bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemosystematics of Capparaceae
Authors: Anuradha S. M. J. , Radhakrishnaiah M. , Narayana L. L.
Published: August 2024

The chemotaxonomy of a few members, representing the tribes Cappareae and Cleomeae is studied. The quantified chemical data show close ties among the members of the two tribes. The evidence from diverse disciplines is against the disbandment of Capparaceae and relegation of Cleomeae into an independent family.
A parametric manipulation and meta‐analysis of target‐response punishment on resurgence
Authors: Martinez‐Perez Carla N. , Ritchey Carolyn M. , Gregory Megan E. , Kuroda Toshikazu , Gage Nicholas A. , Podlesnik Christopher A.
Published: August 2024

Resurgence can be defined as increases in previously reinforced and subsequently extinguished target responding when conditions for an alternative response worsen. Worsening of alternative conditions, such as extinction, has been linked to relapse of clinically relevant behavior. Preclinical researchers have evaluated whether punishing target responses while differentially reinforcing an alternative response could reduce resurgence when conditions are worsened with extinction, with mixed results. In the present investigation, we systematically replicated this line of research with human participants recruited via crowdsourcing, using response cost as punishment. During Phase 1, we reinforced target responses with 100 points per delivery, exchangeable for money. During Phase 2, we reinforced alternative responses, discontinued point reinforcement for target responses, and parametrically manipulated across groups the magnitude of point loss (1, 100, 320, or 1,000 points) contingent on target responses. During Phase 3, we tested for resurgence by extinguishing target and alternative responses. Added punishment systematically decreased target responding during Phase 2 but did not influence resurgence during Phase 3. With a meta‐analysis, we compared our findings with existing research examining a range of punishers and species. The results of the meta‐analysis comport with the present findings, suggesting that the inclusion of punishment reduces target responding during DRA but, overall, has no systematic effects on resurgence.
Analysis of factors selectively related to herpes zoster involving peripheral sensory ganglia: Retrospective study
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Cihan , Li Xin , Guan Jingjing , Song Xiaowei , Song Yinghao , Wang Cunjin
Published: August 2024

Herpes zoster (HZ), resulting from the reactivation of the varicella‐zoster virus, is a significant disease. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing sensory neuron involvement in HZ at different locations and its association with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). A total of 3143 cases were retrieved from an electronic medical record system, including 2676 cases of HZ and 467 cases of PHN. Gender, age, site of onset, past surgical history, and comorbidities were analyzed using a multifactorial logistic regression model. The results revealed correlations between age, gender, comorbidities (diabetes, coronary heart disease, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]), and sensory neuron involvement in HZ. Specifically, older age, female gender, and comorbid conditions such as diabetes/coronary heart disease were associated with sacral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) involvement, while PCI history was associated with lumbar DRG involvement. Additionally, sensory neuron involvement at different locations by HZ was linked to PHN. Furthermore, independent risk factors for PHN included thoracic DRG involvement, older age, and comorbidities (diabetes, surgical history, malignancy). It is crucial to prevent damage to the DRG, especially in individuals with comorbidities, through activities avoidance and active treatment, to minimize the occurrence of PHN.
Point‐of‐Care‐Ultrasound Quality Assurance Data From Fellow‐Performed Exams in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Arand Christina R. , Noble Jennifer , Haber Brian D. , Favot Mark J. , Ehrman Robert R.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Point‐of‐care‐ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used by pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellows, but scant data exists on the accuracy of exam interpretations. Our goal was to determine whether agreement on exam interpretation between quality assurance (QA) faculty (reference standard) and PEM fellows varied by fellowship year or exam type.

Methods

Retrospective review of fellow‐performed POCUS exams between January 2019 and June 2022. Negative binomial (NB) random effects regression was used to account for longitudinal measurement of individual fellow performance across 3 years. Fixed effects were exam type and fellowship year. To assess between‐ and within‐user variability across time, a random intercept and slope were included for each fellow.

Results

Exactly 3032 exams, performed by 24 fellows, were included. Raw proportion agreement by fellowship year was high for all exam types (≥88%). From the NB model, there was no statistically significant effect of fellowship year on the mean count of agreement. The relative risk (RR) of agreement for exam types was greatest for cardiac vs other types. The standard deviations for the random intercept and random slope were 0.09 and 0.04, respectively, with a correlation of −0.94.

Conclusions

PEM fellows generally interpret exams correctly, with little variation through fellowship, although those who began with more basic skills showed more progress over time. Fellowship year did not influence the likelihood of correct interpretation but there was variation across exam type, with the best agreement for cardiac exams. The extent to which disagreements between fellows and QA faculty represent clinically significant errors requires further study.
Automated Sleep Detection in Movement Disorders Using Deep Brain Stimulation and Machine Learning
Authors: Balachandar Arjun , Hashim Yosra , Vaou Okeanis , Fasano Alfonso
Published: August 2024

Background

Automated sleep detection in movement disorders may allow monitoring sleep, potentially guiding adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Objectives

The aims were to compare wake‐versus‐sleep status (WSS) local field potentials (LFP) in a home environment and develop biomarkers of WSS in Parkinson's disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), and Tourette's syndrome (TS) patients.

