bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLAMITS: A global database of plant flammability traits
Authors: Ocampo‐Zuleta Korina , Pausas Juli G. , Paula Susana
Published: December 2023

Motivation

The propensity of plant tissues to burn (i.e. their flammability) is a key trait to understand fire regimes in many ecosystems across the globe. Measuring plant flammability under laboratory conditions allows us to improve both our understanding of plant evolutionary processes and modelling tools for simulating fire hazard and behaviour. Plant flammability has been studied from different but complementary disciplines (e.g. physics, chemistry, ecology, evolution, forestry). However, information is scattered and standardized terminology is lacking, which slows down the progress of research on plant flammability. Here we provide an open access global database on plant flammability traits measured under laboratory conditions aiming to: (a) identify the diversity of methodologies to measure plant flammability under laboratory conditions; (b) standardize the associated terminology; and (c) find geographical, ecological, and taxonomic gaps in our knowledge on plant flammability. We hope this database will stimulate transdisciplinary research and provide useful information to better cope with an increasingly flammable planet.

Main Types of Variables Contained

The FLAMITS database contains 19,972 records of 40 flammability variables (classified according to the measured component of flammability). For each record, relevant details of the flammability experiment are given, such as the burning device, the ignition source, and the burnt plant part. In addition, FLAMITS compiles taxonomic and functional data of the studied species and information on the study site (i.e. locality, geographic coordinates, biome, biogeographic realm, and fire activity).

Spatial Location and Grain

We compiled data from 295 studies in 39 countries and distributed across 12 biomes worldwide.

Time Period and Grain

The last 62.5 years (1961 to 15th May 2023).

Major Taxa and Level of Measurement

1790 plant taxa from 186 families, 883 genera, and 1784 species.

Software Format

Five text files (.csv), relationally linked.
Continuous laxative use and its relationship to defecation among residents of nursing homes: A longitudinal observational study using the interRAI
Authors: Takaoka Manami , Igarashi Ayumi , Ninomiya Ayako , Ishibashi Tomoaki , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: December 2023

Aim

To clarify the association between constipation, diarrhea, and long‐term laxative use in Japanese nursing home residents.

Methods

Data from 306 residents with chronic constipation aged over 75 years for basic characteristics, medication use, activities of daily living, and concurrent illness were collected via two consecutive 6‐monthly surveys conducted using the Japanese interRAI assessment tool. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to examine the associations between chronic constipation, diarrhea, and continuous laxative use.

Results

Chronic constipation persisted in 74.5% of residents despite their continuous use of laxatives. Additionally, 14.4% experienced chronic diarrhea while on laxatives. Residents using salt laxatives had significantly lower chronic constipation than those not using salt laxatives (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.52), while residents using novel laxatives had significantly higher chronic diarrhea than those not using novel laxatives (AOR 4.28).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that bowel movement‐related problems remain a concern and highlight the need for further research on the use of novel laxatives in nursing home residents. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 133–139.
Sex differences in COVID‐19 symptom severity and trajectories among ambulatory adults
Authors: Massion Samuel P. , Howa Amanda C. , Zhu Yuwei , Kim Ahra , Halasa Natasha , Chappell James , McGonigle Trey , Mellis Alexandra M. , Deyoe Jessica E. , Reed Carrie , Rolfes Melissa A. , Talbot H. Keipp , Grijalva Carlos G.
Published: December 2023

Background

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has led to hundreds of millions of infections worldwide. Although differences in COVID‐19 hospitalization rates between males and females have been described, many infections in the general population have been mild, and the severity of symptoms during the course of COVID‐19 in non‐hospitalized males and females is not well understood.

Methods

We conducted a case‐ascertained study to examine household transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in Nashville, Tennessee, between April 2020 and April 2021. Among enrolled ambulatory adult participants with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infections, we assessed the presence and severity of symptoms (total, systemic, and respiratory) daily using a symptoms severity questionnaire, from illness onset and throughout the 2‐week follow‐up period. We compared the mean daily symptom severity scores (0–3: none, mild, moderate, and severe) and change in symptoms between males and females using a multivariable linear mixed effects regression model.

Results

The analysis included 223 enrolled adults with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (58% females, mostly white, non‐Hispanic) from 146 households with 2917 total daily symptom reports. The overall mean severity of total symptoms reported over the illness period was 1.04 and 0.90 for females and males, respectively. Mean systemic and respiratory scores were higher for females than for males (p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, females reported more severe total and systemic symptoms during the illness period compared with males. However, no significant differences in reported respiratory symptoms were observed.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that among ambulatory adults with SARS‐CoV‐2 infections, females reported slightly higher symptom severity during their illness compared with males.
Interdental cleaning aids are beneficial for oral health at 7‐year follow‐up: Results from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐TREND)
Authors: Holtfreter Birte , Conrad Elena , Kocher Thomas , Baumeister Sebastian‐Edgar , Völzke Henry , Welk Alexander
Published: December 2023

Aim

To estimate association between the use of interdental cleaning aids (IDAs) and type on 7‐year follow‐up levels of interdental plaque, interdental gingival inflammation, interdental periodontitis severity, the number of interdental sound surfaces and the number of missing teeth in a population‐based cohort study.

