bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geese migrating over the Pacific Ocean select altitudes coinciding with offshore wind turbine blades
Authors: Weiser Emily L. , Overton Cory T. , Douglas David C. , Casazza Michael L. , Flint Paul L.
Published: February 2024

Renewable energy facilities are a key part of mitigating climate change, but can pose threats to wild birds and bats, most often through collisions with infrastructure. Understanding collision risk and the factors affecting it can help minimize impacts on wild populations. For wind turbines, flight altitude is a major factor influencing collision risk, and altitude‐selection analyses can evaluate when and why animals fly at certain altitudes under certain conditions.

We used GPS tags to track Pacific Flyway geese (Pacific greater white‐fronted goose, tule greater white‐fronted goose and lesser snow goose) on transoceanic migrations between Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the contiguous United States, an area where offshore windfarm development is beginning. We evaluated how geographic and environmental covariates affected (1) whether birds were at rest on the water versus in flight (binomial model) and (2) altitude selection when in flight (similar to a step‐selection framework). We then used a Monte Carlo simulation to predict the probability of flying at each altitude under various conditions, considering both the fly/rest decision and altitude selection.

In both spring and fall, geese showed strong selection for altitudes within the expected rotor‐swept zone (20–200 m asl), with 56% of locations expected to be within the rotor‐swept zone under mean daylight conditions and 28% at night. This indicates a high possibility that migrating geese may be at risk of collision when passing through windfarms. Although there was some variation across subspecies, geese were most likely to be within the rotor‐swept zone with little wind or light tailwinds, low clouds, little to no precipitation and moderate to cool air temperatures. Geese were unlikely to be in the rotor‐swept zone at night, when most individuals were at rest on the water.

Synthesis and applications. These results could be used to inform windfarm management, including decisions to shut down turbines when collision risk is high. The altitude‐selection framework we demonstrate could facilitate further study of other bird species to develop a holistic view of how windfarms in this area could affect the migratory bird community as a whole.
Subsequent surgical treatment or maintenance immunotherapy in stage III lung cancer patients achieving a favorable response following neoadjuvant immunotherapy: A matched retrospective cohort study from the surgical perspective
Authors: Dai Fuqiang , Chen Cong , Zhou Guanyu , Wang Xintian , Mei Longyong , Luo Nanzhi , Zhou Wenjing , Li Tao , Deng Bo , Liu Lunxu , Wang Yun
Published: February 2024

Background

Current treatment strategies for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are highly individualized and subject to ongoing debates. In the era of immunotherapy, surgery assumes a critical role. The aim of this study was to investigate if subsequent surgical intervention, following a favorable response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, could yield a more favorable prognosis for patients with advanced stage III NSCLC compared to the continuation of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Methods

We included patients whose tumors exhibited a favorable response (including partial response [PR] and complete response [CR]) to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. These patients were categorized into two groups based on their subsequent treatment plans: surgical and nonsurgical (continuation of maintenance immunotherapy and chemotherapy). The efficacy and long‐term prognosis of these groups were compared after matching them in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores.

Results

In total, 186 patients (93 in each group) were included in this study after matching via propensity scores. The 1‐ and 3‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 96.0%, 88.5%, and 93.1%, 80.7% in the surgical group, and 93.2%, 83.1%, and 57.7%, 50.4% in the nonsurgical group, respectively. Patients in the surgical group exhibited significantly superior PFS and OS compared to those in the nonsurgical group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.00086). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed ΔBMI, Δtumor size reduction, tumor response, earlier clinical stage (IIIb vs. IIIa), and surgery as independent protective factor for patient prognosis. We further selected 101 patients with CR (39 in the surgical group and 62 in the nonsurgical group) and found that patients in the surgical group were significantly better in both PFS and OS. Our subgroup analysis in postoperative patients demonstrated that different surgical strategies did not significantly affect the long‐term prognosis of patients (PFS and OS) but could impact their perioperative experience.

Conclusion

Patients with advanced stage III NSCLC, whose tumors achieved PR and CR after 2–4 cycles of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, experience a more promising prognosis with subsequent surgical intervention compared with the continued immunotherapy. Despite encountering formidable obstacles, such as protracted surgical procedures and associated trauma, we must rise to the challenge and unleash the power of surgery after immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC.
Comprehensive vaping bans are associated with lower odds of initiation into electronic nicotine delivery systems use among young people
Authors: Vuolo Mike , Orsini Maria M. , Staff Jeremy , Maggs Jennifer L. , Kelly Brian C.
Published: February 2024

Background and aims

E‐cigarette and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use has grown considerably over the past decade, with notable increases among young people. US state policy contexts for ENDS and tobacco may shape initiation into ENDS use among adolescents as they age into early adulthood. We aimed to determine whether state‐level comprehensive vaping ban policies reduce the odds of youth initiation into ENDS use, net of additional state‐level ENDS and tobacco policies, as well as the youth's cigarette smoking status.

Design

Longitudinal data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study were merged with a state‐year database on tobacco and ENDS policies. Multivariable discrete‐time event history models of ENDS initiation were estimated.

Setting

United States.

Participants

Twenty thousand twelve youth assessed over six waves from 2013 to 2019 (n = 53 974 observations).

