bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics of Montelukast in Dyspeptic Children with Duodenal Eosinophilia
Authors: Friesen Craig A. , Kearns Gregory L. , Andre Linda , Neustrom Mark , Roberts Charles C. , Abdel‐Rahman Susan M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Montelukast, a competitive cysteinyl leucotriene‐1 receptor antagonist, reduces airway eosinophilia in asthmatics. We evaluated the effect of this drug in children with eosinophilic duodenitis, defined histologically as duodenal mucosa with peak eosinophil count of more than 10 eosinophils/hpf.

Methods

Forty children and adolescents (6–18 yr) with dyspepsia and duodenal eosinophilia were enrolled in a double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study of monteleukast therapy. Subjects were randomized to receive either 10 mg montelukast or an identical placebo once daily and were evaluated on day 14 for symptomatic and biochemical responses. Subjects were also randomized to one of two blood sampling schemes to evaluate montelukast pharmacokinetics.

Results

Using a post treatment global pain assessment, a positive clinical response was observed in 62.1% of patients receiving montelukast compared with 32.4% on placebo (p < 0.02). Pain assessment score deteriorated in 45% of montelukast responders (5/11) after cross‐over to placebo and improved in 62% (8/13) of placebo non‐responders on cross‐over to montelukast. In patients with peak duodenal eosinophil counts between 20–29/hpf (n=19), a positive pain assessment response was observed in 84% of patients receiving montelukast compared to 42% receiving placebo (p < 0.01). Response rate did not differ by age, gender or histologic findings at baseline. Pharmacokinetic analysis yielded parameter estimates for absorption rate constant (Ka), apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) and elimination rate constant (Kel) of 0.42 h−1, 0.19 L/kg and 0.26 h−1, respectively. The relative extent of systemic drug exposure was comparable to that observed in previous pediatric investigations with similar weight‐adjusted montelukast doses. Neither dose nor calculated drug exposure were associated with the level of post treatment pain assessment or the change in biochemical markers.

Conclusions

These data suggest a beneficial role for montelukast in the treatment of pediatric patients with dyspepsia associated with duodenal eosinophilia.
A Modified Vitamin Regimen for Vitamin B2, A, and E Administration in Very‐Low–Birth‐Weight Infants
Authors: Porcelli Peter J. , Greene Harry , Adcock Eugene
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Very‐low–birth‐weight (VLBW; birth weight, <1,500 g) infants receive preterm infant formulas and parenteral multivitamin preparations that provide more riboflavin (vitamin B2) than does human milk and more than that recommended by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition. VLBW infants who are not breast‐fed may have plasma riboflavin concentrations up to 50 times higher than those in cord blood. The authors examined a vitamin regimen designed to reduce daily riboflavin intake, with the hypothesis that this new regimen would result in lower plasma riboflavin concentrations while maintaining lipid‐soluble vitamin levels.

Methods:

Preterm infants with birth weight ≤1,000 g received either standard preterm infant nutrition providing 0.42 to 0.75 mg riboflavin/kg/day (standard group), or a modified regimen providing 0.19 to 0.35 mg/kg/day (modified group). The modified group parenteral vitamin infusion was premixed in Intralipid®. Enteral feedings were selected to meet daily riboflavin administration guidelines. Plasma riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin E concentrations were measured weekly by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed with the independent t test, χ2, and analysis of variance.

Results:

The 36 infants (17 standard group, 19 modified group) had birth weight and gestational age of 779 ± 29 g and 25.5 ± 0.3 weeks (mean ± SEM) with no differences between groups. Modified group infants received 38% less riboflavin (0.281 ± 0.009 mg/kg/day), 35% more vitamin A (318.3 ± 11.4 μg/kg/day), and 14% more vitamin E (3.17 ± 0.14 mg/kg/day) than standard group infants. Plasma riboflavin rose from baseline in both groups but was 37% lower in the modified group during the first postnatal month (133.3 ± 9.9 ng/mL). Riboflavin intake and plasma riboflavin concentrations were directly correlated. Plasma vitamin A (0.222 ± 0.022 μg/mL) and vitamin E (22.26 ± 1.61 /mL) concentrations were greater in the modified group.

Conclusions:

The modified vitamin regimen resulted in reduced riboflavin intake and plasma riboflavin concentration, suggesting plasma riboflavin concentration is partially dose dependent during the first postnatal month in VLBW infants. Modified group plasma vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations were greater during the first month, possibly because the vitamins were premixed with parenteral lipid emulsion. Because of the complexity of this protocol, the authors suggest that a parenteral multivitamin product designed for VLBW infants which uses weight‐based dosing should be developed.
Human Antichimeric Antibody in Children and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Receiving Infliximab
Authors: Miele Erasmo , Markowitz Jonathan E. , Mamula Petar , Baldassano Robert N.
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Pediatric studies on immunogenicity of infliximab have not been published. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of human antichimeric antibody (HACA), relationship to infusion reactions (IR), and the role of concomitant immunomodulatory therapies.

Methods:

An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) database was queried, and a retrospective review of patients who had HACA performed was undertaken.

