Dominant Mechanism Research Articles

Comparison of water-soluble organic matter (WSOM)-containing and WSOM-free biochars for simultaneous sorption of lead and cadmium

The effects of individual biochar constituents and natural environmental media on the immobilization behaviors and chemical activities of toxic heavy metals are still poorly understood. In this work, the physicochemical properties of raw corn straw (CS) and CS-derived biochar materials as well as their sorption abilities and retention mechanisms for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were evaluated by combining batch experiments and spectral approaches. According to the spectral analysis results and single variable principle, the setting of biochars after soaking in solution as the control group was suggested when evaluating their retention mechanisms for Pb and Cd. The rising of ionic strength did not apparently affect the immobilization of Pb by biochar prepared at 500 °C (i.e., CB500) and Pb/Cd by water-soluble organic matter (WSOM)-free CB500 (i.e., DCB500), while slightly inhibited the sorption of Cd by CB500. Pb and Cd exhibited a mutual inhibition effect on their sorption trends with a higher sorption preference of Pb. The dominant fixation mechanism of Pb by CB500 and DCB500 was identified to be mineral precipitation. In contrast, the main sorption mechanism of Cd changed from mineral precipitation in the single-metal system to surface complexation in the binary-metal system. The sorption ratios of Pb and Cd on CB500 were comparable to those on DCB500 with the coexistence of mixed natural organic matters (NOM) and ferrihydrite. The current experimental findings suggested that DCB500 was a suitable remediation agent for regulating the migration behaviors of toxic Pb and Cd in acidic and NOM-rich soil and water systems.

Influence of displacement amplitude on fretting-induced friction and wear of steel in oil-lubricated contact

Many fretting-prone contacts are surrounded by oils, although they are not intended to lubricate them. To study the fretting behavior of contacts whose edge is exposed to engine oil, self-mated 34CrNiMo6 +QT steel was employed with a large annular flat-on-flat contact. A displacement-controlled loading was tested in a range, encompassing stick and gross sliding. No stick-to-slip transition with displacement amplitude was observed up to a tangential-to-normal traction ratio of 1.6, compared to that of 0.5 in dry contact. Beyond that, a typical peak-to-stabilized friction curve was reached in oil with a steady-state value of roughly 0.4, lower than that of dry contact. Adhesive wear existed as the dominant wear mechanism, and the severity of adhesion increased with higher loading.

Comparative study of natural ester oil and mineral oil on the applicability of the immersion cooling for a battery module

The immersion cooling for lithium-ion batteries based on insulating oil has gained a great deal of interest and research, while most of them still lie in the exploratory phase with numerical and model-scale experimental efforts, and applicable cooling mediums as well as the cooling mechanisms are still inconclusive. In this paper, an oil-immersed cooling system for a battery module is designed to verify the feasibility of natural ester oil by comparing with the currently popular mineral oil. The thermal behaviors of the battery module immersed in static and dynamic insulating oils are discussed. It is found that both mineral oil and natural ester oil can efficiently decrease the battery temperature and limit the temperature difference among the batteries to less than 2 °C. For both insulating oils, the cooling effect increases with increasing liquid flow rate, but this improvement gradually weakens. With increasing Reynolds numbers, the forced convection replaces the natural convection as the dominant mechanism, especially in the natural ester oil-based system where the forced convection dominates even in the entire Re range. The comparative results demonstrate that natural ester oil can serve as a potential candidate for the battery immersion cooling.

Insights into thermomechanical fatigue behavior of nitrogen alloyed 316LN stainless steel under various temperature cycling ranges

