bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of COVID‐19 lockdown measures on symptoms control in children with asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational cohort studies
Authors: Kouis Panayiotis , Lemonaris Marios , Xenophontos Eleana , Panayiotou Andrie , Yiallouros Panayiotis K. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectivesReported reductions in emergency department visits and hospitalizations for asthma in previous studies have suggested a beneficial effect of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) lockdown measures on asthma morbidity. Nevertheless, studies relying on administrative data may overestimate the true impact of lockdowns due to changes in health‐seeking behavior and reduced availability of pediatric asthma services during the pandemic. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature and identified observational cohort studies that focused on nonadministrative data to assess the true impact of COVID‐19 lockdowns on symptom control in children with asthma.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted between January 2020 and August 2022 (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews ID: CRD42022354369). The impact of COVID‐19 lockdowns across studies was expressed as a standardized mean difference (SMD) for continuous outcomes and as a summary relative risk (RR) for binary outcomes.ResultsDuring the lockdown periods, the pooled asthma symptoms control test score (SMD: 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75, 3.24, I2: 98.4%) and the proportion of children with well‐controlled asthma (RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.71, I2: 77.6%) were significantly increased. On the other hand, the pooled proportion of children with poorly controlled asthma (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.57, I2: 0.0%) was significantly decreased.ConclusionsDuring COVID‐19 lockdowns, asthma symptoms and breakthrough disease exacerbations were significantly reduced in children with asthma. Further research is warranted on potential interventions aiming to enhance asthma control after the pandemic while taking into consideration their acceptability and potential tradeoffs.
The Timescales of Quantum Breaking
Authors: Michel Marco , Zell Sebastian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDue to the inevitable existence of quantum effects, a classical description generically breaks down after a finite quantum break‐time . We aim to find criteria for determining . To this end, we construct a new prototype model that features numerous dynamically accessible quantum modes. Using explicit numerical time evolution, we establish how depends on the parameters of the system such as its particle number N. The presence of a classical instability leads to or . In the stable case, we observe , although full quantum breaking may not take place at all. We find that the different regimes merge smoothly with (). As an outlook, we point out possibilities for transferring our results to black holes and expanding spacetimes.
The energetics and evolution of oxidoreductases in deep time
Authors: McGuinness Kenneth N. , Fehon Nolan , Feehan Ryan , Miller Michelle , Mutter Andrew C. , Rybak Laryssa A. , Nam Justin , AbuSalim Jenna E. , Atkinson Joshua T. , Heidari Hirbod , Losada Natalie , Kim J. Dongun , Koder Ronald L. , Lu Yi , Silberg Jonathan J. , Slusky Joanna S. G. , Falkowski Paul G. , Nanda Vikas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe core metabolic reactions of life drive electrons through a class of redox protein enzymes, the oxidoreductases. The energetics of electron flow is determined by the redox potentials of organic and inorganic cofactors as tuned by the protein environment. Understanding how protein structure affects oxidation–reduction energetics is crucial for studying metabolism, creating bioelectronic systems, and tracing the history of biological energy utilization on Earth. We constructed ProtReDox (https://protein-redox-potential.web.app), a manually curated database of experimentally determined redox potentials. With over 500 measurements, we can begin to identify how proteins modulate oxidation–reduction energetics across the tree of life. By mapping redox potentials onto networks of oxidoreductase fold evolution, we can infer the evolution of electron transfer energetics over deep time. ProtReDox is designed to include user‐contributed submissions with the intention of making it a valuable resource for researchers in this field.
