bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of resprouting in woody plants and potential implications for the management of urban plantings
Authors: Kenefick Claire , Livesley Stephen , Farrell Claire
Published: January 2024

Naturalistic plantings, such as meadow‐style plantings, can improve the quality of urban green spaces through aesthetic, biodiversity and low maintenance features. Species selection for, and maintenance of naturalistic plantings are key to their success. While herbaceous and grassy meadows can be mowed, naturalistic plantings with woody plants require more intense maintenance to remove biomass and promote resprouting. We aim to understand woody plant responses to diverse disturbance regimes to potentially inform the selection and management of woody species in urban plantings. We conducted a quantitative systematic literature review of 72 papers and investigated what main external (climate, disturbance regime) and internal (buds, life stage, storage reserves) factors influence the resprouting response of woody plants. We found resprouting literature is geographically widespread for woody plants, but studies are skewed towards Temperate climates in USA and Australia, with a focus on high severity and high frequency fire disturbance. Resprouting response was mostly defined as a continuous response to disturbance dependent on disturbance regime, climate and plant traits. Maintenance and management of naturalistic woody plantings, through hard pruning techniques such as coppicing, may be informed by analogous high severity and high frequency disturbance studies. However, the literature on woody plant resprouting has several knowledge gaps for lower severity and lower frequency disturbance regimes and in more arid climates. Future research should evaluate the response of naturalistic woody plantings to disturbance in specific urban contexts.
A Biodegradable and Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Human Motion Monitoring
Authors: Xie Zhenning , Wen Yuzhang , Sun Fengxin , Zhang Mengqi , Zheng Qinglan , Liu Bing , Yang Tianzhi , Mao Yupeng
Published: January 2024

Chronic diseases have now become a societal issue globally; early detection and monitoring of these diseases are essential. Herein, a wireless intelligent health monitoring system has been developed, which includes a flexible, biodegradable eggshell membrane‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (EM‐TENG), a Bluetooth transmitting sensing terminal wirelessly, and an intelligent terminal processing digital signal reception from a host computer. This study uses natural fiber‐rich and biodegradable EMs to fabricate high‐performance friction nanogenerators. The EM‐TENG can be attachable to the neck, elbow, wrist, and waist, and convert mechanical contact into electrical output signals. By analyzing these signals, EM‐TENG can monitor and distinguish body postures, offer warnings about abnormal cervical flexion and extension, and assess the quality shot put throw motions accurately and continuously. These functions provide personal health monitoring and athletic program training monitoring for alerting and displaying through terminal devices. The devices are crucial for monitoring and rectifying motion patterns in younger individuals and certain patient groups. EM‐TENG is a wearable motion monitoring sensor, which provides a new strategy to human health, motion monitoring, and smart sports training.
Ontology‐Based Battery Production Dataspace and Its Interweaving with Artificial Intelligence‐Empowered Data Analytics
Authors: Stier Simon P. , Xu Xukuan , Gold Lukas , Möckel Michael
Published: January 2024

One of the key challenges of data management for smart manufacturing is dealing with data originating from both physical processes and virtual digital technologies. As image and sensor‐based production monitoring deliver a wealth of data along the process chain, artificial intelligence (AI) enables enhanced data analysis and new insight regarding relevance of observed process deviations. With constantly increased availability of data from manifold and specific sources, the complexity and heterogeneity of information structures are also growing rapidly. This is especially true for highly variable research, scale‐up, and pilot production, which poses new demands on data acquisition, data management, and data preprocessing. Herein, a unified framework for integrating an ontology and graph‐based data space with data acquisition and data analytics to improve data consistency, documentation of workflows, as well as the reproducibility of observations and results is presented. The framework consists of several open‐source web services that form an ontology‐based data space where physical and virtual process chains are represented by a semantic data fabric built from findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable resource descriptions framework self‐descriptions. The feasibility of the proposed framework is demonstrated for a laboratory‐scale Li‐ion battery cell production facility with AI applied to two data analytics use cases.
Upgraded diesel‐like fuel from pyrolysis of a waste tire and its engine performance and exhaust emissions
Authors: Şen Nejdet , Demir Caner , Kar Yakup
Published: January 2024

