bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fate of biosolids‐bound PFAS through pyrolysis coupled with thermal oxidation for air emissions control
Authors: Winchell Lloyd J. , Cullen Joshua , Ross John J. , Seidel Alex , Romero Mary Lou , Kakar Farokh , Bronstad Embrey , Wells Martha J. M. , Klinghoffer Naomi B. , Berruti Franco , Miot Alexandre , Bell Katherine Y.
Published: November 2024

Pyrolysis has been identified as a possible thermal treatment process for reducing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from wastewater solids, though off‐gas from the pyrolysis unit can still be a source of PFAS emissions. In this work, the fate of PFAS through a laboratory‐scale pyrolysis unit coupled with a thermal oxidizer for treatment of off‐gasses is documented. Between 91.5% and >99.9% reduction was observed through the entire system for specific compounds based on targeted analyses. Overall, the pyrolysis and thermal oxidizer system removed 99.4% of the PFAS moles introduced. Furthermore, shorter chain variants comprised the majority of reportable PFAS in the thermal oxidizer flue gas, indicating the longer chain compounds present in the dried biosolids fed to pyrolyzer decompose through the system.

Practitioner Points

Thermal oxidation is a promising treatment technology for exhaust systems associated with thermal biosolids treatments.

Thermal oxidation demonstrated significant degradation capabilities, with gas phase emissions comprising only 0.200% of initial PFAS concentrations to the system.

Short‐chain PFAS made up a higher percent of thermal oxidizer emissions, ranging between 54.4% and 79.5% of PFAS in the exhaust on a molar basis.

The possibility of recombinant PFAS formation and partial thermal decomposition of PFAS in thermal oxidation is a needed area of research.
Structural Diversity of Cadmium Complexes with N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Isothiocyanate Zwitterionic Ligand
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Das Suman , Jain Archana , Panda Tarun K.
Published: November 2024

In this study, we discuss the synthesis and structural characterization of three N‐heterocyclic carbene isothiocyanate zwitterionic ligands, 1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐2‐N‐phenyl‐thiocarbamoyl imidazolium (ImDipp‐CSNPh, L1), 1,3‐bis(tert‐butyl)‐2‐N‐phenylthiocarbamoyl imidazolium (ImtBu‐CSNPh, L2) and 1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)‐2‐N‐phenylthiocarbamoyl imidazolium (ImMes‐CSNPh, L3) and their cadmium complexes, [(ImDipp‐CSNPh)2CdCl][CdCl3] (1) and [(ImtBu‐CSNPh)Cd(μ‐Cl)Cl]2 (2). Both bench‐stable cadmium complexes were synthesized by directly reacting the corresponding NHC‐CSNPh adducts with anhydrous cadmium chloride. The solid‐state structures of zwitterionic NHC‐isothiocyanate betaine adducts (L1‐L3) and cadmium complexes (1 and 2) were investigated with the assistance of single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. A steric modification of N‐substituent on NHC governs a unique structural change from betaine ImDipp‐CSNPh coordinated cationic cadmium complex to neutral dimeric cadmium complex with ImtBu‐CSNPh.
Field theory for superconducting branes and generalized particle-vortex duality
Authors: Kawana Kiyoharu
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We propose a field theory of closed p-brane Cp interacting with a (p + 1)-form gauge field Ap+1. This is a generalization of the Ginzburg-Landau theory (Abelian-Higgs model) for superconducting particles to higher-dimensional superconducting branes. A higher-form gauge invariant action is constructed by utilizing the Area derivative, which is a higher-dimensional generalization of the ordinary derivative. We find that the fundamental phenomena of superconductivity, such as the Meisser effect, topological defects, topological order, are naturally extended in the brane-field theory. We explicitly construct a topologically non-trivial static configuration that is characterized by the first homotopy group. Then, we calculate the low-energy effective theory in the presence of the topological defect and find that it is described by a BF-type topological field theory coupled with the world-volume of the topological defect. We also discuss a potential duality between the superconducting brane-field model and a brane-field model with a global U(1) higher-form symmetry as a generalization of the Particle-Vortex duality.
Trace anomalies and the graviton-dilaton amplitude
Authors: Karateev Denis , Komargodski Zohar , Penedones João , Sahoo Biswajit
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We consider 3+1 dimensional Quantum Field Theories (QFTs) coupled to the dilaton and the graviton. We show that the graviton-dilaton scattering amplitude receives a universal contribution which is helicity flipping and is proportional to ∆c − ∆a along any RG flow, where ∆c and ∆a are the differences of the UV and IR c- and a-trace anomalies respectively. This allows us to relate ∆c − ∆a to spinning massive states in the spectrum of the QFT. We test our predictions in two simple examples: in the theory of a massive free scalar and in the theory of a massive Dirac fermion (a more complicated example is provided in a companion paper [1]). We discuss possible applications.
Confinement and screening via holographic Wilson loops
Authors: Giliberti Mauro , Fatemiabhari Ali , Nunez Carlos
Published: November 2024

