bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Within‐canopy carbon partitioning to cotton leaves in response to irrigation
Authors: Pabuayon Irish Lorraine B. , Bicaldo Jessica Joy B. , Ritchie Glen L.
Published: November 2024

When water resources are limited, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants adapt in part through adjustments in carbon allocation strategies, often evident in the leaves within the canopy. The dynamics of leaf carbon accumulation provide insights into how the plant partitions and uses carbon resources, a key aspect of optimizing crop productivity. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of leaf carbon accumulation in two cotton cultivars (Phytogen [PHY] 350 and Stoneville [ST] 5707) across spatial and temporal scales under two different levels of irrigation (low: 178 mm year−1, high: 356 mm year−1) in 2020 and 2021. For each cultivar and irrigation treatment, an increase in leaf mass occurred primarily at the bottom of the canopy early in the season, followed by additional leaf production in the middle of the plant as the season progressed. Irrigation reduction resulted in a canopy with reduced radiation interception, less leaf shading in the lower canopy, and thicker leaves. In contrast, more irrigation created canopies with a larger effective leaf area, increasing total light interception despite increased shading at the canopy base. Additionally, leaf carbon allocation is synchronized with fruit carbon demand at the onset of the first bloom stage for an early‐maturing cultivar. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between water availability, radiation intensity within the canopy, and leaf carbon dynamics, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the plant's overall performance in resource‐constrained environments.
An Iron‐Based Fluorophosphate Cathode Material for K‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Saha Dipannita , Desai Parth , Sharma Ankur , Raghavendra Reddy V. , Srihari Velaga , Poswal Himanshu K. , Das Arpita , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: November 2024

The development of a tavorite structured K‐ transition metal (TM)‐ fluorophosphate, having earth‐abundant Fe as the only TM, crystallizing in the orthorhombic crystal system and facilitating stable‐cum‐reversible electrochemical K‐extraction/insertion, has been reported here. Synthesized using low‐cost precursors, KFePO4F has also been found to be air‐stable. Detailed information pertaining to the bonding/structure, including lattice site occupancy, have been obtained via diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and FTIR, with XPS, Mössbauer and ESR revealing the oxidation states and nature of Fe in the as‐synthesized condition and upon being subjected to electrochemical potassiation/depotassiation. The electrochemical K‐insertion/extraction, supported by reversible Fe‐redox, leads to a reversible K‐storage capacity of ~102 mAh/g (within 1.5–4.0 V), along with a 1st cycle Coulombic efficiency (CE) of ~93 % (with CE>99.9 % from 2nd cycle onwards). Ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction, as well as operando synchrotron diffraction during galvanostatic cycling, indicates reversible changes in peak positions upon electrochemical K‐extraction/insertion, with no evidence for structural change. When used as cathode material in K‐ion ‘full’ cell (with hard carbon‐based anode), a discharge capacity of ~68 mAh/g, along with capacity retention of ~70 % after 50 cycles, has been obtained; which confirms that this newly‐developed earth‐abundant Fe‐based potassium fluorophosphate can be utilized for potential application in sustainable battery chemistries, like K‐ion batteries.
Prescribed Performance Control for PEM Fuel Cell Air Supply System Based on Fully Actuated Approach With Fixed Regulation Time
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhao Yue , Liu Zhuang , Shen Xiaoning , Gao Yabin , Liu Jianxing
Published: November 2024

The problem of air feed system control with guaranteed prescribed performance and fixed time control is investigated for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). First of all, the original model of PEMFC air feed system is converted to fully actuated system using higher order fully actuated system (HOFAS) approach. A fixed time extended state observer (ESO) is employed to approximate the cathode pressure. The parameter uncertainty is compensated by an adaptive radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). Then a prescribed performance sliding mode controller is designed with fixed convergence time. The proposed control law could guarantee the prescribed transient response for oxygen excess ratio (OER) error under stack current changing and bounded uncertainty. Lyapunov approach is utilized to proof fixed‐time stability of proposed controller. Simulation results of the study tests illustrate that the presented controller is efficient under constant OER tracking control, constant OER tracking control with parameter perturbation, and variable OER tracking control, respectively.
Failing by design; exploring the currere lived experiences of a low‐socioeconomic status boy in primary school
Authors: Greaves Morten , Devine Dympna , Martinez‐Sainz Gabriela , Moore Barbara , Crean Mags , Barrow Natalie , Sloan Seaneen , Symonds Jennifer , Ioannidou Olga
Published: November 2024

