bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of environmental factors on the spawning of sciaenids in the Buenos Aires Coastal Zone, Argentina
Authors: Militelli Maria Inés , Rodrigues Karina Andrea , Cortés Federico , Macchi Gustavo Javier
Published: March 2013

The fish community in coastal waters of the Buenos Aires Province is dominated by seven sciaenid species: Micropogonias furnieri, Cynoscion guatucupa, Macrodon ancylodon, Pogonias cromis, Umbrina canosai, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, and Menticirrhus americanus. The relation between sciaenid spawning females and environmental factors was examined in order to describe the spawning strategy of these species in Argentine coastal waters. Sciaenid species were classified into three groups according to the thermohaline range of the spawning areas: (a) estuarine spawners associated with the bottom salinity front comprised those species that spawned in the inner area of the estuary in accordance with the main horizontal salinity gradients at the bottom (M. furnieri, M. ancylodon, and P. chromis); (b) estuarine spawners not associated with the bottom salinity front comprised those species that spawned mainly in the middle of the estuary, in brackish water with salinities ranging from 24 to 30 (P. brasiliensis and M. americanus); and (c) marine spawners comprised those species that always spawned in salt water (salinity values higher than 30) in the outer area of the Río de la Plata Estuary or El Rincón, in the southern part of Buenos Aires Province (C. guatucupa, U. canosai, and M. furnieri). Micropogonias furnieri, the most abundant sciaenid in Argentina that presents the highest latitudinal distribution, can behave as a marine or estuarine spawner depending on the environmental characteristics. This allows it to make better use of each ecosystem and thus increase its survival chances.
Outcomes and Hospital Service Use Among Patients With COPD in a Nurse- and Allied Health–Led Clinic
Authors: Wang Kailu , Zhao Shi , Yau Susan Zi-May , Wei Yuchen , Li Yim-Chu , Orr Ryan Wai-Ching , Lam Ivan Hin-Lai , Wu Yushan , Wong Eliza Lai-Yi , Hung Chi-Tim , Yeoh Eng-Kiong
Published: July 2024

Importance

Multidisciplinary disease management efforts enable the improvement in lung function among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but there is little evidence of its association with risks of adverse health outcomes and health care service use.

Objective

To examine the association between the use of a nurse- and allied health–led primary care clinic for respiratory patients, namely the Nurse and Allied Health Clinic–Respiratory Care (NAHC-Respiratory), and their risks of mortality and morbidity and health care service use.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This territory-wide, population-based, propensity-matched, retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic health records of all patients who used public health care services in Hong Kong, China, from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019. All patients with COPD treated in public outpatient clinics between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, were included. Patients who attended NAHC-Respiratory and usual care only were propensity score–matched at a 1:2 ratio. Data analyses were conducted between August 2023 and April 2024.

Exposure

Attendance at NAHC-Respiratory.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All-cause and cause-specific mortality, incidence of COPD complications, and use of emergency department and inpatient services until the end of 2019 were compared between the NAHC-Respiratory and usual care participants using Cox proportional hazard regression, Poisson regression, and log-link gamma regression models after matching.

Results

This study included 9048 eligible patients after matching, including 3093 in the exposure group (2814 [91.0%] men; mean [SD] age, 69.8 [9.5] years) and 5955 in the reference group (5431 [91.2%] men; mean [SD] age, 69.5 [11.7] years). Compared with patients in the usual care–only group (reference), patients in the exposure group had lower risks of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78-0.90) as well as pneumonia-caused (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97), respiratory-caused (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.96), and cardiovascular-caused (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.93) mortality. Exposure was associated with reduced rates of emergency department visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.98) and hospitalization through emergency department (IRR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95).

Conclusions

In this cohort study, the use of a nurse- and allied health–led clinic in primary care settings was associated with reduced risks of mortality and use of hospital services among patients with COPD. These findings emphasize the important role of health care workers other than physicians in disease management in the primary care setting. The NAHC-Respiratory model and service components can be used to help improve primary care programs to benefit more patients with COPD.
Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Youth Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Adise Shana , West Amy E. , Rezvan Panteha Hayati , Marshall Andrew T. , Betts Samantha , Kan Eric , Sowell Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Adolescence is a period in which mental health problems emerge. Research suggests that the COVID-19 lockdown may have worsened emotional and behavioral health.

Objective

To examine whether socioeconomic status was associated with mental health outcomes among youths during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study is a multisite 10-year longitudinal study of youth neurocognitive development in the US. Recruitment was staggered where the baseline visit (ages 9 to 10 years) occurred from 2016 to 2018, and visits occurred yearly. The COVID-19 lockdown halted research collection during the 2-year follow-up visits (ages 11 to 12 years), but eventually resumed. As some youths already underwent their 2-year visits prior to lockdown, this allowed for a natural experiment-like design to compare prepandemic and intrapandemic groups. Thus, data were gathered from the 1-year follow-up (pre–COVID-19 lockdown for all youths) and the 2-year follow-up, of which a portion of youths had data collected after the lockdown began, to compare whether a period of near social isolation was associated with mental health symptoms in youths. The prepandemic group consisted of youths with a 2-year follow-up visit collected prior to March 11, 2020, and the intrapandemic group had their 2-year follow-up visit after lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Assessments included measures on income-to-needs ratio (INR; derived from total household income), the Child Behavior Checklist (a measure of mental health symptomology), and the Family Environmental Scale.

