bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policies and procedures
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: July 2024

An overview of the key topics faced by disability services providers with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Stigma of Binge‐Eating Disorder in Hong Kong Chinese Adults: Effects of Weight Status, Diagnostic Labeling, and Etiological Explanations
Authors: Chan Wai Sze , Po Shuk Kwan , Ng Albe Sin Ying
Published: July 2024

Objective

Binge‐eating disorder (BED) is a strongly stigmatized condition and is often complicated by weight stigma. Research on the intersection between BED and weight stigma is scarce especially in Chinese populations. The present study examined BED stigma in Chinese, whether BED stigma was independent from weight stigma, and whether diagnostic labeling and etiological explanations influenced the degree of BED stigma.

Method

Using a between‐subject experimental vignette study, 642 participants (mean age = 29.74 years, SD = 11.34) were randomly assigned to read one of the 18 vignettes, describing a character with information on BED symptoms, weight status, diagnostic labeling, and etiological explanations, followed by measures of stigma and help‐seeking intentions.

Results

The character with BED symptoms was ascribed more negative personality characteristics, elicited more negative affective reactions, and triggered greater desired social distance compared to the character without BED symptoms. No evidence for weight stigma was found nor for its interaction with BED stigma. The Cantonese diagnostic label of BED, kwong sik zing, was associated with lower levels of volitional stigma and greater help‐seeking intentions than the diagnostic label of eating disorders, jam sik sat tiu, and the absence of labeling. The effect of etiological explanations was only significant in the univariate test, indicating that providing either a psychosocial or a biogenetic etiological explanation lessened the negative evaluations of personality characteristics.

Discussion

The present study provided first evidence for BED stigma in Chinese. BED stigma appeared to be attributable to the presence of disordered eating behavior rather than the BED diagnosis.
Catheter‐based ablation to improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Rationale and design of the CABA‐HFPEF‐DZHK27 trial
Authors: Parwani Abdul S. , Kääb Stefan , Friede Tim , Tilz Roland Richard , Bauersachs Johann , Frey Norbert , Hindricks Gerhard , Lewalter Thorsten , Rienstra Michiel , Rillig Andreas , Scherr Daniel , Steven Daniel , Kirchhof Paulus , Pieske Burkert
Published: July 2024

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in heart failure (HF) and negatively impacts outcomes. The role of ablation‐based rhythm control in patients with AF and HF with preserved (HFpEF) or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is not known. The CABA‐HFPEF‐DZHK27 (CAtheter‐Based Ablation of atrial fibrillation compared to conventional treatment in patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction) trial will determine whether early catheter ablation for AF can prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF.

Methods

CABA‐HFPEF‐DZHK27 (NCT05508256) is an investigator‐initiated, prospective, randomized, open, interventional multicentre strategy trial with blinded outcome assessment. Approximately 1548 patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF diagnosed within 24 months prior to enrolment and HFpEF or HFmrEF will be randomized to early catheter ablation within 4 weeks after randomization or to usual care. All patients receive anticoagulation, rate control, and HF management according to current guideline recommendations. Usual care can include rhythm control in symptomatic patients. Patients will be followed until the end of the trial for the primary outcome, a composite of cardiovascular death, stroke, and total unplanned hospitalizations for HF or acute coronary syndrome. The safety outcome comprises complications of catheter ablation and death. The trial is powered for a rate ratio of 0.75 (two‐sided alpha = 0.05, 1‐beta = 0.8).

Conclusion

CABA‐HFPEF‐DZHK27 will define the role of systematic and early catheter ablation in patients with AF and HFpEF or HFmrEF.
Differential evolution of pore fluid pressure in the Sinian carbonate reservoirs of the central and eastern Sichuan Basin, China: Implication for gas preservation and destruction
Authors: Chen Jiaxu , Chen Changwei , He Zhiliang , Guo Xiaowen , Zhu Huahui , Tao Ze , Luo Tao , Zhang Dianwei , Sun Ziming
Published: July 2024