Results:

HACA was conclusively determined in 34 patients with IBD (14 male, Crohn disease/ulcerative colitis: 30/4), median age 14.8 years (range, 6.4–22.5 years). Twenty‐nine (85.3%) patients were receiving immunomodulatory therapy. A total of 234 infliximab infusions were administered (mean, 6.9; range, 1–26). HACA was detected in 12 (35.3%) patients. IR occurred in 8 (23.5%) patients. HACA‐positive patients had a higher proportion of infusions associated with IR than did HACA‐negative patients (P < 0.01). HACA levels ≥ 8.0 μg/mL were more likely to be associated with IR (P = 0.03). Levels of ≥ 8.0 μg/mL were more common in patients who had an average interval between infliximab infusions of 8 weeks or less (P = 0.04). Concomitant immunomodulatory therapy was associated with a lower risk of developing HACA (P = 0.02) and lower titer of HACA (P = 0.04). Patients did not have HACA at a greater rate when there was an extended interval (more than 12 weeks) between infliximab infusions (P = 0.89).

Conclusions:

In children and adolescents with IBD, HACA formation is related to IR and to the duration of response to treatment. Immunomodulatory agents seem to have a protective role against development of HACA or high titers of antibodies. The interval between infusions does not influence the development of HACA.
Discordant Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C‐reactive Protein in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Taking Azathioprine or 6‐Mercaptopurine
Authors: Barnes Barrett H. , Borowitz Stephen M. , Saulsbury Frank T. , Hellems Martha , Sutphen James L.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by periods of relapse and remission. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms during relapse and prolonging the duration of remissions. 6‐Mercaptopurine (6‐MP) and its prodrug azathioprine (AZA) are commonly used to prolong clinical remissions. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are two widely used laboratory markers of inflammation. The authors observed an unexplained discordance between ESR and CRP in children with asymptomatic IBD who were being treated with AZA or 6‐MP.

Objective:

To characterize children with IBD in remission treated with 6‐MP or AZA who have persistently elevated ESR but normal CRP.

Methods:

All patients seen in Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2002, with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis who received AZA or 6‐MP continuously for at least 6 months were identified and their medical records reviewed.

Results:

One hundred twenty patients met the eligibility criteria. Twelve had an ESR >18 mm/hour on at least three occasions during at least 12 consecutive months with a simultaneous CRP <0.8 mg/dL. Eleven of these 12 had no signs or symptoms of active disease and had Pediatric Crohn Disease Activity Index scores <10 for at least 12 consecutive months while the ESR was elevated. Disease duration was similar in the 11 children with asymptomatic disease and with discordant ESR and CRP and in 108 children with concordant ESR and CRP (69.2 + 22.5 months v 54.3 ± 40.1 months, P = 0.0709). Duration of AZA or 6‐MP therapy was greater in the 11 children with asymptomatic disease and discordant ESR and CRP than in those with or without symptoms and with concordant ESR and CRP (58.1 ± 16.4 months v 36.6 ± 24.1 months, P = 0.0043). There were no differences between the groups with respect to diagnosis, location of disease, or age at onset of symptoms. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was somewhat larger in the children with discordant ESR and CRP than in the children with concordant ESR and CRP (91.4 ± 6.97 fL v 87.0 ± 7.07 fL, respectively, P = 0.0373); however, in both groups, the MCV was in the normal range. There were no significant differences in hematocrit, white blood cell count, serum albumin, total serum protein, or estimated serum globulin between the groups.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that among children treated with AZA or 6‐MP, CRP may be a more reliable indirect indicator of inflammation than ESR. This report alerts clinicians that some children taking AZA or 6‐MP may have persistent elevation of the ESR with a normal CRP and have no clinical evidence of active disease.
Advances in Endoscopy and Other Diagnostic Techniques: Working Group Report of the Second World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Authors: Olives Jean‐Pierre , Bontems Patrick , Costaguta Alejandro , Fritscher‐Ravens Annette , Gilger Mark , Narkewickz Michael , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Spolidoro José , Thomson Mike
Published: January 2024

Research

Endoscopic ultrasound: To evaluate the usefulness of endoscopy ultrasound in the management of gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic disease in children; and to explore possible future applications in new fields (e.g., oncology).

Digital imaging for endoscopy: 1. Structured archive of video sequences and/or images. 2. Illustrating endoscopy reports.

Virtual endoscopy in children: 1. To determine the usefulness of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in the detection of lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in pediatrics. 2. To develop CTC protocols for pediatric patients, if the technique proves to be effective in detecting gastrointestinal lesions in these patients.

Intervention

Endoscopic ultrasound: To expand the use and reduce the cost of endoscopy ultrasound in children.

Digital imaging for endoscopy: To require and to standardize illustrated reports as a means of information for parents and as a legal proof.

Virtual endoscopy in children: To define the place of “virtual” examinations as an option to replace invasive procedures.

Education

Endoscopic ultrasound: 1. To improve the knowledge of our colleagues about the use of endoscopy ultrasound in pediatrics. 2. To promote the worldwide development on centers that have mastered the technique.

