bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4D printed zero Poisson’s ratio metamaterials with vibration isolation properties for magnetic response
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Huang Shu , Zhang Hang , Zhang Junhui , Sheng Jie , Chen Feng , Wang Chen , Liang Chaoxu , Xue Bin
Published: January 2024

Although mechanical metamaterials possess high specific energy absorption, they suffer from drawbacks such as irreversible deformations and non-adjustable mechanical properties. Magnetic excitation is considered to be one of the most promising methods for special working environments; for which uniform incorporation of UV-cured four-dimensional (4D) printed resin is considered to be an effective approach to achieving fine structural features. Our study investigated the impact of soft magnetic particle content on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of a shape memory polymer matrix material. This paper presents a 4D printed metamaterial with a zero Poisson’s ratio that can sense magnetic field intensity and alter its mechanical properties. Its rapid shape recovery, achieved through magnetic excitation, enables multiple energy absorption within a short timeframe. By increasing the curvature radius, the stress concentration in the hexagonal honeycomb structure is reduced, ensuring the metamaterial maintains its zero Poisson’s ratio even under in-plane loading. The study investigates the energy absorption performance and force–displacement curve of metamaterials with different layers and cell sizes, focusing on a four-layer metamaterial for the analysis. Furthermore, the paper explores the tunable energy absorption characteristics of the four-layer metamaterial under time-varying electromagnetic fields, aiming to enhance the stability of a lander’s center of gravity while landing on uneven terrain.
Novel IP2C sensors with flexible electrodes based on plasma-treated conductive elastomeric nanocomposites
Authors: Barbosa Rafael , Gonçalves Roger , Blanco Guilherme Eduardo de Oliveira , Saccardo Matheus Colovati , Tozzi Kaique Afonso , Zuquello Ariel Gustavo , Cruz Sandra Andrea , Scuracchio Carlos Henrique
Published: January 2024

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) are devices composed of metallic electrodes and an ionomeric polymer membrane in a ‘sandwich’ architecture and. Their main property is electromechanical actuation or sensing based on the movement of ions. Metallic electrodes are commonly used for their high electrical conductivity, malleability, and chemical resistance. However, the high cost of noble metals, such as platinum, long manufacturing time, and fatigue failure limit their application. Therefore, the replacement of metallic electrodes with conductive elastomeric nanocomposites (CENs) was evaluated to reduce the costs and complexity of manufacturing the device and increase its working life. In this work, carbon nanotubes were used as the conductive fillers. The dispersion to achieve high electrical conductivity was carried out directly in the synthetic or natural polyisoprene rubber latex assisted by surfactant and high-power sonication. To improve the adhesion between the elastomeric electrode and the ionic membrane (Nafion), plasma treatment with atmospheric air was applied as a surface modifier. This treatment improved the hydrophilicity and adhesion of the rubbers by forming oxygenated groups and increasing the surface nanoroughness. In this way, ionomeric polymer–polymer composite (IP2C) devices were fabricated using Nafion and plasma-modified CENs, this type of electrode is unprecedented in the literature for this application. These devices showed displacement and strain sensing capacity at levels close to the conventional IPMC in all tested frequency ranges and applied accelerations. Notably, the IP2C obtained better resolution at low frequencies than the control.
Effect of cross-link density on the performance of polyimine/epoxy vitrimers
Authors: Li Ben , Zhu Guangming , Hao Yujia , Ren Tianning
Published: January 2024

Vitrimers are polymers rich in dynamic covalent bonds in cross-link networks. When the dynamic covalent bonds are not activated, the vitrimers show the performance stability of the traditional thermosetting polymer. When the dynamic covalent bonds are activated, the vitrimers can show some novel and unique properties, such as stress relaxation, self-healing and reprocessing. This new type of polymer has attracted wide attention because of its unique properties. As thermoset materials, the degree of cross-link and cross-link density of the materials are very important for the performance of vitrimers. In order to find out the effects of cross-link density on the properties of vitrimers, a series of dynamic polyimine/epoxy cross-link networks with different cross-link densities were designed and prepared, and their properties were characterized. The materials with higher cross-link density show higher thermal properties, mechanical properties and shape fixation ratio. However, due to the increase of cross-link density, the mobility of molecular chain and the exchange of dynamic bonds are limited, so the healing efficiency, shape recovery ratio and shape recovery rate will decrease to a certain extent. This study provides important insights into a deeper understanding of this new type of polymer.
Mott insulator-density ordered superfluid transition and ‘shamrock transition’ in a frustrated triangle lattice
Authors: Wang Ce , Chen Yu
Published: January 2024

