bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements of aquaporin 1 in ultrafiltration failure secondary to peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Jiang Tianxin , Liu Jiahan , Shi Yuanyuan , Zhang Lijie , Xu Xinxin , Xiao Jing
Published: December 2024

For patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD), exposure to biologically incompatible PD solutions and the consequent peritoneal structure change can lead to progressive angiogenesis and fibrosis, and ultimately result in ultrafiltration failure (UFF). Peritoneal transport studies in aquaporin 1 (AQP1) knockout mice indicate that water transport across the peritoneum is mediated by AQP1, which accounts for up to 50% of ultrafiltration. Another recent study on a large cohort of PD patients with kidney failure further substantiated the impact of AQP1 genotype variation on water channel expression in the peritoneal membrane, influencing water transport, ultrafiltration, and patient prognosis. High-dose corticosteroid therapy in both patients and mice seems to be effective in regulating AQP1 to improve ultrafiltration. At present, increasing evidence suggests that AQP1 is relevant for the process of PD water osmotic transport and ultrafiltration. Despite a great deal of research having been done on the structure and function of aquaporin proteins, many fundamental issues remain unresolved.

Graphical Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders in children with cleft lip and palate: a systematic review
Authors: Cook Benjamin , Van Bockstaele Stef , Crow Samuel B. , Sainsbury David , Butterworth Sophie , Filson Simon
Published: December 2024

Individuals with orofacial clefts (OFCs) may be at an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review provides a summary of the most recent data regarding the prevalence of ASD and ADHD in the OFC population and compares this to the general paediatric population. Multiple databases were searched including PubMed/Medline and Embase in July 2024, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024565219). 1025 papers were identified for screening, of which nine were included in the report. Percentage prevalence was calculated and compared to global prevalence or control populations where available. Overall, ASD prevalence among children with a cleft ranged from 0 to 50% (Mean = 2.87%; SD = 5.40) compared to ~ 1% globally (WHO) and ADHD prevalence ranged from 2.34 to 31.71% (Mean = 3.63%; SD = 4.30) compared to ~ 5% globally (NICE). Matched control populations showed larger differences. Isolated cleft palate was associated with higher rates than isolated cleft lip or combined cleft lip and palate. Prevalence in individuals with syndromic clefts appeared greater still (Mean = 14.80%; SD = 16.58) although populations were small. Children with OFCs demonstrate increased prevalence of ASD compared to the average paediatric population. Evidence for increased prevalence of ADHD is less clear, with varying rates across studies. Children with isolated cleft palate or cleft associated with genetic syndromes appear most at risk, although further research is needed.
The Better Choice? The Status Quo versus Radical Human Enhancement
Authors: Hayenhjelm Madeleine
Published: December 2024

Can it be rational to favour the status quo when the alternatives to the status quo promise considerable increases in overall value? For instance, can it be rational to favour the status quo over radical human enhancement? A reasonable response to these questions would be to say that it can only be rational if the status quo is indeed the better choice on some measure. In this paper, I argue that it can be rational to favour the status quo over a radical improvement such as human germline genetic enhancement. First, I distinguish between three different meanings of the “status quo.” Then, I argue that the status quo enjoys modal and epistemic advantages that sometimes translate into other advantages. I propose eight parameters for comparison between the status quo and radical options. These parameters weigh in favour of the status quo but can be outweighed by the benefits of change. Each of these parameters needs to be assessed from case to case. I defend what I refer to as an Open Status Quo position over a Fixed Status Quo position. The former is decision-specific and does not entail a commitment to remaining with the status quo in later decisions. Lastly, I address the objection that an Open Status Quo position risk slipping into a Fixed Status Quo position that would, in turn, block radical progress, change, and discovery.
Recognizing sensory gestures in historical artworks
Authors: Zinnen Mathias , Hussian Azhar , Maier Andreas , Christlein Vincent
Published: December 2024

The automatic recognition of sensory gestures in artworks provides the opportunity to open up methods of computational humanities to modern paradigms like sensory studies or everyday history. We introduce SensoryArt, a dataset of multisensory gestures in historical artworks, annotated with person boxes, pose estimation key points and gesture labels. We analyze algorithms for each label type and explore their combination for gesture recognition without intermediate supervision. These combined algorithms are evaluated for their ability to recognize and localize depicted persons performing sensory gestures. Our experiments show that direct detection of smell gestures is the most effective method for both detecting and localizing gestures. After applying post-processing, this method outperforms even image-level classification algorithms in image-level classification metrics, despite not being the primary training objective. This work aims to open up the field of sensory history to the computational humanities and provide humanities-based scholars with a solid foundation to complement their methodological toolbox with quantitative methods.
A multiscale study of a heavy rainfall event of April 2019 in Rio de Janeiro city
Authors: Unfer Gabriela Rosalino , França José Ricardo de Almeida , Menezes Wallace Figueiredo , Silva Fabricio Polifke da
Published: December 2024