Digital imaging for endoscopy: 1. Better understanding of these technologies as regards daily practice and the selection of new medical products. 2. Provide articles to explain: video format (definition of frame rate and resolution, color definitions etc), and relational databases, web applications, etc., incorporate this information in annual courses.

Virtual endoscopy in children: 1. To improve the knowledge of our colleagues about the possible uses and limitations of CTC in pediatrics. 2. To promote the worldwide development of centers that have mastered the technique as reference facilities.
Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Gastroesophageal Reflux and Neurogastroenterology: Working Group Report of the Second World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Authors: Di Lorenzo Carlo , Benninga Marc A. , Forbes David , Morais Mauro B. , Morera Claudio , Rudolph Colin , Staiano Annamaria , Sullivan Peter B. , Tobin Jacinta
Published: January 2024

Research

Investigation of enteric neurobiology and development of the enteric nervous system.

Neuro‐immunology and the gut: characterization of the interactions between the central nervous system, enteric nervous system and immune system.

Evaluation of the role of early life events in the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Intervention

evelopment of multicenter, controlled studies aimed at evaluating epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of functional bowel disorders.

Creation of a tissue bank for children with enteric neuromuscular disorders.

Validation of the Rome II diagnostic criteria at the general practitioner and specialty level.

Education

Train physicians and researchers in performing motility, sensory, and laboratory assessment in the field of enteric neuromuscular disorders.

Educate primary care physicians in the evaluation and treatment of GER and other functional bowel disorders.

Educate care providers on the high incidence of enteric neuromuscular disorders and the special needs of children with neurologic handicaps.
Intestinal Infections and Environmental Enteropathy: Working Group Report of the Second World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Authors: Salazar‐Lindo Eduardo , Allen Stephen , Brewster David R. , Elliott Elizabeth J. , Fasano Alessio , Phillips Alan D. , Sanderson Ian R. , Tarr Phillip I.
Published: January 2024

Research

Determine criteria to establish the pathogenicity of candidate diarrheagenic agents and document any evidence of synergistic effects between pathogens.

Determine the benefits of a specific diagnosis for disease etiology to patients and their communities, and determine the cost‐effectiveness and feasibility of the diagnostic methods used.

Determine the etiology and pathogenesis of mucosal damage in environmental enteropathy, and determine the extent to which growth falters because of this disorder.

Intervention

Determine the most effective strategies to prevent enteric infections, including vaccination.

Determine the most effective strategies to prevent antimicrobial resistance and to achieve global surveillance of antimicrobial resistance to enteric pathogens.

Determine if certain interventions can prevent or reduce environmental enteropathy and promote growth, especially during weaning.

Education

Determine the best clinical management regimens and algorithms used in different regions of the world for acute watery diarrhea, dysentery and persistent diarrhea.

Determine the most effective educational approaches to improving hygiene behavior, especially for poor families.

Training in basic research in environmental enteropathy.
Pancreatic Disorders and Cystic Fibrosis: Working Group Report of the Second World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Authors: Belkind‐Gerson Jaime , Fernandez‐Peters Adriana , Furnes Raquel , Oliver Mark , Perrault Jean , Robertson Marli , Witt Heiko
Published: January 2024

Research

Determine the genotype/phenotype relationship in cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis and Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome, including its prognostic and predictive significance.

Development of optimal monitoring of pancreatic function with the aim of developing common protocols.

Development and validation of classification and definitions of disease, multicenter research protocols and evidence‐based therapeutic guidelines for pancreatitis in children.

Intervention

Develop guidelines for appropriate and targeted genetic testing for hereditary pancreatitis in children.

Develop support groups, particularly for children with chronic and relapsing pancreatitis, and develop websites that allow easy access to accurate information.

Set up an international clinical and basic‐science register for Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome and other childhood pancreatic diseases. The register should include gene mutations, clinical aspects, complications, clinical trials etc., and make redundant tissue from pancreatic transplant programs available to basic science research.

Education

Promote continuous training of health professionals as regards the diagnosis and management of childhood acute and chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis liver disease and the rarer causes of pancreatic exocrine dysfunction such as Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome and Pearson‐bone marrow syndrome.

Improve training for medical and non‐medical staff in the nutritional support of cystic fibrosis patients, and extend pediatric gastrointestinal tract training to include post‐transplantation patients, and patients that are going from pediatric care to adult care.

