bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning and metaheuristics in microfluidic transport characterization and optimization: CFD and experimental study integrated with predictive modelling
Authors: Kouhkord Afshin , Amirmahani Moheb , Hassani Faridoddin , Naserifar Naser
Published: August 2024

This study presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental analysis on microfluidic cell lysis through computational fluid dynamics (CFD), data‐driven modelling, and multi‐objective optimization. The proposed intelligent framework integrates artificial intelligence and CFD for data generation and extraction, alongside machine learning analysis and experimental studies for transport phenomena characterization in the cell lysis process. The framework explores compound effects of various inflow Reynolds numbers and geometrical parameters, including obstacle configurations and microchannel thickness. It shows substantial effects on flow patterns and mixing in varied microfluidic designs. A surrogate model, developed via central composite design, exhibits high accuracy in assessing system functionality (). The height of the implemented baffles from its lower value to the upper bound resulted in more than 42% and 14% increase in the mixing index at low and high Reynolds numbers, respectively, with minimal impact on pressure drop. The framework introduces data‐driven modelling coupled with multi‐objective optimization by desirability function (DF), non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II), and differential evolution (DE). In the optimization of microfluidic processes, machine learning algorithms outperform desirability‐based methods, and the DE algorithm surpasses the NSGA‐II. An optimum micromixing reducing the mixing length by over 50% and mixing index above 97% achieved, fabricated, and experimental investigations conducted to validate numerical process. Through the precise control of microfluidic variables and the exploitation of microtransfer phenomena, it is possible to enhance the efficiency and selectivity of cell lysis. This not only improves the accuracy of diagnostic information but also opens up new avenues for personalized medicine and therapeutic development.
Selective and efficient removal of phosphate from aqueous solution using activated carbon‐supported Mg–Fe layered double oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Bezza Fisseha A. , Brink Hendrik G. , Chirwa Evans M. N.
Published: August 2024

In the face of the continuous development of novel adsorbents, developing robust adsorbents with high efficiency, strong phosphate selectivity, high regenerability, and cost effectiveness is a scientific challenge. In the present study, an activated carbon‐supported MgFe2O4‐layered double hydroxide (AC@ MgFe2O4‐LDH) derived Mg–Fe layered double oxide (AC@ MgFe2O4‐LDO) nanocomposite was synthesized at various temperatures and its potential application for phosphate adsorption was investigated. The nanocomposite exhibited a hierarchical mesoporous structure with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area of 193 m2/g and a narrow per‐size distribution of ~2 nm. AC@MgFe2O4‐LDO exhibited a high point of zero charge (pHpzc) value of 9.8 and robust phosphate adsorption potential over a wide pH range of 4–9 due to its high pH buffering capacity. The effects of adsorbent dose, layered double hydroxides (LDH) calcination temperature, initial phosphate concentration, contact time, and temperature on the phosphate adsorption capacity of the adsorbent were investigated. In the present study, up to 99.0% removal of phosphate was achieved at a 4 g/L adsorbent dosage in 4 h at pH 7 and 30°C. An adsorption kinetics study revealed that the adsorption of phosphate by AC@MgFe2O4‐LDO reached equilibrium within 240 min, with the kinetic experimental data fitting well with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics (r2 >0.99). The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model fit the experimental data well, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 25.81 mg/g. The adsorbent displayed strong phosphate selectivity in the presence of competing anions, and the study demonstrated that AC@MgFe2O4‐LDO has promising potential for efficient phosphate adsorption over a wide pH range.
Hydrodynamics and mass transfer studies on plate‐type microchannel reactor for liquid–liquid systems
Authors: Karekar Pranita A. , Dalvi Vishwanath H. , Gadipelly Chandrakanth R. , Patwardhan Ashwin W.
Published: August 2024

This work reports hydrodynamic and mass transfer studies on a novel microreactor that can passively break up liquid–liquid slugs using judiciously placed internals. The reactors were fabricated in stainless steel (SS‐316 L, hereafter SS) and PMMA (hereafter acrylic). The performance of both is comparable to the current state‐of‐the‐art in microreactor technologies. A separated flow model is proposed to estimate the pressure drop for two‐phase flows, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 15.44% in SS and 19.83% in acrylic, respectively. Pulse tracer experiments were performed for residence time distribution (RTD) studies. They are fitted to a model for the prediction of RTD for single and two‐phase flows. The results obtained from mass transfer experiments show that the volumetric mass transfer coefficient () in the case of SS reactor is, on average, 2.4 times higher than acrylic. A correlation is developed for estimating the based on total velocity and phase fraction, providing better fits than the models based on energy dissipation. All studies show that wall characteristics significantly impact the hydrodynamics and mass transfer phenomena since the pressure drop and the are greater in (the rougher) SS than in acrylic.
Poly(Arylene Alkylene)s with Tetrazole Pendants for Alkaline Ion‐Solvating Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Xia Yifan , Rajappan Sinu C. , Chen Si , Kraglund Mikkel Rykær , Serhiichuk Dmytro , Pan Dong , Jensen Jens Oluf , Jannasch Patric , Aili David
Published: August 2024