Materials and Methods

We used 7‐year follow‐up data of 2224 participants from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‐TREND). We applied generalized linear and ordinal logistic models, adjusting for confounding and selection bias using inverse probability treatment weighting and multiple imputation.

Results

Flossers were 32% less likely to have higher interdental plaque (iPlaque) levels than non‐users of IDAs (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50–0.94); flossing resulted in 5% lower means of iPlaque. Effects on interdental bleeding on probing (iBOP), mean interdental probing depths and mean interdental clinical attachment levels were direction‐consistent but statistically non‐significant. Interdental brushing was associated with lower follow‐up levels for interdental plaque (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.93) and iBOP (OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.53–0.89). IDAs were more effective in reducing iPlaque in participants with periodontitis, whereas iBOP reduction was more pronounced in participants with no or mild periodontitis. The analyses did not suggest that the use of IDAs affected caries. Finally, applying change score analyses, flossing reduced tooth loss incidence (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.71) compared with non‐users of IDAs.

Conclusions

Recommending flossing and interdental brushing in dental practices represents an approach to the prevention of gingivitis and consequently periodontitis.
Efficacy of micrographic surgery versus conventional excision in reducing recurrence for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lacerda Priscila Neri , Lange Eloana Pasqualin , Luna Natália Miranda , Miot Hélio Amante , Abbade Luciana Patrícia Fernandes
Published: December 2023

The standard of care for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) involves excision by conventional surgery (CS) with a predefined safety margin of resection or micrographic surgery (MS) with microscopic margin control. Previous studies have reported the superiority of MS in reducing recurrences for high‐risk BCC and SCC. This systematic review aimed to assess MS and CS recurrence rates by including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted for related studies in PubMed, LILACS, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINHAL and Cochrane until May 2023. RCTs and cohorts involving patients with BCC or SCC submitted to MS and CS were included. Risk of bias assessment followed Cochrane‐recommended tools for RCTs and cohorts, and certainty of evidence followed the GRADE approach. Pooled estimates were used to determine the relative risk (RR) and absolute risk difference (RD) using a random‐effects model. Seventeen studies were included, two RCTs and fifteen cohorts. There were 82 recurrences in 3050 tumours submitted to MS, with an overall recurrence rate of 3.1% (95% CI 2.0%–4.7%). For CS, there were 209 recurrences in 3453 tumours, with a recurrence rate of 5.3% (95% CI 2.9%–9.3%). The combined estimate of RR was 0.48 (95% CI 0.36–0.63), without heterogeneity nor evidence of publication bias (p > 0.3). The RD resulted in 2.9% (95% CI 1.0%–4.9%; NNT = 35). Regarding subgroup analysis, the RR for BBC was 0.37 (95% CI 0.25–0.54), and RD was 3.7% (95% CI 0.8%–6.5%; NNT = 28). For SCC, RR was 0.57 (95% CI 0.29–1.13), and RD was 1.9% (95% CI 0.8%–4.7%; NNT = 53). Among primary tumours, RR was 0.39 (95% CI 0.28–0.54), and for recurrent tumours was 0.67 (95% CI 0.30–1.50). There is moderate evidence based on two RCTs, and low evidence based on 15 cohort studies that MS is superior to CS in reducing recurrences of BCCs and primary tumours. The development of protocols that maximize the cost‐effectiveness of each method in different clinical scenarios is paramount.
Effect of temperature on the protective efficacy of a live attenuated vaccine against herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis in goldfish
Authors: Saito Hiroaki , Minami Shungo , Yuguchi Manami , Shitara Aiko , Kondo Hidehiro , Kato Goshi , Sano Motohiko
Published: December 2023

The live attenuated vaccine P7‐P8 strain against herpesviral haematopoietic necrosis, which is caused by cyprinid herpesvirus 2 (CyHV‐2), exhibits high protective efficacy in goldfish at 25°C, the predominant temperature for this disease; however, the effect of water temperature during the vaccination period on efficacy has not been determined. In this study, an in vitro experiment revealed that the vaccine strain grew between 15 and 30°C in the goldfish cell line RyuF‐2. Subsequent in vivo efficacy tests were conducted with vaccination temperatures ranging from 15 to 30°C. During the vaccination period, organs were sampled to determine the vaccine growth dynamics. Blood plasma was collected to assess anti‐CyHV‐2 antibody titres. The protective efficacy of the vaccine at 15, 20, 25, and 30°C after subsequent virulent CyHV‐2 challenge resulted in a relative percentage survival of 73.3%, 77.8%, 100%, and 77.8%, respectively, which indicated that the vaccine is effective over this temperature range. The vaccine virus load in the spleen was lowest at 15°C (103.7 DNA copies/mg) and highest at 25°C (106.5 DNA copies/mg). This indicates that the vaccine virus load over 104 DNA copies/mg may elicit sufficient acquired immunity. No significant differences in antibody titre were observed between groups, which suggests that cell‐mediated immunity can be fundamentally involved in protection.
Financial Development and Innovation: The Role of Market Structure*
Authors: ZHU XIAOYANG , KIM JAEBEOM
Published: December 2023

