bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors of late respiratory support or oxygen weaning in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Garcia‐Anton Alma , Dreyfus Lélia , Portefaix Aurélie , Baudin Florent , Plaisant Franck , Loppinet Thomas , Reix Philippe , Butin Marine , Coutier Laurianne
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most common complication in preterm infants. This study aimed at identifying factors associated with early or with late or weaning failure from respiratory support or oxygen (O2) in preterm infants with BPD requiring respiratory support or O2 therapy after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary hospital, in infants born before 32 weeks of gestation between 2012 and 2021, and discharged from the NICU with a respiratory support (tracheostomy [TT], invasive ventilation [IV], Non‐IV [NIV], continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP], high flow nasal canula [HFNC]) or O2 therapy for BPD. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with early weaning (before 6 months postmenstrual age [PMA]) or late (after 6 months PMA) and weaning failure.

Results

Among the 53 infants included (2% TT, 2% IV, 11% NIV, 25% CPAP or HFNC, 60% O2 at NICU discharge), 23 (43%) were weaned from respiratory support or O2 before 6 months PMA and 39 (73%) before 12 months PMA. IV duration during NICU stay and postnatal steroid treatment were identified as factors associated with a late or weaning failure (OR 1.03, p = .04 and OR 4.11, p = .023, respectively).

Conclusion

In this study, nearly half of preterm infants with severe BPD were weaned from respiratory support or O2 before 6 months PMA. IV duration and postnatal steroid treatment during NICU stay were associated with a late or weaning failure.
Life Expectancy in High‐Grade Incidental Prostate Cancer Patients Versus Population‐Based Controls According to Treatment Type
Authors: Di Bello Francesco , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Baudo Andrea , de Angelis Mario , Siech Carolin , Tian Zhe , Goyal Jordan A. , Creta Massimiliano , Califano Gianluigi , Celentano Giuseppe , Acquati Pietro , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Carmignani Luca , de Cobelli Ottavio , Briganti Alberto , Chun Felix K. H. , Longo Nicola , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To quantify the differences in 5‐year overall survival (OS) between high‐grade (Gleason sum 8–10) incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) patients and age‐matched male population‐based controls, according to treatment type: no active versus active treatment.

Materials and Methods

We relied on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004–2015) to identify not actively treated and actively treated high‐grade IPCa patients. For each case, we simulated an age‐matched male control (Monte Carlo simulation), relying on Social Security Administration Life Tables (2004–2020) with 5 years of follow‐up. Additionally, we relied on Kaplan–Meier plots to display OS for each treatment type. Multivariable Cox regression models were fitted to predict overall mortality (OM).

Results

Of 564 high‐grade IPCa patients, 345 (61%) were not actively treated versus 219 (39%) were actively treated, either with radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy. Median OS was 3 years for not actively treated high‐grade IPCa patients, with OS difference at 5 years follow‐up of 27% relative to their age‐matched male population‐based controls (37% vs. 64%). Median OS was 8 years for actively treated high‐grade IPCa patients, with OS difference at 5 years follow‐up of 6% relative to their age‐matched male population‐based controls (68% vs. 74%). In the multivariable Cox regression model, active treatment independently predicted lower OM (hazard ratio = 0.6; 95% confidence interval = 0.4–0.8; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Relative to Life Tables' derived age‐matched male controls, not actively treated high‐grade IPCa patients exhibit drastically worse OS than their actively treated counterparts. These observations may encourage clinicians to consider active treatment in newly diagnosed high‐grade IPCa patients.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for children with pulmonary hypertension: A single‐institutional experience of outcomes
Authors: Nemeh Christopher , Schmoke Nicholas , Patten William , Clark Eunice , Wu Yeu S. , Wang Pengchen , Kurlansky Paul , Middlesworth William , Cheung Eva W. , Rosenzweig Erika B.
Published: October 2024

Pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can present with a wide spectrum of disease severity. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) crises can lead to acute decompensation requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, including extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR). We evaluated outcomes for pediatric PH patients requiring ECMO. A single‐institution retrospective review of pediatric PAH patients with World Symposium on PH (WSPH) groups 1 and 3 requiring ECMO cannulation from 2010 through 2022 (n = 20) was performed. Primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were survival to decannulation and 1‐year survival. Of 20 ECMO patients, 16 (80%) survived to decannulation and 8 (40%) survived to discharge and 1 year follow up. Of three patients who had two ECMO runs; none survived. There were five patients who had eCPR for the first run; one survived to discharge. The univariate logistic regression model showed that venovenous ECMO was associated with better survival to hospital discharge than venoarterial ECMO, (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.01–0.86, p = 0.046). PH medications (administered before, during, or after ECMO) were not associated with survival to discharge. For children with decompensated PAH requiring ECMO, mortality rate is high, and management is challenging. While VA ECMO is the main configuration for decompensated PH, VV ECMO could be considered if there is adequate ventricular function, presence of a systemic to pulmonary shunt, or an intercurrent treatable illness to improve survival to discharge. A multidisciplinary approach with requisite expertise should be utilized on a case‐by‐case basis until more reliable data is available to predict outcomes.
Cloud classification through machine learning and global horizontal irradiance data analysis
Authors: Lusi Anabela Rocío , Orte Pablo Facundo , Wolfram Elian , Orlando José Ignacio
Published: October 2024