Methods

Five PD, 2 ET, and 1 TS patient were implanted with Medtronic Percept (3 STN [subthalamic nucleus], 3 GPi [globus pallidus interna], and 2 ventral intermediate nucleus). Over five to seven nights, β‐band (12.5–30 Hz) and/or α‐band (7–12 Hz) LFP power spectral densities were recorded. Wearable actigraphs tracked sleep.

Results

From sleep to wake, PD LFP β‐power increased in STN and decreased in GPi, and α‐power increased in both. Machine learning classifiers were trained. For PD, the highest WSS accuracy was 93% (F1 = 0.93), 86% across all patients (F1 = 0.86). The maximum accuracy was 86% for ET and 89% for TS.

Conclusion

Chronic intracranial narrowband recordings can accurately identify sleep in various movement disorders and targets in this proof‐of‐concept study. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Existence of ground state solutions for a biharmonic Choquard equation with critical exponential growth in ℝ4
Authors: Chen Wenjing , Li Yumei , Wang Zexi
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we study the following singularly perturbed biharmonic Choquard equation:

where
is a parameter,
, ∗ is the convolution product in
, and
is a continuous real function.
is the primitive function of
, and
has critical exponential growth in the sense of the Adams inequality. By using variational methods, we establish the existence of ground state solutions when
small enough.
The soliton solutions for the higher‐order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonzero boundary conditions: Riemann–Hilbert method
Authors: Wang Yuxia , Huang Lin
Published: August 2024

This paper explores the Riemann–Hilbert method for deriving exact N‐soliton solutions of the sixth‐order nonlinear Schrödinger (6th‐NLS) equation with nonzero boundary condition. The analytical process comprises three fundamental steps. First, transformations are used to simplify the nonzero boundaries. Next, the inverse scattering method establishes a crucial link between the solutions of the 6th‐NLS equation and the corresponding Riemann–Hilbert problem. Finally, this Riemann–Hilbert problem is systematically solved. Additionally, selected parameter values in the solutions generate graphical representations, vividly illustrating the solutions to the 6th‐NLS equation.
The United States Department of Energy and National Institutes of Health Collaboration: Medical Care Advances by Discovery in Radiation Detection
Authors: Buchsbaum Jeffrey , Capala Jacek , Obcemea Ceferino , Keppel Cynthia , Asai Makoto , Chen Guang‐Hong , Christy M. Eric , Fakhri Georges El , Gueye Paul , Pogue Brian , Ruckman Larry , Tourassi Georgia , Vetter Kai , Zhao Wei , Squires Allison , Saboury Babak , Wang Ge , Domurat‐Sousa Kepler , Weisenberger Andrew
Published: August 2024

A National Institutes of Health (NIH) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science virtual workshop on shared general topics was held in July of 2021 and reported on in this publication in January of 2023. Following the inaugural 2021 joint meeting representatives from the DOE Office of Science and NIH met to discuss organizing a second joint workshop that would concentrate on radiation detection to bring together teams from both agencies and their grantee populations to stimulate collaboration and efficiency. To meet this scientific mission within the NIH and DOE radiation detection space, the organizers assembled workshop sessions covering the state‐of‐the‐art in cameras, detectors, and sensors for radiation external and internal (diagnostic and therapeutic) to human, data acquisition and electronics, image reconstruction and processing, and the application of artificial intelligence. NIH and DOE are committed to continuing the process of convening a joint workshop every 12–24 months. This Special Report recaps the findings of this second workshop. Beyond showing only the innovations and areas of success, important gaps in our knowledge were defined and presented. We summarize by defining four areas of greatest opportunity and need that emerged from the unique, dynamic dialogue the in‐person workshop provided the attendees.
Association between nighttime urinary frequency and clinical outcomes in Japanese patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kitahata Shogo , Furukawa Shinya , Miyake Teruki , Yoshida Osamu , Shiraishi Kana , Hashimoto Yu , Tange Kazuhiro , Sen Yagi , Hanayama Masakazu , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Suzuki Seiyuu , Shibata Naozumi , Murakami Hidehiro , Ohashi Katsuhisa , Tomida Hideomi , Yamamoto Yasunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Nocturia is a common symptom of lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS). In previous studies, a close association between LUTS and colorectal inflammation has been reported. However, evidence regarding the association between nighttime urinary frequency and ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited. Herein, we investigated the association between nighttime urinary frequency and clinical outcomes of UC.

