bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Ammonia-Hydrogen-Air Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a Generic Swirl Burner
Authors: Mazzotta Luca , Lamioni Rachele , D'Alessio Francesco , Meloni Roberto , Morris Steven , Goktepe Burak , Cerutti Matteo , Romano Christian , Creta Francesco , Galletti Chiara , Borello Domenico , Valera-Medina Agustin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The combustion process of both pure NH3 and a NH3/H2 fuel blends is here analyzed using two kinetics processors, i.e., Chemkin-Pro-and CANTERA: detailed kinetic mechanisms have been tested and compared in terms of laminar flame speed and ignition delay time (IDT) with the aim to identifying the most suitable ones for the evaluation of NOx emissions. The generic swirl burner being used in Cardiff University's Gas Turbine Research Center has been considered as validation test case. In addition, this paper presents an experimental campaign followed by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach for the assessment of NOx emission using axisymmetric Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations, leading to a significant reduction of the computational time. Different pressures and mass flow rates are evaluated to understand correlations of NOx formation for pollutants reduction purpose. A direct comparison between experimental and numerical results is carried out in terms of flow field, flame shape, and NOx emissions. Results show that the increase in pressure from 1.1 bar to 2 bar results in reduction of NOx emissions from 2515 ppmv to 885 ppmv, also indicating guidelines for using a simplified RANS analysis, which leads to improved computational efficiency, allowing wide sensitivity and optimization analysis to support the design development of an industrial combustion system.
Accuracy of quantitative viral secondary standards: a re-examination
Authors: Hayden R. T. , Su Y. , Tang L. , Zhu H. , Gu Z. , Glasgow H. L. , Sam S. S. , Caliendo A. M. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Interlaboratory agreement of viral load assays depends on the accuracy and uniformity of quantitative calibrators. Previous work demonstrated poor agreement of secondary cytomegalovirus (CMV) standards with nominal values. This study re-evaluated this issue among commercially produced secondary standards for both BK virus (BKV) and CMV, using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) to compare the materials from three different manufacturers. Overall, standards showed an improved agreement compared to prior work, against nominal values in both log
10
copies/mL and log
10
international unit (IU)/mL, with bias from manufacturer-assigned nominal values of 0.0–0.9 log
10
units (either copies or IU)/mL. Standards normalized to IU and those values assigned by dPCR rather than by real-time PCR (qPCR) showed better agreement with nominal values. The latter reinforces prior conclusions regarding the utility of using such methods for quantitative value assignment in reference materials. Quantitative standards have improved over the last several years, and the remaining bias from nominal values might be further reduced by universal implementation of dPCR methods for value assignment, normalized to IU.

IMPORTANCE
Interlaboratory agreement of viral load assays depends on accuracy and uniformity of quantitative calibrators. Previous work, published in JCM several years ago, demonstrated poor agreement of secondary cytomegalovirus (CMV) standards with nominal values. This study re-evaluated this issue among commercially produced secondary standards for both BK virus (BKV) and CMV, using digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) to compare the materials from three different manufacturers. Overall, standards showed an improved agreement compared to prior work, against nominal values, indicating a substantial improvement in the production of accurate secondary viral standards, while supporting the need for further work in this area and for the broad adaption of international unit (IU) as a reporting standard for quantitative viral load results.
Manganese homeostasis modulates fungal virulence and stress tolerance in
Candida albicans
Authors: Henry Manon , Khemiri Inès , Tebbji Faiza , Abu-Helu Rasmi , Vincent Antony T. , Sellam Adnane 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Due to the scarcity of transition metals within the human host, fungal pathogens have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to uptake and utilize these micronutrients at the infection interface. While considerable attention was turned to iron and copper acquisition mechanisms and their importance in fungal fitness, less was done regarding either the role of manganese (Mn) in infectious processes or the cellular mechanism by which fungal cells achieve their Mn-homeostasis. Here, we undertook transcriptional profiling in the pathogenic fungus
Candida albicans
experiencing both Mn starvation and excess to capture biological processes that are modulated by this metal. We uncovered that Mn scarcity influences diverse processes associated with fungal fitness including invasion of host cells and antifungal sensitivity. We show that Mn levels influence the abundance of iron and zinc emphasizing the complex crosstalk between metals. The deletion of
SMF12
, a member of Mn Nramp transporters, confirmed its contribution to Mn uptake.
