeors from the adjoint radiative transfer model were temporarily neglected. Specifically, a liquid hydrometeor sensitive channel (23.8 GHz V pol.) of the MicroWave Radiation Imager on the platform of FengYun‐3D (FY3D‐MWRI) was selected to assess the impact of the all‐sky assimilation approach using the PAS‐DA subsystem. In the observation error model, we proposed a new cumulative distribution function (CDF) bias correction method for the cloud proxy in consideration of large discrepancies between the probability density functions (PDFs) of the observed‐cloud‐proxy and simulated‐cloud‐proxy (known as “cloud bias”). Results of single‐observation experiments justified that the present PAS‐DA subsystem could extend analysis increments to cloud regions, meanwhile correcting the errors of humidity analysis according to the mislocation of cloud distributions. In addition, the forecast experiments that were run for 1 month of the 6 hr PAS‐DA cycle in July and August 2021 demonstrate obvious superiority of the PAS‐DA over the current operational clear‐sky DA cycle: (a) root‐mean‐square errors (RMSEs) of humidity analysis were reduced by about 10% in the tropics, (b) significant improvements in humidity forecasts could be sustained for 96 hr and (c) many other forecast scores in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere also benefit from the PAS‐DA approach. Therefore, the PAS‐DA could be used for all‐sky assimilation studies and particularly for understanding how the all‐sky assimilation approach works, although the PAS‐DA serves as a transition scheme from the clear‐sky to “true” all‐sky DA.
Availability analysis of redundant and replicated cloud services with Bayesian networks
Authors: Bibartiu Otto , Dürr Frank , Rothermel Kurt , Ottenwälder Beate , Grau Andreas
Published: July 2023

Due to the growing complexity of modern data centers, failures are not uncommon any more. Therefore, fault tolerance mechanisms play a vital role in fulfilling the availability requirements. Multiple availability models have been proposed to assess compute systems, among which Bayesian network models have gained popularity in industry and research due to its powerful modeling formalism. In particular, this work focuses on assessing the availability of redundant and replicated cloud computing services with Bayesian networks. So far, research on availability has only focused on modeling either infrastructure or communication failures in Bayesian networks, but have not considered both simultaneously. This work addresses practical modeling challenges of assessing the availability of large‐scale redundant and replicated services with Bayesian networks, including cascading and common‐cause failures from the surrounding infrastructure and communication network. In order to ease the modeling task, this paper introduces a high‐level modeling formalism to build such a Bayesian network automatically. Performance evaluations demonstrate the feasibility of the presented Bayesian network approach to assess the availability of large‐scale redundant and replicated services. This model is not only applicable in the domain of cloud computing it can also be applied for general cases of local and geo‐distributed systems.
Virtual operation for hip joint replacement implemented by Sensable_FreeForm_Modelling: A surgical drill
Authors: Peng Matthew JianQiao , Lin Ze , Tan ZhiJia , Hu Yong , Chen Peikai , To Michael Kai‐Tsun
Published: July 2023

Objective

To design a virtual operation of joint replacement for surgical drills using a haptic device, SenSable_FreeForm_Modelling (SFM), to enhance surgeons' efficiency and enable “Virtual tutorial without reality” for interns.

Method

A patient with hip joint osteoarthritis is randomly selected to perform Total Hip Replacement (THR). The hip images were input into Mimics in the format of *.dicom after CT scan and then exported to SFM using the stereolithographic (*.stl) format. A surgical toolkit can be created virtually with Computer Aided Design software such as Pro‐E or Ghost SDK and a visual drill scenario of THR directed by a force‐respondent stick, namely Phantom.

Result

3D models of the hip joint were rebuilt illustrating clearly that the geometrical shapes of the surgical equipment created are similar to real instruments, and the THR operation is emulated distinctly in novelty.

Conclusion

In obedience to an ancient maxim, so called ‘genuine knowledge originated from practice’, this simulative operation offers hands‐on experience for students in the orthopaedics field with remarkable effects, contributing not only teaching cases for medical courses but also a planning basis for physical surgery.
Design and evaluation of shape memory alloy‐actuated active needle using finite element analysis and deflection tracking control in soft tissues
Authors: Acharya Sharad Raj , Hutapea Parsaoran
Published: July 2023

Background

Conventional needles lack active mechanisms for large tip deflection to bypass obstacles or guide through a desired trajectory in needle‐based procedures, compromising accuracy and effectiveness.

