bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐vascular Facial Nodes: Sentinel Station for Metastasis in Gingivobuccal Complex Cancers
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Kondamudi Dheeraj , Sagar Prem , Khan Maroof A. , Kakkar Aanchal , Manchanda Smita , Bhalla Ashu S. , Sikka Kapil , Singh Chirom A. , Kumar Rakesh , Thakar Alok
Published: August 2024

Background

Pre‐vascular facial nodes (PV‐FNs; perifacial lymph nodes) are supra‐mandibular lymph nodes above the inferior border of the mandible. These are not part of routine neck dissection done for OCSCC. These lymph nodes can be sentinel station for metastatic lymph nodes from gingivobuccal complex cancers and are missed during routine neck dissection. It is imperative to include this sentinel station in routine neck dissection to prevent nodal recurrences.

Materials and Methods

One hundred thirty‐seven patients with GBCC (T1–T4) were prospectively recruited between May 2020 and June 2022 with the intent to evaluate the incidence of PV‐FN metastases and clinicopathological factors predicting them.

Results

PV‐FN metastases were seen in 26 patients (18.9%; 26/137). The occult metastasis rate was 8.7% (12/137). On multivariate analysis, pathological T4 stage (pT4), LVE positivity, and intermediate‐high BGS were statistically significant predictors of PV‐FN metastases in our study.

Conclusions

Incidence of PV‐FN metastasis is high (18.9%) in GBCC, which can be potentially the first sentinel station in the lymphatic drainage pattern for this sub‐site. Meticulous clearance of this nodal basin is of paramount importance during neck dissection to prevent nodal recurrences.

Level of Evidence

Level 2 (CEBM‐Level of Evidence‐2.1) Laryngoscope, 2024
The effect of multielectrode galvanic corrosion behavior and area ratio on 6061 aluminum alloy, Q235 stainless steel, and carbon fiber composites
Authors: Chen Guangyi , Huai Xiangdong , Xu Guisheng , Zhang Wenzhuo , Han Xiaoqiang , Wang Decheng , Yin Qi , Xie Dan , Chen Yuli
Published: August 2024

In this work, electrochemical experiments and numerical simulation methods are employed to study the multielectrode galvanic corrosion behavior of 6061‐Q235‐CFRP, and discuss the influence of the cathode and anode area ratio on the multielectrode galvanic corrosion behavior. The results show that in the 6061‐Q235‐CFRP multielectrode corrosion system, 6061 aluminum alloy is the only anode, and Q235 as well as CFRP are both cathodes. In a multielectrode galvanic system of 6061‐Q235‐CFRP, the current density of 6061 is slightly smaller than the sum of the current densities of 6061 in two galvanic systems of 6061‐Q235 as well as 6061‐CFRP. Moreover, the potential of the galvanic system shifts negatively and the current density decreases gradually with the increasing area of 6061, which has a logarithmic relationship with the area of the cathode and anode. While the current density increases with the increasing area of Q235 or CFRP.
Usefulness of somatosensory evoked potentials for monitoring the clinical course of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Llauradó A. , Gratacòs‐Viñola M. , Vidal‐Taboada J. M. , Sanchez‐Tejerina D. , Salvadó M. , Sotoca J. , López‐Diego V. , Alemañ J. , Restrepo‐Vera J. L. , Lainez E. , Seoane J. L. , Raguer N. , Juntas‐Morales R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction/Aims

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are described as a supportive tool to diagnose chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP); however, there is a lack of studies determining the effectiveness of SSEPs in monitoring the clinical course of individuals with this condition. The aims of this study are to evaluate the utility of SSEPs in monitoring patients with CIDP and to assess their association with clinical outcomes following immunomodulatory therapy.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective observational study that included patients who met European Federation of Neurological Societies and Peripheral Nerve Society criteria for CIDP between 2018 and 2023. SSEPs were performed at diagnosis and during follow‐up after the start of immunomodulatory treatment. Fisher's exact test was employed to assess the association between clinical improvement and SSEP improvement.

Results

Eighteen patients were included in the study. Ten patients had a typical CIDP pattern and 11 were male. In 17, SSEPs were abnormal prior to the start of immunomodulatory treatment. In patients who showed clinical improvement with immunomodulatory therapy, we observed that 15/17 had partial or complete improvement in SSEPs. Patients who showed no clinical improvement with first‐line treatment exhibited worsening SSEPs. There was a significant association between clinical and SSEPs improvement (p = 0.009).

