bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dielectric anisotropy changes in MBBA liquid crystal doped with barium titanate by a new method
Authors: Beigmohammadi Maryam , Khadem Sadigh Mahsa , Poursamad Jaafar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn response to the burgeoning interest in enhancing the properties of liquid crystal composites, this research systematically explores the intricate interplay between MBBA nematic liquid crystals and ferroelectric barium titanate nanoparticles. The focus is modulating dielectric properties under temperature, frequency, and an applied electric field. Nuanced insights into temperature-dependent behavior, parallel and perpendicular component alterations, and a nonlinear correlation between nanoparticle concentration and dielectric constant are revealed. The study delves into dielectric anisotropy, indicating a reduction with increasing temperature. Structural analyses validate size reduction and crystal phase maintenance of barium titanate nanoparticles (NPs), emphasizing their impact on dielectric characteristics. Frequency-dependent investigations underscore a consistent decline in permittivity with rising frequency across nanoparticle concentrations. Application of an electric field in filling process of liquid crystal cells reveals irregular changes in dielectric constant, holding promise for tailored applications in display technologies. These comprehensive findings offer valuable insights into manipulating dielectric anisotropy properties of MBBA liquid crystal by a simple method for potential advancements in optoelectronic devices and display technologies.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 spike stability and RBD exposure on antigenicity and immunogenicity
Authors: Rutten Lucy , Swart Maarten , Koornneef Annemart , Bouchier Pascale , Blokland Sven , Sadi Ava , Juraszek Jarek , Vijayan Aneesh , Schmit-Tillemans Sonja , Verspuij Johan , Choi Ying , Daal Chenandly E. , Perkasa Aditya , Torres Morales Shessy , Myeni Sebenzile K. , Kikkert Marjolein , Tolboom Jeroen , van Manen Daniëlle , Kuipers Harmjan , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Zahn Roland , Langedijk Johannes P. M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 induces neutralizing antibodies and is the key component of current COVID-19 vaccines. The most efficacious COVID-19 vaccines are genetically-encoded spikes with a double proline substitution in the hinge region to stabilize S in the prefusion conformation (S-2P). A subunit vaccine can be a valuable addition to mRNA and viral vector-based vaccines but requires high stability of spike. In addition, further stabilization of the prefusion conformation of spike might improve immunogenicity. To test this, five spike proteins were designed and characterized, ranging from low to high stability. The immunogenicity of these proteins was assessed in mice, demonstrating that a spike (S-closed-2) with a high melting temperature, which still allowed ACE2 binding, induced the highest neutralization titers against homologous and heterologous strains (up to 16-fold higher than the least stabilized spike). In contrast, the most stable spike variant (S-locked), in which the receptor binding domains (RBDs) were locked in a closed conformation and thus not able to breathe, induced relatively low neutralizing antibody titers against heterologous strains. These data demonstrate that S protein stabilization with RBDs exposing highly conserved epitopes may be needed to increase the immunogenicity of spike proteins for future COVID-19 vaccines.
Invasive fall armyworms are corn strain
Authors: Durand Karine , An Hyerin , Nam Kiwoong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the major pest insects in diverse crop plants, including maize, rice, and cotton. While the fall armyworm is native to North and South America, its invasion was first reported in West Africa in 2016. Since then, this species has rapidly spread across Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Oceania, as well as Egypt and Cyprus. The fall armyworm is composed of two sympatric strains, the corn and rice strains, designated to their preferred host plants, in native areas. It remains surprisingly unclear whether invasive fall armyworms belong to the corn strain, rice strain, or hybrids of the two, despite a large number of population genetics studies. In this study, we performed population genomics analyses using globally collected 116 samples to identify the strains of invasive fall armyworms. We observed that invasive fall armyworms are genomically most similar to the corn strain. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree supports the hypothesis that invasive fall armyworms originated from the corn strain. All genomic loci of invasive populations exhibit higher genetic similarity to the corn strains compared to the rice strains. Furthermore, we found no evidence of gene flow from rice strains to invasive populations at any genomic locus. These results demonstrate that invasive fall armyworms belong to the corn strain. These results suggest that invasive fall armyworms likely have very limited potential to infest rice. Therefore, the management plan should primarily focus on crops preferred by the corn strain.
Electron density-based GPT for optimization and suggestion of host–guest binders
Authors: Parrilla-Gutiérrez Juan M. , Granda Jarosław M. , Ayme Jean-François , Bajczyk Michał D. , Wilbraham Liam , Cronin Leroy 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHere we present a machine learning model trained on electron density for the production of host–guest binders. These are read out as simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) format with >98% accuracy, enabling a complete characterization of the molecules in two dimensions. Our model generates three-dimensional representations of the electron density and electrostatic potentials of host–guest systems using a variational autoencoder, and then utilizes these representations to optimize the generation of guests via gradient descent. Finally the guests are converted to SMILES using a transformer. The successful practical application of our model to established molecular host systems, cucurbit[n]uril and metal–organic cages, resulted in the discovery of 9 previously validated guests for CB[6] and 7 unreported guests (with association constant Ka ranging from 13.5 M−1 to 5,470 M−1) and the discovery of 4 unreported guests for [Pd214]4+ (with Ka ranging from 44 M−1 to 529 M−1).
Exposure to Canadian French Cued Speech Improves Consonant Articulation in Children With Cochlear Implants: Acoustic and Articulatory Data
Authors: Machart Laura , Vilain Anne , Lœvenbruck Hélène , Tiede Mark , Ménard Lucie 
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
One of the strategies that can be used to support speech communication in deaf children is cued speech, a visual code in which manual gestures are used as additional phonological information to supplement the acoustic and labial speech information. Cued speech has been shown to improve speech perception and phonological skills. This exploratory study aims to assess whether and how cued speech reading proficiency may also have a beneficial effect on the acoustic and articulatory correlates of consonant production in children.