This phenomenological research draws upon Pinar's concept of currere to frame the lived experiences of Cian, a young boy in an economically disadvantaged primary school in Ireland. By adapting Pinar's 4‐stages of currere research (regressive, progressive, analytic and synthetic), we explore Cian's personal and academic lived experiences over a 2‐year period, and his growing feelings of academic disengagement. The paper portrays the complex interactions between Cian's personal and academic lived experiences and demonstrates how he simultaneously internalised and yet resisted his primary school experiences. Embedded within Cian's narrative are snapshots of teachers under pressure, struggling to support the individual learning needs of vulnerable children in line with standardised curricular demands, and the negative impact this can have upon learners like Cian. We argue that adapting Pinar's methodology to focus upon children's voices in education is valuable at a time of curriculum change within Irish primary education, challenging ‘efficiency‐based’ curriculum narratives and re‐centring children's well‐being and holistic development.
Prayer, Dreams, and Sex: A Showcase of an AI‐Augmented Distant Reading of 20 Thousand E‐Fatwas
Authors: Svensson Jonas
Published: November 2024

This article provides a methodologically oriented case study of the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) in Islamic studies. Its empirical focus is on 20 thousand e‐fatwas from the website askimam.org. The study demonstrates how LLMs, here represented by the open‐source tool BERTopic, can significantly augment a process of distant reading. The research focuses on a topic modelling revealing insights into recurring concerns evident from the questions posed by believers in fatwas. It also provides an example of further, post‐topic modelling and analysis focusing on thematic variations across questions from different geographical regions. The article argues for the potential of LLMs to reshape research methodologies, offering faster, more comprehensive, and nuanced analyses of large datasets.
Early Alarm on the First Occurrence of the Southern Giant Hornet Vespa soror du Buysson, 1905 (Vespidae) in Europe
Authors: Sánchez Omar , Castro Leopoldo , Fueyo Álvaro , Borrell Yaisel J. , Arias Andrés
Published: November 2024

An eco‐monitoring program to assess the biodiversity of insects affected by yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina) trapping in the north of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain) revealed the first occurrence of the southern giant hornet Vespa soror (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) on the European continent. We present a detailed characterization, combining morphological characteristics and molecular tools for genetic identification, as well as key information on its identification with respect to other hornets found on the Iberian Peninsula. We discuss the most plausible pathways and vectors of introduction, its potential invasiveness, and subsequent impacts on host localities. Our preliminary results raise concerns about the potential threat of V. soror to human health and ecosystem dynamics, as it is a highly predatory species on other insects and even small vertebrates. Finally, this study confirms once again the usefulness of studying insects trapped in such traps for rapid response and early detection of inland invasive species. We also propose a common Spanish name for the species, “avispón sóror”.
Pollen Interference Between Rare and Common Species
Authors: Malecore Eva M. , Fischer Markus
Published: November 2024

The mechanisms underlying plant species distribution and abundance have been long studied in ecology. However, the role of heterospecific pollen interference in shaping these patterns needs more attention. Species distribution and abundance are important factors determining whether a species is endangered or not; thus, understanding the impact of heterospecific pollen interference on rare species could help to inform conservation strategies aimed at preserving plant communities. In this study, we conducted a multispecies experiment using eight co‐occurring and co‐flowering plant species with varying rarity levels in Switzerland. We performed cross‐pollinations by hand between nearly all species pairs and measured seed set (whether a flower produces seed) and seed number (number of seeds per flower) as outcomes. We looked at the effects of rarity status, self‐compatibility, and recipient‐donor relatedness on heterospecific pollen interference. Contrary to expectations, neither seed set nor seed number were affected by heterospecific pollen deposition. Self‐compatible species had a higher seed set probability, but this was independent from species rarity. In our study setting, heterospecific pollen interference seems to have only minor effects on seed set and seed number, and consequently on recruitment. Thus, heterospecific pollen interference seems to play only a minor role in shaping plant species distribution and abundance. Nevertheless, the higher impact of heterospecific pollen deposition on rare and closely related species, as well as the importance of conspecific pollen loss, might need further investigation for both in situ and ex‐situ conservation strategies.
Unraveling Community Potential Interactions by Environmental DNA in the Hong Kong Coastal Waters
Authors: Lee Sangwook Scott , Xu Zhimeng , Li Yingdong , Zhang Xiaodong , Cheng Jinping , Liu Hongbin
Published: November 2024

Traditional approaches for studying potential interactions in marine ecosystems often struggle to fully capture all taxa in a community, especially rare species. This issue is particularly challenging in coastal waters with high biodiversity and spatiotemporal dynamics. In this study, we employed environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, utilizing multiple marker genes, to comprehensively investigate interspecific interactions across various domains in the subtropical coastal waters of Hong Kong. The southern and eastern regions of Hong Kong waters exhibit distinct environmental seasonality, and our investigation focused on comparing the potential interaction networks and the keystone taxa between these two regions. The putative species interaction networks across various groups (i.e., bacteria, protists, and metazoans) were revealed by using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Our results showed that primary consumers, mainly dinoflagellates and ciliates, were the dominant actors within the interaction networks, although their distributions varied between the two regions. Bacterial taxa from the Pseudomonadota groups primarily constituted saprobes in the southern region, while exhibiting an even distribution in the eastern region. The interaction network in the southern region was larger but less stable compared to the eastern region. This could be attributed to the stronger responses of keystone taxa to environmental variations and the relatively higher number of connectors (e.g., Akashiwo and Protoperidinium within Dinophyceae) in the eastern region. Our findings highlight the versatility of eDNA metabarcoding for studying potential species interactions, providing critical insights into ecosystem structure and stability, and offering suggestions for marine biodiversity conservation.
Institutionalizing co‐production diplomacy in contexts of long‐term epistemological conflict: A case study of cod fisheries governance
Authors: Klenk Nicole , Pentz Brian , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: November 2024