Alkaline ion‐solvating membranes derived from a tetrazole functionalized poly(arylene alkylene) are prepared, characterized and evaluated as electrode separators in alkaline water electrolysis. The base polymer, poly[[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4,4′‐diyl(1,1,1‐trifluoropropan‐2‐yl)], is synthesized by superacid catalyzed polyhydroxyalkylation and subsequently functionalized with tetrazole pendants. After equilibration in aqueous KOH, the relatively acidic tetrazole pendants are deprotonated to form the corresponding potassium tetrazolides. The room temperature ion conductivity is found to peak at 19 mS cm−1 in 5 wt. % KOH, and slightly declines with increasing KOH concentration to 13 mS cm−1 in 30 wt. % KOH. Based on an overall assessment of the mechanical properties, conductivity and electrode activity, 30 wt. % KOH is applied for alkaline electrolysis cell tests. Current densities of up to 1000 mA cm−2 were reached with uncatalyzed Ni‐foam electrodes at a cell voltage of less than 2.6 V, with improved gas barrier characteristics compared to that of the several times thicker Zirfon separator.
A comparative design of 5G communication codes
Authors: Anand Kumar V. , Nandalal V.
Published: August 2024

Channel coding is the most significant part of every communication system. Future wireless systems will require extraordinary performance codes employing a low‐complication encoding process and decoding to accommodate scenarios ranging from effective throughput with low code rates for extended messages to high dependability for brief information messages with low code rates. The existence of digital transmission techniques that can communicate error‐free over a noisy channel is established by Shannon's channel theorem. Channel coding, however, increases communication dependability at the cost of higher computational costs and structured redundancy. The primary goals of the fifth‐generation cellular network (5G) are enhanced dependability, reduced redundancy, and decreased latency. Two promising communication systems for achieving this goal are LDPC codes and polar codes. The 3GPP, which established the 5G communication system, is reviewed in this paper, along with the encoding/decoding procedure and communication dependability. The encoding/decoding process will be evaluated using the three most studied communication channels: the Binary Erasure Channel (BEC), AWGN (Additive White Gaussian Noise), and the BSC (Binary Symmetric Channel).
Association of optic disc pallor and RNFL thickness with cerebral small vessel disease in the PREVENT‐Dementia study
Authors: Gibbon Samuel , Low Audrey , Hamid Charlene , Reid‐Schachter Megan , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela , Ritchie Craig W. , Trucco Emanuele , Dhillon Baljean , O'Brien John T. , MacGillivray Thomas J.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

We tested associations between two retinal measures (optic disc pallor, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer [pRNFL] thickness) and four magnetic resonance imaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD; lacunes, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and enlarged perivascular spaces [ePVSs]).

METHODS

We used PallorMetrics to quantify optic disc pallor from fundus photographs, and pRNFL thickness from optical coherence tomography scans. Linear and logistic regression assessed relationships between retinal measures and SVD markers. Participants (N = 108, mean age 51.6) were from the PREVENT Dementia study.

RESULTS

Global optic disc pallor was linked to ePVSs in the basal ganglia in both left (β = 0.12, standard error [SE] = 0.05, P < 0.05) and right eyes (β = 0.13, SE = 0.05, P < 0.05). Associations were also noted in different disc sectors. No pRNFL associations with SVD markers were found.

DISCUSSION

Optic disc pallor correlated with ePVSs in the basal ganglia, suggesting retinal examination may be a useful method to study brain health changes related to SVD.

Highlights

Optic disc pallor is linked to enlarged perivascular spaces in basal ganglia.

There is no association between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and cerebral small vessel disease markers.

Optic disc examination could provide insights into brain health.

The sample included 108 midlife adults from the PREVENT Dementia study.
Comparative mitogenomics of marine angelfishes (F: Pomacanthidae)
Authors: Baraf Lauriane M. , Hung Julia Y. , Pratchett Morgan S. , Cowman Peter F.
Published: August 2024