Method:
Eight children with cochlear implants (from 5 to 11 years of age) and with different receptive proficiency in Canadian French Cued Speech (three children with low receptive proficiency vs. five children with high receptive proficiency) are compared to 10 children with typical hearing (from 4 to 11 years of age) on their production of stop and fricative consonants. Articulation was assessed with ultrasound measurements.

Results:
The preliminary results reveal that cued speech proficiency seems to sustain the development of speech production in children with cochlear implants and to improve their articulatory gestures, particularly for the place contrast in stops as well as fricatives.

Conclusion:
This work highlights the importance of studying objective data and comparing acoustic and articulatory measurements to better characterize speech production in children.
Efficacy of the Teaching Early Literacy and Language Curriculum With Preschoolers From Low-Income Families
Authors: Gray Shelley I. , Wilcox M. Jeanne , Reiser Mark 
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of the Teaching Early Literacy and Language (TELL) curriculum package for improving the early literacy and oral language skills of preschoolers from low-income families.

Method:
In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), TELL was implemented in 30 TELL and 28 business-as-usual classrooms. TELL is a Tier 1 whole-class curriculum package that includes a scope and sequence of instruction, lesson plans and materials, high-quality books, curriculum-based measures (CBMs), and professional development training and coaching.

Results:
Implementation fidelity was high; however, due to COVID-19 school closures, we did not collect end-of-year data for our third cohort of teachers. Results indicated significant TELL effects on all code-related CBMs and two code-related distal measures as well as receptive and expressive vocabulary CBMs. No significant differences were found on distal measures of oral language/vocabulary or listening comprehension.

