bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox and Coordination Chemistry of Diguanidino‐Benzene Ligands with Crown Ether Functions as Secondary Coordination Spheres
Authors: Haaf Sebastian , Henel Carmen L. M. , Kreis Franka , Bruttel Melanie , Kaifer Elisabeth , Osterbrink Johanna , Hübner Olaf , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: May 2024

In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of new redox‐active tetraguanidine ligands with crown ether functions as secondary coordination spheres, namely a 2,3,12,13‐tetraguanidino‐dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6 and two 2,3,16,17‐tetraguanidino‐dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 derivatives. Metal ion and organic cation coordination to the secondary crown ether coordination sphere is studied and its effect on the electronic structures and redox properties analysed. Then, the coordination and redox chemistry of di‐ and tetraguanidine ligands with crown‐ether functions is evaluated. Copper and cobalt complexes with the metals bound to the guanidino functions are prepared. Especially, the redox chemistry of CoII cobalt complexes with and without metal ion encapsulation to the crown ether function is compared. The results contribute to the development of a supramolecular chemistry with redox‐active guanidine ligands.
Recent Progress in the Photocatalytic Synthesis of α‐Tertiary Primary Amines
Authors: Zheng Xianzhou , Yuan Weiming
Published: May 2024

α‐Tertiary primary amines (α‐TPAs) bearing a fully substituted carbon center adjacent to the N‐unsubstituted amino group (−NH2) exhibit unique biochemical and physicochemical activities. While due to the sterically congested structure and strong nucleophilic and alkaline natures of these primary amine compounds, their facile synthesis remains an inherent challenge. Traditional methods commonly rely on tedious N‐protection/deprotection operations and highly reactive organometallic reagents, thus leading to poor atom and step‐economy and limited functional group compatibility. Modern photoredox catalysis offers a robust tool to prepare such structurally unique and synthetically valuable amine architectures via a radical pathway under extremely mild conditions. In this review, the recent progress in photocatalytic synthesis of α‐TPAs is systematically reviewed, and the reaction scope, limitations, and mechanisms for the reactions are discussed.
A systematic literature review on past attack analysis on industrial control systems
Authors: Goel Swati
Published: May 2024

Industrial control systems are used to automate the monitoring and control of physical processes in large‐scale industries and critical infrastructure such as power plants, chemical treatment plants, manufacturing, and assembly line processes. Securing industrial control systems is important for the uninterrupted operation of these infrastructures, which are highly interconnected and becoming the prime target of attackers because disrupting these systems can have significant economic and safety implications and consequences such as power outages, environmental disasters, production shutdowns, or even physical harm. The past review works have discussed industrial control systems attacks, their impact, and exploited vulnerabilities separately and lack comprehension. In this work, an attempt has been made to understand the comprehensive picture of vulnerabilities, attacks, and their impact on industrial control systems. Past reviews published between 2014 and 2023 have been studied following a systematic literature review process, and a taxonomy and categorization of past attacks and defense mechanisms have been proposed and classified minutely for readers' interest. Vulnerabilities at the architecture, hardware, software, and communication network level have also been studied and presented. A deep understanding of past attacks, their impact, and identified potential causes is among the major contributions of this review. The results will enable researchers working in academics and industry to make effective decisions on safeguarding the industrial control systems against future attacks.
Investigating sudden death in cats and dogs: a guide for veterinary practitioners
Authors: Noiva Rute , Degl'Innocenti Sara
Published: May 2024

Background: Whether it entails the loss of a beloved family member or a valuable work animal, the sudden, unexpected death of an animal can be a daunting and traumatic experience for both owners and veterinary practitioners. Veterinary practitioners are often the first point of contact for people grieving the loss of a companion animal, and may be called upon to provide support and reassurance, even though many have not received formal training in grief and bereavement management.

Aim of the article: This article aims to provide tools to guide the approach to these situations, in the form of insight into common causes of sudden death and tips on how a practitioner should collect information, manage owner expectations and provide valuable context that can facilitate the pathologist's interpretation of findings.
Evaluation of alginate‐coated β‐tricalcium phosphate fiber scaffold for cell culture
Authors: Kawamura Satoshi , Furuya Kozue , Sasaki Nene , Takeoka Yuko , Aizawa Mamoru , Kanzawa Nobuyuki
Published: May 2024

