bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tungsten-based polymer composite, a new lead-free material for efficient shielding of coupled neutron-gamma radiation fields: A FLUKA simulation study
Authors: Das Avijit , Ray Aditi , Singh Tej 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Metal-based polymer composites, a new category of advanced materials, are advantageous for effective protection of radiation field. Recent report of fabrication of tungsten (W)-Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite microcellular foams with enhanced mechanical strength properties opens up the possibility of its use in radiation attenuation. Objective of this theoretical study is to assess the efficacy of W-based polymer composite, a new lead-free shielding material for attenuating coupled neutron-gamma radiations. Current paper utilizes open-source Monte Carlo code FLUKA to evaluate shielding efficiency of PMMA composites reinforced with varying concentration W particles. Study shows that, adding even 20 vol% of W particles can significantly improve radiation shielding ability of PMMA. Performance of analogous composition Pb-based polymer composite is also examined to demonstrate its inadequacy in radiation protection compared to W-based composite. Study reveals an interesting fact that for any shield dimension, total radiation dose follows an initial descending trend with increase in heavy metal (W/Pb) proportion up to certain optimum value where dose becomes minimum, beyond that dose increases. Optimum heavy metal concentrations are found to be 70 vol% and 30 vol% for W and Pb respectively, with minimum dose for Pb shield being two orders of higher magnitude. Study is further extended to investigate shielding efficiency of conventional double-layer laminates employing W and PMMA in both high-Z/low-Z and low-Z/high-Z configurations as well as optimum concentration of W-PMMA composite and PMMA. It is shown that among all the potential designs, newly introduced composite-based double-layer shield performs best in terms of volumetric dose while single-layer optimized composite shield offers least specific dose.
A novel flexible biocomposite with hemp woven fabric and natural rubber based on lignin green filler: investigation numerical and experimental under high-velocity impact
Authors: Ghiaskar Ahmad , Nouri Mohammad Damghani 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, the comparison of the behavior of hemp/elastomeric biocomposites based on lignin and carbon black has been investigated experimentally and numerically under the influence of high speed. SEM images confirmed the dispersion and good interaction of lignin in natural rubber with a uniform surface coverage of fibers and the gap of yarns. The results of tensile and dynamic compression tests showed that elastomer with lignin filler improves tensile strength for rubber samples and composites compared to carbon black. The high-velocity impact tests were performed on single-layer and three-layer composites based on lignin and carbon. The penetration resistance and failure mechanism of the composites during impact were validated using a constitutive material model for hemp fabric and a user-defined material model (VUMAT) for the nonlinear behavior of rubber materials with a damage criterion in ABAQUS/Explicit. For one-layer and three-layer flexible composites based on lignin, the ballistic limit is 49 and 96 m s−1, respectively. Compared to carbon-based composites, it has increased by 11.36 and 13% for one-layer and three-layers, respectively. Using the dilute matrix to cover hemp fabric increases the resistance of this type of fabric against high-speed impact. Through tensile failure, the stress is transferred to the surrounding fiber bundles so that more threads can participate in the load-bearing process. As a result, the penetration depth in lignin-based composites is lower, and the protective margin is greater, which increases energy absorption.
CO adsorption on two-dimensional 2H-ZrO2 and its effect on the interfacial electronic properties: implications for sensing
Authors: Ali Mubashar , Munir Junaid , Khan M Junaid Iqbal , Yousaf Masood , Younis M W , Saeed M A 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Environmental pollution is commonly caused by direct and indirect greenhouse gasses and various traces of toxic gasses. CO is a tasteless, colourless and highly hazardous greenhouse gas that can bind with the hemoglobin much easier than oxygen. Materials with effective CO sensing capability are highly desirable. In this work, we have studied the repercussions of the molecular adsorption of toxic carbon monoxide (CO) on the structural, electronic, interfacial electronic and gas sensing properties of the two-dimensional (2D) 2H phase of zirconium dioxide (2H-ZrO2) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The most suitable adsorbent structure is screened out and interaction strengths between adsorbate molecule and adsorbent layer are provided in terms of binding energies. As a result of CO adsorption, the energy band gap (Eg) is altered and the resulting change in the conductivity of 2H-ZrO2 monolayer has implications for sensing. Energy band profiles relating to CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2 reveal that fermi level shifts towards conduction bands exhibiting a development of n-type semiconducting character. Eg values relating to pristine and CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2 sites such as TM, H, CB and B are 1.58, 1.98, 2.05, 2.06 and 2.03 eV, respectively. Further insights into the adsorption reveal that charge is accumulated near 2H-ZrO2 in the case of H and B adsorption sites, whereas for the case of TM and CB sites, depletion is noted. Essential gas sensing properties such as conductivity