Density order is usually a consequence of the competition between long-range and short-range interactions. Here we report a density ordered superfluid emergent from a homogeneous Mott insulator due to the competition between frustrations and local interactions. This transition is found in a Bose–Hubbard model on a frustrated triangle lattice with an extra pairing term. Furthermore, we find a quantum phase transition between two different density ordered superfluids, which is beyond the Landau–Ginzburg (LG) paradigm. A U(1) symmetry is emergent at the critical point, while the symmetry in each density ordered superfluid is Z
2 × Z
3. We call the transition a ‘shamrock transition’, due to its degenerate ground state in the parameter space being a shamrock-like curve rather than a circle in an LG-type transition. Effective low energy theories are established for the two transitions mentioned above and we find their resemblance and differences with clock models.
Role of 1D edge in the elasticity and fracture of h-BN doped graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Faling , Wang Guotong , Wang Ruijie , Wang Liya , Tang Chun , Wang Chengyuan
Published: January 2024

Recent achievement of BN-graphene alloy material has enabled the potential of bandgap tuning through both sub-10 nm width control and BN concentration variation. However, its mechanics, which is necessary for prediction of stability in functional applications, is not well studied. Here, molecular dynamics simulation is performed to conduct uniaxial tensile test for BN-doped graphene nanoribbons (BN-GNR) with varying widths and BN atom fractions. Efforts are made to study the constitutive relations for the edges and the whole BN-GNR and explore the fracture mechanisms of the hybrid nanoribbons. The substantial softening effect of the edges induced by wrinkling alters the impact of BN concentration on the stiffness in the sub-20 nm regime deviating from the linear behaviour observed in the bulk case. Fracture properties are unexpectedly independent of BN concentrations unlike in the bulk and the failure behaviour is rather decided by the graphene ribbon edge structure. Here the armchair edges serve as the source of crack nucleation at an early stage leading to weakened strength and reduced stretchability, whereas zigzag edges do not promote early crack nucleation and leads to the size dependence of fracture properties.
Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide quantum dots/silver nanoparticles and investigation of their antibacterial effects
Authors: Oktay Büşra , Erarslan Azime , Üstündağ Cem Bülent , Ahlatcıoğlu Özerol Esma
Published: January 2024

Water, constituting 75% of Earth and vital for sustaining life, faces global contamination challenges, causing approximately 2 million annual deaths from waterborne diseases, as reported by the World Health Organization. Technological strides in water purification leverage antibacterial materials to combat this issue. At the forefront is silver nanoparticles (AgNP), renowned for antimicrobial efficacy. Their action involves damaging bacterial cells and hindering metabolism, causing structural and physiological alterations in microbial membranes. Graphene oxide (GO) emerges as a potent biocide, and when combined with AgNP, it enhances antibacterial activity. The resulting composite, known as antibacterial graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQD), exhibits photocatalytic behavior when exposed to sunlight or UV rays, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). This synergistic composite, particularly the GOQD/AgNP combination, proves effective in eliminating bacteria and fungi from water. In a recent study, GOQD was synthesized, and the GOQD/AgNP combination was prepared. Structural analyses, utilizing techniques such as FTIR, Zeta sizer, and TEM, revealed heightened antibacterial activity with increasing AgNP ratios. The GOQD/AgNP samples formed inhibition zones of 11.75 mm, 10 mm, and 9.88 mm against pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella typhi (S. typhi), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), respectively. Notably, the GOQD/AgNP composite demonstrated a synergistic antibacterial effect, showcasing its potential for widespread applications. This material holds promise for deployment in drinking water treatment plants and water storage tanks, ensuring water safety for consumption. Beyond water purification, the composite’s antibacterial properties hint at significant potential in medical and industrial realms, marking a crucial step toward safeguarding water sources and enhancing global public health.
Evaluation of the role of ionic liquid as a modifier for carbon paste electrodes in the detection of anthracyclines and purine-pyrimidine-based anticancer agents
Authors: Soni Isha , Kumari Amisha , Jayaprakash Gururaj Kudur , Naik Praveen , Rajendrachari Shashanka
Published: January 2024

Ionic liquid has become a very fascinating modifier in the past few years. With the help of an ionic liquid-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE), electrochemistry has become a great way to find different drugs with a lower detection limit and high sensitivity and selectivity. The circulation of electrons of the ring in the cationic part of ionic liquid enables in lowering of the electron resistance and further enhancing the electrical conductivity. The combination of ionic liquids with various kinds of materials such as Nobel metals, metal oxides, graphene oxides, carbon nanotubes (CNT), etc has further improved its catalytic activity as a modifier enabling faster electron transfer. Additionally, the ability of an ionic liquid to dissolve other chemicals allows for the incorporation of the electrolytes and redo-active species into the electrode, enhancing its performance. Anti-cancer drugs are life-saving but have a lot of side effects, but one of the biggest is cardiotoxicity, which is very important for saving patients’ lives. So figuring out what these drugs are is a big task for scientists all over the world. Therefore, the current review enlightens the path for using ionic liquid as a modifier for the detection of anthracycline and purine-pyrimidine-based anti-cancer drugs.
A workload identification method of industrial robot combining dynamic model and convolutional neural network
Authors: Yue Xia , Wang Yadong , Zhang Chunliang , Long Shangbin , Li Zhibin , Wang Yuhua
Published: January 2024