Methods

We surveyed 287 Japanese patients with UC. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect the information on the variables studied. Patients were divided into three groups based on nighttime urinary frequency: (1) no voids, (2) one void, and (3) two or more voids. The assessment of clinical outcomes was based on mucosal healing (MH) and clinical remission (CR). The association between nighttime urinary frequency and prevalence of MH and CR was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

The prevalence of one nighttime frequency and two or more nighttime frequency in this cohort was 35.5% and 26.8%, respectively. The percentage of MH and CR was 24.7% and 59.2%, respectively. Two or more nighttime frequency (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.73) was independently and inversely associated with MH. In nonelderly patients (<70 years) and patients in CR, an association between two or more nighttime frequency and MH remained significant (non‐elderly: adjusted OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.72 and only CR: adjusted OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.12–0.90).

Conclusion

Nighttime urinary frequency was independently and inversely associated with MH in Japanese patients with UC. Nighttime urinary frequency may serve as a complementary physical sign of MH in patients with UC.
Attention and executive functioning in children and adolescents treated for high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group (COG)
Authors: Hardy Kristina K. , Embry Leanne , Kairalla John A. , Sharkey Christina , Gioia Anthony R. , Griffin Danielle , Berger Carly , Weisman Hannah S. , Noll Robert B. , Winick Naomi J.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Survivors of childhood B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) are at risk for difficulties with attention and executive functioning (EF) as a late effect of treatment. The present study aimed to identify treatment and demographic factors associated with risk for difficulties with EF in youth treated for high‐risk B‐ALL.

Method

Children and adolescents with B‐ALL treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocol AALL0232 were randomized to high‐dose or escalating‐dose methotrexate (MTX), and either dexamethasone or prednisone during the induction phase. Neuropsychological functioning was evaluated via protocol AALL06N1, including performance‐based and parent‐report measures, for 177 participants (57% female, 81% white; mean age at diagnosis = 8.4 years; SD = 5.0) 8‐24 months following treatment completion.

Results

Mean scores for all attention and EF measures were within the average range, with no significant differences as a function of MTX delivery or steroid treatment (all p > 0.05). In multivariable models, participants with US public insurance exhibited significantly greater parent‐reported EF difficulties than those with US private or non‐US insurance (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, participants diagnosed under 10 years of age performed significantly more poorly on measures of attention (i.e., continuous performance task, p ≤ 0.05) and EF (i.e., verbal fluency and tower planning task, p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

For survivors of pediatric B‐ALL, treatment‐related factors were not associated with attention or EF outcomes. In contrast, outcomes varied by demographic characteristics, including age and insurance type, an indicator of economic hardship. Future research is needed to more directly assess the contribution of socioeconomic status on cognitive outcomes in survivors.
Investigating the effect of Nylon 6.6 electrospun nanofiber mats and punch—Die clearance on the damaged area and residual strength of punched glass/epoxy composite laminates
Authors: Gholizadeh Ali , Nikbakht Ali , Mollaei Dariani Bijan
Published: August 2024

In this study, interleaving electrospun Nylon 6.6 nanofibers in the laminate was utilized to improve interlaminar properties of glass/epoxy composite during punching and as a solution to this issue. In order to do so, virgin and nano modified samples are produced and punched and the results are compared to determine the effect of nanofibers on the damaged area as well as the three‐point bending residual strength (carried out on both penetration and exit sides) of the punched laminate. Furthermore, punch—die clearance was also varied to investigate the range in which the nano modification improves the outcome of the process on the laminated composite. According to results of this study, using of Nylon 6.6 nanofibers between composite layers causes significant decrease in the damaged area up to 50%. Also, in both virgin and nano modified laminates, increasing the punch—die clearance increases the damaged area up to 50% and reduces the residual strength of the laminates up to 17%. In addition, nano modified laminates, the residual strength increased up to 28% and 22% for three‐point bending tests carried out on both punch penetration‐ and exit‐side samples, respectively. This is due to the fact that the punch exit‐side contains more damage compared to the penetration‐side.

Highlights

Toughening glass/epoxy laminates using electrospoon Nylon 6.6 nanofibers.

Decreasing the damage area occur in the punching of composite laminates.

Decreasing the damage area in punching by decreasing the punch‐die clearance.

Increasing the strength of punched laminates by applying nanofibers.
Tensile and flexural strength enhancement in carbon‐fiber epoxy composites using a novel method of particle type electrophoretic deposition of carboxyl functionalized graphene on carbon fiber
Authors: Jatothu Praveenkumar , Srivastava Alok K. , Singh Aparna
Published: August 2024