Old and new association of Cotesia icipe (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with alien invasive and native Spodoptera species and key stemborer species: implication for their management
Authors: Obala Francis , Mohamed Samira A , Magomere Titus Obidi , Subramanian Sevgan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDMaize production in Africa is hindered by a myriad of biotic challenges, key among them being invasive and native lepidopteran stemborers. Recent invasion of the continent by fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, has further exacerbated the situation. Fortunately, Cotesia icipe was found to be very promising against S. frugiperda. However, the co‐occurrence and interaction between S. frugiperda and the stemborers (Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis, and Chilo partellus) in maize agroecosystem may jeopardize the efficiency of C. icipe as a biocontrol agent of S. frugiperda. This study investigated the performance of C. icipe on S. frugiperda, Spodoptera littoralis and the stemborers. Specifically, the preference and acceptability of C. icipe to the host insects, the physiological suitability of the hosts for its development, and the effect of these hosts on the fitness parameters of the offspring were assessed.RESULTSCotesia icipe accepted all the tested hosts, albeit with higher preference for Spodoptera species than for stemborers under multiple‐choice tests. Also, the highest parasitism of up to 97% was recorded on S. frugiperda compared with parasitism on the stemborers of 43% in B. fusca. Moreover, physiological suitability and fitness traits (except for per cent female offspring) varied with host species, again being optimal on Spodoptera species.CONCLUSIONCotesia icipe demonstrated strong potential to control S. frugiperda in maize due to its high affinity for parasitization and developmental success in this host; and despite its non‐specific parasitization, the presence of other hosts may not prevent its maximum control of S. frugiperda. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Frequency of acute vasodilator response (AVR) in incident and prevalent patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the pulmonary vascular disease phenomics study
Authors: Naranjo Mario , Rosenzweig Erika B. , Hemnes Anna R. , Jacob Miriam , Desai Ankit , Hill Nicholas S. , Larive A. Brett , Finet J. Emanuel , Leopold Jane , Horn Evelyn , Frantz Robert , Rischard Franz , Erzurum Serpil , Beck Gerald , Mathai Stephen C. , Hassoun Paul M. ,   the PVDOMICS Study Group
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe prevalence of acute vasodilator response (AVR) to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) during right heart catheterization (RHC) is 12% in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). AVR, however, is reportedly lower in other disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), such as connective tissue disease (CTD). The prevalence of AVR in patients on PAH therapy (prevalent cases) is unknown. We sought to determine AVR prevalence in Group 1 PH in the PVDOMICS cohort of incident and prevalent patients undergoing RHC. AVR was measured in response to 100% O2 and O2 plus iNO, with positivity defined as (1) decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) by ≥10 mmHg to a value ≤40 mmHg, with no change or an increase in cardiac output (definition 1); or (2) decrease in mPAP by ≥12% and pulmonary vascular resistance by ≥30% (definition 2). AVR rates and cumulative survival were compared between incident and prevalent patients. In 338 mainly prevalent (86%) patients, positive AVR to O2‐only was <2%, and 5.1% to 16.9%, based on definition 1 and 2 criteria, respectively; following O2 + iNO. IPAH AVR prevalence (4.1%–18.7%) was similar to prior reports. AVR positivity was 7.7% to 15.4% in mostly CTD‐PAH prevalent cases, and 2.6% to 11.8% in other PAH groups. Survival was 89% in AVR responders versus 77% in nonresponders from PAH diagnosis, and 91% versus 86% from PVDOMICS enrollment (log‐rank test p = 0.04 and p = 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, AVR in IPAH patients is similar to prior studies. AVR in non‐IPAH patients was higher than previously reported. The relationship between PAH therapy, AVR response, and survival warrants further investigation.
Associated radiation exposure from medical imaging and excess lifetime risk of developing cancer in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Mahendra Malini , Chu Philip , Amin Elena K. , Nawaytou Hythem , Duncan James R. , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Smith‐Bindman Rebecca 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) receive imaging studies that use ionizing radiation (radiation) such as computed tomography (CT) and cardiac catheterization to guide clinical care. Radiation exposure is associated with increased cancer risk. It is unknown how much radiation pediatric PH patients receive. The objective of this study is to quantify radiation received from imaging and compute associated lifetime cancer risks for pediatric patients with PH. Electronic health records between 2012 and 2022 were reviewed and radiation dose data were extracted. Organ doses were estimated using Monte Carlo modeling. Cancer risks for each patient were calculated from accumulated exposures using National Cancer Institute tools. Two hundred and forty‐nine patients with PH comprised the study cohort; 97% of patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension, PH due to left heart disease, or PH due to chronic lung disease. Mean age at the time of the first imaging study was 2.5 years (standard deviation [SD] = 4.9 years). Patients underwent a mean of 12 studies per patient per year, SD = 32. Most (90%) exams were done in children <5 years of age. Radiation from CT and cardiac catheterization accounted for 88% of the total radiation dose received. Cumulative mean effective dose was 19 mSv per patient (SD = 30). Radiation dose exposure resulted in a mean increased estimated lifetime cancer risk of 7.6% (90% uncertainty interval 3.0%−14.2%) in females and 2.8% (1.2%−5.3%) in males. Careful consideration for the need of radiation‐based imaging studies is warranted, especially in the youngest of children.