Create new communication pathways (links between expert groups from different countries, nomination of medical advisory boards and bi‐annual international scientific meetings) to promote better understanding, research and knowledge of pancreatic disorders and to improve databases to enable an adequate long‐term follow up of patients.
CD1d‐Restricted T Cell Pathways at the Epithelial‐Lymphocyte‐Luminal Interface
Authors: Kaser Arthur , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , Strober Warren , Fuss Ivan , Colgan Sean , Blumberg Richard S.
Published: January 2024

The mucosal‐associated lymphoid tissues, including the gut‐associated lymphoid tissues, represent a tightly regulated environment that, on the one hand, must resist microbial invasions and on the other hand, when perturbed, causes inflammation such as that associated with inflammatory bowel disease. One type of regulatory cellular subset that has recently gained attention in this compartment is the subset of T cells that are associated with CD1d‐restricted responses. Recently, CD1d‐restricted T cells have been increasingly appreciated to play a significant role in mucosal tissues of the intestine and lung, for example. In this review, we focus on recent observations in the characteristics of CD1d‐restricted pathways in mucosal compartments after a brief introduction to the biology of CD1d and CD1d‐restricted T cells.
A case report of the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder with transference focused psychotherapy
Authors: Bird Joanna , Caligor Eve
Published: January 2024

The following case study provides a description of the transference‐focused psychotherapy (TFP) treatment of a young man diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). TFP is an individual, psychodynamic therapy developed to treat a range of personality disorders. TFP is evidence‐based for the treatment of borderline personality disorder and has been adapted for the treatment of NPD. This case illustrates the application of the strategies and techniques of TFP to treatment of NPD as well as challenges clinicians may face in arriving at timely diagnosis of the disorder. Although no specific treatment for NPD has been empirically validated, TFP utilizes the therapeutic techniques identified across modalities for successful treatment of pathological narcissism. This report describes how treatment interventions such as goal setting, developing a therapeutic alliance, using a treatment contract and addressing treatment interfering behaviors contributed to this patient's improvement in self‐reflection, formation of healthier and more flexible ideas about self and other, increased self‐agency, tolerance of normative disillusionments and increase in empathy.
Lung Ultrasound Signs
Authors: Inchingolo Riccardo , Zanforlin Alessandro , Buonsenso Danilo , Perrone Tiziano , Torri Elena , Limoli Giuseppe , Mossolani Elisa Eleonora , Tursi Francesco , Soldati Gino , Marchetti Giampietro , Carlucci Paolo , Radovanovic Dejan , Lohmeyer Franziska Michaela , Smargiassi Andrea
Published: January 2024

Over the last 20 years, scientific literature and interest on chest/lung ultrasound (LUS) have exponentially increased. Interpreting mixed—anatomical and artifactual—pictures determined the need of a proposal of a new nomenclature of artifacts and signs to simplify learning, spread, and implementation of this technique. The aim of this review is to collect and analyze different signs and artifacts reported in the history of chest ultrasound regarding normal lung, pleural pathologies, and lung consolidations. By reviewing the possible physical and anatomical interpretation of these artifacts and signs reported in the literature, this work aims to present the AdET (Accademia di Ecografia Toracica) proposal of nomenclature and to bring order between published studies.
Analogy between a moving line source illuminating a metallic wire and Compton scattering experiment
Authors: Marvasti Mohammad , Boutayeb Halim
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an electromagnetic analysis of a moving infinitely long line source illuminating an infinitely long metallic wire at rest. The study uses the full‐wave numerical finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, which is based on the spatial and temporal discretization of Maxwell's equations. Movement is computed within the FDTD technique by varying the position of the line source at each time loop. An analogy is proposed between the wavelength spectrum of the simulated electromagnetic field and the Compton scattering experiment. A good agreement is obtained between theoretical analysis, numerical results, and Compton experimental data.
Molekülschwingung mit höchster Präzision
Authors: Schiller Stephan , Schenkel Magnus , Alighanbari Soroosh
Published: January 2024

Das Wasserstoffmolekülion (H2+) und seine Isotopologe sind die einfachsten Moleküle. Sie bestehen lediglich aus zwei Kernen – Proton, Deuteron oder Triton – gebunden über ein einziges Elektron. Unserer Arbeitsgruppe ist es nun gelungen, Übergangsfrequenzen zwischen Schwingungszuständen dieser Moleküle hochgenau zu vermessen und damit die Quantenmechanik zu testen. Vereint mit einer hochpräzisen Theorie lässt sich ein spektroskopischer Wert für das Proton‐Elektron‐Massenverhältnis ableiten: 1836,152 673 463(37) zu 1.
Opportunities and challenges for strawberry cultivation in urban food production systems
Authors: Kouloumprouka Zacharaki Aikaterini , Monaghan James M. , Bromley Jennifer R. , Vickers Laura H.
Published: January 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Cultivation of strawberry plants in urban production systems, whether in green open‐air spaces or under some form of protected horticulture such as vertical farming, has demonstrated to be challenging to new farmers and businesses. Commercial strawberry producers have an advanced understanding of strawberry plant physiology, enabling them to grow the crop successfully and profitably. Lack of knowledge exchange between commercial growers and new urban farmers seems to result in the abandonment of strawberries as crop of choice in urban systems. This review will confront the specific plant science challenges urban growers need to address to incorporate this nutritional crop into their revolutionary urban growing systems, whilst achieving good quality produce with high yields.

