bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute kidney injury with intravenous colistin sulfate compared with polymyxin B in critically ill patients: A real‐world, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Qin‐jie , Xiang Bi‐xiao , Song Mong‐hsiu , Yang Chien‐yi , Liang Jun‐hao , Xie Yue‐liang , Zuo Xiao‐cong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundPolymyxins have re‐emerged as a last‐resort therapeutic option for infections caused by carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria. Nephrotoxicity induced by polymyxins is a significant limitation of its use in the clinic. Polymyxin B and colistin sulfate are two widely used active formulations of polymyxins. However, there is a lack of studies conducting a comparative assessment of nephrotoxicity between the two formulations. This study aimed to compare the nephrotoxicity of polymyxin B and colistin sulfate in critically ill patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study among critically ill patients who received intravenous polymyxin B or colistin sulfate for over 48 h from January 2017 to January 2024. The primary outcome was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with polymyxins, and the secondary outcome was 30‐day all‐cause mortality. Additionally, the risk factors of polymyxins‐induced AKI and 30‐day all‐cause mortality were identified by Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.ResultsA total of 473 patients were included in this study. The overall incidence of AKI was significantly higher in patients who received polymyxin B compared to those who received colistin sulfate in the unmatched cohort (20.8% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.002) and in the propensity score matching cohort (21.1% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.004), respectively. However, there was no significant difference in 30‐day all‐cause mortality between the two groups. Polymyxin type, septic shock, and concomitant use of vasopressors were identified as independent risk factors for polymyxin‐induced AKI.ConclusionsThe prevalence of AKI was higher among patients who received polymyxin B compared to those treated with colistin sulfate. However, there was no significant difference in 30‐day all‐cause mortality between the two groups. Further prospective, multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings.
Moisture barriers used in firefighters' protective clothing: Effect of accelerated hydrothermal aging on their mechanical and barrier performance
Authors: Munevar‐Ortiz Laura , Nychka John A. , Dolez Patricia I. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFirefighters' protective clothing rely on moisture barriers to safeguard against liquid ingress while enabling sweat evaporation for comfort and safety. However, these moisture barriers can degrade over time, jeopardizing firefighters' safety. Existing evaluation methods, primarily visual inspection, are inadequate for assessing moisture barrier integrity in service. This study examines the effect of accelerated hydrothermal aging on the tear force, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and apparent contact angle in three moisture barrier models used in firefighter protective clothing. The moisture barriers studied varied in composition, structure, and base fabric fiber content. Results revealed that moisture barriers' responses to aging are influenced by factors, such as fabric structure, adhesive configuration, finish, and the presence of additional coatings. The hardening of the adhesive layer between the ePTFE membrane and the base fabric was observed in two of the moisture barriers, leading to a slight tear force reduction. Two of the moisture barriers also experienced crack and pit formation on the membrane side, which affected the WVTR. The water‐repellent finish on the fabric side degraded in one moisture barrier. Understanding these complex behaviors is essential for predicting the long‐term moisture barrier performance and enhancing firefighter safety.
Plant memories: Art co‐created with the public as a tool for investigating how people build lasting connections with plants
Authors: McGinn Aideen , Donlon Lorna , Kacprzyk Joanna 
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact StatementPeople often undervalue plants, hindering botanical education and conservation efforts. This study demonstrates how art‐based approaches including audience co‐creation elements can yield new insights into human‐plant interactions. Analyzing plant‐related memories showed that reflecting on personal experiences with plants evokes emotions and can reconnect individuals to specific people and places. The role of multisensory experiences of plants was also highlighted. This knowledge can inform botanical education practices and improve the design of effective outreach programs, fostering greater societal plant awareness and appreciation.Summary
The lack of plant appreciation, a manifestation of plant awareness disparity, is concerning in the context of plant conservation and preservation of botanical knowledge and skills. Developing effective strategies to foster plant awareness requires a better understanding of the nature of human interactions with plants. Art‐based approaches offer a new lens for attracting diverse audiences and can generate unique data through promoting self‐reflection and evoking emotional responses. Herein, we used the case study of visual exhibition “In Memory of Plants” to investigate how arts can be used to explore lasting connections to plants.