Methods

An active needle with a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator was designed and evaluated by demonstrating deflections in tissue‐mimicking gels. Finite element simulation and real‐time needle tip deflection tracking in tissue‐mimicking gels were performed.

Results

The active needle deflected 50 and 39 mm at 150 mm insertion depth in the liver and prostate mimicking gels, respectively. Reasonable simulation errors of 16.42% and 12.62% in needle deflections and small root mean squared errors of 1.42 and 1.47 mm in deflection tracking were obtained.

Conclusions

The proposed needle produced desirable large tip deflections capable of bypassing obstacles in the insertion path and tracked a preplanned trajectory with minor errors. The finite element study would help optimise needle designs and predict deflections in soft tissues.
A Bimetallic Porphyrin Metal Organic Framework as Multifunctional Catalysts for CO2 Cycloaddition and Alkyne Hydration
Authors: Zhang Yuqiang , Wang Sheng , Yang Wenqing , Zhang Zhiyan , Li Xiaoxuan , Feng Yisi
Published: July 2023

Here, a post synthetic modification strategy is presented to prepare multifunctional Bi−MOF−Co by introducing Co atom into the porphyrin units of bismuth‐porphyrin metal organic framework (Bi−MOF). Under milder conditions (0.1 MPa, 80 °C), CO2 cycloaddition is achieved to form cyclic carbonate in 96 % yield catalyzed by Bi−MOF−Co. The recyclability of catalysts is confirmed by five cycle experiments without loss of activity. Moreover, alkyne hydration is also catalyzed by Bi−MOF−Co in 99 % yield. The hydration protocol exhibites excellent functional group compatibility.
Protonation Constant Determination of Some Benzimidazole‐Based Drug Candidates by Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography Method and Cytotoxic Activity Studies
Authors: Başat Dereli Dilara , Akkoc Senem , Çubuk Demiralay Ebru
Published: July 2023

In this study, the chromatographic behavior of basic nitrogen in the structure of synthesized compounds containing some benzimidazolium salts (SA‐61, SA‐63, SA‐97) was determined in hydro‐organic mixtures containing polar aprotic acetonitrile and polar protic water. Protonation constant (values of studied compounds in 40, 45, 50, and 55 % (v/v) acetonitrile‐water binary mixtures at 37 °C were obtained by using the reverse phase liquid chromatography method. The method is based on a model that relates the chromatographic behavior of the determined analytes to pH. The relationship between the calculatedvalues and the macroscopic properties of acetonitrile was investigated. The agreement between the pKavalues in the water medium determined by this approach was determined by the t‐test. Using Abraham's solute parameters, thevalues at 25 °C were also estimated without performing an experimental study. By using thevalue calculated for each compound, the ionization percentages were calculated at different pH (1–12) values with the Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation. The above‐mentioned compounds were also tested on human lung and liver cancer cell lines using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method for 48 h. One of the compounds (SA‐97) demonstrated antiproliferative effect against both cell lines screened.
High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries Enabled by 3D Nanoflowers Comprised of Ternary Sn‐Based Dichalcogenides Embedded in Nitrogen and Sulfur Dual‐Doped Carbon
Authors: Zheng Yayun , Wei Shasha , Shang Jitao , Wang Du , Lei Cheng , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2023

To make sodium‐ion batteries a realistic option for everyday energy storage, a practicable method is to enhance the kinetics of Na+ reactions through the development of structurally stable electrode materials. This study utilizes ternary Sn‐based dichalcogenide (SnS1.5Se0.5) in the design of electrode material to tackle several issues that adversely hinder the performance and longevity of sodium‐ion batteries. First, the incorporation of Se into the SnS structure enhances its electrical conductivity and stability. Second, the ternary composition restricts the formation of intermediates during the desodiation/sodiation process, resulting in better electrode reaction reversibility. Finally, SnS1.5Se0.5 lowers the diffusion barrier of Na, thereby facilitating rapid and efficient ion transport within the electrode material. Moreover, nitrogen and sulfur dual‐doped carbon (NS‐C) is used to enhance surface chemistry and ionic/electrical conductivity of SnS1.5Se0.5, leading to a pseudocapacitive storage effect that presents a promising potential for high‐performance energy storage devices. The study has successfully developed a SnS1.5Se0.5/NS‐C anode, exhibiting remarkable rate capability and cycle stability, retaining a capacity of 647 mAh g−1 even after 10 000 cycles at 5 A g−1 in half‐cell tests. In full‐cell tests, Na3V2(PO4)3//SnS1.5Se0.5/NS‐C delivers a high energy density of 176.6 Wh kg−1. In addition, the Na+ storage mechanism of SnS1.5Se0.5/NS‐C is explored through ex situ tests and DFT calculations. The findings suggest that the ternary Sn‐based dichalcogenides can considerably enhance the performance of the anode, enabling efficient large‐scale storage of sodium. These findings hold great promise for the advancement of high‐performance energy storage devices for practical applications.
Growing Electrocatalytic Conjugated Microporous Polymers on Self‐Standing Carbon Nanotube Films Promotes the Rate Capability of Li–S Batteries
Authors: Jia Yuncan , Chen Shang , Meng Xiaodong , Peng Xiaomeng , Zhou Ji , Zhang Jiawen , Hong Song , Zheng Lirong , Wang Zhongli , Bielawski Christopher W. , Geng Jianxin
Published: July 2023