Discussion

We observed a positive association between improvement in SSEPs and clinical improvement in patients with CIDP. Our data suggest that SSEPs may be useful for monitoring the clinical course of patients with CIDP, but additional, larger studies are needed.
Agriculture students’ use of generative artificial intelligence for microcontroller programming
Authors: Johnson Donald M. , Doss Will , Estepp Christopher M.
Published: August 2024

Microcontrollers are widely used in agriculture, yet most undergraduate agriculture students do not have the programming skills necessary to make use of these devices in their academic programs or careers. However, generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have the ability to write complex microcontroller programs when properly queried. The study was conducted to determine the effects of undergraduate agriculture students’ (n = 22) use of ChatGPT to write a microcontroller program on their programming task performance, self‐efficacy, and attitudes toward generative AI. Nine of 11 (81.8%) student pairs were successful in the ChatGPT‐assisted programming activity, requiring between one (33.3%) and six (11.1%) queries to develop their programs. The two unsuccessful pairs used either one or two queries and produced somewhat functional programs that did not fully operate as specified. Pre‐ and posttest surveys indicated significant (p < 0.001) increases in self‐efficacy for writing microcontroller programs, for using ChatGPT to write microcontroller programs, and attitudes toward generative AI. This research confirmed that undergraduate agriculture students can successfully use generative AI chatbots to write microcontroller programs and that successful task completion increases student self‐efficacy. Further research is needed to determine best practices for using generative AI in teaching and learning microcontroller programming.
hBN/PVDF‐HFP and BNNS/PVDF‐HFP nanocomposites as flexible and lightweight dielectric capacitors: High energy storage performance via electrically insulating nanoparticles
Authors: Koroglu Levent , Tubio Carmen R. , Correia Daniela M. , Costa Carlos M. , Ayas Erhan , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu , Ay Nuran
Published: August 2024

As the energy demand continuously increases, polymer‐based materials have attracted much attention for energy storage systems as dielectric capacitors due to their higher power density and charge–discharge rate than lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. However, it is necessary to increase the energy density of dielectric capacitors. In this context, poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene), PVDF‐HFP, matrix nanocomposites are produced by solution casting method reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles and silane‐modified boron nitride nanosheets ‐BNNSs‐ (BNNS‐VTS) up to 10 wt.% filler content. The effects of filler content and surface modification of hBN/BNNSs on PVDF‐HFP matrix nanocomposites' microstructure, phase evolution, crystalization behavior, dielectric properties, and energy storage performance are discussed. 4% hBN/PVDF‐HFP nanocomposite demonstrates 641 MV·m−1 of breakdown strength and 23.2 J·cm−3 of discharged energy density due to hexagonal boron nitride's excellent electrical insulating behavior. The achieved values are 3.0 and 10.5 times superior to the values of the neat thin film, respectively, and they are noteworthy among hBN‐ or BNNS‐reinforced PVDF‐based nanocomposites, even in multi‐layered structures. Furthermore, 4% hBN/PVDF‐HFP presents a giant charge–discharge energy efficiency (92%). It is thus demonstrated that hBN/PVDF‐HFP nanocomposites hold a great potential to be used in energy storage applications as flexible and lightweight dielectric capacitors.

Highlights

PVDF‐HFP matrix nanocomposites for electrical energy storage as flexible dielectric capacitors

hBN NPs and silane‐modified BNNSs are reinforced into the matrix by 0–10 wt.%.

The effects of filler content and surface modification of hBN/BNNSs are discussed.

4% hBN loading results in 23.2 J·cm−3 energy density and 92% efficiency at 641 MV·m−1 breakdown strength.

Those metrics are relatively high in hBN‐ or BNNS‐reinforced PVDF‐based nanocomposites.
Impact resistance of polyurethane elastomer enhanced by organic montmorillonite with interlayer anchored polymer chains
Authors: Zhao Zengqiong , Fu Zhao , Qi Feng , Di Chunyang , Qin Yuanbo , Zhang Biao , Gao Jun , Chen Jing , Wang Jinbin , Ouyang Xiaoping , Zhong Xiangli
Published: August 2024

The development of materials with excellent impact resistance is essential for safety protection. Polyurethane elastomer (PUE) is widely used in impact protection; however, it has low dynamic compressive strength and poor energy absorption efficiency under high‐speed impact, limiting its in‐depth application in the protection field. Herein, an organic montmorillonite (MMT) with interlayer anchored polymer chains, named M@NH3+, was synthesized via the dual modification of MMT involving surface grafting and cation intercalation by macromolecular amino silane, which was used to enhance the impact resistance of PUE. Based on the uniform dispersion of M@NH3+ within the PUE matrix, the strong bonding at the polymer‐filler interface and the synergistic action between M@NH3+ lamellae, PUE‐M@NH3+ composite exhibited excellent mechanical properties and energy absorption capacity. Compared with pure PUE, the elastic modulus (+98.3%), static compressive strength (+37.0%), dynamic compressive strength (+35.4%) and impact energy absorption (+50.8%) of PUE‐2wt%M@NH3+ were significantly improved, which shows that it has potential applications in the field of high‐speed impact protection.

Highlights

Organic MMT with interlayer anchored polymer chains was prepared.

The large interlayer spacing of M@NH3+ facilitates its dispersion within the matrix.

The interconnected M@NH3+ lamellae can collaboratively disperse impact stress.