To ensure a sustainable future of farming, urban horticulture (UH) will need to be a key part of our everyday life. There are increasing demands for higher productivity and more locally produced food, even close to densely populated urban areas, to address environmental pressures and accelerate the resilience of modern food systems. UH is a broad term and can include numerous cultivation methods; rooftop gardens, public spaces, vertical walls, indoor vertical farms, as well as an array of crops including, salads, soft fruits and trees. Crops such as strawberries are expected to soon make a significant contribution to UH. Urban strawberry production promises all‐year round fruit availability, reduced reliance on imports, increased self‐sufficiency, lower food miles, a supply of high‐quality fresh fruits from hyper‐local spaces, increased employment opportunities, welfare benefits and an opportunity to promote a sense of community. Strawberry is a complex perennial crop with agronomical challenges, which requires specialist knowledge that is not always available to new urban farmers. Achieving an urban version of a strawberry field will require knowledge exchange between the commercial rural strawberry producers and the newly entered urban growers. Plant physiology, management of plant pathogens, choice of propagation material, fertigation, pollination and environmental requirements are the most common challenges for urban strawberry production. This review aims to consolidate the common bottleneck challenges of UH for new urban strawberry facilities.
Literary Reading on Paper and Screens: Associations Between Reading Habits and Preferences and Experiencing Meaningfulness
Authors: Hakemulder Frank , Mangen Anne
Published: January 2024

The increasing use of digital technologies has implications for reading. Online and on‐screen reading often consist of engaging with multiple, short, multimedia snippets of information, whereas longform reading is in decline. Meta‐analyses have identified a screen inferiority when reading informational texts, but not narrative texts. The mode effect is explained by reference to the Shallowing Hypothesis, postulating that increased screen reading leads to a propensity to skim and scan rather than carefully read, since digital reading material is typically composed of short, decontextualized snippets of multimedia content rather than long, linear, texts. Experiments have found support for the Shallowing Hypothesis when reading expository/informational texts, but the impact of increased habituation to screens on, specifically, literary reading, is largely unknown. It is plausible that shallow modes of reading, prompted by increased screen use, may compromise one's capacity to engage deeply with literary texts and, in turn, negatively affect readers’ motivation and inclination to engage in slower, more reflective, and more effortful reading. This article presents the results from three experiments exploring associations between reading behavior, medium preferences, and the reading of a short literary text on paper versus screen. Although mixed, the results revealed an overall pattern for the role of medium: more frequent reading of short texts on screen predicted less inclination to muster the cognitive persistence required for reading a longer text, and engage in contemplation on the deeper and personally relevant meaning of the literary text. Educational implications of these findings are discussed.
“I think of it that way and it helps me understand”: Anthropomorphism in elementary students' mechanistic stories
Authors: Tang Xiaowei , Hammer David
Published: January 2024

How anthropomorphic reasoning functions in scientific thinking has been a controversial topic. There is evidence it is problematic as well as evidence it can play productive roles, for scientists and for students. In science education, however, the prevailing view remains that it is an impediment. For this study, we have chosen examples of what we claim are productive instances in elementary students' reasoning, and we analyze them to understand how anthropomorphisms functioned to support scientific thinking. We argue that one productive role is to support temporary shifts from mechanistic reasoning to more general storytelling, in particular to fill gaps as students work to explain phenomena. That is, we propose that children may come to mechanistic explanation as a form of storytelling. Part of their value is in allowing students to “invent science” based on their existing knowledge, supporting them to understand science as sensemaking.
Environmental sustainability and green logistics: Evidence from BRICS and Gulf countries by cross‐sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS‐ARDL) approach
Authors: Ouni Manel , Ben Abdallah Khaled
Published: January 2024

The logistics sector plays a crucial role in supporting various aspects of the economy, making it an essential part of a nation's development. However, this sector also contributes to environmental pollution through various emissions. The adoption of environmentally friendly logistics practices presents a promising solution to mitigate adverse environmental impacts. This study aims to investigate the influence of economic growth, green innovation, foreign direct investment, transport emissions, renewable energy, and trade openness on green logistics in both Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) and Gulf countries from 1992 to 2020. This study used an advanced panel approach to obtain robust results, considering cross‐sectional dependency and slope heterogeneity. The cross‐sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag method was employed to analyze long and short‐run estimations. Our findings reveal that in Gulf countries, both transport emissions and foreign direct investment have a negative impact on green logistics. In the BRICS countries, economic growth, transport emissions, trade openness, renewable energy, and green innovation have a positive impact on green logistics. The study proposes several recommendations to improve logistics development in both groups of nations and promote sustainability. To achieve carbon neutrality, it is important to adopt green logistics, promote green investments, and support renewable energy, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Understanding money; Or, why social and financial accounting should not be conflated
Authors: Rosenswig Robert M.
Published: January 2024

This article defines social and financial money as distinct institutions that account for different realms of value. I present a fundamental dichotomy among economists' where orthodox theory defines money as a medium of exchange whereas heterodox chartalist economists characterize it as a unit of account. I argue that (pre)historical data provides clear evidence in support of the heterodox position. The unit of account function of money is exemplified by how wampum accounted for social debts and was expanded to also serve financial functions by European colonial governments. The heterodox position is further evidenced with the metal coins that denominated Rome's financial money that transitioned to serve primarily social purposes in early Anglo‐Saxon Britain. Focusing on the accounting function of social and financial monies transcends the Polanyian special‐versus‐general‐purpose framework that often still structures archaeological practice. With this framework of money defined by what gives it value, I then evaluate recent claims that financial money was integral to the political economies of Bronze Age Europe. I conclude that the adoption of the orthodox assumption that money is primarily a medium of exchange inhibits understanding of what money is and how the political economies of ancient societies were organized.
Using Gas Chromatography‐Ion Mobility Spectrometry to Investigate Volatile Compound Profiles in Human Sweat during COVID‐19 Vaccination
Authors: Phusrisom Sorachar , Tungkijanansin Nuttanee , Sirinara Patthrarawalai , Kulsing Chadin
Published: January 2024

