bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective study to evaluate quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Caballero-Eraso Candela , Carrera-Cueva Carlos , de Benito Zorrero Esther , Lopez-Ramirez Cecilia , Marin-Romero Samira , Asensio-Cruz Maria Isabel , Barrot-Cortes Emilia , Jara-Palomares Luis
Published: July 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative rare disease characterized by symptoms and signs in the upper and lower motor neurons, leading to progressive neuro-degeneration and muscle atrophy. Our objective was to analyse the quality of life (QoL) in patients with ALS and compare with general population and with patients with cancer. Prospective study from consecutive ALS patients in one center. In order to assess quality of life, during the first visit three questionnaires were administered: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R), Short Form-36 (SF-36) and EuroQoL 5D (EQ-5D). We compared SF-36 of ALS patients with a reference population (n = 9151), and we compared the EQ-5D index score of ALS patients versus patients with cancer in the same area and in the same period (2015–2018). Between June 2015 and September 2017, 23 were included. The mean age was 65.1 ± 12.6 years and 56.5% were women. Compared with the general population, patients with ALS showed lowest QoL (p < 0.05) in all the dimensions, with a very important impairment in physical function (median: 0; p25-75: 0–10) and physical role (median: 0; p25-75: 0–6.25). In EQ-5D questionnaire, patients with ALS presented an EQ-5D index score of 0.21 ± 0.39 (mean ± standard deviation) with a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 0.32 ± 0.24. Compared with an oncological population, patients with ALS had a worse EQ-5D index score both clinically and statistically (0.21 ± 0.39 vs. 0.77 ± 0.27; p < 0.05). We demonstrate a poorer quality of life in patients with ALS is poor, and clinically and statistically worse than in patients with cancer or general population. New studies need to evaluate the impact of strategies in this population to improve the quality of life.
A novel approach to finding conserved features in low-variability gene alignments characterises RNA motifs in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Skittrall Jordan P. , Irigoyen Nerea , Brierley Ian , Gog Julia R.
Published: July 2023

Collections of genetic sequences belonging to related organisms contain information on the evolutionary constraints to which the organisms have been subjected. Heavily constrained regions can be investigated to understand their roles in an organism’s life cycle, and drugs can be sought to disrupt these roles. In organisms with low genetic diversity, such as newly-emerged pathogens, it is key to obtain this information early to develop new treatments. Here, we present methods that ensure we can leverage all the information available in a low-signal, low-noise set of sequences, to find contiguous regions of relatively conserved nucleic acid. We demonstrate the application of these methods by analysing over 5 million genome sequences of the recently-emerged RNA virus SARS-CoV-2 and correlating these results with an analysis of 119 genome sequences of SARS-CoV. We propose the precise location of a previously described packaging signal, and discuss explanations for other regions of high conservation.
Identification of metabolic pathways contributing to ER+ breast cancer disparities using a machine-learning pipeline
Authors: Santaliz-Casiano Ashlie , Mehta Dhruv , Danciu Oana C. , Patel Hariyali , Banks Landan , Zaidi Ayesha , Buckley Jermya , Rauscher Garth H. , Schulte Lauren , Weller Lauren Ro , Taiym Deanna , Liko-Hazizi Elona , Pulliam Natalie , Friedewald Sarah M. , Khan Seema , Kim J. Julie , Gradishar William , Hegerty Scott , Frasor Jonna , Hoskins Kent F. , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep
Published: July 2023

African American (AA) women in the United States have a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate than Non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. The survival disparity is particularly striking among (estrogen receptor positive) ER+ breast cancer cases. The purpose of this study is to examine whether there are racial differences in metabolic pathways typically activated in patients with ER+ breast cancer. We collected pretreatment plasma from AA and NHW ER+ breast cancer cases (AA n = 48, NHW n = 54) and cancer-free controls (AA n = 100, NHW n = 48) to conduct an untargeted metabolomics analysis using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify metabolites that may be altered in the different racial groups. Unpaired t-test combined with multiple feature selection and prediction models were employed to identify race-specific altered metabolic signatures. This was followed by the identification of altered metabolic pathways with a focus in AA patients with breast cancer. The clinical relevance of the identified pathways was further examined in PanCancer Atlas breast cancer data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA). We identified differential metabolic signatures between NHW and AA patients. In AA patients, we observed decreased circulating levels of amino acids compared to healthy controls, while fatty acids were significantly higher in NHW patients. By mapping these metabolites to potential epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, this study identified significant associations with regulators of metabolism such as methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A), DNA Methyltransferases and Histone methyltransferases for AA individuals, and Fatty acid Synthase (FASN) and Monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) for NHW individuals. Specific gene Negative Elongation Factor Complex E (NELFE) with histone methyltransferase activity, was associated with poor survival exclusively for AA individuals. We employed a comprehensive and novel approach that integrates multiple machine learning and statistical methods, coupled with human functional pathway analyses. The metabolic profile of plasma samples identified may help elucidate underlying molecular drivers of disproportionately aggressive ER+ tumor biology in AA women. It may ultimately lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. To our knowledge, this is a novel finding that describes a link between metabolic alterations and epigenetic regulation in AA breast cancer and underscores the need for detailed investigations into the biological underpinnings of breast cancer health disparities.
Adaptive group testing strategy for infectious diseases using social contact graph partitions
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Heath Lenwood S.
Published: July 2023