Cloud observations and characterization are crucial owing to their influence on energy balance, climate, and weather. Their particular effects on radiation vary depending on different cloud parameters, such as cloud base or top height, water content, and cloud optical thickness, all of them closely related to the specific cloud type. Cloud classification therefore becomes a crucial task in meteorology, although it remains challenging for weather services worldwide owing to the intensive associated labor and cost. In this study we introduce a new low‐cost method for automating cloud classification based on a combination of ground‐based global horizontal irradiance (GHI) measurements, a clear‐sky model, and machine learning. Based on the hypothesis that different cloud types have their own GHI signatures, we trained different supervised learning algorithms using GHI data manually labeled by meteorological observers from time‐synchronized all‐sky images. Multiple time windows were extracted from each GHI series, with eight features defined in each case to characterize the sequence. The best outcome was achieved using an XGBoost model on features extracted on time windows of 33 min, obtaining an accuracy of 0.88 and a Cohen's kappa of 0.84 in a held‐out test set. The development presented in this study has the ability to provide low‐cost cloud classification from ground‐based observations, which is a challenge for weather services worldwide owing to intensive labor and cost.
Structural elucidation of 14‐membered ring macrolide antibiotics using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Carnevale Neto Fausto , Vessecchi Ricardo
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Macrolides are critical antibiotics featuring a macrocyclic lactone core with deoxy sugars. Understanding their gas‐phase fragmentation is challenging but essential for improving structural elucidation in mass spectrometry, which has implications for drug discovery and development.

Methods

We used electrospray ionization collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐CID‐MS) combined with quantum chemical calculations to investigate the fragmentation pathways of erythromycin A and roxithromycin. This approach helps elucidate the preferred fragmentation routes influenced by protonation sites.

Results

Macrolides showed similar fragmentation patterns, including sequential losses of saccharide or amino sugar units and dehydration from the macrocycle core. Multiple competitive pathways were observed, influenced by protonation sites. Computational studies confirmed the most favorable protonation sites and their impact on fragmentation, providing insights into key diagnostic product ions. Subsequent fragments involved rearrangement pathways such as alkene formation and cleavages via remote hydrogen transfers and pericyclic reactions.

Conclusions

Our integrated approach offers a comprehensive understanding of macrolide fragmentation, enhancing structural elucidation and potential applications in drug development. This study advances mass spectrometry analysis of macrolides, contributing to pharmaceutical research by integrating orthogonal annotation methods and fragmentation studies.
Multivariate Cluster Point Process to Quantify and Explore Multi‐Entity Configurations: Application to Biofilm Image Data
Authors: Majumder Suman , Coull Brent A. , Welch Jessica L. Mark , Riviere Patrick J. La , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Starr Jacqueline R. , Lee Kyu Ha
Published: October 2024

Clusters of similar or dissimilar objects are encountered in many fields. Frequently used approaches treat each cluster's central object as latent. Yet, often objects of one or more types cluster around objects of another type. Such arrangements are common in biomedical images of cells, in which nearby cell types likely interact. Quantifying spatial relationships may elucidate biological mechanisms. Parent‐offspring statistical frameworks can be usefully applied even when central objects (“parents”) differ from peripheral ones (“offspring”). We propose the novel multivariate cluster point process (MCPP) to quantify multi‐object (e.g., multi‐cellular) arrangements. Unlike commonly used approaches, the MCPP exploits locations of the central parent object in clusters. It accounts for possibly multilayered, multivariate clustering. The model formulation requires specification of which object types function as cluster centers and which reside peripherally. If such information is unknown, the relative roles of object types may be explored by comparing fit of different models via the deviance information criterion (DIC). In simulated data, we compared a series of models' DIC; the MCPP correctly identified simulated relationships. It also produced more accurate and precise parameter estimates than the classical univariate Neyman–Scott process model. We also used the MCPP to quantify proposed configurations and explore new ones in human dental plaque biofilm image data. MCPP models quantified simultaneous clustering of Streptococcus and Porphyromonas around Corynebacterium and of Pasteurellaceae around Streptococcus and successfully captured hypothesized structures for all taxa. Further exploration suggested the presence of clustering between Fusobacterium and Leptotrichia, a previously unreported relationship.
Understanding the Structural and Electrochemical Properties of Anion‐Redox O3‐Na[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2 Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tao Jiangwei , Qiu Yixiao , Tan Guangsu , Yang Shaoyu , Li Wenda , Wang Weiwei , Wang Yuzhu , Xu Chao
Published: October 2024