Knowledge co‐production is a collaborative approach to research that seeks to enable transformative societal change and improve outcomes in natural resource management and sustainable development. Instituting knowledge co‐production requires that researchers, decision‐makers, and stakeholders be willing to work together towards shared goals. In the context of fisheries management, co‐production represents a significant departure from the technocratic discourses and governance practices that have characterized decision‐making for decades. Moreover, some fisheries contexts have been plagued by persistent and seemingly intractable epistemological conflicts between stakeholders and decision‐makers. Such situations complicate the implementation of co‐production and raise questions about the extent to which researchers can achieve the aims of co‐production in situations of distrust, amenity, and entrenched positions. We use the case study of Northern Cod, a stock of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) governance in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, a case of long‐standing conflict between the regulator, fishers, Indigenous peoples, and industry parties, to explore whether and how co‐production can enable collaborative research leading to “transformative societal change.” We find five factors complicating uptake of co‐production in the governance of Northern Cod: (i) competing perspectives exist regarding the relative worth of different types of knowledge; (ii) links between epistemic preferences and interests; (iii) barriers related to access and inclusion in governance spaces; (iv) barriers related to institutional design; and, (v) conflict‐ridden stakeholder relations. In a context of persistent epistemological conflict and distrust, we propose that knowledge co‐production focus on diplomacy through science with an aim to repair relationships rather than produce new knowledge that can serve as evidence in decision‐making as the primary goal of the co‐production process.
Invasive haemodynamic assessment in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Kittipibul Veraprapas , Salah Husam M. , Yaku Hidenori , Gustafsson Finn , Baratto Claudia , Caravita Sergio , Fudim Marat
Published: November 2024

Despite the increasing prevalence and substantial burden of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which constitutes up to 50% of all heart failure cases, significant challenges persist in its diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. These difficulties arise primarily from the heterogeneous nature of the condition, the presence of various comorbidities and a wide range of phenotypic variations. Considering these challenges, current international guidelines endorse the utilization of invasive haemodynamic assessments, including resting and exercise haemodynamics, as the gold standard for enhancing diagnostic accuracy in cases where traditional diagnostic methods yield inconclusive results. These assessments are crucial not only for confirming the diagnosis but also for delineating the complex underlying pathophysiology, enabling the development of personalized treatment strategies, and facilitating the precise classification of HFpEF phenotypes. In this review, we summarize the haemodynamic changes observed in patients with HFpEF, comparing resting and exercise‐induced parameters to those of normal subjects. Additionally, we discuss the current role of invasive haemodynamics in HFpEF assessment and highlight its utility beyond diagnosis, such as identifying HFpEF comorbidities, guiding phenotype‐based personalized therapies and characterizing prognostication. Finally, we address the challenges associated with utilizing invasive haemodynamics and propose future directions, focusing on integrating these assessments into routine HFpEF care.
Structurally Innovative Benzimidazole‐fused Ionic Organoselenium Compounds: Prevalence of Se⋅⋅⋅N/Se Chalcogen Bonds with the Selenocyanate Receptor
Authors: Banerjee Kaustav , Sufian Abu , Bhabak Krishna P.
Published: November 2024

The non‐covalent interactions in molecules play important roles towards their applications in various aspects such as molecular recognition, catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, structural biology, pharmacology etc. Interestingly, among various non‐bonding interactions, chalcogen bonding (ChB) has been extensively studied in different facets of crystal engineering over the last several years. The present study demonstrates the presence of Se⋅⋅⋅N or Se⋅⋅⋅Se ChB in the benzimidazole‐fused cyclic selenazonium selenocyanates (6–8), cyclic selenazinium selenocyanates (9–10) and the acyclic benzimidazolium analogs having two different types of selenocyanate units (11–12). The final organoselenium compounds were synthesized from benzimidazole in several steps in reasonably good yields. The single‐crystal X‐ray structures of the compounds revealed that both the N atom and Se atom of the negatively charged SeCN unit act as ChB acceptors in building the Se⋅⋅⋅N or Se⋅⋅⋅Se ChB interactions along with the additional hydrogen bonding (HB) interactions. Moreover, the structural optimization and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses were carried out using density functional theory (DFT) to calculate the natural charges on different Se centers and the strength of second‐order perturbation energy (E2) for the ChB interactions. Finally, surface electrostatic potential (SEP) of the compounds was developed to visualize the formation of σ‐holes.
The Cardiovascular Protective Function of Natural Compounds Through AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Rahmani Sohrab , Roohbakhsh Ali , Pourbarkhordar Vahid , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: November 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a major risk to human health and exert a heavy burden on individuals, society, and healthcare systems. Therefore, it is critical to identify CVD's underlying mechanism(s) and target them using effective agents. Natural compounds have shown promise as antioxidants with cardioprotective functions against CVD injuries due to their antioxidative solid capacity and high safety profile. Several CVDs, such as heart failure, ischemia/reperfusion, atherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathies, are closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. It is well established that activating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α pathway during CVD promotes mitochondrial function. Therefore, targeting the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α pathway provides a foundation for novel therapeutic strategies to combat CVD. A key goal of our search was to find natural compounds that target this biological pathway and have beneficial effects on CVD.
Loneliness and Suicidality Among Older Korean Adults During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Lyu Jiyoung
Published: November 2024