The motion joint system of industrial robot has obvious nonlinear characteristics, high dimensional running data and limited number of experimental samples. If mature neural network algorithm is used for identifying the workload of robots, it is easy to have over-learning problems, which seriously restricts the generalization ability of load identification method. In this paper, a load identification method combining the dynamic model of industrial robots with the neural network data model is proposed. A UR5 robot is used for carrying out multiple dynamic load testings to verify the effectiveness of the proposed identification method. Firstly, the workload identification by CNN algorithm is given, and the influence of parameters of prediction model and different neutral network are analyzed. Then the classical dynamic model of industrial robots with multi-degrees of freedom is established. The identified workload by dynamic model is also analyzed. At last, the deterministic information such as velocity and displacement is extracted from the calculation results of the dynamic model as the initial anchoring value. Then convolutional neural network is applied for compensating the residual highly nonlinear information. An improved mixing combination method is also proposed. This method can effectively deal with the interaction of different types of information in the data, and preliminarily cooperate the dynamic model and convolutional neural network. This provides a basic framework and method for solving the problem of parameter identification in multi-degree-of-freedom systems with small samples.
A multi-stage machine learning algorithm for estimating personal dose equivalent using thermoluminescent dosimeter
Authors: Pathan Munir S , Pradhan S M , Selvam T Palani , Sapra B K
Published: January 2024

In the present age, marked by data-driven advancements in various fields, the importance of machine learning (ML) holds a prominent position. The ability of ML algorithms to resolve complex patterns and extract insights from large datasets has solidified its transformative potential in various scientific domains. This paper introduces an innovative application of ML techniques in the domain of radiation dosimetry. Specifically, it shows the applicability of ML in estimating the radiation dose received by occupational workers. This estimation is expressed in terms of personal dose equivalent, and it involves the utilization of thermoluminescence signals emitted by CaSO4:Dy-based personnel monitoring badges. To estimate personal dose equivalent, three-stage algorithm driven by ML models is proposed. This algorithm systematically identifies the photon energy ranges, calculates the average photon energy, and determines personal dose equivalent. By implementing this approach to the conventional three-element dosimeter, the study overcomes existing limitations and enhances accuracy in dose estimation. The algorithm demonstrates 97.8% classification accuracy in discerning photon energy ranges and achieves a coefficient of determination of 0.988 for estimating average photon energy. Importantly, it also reduces the coefficient of variation of relative deviations by up to 6% for estimated personal dose equivalent, compared to existing algorithms. The study improves accuracy and establishes a new methodology for evaluating radiation exposure to occupational workers using conventional thermoluminescent dosimeter badge.
Vanishing of Tors of absolute integral closures in equicharacteristic zero
Authors: Patankar Shravan
Published: January 2024

We show that

R
R

is regular if

T
o

r

i

R

(

R

+

,
k
)
=
0

Tor_{i}^{R}(R^{+},k) = 0

for some

i
≥
1

i\geq 1

assuming further that

R
R

is a

N

\mathbb {N}

-graded ring of dimension

2
2

finitely generated over an algebraically closed equicharacteristic zero field

k
k

. This answers a question of Bhatt, Iyengar, and Ma [Comm. Algebra 47 (2019), pp. 2367–2383]. We use almost mathematics over

R

+

R^{+}

to deduce properties of the noetherian ring

R
R

and rational surface singularities. Moreover we observe that

R

+

R^{+}

in equicharacteristic zero has a rich module-theoretic structure; it is

m
m

-adically ideal(wise) separated, (weakly) intersection flat, and Ohm-Rush. As an application we show that the hypothesis can be astonishingly vacuous for

i
≪
d
i
m
(
R
)

i \ll dim(R)

. We show that a positive answer to an old question of Aberbach and Hochster [J. Pure Appl. Algebra 122 (1997), pp. 171–184] also answers this question and we use our techniques to study a question of André and Fiorot [Ann. Sc. Norm. Super. Pisa Cl. Sci. (5) 23 (2022), pp. 81–114] regarding ‘fpqc analogues’ of splinters.
DLTKcat: deep learning-based prediction of temperature-dependent enzyme turnover rates
Authors: Qiu Sizhe , Zhao Simiao , Yang Aidong
Published: January 2024

The enzyme turnover rate, ${k}_{cat}$, quantifies enzyme kinetics by indicating the maximum efficiency of enzyme catalysis. Despite its importance, ${k}_{cat}$ values remain scarce in databases for most organisms, primarily because of the cost of experimental measurements. To predict ${k}_{cat}$ and account for its strong temperature dependence, DLTKcat was developed in this study and demonstrated superior performance (log10-scale root mean squared error = 0.88, R-squared = 0.66) than previously published models. Through two case studies, DLTKcat showed its ability to predict the effects of protein sequence mutations and temperature changes on ${k}_{cat}$ values. Although its quantitative accuracy is not high enough yet to model the responses of cellular metabolism to temperature changes, DLTKcat has the potential to eventually become a computational tool to describe the temperature dependence of biological systems.
Effects of tumour budding on adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xie Hao , Zeng Ziwei , Hou Yujie , Ye Fujin , Cai Tanxing , Cai Yonghua , Xiong Li , Li Wenxin , Liu Zhanzhen , Liang Zhenxing , Luo Shuangling , Zheng Xiaobin , Huang Liang , Liu Huashan , Kang Liang
Published: January 2024