Activating anionic redox is an effective strategy for enhancing the capacity of cathode materials in both lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries. However, the fundamental mechanisms of O3‐type sodium anionic redox cathodes remain poorly understood due to the limited availability of such materials, despite their inherent advantages such as high initial sodium content and high reversible capacity. Herein, we employ multiple characterization methods to elucidate the structural and electrochemical properties of O3‐Na[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2, a promising sodium anionic redox cathode developed recently, with a particular focus on the effect of cutoff voltages during electrochemical aging. Our synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction results indicate that charging the material to voltages above 4.1 V induces substantial structural changes, which compromise the structural and electrochemical reversibility of the material. This is corroborated by more rapid capacity decay and increased impedance, attributed to severe degradation on both the surface and in the bulk, as evidenced by the formation of lower valence manganese compounds. Furthermore, increasing the lower cutoff voltage for the discharge process effectively suppresses surface degradation, thereby improving cycling stability. This work offers a comprehensive understanding of a pivotal sodium anionic redox cathode material, providing valuable insights that can drive the development of advanced materials for sodium‐ion batteries.
Molecular Probing Coupled with Density Functional Theory Calculation to Reveal the Influence of Fe Doping on Fe‐NiOOH Electrode for High Current Density of Water Splitting
Authors: Li Feng , Xu Shiyuan , Zhao Xueru , Ma Guorui , Niu Zhulin , Zhong Xing , Li Jing
Published: October 2024

Fe‐doped NiOOH electrocatalysts have attracted wide interest for the exceptional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance, but the precise role of Fe doping on the improved intrinsic activity remains unclear. Herein, the molecular probe technique combined with density functional theory calculation is used to reveal the influence of the Fe atom on the rate‐determining step of the OER reaction, where the pre‐catalyst of hierarchical self‐supporting NiFe layered double hydroxide [LDH] nanosheets equipped on nickel foam (NiFe LDH/NF) is generated via a facile and industrially well‐matched one‐pot corrosion method. The physical characterization results reveal the reconstruction of NiFe LDH into Fe‐doped NiOOH for promoted OER, which has a lower OH* adsorption energy with fast subsequent steps that help in obtaining an improved charge injection efficiency compared to NiOOH. In addition, more exposed electroactive species and facile delivery of mass/electron inside the catalytic procedure actually have a high‐quality contribution to the outstanding catalytic activity. Therefore, the NiFe LDH36/NF electrocatalyst provides high catalytic activities of 241 and 320 mV at 10 mA cm−2 toward the OER and overall water‐splitting in 1 m KOH. This work provides a promising avenue for the rational design of durable self‐supporting electrodes toward large‐scale water splitting.
Bottom Electrode Modification Enables Efficient and Bright Silicon‐Based Top‐Emission Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhou Lingfeng , Yan Minxing , Luo Guangjie , Xu Li , Fang Yanjun , Yang Deren
Published: October 2024

The integration of perovskites with mature silicon platform has emerged as a promising approach in the development of efficient on‐chip light sources and high‐brightness displays. However, the performance of Si‐based green perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) still falls significantly short compared to their red and near‐infrared counterparts. In this study, it is revealed that the high work function Au, widely employed in Si‐based top‐emission PeLEDs as the reflective bottom electrode, exhibits considerably lower reflectivity in the green spectrum than in the longer wavelengths. Consequently, Ag electrode is introduced to replace Au to enhance the green light reflectivity, and the ultrathin MoO3 and self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are sequentially deposited for surface modification. These results indicate that the MoO3 layer removes the energy barrier at Ag/polymer hole transport layer interface, enhancing the hole injection efficiency; while the SAMs firmly anchor onto the MoO3 layer, effectively preventing interfacial defect formation. Benefited from this organic/inorganic dual‐layer modification strategy, Si‐based green PeLEDs with an impressive peak external quantum efficiency of 18.2% and a maximum brightness of 81931 cd m−2 are successfully fabricated, on par with those of the red and near‐infrared counterparts. This achievement marks an advancement in developing high‐performance Si‐based PeLEDs with full‐spectrum output.
Combination Displacement/Intercalation Reaction of Ag0.11V2O5 Cathode Realizes Efficient Manganese Ion Storage Properties
Authors: Fan Zheng , Hou Zhichao , Lu Wenqiang , Zheng Hongbao , Chen Nan , Yao Mingguang , Wang Chunzhong , Jiang Heng , Zhang Dong , Du Fei
Published: October 2024