Ex vivo tissue engineering is an effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of severe cartilage diseases that require tissue replenishment or replacement. This strategy demands scaffolds that are durable enough for long‐term cell culture to form artificial tissue. Additionally, such scaffolds must be biocompatible to prevent the transplanted matrix from taking a toll on the patient's body. From the viewpoint of structure and bio‐absorbability, a β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) fiber scaffold (βTFS) is expected to serve as a good scaffold for tissue engineering. However, the fragility and high solubility of β‐TCP fibers make this matrix unsuitable for long‐term cell culture. To solve this problem, we developed an alginate‐coated β‐TCP fiber scaffold (βTFS‐Alg). To assess cell proliferation and differentiation in the presence of βTFS‐Alg, we characterized ATDC5 cells, a chondrocyte‐like cell line, when grown in this matrix. We found that alginate coated the surface of βTFS fiber and suppressed the elution of Ca2+ from β‐TCP fibers. Due to the decreased solubility of βTFS‐Alg compared with β‐TCP, the former provided an improved scaffold for long‐term cell culture. Additionally, we observed superior cell proliferation and upregulation of chondrogenesis marker genes in ATDC5 cells cultured in βTFS‐Alg. These results suggest that βTFS‐Alg is suitable for application in tissue culture.
Applications of magnetic solid‐phase extraction in the sample preparation of natural product analysis (2020–2023)
Authors: Chen Ling‐Xiao , Yang Feng‐Qing
Published: May 2024

Sample preparation, including extraction, separation, and purification, is a vital process for natural product analysis. As an attractive sample pretreatment method, magnetic solid‐phase extraction (MSPE) has gained plenty of attention, mainly due to its simpler operation, less consumption of organic solvents, and shorter processing time than traditional SPE. This updated review is devoted to summarizing the applications of MSPE based on different magnetic nanomaterials in the analysis of various natural products in complex matrixes, such as biological samples, plants, and Chinese herbal preparations in the past four years (2020–2023). The preparation and fabrication of different materials are briefly introduced. Furthermore, the extraction mechanism and interaction forces between adsorbent and analytes are elaborated, and the advantages and disadvantages of different adsorbents coupled with various analytical methods for MSPE of different natural products are summarized. Moreover, the future trends and opportunities for MSPE in the natural product analysis are discussed. It is expected that this work can provide updated information for future research on the applications of MSPE in such fields.
Enhancing data practices for Whole Health: Strategies for a transformative future
Authors: Guo Lei , Reddy Kavitha P. , Van Iseghem Theresa , Pierce Whitney N.
Published: May 2024

We explored the challenges and solutions for managing data within the Whole Health System (WHS), which operates as a Learning Health System and a patient‐centered healthcare approach that combines conventional and complementary approaches. Addressing these challenges is critical for enhancing patient care and improving outcomes within WHS. The proposed solutions include prioritizing interoperability for seamless data exchange, incorporating patient‐centered comparative clinical effectiveness research and real‐world data to personalize treatment plans and validate integrative approaches, and leveraging advanced data analytics tools to incorporate patient‐reported outcomes, objective metrics, robust data platforms. Implementing these measures will enable WHS to fulfill its mission as a holistic and patient‐centered healthcare model, promoting greater collaboration among providers, boosting the well‐being of patients and providers, and improving patient outcomes.
KNTC1 knockdown inhibits the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells by MCM2
Authors: Zhong Lei , Dong Yuanwei , Liu Shuqin
Published: May 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common primary malignant bone tumor, and it is necessary to further investigate the molecular mechanism of OS progression. The expression of kinetochore associated protein 1 (KNTC1) and minichromosome maintenance 2 (MCM2) was detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. Gene knockdown or overexpression cell models were constructed and the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and migration were detected in vitro, besides, xenograft models were established to explore the effects of KNTC1 downregulation in vivo. Public databased and bioinformatics analysis were performed to screen the downstream molecules and determine the expression of MCM2 in cancers. KNTC1 was overexpressed in OS tissues and positively correlated with overall survival of OS patients. KNTC1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and migration, and arrested G2 phase, and induced apoptosis. Besides, KNTC1 downregulation restricted the xenograft tumor formation. MCM2, one of the coexpressed genes, was highly expressed in sarcoma and downregulated after KNTC1 knockdown. MCM2 overexpression heightened the proliferation and migration ability of OS cells, which was reversed the inhibiting effects of KNTC1 knockdown. KNTC1 was overexpressed in OS and promoted the progression of OS by upregulating MCM2.
JMJD2A promotes the development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer by activating androgen receptor enhancer and inhibiting the cGAS‐STING pathway
Authors: Cai Xiang , Yu Xiaodong , Tang Tielong , Xu Yi , Wu Tao
Published: May 2024

Exploring targets for inhibiting androgen receptor (AR) activity is an effective strategy for suppressing the development of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Upregulation of histone demethylase JMJD2A activity is an important factor in increasing AR expression in CRPC. Based on our research, we found that the binding affinity between JMJD2A and AR increases in CRPC, while the level of AR histone methylation decreases and the H3K27ac level increases in the AR enhancer region. Further investigations revealed that overexpression of the histone demethylase JMJD2A increased the binding affinity between JMJD2A and AR, decreased AR histone methylation levels, upregulated H3K27ac in the AR enhancer region, and increased AR activity. Conversely, knocking down JMJD2A effectively reversed these effects. Additionally, in CRPC, JMJD2A expression was upregulated, the tumor‐intrinsic immune cGAS‐STING signaling pathway was suppressed, the tumor microenvironment was altered, and AR expression was upregulated. However, both knocking down JMJD2A and inhibiting the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS‐STING) signaling pathway reversed these effects. In summary, our study indicates that in CRPC, JMJD2A can directly bind to AR and activate residual AR enhancers through its demethylation activity, thereby promoting AR expression. Furthermore, upregulation of JMJD2A expression inhibits the innate immune cGAS‐STING signaling pathway of the tumor, leading to a decrease in antitumor immune function, and further promoting AR expression.
Bill would expand MH access for pregnant, postpartum women
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2024