Granulated truck waste tire was first pyrolyzed in a fixed‐bed reactor under an inert atmosphere and at certain conditions. The highest oil yield of which was 47.0 wt %, was attained at 550 and 20°C/min. The oil was separated into a fraction of 150–300°C boiling points, so‐called diesel‐like fuel (DBY), with a calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst at an optimal ratio of 2 wt %. The fraction was subjected to desulfurization, bleaching, and deodorization, respectively, at specific conditions, and this process resulted in a decrease of 75.8 wt % compared to its initial sulfur content of 5000 ppm. The upgraded diesel‐like oil (DAF) fraction contained chemical compounds with carbon numbers C6–C26. In addition, its physicochemical characteristics showed a kinematic viscosity of 3.13 cSt (40°C), a density of 832 g/L (15°C), a lower heating value of 42.32 MJ/kg, and an H/C molar ratio of 1.73. Lastly, the DAF was tested with commercial diesel fuel for its motor and emission performance via a single‐cylinder diesel engine. All in all, it can be said that the DAF may be harnessed as a substitute for diesel fuels after its further upgrading via catalytic hydrodesulfurization etc.
Unconditionally stable fully‐discrete finite element numerical scheme for active fluid model
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Yuxing , Zou Guang‐an
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose a linear, decoupled, unconditionally stable fully‐discrete finite element scheme for the active fluid model, which is derived from the gradient flow approach for an effective non‐equilibrium free energy. The developed scheme is employed by an implicit‐explicit treatment of the nonlinear terms and a second‐order Gauge–Uzawa method for the decoupling of computations for the velocity and pressure. We rigorously prove the unique solvability and unconditional stability of the proposed scheme. Several numerical tests are presented to verify the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of the proposed scheme. We also simulate the self‐organized motion under the various external body forces in 2D and 3D cases, including the motion direction of active fluid from disorder to order. Numerical results show that the scheme has a good performance in accurately capturing and handling the complex dynamics of active fluid motion.
Paper‐structured catalyst with a dispersion of ceria‐based oxide support for improving the performance of an SOFC fed with simulated biogas
Authors: Tu Phuc Hoan , Sakamoto Mio , Dinh Duc Minh Trinh , Doan Tin Chanh Duc , Dang Mau Chien , Shiratori Yusuke
Published: January 2024

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can accept a direct feed of biogas for power generation; however, carbon deposition is a major obstacle to their practical application. When a paper‐structured catalyst (PSC) with a dispersion of Ni‐loaded flowerlike Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 (Ni/CZ(F)) was applied to the anode of an electrolyte‐supported cell (ESC), the open‐circuit voltage of the cell directly fed simulated biogas was increased from 0.87 to 0.98 V at 750°C. The rates of cell‐voltage degradation and coke formation of the ESC with the Ni/CZ(F)‐PSC during 100 h of operation were 4.3% kh−1 and 0.43 mg‐C g‐PSC−1 h−1, respectively, which were lower than those of an ESC with a Ni‐loaded PSC without the CZ(F) dispersion (10.4% kh−1 and 8.1 mg‐C g‐PSC−1 h−1, respectively). This performance improvement is attributed to the unique porous morphology and high oxygen storage capacity of CZ(F), which can contribute to the prevention of Ni agglomeration and the removal of coke from the catalyst surface, respectively. Thus, the Ni/CZ(F)‐PSC can function as a practically applicable reforming domain for an internal‐reforming biogas‐fueled SOFC.
Thermodynamics, Environmental and Sustainability Impacts of a Turbofan Engine Under Different Design Conditions Considering Variable Needs in the Aviation Industry
Authors: Aygun Hakan , Sheikhi Mohammad Rauf , Caliskan Hakan
Published: January 2024

In this study, thermodynamic analysis is implemented to the kerosene‐fuelled high by‐pass turbofan (HBP‐TF) engine to assess entropy, exergy, environmental, and sustainability metrics for different design variables such as pressure ratio of high‐pressure compressor (HPC‐PR) ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 and turbine inlet temperature (TIT) varying from 1400 to 1525 K considering variable needs in the aviation industry. As a novelty, entropic improvement potential (EIP) index for turbomachinery components and specific irreversibility production for the whole engine are calculated. Sustainability‐based parameters for different cases are compared with the baseline values of the HBP‐TF engine. The combustor has the highest entropy production of 44.4425 kW K−1 at the baseline. The higher TIT increases the entropy production of the combustor by 16.56%, whereas the higher HPC‐PR decreases it by 5.83%. The higher TIT and HPC‐PR favorably affect the sustainable efficiency factor of the engine, which is observed as 1.5482 at baseline and increases by 4.5% and 0.058% with the increment of TIT and HPC‐PR, respectively. The higher TIT and higher HPC‐PR results in lowering sustainability of the engine. The specific irreversibility production of the engine decreases by 3.78% and 0.1171% respectively, as TIT and HPC‐PR reach the highest point considered in the study.
Late Palaeozoic tectonic transformation of the North Qinling Orogenic Belt: Insight from the geochronology, geochemistry and Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopes of Carboniferous magmatic rocks
Authors: Liang Li , Li Wei , Dong Yunpeng , Zhang Le , Sheir Falak , Jiang Liuqing , Feng Zhenwei , Wang Chao , Basil Alabowsh , Ma Zhihao
Published: January 2024

