bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral pellicles on the lakes surface of warm and cold zones in Kungur ice cave
Authors: Tchaikovskiy Ilya , Kadebskaya Olga , Kalinina Tatyana
Published: February 2016

Investigation of mineral pellicles formed at the surface of ponds in Kungur Ice Cave showed their structure and formation mechanism to depend on location in a cold or warm microclimatic zone. In spite of identical initial chemical composition of solutions, infiltrated through carbonate-sulfate massif, different climatic zones are characterized by specific order of mineral crystallization on the water surface. The revealed difference is related to various climatic conditions and solution supersaturation mechanisms. Mineral pellicles formed in different microclimatic zones are described in the article.
Patterns in invertebrate drift from an Alpine karst aquifer over a one year period
Authors: Opalički Slabe Maja
Published: February 2016

Patterns in invertebrate drift in the alpine karst Lipnik spring (Julian Alps, Slovenia) were investigated over a one year period. Monthly samplings of one permanent and two temporary springs, and one sampling of a spring brook benthos, yielded 23 Copepoda and Ostracoda species. More species (12) were found in the permanent than in the temporary springs (8 and 7), Elaphoidella phreatica (Sars, 1862) being the most frequent in all of them. No correlation was observed between precipitation and drift densities or the numbers of species in the permanent spring. In the temporary springs there were correlations between precipitation and the Shannon diversity index, equitability and changes in community composition. Conductivity of the water was the only physical parameter in the springs that correlated with precipitation. Species accumulation curves reached the asymptotes in all the springs but not for benthos. Dinamika plavljenja vodnih nevretenčarjev iz alpskega kraškega vodonosnika v obdobju enega letaV alpskem kraškem izviru Lipnik (Julijske Alpe, Slovenija) smo preiskovali dinamiko plavja vodnih nevretenčarjev v obdobju enega leta. V mesečnih vzorčenjih enega stalnega in dveh občasnih izvirov ter enkratnim vzorčenjem bentosa potoka Lipnik smo zbrali 23 vrst ceponožcev in dvoklopnikov. Rezultati raziskave so razkrili, da je bilo več vrst zbranih iz stalnega (12) kot iz občasnih izvirov (8 in 7). V vseh je številčno prevladovala vrsta Elaphoidella phreatica (Sars, 1862). V nobenem izviru ni bilo povezave med padavinami in gostoto plavja ter številom vrst. Povezava pa se je pojavila v občasnih izvirih med padavinami in Shannonovim indeksom in ravnovesjem ter spremembo v sestavi združbe. Edina fizikalna lastnost vode v izvirih, ki je bila v povezavi s padavinami, je bila prevodnost. Krivulje vrstne akumulacije so dosegle asimptoto pri vseh izvirih, v bentosu potoka pa ne.
Dating of the Udin Boršt conglomerate terrace and implication for tectonic uplift in the northern part of the Ljubljana Basin (Slovenia)
Authors: Mihevc Andrej , Bavec Miloš , Haeuselmann Philipp , Fiebig Markus
Published: February 2016

EN:The northwestern part of the Ljubljana Basin is filled mostly with fluvioglacial sediments deposited by rivers coming from Alpine mountain groups. The Tržiška Bistrica River, flowing from the Karavanke Mountains, has deposited a large alluvial fan consisting predominantly of carbonate pebbles with subordinate amounts of siliciclastic pebbles. The oldest infill, cemented into a conglomerate terrace named Udin Boršt, overlies an erosional surface on Oligocene mudstone. The thickness of the conglomerate terrace is up to 50 m. The conglomerate terrace is well karstified; the surface is dissected by numerous dolines and covered with a thick soil sequence. There are several caves. The most important are spring caves formed on the contact with the underlying impermeable basement. Samples of quartz pebbles were taken from the walls and ceiling in the 815 m long spring Arneševa Luknja Cave for cosmogenic nuclides burial age dating. The calculated burial age yielded an age of 1.86 ± 0.19 Ma that gives (i) the age of the oldest known infill in the Ljubljana Basin and (ii) indicates the time of change of the sedimentary system in the Basin from erosion to deposition. The age of the Udin Boršt karst and caves is significantly younger. The age dates provide grounds for a first relatively firm estimate of the long-term tectonic uplift of the Udin Boršt terrace to be between 0.06 and 0.04 mm/yr. This tectonic uplift rate may be related to the activity of the regional Sava Fault.SLO:Severozahodni del Ljubljanske kotline pokrivajo večinoma fluvioglacialni sedimenti, ki so jih odložile reke iz alpskih gorskih skupin. Tržiška Bistrica, ki priteka iz Karavank je odložila velik vršaj. V njem prevladujejo karbonatni prodniki z manjšim deležem siliciklastičnih prodnikov. Ta najstarejša zapolnitev, sprijeta v konglomeratno teraso Udin boršt, leži na erozijskem površju oblikovanem v oligocenskih glinovcih. Debelina konglomeratne terase je do 50 m. Konglomeratna terasa je dobro zakrasela, površje pa je razčlenjeno z vrtačami in pokrito z debelo plastjo prsti. V njej je več jam, med katerimi so najpomembnejše izvirne jame, ki so se oblikovale na stiku z neprepustno podlago. V 815 m dolgi Arneševi luknji smo vzeli iz sten in stropa jame vzorec iz kremenovih prodnikov za določitev pokopne starosti prodnega zasipa s kozmičnimi nuklidi. Izračunana starost prekritja sedimentov je 1.86 ± 0.19 Ma. Ta datacija določa (i) starost najstarejše sedimentne zapolnitve v Ljubljanski kotlini in (ii) čas spremembe v sedimentacijskem sistemu kotline iz erozije v sedimentacijo. Starost kraških oblik in jam v Udin borštu je znatno mlajša. Starost sedimenta daje tudi osnovo za relativno trdno določitev tektonskega dviga terase Udin boršta na 0,06 do 0,04 mm/yr. Ta tektonski dvig je verjetno povezan z premiki ob regionalnem savskem prelomu.
Transition process of abrupt climate change based on global sea surface temperature over the past century
Authors: Yan Pengcheng , Hou Wei , Feng Guolin
Published: February 2016

