bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydraulic conductance and xylem vessel diameter of young maize roots subjected to sustained water‐deficit
Authors: Jafarikouhini Nahid , Sinclair Thomas R.
Published: May 2023

Water deficit can have large impacts on plants, including likely alteration of root hydraulic conductance and root xylem vessel diameter, which can decrease crop productivity. No results, however, exist to assess possible linkages between these two variables as critical components contributing to plant water status. This linkage was investigated in three maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars. A stable water‐deficit treatment was established and maintained in pots by allowing soil drying to the point where transpiration rate was held constant at about 0.5 of well‐watered pots. Initially, the root hydraulic conductance of the water‐deficit plants was equivalent to that of well‐watered plants. Subsequently, however, hydraulic conductance decreased substantially. The results for xylem vessel diameter at 5 cm from the root tip exhibited a pattern similar to the decrease in root hydraulic conductance. A graph of root hydraulic conductance versus xylem vessel diameter at 5 cm showed a curvilinear response with lessening in the increase in hydraulic conductance with increasing xylem vessel diameter. The results indicate a possible link between root conductance and xylem diameter but the conductance is much less sensitive to vessel diameter than the fourth power of the radius predicted by Poiseuille's law. The association between conductance and xylem vessel diameter may reflect interaction of radial and axial water flux through the root system as indexed by vessel radius in the zone near the root tip.
Paradox of CSR distinctiveness: The tension between stakeholder legitimacy evaluation and stakeholder integration efficiency
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Xiao Tong , Zhang Feng
Published: May 2023

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an important strategic decision for firms. Firms must decide on the configuration of CSR scope or the resource allocation in different CSR domains in addition to the extent of resource investment in CSR. However, question about the performance implications of different CSR scope configurations remain unresolved. Extending the paradoxical perspective in CSR literature, we propose a paradox of CSR distinctiveness and argue that distinctive investments in CSR domains facilitate the improvement of efficiency in garnering advantageous market position and competitiveness, but leads to potential legitimacy discount in stakeholders' evaluation. We thus argue that CSR distinctiveness is negatively associated with short‐term firm performance but positively related to long‐term performance. In addition, we contend that such a paradox can be mitigated by firm status: when firm status is high, the negative effect of CSR distinctiveness on short‐term performance decreases while the positive effect on long‐term performance increases. Using a data set of Chinese publicly listed firm, we find strong support for our hypotheses. Our findings shed important lights on strategic CSR studies as well as the paradox in CSR research.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy versus robotic gastrojejunostomy for unresectable malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Pawa Rishi , Koutlas Nicholas J , Russell Greg , Shen Perry , Pawa Swati
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) has traditionally been managed with enteral stenting and surgical gastrojejunostomy. Our study aimed to compare outcomes between endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS‐GJ) using a lumen‐apposing metal stent and robotic GJ (R‐GJ) for unresectable malignant GOO.

Methods

Patients undergoing EUS‐GJ or R‐GJ for unresectable malignant GOO were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was clinical success defined by the ability to tolerate oral intake at the time of discharge. Secondary outcomes included technical success, procedure duration, adverse events, and post‐procedure length of stay (LOS).

Results

A total of 44 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the 44, 29 underwent EUS‐GJ and 15 underwent R‐GJ. Age, gender, malignant etiology, and presence of ascites were similar between the two groups. Patients treated with EUS‐GJ had a higher mean Charlson comorbidity index (10.3 vs. 7.0; p ≤ 0.0001) and a lower preoperative body mass index (22.3 vs. 27.2; p = 0.007). Technical and clinical success was achieved in 100% of patients in both groups (p > 0.99). EUS‐GJ was associated with shorter procedure duration (57.5 vs. 146.3 min; p < 0.0001), hospital LOS (4.3 vs. 8.2 days, p = 0.0009), and time to oral intake (1.0 vs. 5.8 days; p < 0.0001) when compared to R‐GJ. Adverse events occurred in 5 of the R‐GJ patients and none of the EUS‐GJ patients (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