The targeted capture of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) has substantially increased the amount of genetic data available for phylogenomic reconstructions. These capture datasets frequently contain mitochondrial DNA as a by‐product, often in the form of complete mitogenomes. These can be efficiently harvested to expand existing datasets without additional costs. Here, we present new mitochondrial genomes for six marine angelfish species (F: Pomacanthidae), assembled and annotated from off‐target UCE reads. We provide the first comparative analysis of all mitochondrial genomes available for the Pomacanthidae. Results showed that the average length of pomacanthid mitogenomes is 16.8 kbp. Total GC and AT content varied between 44.5% and 46.3%, and 53.7% and 55.5%, respectively. The architecture of angelfish mitogenomes was comparable to that seen in other fish species with 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and the control region. All 13 PCGs evolved under purifying selection, highlighting a high level of selection pressure and gene expression to preserve genetic integrity. The ND6 and ATP8 genes had the highest ratio of non‐synonymous (dN) to synonymous (dS) substitutions, indicating a relaxation of purifying selection constraints. Finally, these newly assembled mitogenomes will allow further investigations of the population genetics, systematics and evolutionary biology of one of the most prominent reef fish family in the aquarium trade.
Microbe surveillance in the amphibian pet trade: Results from a pilot study
Authors: Pearhill R. A. , Gray M. J. , Jones J. , Brinks Z. , Brunner J. L.
Published: August 2024

Regional and global trade of live animals can contribute to the spread and emergence of novel pathogens, including several important pathogens of amphibians. However, understanding the spread or even frequency of infections in large, complex amphibian trade networks has been difficult, in part because businesses tend to be reluctant to participate in surveillance programs. Thus, we developed a novel approach to surveillance in which anonymous participating businesses were sent surveillance kits through a trusted trade advocacy partner, samples were returned to researchers via anonymous prepaid envelopes, and results were provided via a secure website with access regulated by a unique personal identification number (PIN) created by the business. We tested samples for the amphibian pathogens, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), and Ranavirus spp. (Rv), as well as the beneficial microbe, Janthinobacterium lividum (Jliv), using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Out of 120 businesses invited to complete an anonymous socioeconomic survey, 24 volunteered to participate in pathogen surveillance, of which 14 were sent surveillance kits. Eight of these businesses returned samples consisting of swabs collected from amphibians in 78 terrestrial habitats and water filters from 49 aquatic habitats. Copies of a highly conserved vertebrate gene (EBF3N), quantified using qPCR, were consistently low (<100 copies) in returned samples, but similar to those collected by researchers, indicating comparable sample quality. Three samples (from two facilities) had detectable levels of Bd DNA; Bsal, Rv, and Jliv were not detected. This pilot study provides evidence that information about pathogens in pet trade networks can be acquired by developing partnerships with industry, and business participation might be enhanced by ensuring anonymity and inclusion of a trade advocacy partner.
Unlocking of Schottky Barrier Near the Junction of MoS2 Heterostructure Under Electrochemical Potential
Authors: Aydin Kubra , Kim Mansu , Seok Hyunho , Bae Chulwoo , Lee Jinhyoung , Kim Muyoung , Park Jonghwan , Hupp Joseph T. , Whang Dongmok , Kim Hyeong‐U , Kim Taesung
Published: August 2024

The exploration of heterostructures composed of two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDc) materials has garnered significant research attention due to the distinctive properties of each individual component and their phase‐dependent unique properties. Using the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method, we analyze the fabrication of heterostructures consisting of two phases of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) in four different cases. The initial hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) polarization curve indicates that the activity of the heterostructure MoS2 is consistent with that of the underlying MoS2, rather than the surface activity of the upper MoS2. This behavior can be attributed to the presence of Schottky barriers, which include contact resistance, which significantly hampers the efficient charge transfer at junctions between the two different phases of MoS2 layers and is mediated by van der Waals bonds. Remarkably, the energy barrier at the junction dissipates upon reaching a certain electrochemical potential, indicating surface activation from the top phase of MoS2 in the heterostructure. Notably, the 1T/2H MoS2 heterostructure demonstrates enhanced electrochemical stability compared to its metastable 1T‐MoS2. This fundamental understanding paves the way for the creation of phase‐controllable heterostructures through an experimentally viable PECVD, offering significant promise for a wide range of applications.
Living with peripartum cardiomyopathy: A statement from the Heart Failure Association and the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Sliwa Karen , Rakisheva Amina , Viljoen Charle , Pfeffer Tobias , Simpson Maggie , Jackson Alice M. , Petrie Mark C. , van der Meer Peter , Al Farhan Hasan , Jovanova Silvana , Mbakwem Amam , Sinagra Gianfranco , Van Craenenbroeck Emeline , Hoevelmann Julian , Johnson Mark R. , Mindham Richard , Chioncel Ovidiu , Kahl Kai G. , Rosano Giuseppe , Tschöpe Carsten , Mebazaa Alexandre , Seferovic Petar , Bauersachs Johann
Published: August 2024