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) failure has become one of the most important life-limiting factors of components exposure to the high temperature in the fourth-generation sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) nuclear power plant. Therefore, TMF tests at different temperature cycling ranges are performed to study the cyclic deformation behavior and damage mechanism of a nitrogen alloyed 316LN stainless steel. Moreover, the isothermal fatigue (IF) tests at the maximum temperature of TMF cycling are conducted for comparison. The cyclic hardening and softening response are analyzed, taking into account the phenomenon of dynamic strain aging which occurs at the temperature range of 350 °C–650 °C. Furthermore, the critical strain corresponding to the occurrence of serrated stress flow in engineering stress-strain curves keeps decreasing from 28.94% at 350 °C to 0.09% at 650 °C. The distribution of plastic deformation and the degree of strain localization are evaluated by the characterization results of kernel average misorientation map, high/low angle grain boundary map and dislocation configuration. The dominant damage mechanism and its corresponding cracking behavior in both IF and TMF tests are analyzed based on the observation of fracture surface morphology. In addition, the sequence order of fatigue life is determined as IF < IP-TMF < OP-TMF. Moreover, the maximum difference of fatigue life between IF test and TMF test occurs at the temperature range of 400 °C–600 °C, in which the IP and OP life is about 2.91 and 3.65 times larger than the IF life. The results in this work provide reliable data support and theoretical guidance for the fatigue design of high-temperature components in SFR.

Phenylpropane biosynthesis and alkaloid metabolism pathways involved in resistance of Amorphophallus spp. against soft rot disease.

Soft rot of konjac (Amorphophallus spp.) is a devastating disease caused by the bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) with serious adverse effects on plantation development, corm quality and crop yield due to the current lack of effective control measures. The main objective of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying plant resistance to soft rot disease. A combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses demonstrated significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) associated with plant hormones, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and, in particular, alkaloid metabolism, in Amorphophallus muelleri following Pcc infection compared with A. konjac, these data implicate alkaloid metabolism as the dominant mechanism underlying disease resistance of A. muelleri. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis further revealed involvement of PAL, CYP73A16, CCOAOMT1, RBOHD and CDPK20 genes in the response of konjac to Pcc. Analysis of the bacteriostatic activities of total alkaloid from A. muelleri validated the assumption that alkaloid metabolism positively regulates disease resistance of konjac. Our collective results provide a foundation for further research on the resistance mechanisms of konjac against soft rot disease.

A computational study of a laminar methane–air flame assisted by nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharges

Nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) discharges have been considered a promising technique for enhancing combustion efficiency and control. For successful implementation, it is necessary to understand the complex plasma–combustion interactions involving chemical, thermal, and hydrodynamic pathways. This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms enhancing a laminar methane–air flame assisted by NRP discharges by high fidelity simulations of the jet-wall burner employed in a previous experimental study. A phenomenological plasma model is used to represent the plasma energy deposition in two channels: (1) the ultrafast heating and dissociation of O2 resulting from the relaxation of electronically excited N2 , and (2) slow gas heating stemming from the relaxation of N2 vibrational states. The flame displacement, key radical distribution and flame response under plasma actuation are compared with experimental results in good agreement. The computational model allows a systematic investigation of the dominant physical mechanism by isolating different pathways. It is found that the kinetic effect from atomic O production dominates the flame dynamics, while the thermal effect plays a minor role. Hydrodynamic perturbations arising from weak shock wave propagation appear to be sensitive to burner geometry and is found to be less significant in the case under study.

Hydrogeochemistry and Water Quality Index for Groundwater Sustainability in the Komadugu-Yobe Basin, Sahel Region

The assessment of hydrochemical characteristics and groundwater quality is crucial for environmental sustainability in developing economies. This study employed hydrogeochemical analysis, geospatial analysis, and groundwater quality index to assess hydrogeochemical processes and quality of groundwater in the Komadugu-Yobe basin. The pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity (EC) were assessed in situ using a handheld portable electrical conductivity meter. The concentrations of the major cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+), were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The major anions (chloride, fluoride, sulfate, and nitrate) were analyzed via ion chromatography (IC). Total alkalinity and bicarbonate were measured in situ using a HACH digital alkalinity kit by the titrimetric method. Hydrochemical results indicate some physicochemical properties of the groundwater samples exceeded the maximum permissible limits as recommended by the World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Gibbs diagrams indicate rock–water interaction/rock weathering processes are the dominant mechanisms influencing the groundwater chemistry. Groundwater is predominantly Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO−3 water type, constituting 59% of the groundwater samples analyzed. The groundwater quality index (GWQI) depicted 63 and 27% of the groundwater samples as excellent and good water types for drinking purposes, respectively. This study further relates the interaction between geology, hydrochemical characteristics, and groundwater quality parameters. The results are essential to inform a sustainable management strategy and protection of groundwater resources.