Results

The final sample included 10 399 youths; 3947 (52.3%) were male; 2084 (20.3%) were Latinx/Hispanic; 6765 (66.0%) were White; 4600 (44.2%) reported caregiver education levels below a 4-year college degree; and 2475 (26.2%) had INR either below 100% (indicating poverty) or between 100% and less than 200% (near poverty). Among youths in the intrapandemic group, worse mental health symptoms (eg, more total problems, greater depression, and greater anxiety) over time were associated with being from a household with higher socioeconomic status (eg, when comparing individuals who differed by 1 unit on INR between prepandemic and intrapandemic groups from 1-year to 2-year follow-up, their expected difference in total problems score was 0.79 [95% CI, 0.37-1.22]; false discovery rate–corrected P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with disproportionately negative mental health outcomes among youths from higher socioeconomic status backgrounds. Although this study does not shed light on the direct mechanisms driving these associations, it does provide some support for positive outcomes for youths. Future studies are needed to understand whether these associations persist over longer periods of time.
Tailoring Synergistic Multifunctionality in Lightweight Bio‐Inspired Cylindrical Core‐Shell Hybrid Composites
Authors: Aguiar Rafaela , Sansone Nello D. , Cheung Nichole , Tuccitto Anthony V. , Su To Yu Troy , Soltani Iman , Leroux Matthew , Lee Patrick C.
Published: July 2024

Biological structures achieve remarkable material performance owing to naturally assembled structures that extend from the molecular to macro‐scale. Synergy among constituents of various length scales yields lightweight, hierarchically structured materials with properties superior to those of individual components. To replicate nature's ingenuity, this work emulates the cylindrical core‐shell structure found in osteons and bamboo, utilizing Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) and Glass Fibers (GFs) in a semi‐crystalline polymer matrix. HNTs are environmentally friendly, naturally occurring tubular aluminosilicates with high aspect ratios, large lumen volumes, and low cost, and are readily dispersible in polymer matrices. Here, hierarchical reinforcement is achieved through controlled electrostatic assembly of HNTs onto GFs and subsequent trans‐crystallization‐encapsulation. This cylindrical core‐shell architecture yields composites with exceptional mechanical performance, superior thermal management (insulation/stability), improved industrial processability, and reduced flame propagation speed. Compared to the current industrial composite substitute for metallic structural components, the hybrid composites exhibit a remarkable 84% increase in impact strength, 27% increase in specific tensile strength, 56% increase in tensile toughness, and 30% in specific flexural strength, accompanied by a 20% weight reduction and a 255% increase in processability (melt‐flow index). This scalable assembly strategy marks a cornerstone in lightweight multifunctional materials development, to conquer future sustainability targets.
High‐Performance Nanogap Photodetectors Based on 2D Halide Perovskites with a Novel Spacer Cation
Authors: Shen Yi , Luo Linqu , Zhang Yuxuan , Meng You , Yan Yan , Xie Pengshan , Li Dengji , Ji Yu , Hu Siliang , Yip SenPo , Lai Zhengxun , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Ho Johnny C.
Published: July 2024

2D Ruddlesden─Popper (RP) halide perovskites are attracting increasing research interest due to their enhanced stability compared to 3D perovskites. However, the quantum confinement effect of bulk organic spacers hinders the separation and transport of photo‐generated carriers. Here, a multiple aromatic ring spacer, 3‐benzothiophene methylammonium (BTMA), is developed for a new 2D RP perovskite. The BTMA spacer is demonstrated, with a significant dipole moment, can impair the influence of the quantum confinement effect, and the presence of S atoms or thiophene is favorable for enhancing the interaction between organic spacers and inorganic sheets, improving the stability of perovskites. The perovskite photodetector with BTMA as spacers displays higher device performance than the control sample with 1‐naphthalene methylammonium (NMA) as spacers. Importantly, the outstanding stability of BTMA‐based perovskite films and devices is also confirmed under moisture, heat, and illumination conditions. Combining the asymmetric coplanar nanogap electrode architecture, the photodetectors' enhanced responsivity, detectivity, and external quantum efficiency of 314 A W−1, 3.4 × 1013 Jones, and 865%, respectively, are demonstrated. Importantly, the nanogap photodetectors display promising self‐power characteristics, which makes them attractive for numerous energy‐efficient applications. The work highlights a new route toward developing high‐performance 2D RP perovskite‐based photodetectors with excellent long‐term stability.
Tumor Redox‐Responsive Minimalist B/Fe Nano‐Chains for Chemodynamically Enhanced Ferroptosis and Synergistic Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Wang Mixue , Hao Haotian , Bai Peirong , Wu Jiayan , Zhang Zizhu , Liu Tong , Yang Yongzhen , Li Liping , Pu Kanyi , Zhang Ruiping
Published: July 2024