Photophysics of Intrinsic Single‐Photon Emitters in Silicon Nitride at Low Temperatures
Authors: Martin Zachariah O. , Senichev Alexander , Peana Samuel , Lawrie Benjamin J. , Lagutchev Alexei S. , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA robust process for fabricating intrinsic single‐photon emitters in silicon nitride is recently established. These emitters show promise for quantum applications due to room‐temperature operation and monolithic integration with technologically mature silicon nitride photonics platforms. Here, the fundamental photophysical properties of these emitters are probed through measurements of optical transition wavelengths, linewidths, and photon antibunching as a function of temperature from 4.2 to 300 K. Important insight into the potential for lifetime‐limited linewidths is provided through measurements of inhomogeneous and temperature‐dependent broadening of the zero‐phonon lines. At 4.2 K, spectral diffusion is found to be the main broadening mechanism, while spectroscopy time series reveal zero‐phonon lines with instrument‐limited linewidths.
Double‐balloon catheter for induction of labour: Rates of caesarean birth and outcomes when used beyond 12 and 24 h
Authors: Chen Debbie , Okano Sayaka , Oyston Charlotte 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe double‐balloon (dB) catheter is commonly used for cervical ripening before induction of labour (IoL), and is the preferred method of cervical ripening when prostaglandin is contraindicated. Manufacturer's instructions contraindicate use beyond 12 h. There is limited published evidence to support this restriction. This study aims to describe the mode of birth and other maternal and neonatal outcomes where dB‐IoL was used beyond the timeframe recommended by the manufacturer.MethodsRetrospective observational study of patients undergoing dB‐IoL at a single tertiary unit. Mode of birth, maternal and neonatal birth outcomes were described for those where the balloon was in situ for 12–24 and >24 h, compared to those where the balloon was in situ for <12 h.ResultsOf 491 patients undergoing dB‐IoL, there were no observed differences in proportion undergoing emergency caesarean or composite maternal/perinatal adverse outcomes when dB‐IoL was continued beyond 12 or 24 h.ConclusiondB‐IoL is often being performed outside the manufacturer's recommendation to limit use to 12 h. In our cohort, dB‐IOL for >12 and >24 h is not associated with a higher proportion of caesarean birth and does not appear to impose harm on the mother or baby.
Extremal results on feedback arc sets in digraphs
Authors: Fox Jacob , Himwich Zoe , Mani Nitya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFor an oriented graph , let denote the size of a minimum feedback arc set, a smallest edge subset whose deletion leaves an acyclic subgraph. Berger and Shor proved that any ‐edge oriented graph satisfies . We observe that if an oriented graph has a fixed forbidden subgraph , the bound is sharp as a function of if is not bipartite, but the exponent in the lower order term can be improved if is bipartite. Using a result of Bukh and Conlon on Turán numbers, we prove that any rational number in is optimal as an exponent for some finite family of forbidden subgraphs. Our upper bounds come equipped with randomized linear‐time algorithms that construct feedback arc sets achieving those bounds. We also characterize directed quasirandomness via minimum feedback arc sets.