Abstract. We propose a new concept of abrupt climate change transition and create a novel detection method to identify the transition process. With this method, how the climate system transits from one stable state to another could be verified clearly. By applying this method to the global sea surface temperature data over the past century, several climate change processes are detected, including their starting state (moment), persist time, and ending state (moment) etc. According to the spatial distributions, the locations of climate changes mainly occurred in Indian ocean and western Pacific before the middle twentieth century, while the climate changes in 1970s located in equatorial middle-eastern Pacific, and the climate changes happened in the middle and southern Pacific since the end twentieth century. In addition, an quantitative relationship among the transition process parameters has been exposed in theory and practice, which the relationship between the rate and stability parameters is linear, and the relationship between the rate and change amplitude parameters is quadratic.
X-ray CT analysis of pore structure in sand
Authors: Mukunoki Toshifumi , Miyata Yoshihisa , Mikami Kazuaki , Shiota Erika
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The development of a micro-focused X-ray CT device enables digital imaging analysis at the pore-scale. The applications have been diverse, for instance, in soil mechanics, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, petroleum engineering, and agricultural engineering. In particular, imaging of the pore space of porous media has contributed to numerical simulations for single and multi-phase flow, or contaminant transport, through the pore structure as three-dimensional image data. These obtained results are affected by the pore diameter so it is necessary to verify the image pre-processing for image analysis, and validate the pore diameters obtained from the CT image data. Besides, it is meaningful to produce the parameters in a representative element volume (REV) and significant to define the dimension of REV. This paper describes the underlying method of image processing and analysis and discusses the physical properties of Toyoura sand for the verification of image analysis based on the definition of REV. Based on the obtained verification results, pore diameter analysis can be conducted and validated by the comparison of the experimental work and image analysis. The pore diameter was deduced by Laplace’s law and the water retentively test for the drainage process. The referenced result sand perforated pore diameter proposed originally in this study, called the voxel-percolation method (VPM), are compared in this paper. The paper describes the limitation of REV, the definition of pore diameter, and the effectiveness of VPM for the assessment of pore diameter.
Contribution to the Revision of the Senegalese Law on the Use of Sulfites for the Treatment of Crustaceans: the Case of Shrimp
Authors: Diouf Abdoulaye , Fall Jean , Ayessou Nicolas , Ndour Mame Mor , Diouf Niokhor , Seydi Malang
Published: February 2016

Shrimp, by its considerable economic importance, is the second shellfish species exported in Senegal. Blackening of untreated sulfites shrimp causes discharges estimated at 10% of the total landed shrimp according to the shrimp processing plant companies. Health problems caused by handling and / or consumption of sulphites (asthmatic subjects) occured. The 2006-52 Directive of 5 July 2006 at Community level and Senegalese Decree No. 00493 of 11 February 2005 governed their use by rules. The Differences in the rules governing SO2 residues could cause Technical trade Barriers in international exchanges. In Senegal, the Competent Authority (CA), a part of its mission of monitoring and inspection of fish products, especially shrimp, cooperate with two chemistry laboratories for detecting residues of SO2. However, the differences noted on the results provided by these two laboratories (Lab1 and 2) make difficult interpretations. This study aims to remove existing ambiguities on the analyzes and interpretation of results regarding to national and community regulations. During the study, more investigations and analyzes of archival data, samples of untreated and treated shrimp sodium metabisulfite were analyzed respectively in the laboratory of the Division of Inspection and Control (DIC) to assess blackening and laboratories 1, 2 and 3 for the detection of residual sulphite in shrimp. Firstly, the results show that the shrimp processing and regulations governing the residual SO2 levels in their flesh can not be effective without taking account of their caliber, and secondly, that the divergence of results provided by the Labo-1 and 2 is more methodological. Thus, the study calls for regulatory oversight in order to harmonize national and international regulations governing the residual SO2 levels in shrimp. It also recommends the creation of a common reference for the determination of residues of SO2 in the flesh of shrimp.
The Effect of Music Therapy on Problem-Solving Skills
Authors: Jahedi Zeinab Sirous , Khoi Nasser Amini
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present research was study of the impact of music therapy on problem-solving skills of 4 to 6 years old children in Tehran. This research was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest control group. The statistical population was all 4 to 6 years old children in region 2 of Tehran. Using the random sampling method, the study sample was chosen in two experiment (15 individuals) and control (15 individuals) groups.   The experiment group received 12 sessions of music therapy and the control group was waiting for treatment meanwhile. To evaluate the problem-solving skill in children, the three subscales of Wechsler’s Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) were used, including: mazes, cubes and arithmetic.  Analysis of data obtained from the questionnaires was conducted in two parts of descriptive and inferential. The data analysis indicated the significant increase of problem-solving average score of the experiment group compared to the control group.
How Tribal Consultation and Non-Invasive Techniques Led to a Better Understanding of Vázquez de Coronado’s Expedition of 1540–1542
Authors: Schmader Matthew F.
Published: February 2016