Polymer composites reinforced with carbon fiber (CF) are strong, light weight and corrosion‐resistant, and have a wide range of applications in automobile, sports, aerospace, wind energy etc. but are prone to fail at the interface of epoxy and fiber due to weak interfacial adhesion between the fiber and epoxy. Formation of an interphase region with a continuous gradation of properties between fiber and the epoxy can potentially delay failure. Development of a larger interphase can be facilitated by the inclusion of graphene platelets on carbon fiber surface through various deposition processes. The present investigation utilizes a unique combination of magnesium nitrate hexahydrate and carboxyl graphene (G‐COOH) to create a colloidal solution for the particulate type deposition of G‐COOH onto carbon fibers through electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Four layers of EPD deposited carbon fibers have been used to make the composite using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding technique. Tensile and flexural tests have been conducted on the pristine and 0.45 wt% of G‐COOH deposited carbon fiber (0.45G‐COOH CF) epoxy composite. G‐COOH addition leads to thickening of the interphase which has been confirmed through energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy line scanning. The tensile and flexural strength properties of the carboxyl graphene deposited composites exhibited an increase of 62% and 12% respectively. These improvements can be ascribed to the deposition of carboxyl graphene particles on the fiber and an enhancement in interphase thickness. Moreover, the addition of G‐COOH in composites resulted in a 38% increase in tensile strain. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and void content measured in 0.45G‐COOH CF have been compared with pristine carbon fiber composite as well as 1.3 wt% of carboxyl graphene (1.3G‐COOH) deposited carbon fiber fabric composite that had a film type morphology of G‐COOH deposition. There is only a slight decrease in ILSS of 0.45G‐COOH carbon fiber composites occurred compared to pristine carbon fiber composites. The film type morphology of carbon fiber composite showed the highest void content and lowest ILSS compared to other composites. The fracture surfaces of the failed composites were thoroughly examined through scanning electron microscope and they showed that the failure mechanisms in both tension and flexural loading were severely affected by the presence of G‐COOH.

Highlights

Optimization of electrophoretic deposition process parameters for carboxyl graphene deposition on carbon fiber fabrics.

Enhancement composite strength through the particle type deposition of carboxyl graphene over film type deposition.

Evaluation of the tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear strength of particle type carboxyl graphene deposited composite.

Identified the failure mechanisms of these tests.
The effect of hybridization and stainless steel mesh on the post‐impact performance of needle punched banana/pineapple/unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Karthikeyan R. , Sravanth Kumar Reddy N. , Suresh Kumar C. , Sundararaj M.
Published: August 2024

The main limitations of using natural fibers reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites is poor impact damage behaviors. This work focuses to improve impact damage resistance and residual strength of needle punched banana and pineapple fibers UPE composites by hybridization and incorporating stainless steel (SS) mesh. Different configurations such as banana/UPE (PB), pineapple/UPE (PP) and banana/pineapple/UPE (H) composites were fabricated. Later, SS mesh was incorporated in PB, PP and H composites which are denoted as BS, PS and HS respectively. All specimens were impacted with incident energy of 3.5 and 15 J using Fractovis instrumental low velocity impact tester at 2 and 4 m/s respectively. Subsequently, residual strength of impacted specimens was estimated using three point bending test. Results reveal that the HS composites have least residual dent of 0.89 and 3.9 mm and maximum contact force of 1507 and 1959 N were obtained under the impacted velocity of 2 and 4 m/s respectively, which indicated better damage resistance followed by PS, PP, BS, H and PB specimens. Similarly, the least absorbed energy of 1.9 and 12 J observed in HS composites showed better impact damage tolerance. Moreover, the damage degree and performance index were computed and validated with obtained results. The least reduction of residual strength of 1.2% and 3.2% in HS composites confirmed the better impact damage resistance as compared with all other configurations. Finally, microstructural analysis was performed to correlate the impact induced damage mechanisms.

Highlights

HS composites exhibited the least residual dent of 0.89 mm

Impact load bearing capacity of HS composites was drastically improved by 280%

Strong interfacial adhesion between the banana fiber and SS mesh was observed

HS composites showed greater impact resistance under both velocities

There is no significant reduction of residual strength in HS composites
Transcrystallization in self‐reinforced polylactic acid composites and its effect on interfacial and tensile properties
Authors: Tao Yinping , Niu Guiling , Chen Qi , Bilotti Emiliano , Peijs Ton
Published: August 2024

The transcrystalline layer (TCL) constitutes a cylindrical crystal structure enveloping a reinforcing fiber, which plays a pivotal role in influencing the interfacial stress transfer within composite materials. However, its potential impact on interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and tensile properties of self‐reinforced polylactic acid composites (SRPLA) have been largely overlooked. In this study, the growth of TCL with isothermal crystallization time was observed. The development of TCL had an optimum effect on interfacial bonding (IFSS increased by 57.3%) after 10 min of isothermal crystallization due to improved “anchoring” effect caused by the interaction between the amorphous region in both TCL and the matrix. Prolonged isothermal crystallization time reversed this effect due to less chain entanglements as a result of spherulites growth and transcrystalline structure perfection. In terms of tensile properties, the development of the TCL exhibited a detrimental effect on tensile strength and strain at break, ascribed to a transition of tensile failure mode from a fiber‐dominated failure mode to a matrix‐dominated failure mode, yet yielded a positive influence on Young's modulus. This study offers crucial insights and guidance for comprehending the impact of TCL on SRPLA properties, thereby facilitating the potential for optimization of SRPLA properties.

Highlights

In‐situ observation of the TCL growth in SRPLA.

Insight into impact of TCL development on IFSS and tensile properties.