smf12
was unable to form hyphae and damage host cells and exhibited sensitivity to azoles. We found that the unfolded protein response (UPR), likely activated by decreased glycosylation under Mn limitation, was required to recover growth when cells were shifted from an Mn-starved to an Mn-repleted medium. RNA-seq profiling of cells exposed to Mn excess revealed that UPR was also activated. Furthermore, the UPR signaling axis Ire1-Hac1 was required to bypass Mn toxicity. Collectively, this study underscores the importance of Mn homeostasis in fungal virulence and comprehensively provides a portrait of biological functions that are modulated by Mn in a fungal pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Transition metals such as manganese provide considerable functionality across biological systems as they are used as cofactors for many catalytic enzymes. The availability of manganese is very limited inside the human body. Consequently, pathogenic microbes have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to uptake this micronutrient inside the human host to sustain their growth and cause infections. Here, we undertook a comprehensive approach to understand how manganese availability impacts the biology of the prevalent fungal pathogen,
Candida albicans
. We uncovered that manganese homeostasis in this pathogen modulates different biological processes that are essential for host infection which underscores the value of targeting fungal manganese homeostasis for potential antifungal therapeutics development.
Jake Seller Draw impact structure, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA: The deepest known buried impact structure on Earth and its possible relation to the Wyoming crater field
Authors: Sturm Sebastian , Kenkmann Thomas , Cook Doug , Fraser Allan , Sundell Kent 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We provide evidence demonstrating the impact origin of a structure, here named the Jake Seller Draw impact structure, which is buried below the Jake Seller Draw drainage basin, in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming, western United States. The 4.3-km-diameter structure was first recognized as a seismic disturbance at a depth of ~6.5 km in two- and three-dimensional seismic profiles. Microstructural analysis of drill cuttings situated in the center and outside of Jake Seller Draw revealed the presence of multiple sets of planar deformation features and planar fractures in nine quartz grains, thereby confirming the hypervelocity impact origin of the structure. The seismic data show that Jake Seller Draw is a complex impact structure containing a 1-km-wide central uplift. The geologic and seismic data suggest that Jake Seller Draw is the most deeply buried impact structure known on Earth to date. The stratigraphic framework suggests that the crater was formed in a nearshore environment at the Pennsylvanian–Permian boundary, ~280 m.y. ago. This age coincides with the age of the Wyoming crater field 300 km southeast of Jake Seller Draw and may suggest a common origin.
Long-lived Northern Hemisphere convergence systems driven by upper-mantle thermal inhomogeneity
Authors: Liu Liang , Cao Zebin , Morgan Jason P. , Li Hong-Yan , Yang Fan , Xu Yi-Gang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Plate reconstructions reveal that two secular centers of convergence formed beneath eastern Eurasia and North America no later than 200 Ma. The cause of these convergence centers, which featured flat subduction, slab stagnation, and/or continental margin subduction, remains uncertain. Here, we propose that upper-mantle thermal inhomogeneity, particularly an anomalously cool Northern Hemispheric upper mantle, was a fundamental driver of this long-lived convergence. By considering the pattern of observed thermal inhomogeneity, our numerical models show that flow-induced asymmetrical subduction will tend to develop toward cold mantle domains, even when the subducting plate is buoyant. The models can reproduce the diverse subduction styles observed in the Northern Hemisphere by including proposed pre-subduction plate distributions and/or properties.
Role of exhaled hydrogen sulfide in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Du Peizhun , Tseng Yujen , Liu Pengcheng , Zhang Huilu , Huang Guangjian , Hu Cheng’en , Chen Jian 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is often accompanied by increased excretion of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This study aimed to explore the value of exhaled H2S in the diagnosis of CRC.MethodsA total of 80 people with normal colonoscopy results and 57 patients with CRC were enrolled into the present observational cohort study. Exhaled oral and nasal H2S were detected by Nanocoulomb breath analyser. Results were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analysed and area under the curves (AUCs) were calculated to assess the diagnostic value of exhaled H2S. Meanwhile, the clinicopathological features, including gender, lesion location and tumour staging of patients with CRC, were also collected and analysed.ResultsThe amount of exhaled H2S from patients with CRC was significantly higher than that of those with normal colonoscopy results. The ROC curve showed an AUC value of 0.73 and 0.71 based on oral and nasal H2S detection, respectively. The exhaled H2S in patients with CRC was correlated with gender, lesion location and tumour progression, including depth of invasion, lymphatic metastasis and TNM (Tumor, Lymph Nodes, Metastasis) staging.ConclusionExhaled H2S analysis is a convenient and non-invasive detection method for diagnosing CRC, suggesting a potential role in population screening for CRC.