The exhibition, presented at the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival 2022, was designed to inspire reflection on plants as elements of personal experiences and introduce the concept of plant awareness disparity. It also included a co‐creation component where visitors were invited to add their own plant‐related memories to a display board. These audience contributions were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analyses.
The results underscored the ability of plants to act as memory anchors, providing lasting connections to places and people from the past. Additionally, the study yielded insights into the identity of “plant mentors” and highlighted the role of multisensory perception in human‐plant interactions.
Presented observations can inform future projects focused on plant awareness and may encourage new collaborations between artists, botanists, and science communicators. Collectively, this study supports the use of arts‐based methods to both enhance and investigate plant awareness.
Statistical‐Mechanical Theory on the Probability Distribution Function for the Net Charge of an Electrolyte Droplet
Authors: Uematsu Yuki , Suda Keiju 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDroplets of electrolyte solutions in an insulating medium are ubiquitous in nature. The net charges of these droplets are normally nonzero, and they fluctuate. However, a theory on the probability distribution function for the net charge of droplets is lacking, so far. Thus, a statistical‐mechanical theory of a charged droplet is developed including the effect of the electrostatic energy of charging as well as the random distribution of ions. Then, the probability distribution function for the net charge of an electrolyte droplet is calculated assuming that it is generated from a macroscopic solution with the different cation and anion concentrations. Using the Gaussian approximation and Stirling's formula, the analytic results for the average and variance of the net charge of a droplet are obtained.
Exposure–response modeling for nausea incidence for cotadutide using a Markov modeling approach
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Ueckert Sebastian , Zhou Lina , Cheng Jenny , Robertson Darren , Hansen Lars , Flor Armando , Parker Victoria , Hamrén Bengt , Khan Anis A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCotadutide is a dual glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)/glucagon receptor agonist. Gastrointestinal adverse effects are known to be associated with GLP‐1 receptor agonism and can be mitigated through tolerance development via a gradual up‐titration. This analysis aimed to characterize the relationship between exposure and nausea incidence and to optimize titration schemes. The model was developed with pooled data from cotadutide‐administrated studies. Three different modeling approaches, proportional odds (PO), discrete‐time Markov, and two‐stage discrete‐time Markov models, were employed to characterize the exposure–nausea relationship. The severity of nausea was modeled as different states (non‐nausea, mild, and moderate/severe). The most appropriate model was selected to perform the covariate analysis, and the final covariate model was used to simulate the nausea event rates for various titration scenarios. The two Markov models demonstrated comparable performance and were better than the PO model. The covariate analysis was conducted with the standard Markov model for operational simplification and identified disease indications (NASH, obesity) and sex as covariates on Markov parameters. The simulations indicated that the biweekly titration with twofold dose escalation is superior to other titration schemes with a relatively low predicted nausea event rate at 600 μg (25%) and a shorter titration interval (8 weeks) to reach the therapeutic dose. The model can be utilized to optimize starting dose and titration schemes for other therapeutics in clinical trials to achieve an optimal risk–benefit balance and reach the therapeutic dose with minimal titration steps.