Background

High tumour budding has been indicated as a risk factor of poor survival in colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate the impact of tumour budding grades and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy on prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

This study included consecutive colorectal cancer patients who underwent radical surgery for primary colorectal adenocarcinoma at The Sixth Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between 2009 and 2019. Tumour budding was assessed based on the recommendations of the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides with tumour samples. The primary outcome of interest was to correlate tumour budding with disease-free survival and overall survival; the secondary outcome was investigation of the impact of adjuvant therapy on different tumour budding grades. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed for the effects of lymphocytic infiltration on adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with Bd3.

Results

Of 709 eligible patients, 412 with colorectal cancer were included. According to the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference, 210 (50.9 per cent), 127 (30.8 per cent) and 75 (18.2 per cent) were classified as low budding (Bd1), intermediate budding (Bd2) and high budding (Bd3) respectively. Patients with Bd1, Bd2 and Bd3 had 5-year disease-free survival rates of 82.9 per cent, 70.1 per cent and 49.3 per cent respectively, and 5-year overall survival rates of 90 per cent, 79.5 per cent and 62.7 per cent respectively (P <0.001). Adjuvant chemotherapy yielded a significant survival benefit in patients with Bd3 (5-year disease-free survival, 65 per cent versus 31.4 per cent, P <0.001; 5-year overall survival, 84.4 per cent versus 63.1 per cent, P <0.001), but not in those with Bd1 or Bd2. In patients with Bd3, the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was maintained in those with low, but not high lymphocytic infiltration.

Conclusion

High grade of tumour budding was strongly correlated with poorer survival outcomes in colorectal cancer. Patients with Bd3 benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy, with the exclusion of patients with high lymphocytic infiltration.
Laser balloon ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with a large common inferior trunk: a case report
Authors: Takiguchi Tomohiro , Takemoto Masao , Koga Tokushi , Tsuchihashi Takuya
Published: January 2024

Background

A balloon-based visually guided laser balloon (LB) ablation (LBA) is as effective and safe as radiofrequency ablation and cryoballoon ablation in curing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The third-generation LB is so compliant that it can be inflated to any pressure and size change of up to 41 mm with its maximal expansion, which enables maximum balloon/tissue contact regardless of the size or shape of each pulmonary vein (PV) ostium. A large common inferior trunk (CIT) with a structured, completely independent common ostium of both the right and the left inferior PVs completely conjoined prior to the junction with the left atrium is an extremely rare anatomical variant and an important triggering focus in paroxysmal AF.

Case summary

We present a case of an LBA of AF in a patient with a large CIT of 34 mm in diameter. The laser energy was individually deployed to the right-sided and left-sided antra of the large CIT with the LB positioned at the ostium of the CIT’s right and left branches. The complete electrical isolation of the three PVs was achieved. The patient remained stable without any symptoms or AF recurrence 1 year post ablation.

Discussion

The LBA, which is individually deployed to the right-sided and left-sided antra of the large CIT with the third-generation LB positioned at the ostium of the right and left branches of the CIT without laser energy deployment to the posterior wall of the CIT, may be one of the effective strategies for patients with large CITs.
Three Worlds: the West, East and South and the competition to shape global order
Authors: Ikenberry G John
Published: January 2024

Among the many impacts of Russia's war on Ukraine, the most consequential may be in pushing the world in the direction of Three Worlds—the global West, the global East and the global South. One is led by the United States and Europe, the second by China and Russia, and the third by an amorphous grouping of non-western developing nations. These Three Worlds are not blocs or coherent negotiating groups, but loose, constructed and evolving global factions. This article makes four arguments. First, the Three Worlds system has the makings of a fairly durable pattern of global order, shaping struggles over rules and institutions. Second, the Three Worlds system will encourage a ‘creative’ politics of global order-building. The global West and global East will have incentives to compete for the support and cooperation of the global South. Third, there are deep principles of world order that provide a foundation for the Three Worlds competition. Finally, if the global West is to remain at the center of world order in the decades ahead, it will need to accommodate both the global East and the global South, and adapt itself to a more pluralistic world. But in the competition with the global East for the support of the global South, it has the advantage. The global South's critique of the global West is not that it offers the wrong pathway to modernity, but that it has not lived up to its principles or shared sufficiently the material fruits of liberal modernity.
ASEAN, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the politics of pragmatism
Authors: Rüland Jürgen
Published: January 2024

