bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viral etiology of measles‐like rash in Guinean children during the COVID epidemic in 2022
Authors: Anguinze Reine Salomé , Touré Angeline , Cissé Fatoumata , Grayo Solène , Troupin Cécile , Tordo Noël , Kouamou Edwige , Roques Pierre 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCovid‐19 in West Africa masked outbreaks of vaccine‐preventable diseases such as the measles epidemic in children in Guinea in 2021–2022 characterized by a lack of confirmation of suspected clinical cases. During weeks 13–22 of 2022, saliva samples were collected from 213 children (3–60 months old) with measles‐like symptoms within the St Gabriel dispensary in Conakry. Samples were processed in Virus Transport Medium (VTM) and tested on the same day by triplex reverse transcriptase ‐real‐time polymerase chain reaction for Measles, Rubella and RNaseP. Samples were also tested for HHV6 and Parvovirus B19, viruses causing clinical signs similar to measles. We confirmed 146 (68.5%) measles cases, 27 (12.7%) rubella, 5 (2.3%) double‐positive measles‐rubella, 35 (16.4%) HHV‐6 and 8 (3.75%) Parvovirus B19. To test the assay's robustness, 27 samples were kept at 26–30°C. Measles and rubella were still detected after 7 days at 26–30°C, and after 21 days measles and rubella were still detectable in all samples but one. Sequencing indicated the circulation of the B3 measles genotype, as expected in West Africa. This study highlights the robustness of the measles/rubella diagnostic test on saliva samples stored in VTM. The high level of rubella detection questioned the single valence measles vaccination strategy.
Respiratory syncytial virus immunoprophylaxis: Novel opportunities and a call for equity
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Gwenzi Willis 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWith the approval of the first vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and a novel RSV‐neutralizing antibody, 2023 has been perceived as a game‐changing year in preventing severe outcomes of RSV infections in infants and the elderly. However, the costs of these pharmaceuticals are high, while RSV disproportionately impacts populations of low‐to‐middle‐income regions, which may continue to suffer from a lack of pharmaceutical measures for RSV prevention under health and socioeconomic disparities. This paper presents an overview of the characteristics, clinical results, and approval status of various RSV vaccines and anti‐RSV antibodies. It posits that wealthy nations cannot monopolize RSV immunoprophylaxis and should work jointly to make it available to lower‐income countries. An approach toward RSV immunoprophylaxis equity based on five points is offered: (1) integration of RSV vaccines and antibodies into the existing global humanitarian distribution systems, (2) using affordable RSV vaccine pricing models, (3) enforcing equity as a part of national and global public health strategy, (4) implementing equitable allocation frameworks for RSV immunoprophylaxis, and (5) promoting local manufacturing. Such a plan needs to be put into action as soon as possible to avoid delays in serving the populations with the highest needs related to RSV burden.
Wet H2S corrosion and degradation of pipeline in amine regeneration system
Authors: Orlikowski Juliusz , Kalinowski Maciej , Lasota Igor , Maruszewski Piotr , Szocinski Michal , Darowicki Kazimierz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe paper presents the results of non‐destructive testing examinations, metallographic tests and risk assessment of degradation related to corrosion of amine regeneration unit in a desulphurisation system. Intensive corrosion resulting from acid gases environment upon water condensation causes perforation of the pipeline. Detailed analysis reveals cracking related to the mechanism of wet H2S. Hydrogen penetration, resulting from the wet H2S process, causes a decrease in mechanical properties of steel and an increase in hydrogen content inside steel. Corrosion results mostly from high stream velocity, the presence of acid gases (with high ammonia content), the presence of amine and low stream temperature.