The North Qinling Orogenic Belt (NQB) records the pivotal geological information for understanding the Palaeozoic evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB). Previous studies mainly focused on the subduction–collision process along the Shangdan suture zone before the Early Devonian. However, as the significant interim period between the Early Palaeozoic and Mesozoic orogeny, the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the NQB remains poorly understood. Fortunately, the Carboniferous magmatic rocks discovered this time provide substantial geological evidence for revealing the Late Palaeozoic tectonic history of the Qinling Orogenic Belt. This paper will provide a detailed analysis of zircon U–Pb ages, geochemical characteristics and Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopic compositions of Carboniferous rocks. The Carboniferous magmatic rocks are categorized as highly differentiated S‐type granite and monzodiorite, formed at 350 ± 2.4 Ma and 353 ± 5.2 Ma, respectively. The granite shows weak peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.02–1.11) and shoshonite nature. Based on the isotopic composition and trace element characteristics, we propose that the Qinling Group paragneiss is the primary source of the Carboniferous granite. Monzodiorite is characterized by enriched LREEs and LILEs (Ba, K and Pb), depleted HFSEs (Th, Nb, Ta and Ti) and enriched Sr‐Nd isotopic composition. Monzodiorite magma source region consists of continental crustal material and lithospheric metasomatized mantle. Carboniferous magmatic rocks are the product of an extensional tectonic setting, which indicates the NQB tectonic regimes transition from compression to extension during the Carboniferous.
Ecological models in higher education research: Overview and synthesis
Authors: Renn Kristen A. , Smith Brandon R. G.
Published: January 2024

In this chapter we provide an overview of campus ecology and ecological systems theory as applied to the study of higher education, most often to research on college students. We describe Bronfenbrenner's developmental ecological model and its application of it to the study of college students. We then discuss affordances and limitations of this approach, including criticism of its lack of attention to systems of privilege and oppression in the higher education environment. We present a number of innovative approaches to using the Bronfenbrenner model that address these limitations, as well as adaptations to the model that incorporate critical theory, queer theory, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.

Practical Takeaways

Ecological systems theory offers a powerful framework for understanding college students and organizational studies in postsecondary education.

Despite the utility of ecological models, they fail fully to take into account systemic forces like racism, homophobia, and transphobia that work at every level from the individual to the macro‐level, rendering them less powerful than they could be.

Innovative applications of ecological models provide new insights into higher education.

Researchers have developed new adaptations of ecological models that incorporate critical lenses (e.g., queer theory, critical race theory, decolonial theory), enabling richer analysis of higher education.
Global health workforce strategies to address the COVID‐19 pandemic: Learning lessons for the future
Authors: Williams Gemma A. , Ziemann Margaret , Chen Candice , Forman Rebecca , Sagan Anna , Pittman Patricia
Published: January 2024

COVID‐19 put unprecedented strain on the health and care workforce (HCWF). Yet, it also brought the HCWF to the forefront of the policy agenda and revealed many innovative solutions that can be built upon to overcome persistent workforce challenges. In this perspective, which draws on a Policy Brief prepared for the WHO Fifth Global Forum on Human Resources for Health, we present findings from a scoping review of global emergency workforce strategies implemented during the pandemic and consider what we can learn from them for the long‐term sustainability of the HCWF. Our review shows that strategies to strengthen HCWF capacity during COVID‐19 fell into three categories: (1) surging supply of health and care workers (HCWs); (2) optimizing the use of the workforce in terms of setting, skills and roles; and (3) providing HCWs with support and protection. While some initiatives were only short‐term strategies, others have potential to be continued. COVID‐19 demonstrated that changes to scope‐of‐practice and the introduction of team‐based roles are possible and central to an effective, sustainable workforce. Additionally, the use of technology and digital tools increased rapidly during COVID‐19 and can be built on to enhance access and efficiency. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of prioritizing the security, safety, and physical and mental health of workers, implementing measures that are gender and equity‐focused, and ensuring the centrality of the worker perspective in efforts to improve HCWF retention. Flexibility of regulatory, financial, technical measures and quality assurance was critical in facilitating the implementation of HCWF strategies and needs to be continued. The lessons learned from COVID‐19 can help countries strengthen the HCWF, health systems, and the health and well‐being of all, now and in the future.
The optimum fin length distribution of tabular PCM heat exchanger
Authors: Saleh Hussein Hatem , Mussa Munther Abdullah
Published: January 2024

The study aims to find the optimal fin length distribution for improved heat transfer during melting and solidification in a tubular phase change material (PCM) heat exchanger (HE) designed for heat storage. Three types of horizontal PCM tabular HEs, all with five longitudinal fins, were studied numerically. While maintaining a constant heat‐transfer area, each model depicts a unique fin length distribution design. The first model, which serves as the reference design, has a uniform fin length distribution and each fi\n is 30 mm long. The second model has shorter upper and side fins and longer lower fins. The third model has long lower fins but shorter than that of the second model, with short side fins and no change in upper fin length with reference design. The findings indicate that the second model exhibits the best heat‐transfer performance for the melting process, while the first model is most effective for solidification. Interestingly, the third design emerges as the optimum choice for both melting and solidification processes, where for 1 h of melting operation, results obtained 87%, 92%, and 90% for three models, respectively, from the first uniform model to the third model. While for 2 h of solidification the result obtained 11%, 17%, and 13% liquid fraction for the three models, respectively.
Preclinical toxicity evaluation of novel antibacterial contezolid acefosamil in rats and dogs
Authors: Wang Wen , Li Zhengyao , Gordeev Mikhail F. , Yuan Hong
Published: January 2024