Trillions of cubic meters of gas reserve have been found in the Sinian Dengying carbonate reservoirs with normal pressure in the central Sichuan Basin, while no industrial gas reservoir have been detected in the Sinian Dengying reservoir with normal pressure in the eastern Sichuan Basin. The pore fluid pressure of gas reservoir is usually closely related to total gas content. To investigate the pore fluid pressure evolution and its implication for gas reserve preservation in the Sinian Dengying reservoir of the central and eastern Sichuan Basin, we conducted a comprehensive analysis including fluid inclusion petrography, microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy. The timings of gas inclusions captured in the central and eastern Sichuan Basin occurred from 175 to 92 Ma and 191 to 183 Ma, respectively. The presence of two‐phase vapour‐solid bitumen inclusions with similar phase proportions in a single fluid inclusion assemblage of fluorite provides direct evidence of in situ oil cracking to gas. The widespread solid bitumen from the Sinian Dengying reservoir in the central Sichuan Basin indicates the existence of massive oil cracking, which results in the formation of overpressure in the reservoir. Pore fluid pressure evolution of the Sinian Dengying reservoir of the central Sichuan Basin experiences normal pressure stage (200–155 Ma), overpressure development stage (155–90 Ma) and overpressure release stage (90–0 Ma). The maximum pore fluid pressure and its corresponding pressure coefficient of the Sinian Dengying reservoir of the central Sichuan Basin are approximately 141.4 MPa and 1.95, respectively. The overpressure development stage reflects the processes of oil cracking and gas accumulation, and the overpressure release stage reflects the dissipation of some natural gas in the Sinian Dengying reservoir of the central Sichuan Basin. The pore fluid pressure of the Sinian Dengying reservoir in the eastern Sichuan Basin has maintained at normal pressure since 200 Ma, indicating that the gas reservoir was small during the oil cracking stage and natural gas completely leaked due to tectonic uplift.
Chronic cannabis use alters the spontaneous and oscillatory gamma dynamics serving cognitive control
Authors: Schantell Mikki , John Jason A. , Coutant Anna T. , Okelberry Hannah J. , Horne Lucy K. , Glesinger Ryan , Springer Seth D. , Mansouri Amirsalar , May‐Weeks Pamela E. , Wilson Tony W.
Published: July 2024

Regular cannabis use is associated with cortex‐wide changes in spontaneous and oscillatory activity, although the functional significance of such changes remains unclear. We hypothesized that regular cannabis use would suppress spontaneous gamma activity in regions serving cognitive control and scale with task performance. Participants (34 cannabis users, 33 nonusers) underwent an interview regarding their substance use history and completed the Eriksen flanker task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were imaged in the time‐frequency domain and virtual sensors were extracted from the peak voxels of the grand‐averaged oscillatory interference maps to quantify spontaneous gamma activity during the pre‐stimulus baseline period. We then assessed group‐level differences in spontaneous and oscillatory gamma activity, and their relationship with task performance and cannabis use metrics. Both groups exhibited a significant behavioral flanker interference effect, with slower responses during incongruent relative to congruent trials. Mixed‐model ANOVAs indicated significant gamma‐frequency neural interference effects in the left frontal eye fields (FEF) and left temporoparietal junction (TPJ). Further, a group‐by‐condition interaction was detected in the left FEF, with nonusers exhibiting stronger gamma oscillations during incongruent relative to congruent trials and cannabis users showing no difference. In addition, spontaneous gamma activity was sharply suppressed in cannabis users relative to nonusers in the left FEF and TPJ. Finally, spontaneous gamma activity in the left FEF and TPJ was associated with task performance across all participants, and greater cannabis use was associated with weaker spontaneous gamma activity in the left TPJ of the cannabis users. Regular cannabis use was associated with weaker spontaneous gamma in the TPJ and FEF. Further, the degree of use may be proportionally related to the degree of suppression in spontaneous activity in the left TPJ.
How do dental practices respond to changes in scope of practice regulations?
Authors: Nasseh Kamyar , Bowblis John R. , Wing Coady
Published: July 2024

Regulations that restrict the tasks that credentialed workers are allowed to perform may affect a firm's input choices, output, and which part of the market the firm serves. Using dental practice survey data from 1989 to 2014 and a stacked difference‐in‐differences design, this paper examines the effects of state‐level scope of practice regulations on the behavior of dental practices. Results suggest that scope of practice deregulation in regards to dental hygienists' ability to administer nitrous oxide or local anesthesia is associated with fewer dentist visits per week in the short‐term, lower patient wait times, and an increased likelihood of treating lower revenue generating publicly insured patients. There is weak evidence that scope of practice deregulation alters a practice's labor inputs.
The effect of vertical identification card laws on teenage tobacco and alcohol use
Authors: Mtenga Erica Louis , Pesko Michael F.
Published: July 2024

We study the impact of vertical identification card laws, which changed the orientation of driver's licenses and state identification cards from horizontal to vertical for those under 21 years, on teenage tobacco and alcohol use. We study this question using four national datasets (pooled national and state Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, National Youth Tobacco Survey, Current Population Survey to Tobacco Use Supplements, and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System). We improve previous databases of vertical ID law implementation by using original archival research to identify the exact date of the law change. We estimate models using standard two‐way fixed effects and stacked difference‐in‐differences that avoid bias from dynamic and heterogeneous treatment effects. Using data through 2021, we do not find evidence of reductions in teenage tobacco and alcohol use. While these laws reduce retail‐based purchasing, they also increase social sourcing, thus leading to no net impact on use.
Health literacy and non‐communicable disease knowledge of pregnant women and mothers in Tasmania: Qualitative exploration
Authors: Melwani Satish , Cleland Verity , Patterson Kira , Nash Rosie
Published: July 2024

Issue Addressed

The World Health Organisation is prioritising health literacy development to address the growing burden of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs). Empowering pregnant women and mothers through health literacy development may help to reduce the intergenerational impact of NCDs. However, significant gaps exist in understanding the health literacy needs of this priority population globally.