Essential guidance for SRPLA performance optimization.
Nano‐particles doped carbon nanotube films for in‐situ monitoring of temperature and strain during the processing of carbon fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Xing Fei , He Zilan , Wang Shaokai , Gu Yizhuo , Han Jianchao , Wang Yanjie , Zhang Wei , Li Min
Published: August 2024

Carbon nanotube (CNT) film is favored in structural health monitoring of advanced composite materials, primarily due to its commendable mechanical properties and piezoresistive properties. Nonetheless, floating catalytic chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) is an attractive method for fabrication of CNT films, and the electrical response to strain of FCCVD‐prepared CNT films is impeded by high aspect ratio and lamellar packing structure. For this purpose, FCCVD CNT films were modified by HCl dissolving Fe impurities, nano‐SiO2 particles doping and freeze‐drying in combination to increase the spacing between CNTs and its networks as well as their strain sensitivities. It showed that the gauge factor (GF) according to the variation of resistance (ΔR/R0) of the co‐modified film (CNT‐HCl‐SiO2 film) was up to 15.6 for the tensile strain at the bottom surface of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates during the process of bending tests. The bending cycle experiment of the CFRP showed relatively stable changes of ΔR/R0 with the strains for CNT‐HCl‐SiO2 film, while that of the pristine CNT film (CNT‐HCl‐0 film) displayed unstable non‐monotonic changes and that of HCl purified CNT film (CNT‐HCl‐10 film) revealed a gradual declining tendency. Moreover, the ΔR/R0 of CNT‐HCl‐SiO2 film exhibited excellent sensitivity to the strains of multiple bistable‐deformations of cross‐ply CFRP laminates. Strain gauge analysis indicated that a 51% increase of ΔR/R0 of CNT‐HCl‐SiO2 film at the 90° layer surface corresponded to the average strain of 434 με, meanwhile a 37% increase of ΔR/R0 of the CNT film at the 0° layer surface corresponded to the strain of averagely −173.9 με, and both exhibited super high GFs of 1175 and 2108, respectively. Based on this high sensitivity, CNT‐HCl‐SiO2 film also had the ability to predict the release of residual stress during the demoulding process of CFRP.

Highlights

Even SiO2 dispersion in CNT film, increased the pristine film thickness by 10 times

GF of CNT‐HCl‐SiO2 film increased by 68% than CNT‐HCl‐0 film and by 164% than CNT‐HCl‐10 film

SiO2 doping significantly improved the stability of the CNT film's ΔR/R0 with temperature and strain

CNT‐HCl‐SiO2 film has the ability to monitor the deformation and residual stress of CFRP
Activated phosphoinositide 3‐kinase delta syndrome: Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment
Authors: Zhu Ke , Li Qifan , Han Lingli , Sun Jinqiao
Published: August 2024

Activated phosphoinositide 3‐kinase delta syndrome (APDS) is an autosomal dominant inborn errors of immunity resulting from gain of function mutations in the PIK3CD gene or loss of function mutations in the PIK3R1 gene. These mutations lead to hyperactivation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, causing complex deficiencies in cellular and humoral immunity. APDS patients exhibit diverse clinical manifestations including recurrent respiratory infections, nonneoplastic lymphoproliferation, an increasing risk of malignancy, and autoimmune diseases. Neurodevelopmental abnormalities, short stature, failure to thrive, and psychological disorders are also observed. Management strategies for APDS involve antibiotic prophylaxis and immunoglobulin replacement therapy, immunosuppressive therapies, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe cases. Targeted therapies, such as the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus and the elective Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase delta inhibitor leniolisib, have emerged as promising options, demonstrating both safety and effectiveness. Continuous monitoring and further research are essential to optimize treatment strategies and understand the long‐term implications of these interventions. This review aims to summarize the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of APDS.
Unveiling the potential: exploring the efficacy of complex III inhibitors in fungal disease control
Authors: Jackson Victoria , Sherer Chris , Jordan Linda , Clohessy Thomas
Published: August 2024

Phytopathogenic fungi are a key challenge to maximizing crop yield and quality for a growing global population. In this review, we give an overview of representative compounds that inhibit complex III, also known as bc1 complex, covering quinone inside inhibitors, quinone outside inhibitors, and quinone inside and outside inhibitors via the stigmatellin binding mode. Novel solutions to the escalating problem of resistance are still required, therefore compounds with alternative scaffolds, alternative docking modes, different mechanisms of action and improved efficacy against complex III necessitate ongoing research. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Unlocking the Potential of Kesterite Solar Cells: Quantum Confinement Structures to Pave the Way for High‐Performance Photovoltaic Technologies
Authors: Mohanty Smruti Ranjan , Palanisamy Chandrasekar , Sahoo Sudarsan , Rouray Soumyaranjan
Published: August 2024