Contezolid acefosamil (CZA) is an intravenous prodrug of oxazolidinone antibiotic contezolid (CZD). It is being developed to treat infections due to Gram‐positive bacteria including multidrug‐resistant pathogens, while addressing myelosuppression and neurotoxicity limitations associated with long‐term use of this class of antibiotics. In vivo, CZA is rapidly deacylated into its first metabolite MRX‐1352, which is then dephosphorylated to release active drug CZD. Four‐week repeat‐dose toxicity studies of intravenous CZA were conducted in Sprague–Dawley rats (40, 80, and 160/120 mg/kg/dose twice a day [BID]) and beagle dogs (25, 50, and 100/75 mg/kg/dose BID). The high doses administered to both rats and dogs were adjusted due to adverse effects including decreased body weight and food consumption. Additionally, a dose‐dependent transient reduction in erythrocyte levels was recorded at the end of dosing phase. Importantly, no myelosuppressive reduction in platelet counts was observed, in contrast to the myelosuppression documented for standard‐of‐care oxazolidinone linezolid. The no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of CZA was 80 and 25 mg/kg/dose BID in rats and dogs, respectively. Separately, 3‐month neuropathological evaluation in Long–Evans rats (25, 37.5, and 50 mg/kg/dose, oral CZA, BID) demonstrated no neurotoxicity in the central, peripheral, and optical neurological systems. Toxicokinetic data from these studies revealed that CZD exposures at NOAELs were higher than or comparable with that for the intended clinical dose. These results confirm the favorable safety profile for CZA and support its clinical evaluation for long‐term therapy of persistent Gram‐positive infections, beyond the application for earlier oxazolidinones.
Differential pathogenic and molecular features in neurological infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron BA.5.2 and BA.2.75 and Delta
Authors: Wang Erlin , Yang Qiao‐Jiang , Xu Xiang‐Xiong , Zou Qing‐Cui , Long Yanghaopeng , Ma Guanqin , Deng Zhong‐Hua , Zhao Jie‐Bin , Li Ming‐Hua , Zeng Jianxiong
Published: January 2024

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) remains a global threat, exacerbated by the emergence of viral variants. Two variants of SARS‐CoV‐2, Omicron BA.2.75 and BA.5, led to global infection peaks between May 2022 and May 2023, yet their precise characteristics in pathogenesis are not well understood. In this study, we compared these two Omicron sublineages with the previously dominant Delta variant using a human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 knock‐in mouse model. As expected, Delta exhibited higher viral replication in the lung and brain than both Omicron sublineages which induced less severe lung damage and immune activation. In contrast, the Omicron variants especially BA.5.2 showed a propensity for cellular proliferation and developmental pathways. Both Delta and BA.5.2 variants, but not BA.2.75, led to decreased pulmonary lymphocytes, indicating differential adaptive immune response. Neuroinvasiveness was shared with all strains, accompanied by vascular abnormalities, synaptic injury, and loss of astrocytes. However, Immunostaining assays and transcriptomic analysis showed that BA.5.2 displayed stronger immune suppression and neurodegeneration, while BA.2.75 exhibited more similar characteristics to Delta in the cortex. Such differentially infectious features could be partially attributed to the weakened interaction between Omicron Spike protein and host proteomes decoded via co‐immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry in neuronal cells. Our present study supports attenuated replication and pathogenicity of Omicron variants but also highlights their newly infectious characteristics in the lung and brain, especially with BA.5.2 demonstrating enhanced immune evasion and neural damage that could exacerbate neurological sequelae.
Spatial risk of Haemaphysalis longicornis borne Dabieshan tick virus (DBTV) in China
Authors: Han Xiaohu , Gao Shan , Xin Qing , Yang Mingwei , Bi Yudan , Jiang Feng , Zeng Zan , Kan Wei , Wang Tongyao , Chen Qijun , Chen Zeliang
Published: January 2024

The uncertainty and unknowability of emerging infectious diseases have caused many major public health and security incidents in recent years. As a new tick‐borne disease, Dabieshan tick virus (DBTV) necessitate systematic epidemiological and spatial distribution analysis. In this study, tick samples from Liaoning Province were collected and used to evaluate distribution of DBTV in ticks. Outbreak points of DBTV and the records of the vector Haemaphysalis longicornis in China were collected and used to establish a prediction model using niche model combined with environmental factors. We found that H. longicornis and DBTV were widely distributed in Liaoning Province. The risk analysis results showed that the DBTV in the eastern provinces of China has a high risk, and the risk is greatly influenced by elevation, land cover, and meteorological factors. The risk geographical area predicted by the model is significantly larger than the detected positive areas, indicating that the etiological survey is seriously insufficient. This study provided molecular and important epidemiological evidence for etiological ecology of DBTV. The predicted high‐risk areas indicated the insufficient monitoring and risk evaluation and the necessity of future monitoring and control work.
Turnover of soil microaggregate‐protected carbon and the challenge of microscale analyses
Authors: Meyer Nele , Kaldun Jacqueline , Rodionov Andrei , Amelung Wulf , Lehndorff Eva
Published: January 2024

Background

Microaggregates are suspected to protect soil organic carbon (SOC) from microbial decay, but its residence time is not well understood.