We assess how financial development affects innovation. For this purpose, we employ a unique Research Quotient data set from 1980 to 2018, and observe significant inverted‐U effects of financial development on innovation for equity and credit markets. Specifically, the effects of the markets are sector‐specific, implying that the inverted‐U effect of the equity market on innovation is mainly driven by its diminishing effect on innovation in high‐technology industries, while credit markets mostly affect innovation in non‐high‐technology industries. Regarding the mechanism, we posit that the inverted‐U shape between finance and innovation may be explained by the disproportionate funds allocation‐induced market concentration.
Scalable substrate development for aqueous sample preparation for atom probe tomography
Authors: Woods Eric V. , Kim Se‐Ho , El‐Zoka Ayman A. , Stephenson L. T. , Gault B.
Published: December 2023

Reliable and consistent preparation of atom probe tomography (APT) specimens from aqueous and hydrated biological specimens remains a significant challenge. One particularly difficult process step is the use of a focused ion beam (FIB) instrument for preparing the required needle‐shaped specimen, typically involving a ‘lift‐out’ procedure of a small sample of material. Here, two alternative substrate designs are introduced that enable using FIB only for sharpening, along with example APT datasets. The first design is a laser‐cut FIB‐style half‐grid close to those used for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that can be used in a grid holder compatible with APT pucks. The second design is a larger, standalone self‐supporting substrate called a ‘crown’, with several specimen positions, which self‐aligns in APT pucks, prepared by electrical discharge machining (EDM). Both designs are made nanoporous, to provide strength to the liquid–substrate interface, using chemical and vacuum dealloying. Alpha brass, a simple, widely available, lower‐cost alternative to previously proposed substrates, was selected for this work. The resulting designs and APT data are presented and suggestions are provided to help drive wider community adoption.
Virtual planning, guided surgery, and digital prosthodontics in the treatment of extended mandible chondrosarcoma
Authors: Zaleckas Linas , Vitosyte Milda , Gendviliene Ieva , Sun Yi , Simonaitis Tomas , Kaupas Simonas , Rutkunas Vygandas
Published: December 2023

Chondrosarcoma is among the most common primary bone tumors in adults. In the mandible, chondrosarcoma is a very uncommon malignant cartilage‐producing tumor. This case report shows how virtual planning combined with other digital technologies may improve masticatory function rehabilitation in patients with enlarged mandibular chondrosarcoma. The present study reports a case of a 52‐year‐old male patient who was initially diagnosed with a mandible chondroma, which was successfully excised with no evidence of malignant transformation. Nevertheless, the patient's symptoms recurred after 10 years, and a subsequent diagnosis of mandible chondrosarcoma was established, prompting the need for subtotal mandible resection and reconstruction with a fibula‐free flap. Following a healing period, the patient underwent dental implant surgery to restore the mandibular dental arch, which was performed utilizing computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing technology, with fully guided implant placement facilitated by virtual planning. In this case report, the implant position data merging process is described from the digital impression and control model to ensure optimal passive fit of the full‐arch zirconia prosthesis and discuss the importance of occlusal adjustments to avoid technical and biological complications. Virtual planning and digital technologies are crucial for the effective management of mandibular defects, allowing for accurate treatment and complete restoration of mandibular function. Their use leads to improved patient outcomes and quality of life. As technology advances, their importance in treating complex medical conditions is only expected to grow.
Tensile bond strength of CAD‐CAM all ceramic crowns before and after thermomechanical aging
Authors: Park Chan‐Ho , Ko Kyung‐Ho , Huh Yoon‐Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jin , Cho Lee‐Ra
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the tensile bond strength (TBS) of resin nanoceramics (RNC), zirconia, and lithium disilicate (LS2) restorations cemented to titanium abutments before and after thermomechanical aging.

Materials and Methods

Twelve specimens per group were fabricated to determine the TBS between a titanium abutment and four types of crown materials (2 RNCs, LS2, and translucent zirconia crowns for the maxillary molar). After milling, the abutments and crowns were cemented with resin cement after air‐particle abrasion. In addition, thermomechanical aging (200,000 cycles, 50 N, 2 Hz) was applied to half of the specimens by using a mastication simulator. TBS was measured by using a universal testing machine. The interface between the crown and the cement was observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two‐way ANOVA was performed to analyze the effects of crown materials and thermomechanical aging. Failure‐mode and interface analyses were also conducted.

Results

After thermomechanical aging, the TBS decreased in the LS2 specimens and increased in RNCs (p < 0.001). The ratio of mixed failure and debonding with the hole‐sealing resin increased in the RNC group. SEM images showed the reduced gap between the crown and the resin cement after thermomechanical aging in the RNC group.