Tuning Superconductivity in Nanosecond Laser‐Annealed Boron‐Doped Si1–xGex Epilayers
Authors: Nath Shimul Kanti , Turan Ibrahim , Desvignes Léonard , Largeau Ludovic , Mauguin Olivia , Túnica Marc , Amato Michele , Renard Charles , Hallais Géraldine , Débarre Dominique , Chiodi Francesca 
Published: July 2024

Superconductivity in ultradoped Si1−xGex:B epilayers is demonstrated by nanosecond laser doping, which allows introducing substitutional B concentrations well above the solubility limit and up to 7 at%. A Ge fraction x ranging from 0 to 0.21 is incorporated in Si:B: 1) through a precursor gas, by gas immersion laser doping; 2) by ion implantation, followed by nanosecond laser annealing; and 3) by ultrahigh‐vacuum‐chemical vapor deposition growth of a thin Ge layer, followed by nanosecond laser annealing. The 30 and 75 nm‐thick Si1−xGex:B epilayers display superconducting critical temperatures Tc tuned by B and Ge between 0 and 0.6 K. Within Bardeen Cooper Schrieffer (BCS) weak‐coupling theory, Tc evolves exponentially with both the density of states and the electron–phonon potential. While B doping affects both, through the increase of the carrier density and the tensile strain, Ge incorporation allows addressing independently the lattice deformation influence on superconductivity. To estimate the lattice parameter modulation with B and Ge, Vegard's law is validated for the ternary SiGeB bulk alloy by density functional theory calculations. Its validity is furthermore confirmed experimentally by X‐ray diffraction. A global linear dependence of Tc versus lattice parameter, common for both Si:B and Si1−xGex:B, with δTc/Tc ≈ 50% for δa/a ≈1%, is highlighted.
Adsorptive Removal of Famotidine Drug from Aqueous Medium by Ocimum Basilicum
Authors: Gulab Hussain , Malik Shahi , Jan Laiq , Idrees Muhammad , Gohar Osama 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe present study investigated the potential of basil seeds as adsorbent in order to remove famotidine drug from aqueous media. The optimum conditions for the adsorption of famotidine on the basil seeds were found to be 50 min contact time, 50 °C temperature, pH 1, 100 ppm concentration of famotidine, 0.03 g adsorbent mass and 50 rpm agitation rate. Pseudo 2nd order kinetics with a higher correlation coefficient (R2=0.9942) suggested chemisorption as preferable mechanism of adsorption. However, the enthalpy of adsorption (ΔH=+33.67 KJ/mol) was less than that of chemisorption but higher than that of physisorption which was attributed to strong hydrogen bonding between famotidine molecules and basil seed surface. The Langmuir isotherm with higher R2 (0.9960) than Freundlich isotherm (R2=0.8798) predicted maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 99 mg/g while suggesting monolayer and favourable adsorption. The adsorption was endothermic (+ΔH) and spontaneous (−ΔG) in nature. The FT‐IR spectroscopy confirmed that famotidine was adsorbed on basil seed via strong hydrogen bonding. The study proposed that the simultaneous intake of famotidine and basil seeds should be strictly avoided as the drug readily adsorbs on basil seeds in acidic environment (gastric pH) thereby reducing its curing effect.
Differential Activation of Alkynes between Capped and Naked Ag Nanoclusters Anchored by Highly‐Open Mesoporous CeO2 for Two Coupling Reactions with CO2
Authors: Qin Ze , Wang Li , Chen Liyu , Li Yingwei , Shen Kui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe cyclization of 3‐hydroxy alkynes and the carboxylation of terminal alkynes both with CO2 are two attractive strategies to simultaneously reduce CO2 emission and produce value‐added chemicals. Herein, the differential activation of alkynes over atomically precise Ag nanoclusters (NCs) supported on Metal–organic framework‐derived highly‐open mesoporous CeO2 (HM‐CeO2) by reserving or removing their surface captopril ligands is reported. The ligand‐capped Ag NCs possess electron‐rich Ag atoms as efficient π‐activation catalytic sites in cyclization reactions, while the naked Ag NCs possess partial positive‐charged Ag atoms as perfect σ‐activation catalytic sites in carboxylation reactions. Impressively, via coupling with HM‐CeO2 featuring abundant basic sites and quick mass transfer, the ligand‐capped Ag NCs afford 97.9% yield of 4,4‐dimethyl‐5‐methylidene‐1,3‐dioxolan‐2‐one for the cyclization of 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol with CO2, which is 4.5 times that of the naked Ag NCs (21.7%), while the naked Ag NCs achieve 98.5% yield of n‐butyl 2‐alkynoate for the carboxylation of phenylacetylene with CO2, which is 15.6 times that of ligand‐capped Ag NCs (6.3%). Density functional theory calculations reveal the ligand‐capped Ag NCs can effectively activate alkynyl carbonate ions for the intramolecular ring closing in cyclization reaction, while the naked Ag NCs are highly affiliative in stabilizing terminal alkynyl anions for the insertion of CO2 in carboxylation reaction.