On April 8th and 9th, 2019, the city of Rio de Janeiro experienced intense rainfall characterized by accumulations exceeding 300 mm/24 hours, reaching a maximum of 343.4 mm. Accumulations were higher in stations located south of the Tijuca Massif, while lower values were recorded in the Northern Zone (NZ) stations. The rainfall persisted for 28 h, and three distinct precipitation peaks denoted as P1, P2, and P3, were identified. The P1 stood out for its higher intensities and long-lived rainfall duration and was the only peak associated with electrical discharges. It exhibited clouds with the highest tops, lowest temperatures, and a prevalence of clouds with ice-phase tops. P1 was associated with the presence of Cumulonimbus clouds, hitting significantly all stations in the Southern Zone. P2 and P3 were similar in intensity and duration, although with distinct cloud characteristics. P3 was dominated by Nimbostratus clouds, having the lowest top heights and warmer temperatures, and a prevalence of supercooled water at the cloud tops, indicating a high liquid water content. P2 was intermediate, featuring cloud tops lower than P1 but higher than P3. However, during peak rainfall intensity, Nimbostratus clouds were present, which was more critical in NZ stations, when surface winds were predominantly from the North. The event was influenced by the transport of high moisture content from the Central-Western region of Brazil towards the Southeast, coupled with the formation of a cyclone near the coast of Rio de Janeiro, besides the presence of pronounced moisture convergence zones over the municipality.
Temporal holism
Authors: Pemberton John Michael
Published: December 2024

How can a persisting object change whilst remaining the same object? Lewis, who frames this as the problem of temporary intrinsics, presents us with the perdurance solution: objects persist by having temporal parts which may have differing properties. And in doing so he characterises the opposing view as persisting but not by having temporal parts – a view he calls endurance. But this dichotomous picture of Lewis, although now widely embraced, misses out the orthodox historic view – a view I call temporal holism: objects persist by having temporal parts to which they are ontologically prior. (In the perduring solution, by contrast, the temporal parts are ontologically prior.) This paper sets out this temporal holist solution and makes clear its differences from perdurantist and endurantist solutions. Although temporal holism has a long and illustrious history, this history has not been explicitly recognised. I begin the task of recognising this history in this paper, in order to make clear the nature of temporal holism, and to show that it is a long-established, well supported and distinctive position. The paper sets out, too, how temporal holism solves other ontological problems so that, despite its current neglect, temporary holism has the potential to greatly enrich contemporary philosophical debates.
Understanding and veritism
Authors: Pritchard Duncan
Published: December 2024

My interest is in an apparent tension between two epistemological theses. The first is veritism, which is roughly the claim that truth is the fundamental epistemic good. The second is the idea that understanding is the proper goal of inquiry. The two theses seem to be in tension because the former seems to imply that the proper goal of inquiry should be truth rather than understanding. And yet there is a strong prima facie case to be made for thinking that properly conducted inquiry aims at an elevated epistemic standing like understanding rather than merely true belief. I suggest that this putative tension is one of the reasons why veritism is these days not widely endorsed. As I show, however, there is in fact no tension between these two claims, at least once they are each properly understood. Indeed, I will be suggesting that there is a plausible conception of veritism which would explain why intellectual exemplars seek out understanding in inquiry.
Considering Multiple Sources of Validity Evidence Can Help to Address Challenges in the Development of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) Multiple-Choice Items
Authors: Lieberei Tobias , Großmann Leroy , Welter Virginia Deborah Elaine , Krüger Dirk , Krell Moritz
Published: December 2024

The use of multiple-choice (MC) instruments to assess pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) has advantages in terms of test economy and objectivity, but it also poses challenges, for example, in terms of adequately capturing the intended construct. To help address these challenges, we developed and evaluated a new instrument to assess science teachers’ PCK of scientific reasoning in biology contexts (PCKSR-bio), considering multiple sources of validity evidence. First, 12 MC items were developed to assess crucial PCK components for three scientific reasoning skills. Subsequently, the correlation of corresponding content knowledge (CK) with the PCKSR-bio score was tested with 67 master’s students. In addition, the instrument was used in a cross-sectional study with 165 students (n = 29 bachelor, n = 115 master, n = 21 school-based preservice teachers), and the internal consistency as well as the correlation of the test score with the educational level was determined. An analysis of the response processes of 10 bachelor’s students showed that they more often referred to PCK when selecting an attractor and more often (rather intuitively) to other knowledge when selecting a distractor. In the cross-sectional study, the internal consistency was relatively low but increased with higher educational level. A correlation was found between the test score and CK but not between the test score and the educational level. Our results show that considering multiple sources of validity evidence can help to address common challenges in developing MC–PCK instruments. The results and limitations are discussed, and recommendations are made for the development of MC instruments to assess PCK in general.
A Bayesian framework for learning proactive robot behaviour in assistive tasks
Authors: Andriella Antonio , Cucciniello Ilenia , Origlia Antonio , Rossi Silvia
Published: December 2024