Mass testing is essential for identifying infected individuals during an epidemic and allowing healthy individuals to return to normal social activities. However, testing capacity is often insufficient to meet global health needs, especially during newly emerging epidemics. Dorfman’s method, a classic group testing technique, helps reduce the number of tests required by pooling the samples of multiple individuals into a single sample for analysis. Dorfman’s method does not consider the time dynamics or limits on testing capacity involved in infection detection, and it assumes that individuals are infected independently, ignoring community correlations. To address these limitations, we present an adaptive group testing (AGT) strategy based on graph partitioning, which divides a physical contact network into subgraphs (groups of individuals) and assigns testing priorities based on the social contact characteristics of each subgraph. Our AGT aims to maximize the number of infected individuals detected and minimize the number of tests required. After each testing round (perhaps on a daily basis), the testing priority is increased for each neighboring group of known infected individuals. We also present an enhanced infectious disease transmission model that simulates the dynamic spread of a pathogen and evaluate our AGT strategy using the simulation results. When applied to 13 social contact networks, AGT demonstrates significant performance improvements compared to Dorfman’s method and its variations. Our AGT strategy requires fewer tests overall, reduces disease spread, and retains robustness under changes in group size, testing capacity, and other parameters. Testing plays a crucial role in containing and mitigating pandemics by identifying infected individuals and helping to prevent further transmission in families and communities. By identifying infected individuals and helping to prevent further transmission in families and communities, our AGT strategy can have significant implications for public health, providing guidance for policymakers trying to balance economic activity with the need to manage the spread of infection.
Chronic activation of human cardiac fibroblasts in vitro attenuates the reversibility of the myofibroblast phenotype
Authors: Hall Caitlin , Law Jonathan P. , Reyat Jasmeet S. , Cumberland Max J. , Hang Shaun , Vo Nguyen T. N. , Raniga Kavita , Weston Chris J. , O’Shea Christopher , Townend Jonathan N. , Gehmlich Katja , Ferro Charles J. , Denning Chris , Pavlovic Davor
Published: July 2023

Activation of cardiac fibroblasts and differentiation to myofibroblasts underlies development of pathological cardiac fibrosis, leading to arrhythmias and heart failure. Myofibroblasts are characterised by increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) fibre expression, secretion of collagens and changes in proliferation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and increased mechanical stress can initiate myofibroblast activation. Reversibility of the myofibroblast phenotype has been observed in murine cells but has not been explored in human cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, chronically activated adult primary human ventricular cardiac fibroblasts and human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cFbs (hiPSC-cFbs) were used to investigate the potential for reversal of the myofibroblast phenotype using either subculture on soft substrates or TGF-β receptor inhibition. Culture on softer plates (25 or 2 kPa Young’s modulus) did not alter proliferation or reduce expression of α-SMA and collagen 1. Similarly, culture of myofibroblasts in the presence of TGF-β inhibitor did not reverse myofibroblasts back to a quiescent phenotype. Chronically activated hiPSC-cFbs also showed attenuated response to TGF-β receptor inhibition and inability to reverse to quiescent fibroblast phenotype. Our data demonstrate substantial loss of TGF-β signalling plasticity as well as a loss of feedback from the surrounding mechanical environment in chronically activated human myofibroblasts.
Health costs of wildfire smoke to rise under climate change
Authors: Clarke Hamish , Cirulis Brett , Borchers-Arriagada Nicolas , Bradstock Ross , Price Owen , Penman Trent
Published: July 2023

The global health burden from wildfire smoke is expected to worsen under climate change, yet we lack quantitative estimates of the economic costs of increased mortality and hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Using a quantitative wildfire risk assessment framework and a 12-member climate model ensemble, we find a median increase in wildfire smoke health costs of 1–16% by 2070 across diverse landscapes in south-eastern Australia. Ensemble maximum cost increases (5–38%) often exceed abatements from fuel treatment, while costs decline moderately (0–7%) for the ensemble minimum. Unmitigated climate change will increase the health burden of wildfire smoke and undermine prescribed burning effectiveness.
Rational engineering of an elevator-type metal transporter ZIP8 reveals a conditional selectivity filter critically involved in determining substrate specificity
Authors: Jiang Yuhan , Li Zhen , Sui Dexin , Sharma Gaurav , Wang Tianqi , MacRenaris Keith , Takahashi Hideki , Merz Kenneth , Hu Jian
Published: July 2023

Engineering of transporters to alter substrate specificity as desired holds great potential for applications, including metabolic engineering. However, the lack of knowledge on molecular mechanisms of substrate specificity hinders designing effective strategies for transporter engineering. Here, we applied an integrated approach to rationally alter the substrate preference of ZIP8, a Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) metal transporter with multiple natural substrates, and uncovered the determinants of substrate specificity. By systematically replacing the differentially conserved residues with the counterparts in the zinc transporter ZIP4, we created a zinc-preferring quadruple variant (Q180H/E343H/C310A/N357H), which exhibited largely reduced transport activities towards Cd2+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ whereas increased activity toward Zn2+. Combined mutagenesis, modeling, covariance analysis, and computational studies revealed a conditional selectivity filter which functions only when the transporter adopts the outward-facing conformation. The demonstrated approach for transporter engineering and the gained knowledge about substrate specificity will facilitate engineering and mechanistic studies of other transporters.
Seed layer formation determines photocurrent response of hydrothermally-grown WO3 photoanodes
Authors: Ade Mirco , Schumacher Lion , Marschall Roland
Published: July 2023