Methods

This study aimed to qualitatively explore the health literacy strengths and challenges as well as NCDs knowledge and beliefs of pregnant women and mothers with young children (0–8 years) in Tasmania. Data were collected online using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty women (mean age 35.5 years, standard deviation 5.13) participated. Four parent themes were generated from the data: perceived knowledge and awareness of NCDs and their causative factors; social determinants of health and the surrounding environment; social networks and peer support as health navigator; and trust in health services and social connections. These themes highlighted diverse factors that influenced the participant's access and use of health information and services and their engagement in healthy lifestyle practices and active health management.

Conclusion

Participants demonstrated good knowledge and awareness about NCDs and associated risk factors but experienced numerous health literacy strengths and challenges which influenced their access to health care and engagement in healthy lifestyle practices.

So What

This study highlights the need to address the diverse health literacy needs of pregnant women and mothers through codesigning locally informed health literacy development strategies combined with the creation of enabling service environments to reduce the growing burden of NCDs.
The variational approach to study the mixed convection boundary layer flow over a permeable Riga plate
Authors: Muthukumaran Chandrasekar , Semmandapatti Mohankumar Anitha , Malayampalayam Sathasivam Kasiviswanathan
Published: July 2024

The physical problem of steady state, laminar, mixed convection (Ri) with double‐diffusive (N) in an electrically low conducting fluid past a semi‐infinite electromagnetic () influenced flat plate with internal uniform heat generation (Q) in the presence of suction/injection (H) by considering viscous dissipation (Ec), thermophoresis (Nt) and thermal diffusion effects (Sr) is mathematically modeled as a simultaneous system of nonlinear partial differential equations. To achieve the solution of the problem numerically, Gyarmati's variational principle known as the “Governing Principle of Dissipative Processes” on the basis of nonequilibrium thermodynamic processes in the theory of continua, is adopted. This research work correlates the phenomenon of fluid around submersibles/space vehicles and provides related insights. To estimate the transportation fluid fields within the boundary layer, the appropriate trial polynomials have been employed, and functionals for the integral variational principle are determined. Next, the Euler–Lagrange equations of the functionals are obtained as a system of polynomial equations involving boundary layer thicknesses of momentum, temperature, and concentration. The expressions of local shear stress, local Nusselt, and local Sherwood numbers have been derived and the effects of various physical factors involved in the problem are explored. A comparison with the previously published results in the literature is provided to confirm the validity of the solution procedure. The results depict that injection () and opposing buoyancy () decrease the skin friction about 38% in sea water and 11% in ionized air when compared to impermeable plate for . The aiding buoyancy () plays a dominant role in heat and mass transfers, respectively, with the massive gradients of 340% and 763% in magnitude for the heavier fluid sea water flow while 47% and 3% for the lighter fluid ionized air flow when . The buoyancy parameters (Ri, N) decrease the heat transfer, but increase the mass transfer.
Interface strengthening for carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) laminated composites by introducing fluorene‐containing branched poly(aryl‐ether‐ketone)
Authors: Liu Zheng , Fan Xuerong , Lu Xinghan , Shi Xuetao , Zhang Junliang , Guo Hua , He Mukun , Gu Junwei
Published: July 2024

Fluorene‐containing branched poly(aryl‐ether‐ketone) (BFPAEK) with terminal hydroxyl groups is synthesized by random copolycondensation reaction; then, the CF@BFPAEK/PEEK laminated composite is prepared by the “powder impregnation‐high temperature compression molding” method with poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) as the matrix and BFPAEK‐modified carbon fiber (CF@BFPAEK) as the reinforcement. When the content of branched units in BFPAEK is 10% and the coating amount of BFPAEK on the carbon fiber (CF) surface is 3 wt%, the CF@BFPAEK/PEEK laminated composite has outstanding mechanical properties, with an interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of 57.3 MPa and flexural strength of 589.4 MPa, which are 80.2% and 44.3% higher than those of the pure CF/PEEK laminated composite (31.8 and 408.4 MPa), respectively. After 288 h of hydrothermal aging and high/low‐temperature alternating aging, the corresponding retention rate of ILSS and flexural strength are respectively 87.9% and 84.7%, higher than those of pure CF/PEEK laminated composites (74.5% and 70.4%). The thermal conductivity coefficient and temperature for 5% weight loss of CF@BFPAEK/PEEK laminated composite are 1.85 W m−1 K−1 and 538.0°C, respectively.
Intestinal microbiota by angiotensin receptor blocker therapy exerts protective effects against hypertensive damages
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Si‐Yuan , Yan Kai‐Xin , Wang Pan , Jiao Jie , Wang Yi‐Dan , Chen Mu‐Lei , Dong Ying , Zhong Jiu‐Chang
Published: July 2024