EUS‐GJ has similar efficacy and superior clinical outcomes compared to R‐GJ in the management of malignant GOO. Prospective studies with longer follow‐up duration are needed to validate these findings.
Droplet orthogonal impact on nonuniform wettability surfaces
Authors: Moitra Shashwata , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Russo Antonio , Sarkar Sreya , Ganguly Ranjan , Asinari Pietro , Megaridis Constantine M.
Published: May 2023

The vast majority of prior studies on droplet impact have focused on collisions of liquid droplets with spatially homogeneous (i.e., uniform‐wettability) surfaces. But in recent years, there has been growing interest on droplet impact on nonuniform wettability surfaces, which are more relevant in practice. This paper presents first an experimental study of axisymmetric droplet impact on wettability‐patterned surfaces. The experiments feature millimeter‐sized water droplets impacting centrally with on a flat surface that has a circular region of wettability (Area 1) surrounded by a region of wettability (Area 2), where (i.e., outer domain is less wettable than the inner one). Depending upon the droplet momentum at impact, the experiments reveal the existence of three possible regimes of axisymmetric spreading, namely (I) interior (only within Area 1) spreading, (II) contact‐line entrapment at the periphery of Area 1, and (III) exterior (extending into Area 2) spreading. We present an analysis based on energetic principles for , and further extend it for cases where (i.e., the outer domain is more wettable than the inner one). The experimental observations are consistent with the scaling and predictions of the analytical model, thus outlining a strategy for predicting droplet impact behavior for more complex wettability patterns.
Effects of sea cucumber fishing on tropical seagrass productivity
Authors: Watkins Hannah V. , Munger Rachel B. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: May 2023

Fishing can drive major ecological change in coastal ecosystems and is typically examined through top‐down trophic impacts. However, the massive removal of biomass can also disrupt key ecological bottom‐up processes, though how these effects shape ecosystems is poorly understood. Here, we examined the ecological roles of two species of commercially exploited sea cucumbers thought to promote primary productivity in nutrient‐poor environments through nutrient provisioning and sediment processing. Using a large‐scale field experiment, we tested whether simulated sea cucumber fishing affected seagrass productivity in a natural system comprising reef and seagrass patches that varied in abundance of vertebrate nutrient providers (i.e., fishes). Our findings were scale‐ and metric‐specific: while we could not detect a change in patch‐level seagrass productivity in response to simulated sea cucumber fishing, individual leaf extension rates were ~15% lower at sites where all sea cucumbers were removed, relative to the highest density, unfished sites. Interestingly, there was no concomitant effect of nutrients from the more abundant reef‐associated fishes, which contribute far more nutrients overall than sea cucumbers. This suggests that sea cucumbers are likely mediating seagrass growth through mechanisms other than direct nutrient provisioning, perhaps through processes associated with sediment processing. Our study demonstrates the potential consequences of under‐regulated and unmonitored sea cucumber fishing on foundation species like seagrasses, while highlighting the importance of taking a community‐based approach to these types of field experiments.
Northeast Pacific eelgrass fish communities characterized by environmental DNA represent local diversity and show habitat specificity
Authors: Beatty Deanna S. , Deen Emma , Gross Collin , Stachowicz John J.
Published: May 2023