Measurement

We examined comprehensive indoor vaping bans (i.e. 100% vape‐free workplaces, restaurants and bars) as a key factor in initiation into ENDS use (i.e. first instance of vaping) from age 13 to 22.

Findings

Among young people, residing in a state with a comprehensive vaping ban was associated with 18% lower odds of ENDS initiation (odds ratio = 0.82; 95% confidence interval =[0.71, 0.94]), even after controlling for other state ENDS and tobacco policies, the youth's cigarette smoking and socio‐demographic background and state‐level covariates.

Conclusions

In the United States, state‐level vaping bans (i.e. 100% vape‐free workplaces, restaurants and bars) are associated with reduced odds of youth initiation into electronic nicotine delivery systems use.
Infants' predictive minds: The role of motor experience
Authors: Schwarzer Gudrun , Jovanovic Bianca
Published: February 2024

The ability to predict upcoming events is essential in infancy because it enables babies to process information optimally and have successful goal‐directed interactions with their environment. In this article, we examine how infants generate predictions in perception, cognition, and action, and address whether and how their predictions are motivated and affected by their motor development. Our synthesis of research demonstrates that infants form predictions in the perception, cognition, and action domains based on perceived statistical information, pre‐existing and newly generated knowledge, and internal motor models. Our analysis reveals that infants' increasing fine and gross motor experiences have a moderating impact on the elaboration of the different bases for predictions. Based on this, we conclude that new motor experiences enable infants to constantly improve the bases from which they generate and update their predictions.
DeforestVis: Behaviour Analysis of Machine Learning Models with Surrogate Decision Stumps
Authors: Chatzimparmpas Angelos , Martins Rafeal M. , Telea Alexandru C. , Kerren Andreas
Published: February 2024

As the complexity of machine learning (ML) models increases and their application in different (and critical) domains grows, there is a strong demand for more interpretable and trustworthy ML. A direct, model‐agnostic, way to interpret such models is to train surrogate models—such as rule sets and decision trees—that sufficiently approximate the original ones while being simpler and easier‐to‐explain. Yet, rule sets can become very lengthy, with many if–else statements, and decision tree depth grows rapidly when accurately emulating complex ML models. In such cases, both approaches can fail to meet their core goal—providing users with model interpretability. To tackle this, we propose DeforestVis, a visual analytics tool that offers summarization of the behaviour of complex ML models by providing surrogate decision stumps (one‐level decision trees) generated with the Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) technique. DeforestVis helps users to explore the complexity versus fidelity trade‐off by incrementally generating more stumps, creating attribute‐based explanations with weighted stumps to justify decision making, and analysing the impact of rule overriding on training instance allocation between one or more stumps. An independent test set allows users to monitor the effectiveness of manual rule changes and form hypotheses based on case‐by‐case analyses. We show the applicability and usefulness of DeforestVis with two use cases and expert interviews with data analysts and model developers.
Mechanical stability of posterior implant‐supported monolithic zirconia cantilever on titanium‐base abutments. An in vitro study
Authors: Riera Carme , Karasan Duygu , Sailer Irena , Mojon Phillipe , Fehmer Vincent , Pitta João
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Investigate survival and technical complications of two‐unit posterior implant‐supported cantilever made of monolithic zirconia on titanium‐base abutments (Zr‐TiB) vs. porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal on castable gold abutments (PFM‐GA) using two different implant connections, internal butt‐joint (IBJ) and internal conical (IC).

Materials and Methods

Forty‐eight implants (4.3 mm diameter) were divided into four groups (n = 12) to support 2‐unit mandibular premolar cantilevers with two different materials (Zr‐TiB vs. PFM‐GA) and two connection types (IBJ vs. IC). Tested groups were as follows: (1) IBJ/Zr‐TiB; (2) IBJ/PFM‐GA; (3) IC/Zr‐TiB; and (4) IC/PFM‐GA. Specimens were thermomechanical aged (1,200,000 cycles, 98 N, 5–55°C) with occlusal axial load on the pontic. Catastrophic and non‐catastrophic events were registered, and removal torque values measured before and after aging. Specimens surviving aging were subjected to loading until failure. Survival, total complication rates, torque loss (%), and bending moments were calculated.

Results

From 48 specimens, 38 survived aging. Survival rates significantly varied from 16.7% (IC/PFM‐GA) to 100% (IBJ/Zr‐TiB; IBJ/PFM‐GA; IC/Zr‐TiB) (p < .01). Internal conical connection revealed significantly higher torque loss (IC/ZrTiB – 67%) compared to internal butt‐joint (IBJ/Zr‐TiB – 44%; IBJ/PFM‐GA – 46%) (p < .01). Bending moments were higher in internal butt‐joint connections than in internal conical (p < .05).