Aqueous manganese‐ion batteries (AMIBs) are becoming more noticeable because of their excellent theoretical capacity, outstanding safety profile, and cost‐effectiveness. However, there aren't many studies on cathode materials appropriate for AMIBs, and the manganese‐ion storage mechanisms within these materials have not been thoroughly investigated. Furthermore, the electrochemical performance of existing cathode materials remains suboptimal. Here, Ag0.11V2O5 is designed and synthesized as the cathode material and introduces the combination displacement/intercalation reaction mechanism to the manganese ion storage for the first time. Ag0.11V2O5 demonstrates a capacity retention of 90.3% after 1200 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹ and achieves a high rate performance of 100.01 mAh g⁻¹ at 20 A g⁻¹. This impressive electrochemical performance is attributed to the reaction, which provides more Mn2+ storage sites and generates highly conductive Ag within the electrode. This study presents a novel approach to achieving high‐capacity AMIBs.
Controllable Regulation of CO2 Adsorption Behavior via Precise Charge Donation Modulation for Highly Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Formic Acid
Authors: Li Rou‐Yu , Yuan Wenyu , Wang Shuo , Zhang Peng , Wu Heng , Su Yi‐Min , Wen En‐Lei , Zhu Xiaolin , Zhai Quan‐Guo
Published: October 2024

The synthesis of value‐added products via CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER) is of great significance, but the development of efficient and versatile strategies for the controllable selectivity tuning is extremely challenging. Herein, the tuning of CO2ER selectivity through the modulation of CO2 adsorption behavior is proposed. Using the constructed zeolitic MOF (SNNU‐339), CO2 adsorption behavior is controllably changed from *CO2 to CO2* via the precise ligand‐to‐metal charge donation (LTMCD) regulation. It is confirmed that the high electronegativity of the coordinate ligand directly restricts the LTMCD, reduces the charge density on the metal sites, lowers the Gibbs free energy for CO2* adsorption, and leads to the transformation of CO2 adsorption mode from *CO2 to CO2*. Owing to the modulated CO2 adsorption behavior and regulated kinetics, SNNU‐339 exhibits superior HCOOH selectivity (≈330% promotion, 85.6% Faradaic efficiency) and high CO2ER activity. The wide applicability of the proposed approach sheds light on the efficient CO2ER. This study provides a competitive strategy for rational catalyst design and underscores the significance of adsorption behavior tuning in electrocatalysis.
Scalable Copper Sulfide Formulations for Super‐Resolution Optoacoustic Brain Imaging in the Second Near‐Infrared Window
Authors: Tang Lin , Nozdriukhin Daniil , Kalva Sandeep Kumar , Zhou Quanyu , Özsoy Çağla , Lyu Shuxin , Reiss Michael , Vidal Anxo , Torres Ana , Deán‐Ben Xosé Luís , Razansky Daniel
Published: October 2024

Optoacoustic imaging offers label‐free multi‐parametric characterization of cerebrovascular morphology and hemodynamics at depths and spatiotemporal resolution unattainable with optical microscopy. Effective imaging depth can greatly be enhanced by employing photons in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window. However, diminished absorption by hemoglobin along with a lack of suitable contrast agents hinder an efficient application of the technique in this spectral range. Herein, copper sulfide (CuS) micro‐ and nano‐formulations for multi‐scale optoacoustic imaging in the NIR‐II window are introduced. Dynamic contrast enhancement induced by intravenously administered CuS nanoparticles facilitated visualization of blood perfusion in murine cerebrovascular networks. The individual calcium carbonate microparticles carrying CuS are further shown to generate sufficient responses to enable super‐resolution microvascular imaging and blood flow velocity mapping with localization optoacoustic tomography.
The institutional dimension of the inequality–corruption nexus: A varieties of capitalism assessment
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir , Kalinowski Thomas
Published: October 2024

Are unequal societies prone to the abuse of economic power to influence political decisions for private gains? We investigate how changes in inequality affect changes in corruption, controlling for comparative political economy factors. Our varieties of capitalism (VoC) approach explains corruption trends from an institutional viewpoint: liberal market economies (LMEs) exhibit lower corruption despite having high inequality. Coordinated market economies exhibit lower inequality but higher corruption, while state‐led non‐liberal economies have low inequality despite showing a range of degrees of corruption. Resource exporting economies show high corruption as well as inequality, akin to developing countries despite having higher national incomes. The relationship between changes in inequality and corruption diverges between the different VoC: strongly positive in coordinated and state‐led market economies, of an unclear sign in resource‐exporting economies, weak in resource‐poor developing countries, and downright negative in LMEs. Institutions are thus critical mediators of the socioeconomics of corruption.
A New Family of Distribution‐Free Geometric Shrinkage Variances Estimators With Applications
Authors: Ming Ruixing , Zhao Yihui , Xiao Liqun , Tu Dongsheng
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a family of geometric shrinkage variances estimators is derived under a new framework of Riemann manifold. Two approaches are proposed to estimate the optimal shrinkage parameter that minimizes a loss function defined as the square of a Riemann metric. Simulation studies show that the proposed estimators with the estimated optimal shrinkage parameter perform well under the percentage related improvement in average loss (PRIAL) criterion, which measures the degree of improvement over the naive sample variance estimators. Finally, the proposed estimators are applied to analyse a real data set of gene expression levels of cancer patients.
Concentration of a Sparse Bayesian Model With Horseshoe Prior in Estimating High‐Dimensional Precision Matrix
Authors: Mai The Tien
Published: October 2024