This statement focuses on the fact that women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have a substantial mortality and morbidity rate. Less than 50% of patients have full recovery of their cardiac function within 6 months of diagnosis. Also, patients with recovered cardiac function often suffer from comorbidities, such as hypertension or arrhythmias, which require long‐term treatment. This has major implications which extend beyond the life of the patient, as it may also substantially impact her family. Women with a new diagnosis of PPCM should be involved in the decision‐making processes regarding therapies, e.g. the recommendation to abstain from breastfeeding, or the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices. Women living with PPCM face the uncertainty of not knowing for some time whether their cardiac function will recover to allow them a near‐to‐normal life expectancy. This not only impacts their ability to work, which may have financial implications, but may also affect mental health and quality of life for the extended family. Women living with PPCM must be informed that a future pregnancy always carries a substantial risk and, in case of poor cardiac recovery, is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Patients with PPCM are best managed by an interdisciplinary and multiprofessional approach including e.g. a cardiologist, a gynaecologist, nurses, a psychologist, and social workers. The scope of this document encompasses contemporary challenges and approaches for the management of women diagnosed with PPCM.
Dynamics of a rocking bridge with two‐sided poundings: A shake table investigation
Authors: Yang Ziqi , Lyu Yang , Chouw Nawawi
Published: August 2024

During strong earthquakes, the footing of a rockable bridge can temporarily and partially separate from the support. This rocking motion can activate rigid‐like motions, reducing the deformation along the height of bridge piers and leading to smaller bending moments. As a result, rockable footing has been considered as a possibility for low‐damage seismic design of structures. For bridges, the seismic‐induced interaction between girders and adjacent abutments can change the structural dynamics due to the impeded girder movements. Although bridges with rockable footing, for example, the South Rangitikei viaduct, have been constructed, research on rockable bridges mainly focused on a single‐segment case. Physical experiments on rockable bridges considering pounding are very limited. In this work, large‐scale shake table experiments were performed on a two‐segment bridge model with abutments. The cases without pounding and with girder‐girder pounding alone were considered as references to help interpret the results. To investigate the consequence of footing rocking, the results of the rockable bridge on a rigid base were compared to that of the fixed‐base bridge. The study reveals that compared to a fixed‐base segment, the girder of a rockable segment is easier to move laterally. This change in dynamics due to rocking leads to less maximum pounding forces and thus reduces the damage potential to girders and abutments.
Geomorphology without borders — The history of the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG) and reappraisal in the 35th anniversary
Authors: Migoń Piotr , Soldati Mauro
Published: August 2024

This paper reviews the history of the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG), an organization formally established in 1989, but with the foundations laid at the First International Conference on Geomorphology in Manchester in 1985. It recreates the spirit of the 1980s, when the need for more efficient international cooperation on an equal basis was argued for, and outlines steps which led to its setting up. The model of operation of the IAG is presented, emphasizing membership by countries, followed by milestone institutional developments, listing of IAG officers and its Honorary Fellows. Key IAG activities are conferences, projects run by working groups, training and support programmes for early career geomorphologists, and publications. A summary of major achievements and challenges for the future concludes the paper.
Shapley‐value‐based forecast combination
Authors: Franses Philip Hans , Zou Jiahui , Wang Wendun
Published: August 2024

This paper puts forward a new and simple method to combine forecasts, which is particularly useful when the forecasts are strongly correlated. It is based on the Mincer Zarnowitz regression, and a subsequent determination using Shapley values of the weights of the forecasts in a new combination. For a stylized case, it is proved that such a Shapley‐value‐based combination improves upon an equal‐weight combination. Simulation experiments and a detailed illustration show the merits of the Shapley‐value‐based forecast combination.
Learning from small data sets: Patch‐based regularizers in inverse problems for image reconstruction
Authors: Piening Moritz , Altekrüger Fabian , Hertrich Johannes , Hagemann Paul , Walther Andrea , Steidl Gabriele
Published: August 2024

The solution of inverse problems is of fundamental interest in medical and astronomical imaging, geophysics as well as engineering and life sciences. Recent advances were made by using methods from machine learning, in particular deep neural networks. Most of these methods require a huge amount of data and computer capacity to train the networks, which often may not be available. Our paper addresses the issue of learning from small data sets by taking patches of very few images into account. We focus on the combination of model‐based and data‐driven methods by approximating just the image prior, also known as regularizer in the variational model. We review two methodically different approaches, namely optimizing the maximum log‐likelihood of the patch distribution, and penalizing Wasserstein‐like discrepancies of whole empirical patch distributions. From the point of view of Bayesian inverse problems, we show how we can achieve uncertainty quantification by approximating the posterior using Langevin Monte Carlo methods. We demonstrate the power of the methods in computed tomography, image super‐resolution, and inpainting. Indeed, the approach provides also high‐quality results in zero‐shot super‐resolution, where only a low‐resolution image is available. The article is accompanied by a GitHub repository containing implementations of all methods as well as data examples so that the reader can get their own insight into the performance.
Non‐Pharmacological Interventions in the Management of Dementia‐Related Psychosis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Burnand Alice , Rookes Tasmin , Mahmood Farah , Davies Nathan , Walters Kate , Orleans‐Foli Stephen , Sajid Madiha , Vickerstaff Victoria , Frost Rachael
Published: August 2024

Objective

As populations age globally, there is an increasing prevalence of dementia, with an estimated 153 million living with dementia by 2050. Up to 70% of people with dementia experience dementia‐related psychosis (D‐RP). Antipsychotic medications are associated with many adverse effects in older people. This review aims to evaluate the evidence of non‐pharmacological interventions in managing D‐RP.