Conclusion and Clinical Implications

Two‐unit posterior implant‐supported cantilever FDPs replacing mandibular premolars composed of monolithic zirconia on titanium‐base abutments demonstrated higher mechanical stability compared to porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal on castable gold abutments in this in vitro study. The internal conical connection combined with porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal on gold abutments revealed a high number of failures; therefore, their clinical use may be considered cautiously for this indication.
Indirect inguinal herniation of the urinary bladder in a Shetland pony foal
Authors: Buyck Camille , Robert Mickaël , Tricaud Cyril , Cousty Matthieu
Published: February 2024

A 6‐week‐old male Shetland pony was presented with pollakiuria and a scrotal mass. The diagnostic procedures conducted included a thorough clinical examination, external palpation, a scrotal ultrasonographic examination and urinary catheterisation. These revealed an indirect herniation of the urinary bladder into the tunica vaginalis. Subsequently, the case was managed surgically with a partial cystectomy through an inguinal approach. Bilateral castration was performed with an additional closure of the superficial inguinal ring. Five months post‐surgery, a routine telephone questionnaire highlighted no postoperative concerns. Gross examination of the inguinal region revealed no abnormalities and the foal was maturing as expected.
RegX3‐dependent transcriptional activation of kdpDE and repression of rv0500A are linked to potassium homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Bagchi Shreya , Sharma Arun Kumar , Ghosh Abhirupa , Saha Sudipto , Basu Joyoti , Kundu Manikuntala
Published: February 2024

Ionic homeostasis is essential for the survival and replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within its host. Low potassium ion concentrations trigger a transition of M. tuberculosis into dormancy. Our current knowledge of the transcriptional regulation mechanisms governing genes involved in potassium homeostasis remains limited. Potassium transport is regulated by the constitutive Trk system and the inducible Kdp system in M. tuberculosis. The two‐component system KdpDE (also known as KdpD/KdpE) activates expression of the kdpFABC operon, encoding the four protein subunits of the Kdp potassium uptake system (KdpFABC). We show that, under potassium deficiency, expression of the two‐component system senX3/regX3 is upregulated, and bacterial survival is compromised in a regX3‐inactivated mutant, ΔregX3. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), promoter reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) show that RegX3 binds to the kdpDE promoter and activates it under potassium deficiency, whereas RegX3 (K204A), a DNA binding‐deficient mutant, fails to bind to the promoter. Mutation of the RegX3 binding motifs on the kdpDE promoter abrogates RegX3 binding. In addition, EMSAs and ChIP assays show that RegX3 represses Rv0500A, a repressor of kdpFABC, by binding to consensus RegX3 binding motifs on the rv0500A promoter. Our findings provide important insight into two converging pathways regulated by RegX3; one in which it activates an activator of kdpFABC, and the other in which it represses a repressor of kdpFABC, during potassium insufficiency. This culminates in increased expression of the potassium uptake system encoded by kdpFABC, enabling bacterial survival. These results further expand the growing transcriptional network in which RegX3 serves as a central node to enable bacterial survival under stress.
Nuclear radiation shielding performance of the new lead‐free TeO2–Bi2O3–ZnO–BaF2glass
Authors: Yin Shiyu , Zhang Zhizhi , Xiang Yu , Qiao Qianqian , Ding Guanzhou , Huang Xianchao , Lin Qiuhan
Published: February 2024

This paper studied the radiation shielding properties of new lead‐free telluride glass with different BaF2content. The 65TeO2–15Bi2O3–(20 − x)ZnO–xBaF2glass systems (wherex = 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 mol%) were tested through the X‐ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer, and differential scanning calorimetry. The glass system exhibited good thermal stability and a uniform surface without surface crystallization. The linear attenuation coefficient of the TBZBF series glass was tested using five different gamma radiation sources (241Am,133Ba,57Co,137Cs, and60Co). They were calculated to the mass attenuation coefficient, half‐value layer, mean free path, and effective atomic number through numerical simulations with XCOM software. The maximum mass attenuation coefficient for TBZBF‐9 was calculated to be 5.3577 cm2/g. Comparisons were made between this glass system and other tellurite and leaded glasses reported in the literature. The glass system exhibited superior radiation shielding capability compared to leaded tellurite glass under the same testing conditions. The gamma radiation shielding capacity increased with BaF2content in the glass system. These results show that TBZBF‐9 exhibited the best gamma radiation shielding effectiveness while maintaining glass transparency.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy data for foot skin oxygen saturation in healthy subjects
Authors: Suludere Mehmet A. , Tarricone Arthur , Najafi Bijan , Rogers Lee , Siah Michael C. , Kang Gu Eon , Lavery Lawrence A.
Published: February 2024

Our objective was to evaluate normative data for near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in 110 healthy volunteers by Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) and region of the foot. We obtained measurements of the dorsum and plantar foot using a commercially available device (SnapshotNIR, Kent Imaging, Calgary Canada). On the dorsum of the foot, people with FST6 had significantly lower oxygen saturation compared to FST1‐5 (p < 0.001), lower oxyhaemoglobin compared to FST2‐5 (p = 0.001), but there was no difference in deoxyhaemoglobin. No differences were found on the plantar foot. When comparing dorsal and plantar foot, there was higher oxyhaemoglobin (0.40 ± 0.09 vs. 0.51 ± 0.12, p < 0.001) and deoxyhaemoglobin (0.16 ± 0.05 vs. 0.21 ± 0.05, p < 0.001) on the plantar foot, but no differences in oxygen saturation (dorsal 70.7 ± 10.8, plantar 70.0 ± 9.5, p = 0.414). In 6.4% of feet, there were black areas, for which no NIRS measurements could be generated. All areas with no data were on the dorsal foot and only found in FST 5–6. People with FST6 had significantly larger areas with no data compared to FST 5 (22.2 cm2 ± 20.4 vs. 1.9 cm2 ± 0.90, p = 0.007). These findings should be considered when using NIRS technology. Skin pigmentation should be evaluated in future NIRS studies.
Microwave dielectric properties of (Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4–BaMoO4 composite ceramics with ultralow sintering temperature
Authors: Alzakree Ahmed Redwan Hazaa , Wang Chang‐Hao , Shehbaz Muhammad , Wang Wei , Xu Di‐Ming , Du Chao , Zhou Di
Published: February 2024