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been implicated in hypertension, and drug–host–microbiome interactions have drawn considerable attention. However, the influence of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)‐shaped gut microbiota on the host is not fully understood. In this work, we assessed the alterations of blood pressure (BP), vasculatures, and intestines following ARB‐modified gut microbiome treatment and evaluated the changes in the intestinal transcriptome and serum metabolome in hypertensive rats. Hypertensive patients with well‐controlled BP under ARB therapy were recruited as human donors, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) receiving normal saline or valsartan were considered animal donors, and SHRs were regarded as recipients. Histological and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the aorta and small intestine, and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed to examine gut bacteria. Transcriptome and metabonomic analyses were conducted to determine the intestinal transcriptome and serum metabolome, respectively. Notably, ARB‐modified fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), results in marked decreases in systolic BP levels, collagen deposition and reactive oxygen species accumulation in the vasculature, and alleviated intestinal structure impairments in SHRs. These changes were linked with the reconstruction of the gut microbiota in SHR recipients post‐FMT, especially with a decreased abundance of Lactobacillus, Aggregatibacter, and Desulfovibrio. Moreover, ARB‐treated microbes contributed to increased intestinal Ciart, Per1, Per2, Per3, and Cipc gene levels and decreased Nfil3 and Arntl expression were detected in response to ARB‐treated microbes. More importantly, circulating metabolites were dramatically reduced in ARB‐FMT rats, including 6beta‐Hydroxytestosterone and Thromboxane B2. In conclusion, ARB‐modified gut microbiota exerts protective roles in vascular remodeling and injury, metabolic abnormality and intestinal dysfunctions, suggesting a pivotal role in mitigating hypertension and providing insights into the cross‐talk between antihypertensive medicines and the gut microbiome.
A fuzzy approach to economic freedom performance
Authors: Benli Muhammed , Çağlar Ahmet
Published: July 2024

This study aims to determine the most important component of economic freedom and to rank the performance of countries using multiple criteria decision‐making tools within the context of fuzzy set theory. To do so, we utilize a combination of fuzzy entropy weighting and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) methods to assess the economic freedom performance of 122 countries for the period 2000–2020. The findings suggest that the stability and reliability of a country's monetary system is the most crucial attribute for economic freedom performance. This implies that a stable and reliable monetary system is considered a fundamental aspect of economic freedom. Based on the TOPSIS analysis, the top 10 best‐performing countries/regions in terms of economic freedom are Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, and Ireland. On the other hand, Venezuela, Myanmar, Congo Republic, Algeria, Syrian Arab Republic, Congo Democratic Republic, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, Chad, and Iran are the worst‐performing countries.
Beyond the mind: Understanding the influence of mental health on youth NEET status in Europe—A systematic literature review
Authors: Lindblad Victoria , Ravn Rasmus L. , Gaardsted Pernille S. , Hansen Line E. M. , Lauritzen Fie F. , Melgaard Dorte
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In the fields of labor market and education research, there is a vast interest in mental health factors affecting unsuccessful school‐to‐work transitions, dropout from school and labor market disconnections for young people. Young people who are not in employment, education or training are conceived of as NEET.

Aim

To get an overview we conducted a systematic review of the present literature on the influence of mental health on the likelihood of becoming NEET in Europe.

Method

A Systematic literature search was conducted in four databases on February 21, 2023, with an update on January 15, 2024.

Results

33,314 articles were screened whereas 41 studies involving 8,914,123 individuals were included. Poor mental health such as attention deficit hyperactive disorder, autism, depression, borderline, and psychosis during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with becoming NEET.

Conclusion

Mental health issues, whether mild or severe, heighten significant the risk of adverse education and employment outcomes in early adulthood, extending to young individuals with personality disorders, borderline personality disorder, and psychoses. These observations inform early intervention strategies for children and young people grappling with mental health challenges. Timely treatment is essential. Future research should focus on the gap in research like specific disorders such as eating disorders and anxiety.
Doxycycline‐loaded carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate/gelatin hydrogel: An approach for enhancing pressure ulcer healing in a rat model
Authors: Aldaghi Niloofar , Kamalabadi‐Farahani Mohammad , Alizadeh Morteza , Salehi Majid
Published: July 2024

Pressure ulcers, or bedsores, are created by areas of the skin under prolonged pressure and can lead to skin and underlying tissue damage. The present study evaluated the effects of carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate/gelatin (CMC/Alg/Gel) hydrogel containing doxycycline (DOX) on improving the healing process of pressure ulcers. The magnet was used to apply pressure on the dorsum skin rat to induce a pressure ulcer model. Then sterile gauze, CMC/Alg/Gel, and CMC/Alg/Gel/1% w/v DOX hydrogels were used to cover the wounds. Blood compatibility, weight loss, cytocompatibility, drug release rate, cell viability, wound closure, and re‐epithelialization were evaluated in all animals on the 14th day after treatment. In vivo results and histopathological evaluation showed 56.66% wound closure and the highest re‐epithelialization in the CMC/Alg/Gel/1% w/v DOX hydrogel group (14 days after treatment). Furthermore, real‐time PCR results indicated that the hydrogel containing DOX significantly decreased the expression of the MMP family consisting of MMP2 and MMP9 mRNA and also increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF mRNA. This study suggested that the addition of DOX, an antibiotic and MMP inhibitor, to hydrogels may be effective in the healing process of pressure ulcers.
Prediction of intraoperative surgical difficulty during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography
Authors: Fujinaga Atsuro , Hirashita Teijiro , Endo Yuichi , Orimoto Hiroki , Amano Shota , Kawamura Masahiro , Kawasaki Takahide , Masuda Takashi , Inomata Masafumi
Published: July 2024

Background

Although findings from drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography (DIC‐CT) are useful in preoperative anatomic evaluation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), their relationship with intraoperative surgical difficulty based on the difficulty score (DS) proposed by Tokyo Guidelines 2018 is unclear. We examined this relationship.