A new federal bill was introduced last month by Democratic senators to expand mental health access for those who are pregnant and in the postpartum period, according to the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D‐N.H.) and Tammy Baldwin (D‐Wisc.) have introduced the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable (MAMA) Act, the policy center news release stated.
A secure and light‐weight patient survival prediction in Internet of Medical Things framework
Authors: Mittal Shubh , Chawla Tisha , Rahman Saifur , Pal Shantanu , Karmakar Chandan
Published: May 2024

Thoracic surgeries in major lung resections for primary lung cancer are fraught with potential risks, emphasising the need to understand factors contributing to postoperative mortality. This study investigates the interplay of objective and subjective data in predicting postoperative outcomes to reduce data transmission costs in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Objective metrics, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), offer consistent, quantifiable insights essential for predictive modelling. Conversely, subjective data derived from patient self‐reports suggest that the patient's personal experiences are crucial for assessing the quality of life postsurgery. Utilising a dataset from the University of California, Irvine's Machine Learning Repository (UCI), 17 distinct attributes were examined. Using ensemble learning classifiers, the extra trees classifier is superior when utilising all features, achieving an accuracy of 0.92. Combining select subjective features, specifically PRE6, PRE8 and AGE (demographic), with objective data, yielded a comparable accuracy of 0.91. Feature importance analysis further highlights the significance of features like PRE5, PRE4 and AGE. This suggests potential redundancies in the full feature set, emphasising the importance of feature selection. Importantly, when compared with existing literature, this study's findings offer insights into the future of predictive modelling in thoracic surgeries, with implications for the rapidly evolving field of the IoMT.
A warehouse location‐allocation bilevel problem that considers inventory policies
Authors: Camacho‐Vallejo José‐Fernando , Dávila Dámaris , Cárdenas‐Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo
Published: May 2024

A location‐allocation problem faced by a company that aims to locate warehouses to supply products to a set of customers is addressed in this paper. The company's objective is to minimize the total cost of locating the warehouses and the cost due to inventory policies. However, these inventory decisions are made by a different decision‐maker. In other words, once the company makes the location decisions, the decision‐maker associated with each warehouse must determine its own order quantity. Warehouses are allowed to have a certain maximum number of backorders, which represents an extra cost for them. This situation can be modeled as a bilevel programming problem, where the upper level is associated with the company that needs to minimize the costs related to location‐allocation and the total orders of each warehouse. Each warehouse is associated with an independent lower level, in which a warehouse manager aims to minimize the total inventory cost. The bilevel problem results in a single‐objective upper‐level problem with non‐linear, multiple independent lower‐level problems, making it generally challenging to find an optimal solution. A population‐based metaheuristic under the Brain Storm Optimization algorithm scheme is proposed. To solve each non‐linear problem associated with the lower level, the Lagrangian method is applied. Both decision levels are solved in a nested manner, leading to obtaining bilevel feasible solutions. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, an enumerative algorithm is implemented. A set of benchmark instances has been considered to conduct computational experiments. Results show that optimality is achieved by the proposed algorithm for small‐sized instances. In the case of larger‐sized instances, the proposed algorithm demonstrates the same efficiency and consistent results. Finally, interesting managerial insights deduced from the computational experimentation and some proposals for future research directions are included.
In‐situ preparation and performance of cellulose nanocrystals grafted with polyamide 6 composites
Authors: Tao Anmin , Shi Hao , Gong Mengqing , Liu Mengting , Kan Ze
Published: May 2024

Nylon nanocomposites were prepared by in‐situ ring‐opening polymerization to overcome the problem of poor properties due to the uneven dispersion of the nanoparticles by the traditional melt blending. This high‐performance polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites with high dispersion and strong interface was prepared by grafting PA6 onto the surface of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The micromorphology, mechanical, crystalline and thermal properties of the composites were also investigated. Firstly, the hydroxyl group on the surface of CNC reacted with the para isocyanate of toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and the remaining ortho isocyanate was blocked by caprolactam to prepare CNC grafted with caprolactam (CNC‐g‐CL). Then CNC‐g‐CL was used as an activator to prepare cellulose nanocrystal grafted with polyamide 6 (CNC‐g‐PA6) composites by the ring‐opening polymerization of caprolactam on the CNC. The effects of different reaction temperatures, solvent amounts and molar ratios on the grafting rate of CNC‐g‐CL were investigated. The results showed that the highest grafting rate of CNC‐g‐CL with 66.7% was achieved at a reaction temperature of 45°C, 0.1 g/mL CNC in toluene, and a molar ratio of 6 for TDI/CNC. Further, different CNC‐g‐PA6 composites prepared from different CNC content and activator content were explored. For CNC‐g‐PA6 composites, CNC was uniformly dispersed in the PA6 matrix and had a good compatibility with the matrix. CNC exhibited significant reinforcement in the composites with a tensile strength of up to 108 MPa. In addition, the glass transition temperature of CNC‐g‐PA6 was increased to 92°C, which significantly improved the heat resistance of the new composites.