Socially assistive robots represent a promising tool in assistive contexts for improving people’s quality of life and well-being through social, emotional, cognitive, and physical support. However, the effectiveness of interactions heavily relies on the robots’ ability to adapt to the needs of the assisted individuals and to offer support proactively, before it is explicitly requested. Previous work has primarily focused on defining the actions the robot should perform, rather than considering when to act and how confident it should be in a given situation. To address this gap, this paper introduces a new data-driven framework that involves a learning pipeline, consisting of two phases, with the ultimate goal of training an algorithm based on Influence Diagrams. The proposed assistance scenario involves a sequential memory game, where the robot autonomously learns what assistance to provide when to intervene, and with what confidence to take control. The results from a user study showed that the proactive behaviour of the robot had a positive impact on the users’ game performance. Users obtained higher scores, made fewer mistakes, and requested less assistance from the robot. The study also highlighted the robot’s ability to provide assistance tailored to users’ specific needs and anticipate their requests.
Development of Water-Soluble Nanoformulations of Novel Pyrazolone Derivatives and the Evaluation of Their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Igbokwe Nkeiruka N. , Ismail Eman A. , Obakachi Vincent A. , Ntsethe Aviwe , Gamede Mlindeli , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Faya Mbuso A.
Published: December 2024

Poor aqueous solubility and stability hinder the clinical translation of pyrazolone-based derivatives despite their various biological activities. This study aimed to address these issues by developing water-soluble nanoformulations of two specific pyrazolone derivatives, Compounds I and II, selected based on their promising structural features and previous biological activity data. PLGA/poloxamer-based nanoformulations were prepared and optimized for size, PDI, zeta potential (ZP), and entrapment efficiency (EE). The optimized formulations demonstrated sizes of 166.6 ± 7.12 nm and 192.5 ± 1.08 nm, PDI of 0.129 ± 0.042 and 0.132 ± 0.025, ZP of − 14.14 ± 2.90 mV and − 10.77 ± 1.515 mV, and %EE of 84.20 ± 0.930 and 81.5 ± 2.051, respectively. A sustained drug release was observed over 48 h, with cumulative releases of approximately 37% and 53%, for both formulations, and characterized by a complex drug release behavior. The formulations exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and S. aureus (SA), with greater than 90% cell death for SA and greater than 80% for MRSA, observed using the flow cytometer. Also, enhanced antioxidant activity was observed using DPPH, FRAP, and NO methods, showing better radical scavenging than standard gallic acid and bare compounds. The hemolysis assay confirmed the biocompatibility of the developed formulation, with a hemolysis percentage of less than 5%. This study highlights the successful development of water-soluble nanoformulations with significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, emphasizing the impact of solubility enhancement on biological efficacy and suggesting potential pharmaceutical applications for these agents.

Graphical Abstract
Global research on nanomaterials for liver cancer from 2004 to 2023: a bibliometric and visual analysis
Authors: Fan Yitao , Xiao Han , Wang Yan , Wang Shuhan , Sun Hui
Published: December 2024

Background

Primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers. An increasing number of studies indicate that nanomaterials play a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. However, despite the extensive and diverse research on nanomaterials and liver cancer, bibliometric studies in this field have not yet been reported. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the application prospects and development trends of nanomaterials in primary liver cancer over the past 20 years. By elucidating the current state of research on liver cancer, we intend to provide valuable reference information for researchers in this field.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of the Web of Science Core Collection for publications related to liver cancer and nanomaterials from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2023. Relevant literature was selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. These selected publications were subsequently analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and the R package "bibliometrix" to identify trends, influential countries, institutions, authors, journals, and research hotspots in this field.

Results

This study included a total of 1641 publications, with an annual growth rate of 25.45%. China and the United States are leading in this field, accounting for 67.46% and 11.27% of the total publications, respectively. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shao D are the most cited institution and author, respectively. The International Journal of Nanomedicine is the most influential journal in this field, while Biomaterials is the most highly cited and co-cited journal. Research hotspots mainly focus on improving drug delivery efficiency, inducing cancer cell apoptosis, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and combination treatments. Emerging research directions include the tumor microenvironment, polyethylene glycol, and immunogenic cell death.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the application of nanomaterials in the field of liver cancer is gradually becoming a significant research area, with a focus on improving drug delivery efficiency, enhancing therapeutic efficacy, and reducing side effects.
On Externalism and the Wheel Problem: A Reply to Matthews
Authors: Harris Keith Raymond
Published: December 2024

This brief paper serves as a response to Taylor Matthews’ commentary on my recent paper on the epistemology of synthetic media detection.
Significance of fracture toughness for linear friction welded joint of weathering steel
Authors: Shimizu Kazuma , Nakayama Shota , Shoji Hiroto , Kawakubo Takumi , Nagira Tomoya , Ohata Mitsuru , Fujii Hidetoshi
Published: December 2024