Conclusions:
Results of the present study, paired with findings from an earlier TELL RCT with children with developmental speech and/or language impairments, suggest that children enrolled in TELL classrooms achieve higher outcomes on a variety of code-related and vocabulary measures by the end of their final preschool year.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25345708
A 23.7‐uW 93.5‐dB SNDR delta‐sigma modulator for healthcare and medical diagnostics
Authors: Hu Jianguo , Yao Yao , Zou Renfei , He Jiajun , Wang Deming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a high‐precision, low‐power delta‐sigma modulator (DSM) designed for healthcare and medical diagnostics. It utilizes a hybrid switching integrator to reduce distortion caused by the non‐linear on‐resistance of switches at a low supply voltage. Leveraging the characteristics of the hybrid switching integrator, a non‐50% duty cycle sampling timing and a corresponding tunable Miller‐compensated operational transconductance amplifier are proposed to reduce resistor thermal noise and meet lower power consumption requirements. The DSM is simulated based on 130‐nm CMOS technology and achieves 93.5‐dB signal‐to‐noise‐plus‐distortion ratio at a 1‐kHz bandwidth while consuming 23.7 µW from a 1.5‐V supply.
Cosmic insights from galaxy clusters: Exploring magnification bias on sub-millimetre galaxies
Authors: Fernández-Fernández R. , Bonavera L. , Crespo D. , González-Nuevo J. , Cueli M. M. , Casas J. M. , Cabo S. R. 
Published: March 2024

Context. Magnification bias, an observational effect of gravitational lensing in the weak regime, allows the cosmological model to be tested through angular correlations of sources at different redshifts. This effect has been observed in various contexts, particularly with sub-millimetre galaxies (SMGs), offering valuable astrophysical and cosmological insights.
Aims. The study aims to investigate the magnification bias effect exerted by galaxy clusters on SMGs and its implications for astrophysical and cosmological parameters within the Λ-CDM model.
Methods. Magnification bias was explored by quantifying the cross-correlation function, which we then utilised to derive constraints on cosmological and astrophysical parameters with a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Two distinct galaxy cluster samples were used to assess result robustness and understand the influence of sample characteristics.
Results. Cluster samples show higher cross-correlation values than galaxies, with an excess at larger scales suggesting contributions from additional large-scale structures. The parameters obtained, while consistent with those of galaxies, are less constrained due to broader redshift distributions and limited cluster statistics. Results align with weak lensing studies, hinting at slightly lower σ8 and Ωm values than Planck’s cosmic microwave background data, emphasising the need for enhanced precision and alternative low-redshift universe tests.
Conclusions. While this method yields constraints that are compatible with the Λ-CDM model, its limitations include broader redshift distributions and a limited number of lenses, resulting in less constrained parameters compared to previous galaxy studies. Nonetheless, our study underscores the potential of using galaxy clusters as lenses for magnification bias studies, capitalising on their elevated masses and thus providing a promising avenue to test current cosmology theories. Further progress can be made by expanding the lens sample size.
Verbesserte Versorgungs-und Behandlungsoptionen für Patienten mit
Hyperphagie-assoziierter Adipositas bei Bardet-Biedl-Syndrom
Authors: Cetiner Metin , Bergmann Carsten , Bettendorf Markus , Faust Johanna , Gäckler Anja , Gillissen Bernarda , Hansen Matthias , Kerber Maximilian , Klaus Günter , König Jens , Kühlewein Laura , Oh Jun , Richter-Unruh Annette , von Schnurbein Julia , Wabitsch Martin , Weihrauch-Blüher Susann , Pape Lars 
Published: March 2024