Aims

We aimed at unraveling the relevance of microaggregates for C storage and testing the hypothesis that C in the interior of aggregates is older, compared to the exterior.

Methods

We sampled soil under C3 vegetation and at a site where cropping shifted to C4 vegetation 36 years ago. We isolated free and macroaggregate‐occluded size fractions (250–53 µm) by wet sieving and ultrasound, manually isolated aggregates therefrom, and analyzed whether vegetation‐related differences in δ13C could be traced at the interior and exterior of microaggregate cross‐sections using elemental and laser ablation‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Results

Size fraction weights comprised <5% of microaggregates. Based on a source partitioning approach including C3‐ and C4‐derived C, we found mean residence times of SOC in occluded and free microaggregates of 62 and 105 years, respectively. Thus, C storage was longer than that in size fractions (35 years) and bulk soil (58 years). The small‐scale variability of δ13C within aggregate cross‐sections was considerable, both in C3 and C4 soil, yet without significant (p = 0.46) differences between interior and exterior locations.

Conclusions

We conclude that microaggregates do not persist in an intact form in such a long‐term that systematic differences in δ13C patterns between exterior and interior parts can develop.
Maternal supplementation with konjac glucomannan improves maternal microbiota for healthier offspring during lactation
Authors: Gao Feng , Zhang Wentao , Cao Mingming , Liu Xinyu , Han Tingting , He Wei , Shi Baoming , Gu Zhigang
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

The maternal diet during gestation and lactation affects the health of the offspring. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a significantly functional polysaccharide in food research, possessing both antioxidant and prebiotic properties. However, the mechanisms of how KGM regulates maternal nutrition remain insufficient and limited. This study aimed to investigate maternal supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation to benefit both maternal and offspring generations.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that KGM improves serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the KGM group displayed a significant increase in the feed intake‐related hormones neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), Ghrelin, and adenosine monophosphate‐activated kinase (AMPK) levels. KGM modified the relative abundance of Clostridium, Candidatus Saccharimonas, unclassified Firmicutes, and unclassified Christensenellaceae in sow feces. Acetate, valerate, and isobutyrate were also improved in the feces of sows in the KGM group. These are potential target bacterial genera that may modulate the host's health. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis unveiled significant correlations between the altered bacteria genus and feed intake‐related hormones. More importantly, KGM reduced interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels in milk, further improved IL‐10 levels, and reduced zonulin levels in the serum of offspring.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, maternal dietary supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation improves maternal nutritional status by modifying maternal microbial and increasing lactation feed intake, which benefits the anti‐inflammatory capacity of the offspring serum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tourists' perceived value and behavioral intentions based on the choice attributes of wellness tourism
Authors: Kim Miseong , Moon Hyunji , Joo Yeonwoo , Yoon Yooshik
Published: January 2024

This study was carried out to examine the wellness that tourists wanted to fulfill through wellness tourism and identify the relationship between tourists' perceived value and their future behavioral intentions. To perform this study, residents aged 20 or older living in Seoul who are interested in wellness tourism were surveyed, and a total of 401 valid responses were used for analyses. The findings suggest that particular attributes of wellness tourism had a positive relationship with ‘emotional value’ except ‘physical wellness’. Also, a positive relationship was observed between utilitarian value, epistemic value, and all particular attributes of wellness tourism.
Evaluating the psychosocial impact of gender‐affirming dermatology treatments: A systematic review
Authors: de Baun Heloise , Truong Thu Minh , Beloborodova Anna , Alper David P. , Sanabria Bianca , Rao Babar
Published: January 2024

Transgender individuals experience elevated mental health issues and a diminished quality of life compared to the general population. While gender‐affirming dermatology treatments hold promise in addressing these challenges, there is a notable dearth of research in this area. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature on the psychosocial effects of gender‐affirming dermatology treatments in transgender populations. A systematic review of original research on gender‐affirming dermatology treatments in transgender populations was conducted from PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library and Embase following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses 2020 guidelines. The search was limited to studies published after 1 January 2013 and was conducted on 26 June 2023. Relevant reviews were excluded but had their references screened. All studies that met the inclusion criteria also had their references screened. Article screening involved two steps: initial abstract/title screening using Rayyan.ia, followed by full‐text screening for selected articles. Risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Thirteen studies were analyzed and most revealed a positive association between gender‐affirming dermatology treatments and favorable psychosocial outcomes. However, there was a large imbalance in the focus on transfeminine versus transmasculine individuals, alongside disparities in gender identification methods. Hair removal followed by nonsurgical injectables were the primary treatments studied. Most studies faced notable limitations, preventing a definitive causal relationship between gender‐affirming dermatology treatments and psychosocial effects. Across studies, there were discrepancies in the type of psychosocial outcome studied and a lack of standardized assessment tools. Despite these limitations, gender‐affirming dermatology treatments appear to have psychosocial benefits for transgender individuals, but further robust studies are needed for a comprehensive understanding of this relationship.
Poly(dehydroalanine)‐Based Hydrogels as Efficient Soft Matter Matrices for Light‐Driven Catalysis
Authors: Çeper Tolga , Langer Marcel , Vashistha Nikita , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin , Streb Carsten , Rau Sven , Schacher Felix H.
Published: January 2024