Fish biodiversity is an important indicator of ecosystem health and a priority for the National Park Service in Drakes Estero, a shallow estuary within Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California. However, fish diversity has yet to be described following the removal of oyster aquaculture infrastructure within Drakes Estero from 2016 to 2017. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) to characterize fish biodiversity within Drakes Estero. We amplified fish eDNA with MiFish primers and classified sequences with a 12S rRNA reference database. We identified 110 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs, at 97% similarity) within the estuary from 40 samples across 4 sites. From these 110 OTUs, we identified 9 species and 13 taxonomic groups at the genus, family, order, or class level within the estuary. Species‐level assignments are limited by a lack of representative sequences targeted by the MiFish primers for 42% of eelgrass fishes in our region that we identified from a literature review in the Northeast Pacific (NEP) from Elkhorn Slough to Humboldt Bay. Despite this limitation, we identified some common Drakes Estero fishes with our eDNA surveys, including the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), Pacific staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus), surfperches (Embiotocidae), gobies (Gobiidae), and a hound shark (Triakidae). We also compared fish biodiversity within the estuary with that from nearby Limantour Beach, a coastal site. Limantour beach differed in community composition from Drakes Estero and was characterized by high relative abundances of anchovy (Engraulis sp.) and herring (Clupea sp.). Thus, we can distinguish estuarine and non‐estuarine sites (<10 km away) with eDNA surveys. Further, eDNA surveys accounted for greater fish diversity than seine surveys conducted at one site within the estuary. Environmental DNA surveys will likely be a useful tool to monitor fish biodiversity across eelgrass estuaries in the Northeast Pacific, especially as reference databases become better populated with regional species.
Steric Influence on the Constitution of Beryllium Phosphine Complexes
Authors: Buchner Magnus R. , Ivlev Sergei I.
Published: May 2023

The phosphine complexes of beryllium chloride, bromide and iodide, [(PMe2Ph)2BeX2], [(PMePh2)2BeX2] and [(PPh3)BeX2]2 (X=Cl, Br, I) were prepared and characterised with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Additionally the molecular structure of dinuclear [(PPh3)BeCl2]2 was determined with single crystal X‐ray diffraction techniques. The threshold cone angle of the phosphines, below which two ligands can coordinate to the beryllium dihalide fragments, is between 136° and 145°. Halide‐chloride exchange in dichloromethane is observed for [(PPh3)BeBr2]2 and [(PPh3)BeI2]2, which leads to the formation of [(PPh3)BeCl2]2. Due to the relatively low Lewis basicity of PPh3, it almost exclusively acts as a spectator ligand with only little formation of phosphonium cations.
Bimetallic Al(III) Compounds as Catalysts for the Synthesis of Biodegradable Polyesters and Polycarbonates
Authors: Roy Sourav Singha , Sarkar Sriparna , Sudhadevi Antharjanam P. K. , Chakraborty Debashis
Published: May 2023

Ethylenediamine bridged benzoxazine proligands were synthesized by a modified Mannich condensation reaction. The reaction of the proligands with two equivalents of AlMe3 resulted in the formation of dinuclear Al(III) compounds in high yield and purity. When the ligand binds to the Al(III) center, it forms two separate six‐membered N,O‐chelates with the two Al atoms that resembles the N‐alkylated salan moiety. Each aluminum atom adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry as revealed from the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies of 1. The catalytic activity of these aluminum compounds was investigated towards the ROP of rac‐LA and ROCOP of epoxides (PO, CHO, tBuGE) and phthalic anhydride and ROCOP of CHO with CO2. These aluminum compounds showed notable catalytic activity towards the ROP and ROCOP reactions in the absence of cocatalyst.
Synthesis of Pyrazoloazepines from 5‐Aminopyrazoles and Study of Their Cytotoxicity in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Pavilek Branislav , Bortňák Dušan , Šofranko Jakub , Šofranková Lucia , Špaldová Jana , Elefantová Katarína , Olejníková Petra , Žídeková Ivana , Végh Daniel , Dokupilová Svetlana , Mikuš Peter , Breier Albert , Milata Viktor
Published: May 2023

The novel synthetic approach was employed to synthesize a series of 1,8‐dihydropyrazolo[3,4‐b]azepine derivatives from 5‐aminopyrazoles in three‐step synthesis. The structures of the individual derivatives were unambiguously confirmed by spectral methods, including heteronuclear 1H−13C HMBC spectra and other necessary 2D NMR experiments. The obtained pyrazoloazepines and starting aminopyrazoles were subsequently investigated for their potential cytotoxic effect using mouse and human leukemia cell models. The original L1210 (mouse lymphoblastic), MOLM‐13, and SKM‐1 (both human myeloblastic) cell lines and their P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) expressing cell variants were used. Aminopyrazole 8 was the most effective on murine leukemic lymphoblasts (L1210), while it had a greater effect on P‐gp expressing cells. In contrast, on human leukemic myeloblasts (MOLM‐13, SKM‐1), Aminopyrazoles 10 showed the most pronounced effect, but this was independent of the presence of P‐gp in the cells.
Assessment of homogeneous hybrid advanced oxidation process for degradation ofpara‐nitrophenol
Authors: Noroozi Rozhin , Motie Abolfazl , Azimi Seyedeh Bahareh , Mehralipour Jamal
Published: May 2023