Methods

Data were collected from 202 patients who underwent LC for benign gallbladder (GB) disease with preoperative DIC‐CT in our department. DIC‐CT findings were classified into GB‐positive and GB‐negative groups based on GB opacification, and clinical characteristics were compared. DS assessed only on findings from around Calot's triangle was considered “cDS”, and patients were divided into cDS ≤2 and ≥3 groups. Preoperative data including DIC‐CT findings were evaluated using multivariate analysis.

Results

DIC‐CT findings showed 151 (74.8%) GB‐positive and 51 (25.2%) GB‐negative patients. Surgical outcomes were significantly better in the GB‐positive versus GB‐negative group for operation time (107 vs. 154 min, p < .001), blood loss (8 vs. 25 mL, p < .001), cDS (0.8 vs. 2.2, p < .001), and critical view of safety score (4.0 vs. 3.1, p < .001). cDS was ≤2 in 174 (86.1%) and ≥3 in 28 (13.9%) patients. By multivariate analysis, DIC‐CT findings and alkaline phosphatase values were independent factors predicting intraoperative difficulty.

Conclusion

DIC‐CT findings are useful for predicting cDS in LC.
Metal Halide Perovskites Blue Emitters and Light‐Emitting Diodes: A Review on Morphological and Molecular Dimensions
Authors: Gao Long , Gong Yuyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yip Hin‐Lap , Shen Liang , Zhang Jiaqi
Published: July 2024

Metal halide perovskites have recently garnered significant attention as a fundamental emitter due to their high carrier mobility, strong light absorption, high monochromaticity, and tunable emission bandgap. However, the brightness, efficiency, and stability issues have limited their potential applications in blue region. To break through these limitations, researchers have investigated different dimensions of perovskites to seek an excellent emitter. To date, the quantum confinement and coordination octahedron monomer arrangement perovskites still lack of systematic cognition. In this review, the molecular and morphological dimensions of blue perovskite emitters are summarized. The differences and relationships between these dimensions in terms of their fabrication and properties are also explored. Furthermore, recent advances in blue light enhancement strategies to address the challenges in various morphological and molecular structures are highlighted. Finally, the main challenges and future directions are discussed for the development of perovskite blue LEDs.
Infinitely many solutions for a bi‐nonlocal problem of s(m)‐Kirchhoff‐type without Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition
Authors: Bouaam Hind , El Ouaarabi Mohamed , Melliani Said
Published: July 2024

This paper deals with the existence and multiplicity results for a bi‐nonlocal problem without the Ambrosetti–Rabinwitz condition, in the context of variable exponents of Sobolev spaces on compact Riemannian manifolds. Using the mountain pass theorem, we obtain that our problem admits at least nontrivial weak solutions. Also, using the fountain and dual fountain theorems, we obtain the existence of infinitely many nontrivial high or small energy solutions.
The Allergen Profile of Two Edible Insect Species—Acheta domesticus and Hermetia illucens
Authors: Karnaneedi Shaymaviswanathan , Johnston Elecia B. , Bose Utpal , Juhász Angéla , Broadbent James A. , Ruethers Thimo , Jerry Emily M. , Kamath Sandip D. , Limviphuvadh Vachiranee , Stockwell Sally , Byrne Keren , Clarke Dean , Colgrave Michelle L. , Maurer‐Stroh Sebastian , Lopata Andreas L.
Published: July 2024

Scope

Edible insect proteins are increasingly introduced as an alternative sustainable food source to address the world's need to feed the growing population. Tropomyosin is the main insect allergen; however, additional potential allergens are not well characterized and the impact of extraction procedures on immunological reactivity is unknown.

Methods and results

Proteins from different commercial food products derived from cricket (Acheta domesticus) and black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) are extracted using five different extraction buffers. The proteins are analyzed by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting using allergen‐specific antibodies and crustacean allergic patient sera. IgE binding bands are analyzed by mass spectrometry as well as the complete allergen profile of all 30 extracts. Urea‐based buffers are most efficient in extracting insect allergens. Shrimp‐specific antibody cross‐reactivity to tropomyosin from cricket and BSF indicates high sequence and structural similarity between shrimp and insects. Additional unique allergens are identified in both species, including hemocyanin, vitellogenin, HSP20, apolipophorin‐III, and chitin‐binding protein.