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries hold great promise for widespread application on account of their high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) and the advantages of sulfur. Practical use, however, is impeded by the shuttle effect of polysulfides along with sluggish cathode kinetics. it is reported that such deleterious issues can be overcome by using a composite film (denoted as V‐CMP@MWNT) that consists of a conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) embedded with vanadium single‐atom catalysts (V SACs) and a network of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). V‐CMP@MWNT films are fabricated by first electropolymerizing a bidentate ligand designed to coordinate to V metals on self‐standing MWNT films followed by treating the CMP with a solution containing V ions. Li–S cells containing a V‐CMP@MWNT film as interlayer exhibit outstanding performance metrics including a high cycling stability (616 mA h g−1 at 0.5 C after 1000 cycles) and rate capability (804 mA h g−1 at 10 C). An extraordinary area‐specific capacity of 13.2 mA h cm−2 is also measured at a high sulfur loading of 12.2 mg cm−2. The underlying mechanism that enables the V SACs to promote cathode kinetics and suppress the shuttle effect is elucidated through a series of electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques.
Stabilizing Zn Metal Anode Through Regulation of Zn Ion Transfer and Interfacial Behavior with a Fast Ion Conductor Protective Layer
Authors: Guo Na , Peng Zhi , Huo Wenjie , Li Yuehua , Liu Shude , Kang Ling , Wu Xianwen , Dai Lei , Wang Ling , Jun Seong Chan , He Zhangxing
Published: July 2023

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) attract intensive attention owing to their environmental friendliness, cost‐effectiveness, innate safety, and high specific capacity. However, the practical applications of AZIBs are hindered by several adverse phenomena, including corrosion, Zn dendrites, and hydrogen evolution. Herein, a Zn anode decorated with a 3D porous‐structured Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP@Zn) is obtained, where the NVP reconstruct the electrolyte/anode interface. The resulting NVP@Zn anode can provide a large quantity of fast and stable channels, facilitating enhanced Zn ion deposition kinetics and regulating the Zn ions transport process through the ion confinement effect. The NASICON‐type NVP protective layer promote the desolvation process due to its nanopore structure, thus effectively avoiding side reactions. Theoretical calculations indicate that the NVP@Zn electrode has a higher Zn ion binding energy and a higher migration barrier, which demonstrates that NVP protective layer can enhance Zn ion deposition kinetics and prevent the unfettered 2D diffusion of Zn ions. Therefore, the results show that NVP@Zn/MnO2 full cell can maintain a high specific discharge capacity of 168 mAh g−1 and a high‐capacity retention rate of 74.6% after cycling. The extraordinary results obtained with this strategy have confirmed the promising applications of NVP in high‐performance AZIBs.
Development, validation, and measurement uncertainty estimation of automated micro‐solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for the quantitative determination of anti‐tuberculosis drugs in milk samples
Authors: Thati Ramya , Subrahanyam Seetha Bala , Shaik Asif , Mudiam Mohana Krishna Reddy
Published: July 2023