Abstract

We present the holographic dual to a family of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs in four dimensions, deformed by a VEV leading to a gapped system. We calculate Wilson loops in this system containing adjoint, bifundamental, and fundamental matter. We calculate the quark-antiquark energy E in terms of their separation L, finding an approximate analytic expression for E(L). This expression shows the transition between conformal, confining, and screened behaviors. Interesting phenomenology is discussed in a variety of examples. The tool used is the minimization of the F1 string action, for which the code used is made publicly available.
Effectiveness and Safety of Shorter Incontinence Slings
Authors: Rimstad Kjersti , Oversand Sissel Hegdahl , Engh Marie Ellström , Svenningsen Rune
Published: November 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

Traditional slings, tension-free vaginal tape obturator inside-out (TVT-O) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), have well-documented continence outcomes but can cause serious complications. This study was aimed at evaluating whether slings with less synthetic material, Ajust™ and TVT-O Abbrevo™ (TVT-A), have comparable 6– to 12-month failure and complication rates, including risk of prolonged postoperative pain, compared with traditional slings.

Methods

A registry study from the Norwegian Female Incontinence Registry (NFIR) including 611 Ajust™, 2,772 TVT-A, and 18,612 traditional slings was carried out. Preoperative, surgical, and 6– to 12-month follow-up data from the period 2009–2021 were used. Objective failure was defined as ≥ 1-g leakage on standardized cough-jump stress test. Subjective failure was defined as stress index-score ≥ 3 on a validated questionnaire. Prolonged postoperative pain was defined as lasting > 3 months.

Results

At first follow-up after 6–12 months, the groups differed significantly. Objective failure rates were as follows: Ajust™ 15.4%, TVT-A 13.5%, and traditional slings 7.3%, p < 0.01. Subjective failure rates were as follows: Ajust™ 23.4%, TVT-A 23.8%, and traditional slings 18.8%, p < 0.01. Shorter slings had fewer overall complications (Ajust™ 4.9% vs TVT-A 6.5% vs traditional slings 9.3%, p < 0.01), but did not have less prolonged postoperative pain (TVT-A: 1.4% vs Ajust™ 0.8% vs traditional slings 0.7%, p < 0.01 < 0.01). All presented outcomes remained significant after adjusting for differences at baseline.

Conclusions

Shorter slings have inferior subjective and objective continence outcomes at 6–12 months, but fewer overall complications except for prolonged postoperative pain.
Early detection of heartwood rot caused by Fistulina hepatica in Castanea sativa productive coppices through low-invasive resistance drilling
Authors: Meijer Andreu , Muñoz-Adalia E. Jordán , Correal-Mòdol Eduard , Colinas Carlos
Published: November 2024

Chestnut Red Stain (CRS) is a heartwood discoloration that widely affects Castanea sativa Mill. productive coppice stands in the northeast of Spain. At the early stages of infection, the structural properties of the wood are not affected, but still its economic value drops up to 70% due to the rejection of this wood. This disease is caused by the fungus Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and causes uncertainty to forest managers since the fungal infection is virtually impossible to detect before felling. The objective of this work was to develop an efficient detection method to evaluate the presence of F. hepatica in early stages of productive periods. A total of 72 chestnuts were analyzed through molecular methods to determine the presence of F. hepatica and with an IML resistance drill to characterize their wood. Thirteen wood quality indices were calculated and their correlation with the presence of the pathogen was evaluated using linear mixed models. We found clear differences between healthy and infected trees in four indices. A new specific index (Chestnut Red Stain Danger index) was designed to estimate the probability of infection by F. hepatica. The results support the hypothesis that the early presence of F. hepatica is detectable through inexpensive and fast mechanical methods early in a rotation. The results of this work will help forest managers evaluate the incidence of CRS, as well as it establishes a novel methodology for further development of resistance drilling techniques for heartwood rot detection.
“Tumor immunology meets oncology” (TIMO), 18 April–20 April 2024, in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
Authors: Seliger Barbara
Published: November 2024

The TIMO meeting XVIII 2024 covered both basic and translational tumor immunological topics, which were presented by national and international scientists and clinicians.
‘Slow down, one detail at the time!’ the influence of reflective-impulsive cognitive style on the recollection of criminal events
Authors: Glomb Kaja , Piotrowski Przemysław , Gulla Bożena , Romanowska Iza , Mastek Maria
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of the reflective-impulsive dimension of cognitive styles on recollection and the accuracy of a criminal events. In a VR-based experimental study, 150 participants were exposed to both criminal and neutral scenarios and subsequently asked to report everything they remembered about them. Cognitive styles were assessed using a computer-administered Matching Familiar Figures Test. The findings highlight that individuals with a reflective cognitive style consistently provided detailed descriptions of the events, irrespective of the context of encoding. In contrast, individuals with an impulsive cognitive style displayed context-specific effects, notably reduced performance when recalling emotionally charged criminal events. Notably, cognitive style did not moderate the accuracy of testimony. Given that the subjects who observed the crime achieved a lower overall accuracy rate than those who observed the neutral video, it appears that accuracy is directly affected by the criminal content.
Prognostic factors in clear cell sarcoma: an analysis of soft tissue sarcoma in 43 cases
Authors: Grothues Janik , Hardes Jendrik , Agaimy Abbas , Collaud Stephane , Podleska Lars , Farzalyev Farhad , Engel Nina Myline , Hamacher Rainer , Fletcher Benjamin , Pöttgen Christoph , Bertram Stefanie , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Streitbürger Arne , Bauer Sebastian , Falkenhorst Johanna
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) of tendons and aponeuroses and CCS-like malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor/sarcoma (GINET) are characterized by frequent local and distant relapses, alongside with low efficacy of all systemic treatments. We aimed to collect a comprehensive dataset to identify prognostic factors and treatment outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single center analysis for diagnosed CCS and GINET on demographic, tumor, treatment and survival data.