We reveal that the preparation conditions of seed layers by spin coating have a very strong effect on the resulting photoelectrochemical performance of hydrothermally-grown WO3 films for water splitting, thus their preparation conditions can be tailored for maximum photocurrents.
Target-triggered ‘colorimetric-fluorescence’ dual-signal sensing system based on the versatility of MnO2 nanosheets for rapid detection of uric acid
Authors: Liang Hao , Li Danliang , Zhang Xuebing , Zhen Deshuai , Li Yunfei , Luo Yuchen , Zhang Yuyun , Xu Dongyun , Chen Lili
Published: July 2023

This study reports a dual-signal method for UA detection that includes fluorescence and colorimetric signals. The method is easy to operate and can be completed quickly, which is conducive to different inspection sites.
Methods to functionalize gold nanoparticles with tandem-phosphorothioate DNA: role of physicochemical properties of the phosphorothioate backbone in DNA adsorption to gold nanoparticles
Authors: Karami Abbas , Hasani Masoumeh
Published: July 2023

Among the salt-aging, low-pH-assisted, and freeze–thaw methods, the pH-assisted method effectively binds tandem phosphorothioate DNA to AuNPs while maintaining colloidal stability.
Universal descriptors for zeolite topology and acidity to predict the stability of butene cracking intermediates
Authors: Cnudde Pieter , Waroquier Michel , Van Speybroeck Veronique
Published: July 2023

Structure–activity relations are constructed for predicting the stability of isobutene intermediates in zeolite catalysts. Carbenium ions are more stabilized in topologies with a higher confinement or in zeolites with a higher acid site strength.
Development of core@shell magnetic framework composite for immunoselective detection and capture of Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Sharma Saloni , Kaur Gurjeet , Nayak Manoj K. , Deep Akash
Published: July 2023

A Fe3O4/Si@MIL-125 magnetic framework composite is demonstrated for optical detection and simultaneous removal of pathogenic Salmonella typhimurium. The fabricated nanomaterial exhibited promising opto-magnetic properties and stability.
Design and synthesis of hydrophobic mixed organogels with complementary hydrogen-bond donor–acceptor sites: removal of heavy metal ions Hg2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solution
Authors: Kyarikwal Reena , Munjal Ritika , Nag Probal , Vennapusa Sivaranjana Reddy , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: July 2023

The hydrophobic organogel G8GE with metallogel formation and shape forming ability is used in the removal of Hg(ii), Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) from contaminated water with low cost-effected reusability.
Discovery and computational studies of piperidine/piperazine-based compounds endowed with sigma receptor affinity
Authors: De Luca Laura , Lombardo Lisa , Mirabile Salvatore , Marrazzo Agostino , Dichiara Maria , Cosentino Giuseppe , Amata Emanuele , Gitto Rosaria
Published: July 2023

Discovery of potent S1R agonist by means of screening campaign and analysis of binding interactions.
3D printed microstructured ultra-sensitive pressure sensors based on microgel-reinforced double network hydrogels for biomechanical applications
Authors: Zheng Jingxia , Chen Guoqi , Yang Hailong , Zhu Canjie , Li Shengnan , Wang Wenquan , Ren Jiayuan , Cong Yang , Xu Xun , Wang Xinwei , Fu Jun
Published: July 2023

3D printed microstructured pressure sensors based on microgel-reinforced double network hydrogels show high toughness and sensitivity, and are used to fabricate a flexible sensor array for biomechanical and motion tracking applications.
Erosion-resistant materials demonstrate low interfacial toughness with ice and superior durability
Authors: Yang Qimeng , Dolatabadi Ali , Golovin Kevin
Published: July 2023

Erosion-resistant materials demonstrate a surprisingly low interfacial toughness (LIT) with ice around 1 J m−2. The LIT property is retained after linear erosion, indicating potential as durable anti-icing coatings.
Synthesis of (E)-2-(1-(methoxyimino)ethyl)-2-phenylbenzofuran-3(2H)-ones from (E)-1-(benzofuran-2-yl)ethan-1-one O-methyl oximes and iodobenzenes via a palladium-catalyzed dearomative arylation/oxidation reaction
Authors: Zhu Wen-Jing , Yu Xiao , Liu Hong-Yan , Liu Yi , Zhao Jin-Bo , Zhang Peng-Fei , Xia Cheng-Cai , Li Fu-Rong
Published: July 2023

A novel route for a tandem addition and oxidation reaction featuring mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance has been developed, providing a direct approach for the preparation of 2,2-disubstituted benzofuran-3(2H)-ones.
Visible light irradiated photocatalytic C(sp3)–H phosphorylation of xanthenes and 9,10-dihydroacridines with P(O)–H compounds
Authors: Liu Mingjun , Zhu Jiarui , Jiang Xuming , Yang Xiangyun , Chen Qian
Published: July 2023