Conclusions

Differences in TBS were affected by the crown materials after thermomechanical aging. After thermomechanical aging, the RNC crowns showed increased TBS, whereas LS2 and zirconia crowns exhibited decreased or similar TBS.
School climate, attitude toward school violence, and violent behaviors among high school students in Vietnam
Authors: Bui Minh Thanh , Nguyen Trang Thu
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Vietnamese high school students' violent behaviors and their violence exposure (observing and being victimized by school violence), and attitude, and perceived school climate. The results from 496 Vietnamese high school students show that students' acceptance of school violence and their experience of being the victim of school violence have a significant, and direct, positive effect on their violent behaviors at school. In the moderation model, when students' perception of school climate is more positive, the effect of their acceptance of violence on their violent behaviors at school reduces, implying the moderating effect of school climate. The results have practical implications for educators and policy makers to intervene school violence in Vietnam.
The double skin of the pink fairy armadillo, the peculiar integumentary system of Chlamyphorus truncatus Cingulata (Mammalia, Xenarthra)
Authors: Krmpotic C. M. , Scarano A. C. , Andrés Laube P. F. , Ciancio M. R. , Loza C. M. , Acuña F. , Castro N. N. , Barbeito C. G.
Published: December 2023

Chlamyphorus truncatus is the smallest known armadillo, weighing about 100 grams and measuring less than 15 cm from head to tail. It is endemic to central Argentina and the species is named after its unique carapace. This armadillo has almost completely subterranean habits and, unlike all other subterranean mammals, C. truncatus has a carapace composed of osteoderms and cornified scales. Furthermore, the skin and carapace show unique characteristics compared even with other armadillos. Owing to the reduced development of its eyes, it is important to analyse the skin morphology of this species, as well as specialized sensory organs like vibrissae. The aim of this contribution is to describe the histomorphology of the integumentary system of C. truncatus. For this, histological sections of the skin with and without osteoderms were made, and routine histological and immunohistochemical techniques were performed. Furthermore, microCTs were performed on osteoderms to describe their micromorphology. Our results show that the integumentary system presents unique characteristics compared to other armadillos, such as the peculiar skin under the dorsal shield and the flexibility of almost all of its carapace. Furthermore, the modification of the arrangement of hairs in the first pelvic buckler osteoderms may suggest biomechanical adaptations, such as an improvement in the displacement through the tunnels of sandy soils. The skin without osteoderms presents convergent characteristics with that of other subterranean mammals. Furthermore, the vibrissae conserve the structure of the armadillos (the cavernous sinuses extend throughout the follicle‐sinus complex) with a thinning and shortening of the hairs, which are probably linked to passive monitoring of the surrounding environment. Evidently, the adaptations of subterranean mammals to their environment imply structural and functional changes, which are both regressive and progressive in nature.
Dianthus sylvestris subsp. sylvestris as a promising candidate for phytostabilization of copper‐contaminated post‐mining sites in Alpine ecosystems
Authors: Pošćić Filip , Ginaldi Fabrizio , Ferfuia Claudio , Pasković Igor , Babst‐Kostecka Alicja
Published: December 2023

The lack of remediation of inactive mine sites is a serious global concern, as they pose risks to the environment, human health, and safety. The potential of Dianthus sylvestris subsp. sylvestris to remediate post‐mining sites contaminated with copper (Cu) at high altitudes, which is a challenging task for most management strategies, was explored in this study. More than 1300 mg Cu kg−1 in shoots were found in plants collected at the Monte Avanza legacy mine site (Alps). However, it is unclear whether this is due to hyperaccumulation or foliar contamination. To address this gap, field samples were washed with two different protocols, and a controlled Cu‐tolerance test was conducted. While very high Cu concentrations, exceeding the Cu hyperaccumulation threshold of 300 mg kg−1, were found in samples washed with water, results for the plants cleaned with a more rigorous approach with EDTA suggested Cu exclusion strategy. Under controlled conditions, the plant showed Cu hypertolerance but did not hyperaccumulate Cu. Thus D. sylvestris presents a Cu exclusion strategy rather than hyperaccumulation potential, making it a suitable candidate for Cu phytostabilization at high altitude legacy mine sites. The study emphasizes the need for experiments under controlled conditions when assessing the phytoremediation potential.
Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction: How does the inability to burp affect daily life?
Authors: Chen Jason N. , Evans Jacob , Fakhreddine Aya Bou , Stroever Stephanie , Islam Ebtesam , Islam Sameer
Published: December 2023

Background

Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R‐CPD), a condition first detailed in 1987 and termed in 2019, refers to the cricopharyngeal muscle's inability to relax to allow the retrograde passage of gas. Limited research exists on the fundamental characteristics of this condition, including its impact on one's life. The purpose of this study is to characterize R‐CPD and how the inability to burp affects the social lives of people who suffer from it.