The rapidly ever‐growing wireless communication demands development of low loss, ultralow sintering temperature dielectric ceramics with excellent microwave properties. In this work, fabrication and properties of novel microwave dielectric composite ceramics (1 − x)(Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4–xBaMoO4 (x = 0.3–0.6), in short as ((1 − x)NBM–xBM), synthesized via solid‐state reaction method with an ultralow sintering temperature is reported. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirms the coexistence of both (Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4 and BaMoO4 scheelite phases. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated dense microstructures of ceramics sintered at 650°C and 700°C. The dielectric properties of (1 − x)NBM–xBM (x = 0.3–0.6) ceramic are significantly tailored by incorporation of BaMoO4. With the increase in x from 0.3 to 0.6, the (1 − x)(Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4–xBaMoO4 displays noticeable change in microwave permittivity (varying from 25.4 to 16.6), quality factor values, and temperature coefficient of frequency (range tunable from +37.6 ppm/°C to −14.2 ppm/°C). The microwave dielectric ceramic, 0.5(Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4–0.5BaMoO4, has optimum dielectric properties (,  = 15 164 GHz, τf = −0.2 ppm/°C) at sintering temperature of 650°C. The dielectric resonator antenna designed using (1 − x)(Na0.5Bi0.5)MoO4–xBaMoO4 ceramics demonstrated excellent radiation performance at resonance frequency of 5.905 GHz, gain of ∼5.8 dBi and 140 MHz bandwidth, which validates its microwave applications utilization within the field of ultralow temperature cofired ceramics technology.
Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3‐based ceramics with increased depolarization temperature and piezoelectric coefficient
Authors: Yang Jiao , Ren Pengrong , Wang Teng , Liu Zhiyong , Yan Fuxue
Published: February 2024

Sodium bismuth titanate‐based materials are expected to be an alternative candidate to lead‐based ceramic materials due to their excellent electrical properties. However, the low depolarization temperature (Td) limits their practical application. In this work, the phase structure evolution and microstructure of 0.9(0.4Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3–0.6BiFeO3)–0.1BaTiO3: xZnO (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07) (abbreviated as 100xZnO) composite ceramics are investigated, and their piezoelectric properties are improved by combination of constructing 0–3 type composites and quenching treatment technology. The addition of ZnO can increase both Td and d33 because ZnO can enhance the lattice distortion of rhombohedral phase and lead to the increase in ferroelectric order. Specifically, the optimum composition x = 0.03 obtains the d33 value of 106 pC/N (25°C), which retains 84% of the value at room temperature up to 240°C. And the quenching technology further enhances the ferroelectric order and increases Td, which is up to 280°C for x = 0.03.
Optimization in the energy storage properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–SrTiO3 ceramics by introducing Bi(Mg0.5Zr0.5)O3
Authors: Jiang Shunshun , Zhang Ji , Karpinsky Dmitry V. , Li Jinglei , Liu Lisha , Wang Yaojin
Published: February 2024

As one of the important electronic components, the dielectric capacitors for energy storage applications have been extensively studied in recent years. Among various dielectric materials, the perovskite oxide Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐based ceramics have become promising candidates due to their high polarization, dielectric tunability, environment‐friendly composition, and so forth. Herein, the relaxor ferroelectric ceramics of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–SrTiO3–Bi(Mg0.5Zr0.5)O3 were prepared via solid‐state reaction method. The sample with optimal composition not only retains the high polarization by introducing Bi3+ ions, but also achieves the reduced remanent polarization by enhancing relaxor behavior and the promoted electric breakdown strength by the grain size refinement. Accordingly, a high recoverable energy density of 8.3 J/cm3 under 450 kV/cm and the superb charge/discharge properties (current density CD = 1200 A/cm2, power density PD = 150 MW/cm3, charge/discharge time t0.9 = 0.15 µs) are achieved, revealing great prospect in energy storage applications.
Increased panicle nitrogen application improves rice yield by alleviating high‐temperature damage during panicle initiation to anther development
Authors: Hu Qiuqian , Yan Na , Cui Kehui , Li Guohui , Wang Wencheng , Huang Jianliang , Peng Shaobing
Published: February 2024

The grain yield is closely associated with spikelet fertility in rice (Oryza sativa L.) under high temperatures, and nitrogen (N) plays a crucial role in yield formation. To investigate the effect of panicle N application on yield formation under high temperatures at the panicle initiation stage, two rice varieties [Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ, heat susceptible) and Shanyou63 (SY63, heat tolerant)] were grown and exposed to high daytime temperature (HT) and control temperature (Control) during the panicle initiation stage. Low (LPN) and high (HPN) panicle N applications were conducted. HT markedly decreased the yields by 87% at LPN and 48% at HPN in LYPJ and 31% at LPN and 36% at HPN in SY63. The decrease in grain yield under HT was primarily attributed to the decline in spikelet fertility, HPN increased spikelet fertility. HT resulted in the abnormal development of anthers, which included disordered, enlarged, and broken anther wall layers, degraded and irregularly shaped microspores, delayed tapetum degradation, less vacuolated microspores per locule, abnormal and aborted pollen grains; however, HPN improved the development of anthers under HT, particularly in LYPJ. A high rate of evapotranspiration resulted in an approximately 1°C decrease in panicle temperatures at HPN compared with that at LPN in both varieties under HT. Overall, these results demonstrate that the increased panicle N application favors normal anther development in LYPJ by decreasing the panicle temperature, which results in high pollen viability and spikelet fertility, and consequently less yield loss under HT.
Why do people buy insurance? A modern answer to an old question
Authors: Rieger‐Fels Markus
Published: February 2024