Milk is one of the most widely consumed animal‐derived food due to its nutritional properties. It is mainly derived from animals, which are being treated with anti‐tuberculosis (anti‐TB) drugs for disease treatment and prevention, hence, these may excrete from animals through milk, thus, pose a threat to consumers. An analytical method based on automated micro‐solid phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was developed for the analysis of anti‐TB drugs in milk samples. The developed method was validated and estimated measurement uncertainty for its applicability to routine analysis. The method linearity was in the range of 25–1000 ng/ml with a coefficient of determination between 0.994 and 0.999. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were in the range of 1.342–9.606 and 4.469–31.98 ng/ml, respectively for anti‐TB drugs. The percent recovery was found to be in the range of 82.29%–111.84%, and the expanded uncertainty of the proposed and validated method was observed to be in the range of 2.94%–28.1%. The present method has been able to analyze 16 anti‐TB drugs in different milk samples and was found to be quick, rapid, high‐throughput, cost‐effective, precise and accurate, and useful for routine testing of anti‐tuberculosis drugs in milk samples.
Analysis of the influence on structural seismic performance by the composite reinforcement method
Authors: Chu Yunpeng , Yi Gangxin , Song Gu , Liang Feng , Gong Yindong
Published: July 2023

This paper proposed three composite strengthening methods for repairing seismic‐damaged RC frames to restore their seismic capacity. Combined with the damage characteristics and failure mode of the frame under the earthquake action, the local strengthening of the column adopts the angle steel and gusset plate, and then the whole frame is strengthened by the inclined brace, the thin‐walled steel plate and the V‐shaped buckling restrained brace (BRB), respectively. Through the cyclic loading test, the main seismic indexes of the strengthened specimen, including hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, ductility, energy dissipation capacity, and stiffness degradation, are studied. The influence of different strengthening methods on the seismic performance of the seismic‐damaged specimens is analyzed. The results show that the seismic performance of strengthened specimens is significantly improved, and the bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity are increased by 2.58–5.57, 1.05–1.24, and 7.67–15.87 times, respectively. The thin‐walled steel plate shear wall and the inclined brace are destroyed at first during loading to effectively delay the premature destruction of the main frame. The composite strengthening method makes the original frame realize the failure mechanism of “strong joint weak member, strong column weak beam” under strong earthquake action. The strengthened specimen satisfies the seismic requirement and has good seismic performance. The seismic performance of the frame strengthened with the V‐shaped BRB is better than that of the other two strengthening methods. Based on the test date, the formula for calculating the shear‐bearing capacity of the beam end is presented.
Phylogenetic analysis of avian schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti (Schistosomatidae, Digenea) from naturally infected hosts in northern Iran
Authors: Kia Lashaki Elham , Bozorgomid Arezoo , Gholami Shirzad , Karamian Mehdi , Fakhar Mahdi , Dodangeh Samira
Published: July 2023

Background

Trichobilharzia regenti (T. regenti) is an avian schistosomatid fluke species that causes human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) in areas of aquaculture in northern Iran. Understanding the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of this thread‐like fluke will deepen our thoughtful of avian schistosomiasis epidemiology and lead to more effective HCD control in the region.

Objectives

To determine the life cycle of nasal Trichobilharzia in aquatic birds as well as aquatic snails and also identify the haplotype diversity of the isolates in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran.

Methods

In the present study, adult or egg of Trichobilharzia isolated from aquatic birds as well as schistosomes cercariae isolated from aquatic snails in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, belonged to the authors' previous research, were examined. Molecular studies and phylogenetic analysis were carried out on these schistosomes samples.

Results

The phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1 and COX1 genes in isolated schistosomes revealed that all samples belong to the T. regenti clade. Remarkably, based on phylogenetic results, these schistosomes samples from Anas platyrhynchos domesticus, A. platyrhynchos, Spatula clypeata and Lymnaea stagnalis grouped together with previously sequenced samples from Iran (Trichobilharzia cf. regenti). Unlike the phylogenetic tree and haplotype network of COX1 gene, ITS1 did not show distinct clusters.

Conclusion

This study completed the puzzle of the disease in Mazandaran Province by isolating and genotyping furkocercariae from L. stagnalis that was consistent with the isolated new genotype from ducks. For the first time in Iran, this confirmed the potential role of L. stagnalis snails in the transmission of the disease.
Flame retardancy of polypropylene filled with expandable graphite and magnesium hydroxide: The impact of particle size of expandable graphite and its mechanism
Authors: Dong Xiaochen , Yang Xuefan , Liang Shitong , Li Jiaqi , Wang Kesong , Liu Jichun , Chang Haibo
Published: July 2023