This paper examined the characteristics and significance of fracture toughness for LFW (linear friction welding) joints of weathering steel SPA-H processed under different joining conditions to control maximum temperature during LFW process. Two types of LFW joint were prepared; one was jointed under higher compressive pressure so as a maximum temperature during LFW process to be lower than the A1-transformation temperature (A1-LFW), and the other was jointed under lower compressive pressure to be higher than the A3-transformation temperature (A3-LFW). The fracture toughness of both joints where a crack was located at the joint interface exhibited a higher value than that of the heat-affected zone of MAG (metal active gas) welds for the same steel. These results indicated that the LFW was more effective for the joining of weathering steel compared with conventional arc welding in terms of fracture toughness. However, A1-LFW exhibited lower fracture toughness (critical CTOD) than that of base metal or A3-LFW. Thus, the significance of the test results was discussed from mechanical and metallurgical viewpoints. The fracture toughness for A1-LFW found to be deteriorated due to work hardening associated with compressive plastic straining during LFW under higher compressive pressure, where the metal heated under A1-temperature was not completely ejected by friction but remained around the joint interface. On the other hand, the deterioration of fracture toughness for A3-LFW was found to be caused by hardening due to bainitic transformation near the joint interface, whereas the narrowness of the hardened region provided a little bit higher toughness than the intrinsic toughness of the transformed phase due to plastic constraint loss.
Thermoelectric Modulation of Neat Ti3C2Tx MXenes by Finely Regulating the Stacking of Nanosheets
Authors: Tang Junhui , Zhu Renyang , Pai Ya-Hsin , Zhao Yan , Xu Chen , Liang Ziqi
Published: December 2024

Emerging two-dimensional MXenes have been extensively studied in a wide range of fields thanks to their superior electrical and hydrophilic attributes as well as excellent chemical stability and mechanical flexibility. Among them, the ultrahigh electrical conductivity (σ) and tunable band structures of benchmark Ti3C2Tx MXene demonstrate its good potential as thermoelectric (TE) materials. However, both the large variation of σ reported in the literature and the intrinsically low Seebeck coefficient (S) hinder the practical applications. Herein, this study has for the first time systematically investigated the TE properties of neat Ti3C2Tx films, which are finely modulated by exploiting different dispersing solvents, controlling nanosheet sizes and constructing composites. First, deionized water is found to be superior for obtaining closely packed MXene sheets relative to other polar solvents. Second, a simultaneous increase in both S and σ is realized via elevating centrifugal speed on MXene aqueous suspensions to obtain small-sized nanosheets, thus yielding an ultrahigh power factor up to ~ 156 μW m−1 K−2. Third, S is significantly enhanced yet accompanied by a reduction in σ when constructing MXene-based nanocomposites, the latter of which is originated from the damage to the intimate stackings of MXene nanosheets. Together, a correlation between the TE properties of neat Ti3C2Tx films and the stacking of nanosheets is elucidated, which would stimulate further exploration of MXene TEs.
NiNC Catalysts in CO2-to-CO Electrolysis
Authors: Zhang Hao , Qi Menghui , Wang Yong
Published: December 2024

CO2-to-CO electrolyzer technology converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide using electrochemical methods, offering significant environmental and energy benefits by aiding in greenhouse gas mitigation and promoting a carbon circular economy. Recent study by Strasser et al. in Nature Chemical Engineering presents a high-performance CO2-to-CO electrolyzer utilizing a NiNC catalyst with nearly 100% faradaic efficiency, employing innovative diagnostic tools like the carbon crossover coefficient (CCC) to address transport-related failures and optimize overall efficiency. Strasser’s research demonstrates the potential of NiNC catalysts, particularly NiNC-IMI, for efficient CO production in CO2-to-CO electrolyzers, highlighting their high selectivity and performance. However, challenges such as localized CO2 depletion and mass transport limitations underscore the need for further optimization and development of diagnostic tools like CCC. Strategies for optimizing catalyst structure and operational parameters offer avenues for enhancing the performance and reliability of electrochemical CO2 reduction catalysts.
Carbon Dots-Modified Hollow Mesoporous Photonic Crystal Materials for Sensitivity- and Selectivity-Enhanced Sensing of Chloroform Vapor
Authors: Liu Junchen , Liu Ji , Li Zhipeng , Zhao Liupeng , Wang Tianshuang , Yan Xu , Liu Fangmeng , Li Xiaomin , Li Qin , Sun Peng , Lu Geyu , Zhao Dongyuan
Published: December 2024