Methods

A Qualtrics survey was distributed on the subreddit “r/noburp,” a community of 26,000 individuals sharing information about R‐CPD. Adults aged 18–89 experiencing R‐CPD symptoms were invited to participate. Participants reported on their experiences with R‐CPD and its effects on social life on a 4‐point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 4 = strongly agree). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Key Results

Among the 199 respondents, the mean age was 30.9, and gender identity was 74%/25% female/male. 99% reported inability to burp, 98% reported abdominal bloating, 93% reported socially awkward gurgling noises, 89% reported excessive flatulence, and 55% reported difficulty vomiting. Only half discussed their symptoms with their primary care provider (PCP), and 90% disagreed with receiving adequate help. Average Likert scores indicated embarrassment (3.4), anxiety/depression (3.1), negative impact on relationships (2.6), and work disruption (2.7) due to R‐CPD.

Conclusions & Inferences

R‐CPD is unfamiliar to many healthcare providers, leaving patients underserved. It not only affects daily life but also personal and professional relationships. Raising awareness by understanding disease basic features may increase diagnosis and treatment rates, improving quality of life.
Exploring the competitive potential of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum and Ralstonia solanacearum: Insights from a comparative adaptability study
Authors: Silva Pedro H. R. , Johnson‐Silva William , Albuquerque Greecy M. R. , Oliveira Victória L. B. , Santos Leandro V. S. , Gonçalves Marcelo H. O. , Gama Marco A. S. , Souza Elineide B.
Published: December 2023

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (Rpsol) and R. solanacearum (Rsol), poses a significant challenge to solanaceous plant cultivation worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Even though Brazil is recognized as one of the centres of origin and diversity of Rsol, in certain regions of this large country there is an emerging prevalence of Rpsol in production fields. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the adaptive traits of Rpsol and Rsol using a polyphasic approach. A diverse collection of isolates from both species was assessed for their physiological, biochemical, ecological and pathogenic traits. Rsol isolates demonstrated greater adaptability to a broader range of temperature, salinity and pH. They also exhibited enhanced abilities in biofilm formation and bacteriocin production. Conversely, Rpsol isolates exhibited a broader utilization of carbon sources and displayed a wider spectrum of resistance to inhibitory substances. Moreover, they demonstrated higher infectivity towards different solanaceous hosts, showing a faster invasion and colonization process in the roots and stems of tomato plants compared to Rsol isolates. Based on our findings, we concluded that Rsol exhibited greater physiological and ecological adaptability, while Rpsol showed greater pathogenic and biochemical adaptability. These results suggest that the coexistence of both species is maintained through a balance of distinct traits within each species.
Structural racism, nativity and risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among Black women
Authors: McKenzie‐Sampson Safyer , Baer Rebecca J. , Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L. , Karasek Deborah , Riddell Corinne A. , Torres Jacqueline M. , Blebu Bridgette E.
Published: December 2023

Background

Black women in the United States (US) have the highest risk of preterm birth (PTB) and small for gestational age (SGA) births, compared to women of other racial groups. Among Black women, there are disparities by nativity whereby foreign‐born women have a lower risk of PTB and SGA compared to US‐born women. Differential exposure to racism may confer nativity‐based differences in adverse perinatal outcomes between US‐ and foreign‐born Black women. This remains unexplored among US‐ and African‐born women in California.

Objectives

Evaluate the relationship between structural racism, nativity, PTB and SGA among US‐ and African‐born Black women in California.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based study of singleton births to US‐ and African‐born Black women in California from 2011 to 2017 (n = 131,424). We examined the risk of PTB and SGA by nativity and neighbourhoods with differing levels of structural racism, as measured by the Index of Concentration at the Extremes. We fit crude and age‐adjusted Poisson regression models, estimated using generalized estimating equations, with risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as the effect measure.

Results

The proportions of PTB and SGA were 9.7% and 14.5%, respectively, for US‐born women, while 5.6% and 8.3% for African‐born women. US‐born women (n = 24,782; 20.8%) were more likely to live in neighbourhoods with high structural racism compared to African‐born women (n = 1474; 11.6%). Structural racism was associated with an elevated risk of PTB (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12, 1.26) and SGA (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.13, 1.25) for all Black women, however, there was heterogeneity by nativity, with US‐born women experiencing a higher magnitude of effect than African‐born women.

Conclusions

Among Black women in California, exposure to structural racism and the impacts of structural racism on the risk of PTB and SGA varied by nativity.
On the specific status of eastern Mediterranean Dendrophyllia corals (Cnidaria, Anthozoa): Genetic characterization and speciation scenarios
Authors: Aurelle Didier , Haguenauer Anne , Blaise Chloé , Reynes Lauric , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Boavida Joana , Cabau Cédric , Klopp Christophe , Lundalv Tomas , Noûs Camille , Sartoretto Stéphane , Wienberg Claudia , Jiménez Carlos E. , Orejas Covadonga
Published: December 2023