Primary healthcare system and provider responses to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan
Authors: Basij-Rasikh Mustafa , Dickey Elisa S , Sharkey Alyssa 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionExisting health system challenges in Afghanistan were amplified by the Taliban’s August 2021 government takeover during which the country faced an evolving security situation, border closures, banking interruptions, donor funding disruptions and international staff evacuations. We investigated factors that influenced health sector and health service delivery following the takeover.MethodsWe purposively sampled individuals knowledgeable about Afghanistan’s health sector and health professionals working in underserved areas of the country. We identified codes and themes of the data using framework analysis.ResultsFactors identified as supporting continued health service delivery following August 2021 include external funding and operational flexibilities, ongoing care provision by local implementers and providers, health worker motivation, flexible contracting out arrangements and improved security. Factors identified as contributing to disruptions include damaged infrastructure, limited supplies, ineffective government implementation efforts and changes in government leadership and policies resulting in new coordination and capacity challenges. There were mixed views on the role pay-for-performance schemes played. Participants also shared concerns about the new working environment. These included loss of qualified health professionals and the associated impact on quality of care, continued dependency on external funding, women’s inability to finish their studies or take on any leadership positions, various impacts of the Mahram policy, mental stress, the future of care provision for female patients and widespread economic hardship which impacts nearly every aspect of Afghan life.ConclusionAfghanistan’s health sector presents a compelling case of adaptability in the face of crisis. Despite the anticipated and reported total collapse due to the country’s power shift, various factors enabled health services to continue in some settings while others acted as barriers. The potential role of these factors should be considered in the context of future service delivery in Afghanistan and other settings at risk of political and societal disruption.
Towards a better understanding of real-world home-visiting programs: a large-scale effectiveness study of parenting mechanisms in Brazil
Authors: Healy Morgan Rebecca , Viegas da Silva Eduardo , Lundborg Anton Rask , Hartwig Fernando Pires , Munhoz Tiago Neuenfeld , Arteche Adriane Xavier , Ramchandani Paul G , Murray Joseph 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe scale-up of parenting programmes to support early childhood development (ECD) is poorly understood. Little is known about how and when early interventions are most effective. Sustainability of ECD programming requires a better understanding of the mechanisms of real-world interventions. We examined the effects on caregiving practices of Primeira Infância Melhor (PIM), a state-wide home-visiting programme in Brazil.MethodsThis propensity score matched, longitudinal, quasiexperimental study uses data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort. We matched children who received PIM at any age with other cohort children on 25 key covariates. Sensitivity, guidance and responsiveness were assessed using video-recorded play tasks. Coerciveness and the parent–child relationship were assessed using the Parenting and Family Adjustment Scales. All parenting outcomes were examined at age 4 years. Separate moderation analyses were conducted for each effect modifier: family income, child age and duration of participation.ResultsOut of 4275 children in the cohort, 797 were enrolled in PIM up to age 4 years. 3018 children (70.6%) were included in the analytic sample, of whom 587 received PIM and 2431 were potential controls. We found a positive effect of PIM on responsiveness (β=0.08, 95% CIs 0.002 to 0.16) and sensitivity (β=0.10, 95% CIs 0.02 to 0.19). No effect was found for any secondary outcomes. Moderation analyses revealed a stronger positive effect on sensitivity for low-income parents (β=0.18, 95% CIs 0.03 to 0.34).ConclusionA state-wide, home-visiting programme in Brazil improved aspects of responsive caregiving. Effects were more pronounced for low-income families, suggesting benefits of purposeful targeting.
Meaning of nutrition for cancer survivors: a photovoice study
Authors: O’Callaghan Niamh , Douglas Pauline , Keaver Laura 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundLittle is known about how cancer survivors perceive nutrition through the cancer experience and how those perceptions may influence their diet.AimsThis study aimed to capture the meaning of nutrition for cancer survivors who are post-cancer treatment using a participatory photography method known as photovoice.MethodsWang and Burris’s photovoice procedure was followed. Recruitment took place via email through existing links with participants from a previous quantitative study. The participants were tasked with taking photographs to represent the meaning of nutrition for them post-treatment. Group workshops and semistructured interviews were conducted to facilitate reflection, dialogue and analysis. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis.ResultsOne man and seven women (n=8) across the Island of Ireland were recruited. Participants identified six themes (illustrated with photographs): (1) Fresh is Best, (2) Be kind to yourself, (3) Building Blocks. Be Informed., (4) Post-Treatment Healing Changes, (5) Chemo Rituals and (6) Food for the Soul–Healthy Mind. Healthy Body.ConclusionsParticipants displayed a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle for recovery post-treatment and maintaining health. While diverse, participants made post-treatment nutritional changes by introducing and eliminating certain foods or food groups. All agreed that being informed and building nutrition knowledge are essential. It is important to clarify the implications cancer has had on diet and health when providing nutrition guidance to ensure that it is appropriate and specific.