σ

,

sensitivity (S), and recovery time (τ) are also reported. Notably, TM, CB, and B absorption sites depicted 17%, 2%, and 6% lower S values than H site. Furthermore, the H site achieved a shorter

τ

(32 ps) than the other adsorption sites. Response of pristine and CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2 to that of incident photons is investigated with the help of real and imaginary parts [

ε

1

ω

and

ε

2

ω

] of complex dielectric function, electron energy loss function [

L

ω

] and joint density of states [

J

o

ω

] for a broader range of 0 to 10 eV. Major differences in dielectric function exist along in-plan and out-of-plan directions. After a detailed comparison, it is reported that more number of optical transitions exist between the linked states for the case of CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2.
GRB 220408B: A Three-episode Burst from a Precessing Jet
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Iris Yin Yi-Han , Wang Chenyu , Ivy Wang Xiangyu , Yang Jun , Meng Yan-Zhi , Liu Zi-Ke , Chen Guo-Yin , Fu Xiaoping , Gao Huaizhong , Li Sihao , Liu Yihui , Long Xiangyun , Ma Yong-Chang , Pan Xiaofan , Sun Yuanze , Wu Wei , Yang Zirui , Ye Zhizhen , Yu Xiaoyu , Zhao Shuheng , Zheng Xutao , Zhou Tao , Tang Qing-Wen , Yan Qiurong , Zhou Rong , Wang Zhonghai , Feng Hua , Zeng Ming , Zhang Bin-Bin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Jet precession has previously been proposed to explain the apparently repeating features in the light curves of a few gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In this paper, we further apply the precession model to a bright GRB 220408B by examining both its temporal and spectral consistency with the predictions of the model. As one of the recently confirmed GRBs observed by our GRID CubeSat mission, GRB 220408B is noteworthy as it exhibits three apparently similar emission episodes. Furthermore, the similarities are reinforced by their strong temporal correlations and similar features in terms of spectral evolution and spectral lags. Our analysis demonstrates that these features can be well explained by the modulated emission of a Fast-Rise-Exponential-Decay (FRED) shape light curve intrinsically produced by a precessing jet with a precession period of

18.4

−
0.2

+
0.2

s, a nutation period of

11.1

−
0.2

+
0.2

s and viewed off-axis. This study provides a straightforward explanation for the complex yet similar multi-episode GRB light curves.
Characteristics and Predictors of Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension in Real-World Populations Using Electronic Health Record-Based Data
Authors: Jafari Eissa , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M , Effron Mark B , Hogan William R , McDonough Caitrin W 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite using ≥3 antihypertensive classes or controlled BP while using ≥4 antihypertensive classes. Patients with aTRH have a higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared with patients with controlled hypertension (HTN). Although there have been prior reports on the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of aTRH, these have been broadly derived from smaller datasets, randomized controlled trials, or closed healthcare systems.

METHODS
We extracted patients with HTN defined by ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes during 1/1/2015–12/31/2018, from 2 large electronic health record databases: the OneFlorida Data Trust (n = 223,384) and Research Action for Health Network (REACHnet) (n = 175,229). We applied our previously validated aTRH and stable controlled HTN computable phenotype algorithms and performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of aTRH in these populations.

RESULTS
The prevalence of aTRH among patients with HTN in OneFlorida (16.7%) and REACHnet (11.3%) was similar to prior reports. Both populations had a significantly higher proportion of Black patients with aTRH compared with those with stable controlled HTN. aTRH in both populations shared similar significant predictors, including Black race, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cardiomegaly, and higher body mass index. In both populations, aTRH was significantly associated with similar comorbidities, when compared with stable controlled HTN.