Dynamic Shear Mechanical Properties and Microscopic Deformation Characteristics of Laser Cladding IN625 Alloy

To reveal the dynamic shear mechanical properties of laser cladding Inconel 625 (IN625) alloy, dynamic shear mechanical properties experiments are conducted on forged specimens and laser cladding specimens by split Hopkinson press bar experimental device. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) are used to characterize the microscopic morphology, crystal orientation, and grain size of laser cladding specimens before and after dynamic shear deformation. In the results, it is shown that the yield strength and shear strength of both forged and laser clad specimens increase with the increase of shear strain rate, reflecting a remarkable strain‐rate‐strengthening effect, and the shear strength of the laser cladding specimen is higher than that of the forged specimen. After dynamic shear loading, the grains in the shear region of the laser cladding specimen are severely deformed, deformation bands appear, and some dendrites are transformed into equiaxed crystal. After shear deformation, the preferred orientation strength of the crystal increases, the small‐size grain and low‐angle grain boundary increase, and a large number of dislocations are formed in the shear region, which dominates the dynamic shear deformation behavior of the material. Dislocation is an important dominant mechanism of dynamic shear deformation.

On the role of microstructural defects on precipitation, damage, and healing behavior in a novel Al-0.5Mg2Si alloy

A recently developed healable Al-Mg2Si designed by the programmed damage and repair (PDR) strategy is studied considering the role microstructural defects play on precipitation, damage, and healing. The alloy incorporates sacrificial Mg2Si particles that precipitate after friction stir processing (FSP). They act as damage localization sites and are healable based on the solid-state diffusion of Al-matrix. A combination of different transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging techniques enabled the visualization and quantification of various crystallographic defects and the spatial distribution of Mg2Si precipitates. Intragrain nucleation is found to be the dominant mechanism for precipitation during FSP whereas grain boundaries and subgrain boundaries mainly lead to coarsening of the precipitates. The statistical and spatial analyses of the damaged particles have shown particle fracture as the dominant damage mechanism which is strongly dependent on the size and aspect ratio of the particles whereas the damage was not found to depend on the location of the precipitates within the matrix. The damaged particles are associated with dislocations accumulated around them. The interplay of these dislocations is directly visualized during healing based on in situ TEM heating which revealed recovery in the matrix as an operative mechanism during the diffusion healing of the PDR alloy.

Recovery mechanisms of shale oil by CO2 injection in organic and inorganic nanopores from molecular perspective

CO2 injection is the feasible method to enhance shale oil recovery and has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Since shale reservoir has omnipresent nanoscale pores, understanding the underlying CO2-EOR mechanisms at the nanoscale is of critical importance. In this work, we study the structural and dynamic properties of CO2/nC8 systems in organic kerogen and inorganic quartz nanopores by molecular dynamic simulation and clarify the dominant EOR mechanisms of CO2 injection in various mineral nanopores. We find a large positive slip velocity occurs when single-phase nC8 flows in quartz nanopore while it is no-slip boundary condition in kerogen nanopore. The CO2-regulated nC8 in quartz nanopore is the joint effect of slip, competitive adsorption and viscosity reduction. In the first stage, CO2 extracts the first adsorption layer of nC8 by competitive adsorption and forms a CO2 film on the quartz surface. The CO2 film reduces the slip velocity between nC8 and quartz surface and weakens the nC8 flow capacity. After CO2 adsorption is saturated, the CO2 mixes with nC8 in all flow regions and the effective viscosity of nC8 starts decreasing at this stage. The flow capacity of nC8 rises dramatically due to the viscosity reduction mechanism of CO2. In kerogen nanopore, it is no-slip boundary condition and CO2 mixes with nC8 in all flow regions directly instead of preferably adsorbed on the surface. Viscosity reduction is the dominant mechanism to affect nC8 flow behavior and nC8 flow capacity is enhanced monotonically as CO2 injection. Our study advances the understanding of the recovery mechanisms of shale oil by CO2 injection on nanoscale and provides the theoretical foundation for the optimization of CO2-EOR in shale oil reservoirs.