Results

We identified 43 patients (w:25, m:18) with a median follow-up of 35mo and a 5y-OS-rate of 42%. At diagnosis the median age was 42yrs. Median tumor size was 3.6 cm (0.3–11.1 cm), and 24/26 (94%) tissues analyzed at our institute were EWSR1::ATF1-translocation-positive. Distant extremities (incl. knee or elbow) were affected in 72.5%. Of note, 79.5% received an excisional biopsy (benign histology suspected in 30.2%) leading to frequent incomplete resection. Final R0 status correlated significantly (p = 0.017) with longer survival rates compared to R + status in localized CCS (N0M0, 5-yr OS 0% vs 64%). Radiation and systemic treatment had limited antitumor effects while isolated limb perfusion was active in some patients. 18.6% of patients showed lymphatic spread and 20.9% distant metastases. Presence of initial M + was associated with a dismal survival of 1.4 years (M +) vs 7.1 years (M0; p < .001).

Conclusion

We here present one of the largest clinical cohorts of patients with CCS/GINET. Our data underscores the exceptional risk of metastatic disease even in small tumors. As systemic treatment and radiation showed limited efficacy, complete resection was the most important treatment option.
A Bayesian spatio-temporal model for cluster detection: identifying HPV suboptimal vaccine coverage
Authors: López-Lacort Mónica , Corberán-Vallet Ana , Briz-Redón Álvaro , Santonja Gómez Francisco J. , Muñoz-Quiles Cintia , Orrico-Sánchez Alejandro
Published: November 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus responsible for several types of cancer. HPV vaccines have been included in the systematic vaccination of the Valencia Region since 2008. Despite clinical agreement on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in many areas. In order to facilitate the implementation of targeted strategies to enhance vaccination coverage, we develop here an easy-to-implement spatio-temporal clustering model that identifies groups of health districts that share similar behaviour. Namely, health districts are clustered twice. First, they are grouped into spatial clusters based on their underlying vaccination coverage that remains constant over time. Second, they are clustered according to their evolution of annual vaccination rates. A feature of our model is that it does not impose that geographically neighboring areas are assigned to the same spatial cluster or the same temporal trend. This flexibility allows us to explore different spatial and temporal structures. Suboptimal HPV vaccination coverage was found in some health districts. The results reveal the presence of three spatial clusters, with estimated coverage ranging between 82 and 97%, for 14-year-old girls and five clusters for 12-year-old girls, with coverage ranging between 61 and 96%. However, most health districts in this age group show an increasing vaccination trend. The need for future efforts to identify factors causing suboptimal vaccination coverage so that they can be acted upon specifically is highlighted.
Assessing climate change threats and urbanization impacts on surface runoff in Gdańsk (Poland): insights from remote sensing, machine learning and hydrological modeling
Authors: Gulshad Khansa , Szydłowski Michał , Mustafa Andam
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impacts of Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) changes and climate change on surface runoff in Gdańsk, Poland, which is crucial for local LULC planning and urban flood risk management. The analysis employs two primary methodologies: remote sensing and hydrological modeling. Remote sensing was conducted using Google Earth Engine and Land Change Modeler in IDRISI Terrset software to analyze historical (1985–2022) and future (2050–2100) LULC. Hydrological modeling was performed using the Natural Resources Conservation Service curve number method to assess the overall impact of LULC changes on Gdańsk’s hydrology at the local scale. The Orunia basin, a critical area due to intensive LULC development, was selected for detailed hydrological analysis using the Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS). The analysis encompassed three scenarios: LULC changes, climate change, and combined LULC and climate change effects. The LULC analysis revealed a marked increase in urban area, a shift in forest and vegetation cover, and a reduction in agricultural land. HEC-HMS simulations showed an increase in the runoff coefficient across selected decades, which was attributed to the combined effect of LULC and climate change. The projected increases under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios for 2050 and 2100 are projected to surpass those observed during the baseline period. The findings highlight that the synergistic effects of LULC and climate change have a more significant impact on Gdańsk’s hydrology at both local and basin scales than their separate effects. These insights into LULC shifts and urban hydrological responses hold implications for sustainable urban planning and effective flood risk management in Gdańsk and similar urban settings.
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy and vagus somatosensory evoked potentials add to the power of established parameters such as poor cognitive performance, dsyosmia and APOe genotype to predict cognitive decline over 8 years in the elderly
Authors: Herrmann Martin J. , Wuttke Alexandra , Breuninger Linda , Eff Judith , Ettlinger Sophia , Fischer Matthias , Götzelmann Andrea , Gram Annika , Pomper Laura D. , Schneider Evelyn , Schwitalla Lisa , Siminski Niklas , Spielmann Fabian , Weinmann Erik , Weyel Viona , Zeller Julia B. M. , Lauer Martin , Deckert Jürgen , Polak Thomas
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s dementia is the main cause of cognitive impairment in people over the age of 65, with Alzheimer’s disease starting presumably 10–15 years before the onset of clinical symptoms. It is therefore important to recognize dementia at an early stage and identify possible predictors. The existing methods, like different parameters of ß-Amyloid and Tau quantification in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or the living brain by measure of PET, are invasive and expensive. Therefore, the present study investigates the predictive value of a battery of clinical, neuropsychological, and blood parameters as well as two neurophysiological methods (functional near-infrared spectroscopy [fNIRS] and vagus somatosensory evoked potentials [VSEP]) which are easy to perform, less invasive and cost-efficient, for developing cognitive impairments in the elderly.