Precision matrices are crucial in many fields such as social networks, neuroscience and economics, representing the edge structure of Gaussian graphical models (GGMs), where a zero in an off‐diagonal position of the precision matrix indicates conditional independence between nodes. In high‐dimensional settings where the dimension of the precision matrix exceeds the sample size and the matrix is sparse, methods like graphical Lasso, graphical SCAD and CLIME are popular for estimating GGMs. While frequentist methods are well‐studied, Bayesian approaches for (unstructured) sparse precision matrices are less explored. The graphical horseshoe estimate, applying the global‐local horseshoe prior, shows superior empirical performance, but theoretical work for sparse precision matrix estimations using shrinkage priors is limited. This paper addresses these gaps by providing concentration results for the tempered posterior with the fully specified horseshoe prior in high‐dimensional settings. Moreover, we also provide novel theoretical results for model misspecification, offering a general oracle inequality for the posterior. A concise set of simulations is performed to validate our theoretical findings.
Improved Variance Estimation From Trimmed Samples
Authors: Andrade Daniel
Published: October 2024

Several methods for the robust estimation of the variance of a normal random variable are based on trimming. For example, the popular estimator is based on trimming the pairs of samples with the largest absolute distance. Another example is least trimmed squares regression, where all unusually large residuals are removed before the estimation of the variance. Here, in this work, we propose two new classes of estimators that use an optimal linear combination of the trimmed samples to achieve a lower mean squared error (MSE). The first class guarantees the smallest variance among all unbiased estimators that are based on linear combinations, while the second class of estimators guarantees the smallest MSE at the cost of some small bias. Through simulations, we demonstrate that our proposed estimators can have considerably smaller MSE than other robust estimators both in the presence and absence of outliers.
Das Seiltragwerk der Fassadenbegrünung des Zentrallagers der Elektrizitätswerke Zürich
Authors: Piskas Dimitrios
Published: October 2024

Die Fassadenbegrünung des neuen Zentrallagers der Elektrizitätswerke Zürich (ewz) ist eine außenliegende Konstruktion aus Tragseilen und Hohlprofilen, die insgesamt 300 m2 Wuchsfläche für Kletterpflanzen bietet. Das Tragwerk wurde mit einer Anerkennung beim Prix Acier 2023 durch das Stahlbau Zentrum Schweiz (SZS) ausgezeichnet. Der vorliegende Beitrag, der in ähnlicher Form bei der Stahlbautagung der Fachhochschule Fribourg im April 2024 präsentiert wurde, dokumentiert den Entwurfsprozess, die Materialisierung und konstruktive Gestaltung sowie ausgewählte Aspekte aus der Analyse und Bemessung des Tragwerks.
Predictive modeling of compressive strength in silica fume‐modified self‐compacted concrete: A soft computing approach
Authors: Abdulrahman Payam Ismael , Jaf Dilshad Kakasor Ismael , Malla Sirwan Khuthur , Mohammed Ahmed Salih , Kurda Rawaz , Asteris Panagiotis G. , Sihag Parveen
Published: October 2024

Self‐compacting concrete (SCC) is a specialized type of concrete that features excellent fresh properties, enabling it to flow uniformly and compact under its weight without vibration. SCC has been one of the most significant advancements in concrete technology over the past two decades. In efforts to reduce the environmental impact of cement production, a major source of CO2 emissions, silica fume (SF) is often used as a partial replacement for cement. SF‐modified SCC has become a common choice in construction. This study explores the effectiveness of soft computing models in predicting the compressive strength (CS) of SCC modified with varying amounts of silica fume. To achieve this, a comprehensive database was compiled from previous experimental studies, containing 240 data points related to CS. The compressive strength values in the database range from 21.1 to 106.6 MPa. The database includes seven independent variables: cement content (359.0–600.0 kg/m3), water‐to‐binder ratio (0.22–0.51), silica fume content (0.0–150.0 kg/m3), fine aggregate content (680.0–1166.0 kg/m3), coarse aggregate content (595.0–1000.0 kg/m3), superplasticizer content (1.5–15.0 kg/m3), and curing time (1–180 days). Four predictive models were developed based on this database: linear regression (LR), multi‐linear regression (MLR), full‐quadratic (FQ), and M5P‐tree models. The data were split, with two‐thirds used for training (160 data points) and one‐third for testing (80 data points). The performance of each model was evaluated using various statistical metrics, including the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), objective value (OBJ), scatter index (SI), and a‐20 index. The results revealed that the M5P‐tree model was the most accurate and reliable in predicting the compressive strength of SF‐based SCC across a wide range of strength values. Additionally, sensitivity analysis indicated that curing time had the most significant impact on the mixture's properties.
I'm not giving up on you: Exploring the roles of politicized trust and critical agency in the Scratch coding trajectory of two Black boys
Authors: Worsley Ti'Era , Tan Edna
Published: October 2024