ZusammenfassungDas Bardet-Biedl-Syndrom (BBS) ist eine seltene, autosomal-rezessiv vererbte
Multisystemerkrankung. Pathophysiologisch liegt eine Funktionsstörung des
Primärziliums vor. Die Klinik ist heterogen und variabel und zeigt sich
insbesondere in einer Retinadystrophie, Adipositas, Polydaktylie,
Nierenauffälligkeiten, Hypogonadismus und Entwicklungsverzögerungen. Mit der
Zulassung des Melanocortin 4-Rezeptor-Agonisten Setmelanotid kann erstmals eine
medikamentöse Therapie der BBS-assoziierten Hyperphagie und der Adipositas
angeboten werden. Hyperphagie und das starke Übergewicht bereits im Kindesalter
stellen eine erhebliche Krankheitslast dar und gehen zudem mit einem
Komorbiditäts- und erhöhtem Mortalitätsrisiko einher. Aufgrund der limitierten
Erfahrungen mit Setmelanotid bei BBS soll hiermit ein tragfähiges umfassendes
Therapiekonzept vorgelegt werden. Die Therapie sollte nach genetisch gesicherter
Diagnose und individueller Indikationsstellung in Zentren mit spezieller
Expertise erfolgen. Voraussetzungen für den bestmöglichen Therapieeffekt mit
Setmelanotid ist die adäquate Aufklärung des Patienten über die Modalitäten der
Therapie (tägliche subkutane Injektion) und mögliche unerwünschte
Arzneimittelwirkungen. Des Weiteren ist gemeinsam mit dem Patienten die
Einbeziehung von Psychologen, Ernährungsberatern und Pflegediensten (Support bei
der Applikation) zu erwägen. Die Beurteilung des Therapieerfolgs sollte mit
geeigneten Outcome-Measurements erfolgen und zur Evidenzförderung zentralisiert
mittels etablierter Register-Infrastrukturen erfasst werden.
Electrochemical Efficient Synthesis of Two Azo Energetic Compounds
Authors: Peng Rufang , Jin Bo , Zhang Jinhao , Song Yulan , Hao Wenjia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAzo compounds with a high density, high enthalpy, and excellent detonation performance have received increasing research attention. The conventional method of chemical dehydrogenation that is used to form azo compounds involves the use of strong oxidants, resulting in environmental pollution. Electrochemical organic synthesis is considered an old method and a new technology. In this work, azofurazan tetrazole {H2AzFT; 5,5′-[diazene-1,2-diylbis(1,2,5-oxadiazole-4,3-diyl)]bis-1H-tetrazole} and azofurazan hydroxytetrazole (H2AzFTO) were synthesized by a green and efficient electrochemical dehydrogenation coupling of 5-(4-aminofurazan-3-yl)-1H-tetrazole and 5-(4-aminofurazan-3-yl)-1-hydroxytetrazole, respectively. The structures of H2AzFT and (NH4)2AzFTO were fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and elemental analysis, and their thermal stabilities were determined by differential thermal analysis.
The Current State of Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Programs in North America: A Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium Report
Authors: Quiñones Cardona Vilmaris , Cohen Susan S. , Cook Noah , Cizmeci Mehmet N. , Chandel Amit , DiGeronimo Robert , Gogcu Semsa , Jano Eni , Kojima Katsuaki , Lee Kyong-Soon , McAdams Ryan M. , Menkiti Ogechukwu , Mietzsch Ulrike , Peeples Eric , Sewell Elizabeth , Shenberger Jeffrey S. , Massaro An N. , Natarajan Girija , Rao Rakesh , Dizon Maria L. V. ,   on behalf of the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium
Published: March 2024