Highlights

Effects of reaction condition of CNC and TDI on DSTDI and DSCL were studied.

Effects of CNC and activator content on CNC‐g‐PA6 properties were studied.

CNC is uniformly dispersed in PA6 with average particle size less than 1 micron.

The nylon matrix was significantly strengthened by the addition of CNC.

The addition of CNC significantly improved the heat resistance of the composites.
Discovery of novel piperidine‐containing thymol derivatives as potent antifungal agents for crop protection
Authors: Yang Xiaoqun , Jiang Shichun , Zhang Meng , Li Tingting , Jin Zhichao , Wu Xingxing , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Plant fungal diseases pose a significant threat to crop production. The extensive use of chemical pesticides has led to growing environmental safety risks and pesticide resistance of various plant pathogens. Therefore, it is an urgent task to explore novel eco‐friendly fungicidal agents with high efficacy to combat fungal infection.

RESULTS

In this study, we rationally designed a series of novel thymol derivatives by incorporation of the sulfonamide moiety and evaluated their biological activities against plant pathogenic fungi. The bioassay results underscored the remarkable in vitro antifungal activity of compounds 5m and 5t against Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici), with EC50 values of 8.420 and 8.414 μg/mL, respectively. Their efficacies were superior to that of widely used commercial fungicides azoxystrobin (AZO, 20.649 μg/mL) and cabendazim (CAB, 251.625 μg/mL). Furthermore, compound 5v exhibited excellent in vitro antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum), with an EC50 value of 12.829 μg/mL, significantly outperforming AZO (63.629 μg/mL). In vivo bioassays demonstrated the impactful activity of compound 5v against S. sclerotiorum, achieving over 98% curative and protective efficacies at the concentration of 200 μg/mL. Further mechanistic investigations unveiled that compound 5v induced mycelial shrinkage and collapse in S. sclerotiorum, resulting in organelle damage and the accumulation of antioxidant enzyme activity.

CONCLUSION

The significant antifungal efficacy of the prepared thymol derivatives shall encourage further exploration of compound 5v as a promising candidate to develop novel fungicides for crop protection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Co‐Assembly of Soft and Hard Nanoparticles into Macroscopic Colloidal Composites with Tailored Mechanical Property and Processability
Authors: Cui Yan , Xing Yurui , Hou Jingwen , Zhang Hongti , Qiu Huibin
Published: May 2024

Colloidal composites, translating the great potential of nanoscale building bricks into macroscopic dimensions, have emerged as an appealing candidate for new materials with applications in optics, energy storage, and biomedicines. However, it remains a key challenge to bridge the size regimes from nanoscopic colloidal particles to macroscale composites possessing mechanical robustness. Herein, a bottom‐up approach is demonstrated to manufacture colloidal composites with customized macroscopic forms by virtue of the co‐assembly of nanosized soft polymeric micelles and hard inorganic nanoparticles. Upon association, the hairy micellar corona can bind with the hard nanoparticles, linking individual hard constituents together in a soft‐hard alternating manner to form a collective entity. This permits the integration of block copolymer micelles with controlled amounts of hard nanoparticles into macroscopic colloidal composites featuring diverse internal microstructures. The resultant composites showed tunable microscale mechanical strength in a range of 90–270 MPa and macroscale mechanical strength in a range of 7–42 MPa for compression and 2–24 MPa for bending. Notably, the incorporation of soft polymeric micelles also imparts time‐ and temperature‐dependent dynamic deformability and versatile capacity to the resulting composites, allowing their application in the low‐temperature plastic processing for functional fused silica glass.
Vacuum‐Boosting Precise Synthetic Control of Highly Bright Solid‐State Carbon Quantum Dots Enables Efficient Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Lihua , Liu Guiju , Wang Maorong , Song Yang , Jing Qiang , Zhao Haiguang
Published: May 2024