The hidden architects of glioblastoma multiforme: Glioma stem cells
Authors: Sahoo Om S. , Mitra Rhiti , Nagaiah Naveen K. H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a WHO grade IV diffuse glioma, is a highly aggressive brain tumor with a median survival of less than a year. Characterized by robust proliferation and invasion, recent studies spotlight glioma stem cells (GSCs) within GBM tumors, pivotal in tumor development, progression, and treatment resistance. This review aims to shed light on the critical role of GSCs in the initiation and progression of GBM, emphasizing their contribution to tumor development and resistance to existing treatments. Unlike normal stem cells, GSCs play a pivotal role in GBM pathogenesis. The review delves into the unique characteristics of GSCs, marked by heightened metabolic activities and distinct epigenetic and transcriptional programming. Recognizing the significance of GSCs in recent years, the review examines how their presence amplifies the lethal nature of GBM. The review also critically evaluates recent advancements in glioma and GBM diagnostic methods and treatment therapies, which also include targeting GSCs. Providing a concise yet comprehensive overview, the review contributes insights into GBM's intricate dynamics, offering potential directions for future research and therapeutic strategies.
A wideband balanced filtering coupled‐line coupler with improved directivity based on coupled microstrip–slotline
Authors: Zhou Ya Xin , Xu Le , Wei Feng , Feng Tao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this article, a wideband balanced filtering coupled‐line coupler (BFCLC) with improved directivity is designed. By using coupled microstrip–slotline, the proposed BFCLC realizes tight coupling while maintaining good isolation. A lattice equivalent circuit is introduced for the coupled microstrip–slotline. Good differential‐mode transmission and high common‐mode suppression are achieved through the application of microstrip/slotline transition structures. Additional stubs are taken to compensate for the odd‐ and even‐mode phase velocities of the coupled microstrip–slotline. Transmission zeros can also be adjusted to improve selectivity. Based on the proposed BFCLC, a coupler with a smaller size using solely the slotline is designed. Two proposed couplers are manufactured to validate the theoretical design, and a good agreement between the simulation and measurement is presented.
Identification of gene fusions associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Raghav Yogindra , Dilliott Allison A. , Petrozziello Tiziana , Kim Spencer E. , Berry James D. , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Vakili Khashayar ,   NYGC ALS Consortium, Fraenkel Ernest , Farhan Sali M. K. , Sadri‐Vakili Ghazaleh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsGenetics is an important risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Recent findings demonstrate that in addition to specific genetic mutations, structural variants caused by genetic instability can also play a causative role in ALS. Genomic instability can lead to deletions, duplications, insertions, inversions, and translocations in the genome, and these changes can sometimes lead to fusion of distinct genes into a single transcript. Gene fusion events have been studied extensively in cancer; however, they have not been thoroughly investigated in ALS. The aim of this study was to determine whether gene fusions are present in ALS.MethodsGene fusions were identified using STAR Fusion v1.10.0 software in bulk RNA‐Seq data from human postmortem samples from publicly available data sets from Target ALS and the New York Genome Center ALS Consortium.ResultsWe report the presence of gene fusion events in several brain regions as well as in spinal cord samples in ALS. Although most gene fusions were intra‐chromosomal events between neighboring genes and present in both ALS and control samples, there was a significantly greater number of unique gene fusions in ALS compared to controls. Lastly, we identified specific gene fusions with a significant burden in ALS, that were absent from both control samples and known cancer gene fusion databases.DiscussionCollectively, our findings reveal an enrichment of gene fusions in ALS and suggest that these events may be an additional genetic cause linked to ALS pathogenesis.