Archaeological site management goals, when informed by the input of traditional communities, can result in very different outcomes than standard cultural resource investigation strategies. A case example is presented for a large site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, containing material from the Francisco Vázquez de Coronado expedition. From 1540 to 1542, Coronado led one of the largest and most well-known explorations of the American southwest. The expedition spent much time in the Rio Grande Valley near present-day Albuquerque, including the site of Piedras Marcadas Pueblo. Formal consultations between local tribes and the City of Albuquerque in the 1990s generated a research program using geophysics and non-invasive techniques. Geophysical investigation produced results that would not have been obtained without tribal consultation to guide the research from an early point. By combining architectural data found by resistivity surveys with artifact distributions found by metal detection, details of a battle between Coronado’s expedition and puebloan people have emerged. Ongoing tribal consultation has shed light on the events that occurred at Piedras Marcadas and continues to inform interpretation and site management decisions. Resulting cooperation between traditional communities and the City of Albuquerque is a case study in the ever-important practices of co-creation and collaborative archaeology.
Utilizing Mole-Rat Activity for Archaeological Survey
Authors: Sapir Yair , Faust Avraham
Published: February 2016

Identifying previously unknown sites is a fundamental goal of the archaeological inquiry. In this article, after reporting the results of our work at Tel ‘Eton (Israel), we propose a new method that can increase the effectiveness of surveys. As part of a study of site formation processes, molehills (mole-rat back-dirt hills) were systematically sifted at Tel ‘Eton and its surroundings. It was apparent that the number and size of sherds in molehills on the mound greatly exceeded those found in its surroundings. The incidental identification of many sherds in molehills northwest of the mound, therefore, led us to suspect that this area was settled. This was tested by transecting the area. The finds, along with discoveries in the wadis cutting the plain, support this suggestion and allowed us to detect the lower city’s boundary. An examination of the site’s environments, moreover, enabled us to identify additional anomalies, like the co-occurrence of concentrations of sherds, red-soiled molehills, and slags, which might indicate an extra-mural workshop. Consequently, we suggest that a systematic examination of rodents’ back-dirt mounds can be an effective method—faster, cheaper, and more efficient than pedestrian surveys or shovel tests—of discovering unknown sites even in regions with good visibility.
Predictive Modeling for Site Detection Using Remotely Sensed Phenological Data
Authors: Kirk Scott Detrich , Thompson Amy E. , Lippitt Christopher D.
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the potential of remote sensing–derived metrics of vegetation phenology and a Multi-Layer Perceptron neural network to model the most likely locations of large, agglomerated archaeological sites. Focusing on two different environments in central New Mexico, the Galisteo Basin and the Sandia-Manzano Mountain range, this pilot study distinguishes between archaeological sites and their surroundings based on differential growth in vegetation. Using data derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper, a time series of Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices were created to characterize vegetation phenology in the study areas. Distinguishing between archaeological sites and their surroundings, the neural network was trained on a series of known sites to develop an output activation layer indicating the possible locations of other, previously unknown sites. This output activation layer, treated as a site suitability model, was validated using the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve using known sites excluded from the training procedure. Results show promise in large, open areas such as basin environments. While differences in vegetation type have relatively little effect, differences in elevation, or more directly the changes in phenology that go along with them, negatively impact the ability to infer the presence of archaeological sites using this approach.
Vertically conducting deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes with interband tunneling junction grown on 6H-SiC substrate
Authors: Liang Hongwei , Tao Pengcheng , Xia Xiaochuan , Chen Yuanpeng , Zhang Kexiong , Liu Yang , Shen Rensheng , Luo Yingmin , Zhang Yuantao , Du Guotong
Published: February 2016

Vertically conducting deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a polarization-induced backward-tunneling junction (PIBTJ) were grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on 6H-SiC substrates. A self-consistent solution of Poisson–Schrödinger equations combined with polarization-induced theory was applied to simulate the PIBTJ structure, energy band diagrams, and free-carrier concentration distribution. AlN and graded Al
x
Ga1−

x
N interlayers were introduced between the PIBTJ and multiple quantum well layers to avoid cracking of the n-Al0.5Ga0.5N top layer. At a driving current of 20 mA, an intense DUV emission at ∼288 nm and a weak shoulder at ∼386 nm were observed from the AlGaN top layer side. This demonstrates that the PIBTJ can be used to fabricate vertically conducting DUV LED on SiC substrates.
Post Hoc Bias in Treatment Decisions
Authors: Redelmeier Donald A. , Shafir Eldar
Published: September 2024

Importance

A goal of health care is to reduce symptoms and improve health status, whereas continuing dubious treatments can contribute to complacency, discourage the search for alternatives, and lead to shortfalls in care.