Carbon quantum dots (C‐dots) have emerged as efficient fluorescent materials for solid‐state lighting devices. However, it is still a challenge to obtain highly bright solid‐state C‐dots because of the aggregation caused quenching. Compared to the encapsulation of as‐prepared C‐dots in matrices, one‐step preparation of C‐dots/matrix complex is a good method to obtain highly bright solid‐state C‐dots, which is still quite limited. Here, an efficient and controllable vacuum‐boosting gradient heating approach is demonstrated for in situ synthesis of a stable and efficient C‐dots/matrix complex. The addition of boric acid strongly bonded with urea, promoting the selectivity of the reaction between citric acid and urea. Benefiting from the high reaction selectivity and spatial‐confinement growth of C‐dots in porous matrices, in situ synthesize C‐dots bonded can synthesized dominantly with a crosslinked octa‐cyclic compound, biuret and cyanuric acid (triuret). The obtained C‐dots/matrix complex exhibited bright green emission with a quantum yield as high as 90% and excellent thermal and photo stability. As a proof‐of‐concept, the as‐prepared C‐dots are used for the fabrication of white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with a color rendering index of 84 and luminous efficiency of 88.14 lm W−1, showing great potential for applications in LEDs.
The art and science of building by Pier Luigi Nervi: A modern vision and a heritage to be preserved
Authors: Chiorino Cristiana , Chiorino Mario Alberto , Nervi Elisabetta Margiotta
Published: May 2024

The legacy of Pier Luigi Nervi spans globally, showcasing excellence in construction and artistry. Conservation of his architectural marvels poses challenges due to material fragility and societal shifts. Preservation efforts require interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, historians, and architects. Exhibitions on Nervi and UNESCO nominations highlight the importance of Nervi's work. Strategies for safeguarding his masterpieces are evolving, focusing on documentation and renovation. Although some structures faced damage during World War II, most remain structurally sound. However, common degradation of structural concrete, such as carbonation‐induced rebar corrosion, may affect structures in service since multiple decades, particularly in cases of inadequate concrete cover. Nervi's meticulous design and construction methods often mitigate such decay, especially in thin ferrocement elements. In addition, it must be considered that, as most of 20th century's structures, Nervi's structures were usually conceived without accounting for seismic actions, but only for static configurations, in accordance with the technical standards at the time. All this requires ongoing conservation and where needed rehabilitation efforts to ensure the cultural and social significance of Nervi's legacy is appreciated and preserved for future generations.
Research advances in fiber‐reinforced concrete‐filled steel tube columns
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Ma Xiaoxia , Li Na , Chen Juan , Lu Yiyan
Published: May 2024

Fiber‐reinforced concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) adopts the microskeleton and bridging effect of fibers, thereby optimizing the confinement effect between the steel tube and concrete core while reducing the concrete core friability. This structure offers a viable solution for solving the interface disengagement and insufficient ductility problems of conventional CFSTs. For further theoretical research and engineering application, the mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced CFSTs under different loading conditions are reviewed. The research results are summarized, and future research scopes are suggested. The literature review shows that adding fibers improves the ductility of CFSTs significantly but the bearing capacity only slightly. The bond strength between steel tube and concrete core is enhanced by fibers, and the degradation in the bond strength is simultaneously delayed. However, in existing research, the mechanical properties and design method are still inadequate. More experimental works, further theoretical analyses, and numerical simulation should be undertaken to establish the quantitative relations between the generalized fiber parameters and structural performance of CFSTs. Future research should propose a unified design theory of fiber‐reinforced CFST structures based on service performance requirements.
Considerations for the structural design of wind turbine towers: A practical application
Authors: de Lima Douglas Mateus , Medeiros Iálysson da Silva , dos Santos Romário Barros , de Medeiros Alas Luis Ernesto , López‐Yánez Pablo Aníbal
Published: May 2024

Aiming to achieve efficient structural performance, this article presents a methodology for the design of the shell structure and dimensioning of the connections of an S355J2 tubular steel tower with a height of 80 m, compatible with a SWT‐2.3‐93 wind turbine. The tower is made up of three segments, interconnected by flanged connections made of high‐strength steel. The analysis considers various load cases, taking into account stress and resistance in different directions, as well as designing connections using Petersen's theory, according to maximum strength and fatigue criteria. The results indicate that the circumferential stresses are nearly negligible compared with the resistant stresses, while the shear stress is significantly higher at the base due to the torsional moment. Meridional stress determines the stability of the structure, requiring consideration of internal pressure for safety. Maximum stress values range from 135.00 to 168.47 MPa, depending on the location along the tower height. Flanged connections meet the strength and fatigue criteria, with the first flange enduring 63.0% of the fatigue effect and the second, 39.7%. Therefore, the results provide reliable information and methodologies for tower design, contributing to the practical and efficient development of these structures.
“CATERing” to Readers' Needs with AI: Innovation in Text Design and Instruction
Authors: DeJulio Samuel , Lammert Catherine , Hiebert Elfrieda , Avalos Andrea , Cagle Beverly , Dean Jasmin , Good Shannon , Tice Rashanna
Published: May 2024