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) as a binary targeted particle radiotherapy strategy has shown potent anti‐cancer potential. However, biological barriers and restricted blood supply pose challenges in achieving adequate boron concentration within deep‐seated tumor lesions. BNCT with other anti‐cancer therapies, such as X‐ray radiotherapy and photothermal therapy, is devised to address the limitations of BNCT efficiency. However, the potential risk of organ‐accumulating toxicity and treatment complexity of dual exogenous activation hinders its development. To address this problem, newly redox‐responsive boron nano‐chains (RBNC) are reported that combine BNCT and endogenous chemodynamic therapy (CDT)‐enhanced ferroptosis. RBNC specifically activates nanoparticle size conversion (large‐to‐small) in response to GSH/H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment, releasing boron delivery agents boron quantum dots (BQD) and Fe3+. RBNC exhibits negligible systemic toxicity while demonstrating high boron accumulation at tumor. Meanwhile, the introduction of Fe3+ not only produces ·OH through reaction with H2O2, but also depletes GSH and reduces GPX4 activity in tumors, resulting in amplified intracellular oxidative stress and chemodynamically enhanced ferroptosis. Thus, the work provides a strategy to solve the problem of insufficient boron concentration and poor targeting of boron delivery agents and fill the gaps of BNCT combined with CDT and ferroptosis.
Ultrafast Construction of Interfacial Akaganéite FeOOH Phase to Enable the Long‐Term Stability of Nickel‐Iron Hydroxides for Seawater Splitting at Ampere‐Level Current Density
Authors: Liu Zhibin , Li Yuanyuan , Zeng Libin , Peng Xianyu , Wang Dashuai , Li Zhongjian , Yang Bin , Li Yuanyuan , Lei Lecheng , Hou Yang
Published: July 2024

NiFe‐based hydroxides are well‐established as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline purified water. However, they usually degrade rapidly in seawater electrolysis because of concentrated Cl− anions in seawater. In this work, a facile approach utilizing an ultrafast dipping method is presented to fabricate durable and scalable NiFe hydroxides, enhanced by interfacial akaganéite FeOOH for seawater splitting. This study reveals significantly improved electrocatalytic stability of NiFe hydroxides at an ampere‐level current density of 1000 mA cm−2 for 100 h in alkaline seawater. It is realized by the formed FeOOH in a specific akaganéite phase whose lattice tunnels are well filled by intrinsic Cl− anions, that serve to electrostatically repel corrosive chlorides in electrolyte. This anionic design also provides superior corrosion protection for other active metal‐based OER electrocatalysts when deployed in alkaline purified water and allows for facile scaling up of the anode, facilitating the practical utilization for seawater electrolysis.
Control of Photoinduced Charge Transfer Through Selective Cyanation of Spirofluorene‐Bridged N‐Heterotriangulenes
Authors: Jocic Angelina , Galindo Danyellen , Weidlich Anna , Zerhoch Jonathan , Rominger Frank , Buckup Tiago , Deschler Felix , Dreuw Andreas , Kivala Milan
Published: July 2024

A series of selectively cyanated spirofluorene‐bridged N‐heterotriangulenes (N‐HTAs) with three to nine cyano groups are synthesized via a newly developed synthetic strategy. X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the compounds revealed a tripod‐like molecular shape with the fluorenyl moieties arranged in a perpendicular fashion around the nitrogen‐centered N‐HTA core. The solid state packing is found to be strongly influenced by the dipolar cyano functions. Under electrochemical conditions, the N‐HTA core is prone to undergo a reversible one‐electron oxidation toward the nitrogen‐centered radical cation, which becomes increasingly difficult as the number of the cyano acceptors, and consequently the ionization potential, increases. While a clear bathochromic shift is observed in the steady‐state UV–vis absorption spectra, the fluorescence behavior is complex and strongly dependent on the position and number of the cyano groups. The compound with six cyano functions at the fluorenyl flanks is unique within the series and shows a broad emission maximum at 499 nm and an unusually large Stokes shift of 10 171 cm−1. Time‐resolved absorption and fluorescence measurements, supported by quantum chemical calculations, identified this spectroscopic signature to originate from fast and robust photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer.
Revealing the Electrocatalytic Reaction Mechanism of Water Splitting by In Situ Raman Technique
Authors: Hu Weifeng , Luo Yixiang , Zhu Enchi , Zhang Anlei , Wang Longlu
Published: July 2024

Using renewable energy for water splitting to produce hydrogen is a crucial step toward achieving the dual carbon goals. However, due to the lack of a clear understanding of the precise localization of catalytic active sites and the complex structural evolution of catalysts during actual reaction conditions, there is still a challenge to reveal the electrocatalytic reaction mechanism of water splitting. In situ electrochemical Raman characterization technique can dynamically monitor the structural evolution of catalysts in real time, reveal the dynamic structure‐performance relationship of catalysts during the reaction process, and explore the catalytic reaction mechanism. This paper focuses on reviewing the latest developments in in situ electrochemical Raman characterization technology in terms of active sites on catalyst surfaces, the behavior of interfacial water molecules, and the structure evolution of electrocatalysts. The future development prospect of advanced in situ electrochemical Raman technology is also prospected.
The first deployments of pop‐up satellite archival tags on black sea bass (Centropristis striata)
Authors: Patel Samir H. , Alexander Ricky , Davis Farrell , Garcia Luisa , Jennings Natalie , Pappas William , Shivers Nathan , Trenholm Nicole
Published: July 2024