Objective

To test a potential bias in intuitive reasoning following a marginal improvement in symptoms after a dubious treatment (post hoc bias).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Surveys eliciting treatment recommendations for hypothetical patients were sent to community members throughout North America recruited via an online survey platform in the early winter months of 2023 and 2024 and presented to health care professionals (pharmacists who were approached in person using a secret shopper technique) in the summer months of 2023.

Exposure

Respondents received randomized versions of surveys that differed according to whether vague symptoms improved or remained unchanged after a dubious treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was a recommendation to continue treatment.

Results

In total, 1497 community members (mean [SD] age, 38.1 [12.5] years; 663 female [55.3%]) and 100 health care professionals were contacted. The first scenario described a patient with a sore throat who took unprescribed antibiotics; respondents were more likely to continue antibiotics after initial treatment if there was a marginal improvement in symptoms vs when symptoms remained unchanged (67 of 150 respondents [45%] vs 25 of respondents [17%]; odds ratio [OR], 3.98 [95% CI, 2.33-6.78]; P < .001). Another scenario described a patient with wrist pain who wore a copper bracelet; respondents were more likely to continue wearing the copper bracelet after initial care was followed by a marginal improvement in symptoms vs when symptoms remained unchanged (78 of 100 respondents [78%] vs 25 of 99 respondents [25%]; OR, 16.19 [95% CI, 5.32-19.52]; P < .001). A third scenario described a patient with fatigue who took unprescribed vitamin B12; respondents were more likely to continue taking vitamin B12 when initial treatment was followed by a marginal improvement in symptoms vs when symptoms remained unchanged (80 of 100 respondents [80%] vs 33 of 100 respondents [33%]; OR, 7.91 [95% CI, 4.18-14.97]; P < .001). Four further scenarios involving dubious treatments found similar results, including when tested on health care professionals.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of clinical scenarios, a marginal improvement in symptoms led patients to continue a dubious and sometimes costly treatment, suggesting that clinicians should caution patients against post hoc bias.
Soybean response to high‐speed planting in Mississippi
Authors: Olomitutu Oluwaseyi E. , Mulvaney Michael J. , Lowe J. Wes , Bryant Corey J. , Wallace John , Harper Noah , Larson Erick J. , Shavers Grant , Hilyer Tucker , Dhillon Jagman
Published: September 2024

Mississippi soybean [Glycine max (L.) Mer.] producers are under pressure to plant as much land as possible within narrow planting windows. The 5‐year average planting progress is 45% of the total at the end of the optimal soybean planting window. New metering and seed delivery technology claims faster planting without sacrificing singulation, stand, or yield, but these tools need to be validated before recommendation. This study aimed to quantify soybean response to planting speeds using a precision planter (John Deere MaxEmerge 2 row units retrofitted with Ag Leader SureSpeed and SureForce) and a mechanical planter (John Deere 1700 ground‐driven mechanical planter equipped with eSet meters) for a total of 7 site‐years across Mississippi. In 2022, both planters were evaluated at four actual ground speeds of 7.9, 10.8, 13.5, and 16.4 km h−1 in a 2 × 4 factorial design. The experimental design was modified in 2023, where the mechanical planter served as the current farmer practice check at 9.7 km h−1and the precision planter speeds were 9.7, 14.5, and 17.7 km h−1 at research station sites and 9.7 and 14.5 km h−1 at an on‐farm site. Across sites, increased planting speed generally increased plant spacing, in‐row spacing variability, and decreased plant population. However, increased speed did not affect soybean yield. The precision planter at 17.7 km h−1 was no different from the mechanical planter in terms of soybean plant population, spacing, and yield in 2023. Results suggest soybean producers can plant soybean at 17.7 km h−1 without compromising yield.
Sacubitril/valsartan reduces incident anaemia and iron therapy utilization in heart failure: The PARAGON‐HF trial
Authors: Lu Henri , Claggett Brian L. , Packer Milton , Pfeffer Marc A. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Zile Michael R. , Desai Akshay S. , Jhund Pardeep , Lefkowitz Martin , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D. , Vaduganathan Muthiah
Published: September 2024

Aims

Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) have been shown to lower haemoglobin levels, potentially related to reductions in erythropoietin levels and haematopoiesis. We examined whether sacubitril/valsartan might attenuate this effect of RASi alone on incident anaemia in patients with heart failure (HF) with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF).

Methods and results

PARAGON‐HF was a global, multicentre randomized clinical trial of sacubitril/valsartan versus the RASi valsartan in patients with HF and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%. We evaluated haemoglobin trajectory and risks of incident anaemia and new iron therapy initiation during follow‐up. Among 4795 participants, 1111 (23.2%) had anaemia at randomization and 5.6% were treated with iron at baseline. Over a median follow‐up of 2.9 years, patients with anaemia were at significantly higher risk for total HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular death, compared with those without anaemia (21.6 vs. 11.5 per 100 patient‐years; adjusted rate ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.54; p = 0.001). Sacubitril/valsartan slightly slowed the decline in haemoglobin levels by 0.1 g/dl (95% CI 0.0–0.2 g/dl; p = 0.005). Participants treated with sacubitril/valsartan were at significantly lower risk of developing anaemia (30.3% vs. 37.6%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.76; 95% CI 0.68–0.85; p < 0.001) and starting iron therapy (8.1% vs. 10.0%; HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67–0.97; p = 0.026). Treatment effects of sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan on total HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular death were consistent among patients across the haemoglobin spectrum (pinteraction = 0.60).