Visible light irradiated photocatalytic C(sp3)–H phosphorylation of xanthene derivatives using molecular oxygen as the sole oxidant is achieved.
Synthesis of biphenyl-based chiral amine catalysts from dibromopyrenes and their application in enamine catalysis
Authors: Uwaso Yuki , Yokoyama Naoki , Kano Taichi
Published: July 2023

Novel axially chiral biphenyl-based amine catalysts have been designed and synthesized from dibromopyrenes.
A regioselective synthesis of β-difluoromethoxy vinyl sulfonesvia O-difluoromethylation of β-ketosulfones using sodium chlorodifluoroacetate
Authors: Ishu Km , Prabhakar Neha Sharma , Singh Krishna Nand
Published: July 2023

A practical synthesis of new β-difluoromethoxy vinyl sulfones has been explored byO-difluoromethylation of β-ketosulfones using the inexpensive and easily workable sodium chlorodifluoroacetate as a difluorocarbene precursor.
Ring-opening polymerization of β-thiobutyrolactone catalyzed by phosphazenes
Authors: Li Hui , Guillaume Sophie M. , Carpentier Jean-François
Published: July 2023

Ring-opening polymerization of β-thiobutyrolactone proceeds effectively in the presence of phosphazenes, especially the more basic ones. Mechanistic issues are discussed in light of spectroscopic, spectrometric and kinetic data.
An overview of Mg-based IR nonlinear optical materials
Authors: Zhang Jia-Xiang , Ran Mao-Yin , Wu Xin-Tao , Lin Hua , Zhu Qi-Long
Published: July 2023

This review article provides an overview of Mg-based IR nonlinear optical materials including synthetic methods, structural chemistry, structure–activity relationships, current problems and future development.
Radiolabelling of peptides with tetrazine ligation based on the inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction: rapid, catalyst-free and mild conversion of 1,4-dihydropyridazines to pyridazines
Authors: Otaru Sofia , Martinmäki Tatu , Kuurne Iida , Paulus Andreas , Helariutta Kerttuli , Sarparanta Mirkka , Airaksinen Anu J.
Published: July 2023

Peptides were radiolabeled with [18F]AmBF3-Tz using IEDDA-based tetrazine ligation, producing radiopeptides in different oxidation states. In this study, the formed tautomers were rapidly (10 min) converted to the stable oxidized radiopeptides.
Synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 cycloaddition to bio-based epoxides and glycerol: an overview of recent development
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Rehman Abdul , Saleem Faisal , Abbas Aumber , Eze Valentine C. , Harvey Adam
Published: July 2023

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions contribute significantly to global warming and deplete fossil carbon resources, prompting a shift to bio-based raw materials.
The synergistic antibacterial activity of ozone and surfactant mists
Authors: Epelle Emmanuel I. , Cojuhari Neli , Mohamedsalih Abdalla , Macfarlane Andrew , Cusack Michael , Burns Anthony , McGinness Charles , Yaseen Mohammed
Published: July 2023

Micellar enclosures of ozone nanobubbles create a synergistic-antibacterial effect, more potent than the independent application of ozone or surfactant mists.
Protein profile analysis of tear fluid with hyphenated HPLC-UV LED-induced fluorescence detection for the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome
Authors: Adigal Sphurti S. , Bhandary Sulatha V. , Hegde Nagaraj , Nidheesh V. R. , John Reena V. , Rizvi Alisha , George Sajan D. , Kartha V. B. , Chidangil Santhosh
Published: July 2023

Tear fluid contains organic and inorganic constituents, variations in their relative concentrations could provide valuable information and can be useful for the detection of several ophthalmological diseases.
Effects of transport limitations on rates of acid-catalyzed alkene oligomerization
Authors: Hijazi Nibras , Gascon Jorge
Published: July 2023

Transport limitations have implications that extend to affect the backbone structure of oligomers.
Sequence-selective duplex formation and template effect in recognition-encoded oligoanilines
Authors: Rosa-Gastaldo Daniele , Dalla Valle Andrea , Marchetti Tommaso , Gabrielli Luca
Published: July 2023

We report a new family of recognition encoded oligoanilines that form sequence selective H-bonded duplexes in chloroform. Dynamic combinatorial chemistry was successfully exploited for the templated synthesis of complementary imine oligomers.
Magnetically controlled assembly: a new approach to organic integrated photonics
Authors: Xu Lixin , Jia Hao , Zhang Chuang , Yin Baipeng , Yao Jiannian
Published: July 2023

This perspective focuses on the development of organic hierarchical nanostructures based on magnetically controlled assembly methods, which are guided by the requirements of organic integrated photonics.
Spent-coffee grounds-derived biochar-supported heterogeneous photocatalyst: a performance evaluation and mechanistic approach for the degradation of pentachlorophenol
Authors: Changotra Rahil , Rajput Himadri , Yang Jie , Dasog Mita , He Quan (Sophia)
Published: July 2023

A detailed description of the CGBT nanocomposite synthesis and photocatalytic mechanism for pentachlorophenol.
Compositional dependence of hydrodeoxygenation pathway selectivity for Ni2−xRhxP nanoparticle catalysts
Authors: LiBretto Nicole J. , Tacey Sean A. , Zubair Muhammad , Bui Tuong V. , Unocic Kinga A. , Baddour Frederick G. , Griffin Michael B. , Schaidle Joshua A. , Farberow Carrie A. , Ruddy Daniel A. , Bedford Nicholas M. , Habas Susan E.
Published: July 2023