The impact energy absorption of PUE composite has been remarkably improved.
Cover Image
Authors: Li Yao , Shang Yaoxing , Wan Xiaofei , Yu Tian , Zhao Xi , Jiao Zongxia
Published: August 2024

The cover image is based on the article Design, optimization, manufacture, and tests of CFRP hydraulic cylinder tube without metal liner: A bionic thorn‐tooth connection by Yao Li et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28504.

image
Transient changes in mismatch negativity after two sessions of electroconvulsive therapy for atypical psychosis: A case report
Authors: Mori Yuhei , Kanno Kazuko , Hoshino Hiroshi , Takahashi Yuichi , Suzuki Yuhei , Miura Itaru
Published: August 2024

Background

Cognitive abnormalities associated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are limited to the first few days after treatment. Mismatch negativity (MMN) is an event‐related potential that reflects an automatic auditory change detection process under nonattention conditions and cognitive function in psychotic disorders and may be trait‐ or state‐dependent. This study aimed to report the changes in MMN and cognitive function after two ECT treatments in a female patient who underwent maintenance ECT for atypical psychosis.

Case Presentation

A 67‐year‐old Japanese woman with atypical psychosis was admitted to our hospital for the maintenance of ECT. She received two ECT treatments. We measured her duration‐MMN (MMN‐D) at baseline, the day after two ECT treatments, and approximately 40 days after the two ECT treatments. After the two ECT treatments, the peak latency of the MMN on the following day was delayed compared with that before the first ECT treatment. Forty days after the two ECT treatments, the peak latency reverted to the baseline. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia scores measured at the same time point also showed a similar temporary decrease in scores.

Conclusion

Peak latency prolongation in MMN‐D may reflect transient cognitive abnormalities after ECT. MMN can be useful to evaluate cognitive dysfunction, one of the adverse events of ECT. However, future studies are needed to examine the reproducibility and to examine the results in diseases other than atypical psychosis.
Water‐Dispersible BODIPY Multifunctionalized Silicon Oxide Nanoparticles for Glutathione Sensing
Authors: Bagherpour Saman , Vázquez Patricia , Redondo‐Horcajo Mariano , Suárez Teresa , Plaza José Antonio , Pérez‐García Lluïsa
Published: August 2024

Glutathione (GSH), a thiol containing small peptide, plays pivotal roles in maintaining cellular redox balance, metabolism, detoxification, and scavenging of free radicals. Aberrant GSH levels in cells and tissues are associated with various disorders, underscoring the importance of accurate GSH detection for clinical diagnosis and therapy monitoring. Several molecular probes have been designed as fluorescent‐based GSH sensors. However, their water insolubility and the need of using organic cosolvents hinder their applicability on biological samples. Alternatively, nanomaterials have proven to be highly promising for boosting the precision of treatments and enhancing the accuracy of diagnosing diseases, thanks to their compatibility with biological environments and improved cell uptake. Here, the synthesis and characterization of a boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐based probe (PB) are reported, incorporating a fluorescent BODIPY core, chlorine substituents for reaction with GSH, and a linking moiety for conjugation to the surface of silicon oxide nanoparticles (SONPs). Functionalized SONPs with PB are also characterized at the nanoscale using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–Vis absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopies, confirming the surface functionalization and water‐dispersibility of functionalized SONPs with PB. GSH sensing is evaluated in aqueous solution, conjugated to SONPs, and in living cells, showing promising potential for ratiometric GSH detection.
Investigating the method of selection of background pixel values for the calibration of EBT‐XD film dosimetry
Authors: Raj Sathiya , Shree Nithya , Kadirampatti Ganesh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study investigates three different calibration methods for the selection of background pixel intensity.

Methods

Film‐by‐Film (FBF) Method: Each film serves as its own control. Batch‐by‐Film (BBF) Method: A single film is used as a control for all calibration films. Generic (GEN) Method: A generic value (65535) is used as the background pixel value for all calibration films.Three calibration curves were established for the red, green, blue, and RGB channels, and the Radbard NIH (image) curve‐fitting model was used to predict the dose. Sensitivity at different dose levels was quantified by calculating the first derivative of each color channel.

Results

The GEN method exhibited a difference of up to 6% between the predicted and delivered doses below 2 Gy. The changes in optical density when using the GEN method differed significantly (p<0.0001) from those of the FBF and BBF methods. In the dose range 5–30 Gy, the percentage difference between the predicted and delivered doses for the FBF, BBF, and GEN methods was within 2%. Both the red and green channels demonstrated higher sensitivity than the blue channel over the dose range of 2–30 Gy.

Conclusions

The FBF method is more accurate than the BBF and GEN methods because it accounts for inter‐film variations. The Radbard NIH (image) curve‐fitting function proved suitable for predicting the dose for all the three calibration methods.
Novel method for monitoring of carcinogenic impurity of N‐nitrosamine in nizatidine pharmaceutical products using ultra high‐pressure liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Dhorajiya Shivani , Goswami Janki , Dudhatra Bhumika , Thummar Kashyap
Published: August 2024