Testing the dominant mediator in EPPM: An empirical study on household anti-malware software users

A key research area in information systems security (ISec) is explaining or improving users’ IS security outcomes via the extended parallel process model (EPPM) lens. While the theoretical construct in emotional valence (e.g., fear) and cognitive valence (e.g., perceived efficacy) were deemed as mediators in previous EPPM-related ISec studies, existing research has ignored the value of testing and reporting the dominant mediator between the emotional valence and the cognitive valence. In this paper, we reintroduce the theoretical origins of the dominant mediator assumption in EPPM and highlight its merits using the multiple mediation method. Theoretically, we illustrate how testing and reporting the dominant mediator can help identify the dominant mechanism triggering specific behavioral outcomes. Further, this paper questions the dominant mediating role of fear on the behavioral outcome in ISec context. Methodologically, this study proposes to assess the dominant mediator via a multiple mediation model instead of using the discriminant value equation introduced by Witte (1995), Witte et al. (1996) and enhanced by Chen et al. (2021) when testing the EPPM theory in the ISec context.

Mechanisms and kinetic model for steel corrosion in unsaturated cementitious materials

Considering the complex coupling of steel corrosion in partially saturated concrete filled with water, the quantitative description of control mechanisms is still under debate. This work provides new experimental evidence supporting that diffusion control (relative diffusion coefficient) is the dominant mechanism in controlling corrosion rate by limiting the ferrous ion migration in unsaturated concrete. Furthermore, a new mechanism-based kinetic model is developed to predict the corrosion rate in different cementitious materials and corrosion conditions. In addition, the proposed kinetic model can quantify the variation of critical [Cl−]/[OH−] with degree of saturation, classify corrosive conditions, and predict the electrical resistivity and corrosion rate relationships.

Modeling of the evolution of the porous structure during a physical activation process for the production of activated biocarbon: A novel low conversion approach

Many experimental studies have shown the feasibility of using biomass precursors to produce activated carbon, often improving the properties obtained from traditional materials. However, hardly any models focus on the development of porosity during the process. Among the so-called pore models, the random pore model (RPM) is the most popular and accurately predicts the evolution of the porous structure due to pore growth and coalescence. However, in activation processes with a low degree of conversion, in which pore formation is the dominant mechanism, the RPM does not correctly predict the evolution of the specific surface area since it does not consider the appearance and creation of new porosity. In this work, a new model is proposed that predicts the specific surface area created due to the formation of new pores. Subsequently, it is combined with the determination of the variation of the specific surface area predicted by the RPM due to the growth and coalescence of existing pores. The validation of the new pore evolution model with activated carbon samples obtained at different conversions shows that the model proposed adequately predicts the specific surface area and pore distribution evolution throughout the activation process.

Mini-review of DNA Methylation Detection Techniques and Their Potential Applications in Disease Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment.

DNA methylation is the dominant epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene expression in mammals, playing crucial roles in development, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Aberrations in DNA methylation are closely associated with the potential onset of various diseases. Consequently, numerous DNA methylation detection techniques have been successively developed. These methods not only facilitate the exploration of disease mechanisms but also hold significant promise for the development of diagnostic and prognostic strategies. In this Perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of commonly employed DNA methylation detection techniques as well as biosensing based on their underlying analytical techniques. For its medical applications, we begin by examining the pathogenesis of different diseases and then proceed to discuss how relevant technologies are applied in the context of these specific medical conditions. Additionally, we briefly discuss the current limitations of these techniques and highlight future challenges in advancing methylation detection and analysis methodologies.