Objective This study aimed to determine neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up (NDFU) practices across academic centers.
Study Design This study was a cross-sectional survey that addressed center-specific neonatal NDFU practices within the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC).
Results Survey response rate was 76%, and 97% of respondents had a formal NDFU program. Programs were commonly staffed by neonatologists (80%), physical therapists (77%), and nurse practitioners (74%). Median gestational age at birth identified for follow-up was ≤32 weeks (range 26–36). Median duration was 3 years (range 2–18). Ninety-seven percent of sites used Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, but instruments used varied across ages. Scores were recorded in discrete electronic data fields at 43% of sites. Social determinants of health data were collected by 63%. Care coordination and telehealth services were not universally available.
Conclusion NDFU clinics are almost universal within CHNC centers. Commonalities and variances in practice highlight opportunities for data sharing and development of best practices.
Key Points
Understanding the Missing Links in Hahnemann's Posology for Drug Proving
Authors: Tiwary Himanshu Sekhar , Tiwary Nidhi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHahnemannian drug proving has been reproved and clinically verified in multiple geographical locations in the last two centuries. They continue to be the most reliable and useful proving records even today. However, in absence of daybook of these provings, many practical questions essential for its successful replication have remained unanswered. In this study, we have tried to understand a few of these questions such as why Hahnemann did not mention the doses employed in his drug proving. What were his actual instructions for the repetition of doses to the provers? In 50 years, Hahnemann's propositions for posology in drug proving changed several times. Which phase and posology have contributed maximally to the existing literature? Last but not least, is the drug proving in 30th potency ‘the best and final plan’ of Hahnemann? In the process of finding answers to these questions, some fascinating facts have emerged. Notably, to prioritise individualisation in drug proving, design drug schedules more often in a successively increasing fashion and lastly, to explore all ranges of potencies for proving till little of novel character could be recorded on subsequent proving of the drug.
Pearls and Pitfalls in the Measurement of Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Favaloro Emmanuel J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDue to their widespread use, testing for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has become urgent in certain clinical situations. Screening based on widely available, rapid, and simple hemostasis assays such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, or even diluted Russel Viper venom time may provide sufficient evidence of “over-coagulation” and could be used “in small/peripheral/spoke laboratories” as an emergency strategy, but is not thought to be reliable for driving clinical decision making. Given their good correlation with plasma concentration, urine dipsticks may be considered a valuable alternative for emergency screening, although their performance is dependent on renal function, may vary depending on the time since the last urination, and there may be problems of interfacing with the laboratory/hospital information system. Separation methods based on liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry may be clinically questionable, since they measure the concentration rather than the actual inhibitory effect of DOACs, are relatively expensive, cumbersome and time consuming, and therefore seem unsuitable for most conditions requiring urgent clinical decision making. A proposed approach therefore involves establishing a network of routine clinical laboratories, designating a reference center where DOAC tests could be available 24/7, establishing a clear diagnostic care pathway for ordering the tests from the laboratory and standard operating procedures for performing them, the use of the diluted thrombin time for dabigatran and anti-FXa assays (drug-calibrated) for rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban, as well as providing expert advice throughout the testing process, from ordering to interpretation of results.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Influences the Classification and Choice of Treatment for Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Eriksson Sara , Rasool Firas , Dånmark Ida , Lensing Claudia Weber , Werner Jonas , Fornander Lotta 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and Purposes The objectives of this study were to investigate the inter- and intraobserver agreement in the classification of distal radius fractures (DRFs) according to the AO and the Buttazzoni classification system, for the two different radiology modalities: conventional radiography (CR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Furthermore, we aimed to explore whether the radiological modality used influences the choice of treatment.
Patients and Methods Fifty consecutive patients with DRFs were included. The fractures were visualized by both CR and CBCT. All images were independently reviewed by five observers (three orthopaedic surgeons and two radiologists) and the fractures were classified according to the AO and the Buttazzoni classification. Agreement on fracture classification between CR and CBCT, interobserver agreement for all observers, and intraobserver agreement for a repeated assessment after 8 weeks were calculated. Treatment was suggested by the orthopaedic surgeons.
Results The Buttazzoni classification showed higher interobserver agreement than the AO classification, but the agreement for the AO classification was increased using CBCT. The agreement between classification of fractures by CR and CBCT for each observer varied from fair to moderate. CBCT was superior for classification of dorsally comminute fractures using both the AO and the Buttazzoni system. In 38% (n = 57) of the observations, the suggested treatment was changed when CBCT was used, both from less advanced to more advanced and vice versa.
Conclusion The choice of radiological modality affects both the classification and the choice of treatment for DRFs and CR tends to underestimate the complexity of DRFs.
Level of Evidence Level 1.