Carbon trading practices adoption for sustainable construction: A study of the barriers in a developing country
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Oyediran Abiola Oluwasogo , Koriko Gbemisola , Tang Liyaning Maggie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe construction industry provides infrastructure and structures to society by consuming a substantial quantity of non‐renewable energy, which results in significant carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) could pose a serious danger to the economy of any nation if proper measures are not put in place with the country being one of the leading producers and end‐users of fossil fuels in the world. This article seeks to evaluate the barriers to the adoption of carbon trading practices (CTP) in the construction sector with the view to ensuring low carbon usage. The article adopted quantitative approach with data obtained using questionnaire. Mean Item Score (MIS), standard deviation (SD), factor analysis and Kruskal–Wallis test was carried out in relation to the research questions. The study showed that the most significant barriers to the adoption of carbon trading are difficulties in obtaining finance, attitude to environmental sustainability and climate change, lack of cost‐effective abatement options and methods, lack of awareness of carbon market opportunties and risk in changes in the rules governing participation and credit among others. This study provides valuable insights into barriers of CTP in construction and will help stakeholders concerned with building energy performance to develop a functional framework for energy analysis in buildings to prepare possible risk analysis from the onset of project design spanning through completion.
Premetastatic Niche Mimicking Bone‐On‐A‐Chip: A Microfluidic Platform to Study Bone Metastasis in Cancer Patients
Authors: Ji Xiongfa , Bei Ho‐Pan , Zhong Guoqing , Shao Hongwei , He Xuecheng , Qian Xin , Zhang Yu , Zhao Xin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPrimary cancer modulates the bone microenvironment to sow the seeds of dormancy and metastasis in tumor cells, leading to multiple organ metastasis and death. In this study, 3D printing and bone‐on‐a‐chip (BOC) are combined to develop a BOC platform that mimics the pre‐metastatic niches (PMNs) and facilitates elucidation of the interactions between bone‐resident cells and metastatic tumor cells under the influence of primary cancer. Photocrosslinkable gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is used as a 3D culturing hydrogel to encapsulate cells, and circulate tumor culture medium (CM) adjacent to the hydrogel to verify the critical role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoclasts (RAW264.7s). Three niches: the dormancy niche, the perivascular niche, and the “vicious cycle” niche, are devised to recapitulate bone metastasis in one chip with high cell viability and excellent nutrient exchange. With respect to tumor dormancy and reactivation, the invadopodia formation of A549 lung cancer cells in communication with MSCs and RAW264.7 via the cortactin pathway is researched. As a proof of concept, the functionality and practicality of the platform are demonstrated by analyzing the invadopodia formation and the influence of various cells, and the establishment of the dynamic niches paves the way to understanding PMN formation and related drug discovery.
Anti‐Tumor Immunity Induced by a Ternary Membrane System Derived From Cancer Cells, Dendritic Cells, and Bacteria
Authors: Ren He , Li Jiexin , Zhang Jingyu , Liu Jingang , Yang Xingyue , Zhang Nan , Qiu Qian , Li Dan , Yu Yue , Liu Xiaofeng , Lovell Jonathan F. , Zhang Yumiao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCancer vaccines generally are limited by insufficient tumor‐specific cellular immunogenicity. Herein, a potent “ABC” ternary membrane‐derived vaccine system blended from antigen‐presenting mature dendritic cell membranes (“A”), bacterial E. coli cytoplasmic membranes (“B”), and cancer cell membranes (“C”) is developed using a block‐copolymer micelle‐enabled approach. The respective ABC membrane components provide for a source of cellular immune communication/activation and enhanced accumulation in lymph nodes (A), immunological adjuvant (B), and tumor antigens (C). The introduction of dendritic cell (DC) membranes enables multiple cell‐to‐cell communication and powerful immune activation. ABC activates dendritic cells and promotes T‐cell activation and proliferation in vitro. In vivo, ABC is 14‐ and 304‐fold more immunogenic than binary (BC) and single (C) membrane vaccines, and immunization with ABC enhances the frequency of tumor‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to an 80% cure rate in tumor‐bearing mice. In a surgical resection and recurrence model, ABC prevents recurrence with vaccination from autologous cancer membranes, and therapeutic effects are observed in a lung metastasis model even with heterologous cancer cell membranes. ABCs formed from human cancer patient‐derived tumor cells activate human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDC). Taken together, the ternary ABC membrane system provides the needed functional components for personalized cancer immunotherapy.