Chloroform and other volatile organic pollutants have garnered widespread attention from the public and researchers, because of their potential harm to the respiratory system, nervous system, skin, and eyes. However, research on chloroform vapor sensing is still in its early stages, primarily due to the lack of specific recognition motif. Here we report a mesoporous photonic crystal sensor incorporating carbon dots-based nanoreceptor (HMSS@CDs-PCs) for enhanced chloroform sensing. The colloidal PC packed with hollow mesoporous silica spheres provides an interconnected ordered macro-meso-hierarchical porous structure, ideal for rapid gas sensing utilizing the photonic bandgap shift as the readout signal. The as-synthesized CDs with pyridinic-N-oxide functional groups adsorbed in the hollow mesoporous silica spheres are found to not only serve as the chloroform adsorption sites, but also a molecular glue that prevents crack formation in the colloidal PC. The sensitivity of HMSS@CDs-PCs sensor is 0.79 nm ppm−1 and an impressively low limit of detection is 3.22 ppm, which are the best reported values in fast-response chloroform vapor sensor without multi-signal assistance. The positive response time is 7.5 s and the negative response time 9 s. Furthermore, relatively stable sensing can be maintained within a relative humidity of 20%–85%RH and temperature of 25–55 °C. This study demonstrates that HMSS@CDs-PCs sensors have practical application potential in indoor and outdoor chloroform vapor detection.
Euphorbia neriifolia extracts as green corrosion inhibitors for aluminium in hydrochloric and nitric acid media
Authors: Meena Omprakash , Kaushal Sandeep , Kumar Sanjeev , Dalal Jasvir
Published: December 2024

Among the new, significant approaches for preventing corrosion in contemporary culture is using green corrosion inhibitors, which lower corrosion rates to an acceptable level with minimal negative effects on the environment. This area of investigation has witnessed substantial advancements from the environmental sustainability perspective. This study investigates the corrosion inhibition potential of Euphorbia neriifolia extracts on aluminium in various concentrations of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and nitric acid (HNO₃) using weight loss, thermometric methods, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis. The weight loss method revealed maximum inhibition efficiencies of 94.92% and 92.62% for the stem extract at a concentration of 0.7% in 1 M HCl and 1 M HNO₃, respectively. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm indicated a strong linear relationship between surface coverage and inhibitor concentration, suggesting favorable monolayer adsorption on the aluminum surface. Thermometric analysis confirmed the efficacy of the extracts, with a significant reduction in corrosion rates from 157.89 mm/yr in the absence of inhibitors to 0.0099 mm/yr with the optimal concentration of stem extract in 1 M HCl. FESEM images illustrated a marked difference in surface morphology, revealing a smooth, intact surface in the presence of the extracts compared to rough, pitted surfaces in the control samples exposed solely to acidic environments. This work demonstrates the high efficacy and potential modes of action through adsorption of Euphorbia neriifolia extracts, drawing attention to their intriguing use as environmentally benign corrosion inhibitors. The results offer a new, biodegradable substitute for traditional synthetic inhibitors and add to the expanding corpus of research supporting sustainable corrosion management techniques.

Graphical Abstract
Combining immunogenic cell death and cuproptosis to construct a prognostic signature and predict the immune status and treatment efficacy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Feng Xin , Li Xiaoying , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2024

Background

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is defined as cell death sufficient to activate an adaptive immune response in an immunocompetent host. Cuproptosis is induced by increased intracellular toxicity due to copper ion accumulation. ICD and cuproptosis have great potential in regulating the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Methods

We used transcriptome data from TCGA database to identify two subtypes based on consensus clustering and explored the differences between the two groups. We further combined ICD- and cuproptosis-related genes to develop a signature and predict OS, immune status, and treatment responses in HCC patients. An ICGC cohort was used for external validation.

Results

Patients in the groups with high expression of ICD- and cuproptosis-related genes had higher levels of immune cell infiltration and a better immunotherapeutic response. Eight related genes (BAX, HSP90AA1, IFNB1, LY96, NT5E, LIPT1, DLAT, and CDKN2A) were screened for the prognostic signature. The survival analysis revealed that patients in the low-risk group were less likely to die at an early stage than were those in the high-risk group. The signature also showed better results in predicting immune cell infiltration and the treatment response.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that the prognostic signature constructed by combining ICD- and cuproptosis-related genes performs well in predicting the survival of patients with HCC and is closely associated with immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy.
Variations of rumen metagenome and metabolome in dairy cows with different feed intake levels during the postpartum period
Authors: Huang Shuai , Shang Yikui , Wang Lan , Wang Shang , Zheng Gang , Wang Dongxing , Wang Musen , Li Shengli
Published: December 2024