Nitrosamine compounds pose a significant concern as potential carcinogens, prompting heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies, particularly regarding their presence in pharmaceuticals. The detection of unacceptable levels of N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine has led to widespread recalls, driving interest in alternative medications such as nizatidine, which shares a similar pharmacological class and is used to treat various gastrointestinal conditions. Despite fewer reports on NDMA levels in nizatidine, its structural similarity to ranitidine, characterized by a tertiary amine, underscores the potential for NDMA formation. Addressing the analytical challenges associated with nitrosamine detection, this study focuses on developing and validating an ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method for quantifying NDMA in both nizatidine active pharmaceutical ingredients and tablet formulations. Method validation adheres to International Council for Harmonisation recommendations, with a demonstrated linear range of 0.25–100 ng/mL for NDMA, exhibiting excellent linearity (regression coefficient >0.999) and efficient recovery rates ranging from 95.98% to 109.57%. The method shows high sensitivity, with limits of detection and quantification of 0.25 and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. The developed UHPLC–MS/MS method offers a simple, precise, accurate, and selective approach for monitoring NDMA levels in nizatidine formulations available in Australia, promising enhanced sensitivity and specificity with limits of quantification in the ppb and sub‐ppb ranges.
Characterizing ℒ1$$ {\mathcal{L}}_1 $$ output‐feedback controller for nonlinear systems: Existence conditions via output controlled invariance domain
Authors: Choi Hyung Tae , Kim Jung Hoon , Hagiwara Tomomichi
Published: August 2024

Motivated by existing works on the state‐feedback controller for nonlinear systems, in which the norm of the output for the worst disturbance with a unit magnitude is required to be bounded by 1, this paper considers an extension of those works to an output‐feedback form. More precisely, the existence of an output‐feedback controller for nonlinear systems is characterized by developing output regulation map and output controlled invariance domain, which are extended versions of the conventional regulation map and controlled invariance domain in the previous works. We first lead to a sufficient condition for the existence of an output‐feedback controller by ensuring the lower‐semicontinuity of the corresponding output regulation map. It is also shown in this paper that there exists an output‐feedback controller only if there exists an output controlled invariance domain. Based on these conditions, we further introduce algorithmic guidelines for verifying the existence of output‐feedback controller. Finally, a numerical example is provided to verify the validity of the overall arguments developed in this paper.
Dynamic event‐triggered asynchronous output feedback control for discrete‐time switched systems with deception attacks
Authors: Zhao Dongke , Zhang Huiyan , Li Liya , Zhao Ning
Published: August 2024

This article addresses the problem of dynamic event‐triggered asynchronous output feedback controller design for discrete‐time switched systems under deception attacks. To conserve communication resources and restrict asynchronous time, a dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is established which permits the system to switch many times in the trigger interval. Then, stability criteria for the underlying system despite the impact of deception attacks are obtained via the Lyapunov function and average dwell time method. Meanwhile, a co‐design scheme for dynamic output feedback gains and dynamic event‐triggered parameters are provided. Finally, two simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Right but wrong: How students' mechanistic reasoning and conceptual understandings shift when designing agent‐based models using data
Authors: Fuhrmann Tamar , Rosenbaum Leah , Wagh Aditi , Eloy Adelmo , Wolf Jacob , Blikstein Paulo , Wilkerson Michelle
Published: August 2024

When learning about scientific phenomena, students are expected to mechanistically explain how underlying interactions produce the observable phenomenon and conceptually connect the observed phenomenon to canonical scientific knowledge. This paper investigates how the integration of the complementary processes of designing and refining computational models using real‐world data can support students in developing mechanistic and canonically accurate explanations of diffusion. Specifically, we examine two types of shifts in how students explain diffusion as they create and refine computational models using real‐world data: a shift towards mechanistic reasoning and a shift from noncanonical to canonical explanations. We present descriptive statistics for the whole class as well as three student work examples to illustrate these two shifts as 6th grade students engage in an 8‐day unit on the diffusion of ink in hot and cold water. Our findings show that (1) students develop mechanistic explanations as they build agent‐based models, (2) students' mechanistic reasoning can co‐exist with noncanonical explanations, and (3) students shift their thinking toward canonical explanations after comparing their models against data. These findings could inform the design of modeling tools that support learners in both expressing a diverse range of mechanistic explanations of scientific phenomena and aligning those explanations with canonical science.
Mitigating Zn Dendrite Growth and Enhancing the Utilization of Zn Electrode in Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Mingshan , Chu Yuanwei , Li Xinpeng , Li Jingcheng , Chen Junchen , Ma Zhiyuan , Guo Bingshu , Yu Bo , Pan Yong , Huang Yun , Cao Guozhong , Li Xing
Published: August 2024

In spite of extensive research and appreciable progress, in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries, Zn metal anode is struggling with low Zn utility and poor cycling stability. In this study, a 3D “electrochemical welding” composite electrode is designed by introduction of ZnO/C nanofibers film to copper foils as an anode according to pre‐electrodeposition active Zn (Zn@ZnO/C‐Cu). The flow of Zn2+ through carbon fiber layer is regulated by zincophilic ZnO, promoting homogeneous diffusion of Zn2+ to Cu foil. In subsequent Zn deposition/stripping processes, the hydrophobicity of ZnO/C fiber layer reduces water at the interface of Zn@ZnO/C‐Cu and results in uniform electric field significant suppressing growth of Zn dendritic and side reactions. Thus, pre‐electrodeposition active Zn electrochemical welds ZnO/C nanofibers and Cu foil collectively provide stable charge/electron transfer and stripping/plating of Zn with low polarization and excellent cycling performance. The assembled symmetrical batteries exhibit stable cycling performance for over 470 h under 20% utilization of Zn at 5 mA cm−2, and an average coulombic efficiency of 99.9% at low negative/positive capacity ratio (N/P = 1) after 1000 cycles in the Zn@ZnO/C‐Cu||Na2V6O16·1.5H2O full cell.
Multiscale Tunable Nanorings Based on Bi‐Component Micellar‐Configuration‐Transformation Induced by Hydrophobicity
Authors: Hou Lu , Li Wen‐Cui , Wang Sijia , Lu An‐Hui
Published: August 2024