An experimental and numerical study on an innovative metastructure for 3D printed thermoplastic polyurethane with auxetic performance
Authors: Mojaver Mehran , Azdast Taher , Hasanzadeh Rezgar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMetamaterials are specifically designed materials that possess unique properties that cannot be found in naturally occurring substances. These remarkable materials have the capability to bring about a significant transformation across a wide range of industries. Auxetic structures are a recent area of research possess a distinctive characteristic known as a negative Poisson's ratio. Unlike conventional materials that contract when stretched, auxetic structures actually expand in two dimensions. In this study, a new auxetic structure was introduced, and thermoplastic polyurethane samples were 3D printed using a fused filament fabrication method. The samples are then subjected to strains ranging from 5% to 50% and Poisson's ratios are measured both experimentally and numerically using finite element method in Ansys software. By comparing the results of the experimental research and simulation, it is evident that applying strains within this range causes the Poisson's ratio of the samples to change from −0.81 to −0.14 and it showed that the newly introduced structure is auxetic. According to the analysis of root mean square error, the hexagonal mesh with a size of 0.7 mm consistently produced the most accurate results, aligning closely with the experimental sample. Given that this is an entirely novel auxetic structure within the category of arrow‐head auxetic structures, there is potential for future research to be conducted in order to further develop and enhance this model.
Thiophenoanthracene‐based conjugated polymers via direct arylation polycondensation
Authors: Hino Yuto , Hayashi Shotaro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract3,4‐Appended thiophene monomers furnish unique optoelectronic properties due to electronic and steric effects on the donor unit. Here, we have demonstrated a new polymer synthesis by direct arylation polycondensation of 9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐[3,4]thiophenoanthracene, a thiophene‐based monomer. Chloride‐promoted direct arylation polycondensation of 9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐[3,4]thiophenoanthracene with dibromo monomers with acetate in N,N‐dimethylacetamide gave conjugated alternating copolymers. The obtained polymer had a molecular weight of 38,000 and exhibited high film‐forming ability. The optical and electrochemical properties of the polymers were also discussed.
Cognitive impairment in cervical cancer survivors—Exploring the discrepancy between subjective and objective assessment
Authors: Areklett Elisabeth Wang , Andersson S. , Fagereng E. , Bruheim K. , Stubberud J. , Lindemann K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveCancer‐related cognitive impairment has severe implications for the quality of life and societal participation of cervical cancer survivors (CCS). However, there is no research on the association between subjective and objective cognitive impairment (CI) in cervical cancer. This cross‐sectional study aimed to examine the frequency and severity of objective CI in CCS reporting significant subjective CI and explore the discrepancy between subjective and objective CI.MethodsSixty‐five CCS reporting significant subjective CI, defined as 1.5 SD below the normative mean, underwent neuropsychological (NP) assessment covering attention, verbal memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, and executive functions. CCS were compared to healthy age‐matched controls (n = 74). A subjective versus objective discrepancy score was calculated based on the standardized scores within each group.ResultsThe CCS group performed significantly poorer across all NP tests compared to healthy controls (all p‐values <0.001) and 81.5% had scores below cut‐off as defined by the International Cognition and Cancer Task Force. However, compared to published normative data, most CCS performed within the clinically normal range. Processing speed and verbal memory were the most affected cognitive domains. By calculating a discrepancy score, both groups on average displayed a quite accurate concordance between subjective and objective cognitive functioning.ConclusionAlthough CI is evident in CCS, our results confirm that objective and subjective CI represent different constructs and highlight the limitations of normative data. Differentiating subjective and objective CI is important when tailoring effective interventions in the survivorship care of CCS.
Effect of Water Content on Rice Starch Gel during Retrogradation
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Yang Tongliang , Zhou Junjun , Yu Jiaojiao , Wang Jiake , Qiang Siqi , Wang Yuhe , Li Shuhong , Chen Ye 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWater content plays a crucial role in the retrogradation of rice starch. The relationship between the water content of rice starch gels and their structural changes during retrogradation is studied. The results indicate that the gels have three distinct types of water: structural constitution water, starch intermolecular bound water, and free water. The rate of retrogradation increases as the water content increases. Nevertheless, when the water content is lower (1:1) or higher (1:6) than optimal, the starch molecules show limited aggregation and recrystallization, which retards the rate of retrogradation. With the aggregation and recrystallization of starch and the inward contraction of the gel structure, the mobility of water is restricted, and the binding of water to the starch is enhanced. With the sustained contraction of the gel structure, the water‐holding capacity of the gel is weakened. By analyzing the experimental results, water distribution, transformation, and migration in rice starch during retrogradation are delineated. These findings provide a theoretical basis for controlling the retrogradation of rice starch and improving product quality.