Objectives

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the loneliness of older adults increased. Since loneliness and depressive symptoms may contribute to the development of suicidality, the pathways between loneliness, depressive symptoms, and suicidality should be examined more in depth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between loneliness and suicidality among older Korean adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and to explore whether it is mediated by depressive symptoms.

Methods

The data used for this study was “2020 Chuncheon Elderly Life Survey,” and a total of 1200 adults aged 65 and over were included in the analysis. Suicidality was measured with the Depressive Symptom Inventory‐Suicidality Subscale (DSI‐SS). Loneliness was measured with the UCLA 3‐item Loneliness Scale, and depressive symptoms were measured with the Short form of Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS). The mediating effect was tested using the PROCESS macro version 4.2 for SPSS.

Results

Adjusted for covariates, the indirect effect (path of loneliness to suicidality via depressive symptoms) was statistically significant, but the direct effect of loneliness on suicidality was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that loneliness is associated with depressive symptoms which in turn explain suicidality among older Korean adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying this.
Roles of probiotics against HPV through the gut‐vaginal axis
Authors: Xu Pei , Mageswaran Uma Mageswary , Nisaa Azka Ainun , Balasubramaniam Shandra Devi , Rajendran Deepa , Ismail Engku Husna Binti Engku , Kadir Muhammad Nashriq , Oon Chern‐Ein , Tan Cheng‐Siang , Sany Salina Binti , Liong Min Tze
Published: November 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus, whose persistent infection is the main reason for invasive cervical cancer (ICC), which is the fourth most common type of cancer in women, with more than 500 000 new cases every year. After infection, various alterations occur in the host, facilitating the virus's evasion of immune system clearance and promoting its proliferation. Oral probiotic consumption can influence the whole body's immunity, inflammatory reflection, neural, endocrine humoral, metabolic pathways and other organs by adjusting the components of gut microbiota (GM). Some evidence shows there is a tight connection between GM and vaginal microbiota (VM), which is referred to as the gut‐vaginal axis. This review investigates the potential role of probiotics in clearing HPV via the gut‐vagina axis, emphasizing the effectiveness of Lactobacillus in preventing vaginal diseases and suggesting its potential for HPV clearance. Understanding the role of probiotics in the gut‐vagina axis could pave the way for new strategies to reduce and eliminate HPV and related diseases.
Is a rising cesarean delivery rate explained by late birth trend? A decomposition analysis of health insurance claims data (2013–2022) from South Korea
Authors: Kim Jin‐Hwan , Kim Saerom , Oh Jeong‐Won , Kim Myung‐Hee
Published: November 2024

Objective

To analyze the factors influencing the increase in the cesarean delivery (CD) rate in South Korea and test the hypothesis on advanced maternal age driving the trend.

Method

The present study is a population‐based retrospective observational study utilizing administrative data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. We analyzed a total 3 416 517 births from 2013 to 2022 covered by the national health insurance. The CD rate and contribution of demographic variables to changes in CD rates were calculated using Das Gupta's decomposition method.

Results

The CD rate increased from 37.8% in 2013 to 61.6% in 2022. The decomposition analysis revealed that changes in maternal age structure contributed only 8.7% to the increase in the CD rate. When parity was added to maternal age, the explained proportion increased to 17.8%. When other factors were added to the model, such as multiple births, residential area, and income level, it did not contribute significantly to the increase in the CD rates, accounting for 19.0%, 18.6%, and 18.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

According to our analysis, less than one‐fifth of the increase in CD rate was explained by the change in maternal age. The rising CD rate in Korea should not be considered an unavoidable consequence of demographic change. Much more diverse factors, including increased risk of medical lawsuits, changes in childbirth culture, and other health system determinants, may be driving the trend.
NIR‐II emissive biohybrid nanovesicles as mild‐temperature photothermal antibiofilm agents against acute bacterial skin and skin‐structure infections
Authors: Wang Ji , Wu Zhihao , Ma Xiaoxi , Huang Zhihui , Dong Haorong , Zhang Jinxin , Liu Xiaoming , Zhang Pengfei , Yao Shuhuai
Published: November 2024