Conclusions

Identifying potential allergenic proteins and their isoforms in cricket and BSF requires specific extraction approaches using urea‐based methods. While tropomyosin is the most abundant and immunoreactive allergen, seven unique allergens are identified, highlighting the need for insect species‐specific allergen detection in food products.
Interfacial flow contact resistance effect for thermal consolidation of layered viscoelastic saturated soils with semi‐permeable boundaries
Authors: Xie Jiahao , Wen Minjie , Ding Pan , Tu Yuan , Wu Dazhi , Liu Kaifu , Tang Kejie , Chen Menghuan
Published: July 2024

Laminar flow phenomena may occur when pore water flows at low velocities across the interfaces between soils of different properties, thus causing flow contact resistance. To explore the impacts of interfacial flow contact resistance and rheological characteristics on the thermal consolidation process of layered viscoelastic saturated soil foundation featuring semi‐permeable boundaries. This paper established a new thermal consolidation model by introducing a fractional order derivative model, Hagen–Poiseuille law and time‐dependent loadings. The semi‐analytical solutions for the proposed thermal consolidation model are derived through the Laplace transform and its inverse transform. The reliability and correctness of the solutions are verified with the experimental data in literatures. The influence of constitutive parameters, flow contact resistance model parameters on thermal consolidation process and the interfacial flow contact resistance on foundation settlement, is further explored. The results indicate that the impact of the constitutive parameters and permeability coefficient on the thermal consolidation of viscoelastic saturated soil is related to the flow contact resistance. The enhanced flow contact resistance effect leads to a significant increase in pore water pressure and displacement during the consolidation process.
An improved discretization‐based kinematic approach for stability analyses of nonuniform c‐φ soil slopes
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Meng Lingchao , Qin Changbing
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes an improved discretization‐based kinematic approach (DKA) with an efficient and robust algorithm to investigate slope stability in nonuniform soils. In an effort to ensure rigorous upper‐bound solutions which may be not satisfied by the initial DKA based on a forward difference method (DKA‐FD), a central and backward difference “point‐to‐point” method (DKA‐CD and DKA‐BD) is proposed to generate discretized points to form a velocity discontinuity surface. Varying (including constant) soil frictional angles along depth are discussed, which can be readily considered in the improved DKA‐CD. Work rate calculations are performed to derive upper‐bound formulations of slope stability number, and critical failure surface is correspondingly obtained at limit state. The comparison with forward and backward difference methods clearly reveals that the improved DKA‐CD could significantly reduce the mesh‐dependency issue and enhance efficacy of slope stability analyses in nonuniform soils.
Granular material regime transitions during high energy impacts of dry flowing masses: MPM simulations with a multi‐regime constitutive model
Authors: Marveggio Pietro , Zerbi Matteo , Redaelli Irene , di Prisco Claudio
Published: July 2024

The dynamic interaction between granular flowing masses and rigid obstacles is a complex phenomenon characterised by both large displacements and high strain rates. In case the flowing mass is modelled as a continuum, its numerical simulation requires both advanced computational tools and constitutive relationships capable of predicting the mechanical behaviour of the same material under both fluid and solid regimes. In this paper, the authors employed the open‐source ANURA3D code, based on the Material Point Method (MPM), and a multi‐regime constitutive model. A series of impacts characterised by different velocities, initial void ratios, front inclinations and impacting mass lengths have been simulated. The MPM numerical results are critically compared with those obtained by using a Discrete Element Method (DEM) numerical code. The model capability of simulating material regime transitions, from fluid to solid and vice versa, is shown to be crucial for reproducing the mechanical response of the flowing mass put in evidence by DEM data.
A Review: CRISPR Cas System and the Mechanism With an Inhibition of Binding of CRISPR Cas‐9
Authors: Hosen Akram , Nishat Md Nakibul Hasan , Soaib MD. Mohaimin Hossain , Sharkar Omar Sharif , Sahabuddin Md. , Sharif Imdadul Haque , Bhajan Sujay Kumar
Published: July 2024

CRISPR Cas system is a revolutionary and precise genome editing system that induces bacterial and archaeal adaptive immunity and already has shown several promising applications in the treatment of genetic diseases and detection of nucleic acid targets. It is a complex tool, comprising diverse effector proteins and guide RNA that can be applied to dissociate and modify genes in living organisms along with the in vitro process. The review concentrates on the advances accomplished from some recent years to 2023 for the emergence of predicting actions of Cas protein with the guide RNA (gRNA), playing a key role in genome editing. This review emphasizes the effect of DNA structure and chromosomal protein on Cas 9 binding with a distinct classification of Cas types. The relevance of this review is highlighted by the significance of the rapid development of wide study methods and their potential impacts on the efficiency of the CRISPR Cas system. We have analyzed recent kinds of literature in this work to integrate a deep learning way that contributes over the next time with some important discussion about viral resistance in eukaryotes along with some cancer treatment strategies, and crop improvement by the CRISPR Cas system.
Assessing the success of a research leadership programme for senior nurses and midwives: A mixed methods programme evaluation
Authors: Menzies Julie Christine , Ford Rachel , Henshall Catherine
Published: July 2024

Aims

In 2018 the National Institute of Health and Care Research, United Kingdom, launched a 3‐year Senior Nurse and Midwife Research Leader Programme to support nurse and midwifery research leaders to develop research capacity and capability within NHS organisations. We report the results of a service evaluation of the programme strengths, areas for improvement and achievement of programme aims.