In this study, gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS) was applied to analyze sweat volatile compounds for differentiation of population with COVID‐19 vaccination. This involves tentative identification of the compounds in 50 axillary swab samples obtained from 10 healthy female volunteers before or after nucleic acid‐based COVID‐19 vaccination at different periods up to two days. The samples were collected by using sterilized cotton rods with the sampling time of 15 min. The data were analyzed using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) showing separation of the groups before and after the vaccination. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then constructed for the detected peaks which revealed four possible marker peaks with the significantly downregulated or upregulated contents in the vaccinated samples. One of these markers was tentatively identified as methanol. With the optimum peak volume thresholds, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were up to 100 %, 85 % and 94 %, respectively. The marker peak volumes along the vaccination progresses were also monitored showing the significant decrease or increase of their contents within 6 h after the vaccination. The analysis approaches are expected to be useful to confirm stages of other vaccination.
Phase Relationship and Ni Solubility in Nanoparticles of Ce0.9Zr0.1O2
Authors: Zimicz María Genoveva , Castillo Jesus Eduardo Vega , Prado Ayelén , Sánchez Miguel Darío , Caneiro Alberto , Prado Fernando Daniel
Published: January 2024

The phase relationship, defect formation, and incorporation of Ni in Ce0.9Zr0.1O2 have been investigated in samples of nominal composition (Ce0.9Zr0.1)1‐xNixO2‐δ with x=0.03, 0.05 and 0.1, synthesized by a cation complexation route and heat treated at 600, 800 and 1000 °C. Several structural (XRD, XAS, HRTEM) and spectroscopic (XPS, Raman) techniques have been used. Our data show the lattice parameters determined from XRD do not significantly vary with the Ni content or annealing temperature. The increasing defect concentration with increasing Ni content revealed by Raman spectra was associated to the formation of oxygen vacancies in the bulk due to coexistence of NiO and Ce0.9Zr0.1O2. On the other hand, no variation in the oxygen vacancies concentration was detected at the surface with increasing the Ni content by XPS data. In those samples with the lowest Ni concentrations (3 and 5 %) and heat treated at 600 °C, the analysis of the EXAFS zone of the K‐edge of Ni indicates that local order around Ni cations is not long‐range, suggesting the presence of a noncrystalline phase. When the Ni content is higher (10 %) and/or the temperature of the thermal treatment is increased, the crystallization of NiO is clearly detected by XRD, EXAFS and HRTEM.
Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐4H pyran‐3‐carbonitriles Using Ionic Liquid: Reactions, Quantum‐Chemical Calculations, and Antiproliferative Activity
Authors: Saleh Mariziq Al‐Sarhani Mjd , Abdelgayed Ahmed Arafa Wael , Atef Ghoneim Amira , Althobaiti Ibrahim O. , Farok Hussein Modather , Kamal Mourad Asmaa
Published: January 2024

A new highly efficient and eco‐friendly protocol utilizing ultrasonic irradiation was established for the assembly of 2‐amino‐4H‐pyran‐3‐carbonitriles series. Outstanding yields (97–99 %) and better reaction profiles were accessible utilizing the atom‐economical approach. Further, three fused pyrimidines were accessible through cyclization reactions of 2‐amino‐5‐oxo‐4‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitrile (8 l) with various reagents under sustainable conditions. Moreover, the anti‐proliferative activity of the assembled imidazopyrimidines was in vitro evaluated against three human cancer cell lines, MCF7 (breast cancer), HepG2 (liver cancer), and A549 (lung cancer), and one normal human cell line, MCF‐10 A (human mammary cell line). In comparison to Doxorubicin, the criterion drug, all of the tested compounds exhibited potent cytotoxic effects. The relationship between activity and structure was also addressed. Noteworthy, the quantum chemical investigations of the assembled molecules using Density Functional Theory (DFT) have been studied and found to agree with the observed anti‐proliferative activities. In addition, the docking studies demonstrated that the studied compounds possess low binding energies towards three selected proteins (6ENV‐MCV‐7, 4b3z‐Lung, and HepG2‐2JW2). Finally, the electron distribution on the surface of the assembled compounds has been evaluated by ESP.
Reproposing Neutral Red as a Colorimetric Probe for Quantitative Assessment of Lysosomal Clearance in Neuroblastoma Cell Line
Authors: Kittilukkana Aiyarin , Sanit Jantira , Pilapong Chalermchai
Published: January 2024