Method

The search of Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane included randomised controlled trials that evaluated non‐pharmacological interventions. Data extraction and assessment of quality were assessed independently by two researchers. Heterogenous interventions were pooled using meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 18 articles (n = 2040 participants) were included and categorised into: sensory‐, activity‐, cognitive‐ and multi‐component‐orientated. Meta‐analyses showed no significant impact in reducing hallucinations or delusions but person‐centred care, cognitive rehabilitation, music therapy, and robot pets showed promise in single studies.

Conclusions and Implications

Future interventions should be developed and evaluated with a specific focus on D‐RP as this was not the aim for many of the included articles.
Principled Conscientious Provision: Referral Symmetry and Its Implications for Protecting Secular Conscience
Authors: Brummett Abram L. , Hafen Tanner , Navin Mark C.
Published: August 2024

“Conscientious provision” refers to situations in which clinicians wish to provide legal and professionally accepted treatments prohibited within their (usually Catholic) health care institutions. It mirrors “conscientious objection,” which refers to situations in which clinicians refuse to provide legal and professionally accepted treatments offered within their (usually secular) health care institutions. Conscientious provision is not protected by law, but conscientious objection is. In practice, this asymmetry privileges conservative religious or moral values (usually associated with objection) over secular moral values (usually associated with provision). In this article, we first argue for a legal right to one kind of conscientious provision: referral for procedures prohibited at Catholic hospitals. We then argue that a premise in that argument—the principle of comparably trivial institutional burdens—justifies legal protections for some additional forms of conscientious provision that include, for example, writing prescriptions for contraception or medical abortions. However, this principle cannot justify legal protections for other forms of conscientious provision, for instance, the right to perform surgical abortions or gender‐affirming hysterectomies at Catholic hospitals.
Peer review for handoff education in a transition to residency course: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Trehan Rajiv , Chen Catherine , Bhalla Raman
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandate training in handoff delivery for students and residents. Communication errors, including errors during handoffs of patient care, account for over 2/3 of sentinel events. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of peer‐assisted learning (PAL) in handoff education within a longitudinal framework.

Methods

This study involved the analysis of fourth‐year medical students (n = 67) enrolled in a transition to residency program designed to reinforce skills essential for success in internal medicine residencies. We modified the I‐PASS handoff rubric for a single‐encounter evaluation. Before attending the transitions of care workshop, students submitted one written handoff report. During high‐fidelity simulation sessions, peers evaluated the written document as well as verbal handoffs, while faculty evaluated a recorded verbal version. The primary outcome measured was improvement in handoff quality and accuracy over time and secondary outcomes compared peer‐ and self‐evaluations to faculty assessments.

Results

Overall, students demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in handoff quality and accuracy across all scoring criteria after completing the peer evaluation process. Peer evaluations did not demonstrate statistically significant differences in scores for quality or accuracy questions as compared to faculty.

Conclusion

Peer evaluators effectively assessed handoff reports using the modified I‐PASS checklist yielding outcomes similar to faculty while providing feedback. These findings provide exciting evidence that should prompt training programs to consider incorporating standardized peer review into handoff education for medical students and, potentially, residents. The detailed evaluation of individual handoff events fosters feedback skills essential for ongoing professional growth and clinical excellence.
Bone healing under different lay‐up configuration of carbon fiber‐reinforced PEEK composite plates
Authors: Sabik Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Secondary healing of fractured bones requires an application of an appropriate fixator. In general, steel or titanium devices are used mostly. However, in recent years, composite structures arise as an attractive alternative due to high strength to weight ratio and other advantages like, for example, radiolucency. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the only unidirectionally reinforced composite allowed to be implanted in human bodies is carbon fiber (CF)‐reinforced poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK). In this work, the healing process of long bone assembled with CF/PEEK plates with cross‐ and angle‐ply lay‐up configurations is studied in the framework of finite element method. The healing is simulated by making use of the mechanoregulation model basing on the Prendergast theory. Cells transformation is determined by the octahedral shear strain and interstitial fluid velocity. The process runs iteratively assuming single load cycle each day. The fracture is subjected to axial and transverse forces. In the computations, the Abaqus program is used. It is shown that the angle‐ply lamination scheme of CF/PEEK composite seems to provide better conditions for the transformation of the soft callus into the bone tissue.
The LTAR Cropland Common Experiment at Central Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Abendroth Lori J. , Schreiner‐McGraw Adam P. , Ransom Curtis J. , Baffaut Claire , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Veum Kristen S.
Published: August 2024