CONCLUSIONS
In 2 large, diverse real-world populations, we observed similar comorbidities and predictors of aTRH as prior studies. In the future, these results may be used to improve healthcare professionals’ understanding of aTRH predictors and associated comorbidities.
Are there iterated essentialist truths?
Authors: Ditter Andreas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Let an iterated essentialist statement be a statement of the form 'It lies in the nature of x1,x2,... that it lies in the nature of y1,y2,... that φ'. Let Iteration be the thesis that there are true iterated essentialist statements. Iteration has recently been disputed by Dasgupta (2014) and Glazier (2017). Both authors take the falsity of Iteration to be central to the explanatory role of essentialist truths. An important consequence that is not explicitly noted by them is that the falsity of Iteration would entail that metaphysical necessity is not reducible to essence in the manner suggested by Fine (1994). This paper defends Iteration against these challenges, drawing attention to some features of the collective essences of properties, propositions, and logical operations that have been largely neglected in discussions about essence.
Quantitative evaluation of the drivers of species richness in a Mediterranean ecosystem (Cape, South Africa)
Authors: Cramer Michael D , Anthony Verboom G 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Mediterranean ecosystems have a high vascular plant species richness (SR) relative to their surface area. This SR, representing the balance between speciation and extinction, has been attributed to multiple mechanisms that result in both high rates of speciation and/or low rates of extinction. An abiding question is, however, what is special about Mediterranean ecosystems that enables this high SR? Apart from the long-term climatic stability of the region, SR has also been related to resource availability, the many individuals hypothesis, resource spatial heterogeneity, temporal heterogeneity and biotic feedbacks.

Methods
Spatial patterns of species richness were related to climatic, edaphic and biotic variables and to spatial variability within the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa. Boosted regression tree models were used to explore the strength of relationships between SR and environmental predictors related to each hypothesized mechanism.

Key Results
Water availability (i.e. precipitation) was a stronger predictor of SR than potential evapotranspiration or temperature. Scarcity of nutrients was also related to SR. There was no indication that SR was related to the density of individuals and only temporal heterogeneity induced by fire was related to SR. Spatial heterogeneities of climatic, edaphic and biotic variables were strongly associated with SR. Biotic interactions remain difficult to assess, although we have some evidence for a putative role in regulating SR.

Conclusions
While the lack of ecosystem-resetting disturbances (e.g. glaciation) is undoubtedly a key requirement for high species accumulation, predictably, no one explanation holds the key to understanding SR. In the GCFR high SR is the product of a combination of adequate water, nutrient scarcity, spatial and temporal heterogeneity, and possibly biotic feedbacks.
Promotion of ABCG2 gene expression by neolignans from Piper longum L
Authors: Nishina Atsuyoshi , Ukiya Motohiko , Motegi Kazuki , Kiryu Risa , Sato Daisuke , Sada Mitsuru , Hori Yuki , Satsu Hideo , Uemura Kazuhiro , Koketsu Mamoru , Ninomiya Masayuki , Myint Lwin Mon Mon , Kimura Hirokazu 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
We focused on Piper longum L., a herbal drug produced in Myanmar, which has a renoprotective effect. Thus, we attempted to isolate and identify compounds that enhance the expression of the ABCG2 gene from the aerial parts of the plant except for the fruit. Among the various P. longum extracts, we isolated and identified the components. Using Caco-2 cells, the hABCG2 mRNA expression-enhancing effects of the isolated compounds were compared with the positive reference compound (3-methylcholanthrene [3MC]) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Six compounds were isolated and identified from the methanol extract of P. longum. Among the isolated compounds, licarin A and neopomatene had lower toxicity and higher hABCG2 mRNA expression-enhancing effects in Caco-2 cells. Suppression of hAhR expression by siRNA reduced the activity of licarin A and neopomatene, as well as the hAhR agonist 3MC, suggesting that these 2 compounds may act as hAhR agonists to promote hABCG2 expression.
Revisiting Cytomegalovirus Serology in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Portillo Vera , Masouridi-Levrat Stavroula , Royston Léna , Yerly Sabine , Schibler Manuel , Mappoura Maria , Morin Sarah , Giannotti Federica , Mamez Anne-Claire , van Delden Christian , Chalandon Yves , Neofytos Dionysios 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients (allo-HCTRs) with positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology may have false-positive results due to blood product transfusion–associated passive immunity.