The emergence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria poses a significant challenge to the prompt and appropriate treatment of pathogenic bacteria infections, such as acute bacterial skin and skin‐structure infections (ABSSSI), especially in the presence of biofilms. Bacterial biofilms are naturally resistant to antibiotics and the human immune system, making biofilm‐based infections extremely difficult to treat. Therefore, developing new antibacterial therapies targeting biofilms is crucial. Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens with fluorescence in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II AIEgens), which can be activated by a near‐infrared laser to generate heat, offer an effective and precise photothermal therapy (PTT) approach for treating deep‐tissue bacterial infections. However, the presence of biofilms impedes the entry of photosensitizers into the infected area, requiring higher drug doses and increasing the risk of PTT. Herein, we developed a biocompatible AIEgen‐based biohybrid nano formulation that incorporates the BPBBT (NIR‐II AIEgen) and antibiofilm α‐amylase into a red blood cell (RBC) membrane‐derived nanovesicle carrier for a PTT/biofilm degradation combination therapy. The synergistic effect of this new formulation enhances both the photothermal capability of BPBBT and the biofilm degradation compared to traditional individual treatments. The new combination therapy demonstrated significant improvement in treating severe Staphylococcus aureus infections caused by biofilms in vitro and in vivo, presenting a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic therapy.
The display/control complex of the Manned Space Mission Control Center
Authors: HENDRICKSON HERBERT C.
Published: November 2024

This paper describes the display/control system of the Mission Control Center at Houston and discusses the key technical decisions that had to be made in the selection, design, fabrication, and integration of the many diverse display subsystems required for support of flexible, complex missions and required to meet stringent schedule requirements.
Using a standard television monitor as an alpha‐numeric display
Authors: GRAHAM STAN
Published: November 2024

The system described was not built for manufacturing purposes, but only as a study to demonstrate the feasibility of using various families of integrated circuits in a television‐type display system, and to gain some insight into the limitations of this type of system. With the advent of large scale arrays this type of system would be even more attractive for a low cost alpha‐numeric display.
A flexible and versatile display for command and control: the BR‐90
Authors: BEACH FRANK J.
Published: November 2024

The Bunker‐Ramo Corporation's BR‐90 (AN/FYQ‐ 37) Visual Analysis Console was developed in conjunction with automatic information handling systems to provide rapid data display and operator communications with high‐speed digital computers. System operators can query a computer by simple keyboard operations to selectively obtain information; this information when retrieved and transmitted to the console, is immediately displayed in textual or graphic form. In addition, the system operator can create his own displays off‐line from the computer and subsequently up‐date the computer information files or store the data for later use.
An experimental TV display using a gas‐discharge flat panel
Authors: Ikeda Hiroaki , Sakai Tetsuo , Ohishi Iwao , Hirashima Teruo
Published: November 2024

An experimental set‐up was constructed to display a portion of a monochrome picture, reproduced from NTSC TV signals, on a flat panel display device. The set‐up uses a combination of a 77 by 222 dot gasdischarge display panel developed for graphic displays by Burroughs Corp. and a set of the analog memories and associated circuitries utilizing MOS‐LSIS. The experimental set‐up covers TV pictures occupying a range of about 24 and 90 percent of the horizontal and vertical deflections, respectively. A luminance of up to 15 ft‐L, a contrast ratio of up to 25 to 1 and a variation in luminance of 2 percent were obtained in the experimental set‐up.
“I still think that standard English is important”: Secondary ELA teachers' complex beliefs about foundational language for writing
Authors: Dobbs Christina L. , Leider Christine Montecillo
Published: November 2024

Foundational skills are often viewed as necessary components for automaticity in reading and writing. In this study, we draw on teacher interviews to explore what secondary English/language arts teachers identify as necessary language for successful school writing. Findings suggest that teachers believe White mainstream English is a necessary component for academic success, although interviewees could not recall ever being explicitly taught this idea. Furthermore, teachers experience a tension between wanting to engage in culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy and their (often unexamined) underlying beliefs about White mainstream English being part of foundational language. We discuss how teachers' understanding of language skills includes their beliefs about what is deemed “correct” and “appropriate” for school and discuss the hidden ways foundational skills reinforce White mainstream English‐centric ways of knowing. We offer recommendations for teachers to examine their own biases in foundational language for writing.
Health Implications of Depleted Uranium: An Update
Authors: Wang Hong , Li Liang , Fan Xiaolin , Zhang Yuhao , Lu Qing , Ma Ning , Yu Boya , Li Xiao , Gao Junhong
Published: November 2024