Feed intake, a critical factor for dairy cows during the postpartum period, is intricately linked to the rumen microbiome. However, the specific roles of rumen metagenome and metabolome in modulating feed intake in postpartum dairy cows remain unclear. In the current study, 20 postpartum dairy cows were divided into low feed intake (n = 5) and high feed intake (HFI, n = 5) groups to investigate the role of ruminal microbial composition, function, and metabolism on feed intake using a combined approach of metagenomics and metabolomics. Our analysis revealed a significant enrichment of Bacteroides and Fibrobacter in HFI cows (p < 0.05), contributing to enhanced protein and energy metabolism. Metabolomic analysis disclosed that HFI cows exhibited a higher relative concentration of rumen metabolites, such as alpha-tocopheryl acetate (fold change = 9.2, p = 0.008), linoleic acid (fold change = 5.96, p = 0.007), and leucine (fold change = 4.14, p = 0.004). Spearman correlation analysis pinpointed a positive correlation between specific microbiota (Succinivibrionaceae and Prevotellaceae) and metabolites involved in amino acid and peptide metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and conjugates. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis showed that the unclassified_f_Succinivibrionaceae, Succinatimonas, and Ruminobacte were significantly associated with dry matter intake-associated metabotypes, including rumen metabolites involved in fatty acids and conjugates, favonoids, and gycerophosphocholines. The feed intake variation explained by the rumen microbiome, functions, and metabolites were 29.63%, 27.30%, and 33.50%, respectively. These findings provide comprehensive insights into rumen metagenomics at different feed intake levels in postpartum dairy cows, potentially guiding strategies to manipulate the rumen microbiome for feed intake and production improvement.
Hospital antimicrobial stewardship funding and resourcing impact on broad-spectrum antibiotic use: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tu Megan , Shi Zong Heng , Leung Valerie , Brown Kevin A , Schwartz Kevin L , Daneman Nick , Langford Bradley J
Published: December 2024

Background:

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) aim to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by optimizing antibiotic use including reducing unnecessary broad-spectrum therapy. This study evaluates the impact of ASP funding and resources on the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in Ontario hospitals.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of antimicrobial use (AMU) across 63 Ontario hospitals from April 2020 to March 2023. The Ontario ASP Landscape Survey provided data on ASP resourcing and antibiotic utilization. The main outcome was the proportion of all antibiotics that were broad-spectrum, defined as: fluoroquinolones; third-generation cephalosporins; beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors; carbapenems; clindamycin; and parenteral vancomycin. Secondary outcomes included the proportions of individual antibiotic classes listed above and anti-pseudomonal agents. Statistical analysis involved logistic regression to determine the odds ratio (OR) of the association between ASP funding/resourcing and broad-spectrum antibiotic use.

Results:

Among 63 hospitals, 48 reported designated ASP funding/resources. Median broad-spectrum antibiotic use was 52.5%. ASP funding/resources was not associated with overall broad-spectrum antibiotic use (0.97, 95% CI: 0.75–1.25, P = 0.79). However, funding was associated with lower use of fluoroquinolones (OR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46–0.96, P = 0.03), clindamycin (OR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.47–1.00, P = 0.05), and anti-pseudomonal agents (OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59–0.98, P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

The presence of designated funding and resources for hospital ASPs is linked to reduced use of specific broad-spectrum antibiotics but not overall broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Enhancing ASP resourcing may be an important factor in limiting targeted antibiotic use, thereby increasing the effectiveness of efforts to mitigate AMR.
Beyond Black and White: Assessing the Legitimacy of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives between the Descriptive and the Normative Perspective
Authors: Gombert Adrian , Ruehle Rebecca C.
Published: December 2024

Research on the legitimacy of multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) continues to thrive, however, the vague distinction between descriptive and normative legitimacy seems to cause growing confusion. In our paper, we identify three problems in the literature on MSI legitimacy: lack of precision regarding which of the two forms is used; blurring of boundaries between them; and ambiguity of assessment when assessing MSI legitimacy with the help of fine-grained criteria. These three problems, we argue, are not only detrimental to construct clarity but they can also lead to an erosion of normativity, by which we mean the increasing lack of normative grounding or (unintentional) deconstruction of the normative elements of legitimacy. We introduce a framework that addresses these three problems, ultimately demonstrating how scholars can use the concept of MSI legitimacy in a manner that enhances construct clarity and avoids erosion of normativity.
Haunted pasts and the future of Byzantine historiography: George Sphrantzes’ Chronicon Minus as witness literature
Authors: Goldwyn Adam J.
Published: December 2024

In 1478 a Byzantine courtier-turned-monk named George Sphrantzes related in a work conventionally called the Chronicon Minus the story of his life and times in the decades before and after the Ottoman conquest of Byzantium. The work's English translator, Marios Philippides, notes in his introduction that ‘students of history, sociology, and literature will find passages of interest in Sphrantzes’ account. In addition to its immense value as a historical testimony, Sphrantzes’ narrative is a linguistic document of great significance to the study of the evolution of the modern Greek language.’ (This latter point refers to Sphrantzes’ fifteenth-century idiom, very different from the classicizing or Atticizing style of pre-conquest Greek historiography.)1 Philippides’ approach reflects typical historiographical praxis in modern scholarship: a source text is strip-mined for those facts for which the empiricist historian is searching, and the rest is ignored or derided as superfluous.
Completion of a standardizable competency-based research training program improves understanding and preparedness for both new and experienced clinical research professionals
Authors: Palmer Lucy , Morones Sandra E. , Jacobe Heidi T. , Oilepo Rhonda
Published: December 2024