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata; BSB) are a commercially managed species with an increasing population in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Understanding their movement ecology can be difficult due to their wide distribution and ability to inhabit both inshore and offshore reef habitats. BSB have been studied using a range of tagging techniques, and here we present the results of the first deployments of pop‐up satellite archival tags (PSAT) on this species. During 2019 and 2021, we conducted four fishing trips within the southern Mid‐Atlantic Bight region of the NW Atlantic and tagged a total of 30 fish with T‐bar tags and external data loggers, of which 4 received a PSAT and the rest received a Star‐Oddi conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) archival tag. All PSATs transmitted some data, with short attachment durations (8–32 days) relative to the programmed release of 250 days, and we did not recover a Star‐Oddi tag. External tag attachment techniques need to be examined and improved before continued deployment of larger data loggers on BSB.
Ribosome‐Free Translation up to Pentapeptides via Template Walk on RNA Sequences
Authors: Reußwig Sabrina G. , Richert Clemens
Published: July 2024

The origin of translation is one of the most difficult problems of molecular evolution. Identifying molecular systems that translate an RNA sequence into a peptide sequence in the absence of ribosomes and enzymes is a challenge. Recently, single‐nucleotide translation via coupling of 5′ phosphoramidate‐linked amino acids to 2′/3′‐aminoacyl transfer‐NMPs, as directed by the sequence of an RNA template, was demonstrated for three of the four canonical nucleotides. How single‐nucleotide translation could be expanded to include all four bases and to produce longer peptides without translocation along the template strand remained unclear. Using transfer strands of increasing length containing any of the four bases that interrogate adjacent positions along the template, we now show that pentapeptides can be produced in coupling reactions and subsequent hydrolytic release in situ. With 2′/3′‐aminoacylated mono‐, di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotides we thus show how efficient translation can be without biomacromolecules.
The investigation of tribological properties of PAI/PI‐EPN polymer coating filled with WS2 and SiC at low temperatures
Authors: Wang Yongzhuang , Cao Jun , Zhang Xiuli , Wang Xiaocui , Long Qihua , Xu Hailiang , Zhu Minhao
Published: July 2024

To improve the tribological properties of polar crane copper alloy bearings to withstand wear under dry sliding wear and grease lubrication at low temperatures, three kinds of coating materials modified by incorporating WS2 and SiC into polyamide‐imide/polyimide‐phenolic epoxy resin were designed. These composite coatings were sprayed on the surfaces of CuPb22.5Sn2.5 copper alloys by liquid spraying technique. Firstly, the tribological experiments were performed with three different coatings. Then, nanoindentation testing and wear morphology analysis were conducted. The results show that the hardness of the composite coatings decreases with the increase of WS2. As the content of WS2 increases, the coefficients of friction (CoFs) of coatings decreases under dry sliding wear. The S2 coating filled with 7.5 wt% WS2 exhibits the lowest wear rate and the best wear resistance under low temperature and dry sliding wear. The coatings form a lubricating film on the worn surface under dry sliding wear at −70°C, improving the wear resistance of the coatings. The primary wear mechanisms are adhesive wear and fatigue wear. The wear rates of the coatings increase with the increasing content of WS2 under low‐temperature grease lubrication. The S1 coating filled with 5.0 wt% WS2 exhibits the lowest wear. The S1 coating demonstrates a CoF of 0.07 and a wear rate of 6.5 × 10−6 mm3N−1 m−1 at 0°C, showing excellent friction‐reducing and wear‐resistant properties. The primary wear mechanism is adhesive wear. The wear mechanisms of polymer coatings are closely related to temperature. The dominant wear mechanisms transfer from abrasive wear to adhesive wear and fatigue wear under dry sliding wear and decreasing temperature. The wear mechanisms transfer from predominantly adhesive and abrasive wear to adhesive wear, fatigue wear, and abrasive wear under grease lubrication. The hardness of the coatings and the behavior of the polymer at various low temperatures are the primary factors that affect the differing wear mechanisms.
Restabilization of perturbed Boolean control networks based on absorbable attractors
Authors: Hou Yanfang , Tian Hui , Wang Chengmao
Published: July 2024

The paper studies the restabilization problem of Boolean control networks (BCNs) under the function perturbation. First, an important concept‐absorbable attractor is proposed for BCNs. Then, by using this concept, a necessary and sufficient restabilizability criterion is established. This criterion can be used to check whether the perturbed BCN can be restabilized to its original state by modifying the minimum number of parameters in the old controller. Finally, a constructive fine‐tuning method is given to modify the old controller. Compared with the existing results, which can only solve the problem of single column function perturbation, our results are more powerful since they are applicable not only to the single column function perturbation problem but also to the case of multiple columns. Finally, two examples are employed to show the effectiveness of our results.
Combinatorial metabolic engineering of Bacillus subtilis for menaquinone‐7 biosynthesis
Authors: Sun Xian , Bi Xinyu , Li Guyue , Cui Shixiu , Xu Xianhao , Liu Yanfeng , Li Jianghua , Du Guocheng , Lv Xueqin , Liu Long
Published: July 2024