Characterization of Spray Dried Starch Systems of Natural Antioxidant Compounds
Authors: Marinopoulou Anna , Zoumaki Maria , Raphaelides Stylianos , Karageorgiou Vassilis , Goulas Athanasios 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStarch systems of natural antioxidants containing different starch sources (lentil, chickpea, corn, pea, and tapioca) and a variety of antioxidants (ascorbic acid, linalool, carvacrol, and cinnamic acid) are prepared using a pilot scale spray dryer. The effect of drying process on structural, morphological, and physical properties of the starch complexes is investigated. X‐ray analysis (XRD) reveals that there is a possible molecular interaction of starch with natural antioxidants. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) shows the presence of an endothermic peak ranging from 91.0 to 112.1 °C, which is most probably attributed to the dissociation temperature of starch systems. Microscopic examination shows that the spray dried particles are irregular and spherical in shape and the antioxidant molecules are uniformly distributed within the starch systems matrix. All powders have moisture content values lower than 10%. The spray dried powders exhibit high lightness (L*) values and hue angle values close to 90 implying a yellow color. Chickpea‐ascorbic acid systems exhibit the highest bulk and tapped densities values and are the most hygroscopic while tapioca‐cinnamic acid systems have the lowest ones. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster analysis show that there is a strong relationship between the physical properties of the powders.
Germinated Rice in Diabetes Management: Technological and Functional Changes
Authors: John Deepa , Raman Maya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCereals are known for their outstanding source of macro‐ and micro‐nutrients and phytochemicals. However, their interactions within the food matrices result in complexes that interfere with bioavailability, bio‐accessibility, and its metabolism in the human system. Germination has been reported to interfere with these interactions in the food matrices and enhance the accessibility and digestibility of nutrients. The germinated rice in the management of the diabetes is a novel concept as it modulates the glycemic index of the product and also enhances the bio‐accessibility of phytochemicals. Type‐2 diabetes has shown an alarming increase in recent past, which is chiefly due to dietary habits and sedentary life style. Even though, medical science is developing new therapeutical measures, preventing the risk of disease through dietary modulations may be more preferred. Germination also improves the texture, cooking, and eating quality of rice making it more tastier. During germination, the starchphytochemical interactions, delayed digestibility and physiological performances and glycemic control, can pave way to diabetes management in such cases. In view of these, the current review focuses on the starch and its interactions with phytochemicals, the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of these components, and their impact on reduced glycemic index.
Multi-objective Optimal Sizing of an AC/DC Grid Connected Microgrid System
Authors: Amoura Yahia , Pedroso André , Ferreira Ângela , Lima José , Torres Santiago , Pereira Ana I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractConsidering the rising energy needs and the depletion of conventional energy sources, microgrid systems combining wind energy and solar photovoltaic power with diesel generators are promising and considered economically viable for usage. To evaluate system cost and dependability, optimizing the size of microgrid system elements, including energy storage systems connected with the principal network, is crucial. In this line, a study has already been performed using a uni-objective optimization approach for the techno-economic sizing of a microgrid. It was noted that, despite the economic criterion, the environmental criterion can have a considerable impact on the elements constructing the microgrid system. In this paper, two multi-objective optimization approaches are proposed, including a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) and the Pareto Search algorithm (PS) for the eco-environmental design of a microgrid system. The k-means clustering of the non-dominated point on the Pareto front has delivered three categories of scenarios: best economic, best environmental, and trade-off. Energy management, considering the three cases, has been applied to the microgrid over a period of 24 h to evaluate the impact of system design on the energy production system’s behavior.