In this longitudinal, prospective study, we enrolled 604 healthy participants between 70 and 77 years of age. The participants were invited back after a mean time interval of 3 years and 11 months, and after 7 years and 8 months, and their cognitive impairments were determined.

Here we show that the development of cognitive impairments after approximately 8 years can be predicted not only by previously known risk factors such as ApoE4 risk alleles, dysosmia, or poor cognitive performance at baseline but that latency prolongation in the VSEP and altered functional activation patterns measured by NIRS at baseline also provide additional predictive value.

We therefore suggest that both neurophysiological parameters, VSEP and NIRS, should be included in future studies, investigating the prediction of dementia.

Dementia ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02224326.
A non-intrusive reduced-order model for finite element analysis of implant positioning in total hip replacements
Authors: Reiber Marlis , Bensel Fynn , Zheng Zhibao , Nackenhorst Udo
Published: November 2024

Sophisticated high-fidelity simulations can predict bone mass density (BMD) changes around a hip implant after implantation. However, these models currently have high computational demands, rendering them impractical for clinical settings. Model order reduction techniques offer a remedy by enabling fast evaluations. In this work, a non-intrusive reduced-order model, combining proper orthogonal decomposition with radial basis function interpolation (POD-RBF), is established to predict BMD distributions for varying implant positions. A parameterised finite element mesh is morphed using Laplace’s equation, which eliminates tedious remeshing and projection of the BMD results on a common mesh in the offline stage. In the online stage, the surrogate model can predict BMD distributions for new implant positions and the results are visualised on the parameterised reference mesh. The computational time for evaluating the final BMD distribution around a new implant position is reduced from minutes to milliseconds by the surrogate model compared to the high-fidelity model. The snapshot data, the surrogate model parameters and the accuracy of the surrogate model are analysed. The presented non-intrusive surrogate model paves the way for on-the-fly evaluations in clinical practice, offering a promising tool for planning and monitoring of total hip replacements.
Decision-making during training of a Swedish navy command and control team: a quantitative study of workload effects
Authors: Hindorf Marie , Bäckström Denise , Jonson Carl-Oscar , Jonsson Anders , Berggren Peter
Published: November 2024

The study compared two simulation environments for training of Swedish naval Command and Control teams by using indirect measures, including workload, combat readiness, and situation awareness. The literature explains simulation-based training as providing a safe avenue to practice relevant scenarios. Fidelity, the degree of realism in the simulation, and workload, the equilibrium between demands and assigned tasks, are crucial factors examined in this study of low- and high-fidelity naval simulations. This study was conducted to better understand the effects of various training methods. An experimental design with repeated measures was used with three consecutive escalating parts. The subjective, multidimensional assessment tool, NASA-Task Load Index was used to rate perceived workload. Combat readiness of the ship and mental demand yielded significant results. For combat readiness of the ship, there was a difference between the low and the high-fidelity setting, for the initial part of the scenario p = 0.037 and for the second part p = 0.028. Mental demand was experienced as higher in the low-fidelity setting, p = 0.036. Notably, the simulated internal battle training for onboard command teams in a low-fidelity setting was found to induce a level of stress comparable with that experienced in a high-fidelity setting. The results indicate that low-fidelity training results in a workload not distinguishable from high-fidelity training and has practical implications for increased use of low-fidelity training as part of (naval) command team training programmes.
Naming and dividing: the production of residual labour in the region of Doñana
Authors: Buier Natalia
Published: November 2024