Methods
This single-center cohort study included allo-HCTRs with negative baseline (at malignancy diagnosis) CMV serology and indeterminate/low-positive (CMV IgG titer, ≥0.6–&lt;50 U/mL) pretransplant CMV serology with negative pretransplant plasma CMV DNAemia. The CMV status of those patients was reclassified from R+ to R− (CMVR− reclassification group). We compared those patients to allo-HCTRs with negative (CMV IgG titer &lt;0.6 U/mL) pretransplant CMV IgG (CMVR− group). We describe the number and type of patients whose pretransplant CMV status was reclassified from indeterminate/positive to negative. We reviewed all plasma CMV DNAemia tests performed during the first 6 months posttransplant in both groups to assess the safety of this approach.

Results
Among 246 (84.5%) of 291 transplanted patients identified as CMVR+ pretransplant, 60 (24.4%) were reclassified from CMV serology indeterminate (N:10)/low-positive (N:50) to R−. Only 1 of 60 patients (1.67%) in the CMVR− reclassification group versus 3 of 44 (6.8%; P = .30) in the CMVR− group developed CMV DNAemia during the follow-up period. There were no significant differences in the number of CMV DNAemia tests performed, CMV DNAemia range, and time posttransplant between the 2 groups.

Conclusions
One of 4 allo-HCT CMVR+ may be falsely flagged as R+, with significant impact on donor selection and prophylaxis administration. A 2-step approach including CMV serology testing at hematologic malignancy diagnosis in allo-HCT candidates and careful review of pretransplant CMV IgG titers may help correctly classify CMV serology status.
The Right to Repair, Refill and Recycle by Way of an Anti-trust Defence – Comment on the Japanese Decisions Ricoh I, Ricoh II and Brother
Authors: Furuta Atsuhiro , Heath Christopher 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Prior to a more detailed analysis of Japanese law in the context of repair and recycle, the authors provide a comparative overview over the conflict between intellectual property rights and what is now known as the ‘right to repair’.
Systemic proteome phenotypes reveal defective metabolic flexibility in Mecp2 mutants
Authors: Zlatic Stephanie A , Werner Erica , Surapaneni Veda , Lee Chelsea E , Gokhale Avanti , Singleton Kaela , Duong Duc , Crocker Amanda , Gentile Karen , Middleton Frank , Dalloul Joseph Martin , Liu William Li-Yun , Patgiri Anupam , Tarquinio Daniel , Carpenter Randall , Faundez Victor 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Genes mutated in monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders are broadly expressed. This observation supports the concept that monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders are systemic diseases that profoundly impact neurodevelopment. We tested the systemic disease model focusing on Rett syndrome, which is caused by mutations in MECP2. Transcriptomes and proteomes of organs and brain regions from Mecp2-null mice as well as diverse MECP2-null male and female human cells were assessed. Widespread changes in the steady-state transcriptome and proteome were identified in brain regions and organs of presymptomatic Mecp2-null male mice as well as mutant human cell lines. The extent of these transcriptome and proteome modifications was similar in cortex, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscle and more pronounced than in the hippocampus and striatum. In particular, Mecp2- and MECP2-sensitive proteomes were enriched in synaptic and metabolic annotated gene products, the latter encompassing lipid metabolism and mitochondrial pathways. MECP2 mutations altered pyruvate-dependent mitochondrial respiration while maintaining the capacity to use glutamine as a mitochondrial carbon source. We conclude that mutations in Mecp2/MECP2 perturb lipid and mitochondrial metabolism systemically limiting cellular flexibility to utilize mitochondrial fuels.
The clinical-histologic and prognostic characteristics in patients with a second primary non-small-cell lung cancer after a lobectomy
Authors: Wu Lei-Lei , Wang Rang-Rang , Qian Jia-Yi , Liu Yu’e , Ma Shang-Shang , Li Ming-Jun , Xie Long-Yan , Li Zhi-Xin , Li Kun , Sheng Bing-Yong , Ding Jun-Rong , Xie Dong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study was to investigate whether an operation can offer survival benefits for patients with a second primary non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after a lobectomy for a first primary NSCLC and to analyse the characteristics affecting the survival of those patients.