The timid response of member governments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has puzzled many western observers as it flagrantly violates the most basic norms of international law to which ASEAN expressly subscribes. This article seeks to provide answers to this puzzle. Informed by practice theory, the article transcends conventional realist explanations of how small and medium-sized countries respond to great power politics. Combining material and cognitive arguments, practice theory allows identifying the cultural and ideational roots of these policies and uncovering mismatches between rhetoric and agency. It suggests that, conceptualized as communities of practice, ASEAN member countries' foreign policy elites have developed a path-dependent pragmatism, which guides their response to great power politics and hence the war in Ukraine. Employing a qualitative mixed-methods approach, the empirical part of the article examines how south-east Asia's diplomatic communities of practice define pragmatism and shows that, historically, pragmatism has strongly guided their foreign policies. It traces ASEAN governments' pragmatic responses to the war in Ukraine at three levels: the national, regional and the (global) multilateral level. The article concludes that liberal proselytism does not help the West to win over ASEAN member countries to support its pro-Ukraine course.
Forever competition: the end-game of Sino–US rivalry
Authors: Tierney Dominic
Published: January 2024

The United States has declared an era of strategic competition with China but how might this rivalry end—assuming a positive outcome for US interests? US policy-makers have chosen not to pick a favoured end state for strategic competition, hoping to maintain flexibility. However, the decision not to choose a termination point could make the rivalry more difficult to resolve. The ‘negativity bias’ in psychology means that threats tend to loom large, limiting the odds of ending strategic competition. This article applies the negativity bias to potential end-state scenarios—China's accommodation of US interests, China's democratization and China's collapse—and shows that none of these scenarios will likely end strategic competition. A study of the resolution of US great power rivalries over the last two centuries suggests there is a high bar to end strategic competition. Washington should choose a favoured end-game for strategic competition and the best option is sustained Chinese reform or ‘accommodation plus’. The negativity bias may powerfully influence the course and resolution of the Sino-US rivalry, and it can also help to explain many wider behaviours in international relations.
Reducing Worker Exploitation in Time-Limited, Low-Wage Visa Schemes: Lessons from South Korea and Thailand
Authors: Joyce Arwen
Published: January 2024

South Korea and Thailand are two of the seven biggest destination countries for low-wage migrant labour in East and Southeast Asia. They face similar demographic patterns and labour market dynamics but are very different when it comes to their economic, political and geographical contexts. Despite these differences, they have pursued a similar approach to the regulation of low-wage labour migration by taking a more active role in managing the recruitment and stay of migrant workers. As a result, outcomes for low-wage migrant workers in both countries are better than those experienced by their counterparts elsewhere in Asia. This analysis of the low-wage visa schemes in South Korea and Thailand contributes to a more robust understanding of how these restrictive labour migration regimes can be structured to improve outcomes for workers. The paper argues that lessons learned from the regulatory approaches pursued in South Korea and Thailand should be applied in other destination countries in Asia and beyond.
Effects of bacterial direct-fed microbial combinations on beef cattle growth performance, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, ruminal morphology, and carcass characteristics
Authors: Lopez Alejandra M , Sarturi Jhones O , Johnson Bradley J , Woerner Dale R , Henry Darren D , Ciriaco Francine M , Silva Kaliu G S , Rush Camron J
Published: January 2024

The effects of the dietary inclusion of a mixture of bacterial direct-fed microbial (DFM) on feedlot beef cattle growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, and ruminal papillae morphology were evaluated. Crossbred-Angus steers (n = 192; initial body weight (BW) = 409 kg ± 8 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned into 48 pens (4 steers/pen and 16 pens/treatment) following a randomized complete block design. A steam-flaked corn-based fishing diet was offered to ad libitum intake once daily for 153 d containing the following treatments: (1) Control (no DFM, lactose carrier only); (2) treat-A (Lactobacillus animalis, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis), at 1:1:1:3 ratio, respectively; totaling 6 × 109 CFU (50 mg)/animal-daily minimum; and (3) treat-B, the same DFM combination, but with doses at 1:1:3:1 ratio. Bacterial counts were ~30% greater than the minimum expected. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with pen as the experimental unit, the fixed effect of treatment, and the random effect of BW-block, while preplanned contrasts comparing Control × treat-A or treat-B were used. Steers offered treat-A had increased carcass-adjusted average daily gain (P = 0.03) by 6.7%, gain efficiency (P < 0.01) by 6%, tended (P = 0.07) to have increased carcass-adjusted final BW by 15 kg, and hot carcass weight (P = 0.07) by 10 kg, while treat-B did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) from control. Overall dry matter (DM) intake (P = 0.36) and other carcass traits (P ≥ 0.13) were not affected by treatments. Steers offered treat-A tended to have increased digestibility of DM (P = 0.07) by 3%, neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.10), and hemicellulose (P = 0.08) by 9% compared with control, while treat-B did not differ (P ≥ 0.10) from control. No treatment × period interactions (P ≥ 0.21) or main effects of treatment (P ≥ 0.12) were observed during 24-h feeding behavior. Steers ruminated, ate, chewed, and were more active (P ≤ 0.01) during the second behavioral assessment (day 113), while drinking behavior was not affected (P ≥ 0.88). Ruminal papillae morphology and ruminal ammonia concentration (ruminal fluid collected at slaughter facility) were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.39). Steers offered the DFM treat-A had improved growth performance and it positively affected carcass weight and nutrient digestion. The DFM combinations did not seem to affect feedlot cattle feeding behavior or ruminal papillae morphology.
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in Children at 18 US Health Care System Study Sites: Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology From a Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Fisher Matthew , Komarow Lauren , Kahn Jordan , Patel Gopi , Revolinski Sara , Huskins W Charles , van Duin David , Banerjee Ritu , Fries Bettina C
Published: January 2024

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an urgent public health threat in the United States.