Enhancing safety in the ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke population: exploring the efficacy of self-releasing chair alarm belts
Authors: Weppner Justin , Gee Alaric , Mesina Kevin 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionA quality improvement study evaluated the effectiveness of implementing self-releasing chair alarm belts in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) for patients who had a stroke. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of self-releasing chair alarms as a chair-level fall preventive tool in patients who had a stroke in the IRF setting.MethodsA preintervention and postintervention quality improvement study was conducted in an IRF to address the high rate of falls in the stroke population. Falls from wheelchairs were identified as a significant concern, leading to the implementation of self-releasing safety belts (Posey HeadStart Notification Sensor Belts) with alarm systems as an intervention. In the preintervention phase (July 2021 to January 2022) falls from chairs while on standard fall precautions were recorded to establish a baseline. In the intervention phase, the self-releasing chair alarm belts were introduced along with standard fall precautions. The postintervention phase spanned from February 2022 to July 2022.ResultsIn the preintervention phase, 20 out of 86 stroke subjects experienced a total of 30 falls from chairs. However, in the postintervention phase, only one subject experienced a fall from a chair out of 104 stroke subjects. The mean percentage of subjects involved in falls decreased from 24±11.4% to 1±0.4% (p<0.00001), and the mean fall rate per 1000 patient days declined from 4.6±2 to 0.2±0.1 (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThe implementation of self-releasing chair alarm belts significantly reduced falls from chairs among patients who had a stroke in the IRF setting. These findings highlight the effectiveness of this intervention in improving patient safety and fall prevention in IRFs.
Factors influencing food preferences and eating behaviour among the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) adolescents in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Islam Rashedul , Hasan A B M Nahid , Ferdous Nusrat Jahan , Sharif Azaz Bin , Hasan Mahamudul 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAdolescence is a pivotal period for physical, mental, social and behavioural development, so it is crucial to understand the factors influencing adolescent food preferences and eating behaviour. This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence adolescents’ food preferences and eating behaviours in the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the FDMN camp, recruiting 545 adolescents. The purposive sampling technique was applied. First, 12 camps in the Ukhiya region were randomly selected. Adolescents of both sexes, aged between 10 and 19, were included in the study. Respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and dietary patterns, as well as the participant’s nutritional status, were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to present the baseline characteristics, while Pearson’s χ2test was used to assess the relationship between food preference and baseline characteristics.ResultsA significant number of participants failed to meet their daily requirements for essential nutrients, including protein (89.9%), vegetables (82.8%) and dairy products (90.8%). Additionally, 58.9% of the respondents did not consume adequate water daily. Food preferences and eating behaviours among FDMN adolescents in Cox’s Bazar were found to be influenced by a range of factors, including peer influence, access to nutritional education, food sources, cultural beliefs, ration sufficiency, food prices as well as age, gender, education level and household income.ConclusionsIn conclusion, understanding and addressing the multifaceted factors that influence the food preferences of FDMN adolescents is crucial for developing targeted interventions and comprehensive nutritional programmes.
J-shaped association between dietary thiamine intake and the risk of cognitive decline in cognitively healthy, older Chinese individuals
Authors: Liu Chengzhang , Meng Qiguo , Wei Yuanxiu , Su Xinyue , Zhang Yuanyuan , He Panpan , Zhou Chun , Liu Mengyi , Ye Ziliang , Qin Xianhui 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe prospective association of dietary thiamine intake with the risk of cognitive decline among the general older adults remains uncertain.AimsTo investigate the association between dietary thiamine intake and cognitive decline in cognitively healthy, older Chinese individuals.MethodsThe study included a total of 3106 participants capable of completing repeated cognitive function tests. Dietary nutrient intake information was collected through 3-day dietary recalls and using a 3-day food-weighed method to assess cooking oil and condiment consumption. Cognitive decline was defined as the 5-year decline rate in global or composite cognitive scores based on a subset of items from the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–modiﬁed.ResultsThe median follow-up duration was 5.9 years. There was a J-shaped relationship between dietary thiamine intake and the 5-year decline rate in global and composite cognitive scores, with an inflection point of 0.68 mg/day (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56 to 0.80) and a minimal risk at 0.60–1.00 mg/day of dietary thiamine intake. Before the inflection point, thiamine intake was not significantly associated with cognitive decline. Beyond the inflection point, each unit increase in thiamine intake (mg/day) was associated with a significant decrease of 4.24 (95% CI: 2.22 to 6.27) points in the global score and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.23 to 0.76) standard units in the composite score within 5 years. A stronger positive association between thiamine intake and cognitive decline was observed in those with hypertension, obesity and those who were non-smokers (all p<0.05).ConclusionsThis study revealed a J-shaped association between dietary thiamine intake and cognitive decline in cognitively healthy, older Chinese individuals, with an inflection point at 0.68 mg/day and a minimal risk at 0.60–1.00 mg/day of dietary thiamine intake.