The Central Mississippi River Basin (CMRB) Common Experiment, with its marginal soils and southern Corn Belt climate, is an ideal location for evaluating progress toward environmental, productivity, and climatic adaptation goals. Sustainable production with conventional row‐crop systems is more challenging than in the upper Corn Belt, making evaluation and adoption of alternative farming practices crucial. This Common Experiment has a hydrologically restrictive layer causing reduced plant available water capacity in the root zone. The CMRB site joined the Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research network in 2011 with the Cropland Common Experiment established in 2015. The Common Experiment contrasts prevailing and alternative practices at plot and field scale. Improvement of the soil ecosystem is key, as it underpins other objectives, including reduced nutrient losses, increased soil water holding capacity, and yield stability.
Assessing the acceptability and appropriateness of a psychoeducational graphic novel about inherited cancer risk designed for men
Authors: Dean Marleah , Boumis Josephine K. , Zhong Lingzi , Ingle Alexis , Campbell‐Salome Gemme , Davidson Lindy Grief , Scherr Courtney L. , Brown Shana‐Kay , Cragun Deborah L.
Published: August 2024

Men with germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at an increased lifetime risk for developing breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Men report that managing clinical care is challenging because they are under‐informed about their cancer risks. As the demand for genetic testing has increased, so too has the need to relay accurate and relatable genetic health information. This research developed and assessed the acceptability and appropriateness of a psychoeducational graphic novel designed for men to improve their cancer risk knowledge, manage their cancer‐related uncertainty, and increase their intent to disclose their BRCA1/2 risks to family members and healthcare providers. Through purposive and snowball sampling, men (n = 20) and certified genetic counselors (CGCs; n = 15) participated in semi‐structured interviews assessing the acceptability and appropriateness of the graphic novel. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Both reported that the graphic novel confirmed risk information provided helpful resources, included relatable storylines, and had a unique visual appeal. Some men remained unsure about how to perform recommended screenings and how to talk to family members, particularly children, about BRCA1/2 test results after assessing the graphic novel. CGCs also discussed the helpfulness of the graphic novel for their practice. Given that this psychoeducational graphic novel was appealing to men and CGCs, it shows promise as an acceptable approach that may assist men in managing their cancer risks and communicating their genetic risk information to family members and healthcare providers.
Dense circuit graphs and the planar Turán number of a cycle
Authors: Shi Ruilin , Walsh Zach , Yu Xingxing
Published: August 2024

Theplanar Turán numberof a graph is the maximum number of edges in an ‐vertex planar graph without as a subgraph. Let denote the cycle of length . The planar Turán number is known for . We show that dense planar graphs with a certain connectivity property (known as circuit graphs) contain large near triangulations, and we use this result to obtain consequences for planar Turán numbers. In particular, we prove that there is a constant so that for all and . When this bound is tight up to the constant and proves a conjecture of Cranston, Lidický, Liu, and Shantanam.
Anemia after pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients followed‐up for 5 years
Authors: Wu Jin‐Ming , Kuo Ting‐Chun , Wu Chien‐Hui , Yang Ching‐Yao , Tien Yu‐Wen
Published: August 2024

Background

Anemia is a common long‐term metabolic sequela caused by anatomical changes after major gastrointestinal surgery, such as bariatric surgery and gastrectomy. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) involves resection of the duodenum and enteral bypass, which may contribute to malabsorption and nutrient deficiency. Hence, PD may cause anemia.

Methods

This study included 322 patients who presented with PD during the 5‐year follow‐up from 2006 to 2017. The Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox regression model were used to investigate the association between risk factors and anemia.

Results

Approximately 44.4% of patients developed post‐PD anemia during the 5‐year post‐PD follow‐up. Further, 30 (9.3%) patients were treated with oral iron supplementation for anemia with associated symptoms. In the Cox multivariate model, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were significantly associated with the development of post‐PD anemia.