Advancements in solar cell research are constantly pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency and sustainability. Kesterite materials have gained attention for their positive environmental impact and are being considered as promising candidate for renewable energy. These materials show potential for improving efficiency through creative structural modifications. Quantum well (QW) solar cells, utilizing kesterite materials, provide a combination of high efficiency, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. These materials have a wide range of applications, from residential and commercial solar panels to portable and flexible devices, building‐integrated photovoltaics, off‐grid systems, and even space applications. This study investigates the improvement of solar cell efficiency by incorporating kesterite‐based nanostructures with quantum confinement technology. The key aspects of the analysis are measure performance of solar cell with variation in S/Se mole fraction of CZTSSe absorber layer. The special care is given to analyze behavior of QW structures with CZTSSe as the well material. Additionally, the study is expanded to an analysis of broad range of mole fraction variation in CZTSSe. Finally, the structure is optimized by adjusting the well width. Moreover, a remarkable efficiency of 31.33% is achieved with well width of 20 nm and the mole fraction of 0.8. This finding highlights the importance of customizing composition and nanostructure in solar cell design to improve efficiency and push forward renewable energy technologies.
Implementing Single‐Roller Hard Reduction Technology for High‐Speed Production of High‐Carbon Hard Wire Steel Billets
Authors: Gao Wen‐Xing , Xie Chang‐Chuan , Li Jianke , Liang Richeng , Liu Jiaming , Qian Liang
Published: August 2024

The production of high‐carbon hard wire steel at high speeds necessitates the use of appropriate technical support to ensure cost‐efficiency and optimal performance of the special steel casting machine. This study investigates the industrial application of single‐roller hard reduction technology in a domestic steel plant for the production of high‐carbon hard wire steel billets, specifically of section 165 × 165 mm. The produced billets meet all customer specifications and demonstrate the benefits of this approach, including lower comprehensive costs, suitability for modification, and advanced technical concepts. These features make this method compatible with a wide range of billet casting machines, from standard to specialized. In this research, discussion is done on the reduction process, the layout of withdrawal and straightening units (WSUs), and the optimal casting speed. It is concluded that bow‐type billet casting machines using rigid dummy bars can achieve single‐roller hard reduction by only three WSUs, offering lower comprehensive costs and suitability for modification. This approach is particularly beneficial for small billet casting machines undergoing an upgrade from general to high‐quality and ultimately to special steel. During the process of increasing the central density of the billet and improving central defects using single‐roller hard reduction technology, it is observed that defects in the central region gravitated toward the center. For billet casting machines with a bow radius of 10 m, considering process tolerance, the maximum casting speeds achievable with single‐roller hard reduction are 2.95–3.40 m min−1 for a section of 150 × 150 mm, 2.60–3.0 m min−1 for a section of 160 × 160 mm, and 2.45–2.80 m min−1 for a section of 165 × 165 mm. To achieve higher casting speeds for high‐carbon hard wire steel, it is necessary to modify the machine configuration to flexible dummy bars.
Method for prediction of the frost resistance ability of air‐entrained concrete based on the 3D air void characteristics by x‐ray micro‐CT
Authors: Skarżyński Łukasz , Miśkiewicz Mikołaj
Published: August 2024

In modern construction, one of the most important factors in the execution of contracts is time. Standard procedures for assessing the frost resistance or concrete are usually very time‐consuming and can take up to 40 days. The current paper is experimentally and practically oriented. It presents an alternative testing method, based on air void network, that allows to assess the frost resistance of concrete within just a few days of taking the samples. X‐ray micro‐CT scans were introduced to obtain the quantitative and qualitative 3D information about the air void microstructure taking into account total air content: A (%), pores of the size below 300 μm in diameter content: A300 (%), specific surface of air voids: α (mm−1) and spacing factor: L (mm) to predict the freeze/thaw durability. To verify the assumptions of the frost resistance method, based on the analysis of pore microstructure, tests of freeze/thaw resistance in accordance with Polish supplement to European Standard were carried out. Presented research revealed that the appropriate microstructure of air pores, in particular, content of micropores with the diameter less than 0.3 mm: A300 combined with a spacing factor: L (mm) can constitute a reliable basis for determining concrete freeze/thaw durability. Thus, the method proposed in the current paper can be effectively used for fast and trustworthy determination of the air‐entrained concrete durability in a short time and without any special preparation of the tested sample that allows immediate preventive or repair actions to be taken if required.
Uterine fibroids and non‐informative cell‐free DNA screening results
Authors: Rolnik D. L. , Raymond Y. , Lee T. , Ramkrishna J. , da Silva Costa F. , Menezes M. , Meagher S.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Uterine fibroids are monoclonal tumors, which are often genetically abnormal and associated with false‐positive genome‐wide cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) screening results, particularly when large. It is plausible that fibroids may also increase the risk of cfDNA failure by affecting fetal fraction or due to their genetic anomalies confounding cfDNA algorithms. We aimed to investigate a possible association between fibroids and cfDNA non‐informative results.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing cfDNA screening for fetal chromosomal abnormalities between 2013 and 2020, comparing pregnancies with vs without uterine fibroids recorded on any obstetric ultrasound before 24 weeks' gestation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between fibroids and cfDNA failure, adjusting for gestational age, maternal age, weight and height at blood sampling, mode of conception, multiple gestation and test platform (chromosome‐selective or genome‐wide). Analyses were stratified according to the number of fibroids and total fibroid volume. The impact of fibroids on fetal fraction was assessed using linear regression, adjusting for the same covariates.