We report herein a method for investigating lysosome clearance function based on colorimetric analysis of neutral red (NR) that had accumulated in lysosomes of a neuroblastoma cell line. The NR in lysosome can be easily observed as red puncta under microscope and has a characteristic absorbance maximum at 525 nm. Clearance of NR from lysosomes can be monitored by observing red signal fading under a light microscope and can also be monitored by measuring its change in characteristic absorbance using a microplate reader. Clearance kinetics of NR in lysosomes were found to obey simplified one phase decay kinetics. By fitting the data, we were able to parameterize the rate constant (k) which was implemented in the lysosome clearance function. Notably, dys‐regulated lysosome induced by bafilomycin A1, had less k value, implying a lower lysosome clearance efficiency. Obviously, the cells with less k value were found to have been less capable of clearing amyloid beta out of the cells. These results substantiate that this method can be utilized as a new method for assessment of lysosome clearance function.
A New Process for the Synthesis of R‐nosylate a Key Intermediate of Nafithromycin
Authors: Pund Amit , Diwan Furqan , Deshpande Prathmesh , Rane Vipul , Ahirrao Vinod , Rafeeq Mohammad , Yeole Ravindra , Merwade Arvind
Published: January 2024

Present study described the facile and efficient synthesis of R‐nosylate (chemical name: (R)‐1‐(5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl)‐ethyl,4‐nitrobenzenesulfonate) as new key intermediate of nafithromycin. The R‐nosylate (3 b) was prepared in six steps, starting from readily available methyl‐D‐lactate. To produce a 3 b with a good yield and remarkable chiral high performance liquid chromatography (CHPLC) purity more than 99 %, a large‐scale practical and environmentally friendly process was generated and optimized. The developed method, which was successfully established at the pilot scale and then used as the base for industrial production, considerably decreased the use of harmful reagents.
Corrosion behavior of in‐situ synthesized ZnO‐containing coatings of AZ31B magnesium alloy by micro‐arc oxidation in simulated body fluids
Authors: Chen Hong , Feng Baoliang , Ren Yuyu , Hao Jianmin
Published: January 2024

In this paper, ZnO‐containing coatings were prepared on the surface of AZ31B magnesium alloy by a simple one‐step micro‐arc oxidation method using zinc gluconate as the zinc source. The microstructure, elemental distribution, phase composition and chemical composition of the coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy spectrometry (EDS), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were carried out in simulated body fluids to study the corrosion behavior of the coatings. The results show that introducing Zn2+ into the coatings reduces the number of pores and changes the microstructure of the coatings, resulting in improving corrosion resistance. In addition, the corrosion current density of the coatings prepared by adding 6 g/L of zinc gluconate was approximately two orders of magnitude lower than that of the coatings prepared without adding zinc gluconate.
Oxone® Mediated Regioselective C(sp2)−H Selenylation and Thiocyanation of Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines at Room Temperature
Authors: Chillal Abhinay S. , Bhawale Rajesh T. , Kshirsagar Umesh A.
Published: January 2024

A mild Oxone® mediated reaction for direct regioselective C−H selenylation and thiocyanation of pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines is established at ambient temperature. This practical and efficient methodology employs Oxone® as a user friendly, green, non‐toxic and cheap reagent to facilitate selenylation and thiocyanation at room temperature. The present method offers high regioselectivity, broad substrate scope, mild conditions and excellent yields. Further, this eco‐friendly approach could easily be extended for mild C−H selenylation and thiocyanation of other heterocycles. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction occurs through electrophilic substitution mechanism via generation of an electrophilic chalcogen species.
Low‐temperature Ruby Crystal Growth Via a Supersaturation Process Based on Flux Decomposition
Authors: Ayuzawa Shunsuke , Yamada Tetsuya , Miyagawa Hiroh , Oishi Shuji , Teshima Katsuya
Published: January 2024

Crystal growth methods that do not require high temperatures are highly needed for the facile growth of oxide single crystals with melting points of several thousand degrees Celsius. This paper represents the first report of a method for the low‐temperature growth of ruby crystals (chromium‐doped Al2O3) at 750 °C, which is one‐third of the conventionally required temperature (2050 °C). In solution‐based crystal growth, the target crystal is grown at a temperature considerably lower than its melting point. However, conventional crystal growth processes involving solvent evaporation and cooling require high temperatures to completely liquefy the material, with previously reported solution growth temperatures of ≈1100 °C. Supersaturation based on the decomposition of crystal–solvent intermediates eliminates the need to completely liquefy the material, enabling low‐temperature crystal growth. The combination of computational and experimental investigations helps determine the optimum conditions for low‐temperature crystal growth. The proposed method is a novel green process that breaks the conventional frontiers of crystal growth while ensuring eco‐friendliness and low energy consumption. In addition, its scope can potentially be expanded to the synthesis of various crystals and direct growth on substrates with low melting points.
Superior Energy Storage Capability and Fluorescence Negative Thermal Expansion of NaNbO3‐Based Transparent Ceramics by Synergistic Optimization
Authors: Zeng Xiangfu , Lin Jinfeng , Chen Yan , Wang Simin , Zhou Ping , Yu Fangyuan , Wu Xiao , Gao Min , Zhao Chunlin , Lin Tengfei , Luo Laihui , Lin Cong
Published: January 2024