Design

Partially mixed, concurrent mixed methods programme evaluation, including: (a) meeting evaluation (survey), (b) annual evaluation (survey) and (c) qualitative stakeholder interviews.

Methods

Survey results were quantitatively analysed using descriptive statistics. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, deductively coded using elements within the logic model and analysed using the seven‐stage framework analysis method.

Results

Satisfaction with the programme was high (75%). The main perceived benefit of the programme was being part of a network. Challenges included accessing learning resources, lack of opportunity to network and lack of clarity about the programme aims. Meetings were evaluated as relevant and helpful (mean 93%), thought‐provoking (92%), inspiring (91%), at the appropriate level (91%) and aligned with the programme aims (90%). All meetings were ranked as highly beneficial by attendees (92%). Stakeholder feedback on the programme success reflected the importance of leadership, the programme design and content, ‘connection and community’ and communication with and about the cohort. Overall, the anticipated programme aims were met, evaluating well from both the perspective of those on the programme and the wider stakeholder group. There has been a lack of investment in schemes to support research leadership development for nurses/midwives. A novel programme to support nursing/midwifery research leadership was positively evaluated. The programme is a useful model to support future capacity and capability building for nurses/midwives. The work is reported with reference to the SQUIRE 2 and SRQR checklists. No patient or public contribution.
Fas (CD95) expression in adipocytes contributes to diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Wueest Stephan , Scaffidi Chiara , van Krieken Pim P. , Konrad Nils K. , Koch Christian , Wiedemann Michael S. F. , Goergen Anne , Borsigova Marcela , Lempesis Ioannis G. , Fullin Jonas , Manolopoulos Konstantinos N. , Böttcher Steffen , Goossens Gijs H. , Blüher Matthias , Konrad Daniel
Published: July 2024

Objective

Induction of browning in white adipose tissue (WAT) increases energy expenditure and may be an attractive target for the treatment of obesity. Since activation of Fas (CD95) induces pathways known to blunt expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), we hypothesized that Fas expression in adipocytes inhibits WAT browning and thus contributes to the development of obesity.

Methods

Adipocyte‐specific Fas knockout (FasΔadipo) and control littermate (FasF/F) mice were fed a regular chow diet or a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks. Energy expenditure was assessed by indirect calorimetry, and browning was determined in subcutaneous WAT. In vitro, UCP1 was analyzed in subcutaneous murine adipocytes treated with or without Fas ligand. Moreover, FAS expression in WAT was correlated to UCP1 and percentage of body fat in human individuals.

Results

HFD‐fed FasΔadipo mice displayed reduced body weight gain and blunted adiposity compared to control littermates. Concomitantly, whole‐body energy expenditure and WAT browning were elevated. In cultured adipocytes, Fas ligand treatment blunted isoproterenol‐induced UCP1 protein levels. In support of these findings in rodents, FAS expression in WAT correlated negatively with UCP1 but positively with adiposity in human individuals.

Conclusions

Fas activation in adipocytes contributes to HFD‐associated adiposity in rodents and may be a therapeutic target to reduce obesity and associated diseases.
Koopman‐based 3‐dimensional path following control for robotic flexible needles
Authors: Zhang Nianhua , Qi Zhi , Chen Jicheng , Zhang Hui , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: July 2024

Robotic flexible needles have gained significant attention in minimally invasive medical procedures due to their ability to navigate complex anatomical structures and reach targets with high precision. Addressing the complex control problem in a 3‐dimensional environment, a Koopman‐based data‐driven control strategy is proposed in this paper. First, a 3‐dimensional (3D) path tracking problem is modeled using the simplified high‐dimensional bicycle model with the puncture kinematic. Then, with the Koopman operator theory, a finite linear approximation is designed and trained to simplify the nonlinear system of flexible needles. Finally, based on the linear approximation, a Koopman‐based model predictive control (MPC) scheme is proposed to realize 3‐dimensional path tracking for flexible needles. Based on simulations, the linear approximation and data‐driven control strategy are validated.
Health behaviors predicting risk of obesity in US adults: What does a healthy lifestyle look like?
Authors: Vernarelli Jacqueline A. , Kiel Jessica R. , Coleman Christopher D. , Jonnalagadda Satya S.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between lifestyle factors and body weight in a nationally representative sample of US adults and to evaluate the association between a novel “Healthy Habits Composite Score (HHCS)” and risk of obesity.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included data from 4870 adults who participated in the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The HHCS was developed based on 4 factors: diet, physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep, all of which were measured during the NHANES. A “healthy lifestyle” was defined as meeting ≥3 of the 4 established criteria. Data analysis was conducted using SAS 9.4 and procedures to account for the complex survey design. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race, household income, and education.