Ringy nanostructures are amazing materials, displaying unique optical, magnetic, and electronic properties highly related to their dimensions. A strategy capable of continuously tailoring the diameter of nanorings is the key to elucidating their structure‐function relationship. Herein, a method of bi‐component micellar‐configuration‐transformation induced by hydrophobicity for the synthesis of nanorings with diameters ranging from submicron (≈143 nm) to micron (≈4.8 µm) and their carbonaceous analogs is established. Remarkably, the nanorings fabricated with this liquid phase strategy achieve the record for the largest diameter span. Through varying the molecular lengths of fatty alcohols and copolymers, shortening the molecular length of fatty alcohol can swell the primary micelles, improve the exposure of hydrophobic component and boost the assembly kinetics for ultra‐large nanorings is shown here. On the other hand, shortening the molecular length of the copolymer will give rise to ultra‐small nanorings by reducing the size of primary micelles and shortening the assembly time. When assembling the nanorings into monolayer arrays and then depositing Au, such substrate displays enhanced surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance. This research develops a facile method for the controllable synthesis of ringy materials with multiscale tunable diameters and may inspire more interesting applications in physics, optical, and sensors.
Influence of Different Submerged Entry Nozzles for Continuous Casting of Ultrathick Slab
Authors: Li Quanhui , Liu Qing , Wang Qiangqiang , He Shengping , Mao Xinping
Published: August 2024

Controlling the flow activity at the meniscus in the mold during the continuous casting of ultrathick slab is challenging due to the complex flow behavior, which is not extensively documented. Herein, a multiphase transient model of the ultrathick slab mold has been developed to describe the flow of molten steel, velocity distribution, and stream pattern at different submerged entry nozzle (SEN) outlets. The position of impact points and the fluctuation of liquid level are discussed as well. After ejecting from the port, the stream of the S‐shaped SEN splits into upper and lower streams. The upper stream moves to the liquid level, which improves the liquid level activity near the SEN. However, the reduced mainstream momentum alleviates the occurrence of slag layer exposure. Industrial application of the S‐shaped SEN results in uniform slag distribution and smooth casting operations.
Stahl‐Holz‐Verbundträger – erste Bemessungsansätze
Authors: Odenbreit Christoph , Romero Alfredo , Ahmad Adil , Bogdan Teodora
Published: August 2024

Seit der Vorstellung des Green Deal und der EU‐Taxonomieverordnung ist der Druck im Bauwesen gestiegen, Tragwerke auch mit dem Blick auf mehr Nachhaltigkeit zu entwerfen. Verbundträger in der Stahl‐Holz‐Bauweise können dazu beitragen. Allerdings bestehen belastbare Berechnungsregeln für Stahl‐Holz‐Verbundträger noch nicht. Die Working Group 6 des TC11 in der European Convention for Constructional Steelwork (ECCS) beschäftigt sich mit hybriden Stahl‐Holz‐Tragwerken und in diesem Aufsatz werden erste Ideen für Berechnungsansätze für Stahl‐Holz‐Verbundträger vorgestellt. Dabei wird auf die Probleme eingegangen, dass – im Gegensatz zu Beton – der Werkstoff Holz auch eine nennenswerte Zugfestigkeit aufweist und die unterschiedlichsten Verdübelungsarten von Stahl mit Holz auch unterschiedlichste Last‐Schlupfkurven aufweisen können. Letztlich wird ein erster Vergleich des vorgestellten Berechnungsverfahrens mit einem Großversuch präsentiert.
Probing Higgs-muon interactions at a multi-TeV muon collider
Authors: Celada Eugenia , Han Tao , Kilian Wolfgang , Kreher Nils , Ma Yang , Maltoni Fabio , Pagani Davide , Reuter Jürgen , Striegl Tobias , Xie Keping
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study the capabilities of a muon collider, at 3 and 10 TeV center-of-mass energy, of probing the interactions of the Higgs boson with the muon. We consider all the possible processes involving the direct production of EW bosons (W, Z and H) with up to five particles in the final state. We study these processes both in the HEFT and SMEFT frameworks, assuming that the dominant BSM effects originate from the muon Yukawa sector. Our study shows that a Muon Collider has sensitivity beyond the high-luminosity LHC, especially as it does not rely on the Higgs-decay branching fraction to muons. A 10 TeV muon collider provides a unique sensitivity on muon and (multi-) Higgs interactions, significantly better than the 3 TeV option. Particularly, we find searches based purely on multi-Higgs production to be particularly effective in probing these couplings.
Cosmic birefringence from CP-violating axion interactions
Authors: Luo Xuheng , Mathur Anubhav
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We explore the cosmic birefringence signal produced by an ultralight axion field with a small CP-violating coupling to bulk SM matter in addition to the usual CP-preserving photon coupling. The change in the vacuum expectation value of the field between recombination and today results in a frequency-independent rotation of the plane of CMB linear polarization across the entire sky. While many previous approaches rely on the axion rolling from a large initial expectation value, the couplings considered in this work robustly generate the birefringence signal regardless of initial conditions, by sourcing the field from the cosmological nucleon density. We place bounds on such monopole-dipole interactions using measurements of the birefringence angle from Planck and WMAP data, which improve upon existing constraints by up to three orders of magnitude. We also discuss UV completions of this model, and possible strategies to avoid fine-tuning the axion mass.
Tri-boson and WH production in the W+W+jj channel: predictions at full NLO accuracy and beyond
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Pellen Mathieu , Schönherr Marek , Schumann Steffen
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this work, we present the first full NLO predictions for the process pp → μ+νμe+νejj at the LHC in a typical tri-boson phase space. The NLO corrections reach 50% at the level of the fiducial cross section and have a very different hierarchy with respect to vector-boson-scattering phase spaces. By comparing the cross section of the full off-shell process with the sum of contributing on-shell electroweak-boson production subchannels, we find that the process is dominated by WWW and WH production, while vector-boson-scattering topologies still play a non-negligible role. In addition, NLO QCD predictions matched to parton shower which are supplemented by approximate electroweak corrections are provided. For the fiducial cross section, the electroweak corrections turn out to be small but the QCD corrections reach 47%. For the inclusive cross section, matching to parton shower affects the predictions by 7%. However, for differential distributions corrections due to the parton shower can be much more sizeable, depending on the region of phase space.
The Egyptian Nile estuarine habitats: a review
Authors: Abdelsalam Khaled M. , Tadros Hermine R. Z. , Moneer Abeer A. , Khalil Mona Kh. , Hamdona Samia K. , Shakweer Laila , Moawad Madelyn N. , El-Sayed Abeer A. M. , El-Said Ghada F. , Ismail Mona M. , Shobier Aida H. , Hosny Shimaa , Dabbous Amna S. , Alzeny Ahmed M. , Khedawy Mohamed
Published: August 2024