Transparent dielectric ceramics are splendid candidates for transparent pulse capacitors (TPCs) due to splendid cycle stability and large power density. However, the performance and service life of TPCs at present are threatened by overheating damage caused by dielectric loss. Here, a cooperative optimization strategy of microstructure control and superparaelectric regional regulation is proposed to simultaneously achieve excellent energy storage performance and real‐time temperature monitoring function in NaNbO3‐based ceramics. By introducing aliovalent ions and oxides with large bandgap energy, the size of polar nanoregions is continuously reduced. Due to the combined effect of increased relaxor behavior and fine grains, excellent comprehensive performances are obtained through doping appropriate amounts of Bi, Yb, Tm, and Zr, Ta, Hf in A‐ and B‐sites of the NaNbO3 matrix, including recoverable energy storage density (5.39 J cm−3), extremely high energy storage efficiency (91.97%), ultra‐fast discharge time (29 ns), and superior optical transmittance (≈47.5% at 736 nm). Additionally, the phenomenon of abnormal fluorescent negative thermal expansion is realized due to activation mechanism of surface phonon at high temperatures that can promote the formation of [Yb···O]‐Tm3+ pairs, showing great potential in real‐time temperature monitoring of TPCs. This research provides ideas for developing electronic devices with multiple functionalities.
Is the media missing the point on the transnational American desalination pipe dream?
Authors: O'Neill Brian F.
Published: January 2024

The media plays a central role in the dissemination of information about globally significant, transboundary issues like world water policy and infrastructure projects. This discussion makes its point of departure on the topic of large‐scale seawater desalination (producing potable ocean water) in the American borderlands and Southwest region, an area that has recently been plagued by droughts, as well as being the subject of much reporting on the feasibility of expanding water infrastructure across the United States and Mexico. In particular, The New York Times has produced a series of stories on water scarcity in the state of Arizona and the “pipe dreams” of building a desalination plant in Mexico that would produce water to be pumped through a national monument, and into major Arizonan metropolitan areas like Phoenix and Tucson. This reportage has been useful in bringing water concerns amidst climate change to a broader audience, simultaneously challenging the well‐known American “growth machine” paradigm. However, when considering the recent scholarship from social scientists and water policy scholars, the media may be missing the point. In this transboundary region, when we consider existing evidence as well as the reports that have emerged in Arizona and Mexico, it becomes clear that water from desalination is a luxury good, and the industry continues to have a dubious political and economic track record when dealing with water providers, public and private. Therefore, more discussions of desalination in world water policy circles need to be asking who is served by desalination, as it increasingly represents a model of the overproduction of water in places that do not need it, therefore entrenching social inequality.
Unit 3 Lab: Gender and Prototypes
Authors: Johansson Christer , Folgerø Per Olav
Published: January 2024

Cards are printed out and laminated to make up a deck of high-quality cards consisting of 5 feminized prototypes (f), 5 masculinized prototypes (m), one Jesus prototype (jp), one male prototype (mp), and one female prototype (fp). The images can be marked for their category on the backside for easy reading of the results. The reason for using personalized prototypes is to make the task less obvious.
Unit 5 Lesson: A Very Brief Introduction to Neuroimaging
Authors: Specht Karsten
Published: January 2024

This lesson intends to provide a brief introduction to some central neuroimaging methods that are relevant for studying the human brain. The lesson starts with a brief introduction to cognitive neuroscience as the basis of all cognitive processes, followed by a description of methods that can be used to measure brain responses.
Summative Comments: What Is Neuroaesthetics?
Authors: Balinisteanu Tudor
Published: January 2024

This chapter is designed to help students to integrate various strands of the knowledge gained throughout the course. It is not a chapter-lesson per se, but an invitation to ponder future research directions. The section encourages students to examine 4E (embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended) cognition theories, and to adopt a developmental perspective in the study of the origins of aesthetic experience, without imposing such an approach in their future research. A provisional answer to the question, ‘What is neuroaesthetics?’ is proposed.
Indirect constraints on top quark operators from a global SMEFT analysis
Authors: Garosi Francesco , Marzocca David , Rodríguez-Sánchez Antonio , Stanzione Alfredo
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We perform a model-independent analysis of top-philic New Physics scenarios, under the assumption that only effective operators involving top quarks are generated at tree level. Within the SMEFT framework, we derive indirect constraints on Wilson Coefficients by combining a large set of low-energy observables: B-meson and kaon decays, meson mixing observables, precision electroweak and Higgs measurements, anomalous magnetic moments, lepton flavour violating processes, lepton flavour universality tests, and measurements of the Cabibbo angle. We consider the renormalization group evolution of the operators and use the one-loop matching of the SMEFT onto the LEFT. The global analysis is then used to perform one-parameter, two-parameter, and global fits, as well as applications to explicit ultraviolet models. We find that the inclusion of measurements from different physics sectors reveals a strong interplay and complementarity among the observables. The resulting constraints are also compared to direct bounds provided by top quark productions at the LHC.