In this work, degradation and mineralization ofpara‐nitrophenol in the aqueous medium by a mixture of two strong oxidants of persulfate and periodate have been studied. To this aim, a photo‐reactor with a volume of 1 L has been used. Optimization and modeling of the process was performed by the response surface methodology. According to the prediction of the model, the process has an ability to removepara‐nitrophenol up to 91.6% in the optimal conditions ofpara‐nitrophenol initial concentration of 15 mg/L, [KPS] = 50 mg/L, [KPI] = 49.7 mg/L, and pH = 5 after 40 min. Assessment of the mineralization ofpara‐nitrophenol under optimal conditions showed an efficiency of about 57%, while parallel processes alone (UV and UV/KPS and UV/KPI) showed lower mineralization efficiency. Also, the kinetic study showed that the results were fitted with a pseudo‐first‐order equation with a regression coefficient of 0.97 and rate constant of 0.052 (L/min). Moreover, the electrical energy consumption for the process was calculated as 110.77 (kWh/m3) in the optimum condition. In general, the results of this work showed that the use of the homogeneous hybrid AOP methods increases the efficiency of the mineralization.
GmTNRP1, associated with rhizobial type‐III effector NopT, regulates nitrogenase activity in the nodules of soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Ma Chao , Liu Chunyan , Yu Yanyu , Ma Shengnan , Pan Siyang , Feng Haojie , Chen Qingshan , Xin Dawei , Wu Xiaoxia , Wang Jinhui
Published: May 2023

Soybean is a rich source of protein and oil for humans. It forms a symbiotic association with rhizobia to fix atmospheric nitrogen for its growth and development. Rhizobial type‐III effectors act as important signaling molecules in symbiosis. However, they are poorly studied. In this study, mutation of TtsI in Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 reduced nodule numbers and dry weights in SN14 (cultivated soybean) and ZYD00006 (wild soybean). Moreover, it reduced nitrogenase activity in SN14 but not in ZYD00006. Based on the differences in nitrogenase activity between SN14 and ZYD00006 inoculated with HH103 and the TtsI mutant, two conditional quantitative trait loci associated with nitrogenase activity were identified in chromosome segment substitution lines derived from SN14 and ZYD00006. Using transcriptome analysis, single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, and qRT‐PCR, Glyma.13G150000 (GmTNRP1) was identified as a candidate gene in soybean that was associated with nitrogenase activity, along with NopT (a type‐III effector). In addition, GmTNRP1 (an LRR‐RK family protein located on the cell membrane) was observed to be induced by NopT to negatively regulate nitrogenase activity. In transgenic hairy roots with GmTNRP1 silencing, no significant difference was observed in terms of nitrogenase activity between nodules inoculated with the NopT mutant and those inoculated with HH103 (wild type). However, the nitrogenase activity in the nodules decreased after overexpression of GmTNRP1. SNP located in the GmTNRP1 promoter affected its expression in response to NopT. Haplotype analysis revealed that SN14 belonged to Hap1 and ZYD00006 belonged to Hap2, which explained the different results in the two varieties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify a soybean gene associated with a rhizobial type‐III effector in the nodules. GmTNRP1 can negatively regulate nitrogenase activity in the nodules. This study enhanced the understanding of the mechanism underlying symbiotic association between soybean and rhizobia.
The effects of diffusion on the mechanism of peristaltic flow at slip boundaries when internal Joule heating is present
Authors: Ravikumar S. , Ijaz Khan M. , Reddappa B.
Published: May 2023