The deep‐sea corals Dendrophyllia ramea and Dendrophyllia cornigera occur in Mediterranean and Atlantic waters. Both species are found in different environmental conditions, and they can colonize hard and soft substrates. These species then display an important ecological plasticity along with morphological plasticity. Nevertheless, there is a large knowledge gap on the genetic characteristics of the two species, including on the relationships between them and the possibility of cryptic species along their range. The recent discovery of Dendrophyllia populations off Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea raised new questions in this context. These corals were related to D. ramea but had some morphological differences with other known populations of this species. Here, we study the specific status of Dendrophyllia corals from Cyprus on the basis of morphology and genetics. The genetic data are interpreted by comparison with the same analysis performed on two Caryophyllia species. Both morphological and genetic data confirm that corals found off Cyprus belong to the D. ramea species. We further tested the speciation scenario using transcriptome data: the results indicate an absence of current gene flow between D. ramea and D. cornigera and that the divergence occurred more than 3 million years ago. We discuss the possible historical and ecological factors which may have shaped speciation in these species.
An Improved Heat Flux Partitioning Model of Nucleate Boiling Under Saturated Pool Boiling Condition
Authors: He Mingfu , Chen Minghui
Published: December 2023

An improved heat flux partitioning model of pool boiling is proposed in this study to predict the material-conjugated pool boiling curve. The fundamental rationale behind the improved model is that heat convection is only governed by far-field mechanisms while heat quenching and evaporation are partially subjected to near-field material-dependent mechanisms. The quenching heat flux is derived dependently on thermal-effusivities of solid and liquid, respectively, based on the transient heat conduction analyses. The evaporative heat flux correlates the material-dependent bubble dynamics parameters including bubble departure frequency and nucleation site density together to yield a new analytical form and support the theoretical reflections of material-conjugated boiling behaviors. The proposed model can approximately capture the material-related impacts on boiling heat transfer coefficients and simulate pool boiling curves validated by the use of experimental data.
Investigating the Suitability of Multi-Scroll Volutes for Improving Spanwise Incidence of Mixed Flow Turbine Rotors With Varying Blade Cone Angles in Automotive Turbocharging Applications
Authors: Martin Peter , Spence Stephen , Stuart Charles , Leonard Thomas , Starke Andre , Geron Marco
Published: December 2023

Targets to reduce fuel consumption and reduce CO2 emissions have been met using engine downsizing and turbocharging. In automotive applications, it is important that the turbocharger responds well to transient events and operates efficiently at both the design and off-design conditions. A mixed flow turbine (MFT) is not constrained to a radial inlet blade angle, allowing the peak efficiency to be shifted to a lower U/C_is, providing additional freedom to the designer. As the MFT leading edge varies in radius, the spanwise incidence angle also varies, leading to additional separation on the suction surface (SS) of the blade near the hub because of increasingly positive incidence, which is most noticeable at off-design conditions. A multi-scroll volute was previously paired with an MFT with a 45-deg blade cone angle (Λ), which generated a non-uniform spanwise flow that improved efficiency at off-design at the cost of peak efficiency. The current study identified the range of blade cone angles that benefitted from a multi-scroll volute to reduce incidence at the hub region. A numerical investigation was conducted, which determined the influence a multi-scroll volute can have on MFTs with varying levels of blade cone angle. When the MFT with a large blade cone angle (Λ = 60 deg) was paired with a multi-scroll volute, the efficiency improved by 2.2%pts at design and 0.5%pts at off-design conditions. The incidence improved, and the mass flowrate increased at the hub region. The MFT with a smaller blade cone angle (Λ = 30 deg) had performance losses at both operating conditions because the multi-scroll volute increased incidence within the hub region, which reduced the peak efficiency by 1.3%pts. The off-design condition had an excessively positive incidence angle, which was further increased at the hub region by the multi-scroll volute. This resulted in a 0.8%pts reduction in off-design efficiency. The multi-scroll volute concept was shown to offer efficiency improvements for MFTs with larger blade cone angles through better management of the non-uniform spanwise velocity distribution at the rotor inlet.
Extension and Validation of the Turbomachinery Capabilities of SU2 Open Source Computational Fluid Dynamic Code
Authors: Yan Chuanxiang , Wang Baotong , He Xiao , Zhao Fanzhou , Zheng Xuedong , Vahdati Mehdi , Zheng Xinqian
Published: December 2023

Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) tools have revolutionized the way to design engineering systems, but most established codes are proprietary and closed-source, making it difficult, if not impossible, to modify, debug, or add new features to the code. To provide a freely available open-source CFD code for turbomachinery aerodynamics and aeroelasticity, this paper enhances the turbomachinery capabilities of the open-source SU2 code and demonstrates its capabilities of single-passage steady simulation, full-annulus unsteady simulation, and aeroelasticity analysis in two high-speed compressors, namely NASA Stage 35 and TUDa-GLR-OpenStage, and a linear cascade SC1. For the single-passage steady simulation of NASA Stage 35, the SU2 results are validated against the measured data and verified against the commercial solver ansys cfx, and the performance characteristics results are in reasonably good agreement with each other. For the single-passage steady simulation of TUDa-GLR-OpenStage, grid and turbulence model sensitivity studies are performed and results are validated against the measured data, and SU2 can predict both the performance characteristics and the radial profiles with sufficient accuracy. For the full-annulus unsteady simulation of NASA Stage 35, it is demonstrated that SU2 can predict the propagation of inlet distortion equally well as ansys cfx. For the linear cascade, SU2 can predict the unsteady pressure and aerodynamic damping coefficient accurately. The presented results demonstrate the turbomachinery aerodynamics and aeroelasticity capabilities of SU2. The major modifications of SU2 made in this work will be shared with the code maintainer and the community in the future.
An injectable and adaptable hydrogen sulfide delivery system for modulating neuroregenerative microenvironment
Authors: Dong Xianzhen , Zhang Hao , Duan Ping , Liu Kun , Yu Yifeng , Wei Wenying , Wang Weixing , Liu Yuhang , Cheng Qiang , Liang Xinyue , Huo Yuanfang , Yan Lesan , Yu Aixi , Dai Honglian
Published: December 2023