Soft matter integration of photosensitizers and catalysts provides promising solutions to developing sustainable materials for energy conversion. Particularly, hydrogels bring unique benefits, such as spatial control and 3D‐accessibility of molecular units, as well as recyclability. Herein, the preparation of polyampholyte hydrogels based on poly(dehydroalanine) (PDha) is reported. Chemically crosslinked PDha with bis‐epoxy poly(ethylene glycol) leads to a transparent, self‐supporting hydrogel. Due to the ionizable groups on PDha, this 3D polymeric matrix can be anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic depending on the pH value, and its high density of dynamic charges has a potential for electrostatic attachment of charged molecules. The integration of the cationic molecular photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) is realized, which is a reversible process controlled by pH, leading to light harvesting hydrogels. They are further combined with either a thiomolybdate catalyst ([Mo3S13]2−) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) or a cobalt polyoxometalate catalyst (Co4POM = [Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2]10−) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Under the optimized condition, the resulting hydrogels show catalytic activity in both cases upon visible light irradiation. In the case of OER, higher photosensitizer stability is observed compared to homogeneous systems, as the polymer environment seems to influence decomposition pathways.
Fast and Scalable Synthetic Route to Densely Grafted, Branched Polystyrenes and Polydienes via Anionic Polymerization Utilizing P2VP as Branching Point
Authors: Schußmann Max G. , Kreutzer Lukas , Hirschberg Valerian
Published: January 2024

Defined, branched polymer architectures with low dispersity and architectural purity are of great interest to polymer science but are challenging to synthesize. Besides star and comb, especially the pom‐pom topology is of interest as it is the simplest topology with exactly two branching points. Most synthetic approaches to a pom‐pom topology reported a lack of full control and variability over one of the three topological parameters, the backbone or arm molecular weight and arm number. A new, elegant, fast, and scalable synthetic route without the need for post‐polymerization modification (PPM) or purification steps during the synthesis to a pom‐pom and a broad variety of topologies made from styrene and dienes is reported, with potential application to barbwire, bottlebrush, miktoarm star, Janus type polymers, or multi‐graft copolymers. The key is to inset short poly(2‐vinyl‐pyridine) blocks (<2 mol% in the branched product) into the backbone as branching points. Carb anions can react at the C6 carbon of the pyridine ring, grafting the arms onto the backbone. Since the synthetic route to polystyrene pom‐poms has only two steps and is free of PPM or purification, large amounts of up to 300 g of defined pom‐pom structures can be synthesized in one batch.
Clinical value of positive CNVs results by NIPT without fetal ultrasonography‐identified structural anomalies
Authors: Wang Changhong , Mei Li , Wan Yang , Li Hong , Luan Shanshan , Lu Jali , Wang Pei , Wen Liu , Han Xue , Li Xiaona , Zhang Ningzhi
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate the clinical value of positive copy number variations (CNVs) results by non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) without fetal ultrasonography‐identified structural anomalies, especially with several known CNVs results.

Methods

A total of 135,981 results of NIPT performed between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2020, enrolled in the free NIPT service program implemented by the local government were retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 87 cases with positive NIPT screens for CNVs and no fetal ultrasonography‐identified anomalies were recalled and provided genetic counseling. After obtaining full informed consent, these cases were provided invasive prenatal diagnosis by karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA)/copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq) with follow‐up. One case was lost, while 86 cases were successfully followed up.

Results

A total of 44 (50.6%) cases underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis, of which six cases were detected with abnormal karyotype. CMA/CNV‐Seq revealed 11 fetuses with positive results for CNVs, among whom eight were consistent with NIPT results, two were partially consistent, one was inconsistent, and positive predictive value (PPV) was 22.7% (10/44). For known CNVs, PPVs were 20% (15q11.2‐q13 microdeletion) and 33.3% (5p end deletions). Among 11 pregnant women with positive prenatal diagnosis, seven were confirmed to have pathogenic CNVs in their fetuses; four had CNVs of unknown clinical significance.