Controlled synthesis of Ni2−xRhxP nanoparticle catalysts enables an understanding of composition-dependent selectivity for the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of phenolic molecules.
Opportunities and challenges of hydrotalcite-related electrocatalysts for seawater splitting: a systematic perspective from materials synthesis, characterization and application
Authors: Dai Rongrong , Dai Chenyang , Hou Shujin , He Qijun , Liu Baogui , Huang Minghua , Jiang Heqing , Li MoHua , Pan Likun , Guo Zheng , Kim Jeonghun , Han Minsu , Yamauchi Yusuke , Xu Xingtao
Published: July 2023

Hydrotalcites and their related materials hold great potential to unlock seawater splitting effectively.
Correction: Porous bipolar polymers as organic cathodes for sustainable sodium/potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Mohammadiroudbari Motahareh , Huang Jinghao , Kim Eric Youngsam , Yang Zhenzhen , Chen Fu , Luo Chao
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘Porous bipolar polymers as organic cathodes for sustainable sodium/potassium-ion batteries’ by Motahareh Mohammadiroudbari et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA02445H.
Multifunctional MIL-101(Cr)-NH2/expanded graphite/multi-walled carbon nanotube/paraffin wax composite phase change materials with excellent thermal conductivity and highly efficient thermal management for electronic devices
Authors: He Ruiqiang , Fang Min , Zhou Jianduo , Fei Hua , Yang Kai
Published: July 2023

A multifunctional shape-stabilized composite carrier is proposed to address the leakage issues and the low thermal conductivity of PCMs for highly efficient electronic device thermal management.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis–Bulbar Dysfunction Index–Remote: Test–Retest and Interrater Reliability of Candidate Items
Authors: Bouvier Liziane , Green Jordan R. , Tapia Carolina Barnett , Tilton-Bolowsky Victoria , Maffei Marc F. , Fless Zuzana , Seaver Katie , Huynh Anna , Gutz Sarah E. , Martino Rosemary , Abrahao Agessandro , Berry James , Zinman Lorne , Yunusova Yana
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

The primary aim of this study was to establish the reliability of candidate items as a step in the development of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis–Bulbar Dysfunction Index–Remote (ALS-BDI-Remote), a novel tool being developed for the detection and monitoring of bulbar signs and symptoms in remote settings.

Method:

The set of candidate items included 40 items covering three domains: cranial nerve examination, auditory-perceptual evaluation, and functional assessment. Forty-eight participants diagnosed with ALS and exhibiting a range of bulbar disease severity were included. Data collection for each participant took place on Zoom over three sessions. During Session 1, the participants were instructed to adjust their Zoom settings and to optimize their recording environment (e.g., lighting, background noise). Their cognition and eating were screened to determine their ability to follow instructions and their eligibility to perform the swallowing and chewing tasks. During Session 2, two speech-language pathologists (SLPs) administered the tool consecutively to determine the items' interrater reliability. During Session 3, one of the SLPs readministered the tool within 2 weeks of Session 1 to assess test–retest reliability. The reliability of each item was estimated using weighted kappa and the percentage of agreement. To be considered reliable, the items had to reach a threshold of 0.5 weighted kappa or 80% percentage agreement (if skewed distribution of the scores) for both interrater and test–retest reliability.

Results:

In total, 33 of the 40 candidate items reached the reliability cutoff for both reliability analyses. All assessment domains included reliable items. Items requiring very good visualization of structures or movements were generally less reliable.

Conclusions:

This study resulted in the selection of reliable items to be included in the next version of the ALS-BDI-Remote, which will undergo psychometric evaluation (reliability, validity, and responsiveness analyses). Additionally, the results contributed to our understanding of the remote administration of SLP assessments for telehealth applications.
Are Children Performing Better on the Digit Span Backward Task Than the Digit Span Forward Task? An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Pham Theresa , Archibald Lisa M. D.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

This research note was motivated by community speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who have expressed concerns about how to interpret the unexpected observation of higher performance on the Digit Span Backward task than the Digit Span Forward task on the Test of Integrated Language and Literacy Skills (TILLS). We therefore conducted an exploratory analysis to examine the pattern of digit span performance in children to help clinicians interpret their findings.

Method:

We investigated performance on the Digit Span Forward and Digit Span Backward subtests using the TILLS normative sample (
N
= 1,262). Raw scores, standard scores, and percentile ranks were systematically compared. In addition, we were able to estimate span length (longest number of items that can be accurately recalled) for 69 participants and evaluated the relation between performance and span length.

Results:

Our exploratory analyses revealed that “better” performance on the backward than forward task was rare. Instead, the pattern that SLPs are reporting can be explained by three factors: (a) a statistical phenomenon exacerbating small differences, (b) comparing standard scores or percentile ranks instead of raw scores or span length, and (c) better backward scores can still mean longer forward span length.