Depleted uranium (DU), as a heavy metal material extensively utilized in the industrial sector, poses potential health risks to humans through various exposure pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. To comprehensively understand the toxicological hazards of DU, this study conducted a literature search in the Web of Science Core Collection database using “DU” and “toxicity” as keywords, covering the period from January 2000 to December 2023. A total of 65 papers related to human, animal, or cellular studies on DU were included. This review delves into the latest research advancements on the origin and toxicokinetics of DU, as well as its pulmonary toxicity, neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, cancer, bone toxicity, and hematological toxicity. The aim of this review is to gain a deeper understanding of the health hazards posed by DU, which is of significant importance for formulating corresponding protection strategies and measures.
A Phase I Study of the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Sciatic Nerve Block in the Popliteal Fossa for Bunionectomy
Authors: Sessler Daniel I. , Bao Xiaodong , Leiman David , Song Jia , Chittenden Jason , Voelkner Alexander , Turan Alparslan , Gadsden Jeffrey
Published: November 2024

This trial assessed the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of liposomal bupivacaine given via ultrasound‐guided popliteal sciatic nerve block with or without immediate‐release bupivacaine hydrochloride in adults having bunionectomies. Forty‐five adults were enrolled into four sequential cohorts: (1) liposomal bupivacaine 266 mg with bupivacaine hydrochloride 50 mg; (2) liposomal bupivacaine 133 mg with bupivacaine hydrochloride 50 mg; (3) liposomal bupivacaine 266 mg; or (4) bupivacaine hydrochloride 100 mg. Outcomes included pharmacokinetics (e.g., bupivacaine maximum plasma concentration [Cmax]), onset and duration of motor and sensory nerve block, and safety. Liposomal bupivacaine admixed with bupivacaine hydrochloride produced biphasic bupivacaine plasma disposition profiles with two distinct peaks. Geometric mean Cmax of the early peak ranged from 235 to 421 ng/mL and the geometric mean of the late Cmax was ∼30%–50% lower than the early peak. Median time to sensory block onset was 18 to 29 min in all cohorts. Sensory blocks lasted about twice as long with liposomal bupivacaine (median, 119–167 h) than with bupivacaine hydrochloride alone (median, 67 h). There were no serious adverse events. In conclusion, liposomal bupivacaine provided prolonged sensory nerve block when given as popliteal sciatic nerve blocks with or without bupivacaine hydrochloride, and bupivacaine plasma concentrations were well below the lower bound of the toxicity threshold of 2000 ng/mL for all cohorts.
Application Value of Two‐Dimensional Ultrasound Combined With Three‐Dimensional Power Doppler in the Prediction of Macrosomia in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Qin Man , Zhu Tong , Wang Wenwen , Tang Lin , Wang Yanna , Chen Ling
Published: November 2024

Objective

To investigate the value of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound combined with three‐dimensional power Doppler (3D‐PD) in the prediction of macrosomia in early pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 171 singleton pregnant women who underwent prenatal ultrasound examination at 11+0–13+6 weeks of gestation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University from October 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the research subjects. They were followed up until delivery. Their general data and Doppler ultrasound parameters were recorded and analyzed. The differences in ultrasound data between the two groups were compared, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the parameters.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the macrosomia group had significantly higher biparietal diameter, placental volume, and placental microvascular index (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased placental vascular perfusion occurs in macrosomia during early pregnancy. The vascularization‐flow index (VFI) had a high predictive value for macrosomia (AUC = 0.826), and 2D ultrasound combined with 3D‐PD had the best predictive efficiency for macrosomia in early pregnancy (AUC = 0.926). Future studies should also consider combining maternal and fetal factors to predict macrosomia, to reduce the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Exposure to Sunset Yellow FCF since post‐weaning causes hippocampal structural changes and memory impairment in the adult rat: The neuroprotective effects of Coenzyme Q10
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Reza , Shadravanan Maryam , Farrokhi Majid Reza , Karimi Fatemeh , Karbalaei Narges , zadeh Melika Arzhang , Naseh Maryam
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether exposure to Sunset Yellow FCF (SY) since post‐weaning can lead to hippocampal structural changes and memory impairment in adult rat and whether the Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can protect against these adverse effects.

Methods

The weanling rats were randomly divided into six groups and were treated daily by oral gavage for 6 weeks, as follows: (I) control group, administered distilled water (0.3 mL/100 g/day); (II) CoQ10 group, received 10 mg/kg/day CoQ10; (III) low SY group, received 2.5 mg/kg/day SY; (IV) high SY group, received 70 mg/kg/day SY; (V) low SY + CoQ10 group; and (VI) high SY + CoQ10 group. At the end of the sixth week, the novel object recognition (NOR) test was conducted to evaluate memory. Then, after sacrificing animals, the cerebral hemispheres were removed for stereological study and evaluation of MDA levels.

Results

The low and high doses of SY led to significant neuronal loss and a decrease in the volume of the hippocampus (CA1 and DG subregions), as well as increased the MDA level, which was associated with short‐ and long‐term memory impairment. Although, administration of CoQ10 prevented the hippocampal neural loss and volume, and caused a reduction in MDA and improved memory in the low and high SY groups.