Estuaries are nutrient-rich environments characterized by a gradient in salinity due to the mixing of freshwater and seawater. These bodies of water play vital functions in nature and provide a wide variety of essential ecosystem services. In general, many natural and/or man-made activities have strongly stressed the Egyptian Nile estuarine habitats, as has the water shortage that was expected after the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. In recent decades, the Nile Delta has been considered to be one of the most important productive oil-producing petroleum regions due to onshore and offshore gas discoveries alongside gasoline and base oil generation. Up-to-date systematic reviews of the Egyptian estuarine habitats (Rosetta and Damietta) are missing, and the review reported here was undertaken to fill this gap. In this review, we consider the physical, chemical, geological, pollution, and biological parameters of Egyptian Nile estuaries. In this context, our aim is to contribute to a broader understanding of the Egyptian estuarine habitat; moreover, we provide potential warning signals that may aid in estuarine environmental protection. We found that most of the previous studies had focused on the two branches of the Nile or on the marine waters adjacent to these branches, and that only a few studies focused on the estuarine habitats themselves. In most of these previous studies, the salinity gradient of water was reported to be a significant factor in the distribution of the different measured parameters while, in contrast, more recent investigations confirm the importance of potential effluent sources in affecting the distribution of these parameters. We highly recommend that the data reported here be updated in future studies on different environmental aspects.
Gap bridging in laser welding of EN AW 5083 with different joint configurations via beam oscillation and filler wire
Authors: Yetil Kenan Kaan , Colombo Daniele , Ayan Yusuf , Demir Ali Gökhan
Published: August 2024

The extended use of laser welding in the industry requires a less sensitive process in terms of geometrical tolerances of the joint edges. As the industrial availability of laser systems increases, the demand to use laser welding technology possibly with parts coming from less precise production steps is increasing. Gap formation is often caused by the edge quality of the parts coming from previous manufacturing steps such as sheet forming. Al alloy sheets deformed to box-shaped 3D forms often require welded joints on the edges in lap, but, and corner joint configurations. These joints are hard to carry out by laser welding due to the large gap formation caused by the tolerances of the deformation processes involved. Laser welding of Al alloys is already challenging in the absence of gap formation, while these joint configurations have been not feasible with a stationary beam due to incomplete fusion and defect formation. Laser welding with beam oscillation and wire feeding can improve the weldability of these joints. The oscillating motion of the high-intensity beam can achieve a deep weld together with a wider seam. Combined with wire feeding, the process can close gaps in the butt, lap, and corner joint configurations. On the other hand, the added oscillation and wire-related parameters require extending the experimental space, which requires a methodological study to identify feasible conditions. Accordingly, this work proposes a methodological approach to identify and set laser welding process parameters with beam oscillation and wire feeding for an EN AW 5083. Process parameters were initially studied using a simple analytical model that depicts the beam trajectory. Bead-on-plate tests were conducted to assess beam size, power, and weld speed ranges. Lap, butt, and corner joint conditions with a 0.5-mm gap were welded with high quality by manipulating the laser power, oscillation amplitude, and wire feed rate. The results show that welding speeds could be maintained as high as 55 mm/s with complete filling of gaps of up to 0.5 mm, eliminating the surface undercuts and achieving weld widths in the order of 2.5 mm. Moreover the results show the possibility control the depth of the welds from 3 mm to full-penetration conditions.
Toxicokinetics of 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) and its seven metabolites in humans after controlled single dermal exposure to EHS
Authors: Kuhlmann Laura , Göen Thomas , Hiller Julia
Published: August 2024