Results

Adults with obesity had significantly lower dietary quality (48.8 ± 0.6 vs. 53.2 ± 0.9) and reported significantly more sedentary time (∼1 h more; 356.3 ± 7.0 vs. 301.4 ± 8.3 min) than lean adults, both p < 0.001. Achieving a healthy lifestyle based on the HHCS was associated with nearly double the odds of having a healthy body weight (OR 1.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Following a lifestyle focused on healthy habits (diet quality, physical activity, limited sedentary time, and sleep) was strongly associated with a decreased risk of obesity: an individual who achieved three or more healthy habits had nearly twice the odds of having a healthy body weight. Therefore, comprehensive interventions that address and promote a wide range of healthy habits may be most effective for lowering obesity risk.
Transverse impacts‐induced deformation and damage of 3D angle‐interlock woven composites at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ren Chunlei , Wei Jingnan , Jia Menglong
Published: July 2024

This paper investigated the effect of elevated temperature on the impact‐induced deformation and damage behavior of 3D angle‐interlock woven composites. The transverse impacts were carried out at high temperatures of 90°C and 130°C using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar matched with controlled environmental device. A meso‐scale finite element model considering the thermal‐mechanical coupling has been developed, and the numerical results were compared with the experimental data and high‐speed photography to study the effect of temperature and reinforcement architecture on the dynamic behaviors of the composites. The damage mechanisms at elevated temperatures were studied. Results show that the impact resistance of the 3D angle‐interlock woven composites degraded at the glassy region of the epoxy resin, then enhanced at the glass transition temperature (Tg), this phenomenon became more pronounced in the warp direction. Such behavior should be ascribed to the improved toughness and ductility of the resin matrix. The local plastic deformation of resin before damage slowed down matrix cracking and composites failure. Further, the reinforcement play a key role in the adiabatic heating and plastic deformation of the composites at high temperature.

Highlights

The impact test of 3D woven composites was conducted at elevated temperatures.

The high temperature significantly affects the dynamic properties of composites.

The increased toughness and plasticization of resin diminished impact damage.

A mesoscale thermo‐mechanical coupled finite element model was developed.

The reinforcement plays a key role in the damage process and adiabatic heating.
Oligomerization of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 and its effect on methyltransferase activity and substrate specificity
Authors: Rossi Vincent , Nielson Sarah E. , Ortolano Ariana , Lonardo Isabella , Haroldsen Emeline , Comer Drake , Price Owen M , Wallace Nathan , Hevel Joan M.
Published: July 2024

Proper protein arginine methylation by protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is critical for maintaining cellular health, while dysregulation is often associated with disease. How the activity of PRMT1 is regulated is therefore paramount, but is not clearly understood. Several studies have observed higher order oligomeric species of PRMT1, but it is unclear if these exist at physiological concentrations and there is confusion in the literature about how oligomerization affects activity. We therefore sought to determine which oligomeric species of PRMT1 are physiologically relevant, and quantitatively correlate activity with specific oligomer forms. Through quantitative western blotting, we determined that concentrations of PRMT1 available in a variety of human cell lines are in the sub‐micromolar to low micromolar range. Isothermal spectral shift binding data were modeled to a monomer/dimer/tetramer equilibrium with an EC50 for tetramer dissociation of ~20 nM. A combination of sedimentation velocity and Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis experiments directly confirmed that the major oligomeric species of PRMT1 at physiological concentrations would be dimers and tetramers. Surprisingly, the methyltransferase activity of a dimeric PRMT1 variant is similar to wild type, tetrameric PRMT1 with some purified substrates, but dimer and tetramer forms of PRMT1 show differences in catalytic efficiencies and substrate specificity for other substrates. Our results define an oligomerization paradigm for PRMT1, show that the biophysical characteristics of PRMT1 are poised to support a monomer/dimer/tetramer equilibrium in vivo, and suggest that the oligomeric state of PRMT1 could be used to regulate substrate specificity.
Causality‐inspired crop pest recognition based on Decoupled Feature Learning
Authors: Hu Tao , Du Jianming , Yan Keyu , Dong Wei , Zhang Jie , Wang Jun , Xie Chengjun
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Ensuring the efficient recognition and management of crop pests is crucial for maintaining the balance in global agricultural ecosystems and ecological harmony. Deep learning‐based methods have shown promise in crop pest recognition. However, prevailing methods often fail to address a critical issue: biased pest training dataset distribution stemming from the tendency to collect images primarily in certain environmental contexts, such as paddy fields. This oversight hampers recognition accuracy when encountering pest images dissimilar to training samples, highlighting the need for a novel approach to overcome this limitation.

RESULTS

We introduce the Decoupled Feature Learning (DFL) framework, leveraging causal inference techniques to handle training dataset bias. DFL manipulates the training data based on classification confidence to construct different training domains and employs center triplet loss for learning class‐core features. The proposed DFL framework significantly boosts existing baseline models, attaining unprecedented recognition accuracies of 95.33%, 92.59%, and 74.86% on the Li, DFSPD, and IP102 datasets, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Extensive testing on three pest datasets using standard baseline models demonstrates the superiority of DFL in pest recognition. The visualization results show that DFL encourages the baseline models to capture the class‐core features. The proposed DFL marks a pivotal step in mitigating the issue of data distribution bias, enhancing the reliability of deep learning in agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.