Conclusion

It seems that CoQ10 could prevent the neuronal loss and hippocampal atrophy caused by post‐weaning exposure to SY through preventing oxidative stress, ultimately improving memory impairment in rats.
Slicing Network for Wide‐Field Fluorescence Image Based on the Improved U‐Net Model
Authors: Yao Shiqing , Guan Meiling , Ren Wei , Xi Peng , Li Meiqi , Sun Mingjian
Published: November 2024

Fluorescence imaging stands as a pivotal component in biomedical research, requiring the elimination of out‐of‐focus background noise resulting from wide‐field volumetric illumination of the whole field‐of‐view and scattering within thick biological tissues. Traditional methods struggle to effectively address varying degrees of defocusing in fluorescence images. This study introduces the utilization of upU‐Net, 3D U‐Net, and 3D upU‐Net as defocusing networks tailored for 2D and 3D wide‐field fluorescence images, yielding notable enhancements. These advancements facilitate more economically viable confocal microscopy, delivering significant advantages to biologists presently utilizing wide‐field fluorescence microscopy.
Conference on implementation of anti‐oppressive practice into primary care: Activity report
Authors: Mizumoto Junki , Sano Kota , Ando Takashi , Yumino Aya , Haseda Maho , Iizuka Gemmei , Mukohara Chinatsu , Nishioka Daisuke , Takeda Yuko
Published: November 2024

Anti‐oppressive practice (AOP) provides a framework that challenges structural inequities and illuminates the lives of both patients and professionals. We introduce AOP into primary care in Japan.
Thermal Characteristics of the Extreme Cases of Tropopause Over the Tropics
Authors: Purushotham Pooja , Mehta Sanjay Kumar , Ali Saleem , Fujiwara Masatomo , Tegtmeier Susann
Published: November 2024

The anomalous variability of extreme cases of the tropical tropopause provides insight into the stratosphere‐troposphere exchange process crucial for understanding climate change. The present study analyses the extreme variability of the tropopause and its thermal structure over the tropics using GPS radio occultation data over the period 2006–2019. The extremely cold and warm tropopauses and extremely high and low tropopauses are identified based on the cold point tropopause temperature and height, respectively, when their values exceed two standard deviations with respect to their climatological means. The analyses revealed frequent occurrence of extreme cases of tropopause over the Atlantic Ocean compared to the Western Pacific Ocean. Individually, extremely warm and low cases occur more frequently over the subtropics, while extremely cold and high cases occur frequently over the deep tropics. These extreme cases pose different thermal structures bounded within the extremely low and high tropopauses throughout the tropics. The height difference between the extremely high and low tropopause cases is wider over the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining areas compared to the western Pacific Ocean. The temperature difference between the extremely warm and cold tropopause cases is higher in the Atlantic, Central Pacific, and Indonesian regions compared to the American, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific Ocean regions. The relationship between the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases and extreme tropopause cases is also investigated which reveals a higher occurrence of extremely high tropopause cases during the El Niño phase while low tropopause cases during the La Niña phase. Our analysis also revealed the thermal patterns of the extreme cases characterising colder and sharper tropopause over the convective regions compared to subsidence regions.
School Culture's Openness to Creative Solutions and Teachers' Inquiry‐Based Teaching: A Multinational Study of Asian and European Countries
Authors: Wei Ju‐Hui , Chuang Hsueh‐Hua , Smith Thomas J.
Published: November 2024

Previous research suggests that teachers' adoption of inquiry‐based teaching is influenced by school culture's openness to creative solutions, with teachers' self‐efficacy in inquiry‐based teaching acting as a mediator. However, considering the potential impact of local educational and socio‐cultural context on teachers' behavior, findings from one country may not readily generalize to another. For example, in regions with limited exposure and resources for inquiry‐based teaching, self‐efficacy may play a more prominent mediating role. Therefore, examining the comparative relationship between school culture's openness to creative solutions and teaching practices in Asian and European countries is worthwhile. This multinational study employed data from 23 Asian and European countries to scrutinize the connection between school culture's openness to creative solutions and inquiry‐based teaching, with teachers' self‐efficacy in inquiry‐based teaching as the mediating factor. The results extended the findings of a previous single‐country investigation and provided evidence supporting an indirect effect of school culture's openness to creative solutions on inquiry‐based teaching as mediated by teacher self‐efficacy across all 23 countries. Furthermore, it revealed stronger effects in Asian countries compared to their European counterparts.
Innovative foam drying technique for salted egg yolk powder production
Authors: Ma Ruipeng , Yang Xuhua , Cui Sijia , Obadi Mohammed , Xu Bin , Sun Jun
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The powderization of salted egg yolks can circumvent the gelatinization issues that occur during frozen storage. In this study, salted egg yolk powder (SEYP) was prepared using microwave‐assisted foam drying (MFD) technology.