Menaquinone‐7 (MK‐7), a form of vitamin K2, supports bone health and prevents arterial calcification. Microbial fermentation for MK‐7 production has attracted widespread attention because of its low cost and short production cycles. However, insufficient substrate supply, unbalanced precursor synthesis, and low catalytic efficiency of key enzymes severely limited the efficiency of MK‐7 synthesis. In this study, utilizing Bacillus subtilis BSAT01 (with an initial MK‐7 titer of 231.0 mg/L) obtained in our previous study, the glycerol metabolism pathway was first enhanced to increase the 3‐deoxy‐arabino‐heptulonate 7‐phosphate (DHAP) supply, which led to an increase in MK‐7 titer to 259.7 mg/L. Subsequently, a combination of knockout strategies predicted by the genome‐scale metabolic model etiBsu1209 was employed to optimize the central carbon metabolism pathway, and the resulting strain showed an increase in MK‐7 production from 259.7 to 318.3 mg/L. Finally, model predictions revealed the methylerythritol phosphate pathway as the major restriction pathway, and the pathway flux was increased by heterologous introduction (Introduction of Dxs derived from Escherichia coli) and fusion expression (End‐to‐end fusion of two enzymes by a linker peptide), resulting in a strain with a titer of 451.0 mg/L in a shake flask and 474.0 mg/L in a 50‐L bioreactor. This study achieved efficient MK‐7 synthesis in B. subtilis, laying the foundation for large‐scale MK‐7 bioproduction.
Climate reporting in the fast lane? The impact of corporate governance on the disclosure of climate‐related risks and opportunities
Authors: Gebhardt Maria , Schneider Anne , Siedler Florian , Ottenstein Philipp , Zülch Henning
Published: July 2024

Climate‐related issues have become increasingly relevant, as reflected in current political and academic discourse. This development is also reflected in investors' capital allocation decisions and their demand for climate‐related information. Considering the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate‐related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), we first investigate the climate‐related disclosure quality of listed German firms. We use self‐constructed scoring models based on the TCFD recommendations to measure disclosure quality. Second, we use regression analysis to investigate whether corporate governance can explain climate‐related disclosure quality. The results indicate that disclosure quality is heavily dispersed across firms, with risk disclosure being better than disclosure of opportunities. Corporate governance factors exert distinct but mostly weak influence on climate‐related disclosure quality and that institutional ownership promotes climate‐related disclosure quality. We show several implications for research and practice and highlight the relevance for firms to implement a comprehensive approach to communicating climate‐related issues.
Pandemic‐led brand switch: Consumer stickiness for private‐label brands
Authors: Mookherjee Satadruta , Malampallayil Savisesh , Mohanty Smaraki , Tran Nhu X.
Published: July 2024

The onset of COVID‐19 resulted in unprecedented shopping behavior, leading to product scarcity and empty store shelves, making consumers shift towards purchasing private‐label store brands. In this research, we aim to understand the role of the pandemic in influencing the preference for private‐label products. Using secondary data, we offer longitudinal evidence that although national and private‐label brand sales increased equally during the peak pandemic period, the growth rate for national brands subsided in the post‐pandemic years, but that of private‐label brands sustained its upward trend. Further, using experimental design, we test this phenomenon and find that greater availability of private‐label brands during the pandemic resulted in higher perceived brand‐helpfulness, which evoked brand attachment and persuaded the customers to continue repurchasing. Our research thus contributes by providing unique insights that can help brands strategize effectively and ensure continued brand attachment in the post‐pandemic period, and additionally, help brands retain customers and foster loyalty during crises.
Extravascular protrusion of the Alterra adaptive prestent identified on surveillance computed tomography imaging
Authors: Gillespie Matthew J. , Maschietto Nicola , Aboulhosn Jamil A. , Balzer David T. , Qureshi Athar M. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: July 2024

Background

The Alterra adaptive prestent is a novel self‐expanding device designed to provide a landing zone for the 29 mm SAPIEN 3 valve to treat pulmonary regurgitation in patients with a right ventricular outflow tract that is too large for a balloon expandable valve alone. The mechanism of fixation for the Alterra prestent is radial force from the self‐expanding stent frame, combined with a unique set of flared “tines” that protrude from both ends of the stent.

Aims, Methods, and Results

In this report, we describe 6 patients who underwent uncomplicated transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement with an Alterra adaptive prestent and SAPIEN 3 valve and had surveillance chest computed tomography (CT) scans performed 1 day to 21 months after implant. In each patient, the CT scan demonstrated extravascular extension of a portion of the Alterra prestent, without clinical sequelae, but with extension into the ascending aorta in 1 patient and contact with the ascending aorta, left pulmonary vein, or left atrial appendage in 3 others.