Through a case study of the production of agricultural wage labour in southwestern Spain, in the region of Doñana, this articles analyses the process of constructing agricultural wage labour as a residual social relation. Through analysis of the deployment of labour in agro-industrial berry production, I trace the ways in which the notions of “temporariness” and “slave work” obscure the centrality of labour in the agricultural production process and conceal the reconfiguration of relations of exploitation.
Machine learning in causal inference for epidemiology
Authors: Moccia Chiara , Moirano Giovenale , Popovic Maja , Pizzi Costanza , Fariselli Piero , Richiardi Lorenzo , Ekstrøm Claus Thorn , Maule Milena
Published: November 2024

In causal inference, parametric models are usually employed to address causal questions estimating the effect of interest. However, parametric models rely on the correct model specification assumption that, if not met, leads to biased effect estimates. Correct model specification is challenging, especially in high-dimensional settings. Incorporating Machine Learning (ML) into causal analyses may reduce the bias arising from model misspecification, since ML methods do not require the specification of a functional form of the relationship between variables. However, when ML predictions are directly plugged in a predefined formula of the effect of interest, there is the risk of introducing a “plug-in bias” in the effect measure. To overcome this problem and to achieve useful asymptotic properties, new estimators that combine the predictive potential of ML and the ability of traditional statistical methods to make inference about population parameters have been proposed. For epidemiologists interested in taking advantage of ML for causal inference investigations, we provide an overview of three estimators that represent the current state-of-art, namely Targeted Maximum Likelihood Estimation (TMLE), Augmented Inverse Probability Weighting (AIPW) and Double/Debiased Machine Learning (DML).
Parental Representations and Emotional Availability: The Case of Children with Autism and Severe Behavior Problems
Authors: Sher-Censor Efrat , Harel Moria , Oppenheim David , Aran Adi
Published: November 2024

Studies suggest that parents’ emotional availability (EA) is associated with children’s wellbeing, including in the case of children with autism. Our study extended prior research by examining the role of parents’ representations in fostering parental EA and by focusing on fathers and on children with autism and severe behavior problems. We expected that parents’ positive representations would be associated with higher EA and compared mothers’ and fathers’ representations and EA. Participants were 79 mothers and 69 fathers (child age range = 61–173 months, 21.95% girls). Representation assessments included the Reaction to Diagnosis Questionnaire, tapping resolution with respect to the child’s diagnosis, and the coherence and positive comments in parents’ Five Minute Speech Samples about the child. Parents’ EA was coded from parent–child play interactions. Controlling for children’s autism symptoms and adaptive functioning, mothers’ resolution with respect to the child’s diagnosis and positive comments (but not coherence) were associated with their EA, and fathers’ coherence (but not positive comments and resolution) was associated with their EA. Mothers expressed more positive comments than fathers, and the resolution and EA scores of mothers and fathers were significantly correlated. Our results highlight the importance of considering both parents’ representations and EA when studying and working with families of children with autism and severe behavior problems.
Tilly versus Milward: Experimental Evidence of Public Preferences for European Defense Amidst the Russian Threat
Authors: Moise Alexandru D. , Truchlewski Zbigniew , Oana Ioana-Elena
Published: November 2024

Following the “bellicist” school of state formation, the external threat of war is expected to spur polity formation by centralizing military capacity (Tilly, in Coercion, Capital, and European States, Oxford, Basil Blackwell, 1990). It has been argued that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could provide such an impetus for centralization in the EU polity (Kelemen & McNamara, Comparative Political Studies, 55(6):18–34, 2022). We adapt the Tillian argument to the era of mass democracy, where governments need citizen support. Public support is crucial because it can constrain governments in times of crisis, especially regarding salient policies. We do not yet understand what degree of centralization the European public supports and under which conditions it can increase. We conduct an experiment where we vary both the Russian (escalation from presence in Ukraine to the invasion of Moldova or Lithuania) and the American responses (continuation of support vs. withdrawal) and see how European preferences vary for polity building in defense. We field our experiment in 7 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Finland, Poland, and Hungary) with different sensitivities and exposures to the war in Ukraine. We propose an alternative argument to the Tillian approach based on the seminal Milwardian argument according to which polity coordination of national capacities is preferred (Milward, in The European Rescue of the Nation State, University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, 1992). We show theoretically and empirically that external threats can actually hamper polity centralization, at least in the short term. Rather, they strengthen the subunits of a polity through coordination.
Tribute to Kenneth Sauer (1931–2022): a mentor, a role-model, and an inspiration to all in the field of photosynthesis
Authors: Yano Junko , Kern Jan , Blankenship Robert E. , Messinger Johannes , Yachandra Vittal K.
Published: November 2024