Boosting Multimode Ruling in DHR Architecture With Metamorphic Relations
Authors: Li Ruosi , Kong Xianglong , Guo Wei , Guo Jingdong , Li Hongfa , Zhang Fan 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe DHR architecture provides a revolutionary security defense structure for cyberspace. The multimode ruling in DHR is expected to alleviate the oracle problem, which still suffers from the existence of common model vulnerability. In this work, we design a test segmentation method to transform multimode ruling to a metamorphic testing problem. The text test input that causes inconsistency of heterogeneous executors is converted to a condition set, and we extract subsets of conditions based on its syntax tree. The original test can exploit a specific vulnerability, the follow‐up tests are composed by different subsets of conditions within the original test. We collect the execution matrix for the follow‐up tests to analyse the impact of each subset of conditions on ruling decision. Metamorphic relations are extracted based on the localization of independent condition, that is, the subsets of conditions that can impact ruling decision independently. The executors in an inconsistent ruling should be examined with metamorphic testing methods, rather than traditional majority voting mechanism. The proposed test segmentation and improved multimode ruling methods are evaluated on two DHR‐based cases, SQL injection in cyber‐range system and deserialization attack in
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project. The experimental results show that our test segmentation can help to locate malicious expressions and the metamorphic testing‐based multimode ruling can generate more correct results than majority voting mechanism with an average 15.8% performance loss.
Scenario‐Driven Metamorphic Testing for Autonomous Driving Simulators
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Towey Dave , Pike Matthew , Cheng Han Jia , Quan Zhou Zhi , Yin Chenghao , Wang Qian , Xie Chen 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe proliferation of driver‐assistance features in vehicles has resulted in a growing interest among the public in fully autonomous driving systems (ADSs). However, the integration of software and hardware in these complex systems presents significant testing challenges, particularly with respect to ensuring passenger safety. To address these challenges, simulation has emerged as a crucial step in the testing of ADSs. This paper presents a solution to the challenges faced in testing ADSs, with a focus on the validation of ADS simulators. The proposed approach involves using simulations and metamorphic testing (MT) to generate multiple concrete metamorphic relations (MRs) for testing ADS simulators. In order to accomplish this goal, we introduce three metamorphic relation patterns (MRPs). Each MRP is accompanied by a metamorphic relation input pattern (MRIP) that aids in generating detailed MRs. These MRs are designed to identify potential issues within the ADS simulator. To simplify the testing process and facilitate MT for testers, a self‐evolving scenario‐testing framework is also presented. The framework allows testers to improve test cases and MRs iteratively until issues detected are confirmed. The benefits and limitations of the framework are demonstrated using an industry case study. Overall, this study offers a practical solution to the challenges in testing ADSs and provides useful insights into improving testing efficiency for researchers and practitioners in the field.