Conclusion

Post‐PD anemia is a common sequela among long‐term survivors. A higher CCI and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosis were considered as independent risk factors for post‐PD anemia. Therefore, regular monitoring of hematological profiles and appropriate management of post‐PD anemia are required during follow‐up.
How anatomy influences measurements of snakes
Authors: Cundall David , Deufel Alexandra , Pattishall Abigail
Published: August 2024

Anatomy compromises the precision and accuracy of measurements made of the body length and head size of live snakes. Body measures (snout‐vent length, SVL) incorporate many synovial intervertebral joints, each allowing flexion and limited extension and compression. Radiographs of the trunk in 14 phylogenetically diverse species in resting and stretched conditions combined with dissections and histological analysis of intervertebral joints show that the synovial nature of these joints underlies the variance in SVL measures. Similarly, the ubiquity and variety of viscoelastic tissues connecting mobile snout and jaw elements of alethinophidian snakes underlie variances in length and width measures of the head. For the overall size of the head and jaw apparatus, the part that can be most easily and relatively precisely measured for many snakes is the mandible because it has only one mobile joint. As to accuracy, the anatomy of intervertebral and cranial joints supports the hypothesis that in living snakes, the head and trunk have no exact size.
Comparative morphology in the context of facial reduction: Modularity in primate, dog, and bat crania
Authors: Selba Molly C. , Vilaplana Grosso Federico R. , DeLeon Valerie B.
Published: August 2024

Biological variation in the mammalian skull is the product of a series of factors including changes in gene expression, developmental timing, and environmental pressures. When considering the diversity of extant mammalian crania, it is important to understand these mechanisms that contribute to cranial growth and in turn, how differences in cranial morphology have been attained. Various researchers, including Dr. Sue Herring, have proposed a variety of mechanisms to explain the process of cranial growth. This work has set the foundation on which modern analysis of craniofacial morphology happens today. This study focused on the analysis of modularity in three mammalian taxa, all of which exhibit facial reduction. Specifically, we examined facial reduction as a morphological phenomenon through the use of two‐module and six‐module modularity hypotheses. We recorded three‐dimensional coordinate data for 55 cranial landmarks that allowed us to analyze differences in cranial shape in these three taxa (primates n = 88, bats n = 64, dogs n = 81). When assessing modularity within the two‐module modularity hypothesis specifically, dogs exhibited the lowest levels of modularity, while bats and primates both showed a slightly more modular covariance structure. We further assessed modularity in the same sample using the Goswami six‐module model, where again dogs exhibited a low degree of modularity, with bats and primates being more moderate. We then broke the sample into subsets by analyzing each morphotype separately. We hypothesized that the modularity would be more pronounced in the brachycephalic morphotype. Surprisingly, we found that in brachycephalic dogs, normocephalic dogs, brachycephalic primates, and normocephalic primates, there was a moderate degree of modularity. Brachycephalic bats had a low degree of modularity, while normocephalic bats were the most modular group observed in this study. Based on these results, it is evident that facial reduction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with unique morphological changes observed in each of the three taxa studied.
Leader inclusiveness and team resilience capacity in multinational teams: The role of organizational diversity climate
Authors: Hundschell Andreas , Backmann Julia , Tian Amy Wei , Hoegl Martin
Published: August 2024

Multinational teams face numerous challenges arising from pressures in the global business environment and complexities posed by national diversity within teams. Team resilience capacity has been identified as an important capability for successful performance in challenging work environments, yet little is known about which factors contribute to it in a multinational context. Given that teams are inherently situated within a specific context and shaped by team leaders and the organizational environment, enhancing our understanding of contexts involving multinational teams is crucial for fostering team resilience and performance. Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, we investigate the influence of leader inclusiveness on the resilience capacity of multinational teams and explore how the organizational diversity climate shapes this relationship. Findings from our quantitative, multi‐informant study based on data collected from 111 multinational teams reveal that leader inclusiveness enhances team resilience capacity and that such an effect is stronger when the organizational diversity climate is high. We also highlight that leader inclusiveness improves team performance indirectly via its effect on team resilience capacity, contingent on the organizational diversity climate.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health, Soil Quality, and Production of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Kaur Jupinder , Walia Sohan Singh
Published: August 2024

The integrated application of inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and biofertilizers helps sustain the nutrient pool and benefits the soil quality, thereby boosting plant health. The effect of different combinations of biofertilizers (consortium biofertilizer [CBF]—non‐rhizobial PGPR), inorganic fertilizers, and organic fertilizers on soil health, growth, and yield of cowpea was evaluated by conducting a field experiment. The application of N100 FYM + CBF resulted in significantly higher populations of bacteria, fungi, PSB, and diazotroph, as well as soil dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities. However, the application of N100 FYM recorded a significantly higher actinomycetes population. The application of N100 FYM + CBF resulted in significantly higher soil OC, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The soil pH was recorded to be highest in control, and soil EC was recorded to be lowest in control. The plant uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was significantly higher with N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. The root–shoot biomass, number of leaves, nodules/plant, number of pods/plants, pod biomass, pod length, and pod width were significantly higher in treatment having N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. However, the height of the plant, number of branches, and biomass of leaves were highest in treatment with N25 FYM + NP75 + CBF. The pod and stover yield were significantly higher in treatment with N50 FYM + NP50 + CBF. The results showed that the integrated application of non‐rhizobial PGPR along with organic and inorganic fertilizer helps to improve overall soil health, quality, and plant growth of forage cowpea contributing to an increase in crop yield.
Predictors of celiac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes and positive tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A
Authors: Rutsky Jessica , Krueger Andrew , Sun Qin , Fei Lin , Mallon Daniel
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Identify clinical and serologic features that more accurately predict a diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), particularly focusing on the degree of elevation of tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (TTG IgA) and dilution of positive endomysial antibody (EMA).