In this article, the authors describe CATER (Computer‐Assisted Texts for Early Reading), an innovation that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create texts for beginning reading instruction tailored to the interests, strengths, and learning needs of individual readers. The authors present an overview of CATER and share their findings from their work with elementary‐age children as part of a five‐week summer graduate course. The use of CATER allowed the authors to create texts that were engaging and that provided an appropriate balance of challenge and accessibility for the children with whom they worked. The authors share two examples that highlight different ways CATER can be implemented and provide recommendations for readers who are interested in trying it out in their classrooms.
Active allyship journey for #TeamBVA
Authors: Findon Amelia
Published: May 2024

BVA director of policy and governance Amelia Findon reflects on a recent equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) workshop for staff at BVA HQ.
A model for saturated–unsaturated flow with fractures acting as capillary barriers
Authors: Varela Jhabriel , Keilegavlen Eirik , Nordbotten Jan M. , Radu Florin A.
Published: May 2024

High‐resolution modeling of the flow dynamics in fractured soils is highly complex and computationally demanding as it requires precise geometrical description of the fractures in addition to resolving a multiphase free‐flow problem inside the fractures. In this paper, we present an idealized model for saturated–unsaturated flow in fractured soils that preserves the core aspects of fractured flow dynamics using an explicit representation of the fractures. The model is based on Richards’ equation in the matrix and hydrostatic equilibrium in the fractures. While the first modeling choice is standard, the latter is motivated by the difference in flow regimes between matrix and fractures, that is, the water velocity inside the fractures is considerably larger than in the soil even under saturated conditions. On matrix/fracture interfaces, the model permits water exchange between matrix and fractures only when the capillary barrier offered by the presence of air inside the fractures is overcome. Thus, depending on the wetting conditions, fractures can either act as impervious barriers or as paths for rapid water flow. Since in numerical simulations each fracture face in the computational grid is a potential seepage face, solving the resulting system of nonlinear equations is a nontrivial task. Here, we propose a general framework based on a discrete‐fracture matrix approach, a finite volume discretization of the equations, and a practical iterative technique to solve the conditional flow at the interfaces. Numerical examples support the mathematical validity and the physical applicability of the model.
Integrated water resources management and the land‐water nexus: A South African perspective
Authors: Locke Kent Anson
Published: May 2024

As a source of diffuse pollution, land use/land cover (LULC) can have profound impacts on water quality. Accordingly, the importance of managing the land‐water nexus is often emphasized in the rhetoric of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). Several authors, however, have cautioned that this need is frequently overlooked in practice. This is partly because stakeholders and policymakers are not equipped with clear and accessible information about the impacts of LULC on water resources and the consequent need to manage both in a sustainable and coordinated manner. The result is persistent sectoral fragmentation in the management of these two resources, and a concomitant failure to develop proactive and data‐driven catchment management strategies. Aimed principally at academics, researchers, and policymakers, this article argues that there is an urgent need, especially in developing countries such as South Africa, for ongoing research into the impacts of LULC on water resources. More particularly, there is a need to develop accurate models that will provide stakeholders and policymakers with the motivation, knowledge, and understanding necessary to develop effective, informed, and coordinated management strategies. A failure to do so, as illustrated by the current situation in South Africa, may have dire socioeconomic and ecological consequences.
Probing the gauge-boson couplings of axion-like particle at the LHC and high-luminosity LHC
Authors: Cheung Kingman , Hsiao Wanyon , Ouseph C. J. , Wang Chen
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this work, we calculate the sensitivities on the gauge-boson couplings gaZZ, gaZγ, and gaWW of an axion-like particle (ALP) that one can achieve at the LHC with $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 14 TeV and integrated luminosities of 300 fb−1 (current run) and 3000 fb−1 (High-Luminosity LHC). We focus on the associated production processes pp → Za → (l+l−)(γγ) and pp → W±a → (l±ν)(γγ). We show that better sensitivities on these gauge couplings can be achieved at the LHC for Ma = 1 – 100 GeV, down to the level of 10−4 GeV−1. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of the investigated channels in constraining the ALP couplings at the LHC, offering valuable insights for future experiments dedicated to ALP detection.
The Historiography of “Hitler’s Atomic Bomb”
Authors: Walker Mark
Published: May 2024

This essay analyzes the historiography of the German attempts during the Second World War to develop and harness the economic and military applications of uranium fission as well as the postwar “politics of the past.” This literature, which began immediately after the end of the war and continues to the present day, includes contributions from scientists, historians, journalists, playwrights, and other authors. The essay is divided into mostly chronological sections.
Evaluation of the real-time El Niño forecasts by the climate network approach between 2011 and present
Authors: Bunde Armin , Ludescher Josef , Schellnhuber Hans Joachim
Published: May 2024