Conclusions

Even in pregnancies without ultrasonography‐identified anomalies, a positive NIPT screen for CNVs must be interpreted with caution and validated by additional diagnostic study.
Targeted exome sequencing strategy (NeoEXOME) for Chinese newborns using a pilot study with 3423 neonates
Authors: Cao Ziyang , He Xiaoyan , Wang Dongjuan , Gu Maosheng , Suo Feng , Qiang Rong , Zhang Ruixue , Song Chengrong , Wang Xiaohua , Zhu Bo , Cao Donghua , Yu Haihua , Qu Yiping , Shen Guosong , Wu Jian , Wang Pengpeng , Wang Jinxia , Zhang Hongyang , Yan Zijun , Yu Guangjun , Zou Lin
Published: January 2024

Background

Newborn screening (NBS) aims to detect congenital anomalies, and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has shown promise in this aspect. However, the NBS strategy for monogenic inherited diseases in China remains insufficient.

Methods

We developed a NeoEXOME panel comprising 601 genes that are relevant to the Chinese population found through extensive research on available databases. An interpretation system to grade the results into positive (high‐risk, moderate‐risk, and low‐risk genotypes), negative, and carrier according to the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines was also developed. We validated the panel to evaluate its efficacy by using data from the “1000 Genomes Project” and conducted a pilot multicenter study involving 3423 neonates.

Results

The NGS positive rate in the 1000 Genomes Project was 7.6% (23/301), whereas the rate was 12.0% in the multicenter study, including 3249 recruited neonates. Notably, in 200 neonates, positive per conventional NBS, 58.5% (69/118) showed results consistent with NGS. In the remaining 3049 neonates showing negative results in conventional NBS, 271 (8.9%) were positive per NGS, and nine of them were clinically diagnosed with diseases in the follow‐up.

Conclusion

We successfully designed a NeoEXOME panel for targeted sequencing of monogenic inherited diseases in NBS. The panel demonstrated high performance in the Chinese population, particularly for the early detection of diseases with no biochemical markers.
In Silicoprediction of inhibitors for multiple transporters via machine learning methods
Authors: Duan Hao , Lou Chaofeng , Gu Yaxin , Wang Yimeng , Li Weihua , Liu Guixia , Tang Yun
Published: January 2024

Transporters play an indispensable role in facilitating the transport of nutrients, signaling molecules and the elimination of metabolites and toxins in human cells. Contemporary computational methods have been employed in the prediction of transporter inhibitors. However, these methods often focus on isolated endpoints, overlooking the interactions between transporters and lacking good interpretation. In this study, we integrated a comprehensive dataset and constructed models to assess the inhibitory effects on seven transporters. Both conventional machine learning and multi‐task deep learning methods were employed. The results demonstrated that the MLT‐GAT model achieved superior performance with an average AUC value of 0.882. It is noteworthy that our model excels not only in prediction performance but also in achieving robust interpretability, aided by GNN‐Explainer. It provided valuable insights into transporter inhibition. The reliability of our model's predictions positioned it as a promising and valuable tool in the field of transporter inhibition research. Related data and code are available athttps://gitee.com/wutiantian99/transporter_code.git
Stability analysis of the singular points and Hopf bifurcations of a tumor growth control model
Authors: Drexler Dániel András , Nagy Ilona , Romanovski Valery G.
Published: January 2024

We carry out qualitative analysis of a fourth‐order tumor growth control model using ordinary differential equations. We show that the system has one positive equilibrium point, and its stability is independent of the feedback gain. Using a Lyapunov function method, we prove that there exist realistic parameter values for which the systems admit limit cycle oscillations due to a supercritical Hopf bifurcation. The time evolution of the state variables is also represented.
Semigroup theory and analysis of solutions for a higher order non‐Lipschitz problem with advection in ℝN$$ {\mathrm{\mathbb{R}}}^N $$
Authors: Luis Díaz Palencia José
Published: January 2024

In studying heterogeneous diffusion phenomena beyond the classical order 2 Laplacian, higher order operators emerge as powerful tools. When such operators are applied, the resultant profiles often showcase an oscillatory nature that may be noticeable near the zero stationary solution. These oscillations can pose challenges, especially when they negate the compactness of the support for initial distributions that are both smooth and possess compact support. The presented analysis in this work seeks to delve into the nature of solutions within open finite domains, with an ambition to scale up the findings to the realm of
through the use of an extension operator. The foundation for establishing the existence and uniqueness of these solutions leans on the semigroup representation theory. Asymptotic solutions have been carved out via the Hamilton–Jacobi transport equation. To cement the theoretical foundation, numerical simulations have been incorporated shedding light on the accuracy of our initial assumptions within the asymptotic framework.
Servo navigators: Linear regression and feedback control for rigid‐body motion correction
Authors: Ulrich Thomas , Riedel Malte , Pruessmann Klaas P.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Navigator‐based correction of rigid‐body motion reconciling high precision with minimal acquisition, minimal calibration and simple, fast processing.

Methods

A short orbital navigator (2.3 ms) is inserted in a three‐dimensional (3D) gradient echo sequence for human head imaging. Head rotation and translation are determined by linear regression based on a complex‐valued model built either from three reference navigators or in a reference‐less fashion, from the first actual navigator. Optionally, the model is expanded by global phase and field offset. Run‐time scan correction on this basis establishes servo control that maintains validity of the linear picture by keeping its expansion point stable in the head frame of reference. The technique is assessed in a phantom and demonstrated by motion‐corrected imaging in vivo.