Three archetypical models of insurance demand based, respectively, on risk aversion, state‐dependent marginal utility, and imperfectly divisible consumption are presented. These models show that the common principle underlying insurance is not always a risk transfer but meeting a conditional need. In general, insurance aligns the risk in one's financial endowment with the risk in one's financial needs. This extension of the traditional view of insurance allows simple generalizations of classic results, has implications for policy advice, and may help guiding further research.
Exploring Retrograde Trafficking: Mechanisms and Consequences in Cancer and Disease
Authors: Bingham Rachel , McCarthy Helen , Buckley Niamh
Published: February 2024

Retrograde trafficking (RT) orchestrates the intracellular movement of cargo from the plasma membrane, endosomes, Golgi or endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) in an inward/ER‐directed manner. RT works as the opposing movement to anterograde trafficking (outward secretion), and the two work together to maintain cellular homeostasis. This is achieved through maintaining cell polarity, retrieving proteins responsible for anterograde trafficking and redirecting proteins that become mis‐localised. However, aberrant RT can alter the correct location of key proteins, and thus inhibit or indeed change their canonical function, potentially causing disease. This review highlights the recent advances in the understanding of how upregulation, downregulation or hijacking of RT impacts the localisation of key proteins in cancer and disease to drive progression. Cargoes impacted by aberrant RT are varied amongst maladies including neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, bacterial and viral infections (including SARS‐CoV‐2), and cancer. As we explore the intricacies of RT, it becomes increasingly apparent that it holds significant potential as a target for future therapies to offer more effective interventions in a wide range of pathological conditions.
Radiographic and computed tomographic characteristics of intraluminal tracheal adenoma in a cat
Authors: An Yoojin , Lee Yeonhee , Kim Sungsoo , Lee Kichang , Yoon Hakyoung
Published: February 2024

A 13‐year‐old spayed female Persian cat presented with dyspnea and nasal discharge. Thoracic radiography revealed a dome‐shaped soft‐tissue opacity in the carina. Computed tomography confirmed a soft tissue‐attenuating mass in the carina and the left and right proximal main bronchi that appeared to arise from the tracheal wall. Tracheoscopy revealed an intraluminal broad‐based mass with multilobulated borders at the same location. Histopathological evaluation revealed a benign neoplastic process of the glandular epithelial lineage, which was considered an adenoma. Tracheal adenomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of tracheal masses.
Discrepancy between IDSA and ESGBOR in Lyme disease: Individual participant meta‐analysis in Türkiye
Authors: Yıldız Abdullah Burak , Çetin Ecesu , Pınarlık Fatihan , Keske Şiran , Can Füsun , Ergönül Önder
Published: February 2024

Background

The evidence on the prevalence of Lyme borreliosis (LB) is limited, but there is a suspicion of overdiagnosis of LB in recent years. We reviewed the LB diagnosis and treatment‐related data in Türkiye, based on the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 2020 and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Study Group for Lyme Borreliosis (ESGBOR) 2018 guidelines. By detecting the disagreements between these two, we outlined the areas to be improved for future guidelines.

Methods

We performed a literature search according to the PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Ovid‐Medline, Web of Science, Turkish Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, ULAKBIM TR Index, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library databases. We included the published cases in a database and evaluated according to IDSA and ESGBOR guidelines. We outlined the reasons for misdiagnoses and inappropriate uses of antibiotics.

Results

We included 42 relevant studies with 84 LB cases reported from Türkiye between 1990 and December 2022. Among 84 cases, the most common clinical findings were nervous system findings (n = 37, 44.0%), erythema migrans (n = 29, 34.5%) and ophthalmologic findings (n = 15, 17.9%). The IDSA 2020 and ESGBOR 2018 guidelines agreed on the diagnosis of 71 (84.5%) cases; there was an agreement that 31 cases (36.9%) were misdiagnosed and 40 cases (47.6%) were correctly diagnosed, and there was disagreement for 13 cases (15.5%). Serum immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG measurements by ELISA and western blot were widely performed, and they were effective in definitive diagnosis merely when used according to guidelines. Inappropriate use of antibiotics was detected in 42 (50.0%) of cases which were classified in the following categories: incorrect LB diagnosis, inappropriate choice of antibiotic, inappropriate route of drug administration and prolonged antibiotic treatment.