Conclusions

Surveillance CT imaging shows that the Alterra prestent can perforate the pulmonary artery and/or right ventricle. Although no sequelae were seen in these patients, prestent perforation has the potential to be clinically important. Implanters should be aware of this finding and its potential implications. As experience with the Alterra prestent grows, it will be important to further define the risk factors, incidence, and implications of this phenomenon.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the context of tamoxifen; Is there any correlation?
Authors: Saffar Homina , Abdan Leili , Abdan Zahra , Hekmat Hamidreza , Amirzadegan Alireza , Omidi Negar
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Clinicians should consider spontaneous coronary artery dissection in middle‐aged women presenting with acute coronary syndromes and a history of tamoxifen use, to ensure timely diagnosis, and appropriate management strategies.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is characterized by a non‐iatrogenic, nontraumatic separation of the coronary artery wall, contributing to acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and sudden cardiac death. SCAD predominantly affects the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and is frequently observed in middle‐aged women. This condition has been associated with cancer treatment and exogenous hormones exposure. The diagnostic gold standard remains coronary angiography, management strategies include conservative measures, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We describe a case of a 54‐year‐old woman with breast cancer and a history of tamoxifen use, presenting with SCAD in the posterolateral branch (PLB) originating from the left circumflex artery (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA) and managed conservatively.
Separation of Brick Particles from the Sand Fraction of Masonry Construction and Demolition Waste on the Basis of Their Magnetic Susceptibility
Authors: Lipowsky Anett , Götz Jenny , Müller Anette , Palzer Ulrich
Published: July 2024

In the processing of construction waste, the sorting of the delivered mixtures is one of the decisive process steps in order to produce recyclates that can be reused. In the fine‐grain range, there is a lack of suitable processes for this. A procedure that has not been investigated so far is to separate concrete‐mortar‐brick mixtures on the basis of the magnetic susceptibility. Based on measurements of the susceptibility, sorting experiments were carried out using a rare earth roll magnetic separator. The positive results of the experiments described here call for further investigation of the performance of the sorting method.
Case Study: Flipped Classroom with Gamification in a Hybrid Fluid Mechanics Course
Authors: Boettcher Konrad E. R. , Fischer Michael‐David , Hellmich Justus
Published: July 2024

A fluid mechanics course in process engineering designed according to the students’ wishes mixes lecture and exercise in co‐teaching and flipped‐classroom elements with gamification. The effectiveness increases as the number of points achieved in the exam increases by 31.9 % compared to the average of the four previous years. The withdrawal rate drops from 54.8 % to 17.4 % and the failure rate from 38.7 % to 23.7 %, which enhances efficiency. The students’ self‐report shows a better preparation to the course sessions, but they do not feel stressed much additionally. About 80 % of the initially attending students participate at the end of the course.
Cytotoxic Activity of Distinct Families of Phosphonic Acid Derivatives – A Chemocentric Approach to Assess Their Molecular Action
Authors: Dormán György , Szalai Zsuzsanna , Keglevich György
Published: July 2024

Phosphorus containing small molecules (particularly α‐aminophosphonates, α‐hydroxyphosphonates and bisphosphonates) represent a unique chemical space among the biologically active compounds. We selected 35 diverse compounds that showed remarkable cytotoxicity effects on various cancer cell lines. However, the exact mechanism of action often requires further investigations, in vitro or in silico target identification even though many target‐based activity data were gathered for the above cluster of compounds. In our conceptual account, we offer a systematic in silico analysis between the cytotoxicity, cell lines, their (over)expressed protein targets associated with malignant diseases, and the activity data on protein targets already reported for those compounds in the hope that we gain better understanding and explanation, what is behind their cytotoxic behavior.
Genetic variation for grain iron and zinc concentration in the US sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] association panel
Authors: Djanaguiraman M. , Vimala K. , Sofi P. A. , Perumal R. , Prasad P. V. V.
Published: July 2024

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are important nutritional traits that determine the cultivar value of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The present study was undertaken to characterize the natural variation in landraces and accessions of sorghum association panel for grain Fe and Zn and to understand the nature of the association between grain Fe and Zn concentration and grain yield. Grain Fe and Zn were quantified from seeds harvested from rainfed and irrigated field experiments. The results indicated significant (p < 0.05) variability in grain concentration of grain Fe and Zn among sorghum races and accessions. The highest concentrations for Fe and Zn were observed in elite breeding lines followed by the races durra and caudatum but with no significant impact between irrigated and rainfed growing environments. Trait association revealed a significant positive correlation between seed yield and iron (r = 0.40) and zinc (r = 0.13). Several accessions with desirable combinations of yield, iron, and zinc were identified. The accessions, SC1080 (90.5 mg kg−1) and RTx437 (37.8 mg kg−1), had the highest concentration of grain Fe and Zn, respectively. The accession SC1085 had a higher grain yield (50 g panicle−1) and high Fe concentration (80.3 mg kg−1), and Macia had a higher grain yield (43.0 g panicle−1) and high Zn concentration (29.5 mg kg−1).
Board gender diversity and ESG disclosure: The moderating role of audit committee
Authors: Ma Yiming , Ahmad Muhammad Ishfaq , Torelli Riccardo
Published: July 2024