Objective

Describe the clinical and molecular epidemiology of CRE in a multicenter pediatric cohort.

Methods

CRACKLE-1 and CRACKLE-2 are prospective cohort studies with consecutive enrollment of hospitalized patients with CRE infection or colonization between 24 December 2011 and 31 August 2017. Patients younger than age 18 years and enrolled in the CRACKLE studies were included in this analysis. Clinical data were obtained from the electronic health record. Carbapenemase genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction and whole-genome sequencing.

Results

Fifty-one children were identified at 18 healthcare system study sites representing all U.S. census regions. The median age was 8 months, with 67% younger than age 2 years. Median number of days from admission to culture collection was 11. Seventy-three percent of patients had required intensive care and 41% had a history of mechanical ventilation. More than half of children had no documented comorbidities (Q1, Q3 0, 2). Sixty-seven percent previously received antibiotics during their hospitalization. The most common species isolated were Enterobacter species (41%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (27%), and Escherichia coli (20%). Carbapenemase genes were detected in 29% of isolates tested, which was lower than previously described in adults from this cohort (61%). Thirty-four patients were empirically treated on the date of culture collection, but only 6 received an antibiotic to which the CRE isolate was confirmed susceptible in vitro. Thirty-day mortality was 13.7%.

Conclusions

CRE infection or colonization in U.S. children was geographically widespread, predominantly affected children younger than age 2 years, associated with significant mortality, and less commonly caused by carbapenemase-producing strains than in adults.
High-Volume, High-Acuity, and High-Impact Learning: Tips and Tricks for Infectious Diseases Training Programs
Authors: Luther Vera P , Paras Molly L , Schultz Sara , Aziz Mariam , Balba Gayle , McCarty Todd P , Razonable Raymund R , Reece Rebecca , Shnekendorf Rachel , Sundareshan Vidya , Chirch Lisa M ,   the Infectious Diseases Society of America Infectious Diseases Training Program Directors Committee and Working Group, Abdoler Emily , Acharya Kartikey , Azar Marwan. M , Bartash Rachel , Blumberg Emily , Blyth Dana M , Butt Saira , Casanas Beata , Chow Brian , Clough Lisa , Cutrell James B , Dare Ryan K , Doshi Saumil , Sanctis Jorgelina de , Dobrzynski David , Faulhaber Jason , Fiske Christina , Graber Christopher , Hazra Aniruddha , Johnson Leonard B , Kaltsas Anna , Kulkarni Prathit A , Kwon Taesung , Lastinger Allison , Lee Mikyung , Leuck Anne-Marie , Lichtenberger Paola , Gil Raul Macias , Marcos Luis A , Mattar Caline , Matt Brionna , Maziarz Eileen K , Melia Michael T , Lora Alfredo J Mena , Miko Benjamin , Mitra Subhashis , Nematollahi Saman , Okeke Nwora Lance , Osorio Georgina , Perez Frederico , Phadke Varun K , Prakash Katya , Reid Gail , Riedel David J , Rojas-Moreno Christian , Salas Natalie Mariam , Schlaffer Kathryn , Sobhanie Mohammad Mahdee , Solomon Daniel A , Stapleton Ann , Streit Judy , Thompson George , VanSchooneveld Trevor C , Velagapudi Manasa , Vikram Holenarasipur R , Weber Devin , Weisenberg Scott , Wooten Darcy , Zerbe Christa S
Published: January 2024

The Infectious Diseases Society of America Training Program Directors Committee met in October 2022 and discussed an observed increase in clinical volume and acuity on infectious diseases (ID) services, and its impact on fellow education. Committee members sought to develop specific goals and strategies related to improving training program culture, preserving quality education on inpatient consult services and in the clinic, and negotiating change at the annual IDWeek Training Program Director meeting. This paper outlines a presentation of ideas brought forth at the meeting and is meant to serve as a reference document for infectious diseases training program directors seeking guidance in this area.
Assessing the Effects of Amendment Rules in Federal Systems: Australia and Switzerland Compared
Authors: Freiburghaus Rahel , Vatter Adrian
Published: January 2024