Kenneth (Ken) Sauer was a mainstay of research in photosynthesis at the University of California, Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) for more than 50 years. Ken will be remembered by his colleagues, and other workers in the field of photosynthesis as well, for his pioneering work that introduced the physical techniques whose application have enriched our understanding of the basic reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis. His laboratory was a training ground for many students and postdocs who went on to success in the field of photosynthesis and many others. Trained as a physical chemist, he always brought that quantitative approach to research questions and used several spectroscopic methods in his research. His broad scientific interests concerned the role of manganese in oxygen evolution, electronic properties of chlorophylls, energy transport in antenna complexes, and electron transport reactions. He was also an enthusiastic teacher, an enormously successful mentor who leaves behind a legion of scientists as his abiding legacy, a lover of music and the outdoors with many interests beyond science, and a dedicated family man with a great sense of humility. In this tribute, we summarize some aspects of Ken Sauer’s life and career, illustrated with selected research achievements, and describe his approach to research and life as we perceived it, which is complemented by reminiscences of several current researchers in photosynthesis and other fields. The supporting material includes Ken Sauers’s CV and publication list, as well as a list of the graduate students and postdocs he trained and of researchers that spent a sabbatical in his lab.
Referrals and Black-White Coronary Heart Disease Treatment Disparities: A Qualitative Study of Primary Care Physician Perspectives
Authors: Qureshi Nabeel , Berry Sandra , Damberg Cheryl L. , Gibson Ben , Popescu Ioana
Published: November 2024

Background

Black-White coronary heart disease (CHD) treatment disparities are well documented, especially regarding the use of high-quality hospitals. Physician referral networks may play a role.

Objective

To understand how primary care physicians (PCPs) make specialty referrals for CHD treatment and how referrals may contribute to treatment disparities.

Design

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.

Participants

We purposively recruited 45 PCPs (50 invited, 90% response rate) in three metro areas with high Black-White segregation of cardiac care networks (New York City; Chicago; Atlanta).

Approach

We developed the focus group discussion guide from interviews and current literature. We conducted two focus groups per metro area via Zoom. Two expert team members independently coded the transcripts using inductive techniques and analyzed focus group content and themes using Dedoose.

Key Results

Most participants were male (62.2%), White (57.8%), and practiced for at least 23 years. We identified several recurrent themes for factors influencing cardiology referrals. The most frequently mentioned themes were heavy reliance on professional networks, specialist availability, timeliness, communication style, patient geographic and economic constraints, and patient preferences. PCPs used anecdotal and not data-driven evidence to assess hospital quality and viewed Black-White differences in high-quality hospital use as due to patient economic status and preferences or differences in hospital access and provider referral bias.

Conclusion

PCPs’ referral decisions for CHD treatment are primarily driven by access to specific professional networks and the socioeconomic circumstances of their patients. Nevertheless, PCPs strive to make the best available decisions, leaning into their networks and honoring patient preferences. While PCPs acknowledged existing disparities, they attributed them to patient and system factors rather than provider referral bias. Mitigating disparities will require interventions to improve minority-serving providers’ formal and informal connections with high-quality specialists and hospitals, address patient socioeconomic constraints, and train providers to recognize their potential biases and misconceptions.
Can spatial planning in the Polish Carpathians be enforced? How spatial chaos indicators depict a gap between scientific knowledge and practice
Authors: Ćwik Agata
Published: November 2024

Despite their strategic hydrological importance for neighbouring areas, the Polish Carpathians are experiencing spatial chaos, which may weaken their adaptability to the progressive climate change. The article attempts to answer the question of whether spatial planning, which is supposed to guarantee spatial order, fulfils its role and whether the knowledge of the natural conditions of spatial development is respected in the spatial planning process. Using GIS techniques, up to 238 communes were analysed in terms of their spatial coverage, the degree of scattered settlement, and the violation of natural barriers by location of buildings in areas that are threatened with mass movements or floods; by settlement on excessively inclined slopes and in areas with adverse climatic conditions. Spearman non-parametric rank correlation analysis and the multidimensional Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique were performed to investigate relations between spatial chaos indicators and the planning situation. The analysis of the data has revealed that spatial planning does not fulfil its role. Serious errors in location of buildings have been noted even though the communes are covered by local spatial development plans. Scientific knowledge is not sufficiently transferred into planning documents, and bottom-up initiatives cannot replace systemic solutions. There is a need for strengthening the role of environmental studies documents in the spatial planning system. This would facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge into the planning process and help to protect mountain areas. The development of a special spatial strategy for the Polish Carpathians in compliance with the Carpathian Convention is also recommended.
Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in Patients Without Diabetes: a Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Toraih Eman A. , Doma Mohamed , Atwal Aria Kaur , Vlassis Benito , Abdelmaksoud Ahmed , Aiash Hani , Acharya Runa
Published: November 2024

Background

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. However, the incidence and long-term risk of hypoglycemia after surgery in patients without diabetes remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hypoglycemia following RYGB surgery in patients with obesity and without diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX database. The study population included 15,085 patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who underwent RYGB surgery and 3,200,074 non-surgical controls, all without a history of diabetes or GLP-1 receptor agonist use. Propensity score matching was performed to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoglycemia, defined by ICD-10-CM codes or laboratory values (glucose ≤ 70 mg/dL). Cox regression analysis was employed to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In the overall study population, the risk of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in the RYGB group (18.70%, n = 2,810) compared to the control group (3.80%, n = 120,923; HR 4.3, 95% CI 4.14–4.46, p < 0.001). After propensity score matching (n = 14,916 per group), RYGB patients maintained an elevated risk (18.70%, n = 2,795) compared to matched controls (5.0%, n = 749; HR 3.7, 95% CI 3.44–4.05, p < 0.001). Time-series analysis revealed consistently higher hypoglycemia risk in the RYGB group, with hazard ratios ranging from 5.37 (95% CI 4.09–7.03) at 1 week to 3.75 (95% CI 3.45–4.06) at 10 years post-surgery (all p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of RYGB patients who developed hypoglycemia showed a 30-day hospitalization rate of 21.3% and a mortality rate of 0.71%.