Conclusions

Among patients with HFmrEF/HFpEF, treatment with sacubitril/valsartan resulted in modestly smaller declines in haemoglobin, lower rates of incident anaemia, and fewer new initiations of iron therapy compared with RASi.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01920711.
Electrospun Carbon Nanofiber Composite Electrode with Gradient Porous Structure for Rapid Ion Transport in an All‐Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Wang Liying , Zhao Yu , Lin Dun , Wang Qiming , Liu Chenguang , Chu Pan , Leung Puiki
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a novel approach through the design and creation of a composite electrode, uniquely made of three distinct layers of micro/mesoporous electrospun carbon nanofiber (CNF) mats, featuring a gradient in pore size. This innovative gradient pore structure merges the benefits of varying pore sizes, significantly enhancing redox flow battery (RFB) efficiency. The first layer, a microporous CNF mat situated near the membrane, offers an extensive reactive surface area, minimizing charge transfer resistance and speeding up electrochemical reactions—key factors in enhancing battery reaction efficiency. The next layer, a mesoporous CNF mat, fine‐tunes the flow properties of the electrolyte, lowering flow resistance while ensuring superior charge transfer capabilities. This structured gradient in pore size not only facilitates improved electrolyte penetration and even distribution but also harmonizes the balance between charge transfer efficiency and electrolyte flow, thus mitigating energy losses without compromising reaction velocity. Charge–discharge testing demonstrated notable performance gains: an energy efficiency of 82% at 100 mA cm−2 (surpassing traditional electrodes by 71.5%) and 69% at 200 mA cm−2, alongside a 77.4% increase in peak power density. This advancement not only enhances energy and power densities but also its lifespan, marking a significant step forward for RFB technologies.
A Unified Prediction Strategy for Angle‐Resolved Polarized Raman Response of Black Phosphorus
Authors: Zou Bo , Yang Jinfeng , Xie Yong , Ke Dingning , Chen Yuxiang , Zhou Yan , Sun Huarui
Published: September 2024

Predicting the angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy (ARPRS) response of anisotropic layered materials (ALMs) is the ultimate goal in the field of ARPRS research. So far, multiple physical mechanisms are studied on the representative black phosphorus (BP) to understand the intricate ARPRS response. However, the lack of a complete physical picture of the response modulation has hindered progress in response prediction. Herein, using BP as an example, a unified strategy for predicting the thickness‐dependent ARPRS response of ALMs is proposed. Crucially, with only one ARPRS measurement of a bulk ALM of interest, the response of nanoflakes of any thickness can be predicted. This is achieved based on the core concept of intrinsic Raman anisotropy (RA). Integrated experiments, analysis, and calculations reveal that the response of bulk BP is reshaped by the rarely noticed anisotropic absorption effect, which leads to an unique thickness‐independent constant modulation. Therefore, the interference‐free bulk counterpart of ALMs can serve as an ideal platform for accurately accessing intrinsic RA. This work provides a new paradigm for ARPRS research and paves the way for profound study of intrinsic RA.
Cover Image, Volume 62, Issue 17
Authors: Lee Dongjoo , Wang Hanqing , Verduzco Rafael
Published: September 2024

The cover image is based on the Article Progress in photocontrolled radical polymerization for the synthesis of nonlinear polymer architectures by Dongjoo Lee et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20230889.

image
Equilibrium, Kinetic and Isotherm Studies of Dye Adsorption from Aqueous Solution by Recyclable Amine‐Functionalized Silica Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Islam Muhyminul , Manna Year Hossain , Rabbi Mohammad Ahasanur , Rahman Abdur , Ahmad Hasan , Mefford O. Thompson , Rahman Mahbubor , Alam Ashraful
Published: September 2024

The evaluation of the adsorption capacity of amine‐functionalized silica coated iron oxide magnetic particles (Fe3O4/SiO2‐NH2) as a highly recyclable adsorbent for Congo Red (CR) and Eriochrome Black T (EBT) azo‐dyes from water is reported. The Fe3O4/SiO2‐NH2 were prepared by a simple co‐precipitation method of iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles followed by silica coating on oleic acid coated Fe3O4. A series of investigation was performed to assess the various experimental parameters like contact time (0–360 min), pH (3–10), stirring speed (0–500 rpm), adsorbent dosages (0.02–0.12 g) and initial concentrations (0.02–0.15 mg mL−1) of dyes. According to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacities of CR and EBT on Fe3O4/SiO2‐NH2 particles were found to be 211.86 mg g−1 and 81.98 mg g−1, respectively. In comparison, the pseudo‐second order model provided adsorption capacities of 200.40 mg g−1 for CR and 80.91 mg g−1 for EBT. Additionally, the maximum adsorption amounts of CR and EBT on Fe3O4/SiO2‐NH2 particles were 179.37 mg g−1 and 75.43 mg g−1, achieved within 300 min and 180 min at pH 3, respectively. The dye‐loaded particles were recoverable for CR and EBT removal by simple regeneration with 0.1 molL−1 NaOH solution to use the particles until more than five cycles.
First come, first observed: Utilizing observation as a pedagogical tool to transform leadership learning
Authors: Devies Brittany , Mitchell Grant R. , Gibson Katherine
Published: September 2024