The chemical UV filter 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) is used in various personal-care products. The dermal and oral metabolism of EHS have already been targeted by different studies. However, toxicokinetic data after a single dermal exposure to EHS was missing. In our study, three volunteers were dermally exposed to a commercial EHS-containing sunscreen for 9 h with an application dose of 2 mg sunscreen per cm2 body surface area. The exposure was performed indoors, and sunscreen was applied on about 75% of the total skin area. Complete urine voids were collected over 72 h and eight blood samples were drawn from each subject. Urine samples were analyzed for EHS and seven known metabolites (5OH-EHS, 4OH-EHS, 2OH-EHS, 6OH-EHS, 4oxo-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS) by online-SPE UPLC MS/MS. The peaks of urinary elimination occurred 10–11 h after application. The elimination half-lives (Phase 1) were between 6.6 and 9.7 h. The dominant urinary biomarkers were EHS itself, followed by 5OH-EHS, 5cx-EPS, 5oxo-EHS, and 4OH-EHS. 2OH-EHS, 6OH-EHS, and 4oxo-EHS were detected only in minor amounts. An enhanced analysis of conjugation species revealed marginal amounts of unconjugated metabolites and up to 40% share of sulfate conjugates for 5OH-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS. The results demonstrated a delayed systemic resorption of EHS via the dermal route. Despite an extensive metabolism, the parent compound occurred as main urinary parameter. The delayed dermal resorption as well as the slow elimination of EHS indicate an accumulation up to toxicological relevant doses during daily repeated dermal application to large skin areas.
Glycoscience data content in the NCBI Glycans and PubChem
Authors: Kim Sunghwan , Zhang Jian , Cheng Tiejun , Li Qingliang , Bolton Evan E.
Published: August 2024

Studying﻿ glycans and their functions in the body aids in the understanding of disease mechanisms and developing new treatments. This necessitates resources that provide comprehensive glycan data integrated with relevant information from other scientific fields such as genomics, genetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and chemistry. The present paper describes two resources at the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the NCBI Glycans and PubChem, which provide glycan-related information useful for the glycoscience research community. The NCBI Glycans (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/glycans/) is a dedicated website for glycobiology data content at NCBI and provides quick access to glycan-related information scattered across multiple NCBI databases as well as other information resources external to NCBI. Importantly, the NCBI Glycans hosts the official web page for the symbol nomenclature for glycans (SNFG), which is the standard graphical representation of glycan structures recommended for scientific publication. On the other hand, PubChem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) is a research-focused, large-scale public chemical database, containing a substantial number of glycan-containing records and is integrated with important glycoscience resources like GlyTouCan, GlyCosmos, and GlyGen. PubChem organizes glycan-related information within multiple data collections (i.e., Substance, Compound, Protein, Gene, Pathway, and Taxonomy) and provides various tools and services that allow users to access them both interactively through a web browser and programmatically through a REST-ful interface, including PUG-View. The NCBI Glycans and PubChem highlight glycan-related data and improve their accessibility, helping scientists exploit these data in their research.

Graphical Abstract
Fabrication of acoustically and physically validated artificial stones to natural kidney stones under shock waves and laser lithotripsy
Authors: Park Hyeji , So Sang Won , Castillo Christine Joy G. , Alharthi Majed M. , Zogan Mohammad Mesadef A. , Cho Sung Yong
Published: August 2024

To present an efficient method for fabricating artificial kidney stones with acoustic and physical properties to assess their fragmentation efficiency under shock waves and laser lithotripsy for very hard stones. The mixture ratio of super-hard plaster and water was adjusted to produce artificial kidney stones for comparison with > 95% human genuine calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and uric acid (UA) stones. Acoustic and physical properties, such as wave speed, stone hardness, density, compressive strength, and stone-free rates under shock-wave and laser lithotripsy, were assessed. The longitudinal wave speed of artificial stones prepared at a plaster-to-water ratio of 15:3 closely matched that of COM stones. Similarly, the transverse wave speed of artificial stones prepared at a plaster-to-water ratio of 15:3 to 15:5 aligned with that of COM stones. Stone fragmentation using shock-wave of artificial stones with mixed ratios ranging from 15:3 to 15:5 resembled that of COM stones. The Vickers hardness was similar to that of artificial stones produced with a mixing ratio of 15:3, similar to that of COM stones, while that of artificial stones produced with a mixing ratio of 15:5 was similar to that of UA stones. Density-wise, artificial stones with mixing ratios of 15:4 and 15:5 resembled COM stones. Compressive strength test results did not confirm the similarity between natural and artificial stones. The stone fragmentation using laser showed that stones produced with higher moisture content at a mixing ratio of 15:6 were similar to COM stones. This novel method for fabricating artificial kidney stones could be used to provide reliable materials for lithotripsy research.
Varying concentrations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukemia patients following bariatric surgery: a case series
Authors: Lau Cedric , van Kesteren Charlotte , Cao Yong Xin , Smeenk Robert M. , Daenen Laura G.M. , Janssen Jeroen J.W.M. , Westerweel Peter E.
Published: August 2024