POTENTIAL DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS BASED ON LITERATURE IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE AT Dr. M. DJAMIL PADANG HOSPITAL

Objective: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a notable cardiovascular disease impacting global morbidity and mortality. Geriatric patients with CHF typically require multiple medications that can potentially cause drug-drug interactions and affect patient therapy outcomes. This study aims to determine the potential drug-drug interactions, the relationship between the average number of cardiovascular drugs per day and the potential drug-drug interactions, and the relationship between the severity of drug-drug interactions and the clinical symptoms and signs of the patients.&#x0D; Methods: The research method used was analytical observational with retrospective data collection through the medical records of inpatients in 2021. A total of 63 patients were included using the total sampling method.&#x0D; Results: Results revealed that furosemide was the most commonly prescribed cardiovascular medication (15.27%). Among the participants, 93.65% exhibited potential drug-drug interactions (332 occurrences), with the most frequent involving furosemide and bisoprolol (32 cases). Pharmacodynamic interactions were the dominant mechanism (85.24%), with moderate severity (65.06%) being common. A significant relationship existed between the average number of cardiovascular drugs per day and the potential drug-drug interactions (p&lt;0.05). Nonetheless, there was no notable correlation discovered between the severity of the interaction and the presence of symptoms and clinical signs (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: When considering the high incidence of potential drug-drug interactions, it is expected that clinical pharmacists have the competence to analyze potential drug interactions to prevent harmful effects on patients.

Overpressure origin and evolution during burial in the shale gas plays of the Wufeng-Longmaxi formations of southern Sichuan basin

Identifying the origin, evolution and distribution of overpressure poses a significant challenge in shale gas reservoir, particularly in the deeper layers and zones of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formations. To uncover the origin mechanism and reconstruct the evolution process of overpressure, samples are collected from the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formations in the southern Sichuan Basin. Subsequently, a combination of multi well-logging methods is employed to comprehensively identify the origin mechanism of overpressure. Additionally, forward numerical simulation and Laser Raman inversion validation are utilized to reconstruct the evolution process of overpressure during burial. Results show that: (1) Hydrocarbon generation pressurization is identified as the dominant origin mechanism of overpressure in the Wufeng-Longmaxi shale gas reservoir, employing a combination of well-logging methods, the revised Bowers method, and a velocity-density intersection chart. (2) The Wufeng-Longmaxi shale undergoes three main pressurization processes, including kerogen generation oil pressurization, crude oil cracking gas pressurization and kerogen cracking gas pressurization. Hydrocarbon generation pressurization correlates closely with factors such as organic matter abundance and type, original hydrogen index, kerogen mass fraction and transformation rate, oil cracking rate and retention coefficient. (3) The pressure coefficient of kerogen generation oil pressurization and gas cracking pressurization reaches 1.73 and 2.78, respectively. The contribution of crude oil cracking gas pressurization (75.6 MPa) is significantly greater than kerogen generation oil pressurization (37.8 MPa). (4) The density of methane inclusions (0.290–0.319 g/cm3) is corroborated through both Laser Raman spectroscopy and homogenization temperature analysis. The paleo pressure is recovered as 90.3–193.5 MPa, with a corresponding pressure coefficient spanning from 1.39 to 2.98. This study not only contributes to the advancement of the shale gas accumulation theory, but also provides valuable insights to guide the further exploration and development of marine shale gas within the intricate tectonic setting of the Sichuan Basin.

Toxic work climates: An integrative review and development of a new construct and theoretical framework.

Research and the media demonstrate the profound impact hostile work environments have on organizations and their members. Often, the term "toxic work climate" is used to describe patterns of aggressive behaviors that harm individuals and manifest in the broader workplace. However, despite these common references, scholars still know relatively little about what a toxic work climate actually entails, the processes by which they emerge, and their influence on organizational outcomes. The research domain is complex. Within the organizational literature alone, toxic work climates have been described as those that harbor abusive bosses, aggressive employees, and those that show signs of bullying or incivility. Our aim in this integrative conceptual review is to add precision and focus to this multidisciplinary and fragmented literature. Grounding our efforts in multilevel theories, we first introduce an overarching definition of the toxic work climate construct and review research on existing hostile climate types that can appropriately be consolidated under this new heading. We then develop a new theoretical model that outlines the dominant causes and mechanisms by which toxic work climates form, and the main pathways by which they influence employees, teams, and organizations. Finally, we provide a unified path forward for advancing theory, research, and practice, including advice on how toxic climates might be combated in years to come. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Thermomechanical performance analysis of MicroPCM-enhanced energy pile concrete: A multiscale numerical study and formulation design implications