Conclusion

Overdiagnosis and non‐adherence to guidelines is a common problem. The discordance between seroprevalence and clinical studies necessitates a consensus over the best clinical approach.
Grid Convergence Properties of Wall-Modeled Large Eddy Simulations in the Asymptotic Regime
Authors: Yang Xiang I. A. , Abkar Mahdi , Park George
Published: February 2024

This study explores the grid convergence properties of wall-modeled large eddy simulation (WMLES) solutions as the large eddy simulation (LES) grid approaches the direct numerical simulation (DNS) grid. This aspect of WMLES is fundamental but has not been previously investigated or documented. We investigate two types of grid refinements: one where the LES/wall-model matching location is fixed at an off-wall grid point, and another where the matching location is fixed at a specific distance from the wall. In both cases, we refine the LES grid simultaneously in all three Cartesian directions, with grid resolution ranging from typical LES resolution to typical DNS resolution. Our focus is on examining the mean flow and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) as the grid refines. While the turbulence statistics consistently converge toward the DNS solution, we observe nonmonotonic convergence in the mean flow statistics. We show that improving the grid resolution does not necessarily enhance the accuracy of the mean flow predictions. Specifically, we identify a negative log layer mismatch when the LES/wall-model matching location lies below the logarithmic layer, regardless of grid resolution and matching location. Finally, we demonstrate that the nonmonotonic convergence of the mean flow can lead to misleading conclusions from grid convergence studies of WMLES.
Assessing the feasibility of laser ablation coating removal (LACR) on legacy bridge steel: Coating removal and adhesion, and effects on mechanical properties
Authors: Moffat W. P. , Sharp S. , Provines J. , Agnew S. R. , Fitz-Gerald J. M.
Published: February 2024

The application of protective organic coatings is one of the most effective and commonly used corrosion mitigation strategies. To maintain the protective nature of coatings on long-term-exposed surfaces such as steel bridge components, coatings must be periodically removed and reapplied. A relatively new method called laser ablation coating removal (LACR), which incorporates a high energy nanosecond pulsed laser beam in combination with a high efficiency filtration system, allows for safe and effective removal of coatings and contamination from metal surfaces. In this study, LACR cleaning is tested on legacy bridge steel components to investigate the effect on substrate cleanliness and steel mechanical properties. These bridge sections were never blasted and contain a 20–100 μm thick mill-scale layer (iron oxide) below several coating layers (including lead-rich coatings). The top micron of the oxide layer is melted by LACR and also thermally insulates the underlying steel and prevents any melting within the metallic substrate. The resulting surfaces are analyzed using microscopy, hardness testing, tensile, and fatigue testing, and it is shown that LACR does not cause any measurable detrimental effects to the bulk mechanical properties of the bridge steel, as well as effectively removes all paint coatings. Furthermore, adhesion testing on LACR-cleaned substrates shows excellent adhesion, qualifying above adhesion requirements for coated steel.
Current-carrying tribological behavior of copper alloy matrix and molybdenum alloy coating at high current density
Authors: Zhou Yu-jie , Li Yang , Tan Na , Lu Bing-wen , Yin Wei , Zhang Guo-liang , Liu Meng , Cai Yu-Jun , Deng Qi-yao , Kong Xu
Published: February 2024

Improving the current-carrying friction and wear resistance of copper alloy current-carrying friction subsets effectively is a hot topic. In this paper, a method of preparing high melting point molybdenum-based coating on copper alloy surfaces by laser cladding technology is presented. A large current (106 A/m2) comparison experiment is carried out with a self-made current-carrying friction device, and the failure mechanism is analyzed. The results show that the molybdenum-based coating significantly improves the adhesion problem between the friction partner and the copper alloy substrate, while the thickness of the stress layer caused by the current-carrying friction is reduced by about 7 times. The molybdenum-based coating significantly reduces the surface arc rate and has a lower friction interface temperature, thus retaining the Al2O3 self-lubricating phase. The research in this paper is expected to provide extended research ideas for the surface protection of current-carrying friction subsets of copper alloys.
Operando study of HfO2 atomic layer deposition on partially hydroxylated Si(111)
Authors: Jones Rosemary , D’Acunto Giulio , Shayesteh Payam , Pinsard Indiana , Rochet François , Bournel Fabrice , Gallet Jean-Jacques , Head Ashley , Schnadt Joachim
Published: February 2024

The introduction of atomic layer deposition (ALD), to the microelectronics industry has introduced a large number of new possible materials able to be deposited in layers with atomic thickness control. One such material is the high-κ oxide HfO2; thermally stable and ultrathin HfO2 films deposited by ALD are a significant contender to replace SiO2 as the gate oxide in capacitor applications. We present a mechanistic study of the first deposition cycle of HfO2 on the Si(111) surface using tetrakis(dimethylamido) hafnium (TDMAHf) and water as precursors using operando ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Here, we show that the hydroxylation of the clean Si(111) surface by residual water vapor, resulting in a 0.3 monolayer coverage of hydroxyls, leads to instantaneous full surface coverage of TDMAHf. The change in the atomic ratio of Hf to C/N found during the first deposition half-cycle, however, does not match the assumed immediate ligand loss through reaction with surface hydroxyls. One would expect an immediate loss of ligands, indicated by a Hf:N ratio of approximately 1:3 as TDMAHf deposits onto the surface; however, a Hf:N ratio of 1:3.6 is observed. The partial hydroxylation on the Si(111) surface leads to binding through the TDMAHf ligand N atoms resulting in both N and CH3 being found remaining on the surface post water half-cycle. Although there is evidence of ligand exchange reactions occurring at Si–OH sites, it also seems that N binding can occur on bare Si, highlighting the complexity of the substrate/precursor reaction even when hydroxyls are present. Moreover, the initial low coverage of Si–OH/Si–H appears to severely limit the amount of Hf deposited, which we hypothesize is due to the specific geometry of the initial arrangement of Si–OH/Si–H on the rest- and adatoms.
Mitigating nitrogen losses with almost no crop yield penalty during extremely wet years
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Li Mengxue , Huang Yuanyuan , Makowski David , Su Yang , Bai Yawei , Schauberger Bernhard , Du Taisheng , Abbaspour Karim C. , Yang Kun , Yang Hong , Ciais Philippe
Published: February 2024