Clinical research professionals (CRPs) are integral to the academic medical center workforce, research operations, and daily clinical research tasks; however, due to inconsistent training, there is a shortage of qualified CRPs. The Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency created a competency framework for CRPs, which has demonstrated positive results from various institutions, but training programs have been limited in standardization, replicability, and dissemination. To improve this, we designed the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center Clinical Research Foundations (CRF) training program, which is a competency-based online self-paced CRP training curriculum hosted via the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) portal. We examined feasibility, acceptability, and uptake of the UTSW CRF training on an institutional scale and were pleased to find this curriculum is not only feasible but has high levels of acceptability. Furthermore, faculty, clinicians, and trainees voluntarily completed this training program indicating utility across diverse groups. The UTSW CRF combines the existing CITI training modules with UTSW-created material, providing an optimal balance between generalized clinical research education and institutionally tailored content. We believe the UTSW CRF curriculum could serve as a plug-and-play foundational model for other research centers to tailor according to their audience and institutional needs.
The impact of natural convection and turbulent mixing on mechanical ventilation
Authors: Toy Daniel A. , Woods Andrew W.
Published: December 2024

We explore the interaction of natural convection and mechanical ventilation in a room where fresh air is supplied at low level and stale air is extracted at high level. Turbulent buoyant plumes rising from heat sources interact with this upward airflow and establish a steady-state stratification with a warm upper layer above a layer of the cold supply air. Adapting the volume balance model used in natural ventilation (Linden et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 212, 1990, pp. 309–335) leads to the prediction that the upper layer will vent from the room when the ventilation volume flux exceeds the volume flux in the plumes at the ceiling. However, our new laboratory experiments establish that there is still a stable two-layer stratification beyond this point of critical ventilation. Motivated by our observations, we propose that the kinetic energy flux supplied by the plume leads to turbulent mixing in the upper layer. We propose a new model of this mixing which is consistent with our experiments in both the over- and under-ventilated regimes. This has important implications for air recirculation in buildings with large ventilation flows, particularly hospital operating theatres and clean rooms.
Droplet impact on a flexible disk
Authors: Zhou Xinping , Xu Yongqi , Zhang Qi , Zhang Wanqiu , Peng Ze-Rui
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we simulate the process of two-dimensional axisymmetric fluid–structure coupling of a droplet impacting on a flexible disk. The effects of dimensionless disk stiffness (K = 0.1–1000), Weber number (We = 1–500) and contact angle (θ = 130° and 60°) on the dynamics of the droplet impacting on the flexible disk are analysed. The results indicate that there are five typical impact modes for a hydrophobic surface (θ = 130°) and four typical impact modes for a hydrophilic surface (θ = 60°) within the range of considered parameters. The analysis of spreading factor reveals that a part of the energy is transferred to the substrate, which is manifested as a weakening of the droplet spreading, when the substrate deforms downwards due to the droplet impact; the squeezing of the droplet causes a tendency to flow from the centre of the droplet to the edge, which is manifested as an enhancement of the droplet spreading, when the substrate recovers from the downward deformation. The effect of the substrate flexibility on the maximum spreading factor depends on the competition of the two mechanisms above. Based on this, a modified scaling law of βmax has been proposed by introducing the effective Weber number (Wem). The analysis of impact force demonstrates that the peak of the impact force is related to the deflection of the flexible substrate which is different from that of a rigid wall; and three typical processes of impact force variation have been summarised. In addition, unlike the rigid substrate scenario, there is an energy interaction between the droplet and the flexible substrate after impact occurs, which is classified as three typical energy transformation processes.
Mechanisms underlying how free surfaces influence very-large-scale motions in turbulent plane open channel flows based on linear non-modal analysis
Authors: Deng Bing-Qing , Yang Zixuan , Shen Lian
Published: December 2024

Linear non-modal analyses are performed to study the mechanism of how deformable free surfaces influence very-large-scale motions (VLSMs) in turbulent open channel flows. The mean velocity and eddy viscosity profiles obtained from direct numerical simulations are used in the generalised Orr–Sommerfeld and Squire equations to represent background turbulence effects. Solutions of surface-wave eigenmodes and shear eigenmodes are obtained. The results indicate that at high Froude numbers, free surfaces enhance the maximum transient growth rate of VLSMs through surface-wave eigenmodes. We then analyse the energy budget equation to reveal the underlying mechanism. For streamwise-uniform motions, the energy growth rate is enhanced by an energy production term associated with the correlation between the streamwise velocity, which is generated by the lifting-up effect of streamwise vortices composed of shear eigenmodes, and the vertical velocity, which is induced by a spanwise standing wave composed of surface-wave eigenmodes. For streamwise-varying motions, the energy growth rate is enhanced by a standing wave moving with a pair of vortices that travel at a speed approximately equal to the projection of the mean surface velocity along the wavenumber vector direction. Finally, an analytical expression of the energy production term is derived to provide the initial conditions for the maximum transient growth and explain the weak free-surface effect observed at large spanwise wavenumbers and low Froude numbers. The results demonstrate a linear non-modal mechanism in interactions between free surfaces and VLSMs in open channel flows.
Wall-damped Faraday waves in horizontally oscillating two-layer fluid flows
Authors: Piao Linfeng , Juel Anne
Published: December 2024