Conclusions:

It is likely that community SLPs tended to report cases of better backward than forward recall because it is the more remarkable and interesting finding, leading to the perception that the pattern is common, when it is not. Overall, we caution clinicians against overinterpreting their own client's performance on the digit span tests.
Qualitative Analysis of the Experiences and Perspectives of Autistic Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Oates Morgan , Bean Allison
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

Supporting autistic speech-language pathologists (SLPs) is critical to expanding diversity within the field of speech-language pathology. The purpose of this study is to better understand how autistic SLPs reconcile tensions between their personal and professional experiences and negotiate the intersection of these identities.

Method:

Five certified SLPs, each of whom had a formal autism diagnosis or self-identified as autistic, engaged in a one-on-one semistructured conversation. The recorded interviews were transcribed manually. Following grounded theory analysis, multiple levels of coding were performed to construct a theoretical interpretation of the data.

Results:

Four themes arose from the analysis. In the first, participants described their outlooks on their autistic identities and how these have changed over time. The second theme concerns interpersonal tensions and conflicts related to communication differences across neurotypes. In the third, participants reflected on the stigma and ableism they face in their careers, and concerns about disclosing their autistic identity in the workplace. The fourth comprised participants' neurodiversity-affirming approaches to clinical practice with autistic clients.

Conclusions:

This study represents a first step toward understanding the unique strengths of autistic SLPs and the challenges they face. They can be better supported throughout their education, training, and careers. Our field must embrace and promote the neurodiversity paradigm to truly support all our colleagues and clients.
A novel pulse multiplication circuit for reducing harmonic distortion of 12 pulse rectifiers in aircraft electrical power systems
Authors: Abdollahi Rohollah , Salemnia Ahmad , Abdolhosseini Morteza
Published: July 2023

To improve the performance and reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the autotransformer 12‐pulse rectifier, a novel pulse multiplication circuit (PMC) based on two tapped inter‐phase reactors (TIPRs) is proposed to improve performance and reduce the THD of the autotransformer 12‐pulse rectifier. The proposed rectifier includes a phase‐shifting autotransformer based on a polygon connection, two 6‐pulse diode bridge rectifiers (DBRs), and a PMC. The novel PMC consists of two TIPRs (TIPR1 and TIPR2), an auxiliary single‐phase diode bridge (including four diodes D1 to D4), and two auxiliary diodes D21 and D22, which are connected directly to the output terminal of the DBRs (DBR1 and DBR2). The simulation and experimental results confirm the high capability of the proposed PMC to reduce the harmonic distortion of the input current, so that by using the proposed PMC, the input current is almost sinusoidal and the THD of the input current is less than 3%. Also, the results show that the proposed 12‐pulse rectifier meets the standard requirements of aircraft electrical systems (DO‐160G) without the need for any input and output filters.
An image encryption algorithm based on cascade chaotic map and DNA coding
Authors: Zheng Jiming , Bao Tianyu
Published: July 2023

The 2D‐Cascade‐Transeform‐Logistic‐Sine Map (2D‐CTLSM) with good randomness and large parameter chaos range is obtained by improving the Logistic and Sine map in a cascade manner. By combining the chaotic map with DNA coding, an efficient encryption algorithm based on a chaotic map with chunking dislocation and alternate row diffusion is designed. The shortcomings of zigzag itself are overcome by performing different zigzag transformations in chunks while combining DNA encoding to accomplish the diffusion operation. Due to the excellent properties of DNA encoding, the diffusion operation is performed by the DNA computation method with alternate row diffusion so that each value can complete the diffusion operation twice. The simulation experimental results and security analysis show that the algorithm can effectively resist various typical attacks, such as the information entropy is close to the expected value of 8, the correlation coefficient is close to 0, and the NPCR and UACI values can meet the critical value range, and so on. This is a safe and reliable image encryption algorithm.
Techno‐economic, environmental and risk analysis of coordinated electricity distribution and district heating networks with flexible energy resources
Authors: Mirzaei Mohammad Amin , Zare Kazem , Mohammadi‐Ivatloo Behnam , Marzband Mousa , Anvari‐Moghaddam Amjad
Published: July 2023

Due to the strong dependence between electricity generation and heating supply and the need for optimal use of renewable energies to supply power and heat loads, it is essential to provide an integrated energy management structure for electricity and heating systems. This paper studies the techno‐economic and environmental aspects of a combined electricity distribution and district heating system by considering multi‐type flexible energy resources and the environmental and practical constraints of both networks. The integrated energy system (IES) is equipped with wind power plants, combined heat and power plants, gas boilers, heat pumps, multi‐energy storage systems, electric vehicle parking lots, and multi‐energy demand response, as well as the IES operator can take part in the energy market to supply thermal and electrical demands. Besides, a robust strategy is adopted to control the power price uncertainty in the day‐ahead scheduling of IES, where a robustness parameter is considered to adjust the risk level of scheduling. The numerical results show that technical and environmental constraints can significantly increase the operation cost of IES by 11.8% and 3.6%, respectively. In addition, multi‐type flexible resources can improve the operational flexibility of IES by 16.1%.
Sliding mode control of four‐leg inverters in a stand‐alone microgrid for unbalance, neutral to ground voltage, and harmonics compensation
Authors: Ayoubi Effat , Miveh Mohammad Reza , Ghadimi Ali Asghar , Bagheri Sajad , Koushki Masoud Mehrabi
Published: July 2023