Peripheral nerve regeneration is a complex physiological process. Single-function nerve scaffolds often struggle to quickly adapt to the imbalanced regenerative microenvironment, leading to slow nerve regeneration and limited functional recovery. In this study, we demonstrate a “pleiotropic gas transmitter” strategy based on endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger the on-demand H
2
S release at the defect area for transected peripheral nerve injury (PNI) repair through concurrent neuroregeneration and neuroprotection processing. This H
2
S delivery system consists of an H
2
S donor (peroxyTCM) encapsulated in a ROS-responsive polymer (mPEG-PMet) and loaded into a temperature-sensitive poly (amino acid) hydrogel (mPEG-PA-PP). This multi-effect combination strategy greatly promotes the regeneration of PNI, attributed to the physiological effects of H
2
S. These effects include the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, protection of nerve cells, promotion of angiogenesis, and the restoration of normal mitochondrial function. The adaptive release of pleiotropic messengers to modulate the tissue regeneration microenvironment offers promising peripheral nerve repair and tissue engineering opportunities.
Haploid-genetic screening of trophectoderm specification identifies
Dyrk1a
as a repressor of totipotent-like status
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Sun Shengyi , Wang Qing , Li Xu , Xu Mei , Li Qian , Zhao Yiding , Peng Keli , Yao Chunmeng , Wang Yuna , Chang Ying , Liu Yan , Wu Xudong , Gao Qian , Shuai Ling
Published: December 2023

Trophectoderm (TE) and the inner cell mass are the first two lineages in murine embryogenesis and cannot naturally transit to each other. The barriers between them are unclear and fascinating. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) retain the identities of inner cell mass and TE, respectively, and, thus, are ideal platforms to investigate these lineages in vitro. Here, we develop a loss-of-function genetic screening in haploid ESCs and reveal many mutations involved in the conversion of TSCs. The disruption of either
Catip
or
Dyrk1a
(candidates) in ESCs facilitates the conversion of TSCs. According to transcriptome analysis, we find that the repression of
Dyrk1a
activates totipotency, which is a possible reason for TE specification.
Dyrk1a
-null ESCs can contribute to embryonic and extraembryonic tissues in chimeras and can efficiently form blastocyst-like structures, indicating their totipotent developmental abilities. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cell fate alternation in embryogenesis.
Imparting scalephobicity with rational microtexturing of soft materials
Authors: Schmid Julian , Armstrong Tobias , Dickhardt Fabian J. , Iqbal SK Rameez , Schutzius Thomas M.
Published: December 2023

Crystallization fouling, a process where scale forms on surfaces, is widespread in nature and technology, negatively affecting energy and water industries. Despite the effort, rationally designed surfaces that are intrinsically resistant to it remain elusive, due in part to a lack of understanding of how microfoulants deposit and adhere in dynamic aqueous environments. Here, we show that rational tuning of coating compliance and wettability works synergistically with microtexture to enhance microfoulant repellency, characterized by low adhesion and high removal efficiency of numerous individual microparticles and tenacious crystallites in a flowing water environment. We study the microfoulant interfacial dynamics in situ using a micro-scanning fluid dynamic gauge system, elucidate the removal mechanisms, and rationalize the behavior with a shear adhesive moment model. We then demonstrate a rationally developed coating that can remove 98% of deposits under shear flow conditions, 66% better than rigid substrates.
NET formation is a default epigenetic program controlled by PAD4 in apoptotic neutrophils
Authors: Zhu Yanfang Peipei , Speir Mary , Tan ZheHao , Lee Jamie Casey , Nowell Cameron J. , Chen Alyce A. , Amatullah Hajera , Salinger Ari J. , Huang Carolyn J. , Wu Gio , Peng Weiqi , Askari Kasra , Griffis Eric , Ghassemian Majid , Santini Jennifer , Gerlic Motti , Kiosses William B. , Catz Sergio D. , Hoffman Hal M. , Greco Kimberly F. , Weller Edie , Thompson Paul R. , Wong Lai Ping , Sadreyev Ruslan , Jeffrey Kate L. , Croker Ben A.
Published: December 2023