This article looks at how a Black informal STEM educator supported two Black boys' learning opportunities in coding, specifically investigating how the establishment of politicized trust between the informal STEM educator and youth supported their development of critical agency. Using the dual lenses of socio‐spatial relationality and politicized trust, we explore how the socio‐spatial relationality of place, materials, and educator–youth interactions allowed for the shifting of power dynamics that were foundational to supporting youth in navigating a coding process that centered who they were and their interests, in the moment. We employ participatory design research aimed at reducing power dynamics by remediating who has power within a setting, grounded in dismantling and disrupting traditional power hierarchies through actively involving the community in the design process. We present two case studies that map the learning trajectories of Donovan and Jabria, two middle‐school aged Black boys. Their learning trajectories include the following phases: tensions related to coding with Scratch, pivotal interaction with the educator, and development of critical agency. We unpack how the socially produced space supported Donovan, Jabria, and Worsley to critically read the world of coding, rewrite coding through political action, and establish politicized trust. Throughout this process, we see through Donovan and Jabria's interactions they were constantly editing and producing their interactions with coding which led to newly created learning opportunities by developing their critical agency in coding. Four main points were identified: continuous access to materials, sustained engagement to reimagine possibilities, understanding that all disengagement is not equal, and being explicit in communicating expectations followed by concrete action. Across these points, the salience of relational politicized trust between educator and youth was a cross cutting thread.
Method development for the simultaneous determination of 2378‐substituted PCDD/Fs and non‐2378‐substituted TCDD in ash sample
Authors: Hang Mai Thi Hong , Xuyen Nguyen Thi , Hung Nguyen Xuan , Thuy Le Minh , Anh Nguyen Phuc , Minh Tu Binh , Nam Vu Duc
Published: October 2024

A method was developed and validated in this study for the simultaneous determination of toxic 2378‐substituted PCDD/Fs and non‐2378‐substituted TCDD in ash samples, utilizing high‐resolution gas chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode at a resolution of higher than 10 000—full width at haft maximum (FWHM) (10% valley) was used for qualification and quantification of target analytes. The ash sample was pre‐treated with 1 M HCl solution and extracted with toluene using an accelerated solvent extraction technique (ASE). The extract was cleaned up on a multilayer silica gel column and an activated carbon column. The validated analytical procedure was confirmed by analysis of the ash sample in the interlaboratory proficiency test program (PT program). This method established the detection limit of PCDD/PCDF ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 ng/kg, recovery from 67% to 81%, and the relative standard deviation of replicate experiments was less than 10%. The analytical method that met the requirements for detection limit, accuracy and repeatability was applied to determine PCDD/PCDF content in some ash samples collected from copper recycling craft villages in northern Vietnam.
Steroid‐responsive granulomatous mural folliculitis associated with ovine herpesvirus‐2 in a Pygmy goat
Authors: Striuli Giulia , Vandenabeele Sophie , van Mol Wouter , Vercauteren Griet , De Lignie Bern
Published: October 2024

This case reports a Pygmy goat diagnosed with granulomatous mural folliculitis associated with ovine herpesvirus‐2 infection. Three biopsy samples were collected at different time points throughout the evolution of the disease, which were submitted to histopathology and polymerase chain reaction analyses. Despite the suspected viral aetiology, the goat showed significant clinical improvement with a tapering regimen of immunosuppressive corticosteroids, achieving clinical remission. A progressive reduction in the follicular granulomatous infiltrate and in apoptosis of follicular keratinocytes was observed, while the viral presence persisted. The disease remained controlled with a follow‐up period of 2 years, although a flare occurred after discontinuation of the treatment. The findings suggest that the granulomatous reaction affecting the follicles may be immune‐mediated rather than directly induced by the cytopathic effects of the virus.
Human–wildlife interactions on the tidal flats of the Bijagós Archipelago: does shellfishing affect migratory shorebirds?
Authors: Coelho Ana P. , Ramos Catarina , Regala de Barros Aissa , Piersma Theunis , Alves José A.
Published: October 2024

The Bijagós Archipelago in West Africa is home to an ethnic group with a rich cultural heritage that is tightly linked to nature. The Bijagós people have a shared cultural identity, but management of natural resources varies between islands due to island‐specific context with regards to socio‐political organization and strength of cultural heritage. Across the archipelago, bivalves harvested manually from the mudflats are an important part of the Bijagós people's diet, economy, and culture. Migratory shorebirds share the use of these mudflats during their non‐breeding season, consuming macrobenthos such as crustaceans and bivalves, including those harvested by local people. At the end of their stay in the Bijagós, just before taking off for their migratory flight, it is particularly important that shorebirds have access to undisturbed feeding areas with suitable food resources. In this study we start by exploring shellfishing patterns across different management regimes (via questionnaires to local shellfishers), then assess seasonal variation in the direct impact of shellfishing on shorebirds (through competition for resources and space), and finally quantify the indirect impact of sediment disturbance due to shellfishing upon shorebird prey availability with an experimental approach. Results indicate that bivalve resources are better managed in areas with formal protection, while traditional management based on cultural beliefs results in poorer stock conditions. Interestingly, the high density of shellfishers in mid‐winter (14.4 ind. km−2) decreased markedly towards shorebirds' fuelling period, when they benefit the most from reduced disturbance on the mudflats. Regardless of the season, no direct competition for resources was detected due to differences in targeted sizes. Indirect impacts caused by sediment disturbance during shellfishing were also mostly absent, causing only a small reduction on shorebirds prey density but with no effect on the available biomass.
Small Scale, Big Impact: Experiences from a Miniature ViL Testbed and Digital Twin Development
Authors: Modrakowski Elias , Rahenbrock Niklas , Möhlmann Eike , Schlender Henning
Published: October 2024