Quantum cohomology from mixed Higgs-Coulomb phases
Authors: Gu Wei , Melnikov Ilarion V. , Sharpe Eric 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We generalize Coulomb-branch-based gauged linear sigma model (GLSM)–computations of quantum cohomology rings of Fano spaces. Typically such computations have focused on GLSMs without superpotential, for which the low energy limit of the GLSM is a pure Coulomb branch, and quantum cohomology is determined by the critical locus of a twisted one-loop effective superpotential. We extend these results to cases for which the low energy limit of the GLSM includes both Coulomb and Higgs branches, where the latter is a Landau-Ginzburg orbifold. We describe the state spaces and products of corresponding operators in detail, comparing a geometric phase description, where the operator product ring is quantum cohomology, to the description in terms of Coulomb and Higgs branch states. As a concrete test of our methods, we compare to existing mathematics results for quantum cohomology rings of hypersurfaces in projective spaces.
Classification of three-family flavoured DFSZ axion models that have no domain wall problem
Authors: Cox Peter , Dolan Matthew J. , Hayat Maaz , Thamm Andrea , Volkas Raymond R. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We provide an exhaustive classification of three-family DFSZ axion models that have no cosmological domain wall problem. This result is obtained by making the Peccei-Quinn symmetry flavour dependent in certain specific ways, thus reinforcing a possible connection between the strong CP problem and the flavour puzzle. Known DFSZ flavour variants such as the top-specific model emerge as special cases. Key features of the phenomenology of these models are briefly discussed.
Nonabelian kinetic mixing in a confining phase: a framework for composite dark photons
Authors: Alonso-Álvarez Gonzalo , Cao Ruike , Cline James M. , Moorthy Karishma , Xiao Tianzhuo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Dark matter from a hidden sector with SU(N) gauge symmetry can have a nonabelian kinetic mixing portal with the standard model. The dark photon becomes massive in the confining phase without the need for spontaneous symmetry breaking. Depending on the particle content of the dark sector, there can be two or more composite vectors that get kinetic mixing through a heavy mediator particle X. This provides a model of composite dark photons giving a portal for direct detection of dark baryons. Avoiding exotic charged relics requires additional couplings allowing X to decay to dark quarks and standard model fields, leading to further portals between the dark matter and the standard model. We comprehensively study the constraints on such models from colliders, rare decays, direct detection, and big bang nucleosynthesis.
Wilsonian effective potentials and closed string field theory
Authors: Erler Theodore , Fırat Atakan Hilmi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We investigate Wilsonian effective field theory as a model for the construction of the tachyon potential and nonperturbative vacua in closed string field theory. In a number of cases we are able to find the effective potential exactly, and observe what appear to be universal features. We find that the effective field theory contains the same nonperturbative vacuum structure as the bare Lagrangian, though this information is encoded less efficiently as the distance scale of the effective field theory is increased. The implication is that closed string field theory plausibly contains information about the nonperturbative vacuum structure of string theory, in spite of its similarities to effective field theory. We also truncate the effective potential at a fixed power of the field and investigate how the global structure of the effective potential may be approximated via Padé resummation. Qualitative comparisons suggest that computation of the eighth to sixteenth order closed string vertex should be enough to obtain reliable results for the closed string field theory action evaluated on the tachyon field.
A second-order tolerance analysis approach to statistical virtual assembly for rigid parts
Authors: Maltauro Mattia , Meneghello Roberto , Concheri Gianmaria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVirtual assembly has become a popular trend in recent years and is used for various purposes, including selective assembly and adaptive tooling. Monte Carlo approaches based on Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations are commonly used for production applications. However, during the design phase, when testing different configurations and design options, a variational method is more suitable. This paper aims to test different implementations of the Method of System Moments applied to the second-order tolerance analysis method when actual distributions, which are non-centered and non-normal, are used as input for the simulation. The study reveals that the simulation results can significantly vary depending on the simulation settings in some cases. As a result, a series of best practices are highlighted to improve the accuracy and reliability of the simulation outcomes.