Polypropylene (PP) was modified by expandable graphite (EG) and magnesium hydroxide (MH) to enhance its flame retardancy. The impact of EG particle size on fire behavior of PP/MH/EG ternary composite was studied in detail. The results reveal that EG synergizes markedly with MH in flame‐retarding PP. The PP/MH/EG composite with larger EG particle size displays better flame retardancy, smoke inhibition, acid resistivity, processability, and less toxic gas release upon combustion. The striking contrast derives from differences of charring behavior in condensed phase. The composite with larger EG particle size can produce intumescent char with larger expansion volume and better compactness and continuity, which hinders heat transfer inside polymer composite. Owing to much smaller expansion volume, the composite containing smaller EG particle size cannot generate effective fireproof barrier. As a consequence, this composite exhibits worse fire retardance and smoke inhibition in contrast with the composite with larger EG particle size.
Seeking Emotion Labels for Bodily Reactions: An Experimental Study in Simulated Interviews
Authors: C. Firmino De Souza Debora , Tikka Pia , Ajenaghughrure Ighoyota Ben
Published: July 2023

Computers rely on different methods and approaches to assess human affective information. Nevertheless, theoretically and methodologically, emotion is a challenging topic to address in Human-Computer Interaction. Exploring methods for assessing physiological responses to emotional experience and for aiding the emotion recognition features of Intelligent Virtual Agents (IVAs), this study developed an interface prototype for emotion elicitation and simultaneous acquisition of the user’s physiological and self-reported emotional data. Supplementary, the study ventures to combine such data through event-related signal analysis.
Polish Adaptation of the Cybersickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (CSSQ-PL)
Authors: Osęka Laura , Pochwatko Grzegorz , Świdrak Justyna
Published: July 2023

We present the Polish adaptation of the Cybersickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (CSSQ) by Freiwald et al. [4] and its short version. To validate the scale, we analyzed the results of 85 participants of the VR artistic experience “Nightsss” in versions with 3 and 6 degrees of freedom. Both long and short versions are characterized by high internal consistency. The validity was analyzed by evaluating the difference between the scores obtained in the CSSQ-PL and the level of experienced cybersickness measured with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. The scale is suitable for screening participants in research conducted with the use of immersive virtual reality (VR). Further studies are necessary to confirm the predictive power of the scale.
Baryogenesis from decaying magnetic helicity in axiogenesis
Authors: Co Raymond T. , Domcke Valerie , Harigaya Keisuke
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Generating axion dark matter through the kinetic misalignment mechanism implies the generation of large asymmetries for Standard Model fermions in the early universe. Even if these asymmetries are washed out at later times, they can trigger a chiral plasma instability in the early universe. Similarly, a direct coupling of the axion with the hypercharge gauge field can trigger a tachyonic instability. These instabilities produce helical magnetic fields, which are preserved until the electroweak phase transition. At the electroweak phase transition, these become a source of baryon asymmetry, which can be much more efficient than the original axiogenesis proposal. We discuss constraints on axion dark matter production from the overproduction of the baryon asymmetry as well as a minimal, albeit fine-tuned setup, where both the correct dark matter abundance and baryon asymmetry can be achieved. For a given axion decay constant, this leads to a sharp prediction for the mass of the radial direction of the Peccei Quinn field, which is a soft mass scale in supersymmetric theories.
Development, circuitry, and function of the zebrafish cerebellum
Authors: Pose-Méndez Sol , Schramm Paul , Valishetti Komali , Köster Reinhard W.
Published: July 2023

The cerebellum represents a brain compartment that first appeared in gnathostomes (jawed vertebrates). Besides the addition of cell numbers, its development, cytoarchitecture, circuitry, physiology, and function have been highly conserved throughout avian and mammalian species. While cerebellar research in avian and mammals is extensive, systematic investigations on this brain compartment in zebrafish as a teleostian model organism started only about two decades ago, but has provided considerable insight into cerebellar development, physiology, and function since then. Zebrafish are genetically tractable with nearly transparent small-sized embryos, in which cerebellar development occurs within a few days. Therefore, genetic investigations accompanied with non-invasive high-resolution in vivo time-lapse imaging represents a powerful combination for interrogating the behavior and function of cerebellar cells in their complex native environment.
Exploring the distribution of the non-native Umbra pygmaea across European freshwater ecoregions through climatic suitability and locally consumed diet
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Kulessa Anna , Macêdo Rafael Lacerda , Tarkan Ali Serhan
Published: July 2023