RESULTS

The results show that, compared to traditional microwave drying and hot‐air drying, the SEYP prepared by MFD exhibits a bright color and a loose structure, and shows significant improvements in emulsifying properties, lecithin retention rate and antioxidant activity (P < 0.05). The optimal microwave power for MFD of SEYP, established through principal component analysis, is 350 W, with no requirement for a cooking treatment of the salted egg yolks. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry identified n‐butanol, hexanal, nonanal, ethyl acetate, d‐limonene and isopentanal as the primary volatile compounds in SEYP, contributing to its unique flavor profile. Furthermore, the SEYP prepared using MFD at 350 W also shows a reduction of 18.88% in the content of bitter‐tasting amino acids compared with microwave drying.

CONCLUSION

In summary, MFD technology is a green and efficient drying method suitable for the preparation of flavor‐type SEYP. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Outcomes in Pediatric Trisomy 21 Patients with Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Mecham Jeffrey C. , Gibbs Hannah , House Trenton , Scheffler Patrick
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HNS) implantation outcomes in pediatric patients with Down syndrome (DS). We compare outcomes of HNS implantation when comparing children based on overweight or obese status.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients at a single tertiary pediatric hospital who underwent HNS implantation between 2022 and 2024. Patients with DS under 21 years of age at time of implantation were included. One child with Wolf‐Hirschhorn syndrome was also included. The main outcome measured was reduction in apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI).

Results

Twenty patients were implanted with HNS during the study period. Eleven patients were implanted with a BMI considered overweight and 8 patients with a BMI considered obese. No significant correlation was found between BMI percentile and AHI reduction (r = 0.06, p = 0.8). No significant differences were found between obese and non‐obese groups for preoperative AHI, postoperative AHI, or AHI reduction. Both groups responded favorably to HNS therapy with AHI reduction of 83.8% in obese patients and 81.9% in non‐obese patients.

Conclusion

We demonstrate no difference in postoperative AHI outcomes when comparing patients with obesity defined as BMI >95th percentile compared to those without.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 135:1223–1226, 2025
Comparing Intraoperative and In‐Office Steroid Injections for Management of Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Ramazani Fatemeh , Bosch J. Douglas , Randall Derrick R.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Intralesional corticosteroid injection for management of subglottic stenosis (SGS) is thought to improve patients' surgery free interval (SFI). The objective of this study was to determine the difference in SFI between idiopathic SGS (iSGS) patients treated with endoscopic dilation alone, dilation with a single intraoperative intralesional corticosteroid injection, or dilation with intraoperative steroid injection followed by serial in‐office serial intralesional steroid injection (SILSI) procedures.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with iSGS from 1/1/2012 to 12/1/2023. The SFI was calculated as the time between surgical interventions and independent samples median test was used to compare the difference in SFIs between treatment groups.

Results

This study identified 305 procedures, involving 104 patients. Fifty‐five procedures involved endoscopic dilation alone (median SFI = 658, IQR: 595 days), 102 involved one injection of steroids intraoperatively (median SFI = 395, IQR: 296 days), 27 involved endoscopic dilation (ED) followed by a single postoperative ILSI (median SFI = 533, IQR: 351), and 15 involved postoperative SILSI (median SFI = 585, IQR: 338 days). Comparing SFI between groups found mean SFI was significantly longer among patients managed with only ED compared with a single intraoperative steroid injection (p = 0.001). Patients who were initially managed with ED and an intraoperative steroid injection has a statistically significant decrease in SFI (p = 0.032) when transitioned to management with ED and intraoperative steroid injection followed by a single ILSI postoperatively.

Conclusion

Patients who received a single intraoperative steroid injection experienced shorter SFI when compared with those managed with dilation alone. SILSI did not result in a significant increase of SFI within this population.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Regulating Broadband Near‐Infrared Mechanoluminescence via Energy‐Level Engineering for Potential Biomechanical Imaging
Authors: Wu Sheng , Wang Shunyu , Xiao Binli , Zhou Zhiyao , Yu Hanze , Shao Zhigang , Wang Yinzhen , Xiong Puxian
Published: November 2024

Near‐infrared mechanoluminescent (NIR ML) materials have attracted attention due to their advantages, such as in situ and real‐time monitoring of biomechanical information in vivo. However, most ML materials are focused on the UV–vis light range, which limits their potential applications in the biological field. In this work, a broadband NIR ML material Ca2YGa3Ge2O12: 0.10Cr3+ (CYGGG: 0.10Cr3+) is successfully prepared by chemical co‐substitution and Cr3+ heavy doping. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to determine the type of defects in the material, and the composite defects formed by interstitial oxygen (iO′′) and antisite defects (CaY′ ‐ YCa°) mostly dominate NIR ML. Cr3+ ions act as electronic bridges to regulate energy levels, becoming the key to turning on the Nd3+ ion's NIR ML. Finally, based on the excellent ML properties of CYGGG: 0.10Cr3+ and CYGGG: 0.10Cr3+, 0.01Nd3+, the ML composites can penetrate pork tissues of different compositions/thicknesses under stress loads. Potentially, this work tries to realize biological tissue stress imaging, providing a new way for the biological application of NIR ML materials.