The Influence of Biochar on Heavy Metals Phytoaccumulation by Okra and Fluted Pumpkin Plants in Soil Contaminated With Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Authors: Umoren Abasiama S. , Mijinyawa Yahaya , Sridhar Mynepali K. C. , Udosen Christopher I. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe study is aimed at assessing the impact of biochar on the phytoaccumulation of heavy metals by okra and fluted pumpkin plants in soil polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons, and its corresponding environmental and health‐related risks. A field experiment was conducted at the automobile workshop (commonly called mechanic village) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The field was divided into plots and three replicates. Maize stalk biochar (MSB) and nipa palm biochar (NPB) were treated differently in each plot at a rate of 20 t ha−1. Plots containing no biochar were used as controls. The soil samples were analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbon content (PHCt), selected heavy metals as well as some other soil physicochemical properties. Plant samples were only analyzed for heavy metal contents. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data generated. The PHCt and heavy metal content in the soil were compared with the target values set by the Department of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria whereas heavy metals in plants were compared with FAO/WHO guidelines. Okra and fluted pumpkin were evaluated for phytoaccumulating potential using bioaccumulation factor (BAF). Ecological risk assessment was done using a hazard quotient (HQ). The PHCt, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) were significantly decreased following the application of biochar. The NPB recorded the lowest values for PHCt (64.4 mg kg−1), lead (16.0 mg kg−1), and Ni (12.8 mg kg−1) contents while MSB had the lowest values for Cd (0.3 mg kg−1) and Cr (7.6 mg kg−1) contents. The HQ analysis showed that Cr (2.93 mg kg−1) and Pb (156.83 mg kg−1) posed a very high ecological risk to the local ecosystem. The phytoaccumulated heavy metals in plants were above the maximum allowable levels, except Ni where the content was below the maximum allowable levels. Fluted pumpkin had the highest BAF values for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni. Therefore, fluted pumpkin can be used as an efficient phytoremediator for soil contaminated with Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni.
Green Synthesis of MgO Nano Particle Loaded Onto Carbon for Effective Rhodamine B Dye Removal
Authors: Senthilkumar Pachiyappan , Aravind Muthu , Janakiraman Karthikeyan , Kamalesh Marimuthu , Saruhasan Murugesan , Jagadeesan Aravind Kumar , Naveen Prasad Balakrishna Pillai , Torsykbayeva Bigamila 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, Rhodamine B dye (RhB) is effectively removed from aqueous solutions by using nano‐MgO and nano‐MgO activated carbon as an adsorbent. First, potassium hydroxide was used in a chemical activation process to create activated carbon from the Anacardium occidentale shell, often known as the cashew nutshell. Rosa cymose extract was used in a quick precipitation process to create nano‐magnesium oxide in a sustainable way. Activated carbon composite impregnated with nano‐magnesium oxide was made using a dropwise process. The study examined the nanocomposite that removed the dye Rhodamine B from the aqueous solution. Using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and EDX, the nano‐Mgo and nano‐MgO‐AC were analyzed. Using a scanning electron microscope, an analysis was conducted on the evenly distributed accumulation of MgO nanoparticles added to the activated carbon. The capability of nano‐MgO‐activated carbon to decolorize RhB was investigated. The effects of beginning pH ranges of 2.0–9.0, initial dye concentrations of 10–40 ppm, biosorbent dosages of 0.2–1.2 g, and contact times ranging from 10 to 60 min were investigated. At pH 5, most dye was eliminated. The work has shown that RhB may be effectively removed from aqueous medium using nano‐MgO‐AC, it could potentially be used as an affordable adsorbent material. Equilibrium estimations were acknowledged strongly through Langmuir approximations with a correlation determination of 0.985.
Damaging thunderstorms in Finland in June 2021
Authors: Virman Meri , Rantanen Mika , Laurila Terhi K. , Mäkelä Antti , van den Broek Daan , Gregow Hilppa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThunderstorms are common in Finland, however, high‐impact damaging cases do not occur every summer. On 21–23 June 2021, three damaging thunderstorms, named Ahti, Paula and Aatu, occurred in Finland. We provide an overview of the thunderstorms and their environment and impacts. The thunderstorms led to heavy rain, hail, intense lightning and, most notably, extensive forest damage due to strong surface wind gusts.