In a stand‐alone microgrid, voltage control is an important issue to keep the grid balanced under unbalanced load conditions. The other important challenges in microgrids include handling the neutral to the ground voltage (NGV) as well as total harmonic distortion (THD) under its limits due to the IEEE standards. A four‐leg inverter is the best choice for a three‐phase transformerless inverter employed in a stand‐alone microgrid. To control the inverter, sliding mode control (SMC) is a well‐known nonlinear control system to handle unbalanced and nonlinear load conditions as it can provide high sinusoidal load voltage with high performance and fast dynamic response. This paper proposes an enhanced SMC control method for minimizing the NGV and THD in addition to compensating for unbalanced load voltage conditions simultaneously in a three‐phase four‐leg inverter. In order to verify the results of the proposed method, simulation results with MATLAB/Simulink are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed SMC under various load conditions. The proposed method provided fast dynamic response and fixed switching frequency. Further, a significant reduction occurred in NGV and THD. The simulation results of this method compared with the MPC method indicated the better performance of the proposed method against the unbalanced and nonlinear various load conditions.
Imaging the warped dusty disk wind environment of SU Aurigae with MIRC-X
Authors: Labdon Aaron , Kraus Stefan , Davies Claire L. , Kreplin Alexander , Zarrilli Sebastian , Monnier John D. , Le Bouquin Jean-Baptiste , Anugu Narsireddy , Setterholm Benjamin , Gardner Tyler , Ennis Jacob , Lanthermann Cyprien , ten Brummelaar Theo , Schaefer Gail , Harries Tim J.
Published: July 2023

Context. T Tauri stars are low-mass young stars whose disks provide the setting for planet formation, which is one of the most fundamental processes in astronomy. Yet the mechanisms of this are still poorly understood. SU Aurigae is a widely studied T Tauri star and here we present original state-of-the-art interferometric observations with better uv and baseline coverage than previous studies.

Aims. We aim to investigate the characteristics of the circumstellar material around SU Aur, and constrain the disk geometry, composition and inner dust rim structure.

Methods. The MIRC-X instrument at CHARA is a six-telescope optical beam combiner offering baselines up to 331 m. We undertook image reconstruction for model-independent analysis, and fitted geometric models such as Gaussian and ring distributions. Additionally, the fitting of radiative transfer models constrained the physical parameters of the disk.

Results. Image reconstruction reveals a highly inclined disk with a slight asymmetry consistent with inclination effects obscuring the inner disk rim through absorption of incident star light on the near side and thermal re-emission/scattering of the far side. Geometric models find that the underlying brightness distribution is best modelled as a Gaussian with a Full-Width Half-Maximum of 1.53 ± 0.01 mas at an inclination of 56.9 ± 0.4° and a minor axis position angle of 55.9 ± 0.5°. Radiative transfer modelling shows a flared disk with an inner radius at 0.16 au which implies a grain size of 0.14 μm assuming astronomical silicates and a scale height of 9.0 au at 100 au. In agreement with the literature, only the dusty disk wind successfully accounts for the near infrared excess by introducing dust above the mid-plane.

Conclusions. Our results confirm and provide better constraints than previous inner disk studies of SU Aurigae. We confirm the presence of a dusty disk wind in the cicumstellar environment, the strength of which is enhanced by a late infall event which also causes very strong misalignments between the inner and outer disks.
The structural properties of multiple populations in the dynamically young globular cluster NGC 2419
Authors: Onorato Silvia , Cadelano Mario , Dalessandro Emanuele , Vesperini Enrico , Lanzoni Barbara , Mucciarelli Alessio
Published: July 2023

NGC 2419 is likely the globular cluster (GC) with the lowest dynamical age in the Galaxy. This makes it an extremely interesting target for studying the properties of its multiple populations (MPs), as they are likely to have been affected only modestly by long-term dynamical evolution effects. Here we present for the first time a detailed analysis of the structural and morphological properties of the MPs along the whole extension of this remote and massive GC by combining high-resolution HST and wide-field ground-based data. In agreement with formation models predicting that second population (SP) stars form in the inner regions of the first population (FP) system, we find that the SP is more centrally concentrated than the FP. This may provide constraints on the relative concentrations of MPs in GCs in the early stages of the evolutionary phase driven by two-body relaxation. In addition, we find that the fraction of FP stars is larger than expected from the general trend drawn by Galactic GCs. If NGC 2419 formed in the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy and was later accreted by the Milky Way, as suggested by a number of studies, we show that the observed FP fraction may be due to the transition of NGC 2419 to a weaker tidal field (its current Galactocentric distance is dgc ∼ 95 kpc) and consequently to a reduced rate of FP star loss.
Mode coupling coefficients between the convective core and radiative envelope of γ Doradus and slowly pulsating B stars
Authors: Aerts C. , Mathis S.
Published: July 2023

Context. Signatures of coupling between an inertial mode in the convective core and a gravito-inertial mode in the envelope have been found in four-year Kepler light curves of 16 rapidly rotating γ Doradus (γ Dor) stars. This makes it possible to obtain a measurement of the rotation frequency in their convective core. Despite their similar internal structure and available data, inertial modes have not yet been reported for slowly pulsating B (SPB) stars.