Leadership observation is a technique that relies on active and inactive recall to enhance learning through connecting theoretic concepts to real‐world examples. This article makes the case that leadership observation should be thoughtfully used as a pedagogical tool to aid in students' leadership learning. Knowledge will be shared through personal narratives and practical strategies. Leadership educators should consider implementing moments of intentional observation into their curriculum to deepen student connections and prepare them for future endeavors.
Exploring Non-tidal Atmospheric Loading Deformation Correction in GNSS Time Series Analysis Using GAMIT/GLOBK Software
Authors: Khorrami Fatemeh , Ejigu Yohannes Getachew , Näränen Jyri , Raja-Halli Arttu , Nordman Maaria
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effects of non-tidal atmospheric loading on GNSS time series for a network covering the Nordic countries, with a specific focus on Finland. We processed a 5-month dataset from the year 2015 using GAMIT/GLOBK software, implementing two distinct non-tidal atmospheric loading grid models, namely ‘atmfilt’ and ‘atmdisp’. Our results reveal that both grid models yield similar improvements in the variability of GNSS coordinate time series, albeit with a slightly better performance for ‘atmdisp’ grid. Our results show that implementing these built-in models in the time series analysis yields up to a 14% improvement (reduction in scatter) in the vertical component for 75% of the selected stations. However, the enhancement diminishes for the horizontal components (increase in scatter), exacerbating the eastern component of time series. The corrections lead to a 10% improvement of the North component. We also examined the effectiveness of the loading corrections by comparing our processing-level corrected time series to the daily averaged time series improved by the loading model provided by EOST loading service as a post-processing approach. Given the relatively short 5-month duration of the time series, drawing definitive conclusions when comparing models is challenging. However, it is evident that the GNSS time series exhibits distinct variations related to atmospheric loading in their vertical positions across the various models that were examined.
Outpatient mental health care during high incidence phases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany – changes in utilization, challenges and post-COVID care
Authors: Fehr Mandy , Köhler Sabine , Roth-Sackenheim Christa , Geschke Katharina , Tüscher Oliver , Adorjan Kristina , Lieb Klaus , Hölzel Lars P. , Wiegand Hauke F.
Published: September 2024

Background

As only a few studies have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health outpatient system so far, the aim of the COVID Ψ Outpatient Survey was to gain insight from outpatient providers in Germany regarding changes in utilization; associated problems and challenges; telemedicine services; interactions with inpatient and nursing home services; and experiences with post-COVID syndromes.

Methods

Between July and September 2021, we invited 351 randomly selected outpatient mental health specialists to take part in the online survey via e-mail. Additionally, we extended an invitation to professional associations to encourage their members to participate. N = 105 physicians of most regions of Germany took part in the survey.

Results

Survey participants reported changes in utilization during the high incidence phases (HIP) of the pandemic using pre-formulated categories: For the first HIP in spring 2020, 31% of the survey participants reported a decrease > 20% and 5% an increase > 20% of patient contacts. For the third HIP in spring 2021, 4% reported a decrease > 20% of contacts, while 30% an increase > 20%. Participants chose “patient’s fears of infection” and “providers protection measures” as reasons for decreases, and “pandemic related anxieties”, “economic stressors”, and “capacity reductions of the inpatient system” as reasons for increases of patient contact. Many providers introduced telemedicine services. A majority reported consultations for post-COVID syndromes already in spring 2021.

Conclusions

The survey hinted at changes in utilization, multiple problems but as well good-practice-solutions in the mental health outpatient system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Explanatory gaps in evolutionary theory
Authors: Aaby Bendik Hellem , Dani Gianmaria , Ramsey Grant
Published: September 2024

Proponents of the extended evolutionary synthesis have argued that there are explanatory gaps in evolutionary biology that cannot be bridged by standard evolutionary theory. In this paper, we consider what sort of explanatory gaps they are referring to. We outline three possibilities: data-based gaps, implementation-based gaps, and framework-based gaps. We then examine the purported evolutionary gaps and attempt to classify them using this taxonomy. From there we reconsider the significance of the gaps and what they imply for the proposed need for an extended evolutionary synthesis.
Effects of a State Pre-kindergarten Program on the Kindergarten Readiness and Attendance of At-Risk Four-Year-Olds
Authors: Wu Jamie Heng-Chieh , Akaeze Hope Onyinye , Van Egeren Laurie A.
Published: September 2024