Climate change–induced precipitation anomalies during extremely wet years (EWYs) result in substantial nitrogen losses to aquatic ecosystems (Nw). Still, the extent and drivers of these losses, and effective mitigation strategies have remained unclear. By integrating global datasets with well-established crop modeling and machine learning techniques, we reveal notable increases in Nw, ranging from 22 to 56%, during historical EWYs. These pulses are projected to amplify under the SSP126 (SSP370) scenario to 29 to 80% (61 to 120%) due to the projected increases in EWYs and higher nitrogen input. We identify the relative precipitation difference between two consecutive years (diffPr) as the primary driver of extreme Nw. This finding forms the basis of the CLimate Extreme Adaptive Nitrogen Strategy (CLEANS), which scales down nitrogen input adaptively to diffPr, leading to a substantial reduction in extreme Nwwith nearly zero yield penalty. Our results have important implications for global environmental sustainability and while safeguarding food security.
The “abortion imaginary”: Shared perceptions and personal representations among everyday Americans
Authors: Bruce Tricia C. , Hutchens Kendra , Cowan Sarah K.
Published: February 2024

Drawing upon 217 in-depth interviews and the concept of the “social imaginary,” we introduce the “abortion imaginary”—a set of shared understandings regarding abortion and abortion patients. We identify four interrelated facets of the U.S. abortion imaginary pertaining to who gets an abortion and why: maternal inevitability, economic decision-making, relationship precarity, and emotional fragility. We then show how shared perceptions of abortion patients diverge into polarized opinions, revealing how those who know someone who has had an abortion differ from those who do not. Centering personal “exemplars,” we integrate conceptual work on social imaginaries with contact theory to illuminate how divergent opinions coexist with shared cultural understandings.
Rise in broadly cross-reactive adaptive immunity against human β-coronaviruses in MERS-recovered patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kim So-Hee , Kim Yuri , Jeon Sangeun , Park Uni , Kang Ju-Il , Jeon Kyeongseok , Kim Hye-Ran , Oh Songhyeok , Rhee Ji-Young , Choi Jae-Phil , Park Wan Beom , Park Sang Won , Yang Jeong-Sun , Lee Joo-Yeon , Kang Jihye , Shin Hyoung-Shik , Kim Yeonjae , Kim Seungtaek , Kim Yeon-Sook , Lim Dong-Gyun , Cho Nam-Hyuk
Published: February 2024

To develop a universal coronavirus (CoV) vaccine, long-term immunity against multiple CoVs, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)–CoV, and future CoV strains, is crucial. Following the 2015 Korean MERS outbreak, we conducted a long-term follow-up study and found that although neutralizing antibodies and memory T cells against MERS-CoV declined over 5 years, some recovered patients exhibited increased antibody levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. This likely resulted from cross-reactive immunity induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines or infections. A significant correlation in antibody responses across various CoVs indicates shared immunogenic epitopes. Two epitopes—the spike protein’s stem helix and intracellular domain—were highly immunogenic after MERS-CoV infection and after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection. In addition, memory T cell responses, especially polyfunctional CD4
+
T cells, were enhanced during the pandemic, correlating significantly with MERS-CoV spike-specific antibodies and neutralizing activity. Therefore, incorporating these cross-reactive and immunogenic epitopes into pan-CoV vaccine formulations may facilitate effective vaccine development.
Mapping cerebral perfusion in mice under various anesthesia levels using highly sensitive BOLD MRI with transient hypoxia
Authors: Le Thuy Thi , Im Geun Ho , Lee Chan Hee , Choi Sang Han , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: February 2024

Cerebral perfusion is critical for the early detection of neurological diseases and for effectively monitoring disease progression and treatment responses. Mouse models are widely used in brain research, often under anesthesia, which can affect vascular physiology. However, the impact of anesthesia on regional cerebral blood volume and flow in mice has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we have developed a whole-brain perfusion MRI approach by using a 5-second nitrogen gas stimulus under inhalational anesthetics to induce transient BOLD dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC). This method proved to be highly sensitive, repeatable within each imaging session, and across four weekly sessions. Relative cerebral blood volumes measured by BOLD DSC agree well with those by contrast agents. Quantitative cerebral blood volume and flow metrics were successfully measured in mice under dexmedetomidine and various isoflurane doses using both total vasculature-sensitive gradient-echo and microvasculature-sensitive spin-echo BOLD MRI. Dexmedetomidine reduces cerebral perfusion, while isoflurane increases cerebral perfusion in a dose-dependent manner.
Effect of modification of penicillin-binding protein 3 on susceptibility to ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, aztreonam-avibactam, cefepime-taniborbactam, and cefiderocol of
Escherichia coli
strains producing broad-spectrum β-lactamases
Authors: Le Terrier Christophe , Nordmann Patrice , Buchs Chloé , Poirel Laurent
Published: February 2024