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) not only counteract bacterial and fungal pathogens but can also promote thrombosis, autoimmunity, and sterile inflammation. The presence of citrullinated histones, generated by the peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), is synonymous with NETosis and is considered independent of apoptosis. Mitochondrial- and death receptor–mediated apoptosis promote gasdermin E (GSDME)–dependent calcium mobilization and membrane permeabilization leading to histone H3 citrullination (H3Cit), nuclear DNA extrusion, and cytoplast formation. H3Cit is concentrated at the promoter in bone marrow neutrophils and redistributes in a coordinated process from promoter to intergenic and intronic regions during apoptosis. Loss of GSDME prevents nuclear and plasma membrane disruption of apoptotic neutrophils but prolongs early apoptosis-induced cellular changes to the chromatin and cytoplasmic granules. Apoptotic signaling engages PAD4 in neutrophils, establishing a cellular state that is primed for NETosis, but that occurs only upon membrane disruption by GSDME, thereby redefining the end of life for neutrophils.
Design and analysis heterogeneity in observational studies of COVID-19 booster effectiveness: A review and case study
Authors: Meah Sabir , Shi Xu , Fritsche Lars G. , Salvatore Maxwell , Wagner Abram , Martin Emily T. , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: December 2023

We investigated the design and analysis of observational booster vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies by performing a scoping review of booster VE literature with a focus on study design and analytic choices. We then applied 20 different approaches, including those found in the literature, to a single dataset from Michigan Medicine. We identified 80 studies in our review, including over 150 million observations in total. We found that while protection against infection is variable and dependent on several factors including the study population and time period, both monovalent boosters and particularly the bivalent booster offer strong protection against severe COVID-19. In addition, VE analyses with a severe disease outcome (hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, or death) appear to be more robust to design and analytic choices than an infection endpoint. In terms of design choices, we found that test-negative designs and their variants may offer advantages in statistical efficiency compared to cohort designs.
Ir/Zn-cocatalyzed chemo- and atroposelective [2+2+2] cycloaddition for construction of C─N axially chiral indoles and pyrroles
Authors: Yang Jian , Xie Zhong-Yang , Ye Yu-Jie , Ye Sheng-Bing , Wang Yi-Bo , Wang Wen-Tao , Qian Peng-Cheng , Song Ren-Jie , Sun Qing , Ye Long-Wu , Li Long
Published: December 2023

Here, an Ir/Zn-cocatalyzed atroposelective [2+2+2] cycloaddition of 1,6-diynes and ynamines was developed, forging various functionalized C─N axially chiral indoles and pyrroles in generally good to excellent yields (up to 99%), excellent chemoselectivities, and high enantioselectivities (up to 98% enantiomeric excess) with wide substrate scope. This cocatalyzed strategy not only provided an alternative promising and reliable way for asymmetric alkyne [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization in an easy handle but also settled the issues of previous [Rh(COD)
2
]BF
4
-catalyzed system on the construction of C─N axial chirality such as complex operations, limited substrate scope, and low efficiency. In addition, control experiments and theoretical calculations disclosed that Zn(OTf)
2
markedly reduced the barrier of migration insertion to significantly increase reaction efficiency, which was distinctly different from previous work on the Lewis acid for improving reaction yield through accelerating oxidative addition and reductive elimination.
Identification of unstable regulatory and autoreactive effector T cells that are expanded in patients withFOXP3mutations
Authors: Borna Šimon , Lee Esmond , Nideffer Jason , Ramachandran Akshaya , Wang Bing , Baker Jeanette , Mavers Melissa , Lakshmanan Uma , Narula Mansi , Garrett Amy Kang-hee , Schulze Janika , Olek Sven , Marois Louis , Gernez Yael , Bhatia Monica , Chong Hey Jin , Walter Jolan , Kitcharoensakkul Maleewan , Lang Abigail , Cooper Megan A. , Bertaina Alice , Roncarolo Maria Grazia , Meffre Eric , Bacchetta Rosa
Published: December 2023

Studies of the monogenic autoimmune disease immunodysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked syndrome (IPEX) have elucidated the essential function of the transcription factor FOXP3 and thymic-derived regulatory T cells (Tregs) in controlling peripheral tolerance. However, the presence and the source of autoreactive T cells in IPEX remain undetermined. Here, we investigated how FOXP3 deficiency affects the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and Tregstability in vivo and compared T cell abnormalities in patients with IPEX with those in patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy syndrome (APECED). To study Tregsindependently of their phenotype and to analyze T cell autoreactivity, we combined Treg-specific demethylation region analyses, single-cell multiomic profiling, and bulk TCR sequencing. We found that patients with IPEX, unlike patients with APECED, have expanded autoreactive T cells originating from both autoreactive effector T cells (Teffs) and Tregs. In addition, a fraction of the expanded Tregsfrom patients with IPEX lost their phenotypic and functional markers, including CD25 and FOXP3. Functional experiments with CRISPR-Cas9–mediated FOXP3 knockout Tregsand Tregsfrom patients with IPEX indicated that the patients’ Tregsgain a TH2-skewed Teff-like function, which is consistent with immune dysregulation observed in these patients. Analyses ofFOXP3mutation-carrier mothers and a patient with IPEX after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation indicated that Tregsexpressing nonmutatedFOXP3prevent the accumulation of autoreactive Teffsand unstable Tregs. These findings could be directly used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes and for monitoring the effects of immunomodulatory treatments.