The effects of formal constitutional amendment rules are still contested, yielding mixed and inconsistent findings. The key issue lies in overlooking the broader institutional context in which amending clauses are situated. This article presents a novel theoretical argument centered on the “institutional embeddedness.” Empirically, we leverage a unique, most different systems design that compares Australia and Switzerland to assess the direct and indirect effects of formal amendment clauses. Both federations implement an identical “direct-democratic model of constitutional change,” despite differences in size, the underlying societal structure, the federalism model, and form of democratic governance. Our empirical results reveal similar direct effects on minority protection, but differing indirect effects on federal dynamics differ significantly. The formal amendment rule sustains Switzerland’s decentralized federal order, while contributing to pronounced centralizing trends in Australian federalism. These findings have vital implications for constitutional design, highlighting that the specific institutional context is decisive, not just the formal amendment rule.
Prediction of new likely emergent amino acid point mutations from USA, UK, Italy, France, Brazil, and India SARS-CoV-2 variants: a possible source for more reliable cocktail coronavirus vaccine
Authors: Alhaji Saganuwan Saganuwan
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The interaction between genome components of the vaccines, host cells, and SARS-CoV-2 variants can cause mutation of amino acids at high random frequency. Hence, the present study is aimed at using the codon bases—amino acids components of some available strains with a view to determining new likely emergent strains of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Some genome sizes and lengths of SARS-CoV-2 variants were searched from literatures and other parameters were calculated. Point mutation of a single amino acid was deduced from 2/3 of sets of codon bases responsible for expression of amino acids. One base pair of 0.0047 nm Codon Base Table was used to deduce the likely missense amino acids at probability of one-twentieth.

Key findings

New generated codon bases gave rise to new emergent strains of varying numbers of amino acid pairs. Amino acids have reappeared and disappeared in some strains. Nine strains altogether have shown stop codon bases and the remaining strains have a tendency to form stop codons. Adenine has the highest frequency of the stop codon bases whereas cytosine is not among stop codons. A total of 906 new variants were deduced from 54 coronavirus strains which initially lacked stop codons. The newly predicted strains may become less pathogenic and could serve as immunogens via glycosylation. Strains with a higher number of codon bases undergo mutation faster and may end up in stop codons.

Conclusion

Hence the likely emergent strains could be less virulent, less pathogenic, and may fom glycans that could serve as a source for manufacturing of more reliable coronavirus vaccines.
Transfer of university patents and its impact on follow-on invention
Authors: Kwon Seokbeom
Published: January 2024

This study examines the effects of granting firms exclusive rights to use university inventions on the creation of follow-on inventions. By analyzing a dataset of transferred patents from research universities to firms in the USA between 2000 and 2013, we find that allowing firms to exclusively utilize university inventions through patent transfers leads to an increase in follow-on inventions among patent nonrecipients. However, we find no evidence of an impact on the patent recipient’s follow-on inventions. Our analysis also shows evidence of a positive impact of the transfer of patents on government-funded inventions on the rate of follow-on inventions by nonrecipients of the university patents. This research contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the necessity of granting firms the exclusive right to use university knowledge to foster innovation.
Evaluation of mailed results versus telephone disclosure of normal cancer genetic test results in a low-risk underserved population
Authors: Gilmore Marian J , Leo Michael C , Amendola Laura M , Goddard Katrina A B , Ezzell Hunter Jessica , Joseph Galen , Kauffman Tia L , Rolf Bradley , Shuster Elizabeth , Zepp Jamilyn M , Wilfond Benjamin S , Biesecker Barbara B
Published: January 2024

Scalable models for result disclosure are needed to ensure large-scale access to genomics services. Research evaluating alternatives to genetic counseling suggests effectiveness; however, it is unknown whether these findings are generalizable across populations. We assessed whether a letter is non-inferior to telephone genetic counseling to inform participants with no personal or family history of cancer of their normal results. Data were collected via self-report surveys before and after result disclosure (at 1 and 6 months) in a study sample enriched for individuals from underserved populations. Primary outcomes were subjective understanding of results (global and aggregated) and test-related feelings, ascertained via three subscales (uncertainty, negative emotions, and positive feelings) of the Feelings About genomiC Testing Results (FACToR) measure. Secondary outcomes related to satisfaction with communication. Non-inferiority tests compared outcomes among disclosure methods. Communication by letter was inferior in terms of global subjective understanding of results (at 1 month) and non-inferior to telephoned results (at 6 months). Letter was non-inferior to telephone for aggregated understanding (at 6 months). Letter was superior (at 1 month) to telephone on the uncertainty FACToR subscale. Letter was non-inferior to telephone on the positive-feelings FACToR subscale (at 6 months). Letter was non-inferior to telephone for satisfaction with mode of result delivery and genetic test results. Communication via letter was inferior to telephone in communicating the “right amount of information.” The use of written communication to relay normal results to low-risk individuals is a promising strategy that may improve the efficiency of care delivery.
Outcomes of treatment for developmental dislocation of the hip when the Pavlik method has failed
Authors: Sacks Hayley , Pargas-Colina Carlos , Masrouha Karim , Castañeda Pablo
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Despite the success rate of the Pavlik method in the treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip, there is a subset of hips that do not reduce with harness use. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes after closed reduction (CR), open reduction (OR) and combined open reduction and pelvic osteotomy (OR+PO) in patients with infantile hip dislocations who initially failed the Pavlik method.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with infantile hip dislocations who failed the Pavlik method and subsequently underwent a secondary procedure for persistent hip dislocation. The primary outcome measure was the Severin classification of the involved hip 3 years after the secondary procedure. Other outcomes assessed included rates of redislocation, residual acetabular dysplasia and proximal femoral growth disturbance.