El Niño episodes are part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is the strongest driver of interannual climate variability, and can trigger extreme weather events and disasters in various parts of the globe. Previously we have described a network approach that allows to forecast El Niño events about 1 year ahead. Here we evaluate the real-time forecasts of this approach between 2011 and 2022. We find that the approach correctly predicted (in 2013 and 2017) the onset of both El Niño periods (2014-2016 and 2018-2019) and generated only 1 false alarm in 2019. In June 2022, the approach correctly forecasted the onset of an El Niño event in 2023. For determining thep-value of the 12 real-time forecasts, we consider 2 null hypotheses: (a) random guessing where we assume that El Niño onsets occur randomly, and (b) correlated guessing where we assume that in the year an El Niño ends, no new El Niño will start. We find$$p_a\cong 0.005$$pa≅0.005and$$p_b\cong 0.015$$pb≅0.015, this way rejecting both the null hypotheses that the same quality of the forecast can be obtained by chance. We also discuss how the network algorithm can be further improved by systematically reducing the number of false alarms. For 2024, the method indicates the absence of a new El Niño event.
Anxious Altruism: Virtue Signaling Mediates the Impact of Attachment Style on Consumers’ Green Purchase Behavior and Prosocial Responses
Authors: Hasni Muhammad Junaid Shahid , Konuk Faruk Anıl , Otterbring Tobias
Published: May 2024

Virtue signaling serves to express moral and ethical values publicly, showcasing commitment to social and sustainable ideals. This research, conducted with non-WEIRD samples to mitigate the prevalent WEIRD bias (i.e., the tendency to solely rely on samples from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic societies), examines whether the scarcely studied virtue-signaling construct mediates the influence of consumers’ attachment anxiety (vs. avoidance) on their green purchase behavior and prosocial responses. Drawing on attachment theory and the emerging virtue-signaling literature, the current work reports the results from three studies (N
total = 898) in which consumers’ attachment patterns were not only measured, as in most prior related research, but also manipulated. Study 1 confirmed the unique ability of measured attachment anxiety, but not attachment avoidance, to predict consumers’ green purchase behavior and prosocial tendencies, with virtue signaling mediating these links. Study 2 manipulated participants’ attachment patterns, finding further support for the mediating role of virtue signaling between attachment anxiety (vs. avoidance) and these dependent variables. Study 3 provided a more nuanced account for our virtue-signaling conceptualization by documenting that self-oriented, but not other-oriented, virtue signaling mediated the link between attachment anxiety and both our key outcomes in public contexts. From a managerial viewpoint, these findings indicate that anxiously attached consumers constitute a potentially lucrative segment for companies seeking to expand their market share of sustainable and ethically produced products.
Therapist Anxious Distress and Avoidance of Implementing Time-Out
Authors: Klein Corinna C. , Salem Hanan , Becker-Haimes Emily M. , Barnett Miya L.
Published: May 2024

Therapist anxious distress when delivering child mental health treatment has been understudied as a factor that contributes to the underuse of some evidence-based interventions (EBIs), such as time-out for children with disruptive behaviors. This study investigated therapist anxious avoidance of time-out using a three-part, vignette-based survey design. Therapists (n = 198) read a vignette of an in-session time-out and reported on their personal anxious distress and likelihood of discontinuing the implementation of time-out. Therapists also provided open-ended descriptions of challenges to delivering time-out. Therapists reported moderate anxious distress at time points 1 and 2 and lower anxious distress at time 3 when the time-out had resolved. Most therapists endorsed some avoidance of time-out. Binomial logistic regression analyses indicated that increased anxious distress corresponded with an increased probability of avoiding time-out delivery in the future. Qualitative reports expanded on challenges to implementing time-out. Findings suggest the importance of addressing therapist anxious distress when implementing children’s mental health treatments.
Revisiting development strategy under climate uncertainty: case study of Malawi
Authors: Mukashov Askar , Thomas Timothy , Thurlow James
Published: May 2024

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of agriculture-led versus non-agriculture-led development strategies under climate-induced economic uncertainty. Utilizing Malawi as a case study, we introduce the application of Stochastic Dominance (SD) analysis, a tool from decision analysis theory, and compare the two strategies in the context of weather/climate-associated economic uncertainty. Our findings suggest that an agriculture-led development strategy consistently surpasses its non-agriculture-led antagonist in poverty and undernourishment outcomes across almost all possible weather/climate scenarios. This underscores that, despite increasing exposure of the entire economy to weather/climate uncertainty, agriculture-led development remains the optimal strategy for Malawi to reduce poverty and undernourishment. The study also endorses the broader use of SD analysis in policy planning studies, promoting its potential to integrate risk and uncertainty into policymaking.
Continuous Electroencephalogram (cEEG) Findings and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) at 12–24 Months of Age
Authors: Padiyar Swetha , Friedman Neil , Pestana-Knight Elia , Franic Linda , Worley Sarah , Aly Hany
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the role of continuous EEG (cEEG) background patterns and duration of cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing cardiac surgery and its correlation with abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12–24 months on Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included infants with CHD and cEEG monitoring, who underwent surgery by 44 weeks gestational age.