Results

Among 19 818 pregnancies undergoing cfDNA screening, fibroids were reported in 2038 (10.28%) and cfDNA failure at the first screening attempt occurred in 228 (1.15%) pregnancies. Non‐informative results occurred in 1.96% of pregnancies with fibroids and 1.06% of pregnancies without fibroids (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.40 (95% CI, 1.65–3.48)). The risk of failure in the first screening attempt increased progressively with the number of fibroids (aOR, 5.05 (95% CI, 2.29–11.13) in women with four or more fibroids) and total fibroid volume, with greater than a 5‐fold and 14‐fold increase in risk among women with fibroid volumes of 100.1–400 mL (aOR, 5.52 (95% CI, 2.30–13.25)) and > 400 mL (aOR, 14.80 (95% CI, 4.50–48.69)), respectively. Although test failure was more common with chromosome‐selective than genome‐wide screening, fibroids similarly increased the risk of failure of both screening platforms. Compared to pregnancies without fibroids, those with fibroids had a fetal fraction on average 0.61% lower (adjusted mean difference, −0.61% (95% CI, −0.77% to −0.45%)).

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are associated with lower fetal fraction and an increased risk of cfDNA screening failure. The strength of this association increases with increasing fibroid number and volume. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Optical imaging for brown or beige adipose tissue
Authors: Liu Jiamin , Ni Linjie , Peng Minmin , Liang Yiying , Lu Chan , Zheng Hanying , Huang Zicheng , Zhang Jinde , Chen Ronghe
Published: August 2024

Currently, one in three adults worldwide may be obese or overweight. Obesity is characterized by an excess of energy‐storing white fat. An ingenious and sought‐after strategy against obesity is to activate energy‐consuming beige fat, which is converted from white fat or brown fat. However, existing tools for assessing brown or beige fat activation in vivo have certain limitations, such as being cumbersome and expensive. Optical imaging is a relatively straightforward and economical imaging technique that utilizes light to peer into the structural–functional information of living organisms at multiple scales. Despite the availability of various optical imaging modalities for detecting brown or beige fat, there is a dearth of literature summarizing relevant studies. Accordingly, this review focuses on these optical modalities and elaborates on their imaging principles, characteristics, and recent research advances in the detection of brown or beige fat. Their imaging targets, advantages, and disadvantages are further concluded. As a methodological reference, this review can guide the selection of optimal optical modalities to noninvasively profile brown or beige fat activation from a specific biological perspective, maximizing the potential of optical imaging in anti‐obesity assessment.
Revealing the unique characteristics and strength of polycarbodiimide as an accelerator‐free crosslinker for low‐temperature processing of carboxylated nitrile butadiene rubber gloves for hand protection
Authors: Wan Azman Nadia , Fujiwara Masahiro , Enomoto Norihide , A. Rashid Azura
Published: August 2024

Carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR) gloves with sulfur crosslinked system consist of accelerators that pose a Type IV allergies problem with a risk to harm the health of the user. Alternative crosslinking system such as accelerator‐free (AF) crosslinker has been found and established to combat the health issues as replacement to the conventional crosslinker. This work emphasized the use of polycarbodiimide (PCDI) as a crosslinker, particularly PCDI with zinc oxide (ZnO) crosslink system. The effectiveness of PCDI as an AF crosslinker was compared with two conventional crosslink systems: sulfur with ZnO and ZnO only system. The swelling test results show the crosslink density of PCDI crosslink system achieved comparable value with conventional systems. It is expected that XNBR gloves with PCDI imposed superior mechanical and physical properties as sulfur system due to the formation of ionic crosslink resulting in much denser polymer network. The new PCDI crosslinker system offer cost reduction to gloves manufacturer as it can be cured at low temperatures from 60 to 80°C comparing to sulfur crosslinked system that normally cured at 140°C. PCDI offered a new generation of AF crosslinker in XNBR gloves with lower curing temperatures and to tackle health hazards, in place of the conventional crosslinker.

Highlights

Emphasizes a significant change or improvement in the field of hand protection.

Suggests that polycarbodiimide possesses distinctive qualities that set it apart from other materials.

Highlights polycarbodiimide's effectiveness as a crosslinker without the need for accelerators, which are commonly used in rubber processing

Indicates a novel approach to processing rubber gloves, potentially reducing energy consumption or enabling new applications.