The concept of Digital Twin (DT) has gained enormous momentum over the past years in many fields with a variety of purposes. We investigated the usage of DTs for the development and testing of automated driving functions. In this context, we wanted to train an agent to challenge the automated driving function of a vehicle via reinforcement learning (RL). For this, we build both, a miniature Vehicle in a loop (ViL) testbed and its digital shadow. The idea is to use the digital shadow as the training environment for the agent resulting in reduced cost and time for training. We decided specifically to build a miniature version of a testbed to accelerate development, reduce resource consumption and increase adaptability.

This paper contributed to the engineering of DTs by reporting our approach regarding the development of a digital shadow of a miniature ViL testbed and the lessons learned. First, we motivate the decision for a miniature testbed. Secondly, we describe the high-level architecture and the technical implementation including both the digital shadow and its physical counterpart. Third, we describe the application of the DT for RL and the experiments enabled by our setup. We conclude with the lessons learned. The main takeaway is that DTs are an excellent means to develop, disseminate and present new methods for the validation of automated vehicles. Here the benefits outweigh the effort of DT construction.
Physical Modeling and Basic Methods
Authors: Huang Minchao , Wu Jianjun , Li Jian , Cheng Yuqiang
Published: October 2024

A solar thermal propulsion (STP) system is composed of a concentrator, a thruster and a propellant supply system. To improve the heat exchange efficiency of the system, an integrated structure of regeneratively cooled concentrator and thrust chamber is proposed in this chapter, and the numerical methods required for the simulations are also provided.
Integrated Design of Solar Thermal Propulsion and Task Optimization
Authors: Huang Minchao , Wu Jianjun , Li Jian , Cheng Yuqiang
Published: October 2024

In previous chapters, the secondary concentrator, absorption cavity, heat exchanger core, and nozzle of the solar thermal propulsion (STP) system are integratedly designed, and regenerative cooling and laminated heat exchange technologies are used to effectively combine these components. This chapter analyzes the overall efficiency of the STP system and uses quantum genetic algorithms to perform a multiobjective optimization for space missions.
Coorbit Theory of Warped Time-Frequency Systems in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$
Authors: Holighaus Nicki , Voigtlaender Felix
Published: October 2024

Warped time-frequency systems have recently been introduced as a class of structured continuous frames for functions on the real line. Herein, we generalize this framework to the setting of functions of arbitrary dimensionality. After showing that the basic properties of warped time-frequency representations carry over to higher dimensions, we determine conditions on the warping function which guarantee that the associated Gramian is well-localized, so that associated families of coorbit spaces can be constructed. We then show that discrete Banach frame decompositions for these coorbit spaces can be obtained by sampling the continuous warped time-frequency systems. In particular, this implies that sparsity of a given function f in the discrete warped time-frequency dictionary is equivalent to membership of f in the coorbit space. We put special emphasis on the case of radial warping functions, for which the relevant assumptions simplify considerably.
Influence of a suboptimal environment and sintering temperature on the mechanical properties of fused filament fabricated copper
Authors: Downard Scott , Clark Ethan , O’Brien Cheosung , Mohammadlou Bita Soltan , Kontsos Antonios , Celli Dino , Smith Lucas , Al Amiri Essa , Weems Andrew , Wisner Brian
Published: October 2024

Metal injection molding (MIM) processes are generally more cost-effective for the generation of metallic AM components. However, the thermal processing required to remove the polymer and sinter the metal powder is not well understood in terms of resulting mechanical response and damage evolution, especially in ambient atmospheres where contamination is present. This study aims to provide a range of achievable mechanical properties of copper produced using a MIM-based method called fused filament fabrication (FFF) that is post-processed in a nonideal environment. These results showed direct correlations between sintering temperature to multiple aspects of material behavior. In addition, Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) methods are leveraged to understand the variation in damage evolution that results from the processing, and it is shown that the higher sintering temperatures provided more desirable tensile properties for strength-based applications. Moreover, these results demonstrate a potential to tailor mechanical properties of FFF manufactured copper for a specific application.
Protective effects of Silibinin and cinnamic acid against paraquat-induced lung toxicity in rats: impact on oxidative stress, PI3K/AKT pathway, and miR-193a signaling
Authors: Fouad Basma M. , Abdel-Ghany A. A. , Kandeil Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Ibrahim T.
Published: October 2024

Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the primary determinants of pulmonary fibrosis. It was discovered that antioxidants can ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis caused by prolonged paraquat (PQ) exposure. However, research on the precise mechanisms by which antioxidants influence the signaling pathways implicated in pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat is still insufficient. This research utilized a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ to examine the impacts of Silibinin (Sil) and cinnamic acid (CA) on pulmonary fibrosis, with a specific focus on pro-fibrotic signaling pathways and ROS-related autophagy. Lung injury induced by paraquat was demonstrated to be associated with oxidative stress and inflammation of the lungs, downregulated (miR-193a), and upregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling lung tissues. Expression levels of miR-193a were determined with quantitative real-time PCR, protein level of protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) which were determined by western blot analysis. Hydroxyproline levels (HYP) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by ELISA, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase and were measured in lung tissue homogenates colorimetrically using spectrophotometer. Long-term exposure to paraquat resulted in decreased PI3K/AKT signaling, decreased cell autophagy, increased oxidative stress, and increased pulmonary fibrosis formation. Silibinin and cinnamic acid also decreased oxidative stress by increasing autophagy and miR-193a expression, which in turn decreased pulmonary fibrosis. These effects were associated by low TGF-β1. Silibinin and cinnamic acid inhibited PQ-induced PI3K/AKT by stimulating miR-193-a expression, thus attenuating PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Dual-energy CT angiography in detecting underlying causes of intracerebral hemorrhage: an observational cohort study
Authors: Peeters Michaël T. J. , Postma Alida A. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Henneman Wouter J.P. , Staals Julie
Published: October 2024

Background

CT angiography (CTA) is often used to detect underlying causes of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Dual-energy CT (DECT) is able to distinguish materials with similar attenuation but different compositions, such as hemorrhage and contrast. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of DECT angiography (DECTA), compared to conventional CTA in detecting underlying ICH causes.

Methods

All non-traumatic ICH patients who underwent DECTA (both arterial as well as delayed venous phase) at our center between January 2014 and February 2020 were analyzed. Conventional CTA acquisitions were reconstructed (‘merged’) from DECTA data. Structural ICH causes were assessed on both reconstructed conventional CTA and DECTA. The final diagnosis was based on all available diagnostic and clinical findings during one-year follow up.

Results

Of 206 included ICH patients, 30 (14.6%) had an underlying cause as final diagnosis. Conventional CTA showed a cause in 24 patients (11.7%), DECTA in 32 (15.5%). Both false positive and false negative findings occurred more frequently on conventional CTA. DECTA detected neoplastic ICH in all seven patients with a definite neoplastic ICH diagnosis, whereas conventional CTA only detected four of these cases. Both developmental venous anomalies (DVA) and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) were more frequently seen on DECTA. Arteriovenous malformations and aneurysms were detected equally on both imaging modalities.

Conclusions

Performing DECTA at clinical presentation of ICH may be of additional diagnostic value in the early detection of underlying causes, especially neoplasms, CVST and DVAs.
Relationships between abiotic factors, foliage chemistry and herbivory in a tropical montane ecosystem
Authors: de la Fuente Alejandro , Youngentob Kara N. , Marsh Karen J. , Krockenberger Andrew K. , Williams Stephen E. , Cernusak Lucas A.
Published: October 2024

Herbivore–plant interactions are fundamental processes shaping ecosystems, yet their study is challenged by their complex connections within broader ecosystem processes, requiring a nuanced understanding of ecosystem dynamics. This study investigated the relationship between nutrient availability and insect herbivory in the Australian Wet Tropics. Our objectives were threefold. Firstly, to understand what factors influence nutrient availability for plants and herbivores across the landscape; secondly, to investigate how trees of different species respond to nutrient availability; and thirdly, to unravel how the relationships between resources and plant chemistry affect herbivory. We established a network of 25 study sites covering important abiotic gradients, including temperature, precipitation, and geology. Employing a hierarchical modelling approach, we assessed the influence of climate and geology on resource availability for plants, primarily in the form of soil nutrients. Then, we explored the influence of the above factors on the interaction between herbivory and foliage chemistry across three widespread rainforest tree species, comparing how these relationships emerged across genera. Our findings suggest an overarching influence of climate and geology over soil chemistry, foliar nitrogen, and insect herbivory, both directly and indirectly. However, individual constituents of soil fertility showed equivocal influences on spatial patterns of foliage chemistry once site geological origin was accounted for, suggesting a questionable relationship between individual soil nutrients and foliar composition. We have demonstrated that herbivore–plant interactions are complex dynamics regulated by an intricate web of relationships spanning different biogeochemical processes. While our results provide some support to the notion that herbivory is affected by resource availability, different species growing under the same conditions can show differing responses to the same resources, highlighting the importance of identifying specific limiting factors rather than simpler proxies of resource availability.