Results

34 patients were included, who were operated at median age − 7 days. Longer duration of cross- camp time was associated with poor language composite scores (LCS) (p value = 0.036). A significant association existed between severity of encephalopathy in 24-hour post-operative period and poor LCS (p value = 0.026).

Conclusion

Majority of neonates with CHD have below average cognitive, language and motor composite scores on BSID-III. Longer duration of cross-clamp time and severity of encephalopathy during 24-hour post-operative EEG monitoring are associated with poor LCS.
Stereo-DIC Challenge 1.0 – Rigid Body Motion of a Complex Shape
Authors: Ahmad W. , Helm J. , Bossuyt S. , Reu P. , Turner D. , Luan L.K. , Lava P. , Siebert T. , Simonsen M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Stereo-DIC is a widely used optical measurement technique that provides a dense full-field 3D measurement of the shape, displacement, and strain of a solid sample. When compared with 2D-DIC, Stereo-DIC provides greater flexibility and expands its use beyond flat, planar specimens. Furthermore, the widespread availability of commercial systems has led to the adoption of the technique throughout industry, academia, and government research labs.

Objective

Even though some research has been done to understand the effects of different experimental and stereo-DIC parameters, no reference is available to benchmark and compare the performance of current stereo-DIC algorithms to each other.

Methods

This paper provides the description and analysis of a carefully controlled 3D experiment and associated images used to compare the results from five subset based DIC software packages. Both the images and analysis codes used in this paper to compare the results are described here and are available for download and use for continued research.

Results

We show that over a very large range of motion, the 3D errors are very small, less than 80$$\mu$$
μ
m over a travel of ±20 mm out-of-plane and ±20 mm in-plane. While all codes performed similarly, there are important differences noted in the paper.

Conclusion

The image sets and results comparison software are hosted by the International DIC Society (www.iDICs.org) and are freely available for download and analysis for comparison with results in this paper. Furthermore, it is hoped that this set of images can be used for future research in improving stereo-DIC by future authors.
Production of N-glycosylated alcohol dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Levarski Zdenko , Bírová Stanislava , Hriňová Kristina , Dlapová Johana , Struhárňanská Eva , Levarská Lenka , Turňa Ján , Stuchlík Stanislav
Published: May 2024

N-glycosylation of recombinant proteins using bacterial glycosylation system has proven to be a valuable although developing tool ultimately applicable to various industries. When used for enzyme engineering, it offers the possibility of increased stability or immobilization route and thus increasing effectiveness of e.g. biotransformation or other biocatalysis procedures. One such promising enzyme is alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) for use in redox biotransformation reactions. Given the current possibilities of recombinant enzyme production, including major advances in glycoengineering and glycoprotein production in bacterial organisms, the aim of this work was the production of thermotolerant ADH from Rhodococcus ruber (RrADH) in glycosylated form in Escherichia coli. We have successfully developed a dual plasmid expression system enabling glycosylation of target proteins utilizing a glyco-tag approach. We were able to produce RrADH in soluble form and at the same time we detected a bacterial glycan conjugated to RrADH as well as the activity of the enzyme. The glycan bound to recombinant enzyme can be used for oriented covalent immobilization of the enzyme, which would increase the potential for its practical application in biotransformation of various compounds.
The effect of occupational therapy services on hospital readmission for patients with cancer in acute care settings: a retrospective data analysis
Authors: McNichols Christine C. , Peterson Alicia K. , Reynolds Stacey
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study examined how the use of occupational therapy services affected the likelihood of hospital readmission within 30 days for patients with cancer diagnoses.

Methodology

This was a retrospective observational study. Patient medical records were analyzed from a National Cancer Institute Hospital over a 5-year period with a sample size of 6614 patients included for analysis in an unadjusted logistic regression model and 1920 patients analyzed in an adjusted logistic regression model. Various factors, including the use of occupational therapy services as well as individual factors such as pain levels, cancer stage, and living environment, were considered in relation to readmission status. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the provision of occupational therapy service’s association with 30-day hospital readmissions.

Results

Patients who received occupational therapy services had a statistically significant decrease in their risk of a 30-day hospital readmission compared to patients with cancer who did not receive occupational therapy services. In an unadjusted analysis, patients with cancer who had occupational therapy services were 33.5% (OR = 0.665) less likely to be readmitted within 30 days compared to a patient who did not have occupational therapy services (p < 0.001). In an analysis after adjusting for patient health–related factors, patients with cancer who had occupational therapy services were 22.2% (OR = 0.778) less likely to readmit to a hospital compared to a patient who did not have occupational therapy services (p < 0.046).

Conclusion

The results of the study are intended to contribute to the body of knowledge on the benefits of occupational therapy services on an individual as well as a health systems–based level for patients with cancer diagnoses while hospitalized.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The knowledge of the utility of occupational therapy services for patients with cancer diagnoses while in the hospital can assist providers, patients, and hospital leadership in understanding some of the potential benefits for patient care and healthcare systems at large while seeking to avoid the deleterious effects from a hospital readmission.