The East American mudminnow Umbra pygmaea was introduced to Europe a century ago and is now established in at least six European countries. Although considered harmless and with low spread potential, this fish species shows potential to colonise a broad range of habitats due to its wide environmental tolerance. Stomach content analyses were conducted over 3 years to obtain a first insight into this species' diet, which could indicate the potential to alter the biotic composition of recipient ecosystems. The results showed that this fish can potentially have a high impact on insects, fish, and even amphibians through predation. Species distribution models further indicated that environmental conditions of Central European ecoregions are currently a limiting factor for the spread of this species which seems, at least for now, to be driven by anthropogenically driven introductions. Considering the species’ potential to be invasive and impact native biota, monitoring of potential spread is recommended.
Islet autoimmunity in human type 1 diabetes: initiation and progression from the perspective of the beta cell
Authors: Thompson Peter J. , Pipella Jasmine , Rutter Guy A. , Gaisano Herbert Y. , Santamaria Pere
Published: July 2023

Type 1 diabetes results from the poorly understood process of islet autoimmunity, which ultimately leads to the loss of functional pancreatic beta cells. Mounting evidence supports the notion that the activation and evolution of islet autoimmunity in genetically susceptible people is contingent upon early life exposures affecting the islets, especially beta cells. Here, we review some of the recent advances and studies that highlight the roles of these changes as well as antigen presentation and stress response pathways in beta cells in the onset and propagation of the autoimmune process in type 1 diabetes. Future progress in this area holds promise for advancing islet- and beta cell-directed therapies that could be implemented in the early stages of the disease and could be combined with immunotherapies.

Graphical Abstract
Long leg radiographs underestimate the degree of constitutional varus limb alignment and joint line obliquity in comparison with computed tomography: a radiographic study
Authors: Tarassoli Payam , Corban Luke E. , Wood Jil A. , Sergis Andrew , Chen Darren B. , MacDessi Samuel J.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to understand if differences exist between computed tomography (CT) and long leg radiographs (LLR) when defining coronal plane alignment of the lower limb in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It aimed to identify any such differences between the two imaging modalities by quantifying constitutional limb alignment (arithmetic hip–knee–ankle angle (aHKA), joint line obliquity (JLO) and Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK) type within the same population.

Methods

A retrospective radiographic study compared pre‐operative LLR and CT measurements in patients undergoing robotic‐assisted TKA. The aHKA, JLO and CPAK types were calculated after measuring the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA). The primary outcomes were the mean differences in aHKA (MPTA−LDFA), JLO (MPTA + LDFA) and proportions of CPAK types between LLR and CT groups. The secondary outcomes were the differences in CT‐derived MPTA values based on four different tibial sagittal landmarks.

Results

After exclusions, 465 imaging sets were analysed in 394 patients. There was a statistically significant mean difference between LLR and CT, respectively, for both MPTA (87.5° vs. 86.2°; p < 0.01) and LDFA (88.7° vs. 87.3°; p < 0.01). There were also statistically significant differences for aHKA (− 0.2° vs. − 1.1°) and JLO (175.1° vs. 173.4°) for LLR and CT, respectively (both p < 0.01). CT increased the proportion of patients with CPAK Type I (constitutional varus aHKA, apex distal JLO) and CPAK Type II (neutral aHKA, apex distal JLO), and decreased numbers of CPAK Types III–VI. There were significant mean differences in the MPTA using varying sagittal landmarks.

Conclusion

Alignment determined by LLRs underestimates the magnitude of both constitutional varus alignment and joint line obliquity compared to CT, differences that notably increase the proportions of patients included in CPAK Types I and II. These distinctions are primarily due to underestimation of proximal tibial varus when measured on LLRs compared to CT, which more specifically defines articular weight‐bearing points.

Level of evidence

III.
Feasibility of [18F]fluoropivalate hybrid PET/MRI for imaging lower and higher grade glioma: a prospective first-in-patient pilot study
Authors: Islam Shahriar , Inglese Marianna , Grech-Sollars Matthew , Aravind Preetha , Dubash Suraiya , Barwick Tara D. , O’Neill Kevin , Wang James , Saleem Azeem , O’Callaghan James , Anchini Giulio , Williams Matthew , Waldman Adam , Aboagye Eric O.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

MRI and PET are used in neuro-oncology for the detection and characterisation of lesions for malignancy to target surgical biopsy and to plan surgical resections or stereotactic radiosurgery. The critical role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in brain tumour biology has come to the forefront. The non-metabolised SCFA radiotracer, [18F]fluoropivalate (FPIA), shows low background signal in most tissues except eliminating organs and has appropriate human dosimetry. Tumour uptake of the radiotracer is, however, unknown. We investigated the uptake characteristics of FPIA in this pilot PET/MRI study.