Specifies the type of gloves being discussed, indicating a focus on a specific material or product.
Changing Narratives in the History Oceanography
Authors: Adler Antony
Published: August 2024

The formal scientific study of the oceans only gained prominence in the late nineteenth century. The earliest accounts of the development of oceanography focused on notable scientists whose contributions laid the groundwork for later oceanographic exploration. In the second half of the twentieth century, ocean sciences expanded considerably as increased government funding and technological advancements enabled more extensive research and exploration. Subsequently, scholarship on the history of oceanography grew as well, exploring themes that included the overlap of ocean science and empire, the transformative impact of World War II and the Cold War on oceanographic funding and research, and the rise of international collaboration. As the historiography of the history of oceanography evolves, scholars have increasingly adopted interdisciplinary research methods to develop more comprehensive understanding of humanity’s evolving relationship with the ocean.
National Museum of Aleppo
Authors: Pucci Marina
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the history, current situation, and ongoing projects on the collection from the National Museum of Aleppo (Syria), sketching the history of its collection and the changing role of the museums in the past century. When museums face periods of conflict and destruction, not only their primary role to preserve heritage is challenged, but also the bond to the local community is severed. The National Museum of Aleppo is a perfect example in this matter: established under the French protectorate, rearranged by the Syrian government at the end of the 60s, it experienced a flourishing period, the violent conflict, a partial reopening, and the earthquake. Its collection, that was never looted, thanks to the efforts of the museum staff and the DGAM, has been damaged by shelling, has been in great part taken out from showcases, brought to safe deposits, and still not available to the public. Given this situation intervention to the collection and to the structure needs to embed the recent events and aims at reinstalling a new bond between the community and its cultural heritage.
The Role of Heritage Education in Post-conflict Livelihoods: Lessons from Mosul, Iraq
Authors: Khawam Georges , Jigyasu Rohit
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the transformative role of heritage education in post-conflict livelihoods, focusing on Mosul, Iraq. It discusses the evolving United Nations definitions of “livelihoods” and the increasing recognition of culture and creative industries in post-conflict livelihoods. It highlights the role of intergovernmental organisations in implementing heritage-driven economic revival strategies, focusing on ICCROM Heritage Recovery Programme in Mosul implemented in the framework of the UNESCO “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative. These strategies aim to generate livelihoods through tourism, cultural industries, and traditional craftsmanship, contributing to long-term stability and resilience in post-conflict regions. This chapter underscores the importance of heritage capacity building in increasing livelihoods after conflicts, as demonstrated by the preliminary success of the Mosul initiative, and concludes by emphasising the need for an integrated approach to heritage conservation and sustainable economic growth in post-conflict contexts.
Requirements for the Protection of the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Afghanistan)
Authors: Toubekis Georgios
Published: August 2024

The international efforts to establish a management system for the UNESCO World Heritage Bamiyan in Afghanistan, where fundamentalist terrorists once destroyed the world’s largest Buddhist figures, are discussed. A Cultural Master Plan based on remote sensing methods is being used to create a comprehensive inventory of archaeological zones, traditional settlements, water systems, and historical cultural monuments, and to monitor the effectiveness of conservation measures and urban development decisions on landscape change. The case of Bamiyan exemplifies the increasing politicization of outstanding heritage sites around the world that are subject to ongoing conflict, targeted iconoclastic raids, and criminal looting, among dynamic urban development and limited resources for conservation, destroying such sites and landscapes. Lessons learned highlight the importance of careful planning and management of development activities as an integral part of heritage conservation in international relief efforts in crisis areas, especially for World Heritage cultural landscapes. In the context of reconstruction efforts, the management of cultural heritage needs to consider a broader context that considers the identity of the people, the participation, and the revitalization of the affected communities in addition to the long-term preservation of the physical substance. Such an expanded notion of heritage recognizes local communities’ aspirations for inclusive social and economic development considering Landscape Values as Human Values for reaching Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Quantum Software Engineering and Programming Applied to Personalized Pharmacogenomics
Authors: Hevia José Luis , Murina Ezequiel , Martínez Aurelio , Peterssen Guido
Published: August 2024

Providing personalized drug therapy to polymedicated patients is a very complex situation, as not even the most powerful supercomputer in the world could, in a reasonable amount of time, process the enormous number of variables required. Fortunately, quantum computing opens up new possibilities in this field, especially thanks to its ability to efficiently combine a large number of variables. We present the basic idea of an extensible algorithm to deal with genetic polymorphisms, pharmacological polytherapy, and clinical condition, and the implementation of a prototype that allows for the calculation of the ideal dose for each patient considering their genomics and drug interaction. To this end, we have applied best practices of quantum software engineering to the development of quantum/classical software systems.
Superoperators for Quantum Software Engineering
Authors: Mauerer Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

As implementations of quantum computers grow in size and maturity, the question of how to program this new class of machines is attracting increasing attention in the software engineering domain. Yet, many questions from how to design expressible quantum languages augmented with formal semantics via implementing appropriate optimizing compilers to abstracting details of machine properties in software systems remain challenging. Performing research at this intersection of quantum computing and software engineering requires sufficient knowledge of the physical processes underlying quantum computations, and how to model these. In this chapter, we review a superoperator-based approach to quantum dynamics, as it can provide means that are sufficiently abstract, yet concrete enough to be useful in quantum software and systems engineering, and outline how it is used in several important applications in the field.