Results

Twenty-three patients were included; seven subsequently underwent CR, three underwent isolated OR and 13 proceeded directly to OR+PO. The overall successful outcome rate at final follow-up (as determined by radiographic Severin class I or II) was 11/23 (48%). However, patients undergoing OR+PO had significantly higher rates of successful outcomes (77%) compared with CR (15%) and OR (0%), P < 0.05. The rate of residual acetabular dysplasia and proximal femoral growth disturbance was significantly lower in patients treated with OR+PO compared with CR and isolated OR, P < 0.05.

Conclusion

Patients with dislocated hips who failed Pavlik harness treatment had better radiographic outcomes 3 years after OR+PO in comparison to patients undergoing CR or isolated OR.
Bending osteotomy through the distal tibial physis for stable reduction of the ankle joint in fibular hemimelia. Update at skeletal maturity
Authors: Exner G. Ulrich , Maquieira Gerardo J. , Ramseier Leonhard E.
Published: January 2024

Fibular hemimelia is a complex longitudinal malformation of the lower extremity with partial or complete deficiency of the fibula resulting in dorso-fibular dislocation of the hindfoot. Typically associated are talocalcaneal coalition, absence of rays of the foot, diaphyseal tibial deformity of valgus-procurvatum type and longitudinal growth deficiency. We have addressed the deformity of the distal tibial epiphysis surgically by a metaphyseal osteotomy to bend through the physis inspired by the Pemberton’s acetabular osteotomy in 7 to 21-month-old children. Short-term results of a maximum of 42 months of follow-up have been published. Meanwhile, the first 4 patients thus treated have reached skeletal maturity, and the long-term results are presented. Three patients with unilateral and one patient with bilateral fibular hemimelia were operated on as described before at ages 7, 9, 15, and 18 months. Subsequently, several other procedures have been performed on all patients mainly consisting of lengthening of the tibia combined with axial corrections as well as additional foot alignment if needed. The osteotomy leads to stable axial retainment of the hindfoot in all patients without premature closure of the physis. Most of them need adaptation of footwear. None of the patients at present would favor to have been treated by amputation. The technique has shown good clinical results with preserved growth of the physis of the distal tibia and full axial weight bearing at long-term. In selected cases, this technique should be considered as a valuable alternative to other reconstructions.
The Impact of Posterior Intervertebral Osteophytes on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures After L5-S1 Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Zhao Eric , Hirase Takashi , Kim Andrew G. , Du Jerry Y. , Amen Troy B. , Araghi Kasra , Subramanian Tejas , Kamil Robert , Shahi Pratyush , Fourman Mitchell S. , Asada Tomoyuki , Simon Chad Z. , Singh Nishtha , Korsun Maximilian , Tuma Olivia C. , Zhang Joshua , Lu Amy Z. , Mai Eric , Kim Ashley Yeo Eun , Allen Myles R.J. , Kwas Cole , Dowdell James E. , Sheha Evan D. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. , Iyer Sravisht
Published: January 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

(1) To develop a reliable grading system to assess the severity of posterior intervertebral osteophytes and (2) to investigate the impact of posterior intervertebral osteophytes on clinical outcomes after L5-S1 decompression and fusion through anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and minimally-invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF).

Background.

There is limited evidence regarding the clinical implications of posterior lumbar vertebral body osteophytes for ALIF and MIS-TLIF surgeries and there are no established grading systems that define the severity of these posterior lumbar intervertebral osteophytes.

Patients and Methods.

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing L5-S1 ALIF or MIS-TLIF was performed. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and leg Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2-week, 6-week, 12-week, and 6-month follow-up time points were assessed. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for ODI of 14.9 and VAS leg of 2.8 were utilized. Osteophyte grade was based on the ratio of osteophyte length to foraminal width. “High-grade” osteophytes were defined as a maximal osteophyte length >50% of the total foraminal width.

Results.

A total of 70 consecutive patients (32 ALIF and 38 MIS-TLIF) were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the two cohorts in patient-reported outcome measures or achievement of MCID for Leg VAS or ODI preoperatively or at any follow-ups. On multivariate analysis, neither the surgical approach nor the presence of high-grade foraminal osteophytes was associated with leg VAS or ODI scores at any follow-up time point. In addition, neither the surgical approach nor the presence of high-grade foraminal osteophytes was associated with the achievement of MCID for leg VAS or ODI at 6 months.

Conclusion.

ALIF and MIS-TLIF are both valid options for treating degenerative spine conditions and lumbar radiculopathy, even in the presence of high-grade osteophytes that significantly occupy the intervertebral foramen.

Level of Evidence.

3.