Writing Into Water
Authors: Möller Nadir , Hecht Lukas , Niu Ran , Liebchen Benno , Palberg Thomas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWriting is an ancient communication technique dating back at least 30 000 years. While even sophisticated contemporary writing techniques hinge on solid surfaces for engraving or the deposition of ink, writing within a liquid medium requires a fundamentally different approach. The study here demonstrates the writing of lines, letters, and complex patterns in water by assembling lines of colloidal particles. Unlike established techniques for underwater writing on solid substrates, these lines are fully reconfigurable and do not require any fixation onto the substrate. Exploiting gravity, an ion‐exchange bead (pen) is rolled across a layer of sedimented colloidal particles (ink). The pen evokes a hydrodynamic flow collecting ink‐particles into a durable, high‐contrast line along its trajectory. Deliberate substrate‐tilting sequences facilitate pen‐steering and thus drawing and writing. The experiments are complemented with a minimal model that quantitatively predicts the observed parameter dependence for writing in fluids and highlights the generic character of writing by line‐assembly. Overall, the approach opens a versatile route for writing, drawing, and patterning fluids—even at the micro‐scale.
NiCo2O4/Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Nanosphere Hybrids Enabling Super‐Hydrophobicity, Thermal Insulation, and Highly Efficient Microwave Absorption
Authors: Ma Wenjun , He Peng , Zhou Yukang , Xie Chao , Chen Yi , Liu Xiaoyun , Lin Shaoliang , Zuo Peiyuan , Zhuang Qixin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe combination of 2D magnetic nanosheets and mesoporous carbon with unique interfaces shows considerable prospects for microwave absorption (MA). However, traditional assembly procedures make it impossible to accurately manage the assembly of magnetic nanosheets in carbon matrices. Herein, a reverse strategy for preparing complex magnetic nanosheet cores inside carbon‐based yolk–shell structures is developed. This innovative approach focuses on controlling the initial crystallite formation sites in a hydrothermal reaction as well as the inflow and in situ growth behavior of 2D NiCo‐layered double hydroxide precursors based on the capillary force induced by hollow mesoporous carbon nanospheres. Accordingly, the as‐prepared YS‐CNC‐2 absorber exhibits remarkable MA performances, with an optimal reflection loss as low as −60.30 dB at 2.5 mm and an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.20 GHz at 2.0 mm. The loss of electromagnetic waves (EMW) depends on natural resonance loss, dipole polarization relaxation, and multiple scattering behavior. On top of that, the functionalized super‐hydrophobic MA coating is produced in spraying and curing processes utilizing YS‐CNC‐2 nanoparticles and fumed silica additives in the polydimethylsiloxane matrix. The excellent thermal insulation, self‐cleaning capability, and durability in diverse solutions of the coating promise potential applications for military equipment in moist situations.
Biomimetic Protocells Featuring Macrophage‐Like Capture and Digestion of Protein Pathogens
Authors: Xu Xiaoying , Moreno Silvia , Gentzel Marc , Zhang Kehu , Wang Dishi , Voit Brigitte , Appelhans Dietmar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractModern medical research develops interest in sophisticated artificial nano‐ and microdevices for future treatment of human diseases related to biological dysfunctions. This covers the design of protocells capable of mimicking the structure and functionality of eukaryotic cells. The authors use artificial organelles based on trypsin‐loaded pH‐sensitive polymeric vesicles to provide macrophage‐like digestive functions under physiological conditions. Herein, an artificial cell is established where digestive artificial organelles (nanosize) are integrated into a protocell (microsize). With this method, mimicking crossing of different biological barriers, capture of model protein pathogens, and compartmentalized digestive function are possible. This allows the integration of different components (e.g., dextran as stabilizing block) and the diffusion of pathogens in simulated cytosolic environment under physiological conditions. An integrated characterization approach is carried out, with identifying electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as an excellent detection method for the degradation of a small peptide such as β‐amyloid. The degradation of model enzymes is measured by enzyme activity assays. This work is an important contribution to effective biomimicry with the design of cell‐like functions having potential for therapeutic action.