METHODS
We performed survival analyses of patients with a second primary NSCLC based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program and used propensity score matching to reduce the potential bias and analyse the data. In addition, the primary observational end point was overall survival (OS), and the secondary observational end point was histologic migration.

RESULTS
The data from 944 patients were used to perform the main analysis. A total of 36.2% of patients experienced a shift in tumour histologic type between 2 diagnoses of primary NSCLC, and this shift significantly affected OS (P = 0.0065). The median survival time in patients with surgical resection and those without an operation was 52.0 months versus 33.0 months, respectively. Patients with surgical resection at the secondary diagnosis had better survival than those without surgery (5-year OS rate: 48.0% vs 34.0%, P &lt; 0.001). In addition, compared with a pneumonectomy and a sublobar resection, a lobectomy was the optimal surgical procedure for patients diagnosed with a second primary NSCLC after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.68, P &lt; 0.01). However, in the subgroup analysis, lobar and sublobar resections could provide similar survival benefits for patients with tumour size ≤20 mm (P = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS
The operation, especially a lobectomy, can prolong OS in patients with a second primary NSCLC. Besides, sublobar resection can be performed in selected patients with tumour size ≤20 mm. Moreover, histologic migration may impact the survival of those patients with a secondary primary NSCLC.
Is the Positive Effect of Education on Ethnic Tolerance a Method Artifact? A Multifactorial Survey Experiment on Social Desirability Bias in Sweden
Authors: Adman Per , Gschwind Lutz 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Educated individuals are believed to be more tolerant towards ethnic minorities—a finding widely inferred from standard survey items. We propose a new approach that helps mitigate the risk of socially desirability bias (SDB), using a multifactorial survey experiment with name-based vignette dimensions. The experiment is strategically inserted into a question about a social dilemma not related to ethnicity. By embedding our experiment into an established survey—the Swedish part of the European Values Survey—we show that individuals with a high level of education are more tolerant towards ethnic minorities, even under a lower risk of SDB. The study strengthens findings in prior research and supports the hypothesis that education can further ethnic tolerance.
Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir Use and Hospitalizations or Death in a Previously Uninfected Nonhospitalized High-Risk Population With COVID-19: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Butt Adeel A , Yan Peng , Shaikh Obaid S , Talisa Victor B , Omer Saad B , Mayr Florian B 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
To determine the association of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) with hospitalization or death within 30 days as compared with untreated controls previously uninfected and nonhospitalized.

Methods
We used a matched cohort design using inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW). Individuals prescribed NMV/r within 3 days of COVID-19 diagnosis were compared with IPTW-based untreated controls. Variables for IPTW included age, race, sex, body mass index, geographic location, vaccination status, and multiple comorbidities. Additional analyses were conducted on NMV/r-treated and propensity score–matched untreated controls.

Results
Among 7615 individuals prescribed NMV/r and 62 077 controls identified between 1 January 2022 and 25 February 2023, the risk of hospitalization/death was lower among NMV/r-treated persons vs untreated controls (243 vs 3468 events; absolute risk difference [ARD], −2.36 [95% CI, −2.57 to −2.14]). The difference was significant for those &gt;60 and ≤60 years old (ARD, −3.86 [95% CI, −4.19 to −3.54] vs −0.27 [95% CI, −0.51 to −0.03]) and for persons asymptomatic and symptomatic (ARD, −7.09 [95% CI, −7.62 to −6.55] vs −1.46 [95% CI, −1.66 to −1.25]). Significant benefit was observed among individuals unvaccinated and vaccinated, with or without a booster dose.

Conclusions
NMV/r is associated with a significant reduction in 30-day hospitalization or death among individuals previously uninfected and nonhospitalized.