Conclusion

RYGB surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of hypoglycemia in patients with obesity and without diabetes, both in the short-term and long-term follow-up. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing hypoglycemia in patients undergoing RYGB surgery, even in the absence of preexisting diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring global citizenship education for preservice early childhood teachers in South Korea: critical reflections on transformative pedagogy through journal writing
Authors: Suh Hyun-Sun , Jun Hong-Ju
Published: November 2024

This study aims to reveal how the “Global Citizenship Education (GCE) for Preservice Early Childhood Teachers” course offered at a teacher education program in South Korea fosters critical reflection in preservice early childhood teachers. Of the 21 preservice early childhood teachers who registered for this course, 11 agreed to participate in the research. The participants were asked to submit journals after each class, and the researchers analyzed the content of the participants' journals, focusing on the aspects of key concepts, inquiry, and change. Participants’ journal entries reevaluate the notion of child-centered education, critique institutional biases, and offer a clarifying perspective on the limitations of “equality” in achieving happiness for all. Participants also critically analyzed anthropocentric perspectives and behaviors, exploring how their thinking, being, feeling, and acting were shaped. By illuminating the possibility of providing opportunities to encourage GCE and critical reflection, albeit on a small scale, this study is expected to encourage teacher educators to implement GCE for preservice teachers.
Rethinking the Role of Knowledge Sharing on Organizational Performance in Knowledge-Intensive Business Services
Authors: Danko Lukáš , Crhová Zuzana
Published: November 2024

When implementing the knowledge-based view on organizations, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the organizational performance. Current research on organizational performance is often fragmented into partial facets leaving the complexity of this domain out of picture. The aim of the paper is to examine the relationship between knowledge sharing and organizational performance, comprising innovativeness, market efficiency, and financial performance. We used partial least squares structural equation modelling on profit-oriented organizations in knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). The sample consists of 237 observations based on a two-round questionnaire survey, which was distributed to randomly selected companies in the Czech Republic. The results suggest that knowledge sharing between managers and employees enhances organizational performance. Organizations with such kind of knowledge sharing nurture both horizontal and vertical information flow, which in turn fosters innovativeness. Sharing knowledge as a part of work duties are key activities to increase market efficiency and innovativeness. Conversely, the model indicates that despite developing collectivism through sharing best practices and feedback, there is a minimal impact of knowledge sharing on financial performance.
Wind tunnel and flight testing of a lamb wave-based ice accretion sensor
Authors: Pohl Martin
Published: November 2024

Severe icing conditions are still a risk in aviation. Heavy ice accretion on aircraft can affect mass and aerodynamic performance in a way, that a catastrophic loss of control may occur. Detecting icing conditions and the extent of ice accretion is therefore essential to react instantly and to assess the severity. This eases the decision to either activate ice protection systems and continue the flight or to leave the icing conditions immediately. These functions can be provided by an icing sensor. Within the EU funded SENS4ICE project, several ice sensors have been developed. One of them is the so-called local ice layer detector (LILD). It uses lamb waves which are guided by the aircraft structure. If an ice accretion happens, the wave guide behavior is affected changing amplitude and lag time of the lamb wave pulses. This can be measured. If the sensor is mounted to a surface on the aircraft which is prone to icing, e.g. the leading edge of the wing, ice can be detected where it is relevant for the aerodynamic performance. Within the project, the sensor hard- and software have been developed to create and measure lamb wave pulses in a wide frequency range. To investigate the influence of ice accretion on the lamb waves, wind tunnel tests were undertaken. Finally, the sensor was investigated in a flight test. In this paper, an overview about the function of the sensor as well as the general signal behavior are given. The results of the wind tunnel test and some preliminary results from the flight tests will be shown. In both tests, the sensor was able to detect even very thin ice layers with minimum delay from the beginning of the ice accretion.
Matching the opposites: liver transplantation from a situs viscerum inversus totalis donor
Authors: Guidetti Cristiano , Odorizzi Roberta , Catellani Barbara , Muller Philip , Magistri Paolo , Guerrini Gian Piero , Di Sandro Stefano , Di Benedetto Fabrizio
Published: November 2024