This study analyzed whether the audit committee moderates the relationship between gender diversity and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures among Chinese listed firms. Data on energy sector companies from 2012 to 2022 were taken from the Chinese Stock Market and Accounting Research database to test the moderation model. Gender diversity was measured as the percentage of females on boards using the Blau and Shannon indices. Board gender diversity directly and positively affected both the overall and individual dimensions of ESG disclosures. Furthermore, the audit committee moderated the relationship between gender diversity and ESG disclosure. This study provides valuable insights for managers and investors to evaluate the role of gender diversity and audit committees in ESG disclosures and facilitates them in making better decisions. Furthermore, regulators can revise corporate governance codes to promote more female inclusion not only on corporate boards but also on subcommittees to protect the rights of stakeholders.
Exploring temporal activity of dholes, their prey, and competitors in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Havmøller Linnea Worsøe , Wahyudi Hariyawan Agung , Iqbal Mochammad , Nawangsari Ventie Angelia , Setiawan Johan , Chandradewi Desy Satya , Møller Peter Rask , Træholt Carl , Havmøller Rasmus Worsøe
Published: July 2024

Dholes (Cuon alpinus) are endangered large carnivores found in scattered populations in Asia. One of the main threats to dholes is the decreasing prey availability throughout their distribution range. In the present study, we used camera trap data collected over 6 years to investigate the temporal activity patterns of dholes and their putative prey species in Baluran National Park in Java, Indonesia. We also explored the overlap in activity between dholes and the park's other remaining large carnivore the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), as well as humans. Furthermore, we investigated potential differences in activity patterns between dholes in packs and dholes roaming in pairs or alone. We found a high temporal overlap between dholes and their wild ungulate prey species (ranging from Δ = 0.66–0.90), with the lowest overlap observed between dholes and bantengs (Bos javanicus) (Δ = 0.66), and the highest between dholes and muntjacs (Muntiacus muntjak) (Δ = 0.90). A very low overlap was found between dholes and domestic cattle (Bos indicus) (Δ = 0.27) whereas a moderately high overlap was found between dholes and leopards (Δ = 0.70) and dholes and humans (Δ = 0.62). We found a significant difference in activity patterns between dholes in packs and dholes roaming alone or in pairs (Δ = 0.78, p = .01). Single/pairs of dholes were more active both during the day and at night, whereas packs were predominantly active around sunrise and sunset. The high overlap with humans potentially has a negative effect on dhole activity, particularly for dispersing individuals, and the low overlap with domestic species questions the extent to which dholes are considered to predate on them.
Describing endosymbiont–host interactions within the parasitism–mutualism continuum
Authors: Hoffmann Ary A. , Cooper Brandon S.
Published: July 2024

Endosymbionts are widespread in arthropods, living in host cells with effects that extend from parasitic to mutualistic. Newly acquired endosymbionts tend to be parasitic, but vertical transmission favors coevolution toward mutualism, with hosts sometimes developing dependency. Endosymbionts negatively affecting host fitness may still spread by impacting host reproductive traits, referred to as reproductive “manipulation,” although costs for hosts are often assumed rather than demonstrated. For cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that involves endosymbiont‐mediated embryo death, theory predicts directional shifts away from “manipulation” toward reduced CI strength; moreover, CI‐causing endosymbionts need to increase host fitness to initially spread. In nature, endosymbiont–host interactions and dynamics are complex, often depending on environmental conditions and evolutionary history. We advocate for capturing this complexity through appropriate datasets, rather than relying on terms like “manipulation.” Such imprecision can lead to the misclassification of endosymbionts along the parasitism–mutualism continuum.
Insight into Dynamic Characteristics of Concentrated Solar Power Systems with Calcium Looping Based on ZnO–Na2SO4 Co‐Doped CaO Composites
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Nie Binjian , Chen Qicheng , Zhang Yingjin , Kong Dehao , An Nan , He Nan , Yao Liang
Published: July 2024

Concentrated solar power (CSP) integrated with calcium looping (CaL) technology has garnered significant interest as a solution to mitigate the issue of intermittency in solar power production. However, the deactivation of CaO‐based materials during cycling limits the application of CaL technology on a large scale. Herein, the dynamic characteristics of the CSP‐CaL system indirectly integrated with the s–CO2 Brayton cycle using CaO–ZnO–Na2SO4 composites are studied. Energy analysis shows that the energy storage density varies from 1328.13 to 1232.03 J g−1, and its average value increases by 32.0%. Round‐trip efficiency of the system varies from 40.0% to 39.5%, and its average value increases by 22.6%. Exergy analysis shows that the co‐doping of ZnO and Na2SO4 into CaO enhances the exergy efficiency of the calciner and the heat exchange network, but reduces the exergy efficiency of the carbonator. Exergy round‐trip efficiency of the CSP‐CaL system has slightly decreased from 44.0% to 43.4%, with an average increase of 22.8%. Techno‐economic analysis shows that the levelized cost of electricity for different sizes of CSP‐CaL systems using CaO–ZnO–Na2SO4 ranges from 176.44 to 153.70 $ MWh−1. Therefore, the CaO–ZnO–Na2SO4 composite shows promising prospects for application in solar thermal power generation.
Consumer animal welfare and healthy perception of fresh sausages’ fiber fat replaced and elaborated with meat from non‐castrated male pigs
Authors: Egea Macarena , Garrido M. Dolores , Font‐i‐Furnols Maria , Panella‐Riera Nuria , Linares M. Belén , Peñaranda Irene
Published: July 2024