Methods

Ten adult glioma subjects were identified based on radiological features using standard-of-care MRI prior to any surgical intervention, with subsequent histopathological confirmation of glioma subtype and grade (lower-grade – LGG – and higher-grade – HGG – patients). FPIA was injected as an intravenous bolus injection (range 342–368 MBq), and dynamic PET and MRI data were acquired simultaneously over 66 min.

Results

All patients tolerated the PET/MRI protocol. Three patients were reclassified following resection and histology. Tumour maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax,60) increased in the order LGG (WHO grade 2) < HGG (WHO grade 3) < HGG (WHO grade 4). The net irreversible solute transfer, Ki, and influx rate constant, K1, were significantly higher in HGG (p < 0.05). Of the MRI variables studied, DCE-MRI-derived extravascular-and-extracellular volume fraction (ve) was high in tumours of WHO grade 4 compared with other grades (p < 0.05). SLC25A20 protein expression was higher in HGG compared with LGG.

Conclusion

Tumoural FPIA PET uptake is higher in HGG compared to LGG. This study supports further investigation of FPIA PET/MRI for brain tumour imaging in a larger patient population.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04097535.
Various features of melt strain hardening of polymeric materials in uniaxial extension and their relation to molecular structure: review of experimental results and their interpretation
Authors: Münstedt H.
Published: July 2023

Strain hardening of polymer melts is able to improve the uniformity of items in processing operations with elongational deformation. Of particular interest in this aspect is the dependence of strain hardening on elongational rate. In its first part, the paper presents a review on melt strain hardening obtained in uniaxial extensional experiments. Its dependence on elongational rate is of particular interest insofar as besides non-strain-hardening polymers, strain hardening increasing or decreasing with rate can be found. Results on linear polymers like polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polylethylene (LLDPE) in dependence on molecular parameters are discussed, as well as those of various blends. Particularly interesting are the strain-hardening features of certain HDPEs and LLDPEs, which could be understood by the assumption of a non-homogeneous chemical structure of the samples. Blends of various compositions of a linear and a long-chain branched PP throw light on the complex relation between branching structure and rate dependence of strain hardening. In the second part of the paper, the different strain-hardening behavior of linear polymers is interpreted by assessing the Rouse times as decisive physical quantity. For blends of certain linear species like HDPE and PP and those of linear with long-chain branched polymers, the existence of separate phases in the molten state is postulated. The assumptions are discussed in the light of the various studies on miscibility of linear and branched polyolefins from the literature.

Graphical Abstract
Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit als intensivmedizinisches Priorisierungskriterium
Authors: Dietrich Frank
Published: July 2023

Die im Dezember 2022 in Kraft getretene Erweiterung des Infektionsschutzgesetzes sieht vor, im Fall einer Pandemie knappe intensivmedizinische Ressourcen nach dem Kriterium der Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit zu priorisieren. Der Aufsatz geht der Frage nach, ob der Vorwurf, diese Regelung setze Menschen mit Behinderung einer erheblichen Diskriminierungsgefahr aus, berechtigt ist. Nach einer kurzen Darstellung des im Infektionsschutzgesetz festgelegten Zuteilungsverfahrens wird zunächst das vielschichtige Konzept der Diskriminierung erörtert. Im Kontext der Allokation knapper intensivmedizinischer Ressourcen besteht vornehmlich das Risiko einer nichtintendierten Diskriminierung, die in direkter wie auch indirekter Form erfolgen kann. Die Regelungen, die das Infektionsschutzgesetz trifft, bieten Menschen mit Behinderung einen vergleichsweise hohen Schutz vor direkter Diskriminierung. Dennoch müssen Menschen mit bestimmten Behinderungen gravierende Nachteile hinnehmen, weil sie im Fall einer COVID-19-Infektion absehbar eine geringere Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit als gesunde Menschen haben. Eine indirekte Diskriminierung liegt aber nur dann vor, wenn für die Auferlegung disproportionaler Nachteile keine hinreichende Rechtfertigung angeführt werden kann. In modernen pluralistischen Gesellschaften, die durch tiefgreifende Wertkonflikte gekennzeichnet sind, sollten unterschiedliche ethische Theorien – darunter auch konsequentialistische Positionen – als mögliche Grundlage einer Rechtfertigung anerkannt werden. Im Ergebnis erweist sich der Vorwurf, eine am Kriterium der Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeit orientierte Zuteilung knapper intensivmedizinischer Ressourcen bewirke eine Diskriminierung von Menschen mit Behinderung, als nicht stichhaltig.
On the variation operator for the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup in dimension one
Authors: Casarino Valentina , Ciatti Paolo , Sjögren Peter
Published: July 2023