Aims. We aim to provide a numerical counterpart of the recently published theoretical expressions for the mode-coupling coefficients, ε and ε̃. These coefficients represent the two cases of a continuous and a discontinuous Brunt-Väisälä frequency profile at the core-envelope interface, respectively. We consider γ Dor and SPB stars to shed light on the difference between these two classes of intermediate-mass gravito-inertial mode pulsators in terms of core and envelope mode coupling.

Methods. We used asteroseismic forward models of two samples consisting of 26 SPB stars and 37 γ Dor stars to infer their numerical values of ε and ε̃. For both samples, we also computed: the linear correlation coefficients between ε or ε̃ and the near-core rotation frequency, the chemical gradient, the evolutionary stage, the convective core masses and radii, and the Schönberg-Chandrasekhar limiting mass representing the maximum mass of an inert helium core at central hydrogen exhaustion that can still withstand the pressure of the overlaying envelope.

Results. The asteroseismically inferred values of ε and ε̃ for the two samples are between 0.0 and 0.34. While ε is most strongly correlated with the near-core rotation frequency for γ Dor stars, the fractional radius of the convective core instead provides the tightest correlation for SPB stars. We find ε to decrease mildly as the stars evolve. For the SPB stars, ε and ε̃ have similar moderate correlations with respect to the core properties. For the γ Dor stars, ε̃ reveals systematically lower and often no correlation to the core properties; their ε is mainly determined by the near-core rotation frequency. The Schönberg-Chandrasekar limit is already surpassed by the more massive SPB stars, while none of the γ Dor stars have reached it yet.

Conclusions. Our asteroseismic results for the mode coupling support the theoretical interpretation and reveal that young, fast-rotating γ Dor stars are most suitable for undergoing couplings between inertial modes in the rotating convective core and gravito-inertial modes in the radiative envelope. The phenomenon has been found in 2.4% of such pulsators with detected period spacing patterns, whereas it has not been seen in any of the SPB stars so far.
Nanoparticles loaded with procyanidin B2-3′-O-gallate from grape seed: preparation, characterization and antioxidant activity
Authors: Wu Wenxin , Zhang Shuting , Tang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiangrong , Sun Baoshan
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to prepare nanoparticles of grape seed procyanidin B2-3′-O-gallate by chitosan-sodium alginate. The encapsulation system was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and its biological activity was analyzed by cell-level antioxidant capacity. The results showed that the particle size of nano-carrier was 160~201nm, the B2-3′-O-gallate was well embedded, and the encapsulation efficiency of B2-3′-O-gallate was 93.5%. In vitro digestion experiments suggested that the release of B2-3′-O-gallate was significantly controlled by chitosan-sodium alginate nano-system through anomalous diffusion mechanism, and at about 72-78% of B2-3′-O-gallate was retained under gastrointestinal (GI) condition. Besides, the cytotoxicity results expressed that B2-3′-O-gallate chitosan nanoparticles had obvious protective effect on human HepG2 cells induced by hydrogen peroxide. This work provides a promising way to control the delivery and enhances the biological activity of galloylated procyanidins – one of the most important group of bioactive polyphenols of the grape pomace.
Activation of spent coffee ground for the removal of glyphosate in aqueous solution
Authors: Nguyen Tuan-Anh , Pham Thao-Nhien , Le Nguyen Khanh Truc , Tran Minh-Huong
Published: July 2023

Glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) is one of the most widely used herbicides on agricultural land with an annual consumption is about 826 million kg in 2014, resulting in considerable amounts of water and soil pollution. Great attention has been paid to the removal of glyphosate in aqueous solution and many techniques have been developed. Among them, adsorption offers itself as a viable option for glyphosate removal and the searching of low cost adsorbent is always desired. Coffee drinking generates a massive volume of spent coffee grounds. Therefore, using spent coffee as feedstock for making adsorbent is investigated in this study. The activated carbon was prepared from spent coffee ground using chemical, Zn(CH3COO)2 and H2O2, then followed by heat treatment. The coffee grounds activated carbon was characterized by scanning electron microscope, BET Surface Area Analyzer. The effects of preparation conditions of obtained spent coffee ground powder on glyphosate removal were investigated using one variable at a time method. The adsorption tests were conducted in batch mode.
Dairy Wastewater Treatment with Rotating Biological Contactor as Secondary unit and use of Treated Effluent for Agriculture
Authors: Powar Priyanka , Nejkar Vinod , Patil Pooja , Naik Vinayak
Published: July 2023

Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) is a biological fixed film treatment method that can be applied as part of secondary treatment for wastewater treatment. The present investigation was conducted on dairy wastewater treated by employing RBC as a secondary biological unit, which demonstrated encouraging results. Wastewater 3-day BOD was reduced to 85 mg/L from the influent BOD of 995 mg/L and COD from 1220 mg/L to 130 mg/L. Overall efficiency accomplished by RBC was 91.5% for BOD removal and 89.3% for COD reduction. The treated waste was then used for irrigation of soy and corn crops. Results exhibited an increase in organic matter from 0.262% to 0.395% for corn and 0.416 for soya, whereas available total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as nutrients also increased compared to the regular groundwater application for irrigating the crop. Further, crop yield was also higher than normal, exhibiting advantages drawn from the application of treated wastewater for irrigation.