Although replacement of fat with fiber is a good strategy to avoid boar taint on high‐fat content products, as sausages, the final purchase intention is related to other external factors such as welfare and healthiness. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the consumers' perception of sausages with fat replaced by fiber, elaborated with meat from non‐castrated male pigs, and to determine the influence of the consumers' habits and demographic parameters on their beliefs related to pig castration. An online survey was carried out. A total of 131 consumers answered a questionnaire about habits and beliefs related to meat and meat product issues. Subsequently, they evaluated four images of labeled products (castrated–not castrated/normal–reduced‐fat/traditional–high fiber content) with the Check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) test. In all, 87.7% of meat consumers perceived meat products as positive, although 71% trimmed the fat previous consumption. In a 9‐point agreement scale, “Animal welfare worries me” obtained 7.5 and “the castration without anaesthesia should not be performed” 7.4. There was a higher grade of agreement with “castration of pigs justification to improve smell a flavour” in primary education level and in rural residence (p < .05). Sausages from castrated animals were perceived as fatty, juicy, appetizing, and animal cruelty. Reduced‐fat and rich/high fiber sausages were not associated with “healthy” but with “expensive” and “unpleasant.” Although reduced‐fat entire male pork sausages with vegetable fiber could be a better option for marketing uncastrated male pork, they will need more than fiber claims to be associated with healthy products and the consumer should be previously informed if he could appreciate the meaning of castration labeling.
How Digital Products Enable the Energy Transition
Authors: Chung Eric , Miller Christopher , Patelski Mike
Published: July 2024

The three Ds—decarbonization, decentralization, and digital enablement—are resulting in significant disruptions across all aspects of the energy and utility sector. In many instances, utilities themselves are spearheading these changes in this intricate new landscape. As the energy transition continues, the demands of utility consumers are evolving, necessitating enhanced tools for utility employees to effectively manage these changes. Amidst this transformation, digital utilities are emerging as trusted energy advisors, bringing cutting‐edge digital products to both external and internal end‐user markets to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their customers and employees.
The Energy Affordability Challenge
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: July 2024

Electricity is essential to the economic and social well‐being of modern societies. And while electricity is a necessity—in other words a public good—it is largely provided by private interests. As a result, local electric distribution utility operations and power generation are regulated by state and federal regulators and in some instances local governments. Distribution utilities in all 50 U.S. states deal with local, state, and federal oversight in some form. Each state has its own regulatory framework and policy directives to be met resulting in a patch work of varying degrees and forms of regulation—some more stringent than others.
Development and validation of a technical skill score for internal version and total breech extraction of the second twin: An interventional prospective study
Authors: Tuil Ilana , Gauci Pierre‐Alexis
Published: July 2024

Objective

To develop and test an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) score for the internal version and total breech extraction of the second twin if in a non‐engaged cephalic position.

Materials and Methods

This prospective interventional study took place in a tertiary obstetrics department in France. An objective scoring system was developed, and a standardized simulation scenario was set up. Score evaluation was blinded and analyzed according to group and number of past successful vaginal twin deliveries in real life. A satisfaction evaluation was performed, based on the “Student Design Scale” questionnaire.

Results

Simulation was performed on 33 participants in three groups: novice group (15 first‐ and second‐year residents), intermediate group (11 third‐ to sixth‐year residents), and expert group (seven senior obstetricians). The total score obtained by experts was higher than that of the intermediate group (P = 0.001), which was higher than that of the novice group (P < 0.001). In the intermediate group, no correlation was found between OSATS score and number of past successful vaginal twin deliveries. Participants' satisfaction was excellent.

Conclusion

The OSATS score developed was reliable and valid to evaluate an internal version and a total breech extraction of the second twin, and to differentiate novice, intermediate, and expert practitioners.
Mangiferin: A natural bioactive immunomodulating glucosylxanthone with potential against cancer and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Akkewar Ashish Sunil , Mishra KM Abha , Sethi Kalyan K.
Published: July 2024

Mangiferin is a naturally occurring glucosylxanthone that has shown promising immunomodulatory effects. It is generally isolated from the leaves, peels, bark, and kernels of Mangifera indica Linn. Mangiferin is like a miraculous natural bioactive molecule that has an immunomodulatory function that makes it a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cancer. The anticancer activity of mangiferin acts by blocking NF‐κB, as well as regulating the β‐catenin, EMT, MMP9, MMP2, LDH, ROS, and NO, and also by the activation of macrophages. It has no cytotoxic effect on grown chondrocytes and lowers matrix metalloproteinase levels. Additionally, it has a potent proapoptotic impact on synoviocytes. The precise molecular mechanism of action of mangiferin on RA and malignancies is still unknown. This comprehensive review elaborates on the immunomodulatory effect of mangiferin and its anticancer and anti‐RA activity. This also explained the total synthesis of mangiferin and its in vitro and in vivo screening models.