Results

The proposed approach is found to establish stable motion control both with and without reference acquisition. In a phantom, it is shown to accurately detect motion mimicked by rotation of scan geometry as well as change in global B0. It is demonstrated to converge to accurate motion estimates after perturbation well beyond the linear signal range. In vivo, servo navigation achieved motion detection with precision in the single‐digit range of micrometers and millidegrees. Involuntary and intentional motion in the range of several millimeters were successfully corrected, achieving excellent image quality.

Conclusion

The combination of linear regression and feedback control enables prospective motion correction for head imaging with high precision and accuracy, short navigator readouts, fast run‐time computation, and minimal demand for reference data.
A comprehensive review of numerical simulation methods for hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Ismail Atif , Azadbakht Saman
Published: January 2024

Hydraulic fracturing unlocks previously inaccessible hydrocarbons in unconventional reservoirs by creating artificial pathways in the unconventional reservoir. Numerical simulation expands the scope of hydraulic fracturing design for various reservoir conditions. This review paper explores the synergy between numerical simulation and hydraulic fracturing modeling, focusing on critical elements like geomechanical behavior, geological conditions, and fluid dynamics. Analytical models in hydraulic fracturing design are discussed to underscore their foundational importance. The assumption of constant fracture height limits the application of Perkins–Kern–Nordgren model (PKN) and Kristianovich‐Geertsma‐de Klerk model (KGD). Radial models assume 3D flow but lack reliability in nonradial settings, and the Pseudo 3D model (P3D) shares PKN's assumptions with variable fracture height, sacrificing some details for efficiency. Planar 3D model (PL3D) enhances accuracy by discarding PKN's elastic response assumption but requires extended computation. Unconventional fracture model is effective for complex scenarios but relies on DFN modeling parameters for accuracy. The choice of numerical simulation method in hydraulic fracturing depends on the specific aspect studied, each with its strengths and limitations. For instance, boundary element methods are efficient for exterior problems, finite element modeling suits 3D nonplanar fractures, and the extended finite element method excels in hydraulic and natural fracture interactions. Peridynamics shows potential but needs further development for cost‐effectiveness. PFC and UDEC/3DEC‐based simulations can explore microscopic mechanisms. Combining these methods with other approaches provides a comprehensive study of realistic reservoir conditions. This review guides the selection of a suitable numerical simulation methodology based on the study's scope.
Modeling flow through tubes and annuli with liquid‐infused surfaces for enhanced stability of the fluid‐fluid interface
Authors: Zimmermann Sebastian , Bold Ellen , Oesterschulze Egbert , Chijiwa Munehiro , Schäfer Mareike , L'huillier Johannes , Schönecker Clarissa
Published: January 2024

Superhydrophobic (SHS) and liquid‐infused surfaces (LIS) have shown great potential in various engineering applications. Due to their heterogeneous surface properties, a mathematical description of the flow behavior along such surfaces is challenging. Circular textured surfaces are of particular importance. They are modeled as either axially traversed tubes or annuli consisting of no‐slip walls that are padded with rotationally symmetric finite‐shear regions. The latter represents a viscous interaction zone with a second fluid, assumed with layer thickness zero. Zimmermann and Schönecker provide analytical equations that describe the flow field and effective slip length for such geometries. They are applicable to Newtonian fluids of arbitrary viscosity ratio. This article emphasizes the development of principles and guidelines for the design of SHS and LIS to enhance sliding effects, based on these analytical models. The approach presented here facilitates an geometric evaluation of slippery circular surfaces, aiming to offer insights for the design. Through this research, the potential for significant energy savings and enhanced fluid transport performance can be realized, contributing to the development of more efficient fluid engineering systems.
Cold atmospheric‐pressure plasma selectively inhibits glioblastoma via DNA damage and AKT dephosphorylation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Yinan , Qiao Xiaolong , Liu Changqing , Zhang Jin , Sun Tao , Kong Ling , Zhang Xinru , Song Wencheng , Cheng Chuandong , Ni Guohua
Published: January 2024

In this work, the effects of cold atmospheric‐pressure plasma (CAP) on glioblastoma are evaluated comprehensively. After CAP treatment, U251 cell viability, migration, and invasion functions were inhibited, while an appropriate dose of CAP had no inhibitory effect on human brain glial cell line cells. Western blots indicated that expression of caspase‐3 was upregulated with ki‐67 expression downregulated. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, and energy metabolisms of U251 cells were influenced afterward. TUNEL assays and comet assays suggested the DNA damage of U251 cells after CAP treatment. Furthermore, as one of the DNA damage responses associated pathways, the AKT (AKT8 virus oncogene cellular homolog) signaling pathway was also indicated in the work. The findings raise great promise for clinical applications of CAP in glioblastoma treatments.