Bariatric surgery is increasingly performed to treat severe obesity. As a result of anatomical and physiological changes in the gastrointestinal tract, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of oral drugs can be altered, affecting their efficacy and safety. This includes the class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) which are used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This case series describes the clinical course of four CML cases with a history of bariatric surgery. The patients used various TKIs (nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, ponatinib, and imatinib) for which 15 drug levels were measured. The measured TKI concentrations were in part subtherapeutic, and highly variable when compared to mean levels measured in the general population. Multiple drug levels were measured in these patients, as the clinicians were aware of the possible impact of bariatric surgery. The drug levels were used as additional input for clinical decision-making. All four patients required TKI switches and/or dose modifications to achieve an effective and tolerable treatment. Eventually, adequate clinical and molecular remissions were achieved in all cases. In summary, TKI concentrations of patients undergoing bariatric surgery may be subtherapeutic. Moreover, there is substantial interindividual and intraindividual variation, which may be explained by the complex interference of bariatric surgery and associated weight loss. For clinical practice, therapeutic drug monitoring is advised in patients with a history of bariatric surgery in case of suboptimal response or loss of response.
From coral reefs into the abyss: the evolution of corallivory in the Coralliophilinae (Neogastropoda, Muricidae)
Authors: Nocella Elisa , Fassio Giulia , Zuccon Dario , Puillandre Nicolas , Modica Maria Vittoria , Oliverio Marco
Published: August 2024

In this study, we delved into the interaction between corallivorous marine gastropods, the muricid Coralliophilinae Chenu, 1859, and their cnidarian food targets. Coralliophilinae is a subfamily of specialised corallivorous caenogastropods that feed by browsing on octocorals or hexacorals. Only sparse information is available on the phylogenetic relationships and the degree of specificity of the trophic relationships within this corallivorous lineage. To address these gaps, we generated the largest molecular dataset to date, comprising two mitochondrial (cox1 and 16S rDNA) and one nuclear gene (ITS2 rDNA) from 586 specimens collected worldwide. The coral hosts of coralliophilines were identified through an integrative approach, combining literature data with new records, employing morphological and/or molecular markers, and incorporating data from DNA barcoding of the snail stomach content. Our comprehensive approach unveiled the existence of numerous cryptic species in Coralliophilinae, while the phylogeny showed that most of the currently accepted genera are not monophyletic. The molecular dating confirmed the origin of the Coralliophilinae in Middle Eocene, with diversification of most lineages during the Miocene. Our results indicate that the subfamily’s ancestor evolved in shallow waters in association with Scleractinia. Through the evolutionary history of Coralliophilinae, multiple host shifts to other cnidarian orders were observed, not correlated with changes in the depth range. The results of diversification analyses within the subfamily further suggest that the association with the host has influenced the evolutionary patterns of Coralliophilinae, but not vice versa.
Biobank for craniosynostosis and faciocraniosynostosis, rare pediatric congenital craniofacial disorders: a study protocol
Authors: De Martino Lucia , Mirabelli Peppino , Quaglietta Lucia , Ferrara Ursula Pia , Picariello Stefania , De Gennaro Domenico Vincenzo , Aiello Marco , Smaldone Giovanni , Aliberti Ferdinando , Spennato Pietro , De Brasi Daniele , Covelli Eugenio , Cinalli Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Craniosynostosis (CRS) is a rare congenital cranial malformation in which 1 or more cranial or facial sutures are fused in utero or rapidly fused in early infancy. The cranial sutures separate the skull bone plates and enable rapid growth of the skull in the first 2 years of life, in which growth is largely dictated by growth of the brain. CRS is a rare disease that occurs in 1 in 2100 to 1 in 2500 births and may be either nonsyndromic (also referred to as isolated) or syndromic. In syndromic CRS, other birth defects are present next to the CRS. The distinction between nonsyndromic and syndromic manifestations is made on the basis of dysmorphologic evaluation and genetic evaluation. Owing to advances in genetic diagnostics, nonsyndromic patients are increasingly recognized as syndromic patients. CRS treatment is almost entirely surgical and is sometimes paired with postoperative helmet therapy for maintenance. Corrective procedures are complex, long, and associated with the risk of numerous complications, including heavy blood loss and its sequelae. Although surgery may restore a normal appearance, even in nonsyndromic patients, patients may experience persistent deficits in intellectual ability and cognitive function. The European Commission (EC) has prioritized rare diseases in recent horizon European research programs; indeed, collections or even individual samples may be extremely valuable for research.

Methods and results

Here, we present a study protocol in which the combined expertise of clinicians and researchers will be exploited to generate a biobank dedicated to CRS. The generation of the CRS biobank presented in this study will include the collection of different types of biological materials as well as advanced radiological images available to the scientific community.

Conclusion

The activation of a CRS biobank will provide an opportunity to improve translational research on CRS and to share its benefits with the scientific community and patients and their families.