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective review of patients with T1DM who underwent endoscopy from 2016 to 2022 for evaluation of CD. We compared demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data as well as symptoms and endoscopy findings for subjects with and without CD.

Results

Of 123 subjects who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, 74 (60%) were diagnosed with CD. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed the factors associated with CD were degree of TTG IgA elevation, EMA positivity, and degree of EMA dilution. For every 10‐fold increase in TTG IgA, there was a 4.7× increased risk of CD. TTG IgA ≥10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) provided a positive predictive value (PPV) of 85% (confidence interval [CI]: [0.76–92]) in all subjects and 91% in asymptomatic subjects (CI: [0.75–0.98]). Of 66 subjects with EMA data, 41 (62%) were positive and 32 had CD (PPV = 0.78). Of 12 asymptomatic subjects with positive EMA, eight had CD (PPV = 0.67). For subjects with EMA ≥ 1:80, all were diagnosed with CD, and all had TTG IgA ≥10 times the ULN.

Conclusions

Among patients with T1DM, symptoms, adjunct labs, and anthropometrics do not help predict CD, but the degree of elevation of TTG IgA and dilution of a positive EMA result do.
Antimicrobial and therapeutic potentials of the blackberry extracts against Escherichia coli infection in male albino rats
Authors: Salah‐Eldin Aziza Ali , Ibrahim Huda Hassan , Ali Marwa Rashad
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Blackberries have garnered attention recently due to their high concentration of bioactive components like anthocyanin and their health advantages. Therefore, this study aims to determine the bioactive profile, antioxidant and antibacterial effects of blackberry extracts (BBEs). Then, evaluate the protective effect of BBEs (20%, 30% and 40%) in a rat model of 2 mL of 4–8 × 106 Escherichia coli ATTC 25922 strain colony‐forming unit mL−1 oral infection on the seventh day of the experiment.

RESULTS

Rats were divided into six groups: G1: control (C−: normal or negative group), G2: (C+: infected or positive group), G3: infected‐treated group by 20% BBE, G4: infected‐treated group by 30% BBE, G5: infected‐treated group by 40% of BBE and G6: infected‐treated group by Gentamicin. The results showed that BBE had a high content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoid, anthocyanin contents, and different vitamins (vitamins A, E and C), reaching 450, 186, 58.83 mg 100 g−1, 2.68, 2.14 and 107.46 mg 100g−1 fresh weight, respectively, which showed great antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Therefore, liver enzymes, kidney function and lipid profiles were significantly higher in the infected group than in the control or infected‐treated groups. Furthermore, BBE ameliorated inflammation of the intestine and hepatocyte damage compared to the infected control group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that consistent intake of BBE might alleviate hepatic inflammation and the gut microbiota in ways that could significantly impact human health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Phytogenic effects of Marrubium vulgare on the growth performance of weaned piglets: biochemical parameters and liquid chromatographic–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometric profile of plant and animal serum
Authors: da Silva Ana Caroline , Da Cunha Guinter Silva , Tizziani Tiago , Schlemper Valfredo , Sandjo Louis P
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Multidrug‐resistant bacteria in humans have prompted the search for alternative solutions derived from herbal medicines that can substitute antibiotics in livestock production. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the phytogenic properties of Marrubium vulgare infusion (MVI) on weaned pigs. Thirty animals were randomly divided into five groups of six animals, each receiving a physiological solution, clenbuterol and the infusion extract at doses of 0.01 (MVI 1%), 0.1 (MVI 10%) and 0.2 (MVI 20%) mg kg−1 for 28 days. Biochemical parameters and the liquid chromatographic–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometric (LC‐ESI‐MS) chemical profiles of the infusion extract and animal serum were studied.

RESULTS

The doses MVI 1 and 10% led to weight gain higher than the controls. No significant changes were noted in the biochemical parameters including erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and others. Evaluation of enzymatic levels in blood revealed no significant changes. LC‐ESI‐MS data of MVI showed the presence of 34 secondary metabolites, and successive chromatographic purification of MVI yielded marrubiin and apigenin as major components. LC‐ESI‐MS data of animal serum showed the presence of a diterpene, a flavonoid and diverse cholic acid derivatives.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated the doses MVI 1 and 10% promote weight gain with no significant alterations in blood biochemicals, and liver and kidney function. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.