The impact of penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3) modifications that may be identified in
Escherichia coli
was evaluated with respect to susceptibility to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations including ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, aztreonam-avibactam, cefepime-taniborbactam, and to cefiderocol. A large series of
E. coli
recombinant strains producing broad-spectrum β-lactamases was evaluated. While imipenem-relebactam showed a similar activity regardless of the PBP3 background, susceptibility to other molecules tested was affected at various levels. This was particularly the case for ceftazidime-avibactam, aztreonam-avibactam, and cefepime-taniborbactam.
An atypical 3-ketoacyl ACP synthase III required for acyl homoserine lactone synthesis in
Pseudomonas syringae
pv.
syringae
B728a
Authors: Guo Qiaoqiao , Su Jingtong , Liao Yuling , Yu Yin , Luo Lizhen , Weng Xiaoshan , Zhang Wenbin , Hu Zhe , Wang Haihong , Beattie Gwyn A. , Ma Jincheng
Published: February 2024

The last step of the initiation phase of fatty acid biosynthesis in most bacteria is catalyzed by the 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase III (FabH).
Pseudomonas syringae
pv.
syringae
strain B728a encodes two FabH homologs, Psyr_3467 and Psyr_3830, which we designated PssFabH1 and PssFabH2, respectively. Here, we explored the roles of these two 3-ketoacyl-ACP synthase (KAS) III proteins. We found that PssFabH1 is similar to the
Escherichia coli
FabH in using acetyl-acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA ) as a substrate
in vitro,
whereas PssFabH2 uses acyl-CoAs (C
4
–C
10
) or acyl-ACPs (C
6
–C
10
). Mutant analysis showed that neither KAS III protein is essential for the
de novo
fatty acid synthesis and cell growth. Loss of PssFabH1 reduced the production of an acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing signal, and this production was partially restored by overexpressing FabH homologs from other bacteria. AHL production was also restored by inhibiting fatty acid elongation and providing exogenous butyric acid. Deletion of PssFabH1 supports the redirection of acyl-ACP toward biosurfactant synthesis, which in turn enhances swarming motility. Our study revealed that PssFabH1 is an atypical KAS III protein that represents a new KAS III clade that functions in providing a critical fatty acid precursor, butyryl-ACP, for AHL synthesis.

IMPORTANCE

Acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are important quorum-sensing compounds in Gram-negative bacteria. Although their formation requires acylated acyl carrier proteins (ACPs), how the acylated intermediate is shunted from cellular fatty acid synthesis to AHL synthesis is not known. Here, we provide
in vivo
evidence that
Pseudomonas syringae
strain B728a uses the enzyme PssFabH1 to provide the critical fatty acid precursor butyryl-ACP for AHL synthesis. Loss of PssFabH1 reduces the diversion of butyryl-ACP to AHL, enabling the accumulation of acyl-ACP for synthesis of biosurfactants that contribute to bacterial swarming motility. We report that PssFabH1 and PssFabH2 each encode a 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase (KAS) III in
P. syringae
B728a. Whereas PssFabH2 is able to function in redirecting intermediates from β-oxidation to fatty acid synthesis, PssFabH1 is an atypical KAS III protein that represents a new KAS III clade based on its sequence, non-involvement in cell growth, and novel role in AHL synthesis.
Supplemental Material: The Zaozigou orogenic gold-antimony deposit, West Qinling Orogen, China: Structural controls on multiple mineralization events
Authors: Qiu Kun-Feng , al. et
Published: February 2024

Table S1: Detailed operating parameters and conditions for dolomite U-Pb dating. Table S2: LA-ICP-MS U-Pb isotope data for dolomite. 
Supplemental Material: Recommendations for the reporting and interpretation of isotope dilution U-Pb geochronological information
Authors: Condon Daniel , al. et
Published: February 2024

Table 1: Example data table for U-Pb CA-ID-TIMS isotopic data for a mineral low in common Pb. Table 2: U-Pb ID-TIMS isotopic data for a single mineral grain high in common Pb. 
Thermal Interference When Recording Turbulent Pressure Fluctuations on the Surface of a Floating Device
Authors: Kudashev E. B. , Yablonik L. R.
Published: February 2024

Thermal interference is studied when recording turbulent pressure fluctuations on the surface of a floating device at specified experimental parameters of temperature stratification of an aquatic medium. The effect of distortion of the spectral levels of pressure fluctuations recorded by a sound receiver in the field of temperature inhomogeneities is studied using the example of measurements of turbulent pressure fluctuations in the boundary layer during the vertical ascent of a device from a specified depth. At moderate flow velocities exceeding 1–2 m/s, the temperature susceptibility of a piezoceramic receiver is shown to be decisively determined by its characteristic “thermal” frequency. The parameters of the threshold critical frequency, below which the temperature signal (thermal interference) prevails over the useful signal generated by pressure fluctuations, are determined. With respect to the receivers used in experiments on a floating device [7], the values of the threshold critical frequency are 130 and 215 Hz.