Situs viscerum inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital anomaly. Deceased donors with this condition are often declined because of the technical issues in both the organ’s procurement and its transplant. Only eight cases of deceased donor organs with SIT were reported to be used for liver transplantation (LT). We herein present a case of LT using a graft from an SIT donor: a modified retroversus piggyback technique was used. A 15 year-old female was referred to our institution as a potential donor. An SIT condition was discovered during standard donor evaluation together with the presence of a complex triple arterial pedicle. Procurement operative time was 125 min, from skin incision to cross-clamp. Liver extraction occurred 32 min after cold flush. The recipient was a 56 year-old male affected by recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on hepatitis C related liver cirrhosis. Position and orientation trials of the graft were made and it was decided to implant it with the retroversus technique. Direct duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction was achieved. The postoperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the first implant with retroversus technique combined to direct biliary reconstruction and the first repetition of that technique. Cases like this highlight how technical complexity can be overcome leading to successful management of difficult scenarios in a safe manner.
Synthesis, characterization and dielectric properties evaluation of NiO-Co3O4 nanocomposite
Authors: Amir Jalal , Muhammad Sheraz , Kashif Muhammad , Khan Azmat Ali , Gul Misbah , Sun Hao , Shah Muffarih , Azizi Shohreh , Maaza Malik
Published: November 2024

Nanosized materials are increasingly being recognized as inherent components in the development of energy storage devices and other state-of-the-art dielectric applications. In this work, nickel oxide (NiO), cobalt oxide (Co3O4) and NiO–Co3O4 nanocomposites in different compositions (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) were successfully synthesized through hydrothermal method, optimizing concentrations of the precursors, and X-ray diffraction confirmed single-phase polycrystalline NiO and Co3O4. SEM images showed that distinct morphologies for each material and FTIR spectra reveal Ni–O and Co–O. UV–visible analysis shows a plasmon peak at 307 nm for NiO and excition absorption at 282 nm for Co3O4. NiO–Co3O4 nanocomposites displayed band gaps ranging from 2.37 eV to 2.67 eV. Dielectric properties showed a decrease in εʹ with frequency, attributed to Maxwell–Wagner and hopping models. AC conductivity increased with frequency due to Co3O4 content and oxygen vacancies. The study suggests potential applications in supercapacitors, spintronics, high-frequency devices and ultra-high dielectric materials.
Welche Rolle spielen kognitive Belastung und Motivation beim feedbackgestützten Lernen?
Authors: Boegel Svenja , Ropohl Mathias
Published: November 2024

Schüler:innen zeigen Schwierigkeiten bei der Planung von naturwissenschaftlichen Experimenten unter Anwendung der Variablenkontrollstrategie (VKS). Individuelles Feedback kann Schüler:innen bei der Anwendung der VKS unterstützen. Damit Feedback lernwirksam eingesetzt werden kann, ist Wissen über die gestalterische und inhaltliche Aufbereitung und deren Einfluss auf die Wirkung notwendig. Im Rahmen von Meta-Analysen und Interventionsstudien wurden Merkmale – sowohl gestalterische wie auch inhaltliche – analysiert und ihre Wirkung auf Wissen und Kompetenzen beim Anwenden der VKS belegt. Ob bestimmte Feedbackmerkmale dabei auch Einfluss auf die kognitive Belastung, Motivation und wahrgenommene Kompetenzunterstützung nehmen und so die Wirkung zusätzlich fördern können, gilt als offen. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist das Ziel der im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgestellten experimentellen Untersuchung gestalterische und inhaltliche Feedbackmerkmale sowie den Einfluss von Feedback auf die kognitive Belastung, Motivation und wahrgenommene Kompetenzunterstützung von Schüler:innen zu untersuchen. Hierzu wurden in drei Untersuchungsgruppen je eine andere Feedbackform – sachliches, motivierendes oder graphisches Feedback – im Chemieunterricht an Gymnasien (N = 98) eingesetzt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich anhand der erhobenen Daten die untersuchten Feedbackmerkmale hypothesenkonform in gestalterische und inhaltliche Merkmale kategorisieren lassen, welche die formalen Kriterien sowie die Art der rückgemeldeten Informationen des Feedbacks widerspiegeln. Zu den gestalterischen Merkmalen zählen beispielsweise der Umfang von Feedback und ein klarer Bezug zur bearbeiteten Aufgabe. Das Rückmelden von Informationen zum Lernziel, Lernstand und den nächsten Lernschritten kann den inhaltlichen Merkmalen zugeordnet werden. Die genannten gestalterischen und inhaltlichen Merkmale haben einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die kognitive Belastung, die Motivation und die Kompetenzunterstützung von Schüler:innen beim Planen von Experimenten unter Anwendung der VKS. Jedoch führt der jeweilige gestalterische Schwerpunkt der drei Feedbackformen nicht zu wahrnehmbar unterschiedlichen Formen, da das Feedback selbst keinen Einfluss auf kognitive Belastung, Motivation und wahrgenommene Kompetenzunterstützung von Schüler:innen nimmt. Anhand der untersuchten Merkmale kann zukünftig Feedback generiert werden, das Schüler:innen noch besser hilft in Experimenten die VKS anzuwenden.
Correction to: Period-like polynomials for L-series associated with half-integral weight cusp forms
Authors: Branch James , Diamantis Nikolaos , Raji Wissam , Rolen Larry
Published: November 2024

We correct an error affecting Propositions 5.2 and Theorem 5.4 of [1]