The effect of public pre-kindergarten (pre-K) on the short-term outcomes of children from disadvantaged backgrounds is well established; however, the mechanisms for this effect are not well understood. Of the many factors that influence how pre-K participants progress during and after kindergarten, one understudied factor is the effect of pre-K participation on kindergarten attendance. The effects of absenteeism are cumulative, and habits established early in the school years are likely to affect later school outcomes. Thus, if pre-K improves kindergarten attendance, participants may be poised for later school success. To begin to test this hypothesis, we conducted a quasi-experimental study to examine the kindergarten readiness of 19,490 children and attendance records of 39,113 children who either were enrolled in Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) or were placed on waitlists because their GSRP sites were full. Using variants of multilevel modeling, we found, as expected, that GSRP children performed better than waitlisted children on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. Examination of kindergarten attendance records found that waitlisted children were more likely to be absent than their counterparts who participated in GSRP, with particularly strong effects for children who were Black, economically disadvantaged, or English Language Learners.
Choosing to Provide: Early Medical Abortion and Clinician Conscience in Ireland
Authors: Donnelly Mary , Murray Claire
Published: September 2024

Providers are essential to the delivery of abortion care. Yet, they often occupy an ambiguous space in political discourse around abortion. The introduction of a new abortion service in Ireland invites us to look afresh at providers. Since the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 came into force, by far the most common form of abortion care has been early medical abortion (EMA). This is typically provided by General Practitioners (GPs), with approximately 10% of GPs having chosen to provide EMA. This article draws on an empirical study of providers to investigate their motivations for, and experiences of, provision and their views on colleagues who have not chosen to provide. The study shows that for many providers, the choice to provide was grounded in a moral commitment to protecting women’s rights to autonomy and health and ensuring that the harms of the past were not repeated. The article argues that notwithstanding increased normalisation of EMA in Ireland, conscience still has a role to play in abortion care provision and it is important to reflect on the various aspects of this role.
Comparative Analysis of Aerosol Direct Radiative Forcing During COVID-19 Lockdown Period in Peninsular India
Authors: Kotrike Tharani , Keesara Venkata Reddy , Sridhar Venkataramana , Pratap Deva
Published: September 2024

The load of aerosols in the atmosphere has been increasing gradually due to industrialization and urbanization. This increase has contributed to change in the Earth’s radiation budget through the absorption or scattering of radiation. The aerosol direct radiative forcing (ADRF) is a measurement utilized to comprehend the impact of cooling or warming up of the atmosphere directly by aerosols. Our study examined the impact of aerosols during the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing them to the average from the preceding 5-year period (2015–2019) in peninsular India. The measure of aerosols deployed in this study is the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD), and the study was carried out on three distinct time frames: prior to lockdown, during lockdown, and post lockdown. The study revealed that the ADRF increased during all the three time frames of 2020 compared to the average of 2015–2019, and the other time scales experienced an increase in ADRF as well. The most notable rise in ADRF and decrease in temperature occurred in the tropical savanna and warm semi-arid climate regions during the pre-lockdown period. During lockdown, the increase in ADRF was seen throughout the study area, and a decrease in temperature was observed only in the tropical monsoon region. In the post-lockdown period, the decline in ADRF was accompanied by a fall in temperature in the tropical savanna region. This study provides insights into the effect of aerosols on ADRF in peninsular India and highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating aerosol emissions to mitigate the changes in temperature.
Workplace violence against junior doctors in Iraq: implications for job satisfaction and retention
Authors: Al-Shimari Fatima H. , Lafta Riyadh , Hagopian Amy
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Health workers worldwide report being exposed to workplace violence, but those in conflict settings (or post-conflict settings) are especially targeted, as political conflict shifts societal norms. Iraq has suffered war and conflict for decades. A 2013 study of 567 Iraqi-trained physicians found nearly 2/3 had emigrated to mostly English-speaking countries; further, half of those remaining wished to leave Iraq. While prior studies have examined the phenomenon of violence against health workers in Iraq, no qualitative study has characterized Iraqi front line junior doctors’ experiences of workplace violence within a workplace violence causal framework, to inform an educational and policy response.

Methods

We consented and interviewed 73 junior physicians at six teaching hospitals across Central Iraq between December 2021, and January 2022. We analyzed 22 of the 73 conversations, after rejecting 29 because they were terminated prematurely when doctors were called away for patient care, and 22 others where doctors indicated they had no experience with workplace violence. (Our goal was to understand these interactions, not to quantify them).

Results

The physicians we interviewed had been practicing an average 3 years since graduating from medical school (ranging from 6 months to 7 years). Interviewees represented eight hospital departments, with most coming from internal medicine and surgery. Within a socio-ecological framework, we identified two primary individual-level factors prompting patient-associated violence: patients and their families don’t understand triage (and resent being pushed to the side when doctors focus on more serious cases), and junior doctors (by definition) are young and inexperienced. At the family level, doctors reported patient relatives often demonstrate their devotion to the patient by acting out. At the hospital level, institutions are operating in an environment of scarcity, which generates high emotions as patients compete for attention, supplies and space. At a societal level, doctors reported family attacks persist because perpetrators face no real legal consequences. In addition to causes of violence, there are consequences. Doctors who are targets of violence reported experiencing mental health problems, including depression and loss of self-esteem, and reported thoughts of leaving their positions and even their country. Doctors also expressed regret for choosing a career in medicine.