Energy pile is a form of pile foundation that combines load-bearing and heat exchange, marking a pivotal avenue for harnessing geothermal energy. Recent strides in research have highlighted the incorporation of microencapsulated phase change materials (MicroPCM) into energy piles due to their potential to amplify heat transfer efficiency. The thermomechanical behavior of phase change energy piles, however, becomes intricate owing to the dual impact of thermal and mechanical loads. Thus, a holistic multiscale analysis remains indispensable to grasp the repercussions of varied MicroPCM concentrations on the thermomechanical attributes of phase change concrete and the dominant mechanisms driving their thermo-mechanical performance. In the study, we propose an innovative multiscale numerical model to investigate the thermomechanical performance of MicroPCM-enhanced energy pile concrete, taking into account the randomly distributed MicroPCM particles and aggregate. The sensitivity analysis pinpointing the intrinsic determinants of phase change concrete was conducted to discern the pivotal contributors to its thermomechanical response. Core insights revealed that while MicroPCM addition might compromise the mechanical strength of concrete owing to its inherently weaker properties, it unquestionably bolsters the thermal characteristics of phase change concrete. The thermal conductivity of phase change concrete stands in inverse relation to its porosity and direct correspondence with its saturation level. Correlation evaluations ascertained that the thermal prowess of phase change concrete is predominantly swayed by saturation, followed by porosity, and lastly, MicroPCM content. This inquiry endeavors to elevate the heat transfer efficacy of energy piles by finetuning the formulation design of phase change concrete materials, shedding light on underlying mechanisms, and laying a robust foundation for the forthcoming adoption of MicroPCM energy piles.

The influence of turbulence and inertia in radial fracture flow

Industrial applications of flow through fractures such as geothermal energy or hydraulic stimulation involve forcing large flow rates through small fractures, thereby inducing inertial fluid behaviours and turbulence. The most common fracture flow model, Poiseuille flow (the cubic law), is incapable of capturing these phenomena and thus the impact of inertial and turbulent forces in fracture flow has remained relatively unexplored. The GG22 flow model is a newly derived fracture flow model that is capable of capturing inertial, transient and turbulent forces. In this article, we apply the GG22 flow model to hydraulic stimulation of radial fractures for the first time to determine how these phenomena manifest. We show that inertia and turbulence only manifest near the wellbore (within 30 radii) and lead to changes in fracture shape and injection pressure but have little impact on tip behaviour. Turbulence increases wellbore pressure and aperture while inertia decreases wellbore pressure and aperture. The majority of the pressure loss along the fracture occurs near the wellbore and is captured by turbulence where entrance correction factors would otherwise be needed. Using water, turbulence is the dominant mechanism that causes departures from Poiseuille flow at high $Re$ . The solution departs immediately upon the manifestation of turbulence ( $Re\geq 2\times 10^3$ ), while inertial effects manifest at higher flow rates ( $Re\geq 2\times 10^4$ ). Using slickwater, the opposite trend is observed: inertial effects manifest first ( $Re\geq 5\times 10^3$ ), while turbulent effects are delayed ( $Re\geq 10^4$ ). In both cases, the threshold for departures from the Poiseuille flow solution are low and the differences are large.

Extraskeletal chondroma of the toe in a child with DICER1 tumor predisposition syndrome: support for a dominant negative mechanism.

DICER1 tumor predisposition syndrome is a pleiotropic disorder that gives rise to various mainly pediatric-onset lesions. We report an extraskeletal chondroma (EC) of the great toe occurring in a child who, unusually, carries a germline "hotspot" missense DICER1 variant rather than the more usual loss-of-function (LOF) variant. No heterozygous LOF allele was identified in the EC. We demonstrate this variant impairs 5p cleavage of precursor-miRNA (pre-miRNA) and competes with wild-type (WT) DICER1 protein for pre-miRNA processing. These results suggest a mechanism through which a germline RNase IIIb variant could impair pre-miRNA processing without complete LOF of the WT DICER1 allele.