Consider the variation seminorm of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup$$H_t$$Htin dimension one, taken with respect tot. We show that this seminorm defines an operator of weak type (1, 1) for the relevant Gaussian measure. The analogous$$L^p$$Lpestimates for$$1<p<\infty $$1<p<∞were already known.
Effects of vertical mixing on the Lake Michigan food web: an application of a linked end-to-end earth system model framework
Authors: Zhang H. , Mason D. M. , Boucher N. W. , Rutherford E. S. , Cannon D. J. , Kessler J. , Fujisaki-Manome A. , Wang J. , Fulton E. A.
Published: July 2023

Physical processes may affect ecosystem structure and function through the accumulation, transport, and dispersal of organic and inorganic materials, nutrients, and organisms; they structure physical habitat and can influence predator–prey interactions and trophic production. In the Laurentian Great Lakes, horizontal currents generally dominate, but little is known about the effects of vertical mixing on lake food webs. We developed a linked earth system model and used it to explore how vertical mixing affects the productivity of Lake Michigan (LM), the world’s fifth-largest lake, whose food web and fisheries have been adversely affected by invasive Dreissena mussels. We hypothesized that higher vertical mixing would result in higher food web biomass by making phosphorus more available to the lower food web, and that filtration by invasive mussels would counter the effects of mixing and decrease food web biomass. Using linked climate, hydrodynamics, and ecosystem models, we projected the response of LM’s food web to scenarios of different levels of vertical mixing, with and without invasive mussels. Biomass of most functional food web groups increased with increases in vertical mixing, with the greatest increases in phytoplankton and zooplankton. Increased biomass was due to the replenishment of nutrients into the euphotic zone, which enhanced growth and biomass of lower trophic levels through bottom-up effects. However, filtration by invasive mussels reduced the positive effects of mixing for most species. Future applications of the linked earth system framework will explore the effects of climate warming and nutrient reduction on fisheries production to inform fisheries managers.
Numerical and physical modeling of breast cancer based on image fusion and artificial intelligence
Authors: Dołęga-Kozierowski Bartosz , Kasprzak Piotr , Lis Michał , Szynglarewicz Bartłomiej , Matkowski Rafał , Sawicki Marek , Dymek Mateusz , Szumiejko Adrianna , Carmo Gustavo , Kwiatkowski Artur , Soliński Daniel Grzegorz , Ptak Mariusz
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The key problem raised in the paper is the change in the position of the breast tumor due to magnetic resonance imaging examinations in the abdominal position relative to the supine position during the surgical procedure. Changing the position of the patient leads to significant deformation of the breast, which leads to the inability to indicate the location of the neoplastic lesion correctly.

Methods

This study outlines a methodological process for treating cancer patients. Pre-qualification assessments are conducted for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3D scans are taken in three positions: supine with arms raised, supine surgical position (SS), and standing. MRI and standard ultrasonography (USG) imaging are performed, and breast and cancer tissue are segmented from the MRI images. Finite element analysis is used to simulate tissue behavior in different positions, and an artificial neural network is trained to predict tumor dislocation. Based on the model, a 3D-printed breast with a highlighted tumor is manufactured. This computer-aided analysis is used to create a detailed surgical plan, and lumpectomy surgery is performed in the SS. In addition, the geometry of the tumor is presented to the medical staff as a 3D-printed element.

Results

By utilizing a comprehensive range of techniques, including pre-qualification assessment, 3D scanning, MRI and USG imaging, segmentation of breast and cancer tissue, model analysis, image fusion, finite element analysis, artificial neural network training, and additive manufacturing, a detailed surgical plan can be created for performing lumpectomy surgery in the supine surgical position.

Conclusion

The new approach developed for the pre-operative assessment and surgical planning of breast cancer patients has demonstrated significant potential for improving the accuracy and efficacy of surgical procedures. This procedure may also help the pathomorphological justification. Moreover, transparent 3D-printed breast models can benefit breast cancer operation assistance. The physical and computational models can help surgeons visualize the breast and the tumor more accurately and detailedly, allowing them to plan the surgery with greater precision and accuracy.