Conclusion

Young, inexperienced junior doctors in Iraq are bearing the brunt of patient frustrations with the scarcity of resources in the health system. Hospitals would likely improve the job satisfaction of junior physicians, and their longevity in the health system, by attending to this problem.
The impact of ESG rating disagreement on corporate risk-taking: evidence from China
Authors: Dai Liyan , Wang Jingjing
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the impact and underlying mechanisms of ESG rating disagreement on the risk-taking of Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2011 to 2020. The research reveals that ESG rating disagreement significantly increases corporate risk-taking. Mechanism tests show that corporate ESG rating disagreement can enhance corporate risk-taking by reducing information asymmetry and alleviating financing constraints. Further analyses find that the agency costs affect the enhancing effect of ESG rating disagreement on corporate risk-taking. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that ESG rating disagreement has a greater effect on corporate risk-taking for non-state-owned firms, small-sized firms, and young firms. This paper provides empirical evidence to promote the construction of China's ESG rating system and enhance corporate risk-taking.
MyD88's function in the emergence and growth of tumors
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Zhu Shipeng , Huang Qian , Yao Yi , Li Wei , Zhang Shi
Published: September 2024

MyD88 was initially discovered to be upregulated during interleukin (IL)-6-induced myeloid differentiation in the 1990s. Subsequent studies have identified it as a typical adapter for inflammatory signaling pathways downstream of members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) and IL-1 receptor families. MyD88 is profoundly involved in the NF-κB and its associated signaling pathways, which contribute to the proliferation and survival of B cells. The downstream products of MyD88's involvement in the pathway also define it as a key link of the inflammatory pathway. This suggests that MyD88 plays a vital role in the emergence and growth of both hematologic and solid tumors. In this review, we focus on the role of MyD88 in signaling pathways and explore its impact on tumors.
Expert consensus on the diagnosis and therapy of endo-periodontal lesions
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhu Yanan , Lin Minkui , Zhang Yangheng , Li Yanfen , Ouyang Xiangying , Ge Song , Lin Jiang , Pan Yaping , Xu Yan , Ding Yi , Ge Shaohua , Chen Faming , Song Zhongchen , Jiang Shaoyun , Sun Jiang , Luo Lijun , Ling Junqi , Chen Zhi , Yue Lin , Zhou Xuedong , Yan Fuhua
Published: September 2024

Endo-periodontal lesions (EPLs) involve both the periodontium and pulp tissue and have complicated etiologies and pathogenic mechanisms, including unique anatomical and microbiological characteristics and multiple contributing factors. This etiological complexity leads to difficulties in determining patient prognosis, posing great challenges in clinical practice. Furthermore, EPL-affected teeth require multidisciplinary therapy, including periodontal therapy, endodontic therapy and others, but there is still much debate about the appropriate timing of periodontal therapy and root canal therapy. By compiling the most recent findings on the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of EPL-affected teeth, this consensus sought to support clinicians in making the best possible treatment decisions based on both biological and clinical evidence.
Human neural stem cells derived from fetal human brain communicate with each other and rescue ischemic neuronal cells through tunneling nanotubes
Authors: Capobianco D. L. , De Zio R. , Profico D. C. , Gelati M. , Simone L. , D’Erchia A. M. , Di Palma F. , Mormone E. , Bernardi P. , Sbarbati A. , Gerbino A. , Pesole G. , Vescovi A. L. , Svelto M. , Pisani F.
Published: September 2024

Pre-clinical trials have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of transplanted human neural stem cells (hNSCs) during the post-ischemic phase. However, the exact neuroprotective mechanism remains unclear. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long plasma membrane bridges that physically connect distant cells, enabling the intercellular transfer of mitochondria and contributing to post-ischemic repair processes. Whether hNSCs communicate through TNTs and their role in post-ischemic neuroprotection remains unknown. In this study, non-immortalized hNSC lines derived from fetal human brain tissues were examined to explore these possibilities and assess the post-ischemic neuroprotection potential of these hNSCs. Using Tau-STED super-resolution confocal microscopy, live cell time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, and direct or non-contact homotypic co-cultures, we demonstrated that hNSCs generate nestin-positive TNTs in both 3D neurospheres and 2D cultures, through which they transfer functional mitochondria. Co-culturing hNSCs with differentiated SH-SY5Y (dSH-SY5Y) revealed heterotypic TNTs allowing mitochondrial transfer from hNSCs to dSH-SY5Y. To investigate the role of heterotypic TNTs in post-ischemic neuroprotection, dSH-SY5Y were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) followed by reoxygenation (OGD/R) with or without hNSCs in direct or non-contact co-cultures. Compared to normoxia, OGD/R dSH-SY5Y became apoptotic with impaired electrical activity. When OGD/R dSH-SY5Y were co-cultured in direct contact with hNSCs, heterotypic TNTs enabled the transfer of functional mitochondria from hNSCs to OGD/R dSH-SY5Y, rescuing them from apoptosis and restoring the bioelectrical profile toward normoxic dSH-SY5Y. This complete neuroprotection did not occur in the non-contact co-culture. In summary, our data reveal the presence of a functional TNTs network containing nestin within hNSCs, demonstrate the involvement of TNTs in post-ischemic neuroprotection mediated by hNSCs, and highlight the strong efficacy of our hNSC lines in post-ischemic neuroprotection.