We study experimentally the onset of Faraday waves near the end walls of a rectangular vessel containing two stably stratified fluid layers, subject to horizontal oscillations. These subharmonic waves (SWs) are excited, because the horizontal inertial forcing drives a harmonic propagating wave which displaces the interface in the vertical direction at the end walls. We find that the onset of SWs is regulated by a balance between capillary and viscous forces, where the rate of damping is set by the Stokes layer thickness at the wall rather than the wavelength of the SWs. We model the onset of SWs with a weakly damped Mathieu equation and find that the dimensional critical acceleration scales as

$\nu _m^{1/2} \omega ^{3/2}$

, where

$\nu _m$

is the mean viscosity and

$\omega$

is the frequency of forcing, in excellent agreement with the experiment over a wide range of parameters.
A NOTE ON THE LARGE SIEVE INEQUALITY FOR MODULI GENERATED BY A QUADRATIC
Authors: CORRIGAN C. C.
Published: December 2024

We develop a generalisation of the square sieve of Heath-Brown and use it to give an alternate proof of one of the large sieve inequalities in our previous paper [‘A large sieve inequality for characters to quadratic moduli’, Preprint, https://web.maths.unsw.edu.au/~ccorrigan/preprint6.pdf].
PRIMITIVE IDEAL SPACE OF
$C^*(R_+)\rtimes R^\times $
Authors: CHEN XIAOHUI , LI HUI
Published: December 2024

For an integral domain R satisfying certain conditions, we characterise the primitive ideal space and its Jacobson topology for the semigroup crossed product

$C^*(R_+) \rtimes R^\times $

. We illustrate the result by the example

$R=\mathbb {Z}[\sqrt {-3}]$

.
Regiomontanus's Paduan lecture of 1464, the Byzantine intellectual heritage and the Graeco-Arabic roots of astronomical studies in early modern Italy
Authors: Bardi Alberto
Published: December 2024

The inaugural lecture, or oration, delivered by Regiomontanus at the University of Padua in 1464 is deemed a document of remarkable significance in the history of science. Although it has attracted much scholarly attention, few efforts have been directed towards identifying the traces of Byzantine influence it might carry; that is to say, the extent to which Regiomontanus might have been influenced by the views of his patron, Bessarion. This paper responds to the need for such a study, arriving at the following conclusions. First, Regiomontanus's praise of astrology is in line with Bessarion's reaction to the official decisions taken against astrology in Constantinople at the Council of 1351 – decisions which were ultimately rooted in the hesychast controversy and in the confessional struggles between the Churches of Constantinople and Rome. Second, the legitimation of the Graeco-Arabic roots of astronomy in an institutional context, as undertaken by Regiomontanus, is in accordance with the intellectual influences Bessarion had absorbed in his youth in Constantinople. Third, contrary to some claims, it is likely that Regiomontanus does not adhere to a humanist anti-Arab agenda; rather, his views on the history of mathematics are a consequence of the Graeco-Arabic heritage of his patron, and of his lack of access to Arabic translations.
The Price and Welfare Consequences of the British Sugar Act of 1846
Authors: Absell Christopher David
Published: December 2024

Research on trade liberalization frequently overlooks the effects on third-party welfare. This paper studies a historically tragic third-party consequence of a special case of tariff reform: the British Sugar Act of 1846. Using a new database of monthly observations of prices and import volumes for the period 1840–1853, I estimate the price and welfare effects of the passage of the Sugar Act for consumers and colonial and noncolonial producers. Considerable consumption gains for British consumers and a reduced deadweight loss were derived from the intensification of trade with the slave economies.
Oyster allometry: growth relationships vary across space
Authors: Marquardt Alexandria R. , Southworth Melissa , Mann Roger
Published: December 2024

Oysters have unique life history strategies among molluscs and a long history in the fossil record. The Ostreid form, particularly species from the genus Crassostrea, facilitated the invasion into intertidal, estuarine habitats and reef formation. While there is general acknowledgement that oysters have highly variable growth, few studies have quantified variability in oyster allometry. This project aimed to (1) describe the proportional carbonate contributions from each valve and (2) examine length–weight relationships for shell and tissue across an estuarine gradient. We collected 1122 C. virginica from 48 reefs in eight tributaries and the main stem of the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay. On average, the left valve was responsible for 56% of the total weight of the shell, which was relatively consistent across a size range (24.9–172 mm). Nonlinear mixed-effects models for oyster length–weight relationships suggest oysters exhibit allometric growth (b < 3) and substantial inter-reef variation, where upriver reefs in some tributaries appear to produce less shell and tissue biomass on average for a given size. We posit this variability may be due to differences in local conditions, particularly salinity, turbidity, and reef density. Allometric growth maximizes shell production and surface area for oyster settlement, both of which contribute to maintaining the underlying reef structure. Rapid growth and intraspecific plasticity in shell morphology enabled oysters to invade and establish reefs as estuaries moved in concert with changes in sea level over evolutionary time.