Physiological applications of the study of heat transfer and peristaltic pumping of magnetohydrodynamic thermal diffusion include heart–lung machines during surgery, dialysis, vitamin injections, and cancer treatment. In addition, it has numerous industrial applications, including pharmaceutical fluid production, filtration, and contamination‐free cosmetic and glue emulsion dispensing. Studying the influence of diffusion‐thermo and thermal diffusion on peristaltic flow with slip boundaries propelled by internal Joule energy is the key motivation for this study. By utilizing a long‐wavelength approximation, ignoring the wave number, and performing under conditions of low Reynolds number, closed‐form solutions for the velocity, temperature, and concentration fields are achieved. Fluid flow along the axial pressure gradient tends to decrease as slip parameters increase. It is shown that when the amount of the second‐order slipping parameter increases, the pressure rate decreases in the back and peristaltic pumping zones but increases in the copump zone. The fluid's temperature and concentration tend to decrease as the slip parameters increase. Changes in thermal diffusion and thermo‐diffusion factors cause changes in the fluid's temperature and concentration. The Nusselt number improves as a result of increasing the Prandtl number, thermo‐diffusion constraint, Dufour number, and Schmidt number, whereas the Sherwood number exhibits the reverse trend.
Examining evolutions of literacy integration with physical education and health in an after‐school program
Authors: Johnston Kelly C. , Marttinen Risto
Published: May 2023

In this article, the authors analyze the ways literacy integration evolved in a multi‐year interdisciplinary after‐school program that supports youth through a focus on literacy, physical activity, and health. To deviate from the increasingly siloed assumptions around literacy education and attend to a more interdisciplinary, integrated perspective, the authors theorized literacy across multiple theoretical perspectives to examine 5 years of program implementation in three different sites (New York City, Los Angeles, and Paraguay) with culturally and linguistically diverse youth (ages 9–14), program leaders, and researchers. Drawing on assemblage theory to guide the analysis, the authors sought to identify the multidimensional (im)materialities that converged to produce evolutions of literacy integration in an after‐school program. Analyzing data for assemblaging factors that produced youths' literacy engagement differently throughout program years led to identifying three emergent assemblages that frame the findings: (1) Well‐intentioned literacy integration but more complex than expected, (2) Imprints of schooled literacy with sociocultural emergence, and (3) Community‐ and youth‐centered literacy integration. The authors conclude with implications for educators and after‐school leaders seeking to integrate literacy with interdisciplinary aims.
Digital use and socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent well‐being: Longitudinal evidence on socioemotional and educational outcomes
Authors: Bohnert Melissa , Gracia Pablo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Despite a growing body of research on associations between adolescent digital use and well‐being, few studies have investigated these associations a) longitudinally and b) across socioeconomic status. The present study uses high‐quality longitudinal data to examine how digital engagement shapes socioemotional and educational outcomes from early to late adolescence across socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods

Participants are 7685 individuals (49.0% female) from the 1998 birth cohort of the longitudinal Growing Up In Ireland (GUI) survey. The survey was administered to Irish parents and children between 2007 and 2016 (at ages 9, 13, and 17/18). Fixed‐effects regression modeling was used to establish associations between digital engagement and socioemotional and educational outcomes. Further Fixed‐Effects models were analyzed separately by SES, to assess how associations between digital use and adolescent outcomes differ by socioeconomic groups.

Results

Results show that digital screen time increases markedly from early to late adolescence, but to a higher extent among low‐SES versus high‐SES groups. Heavy levels of digital screen time (i.e., 3+ hours daily) are associated with declines in well‐being, particularly for external and prosocial functioning, while engagement in learning‐oriented digital activities and gaming is associated with better adolescent outcomes. Yet, low‐SES adolescents are globally more harmed than high‐SES adolescents by their digital engagement, and high‐SES adolescents benefit more from moderate levels of digital use and from engaging in learning‐oriented digital activities.

Conclusions

This study suggests that digital engagement is associated with socioeconomic inequalities in adolescents’ socioemotional well‐being and, to a lesser extent, educational outcomes.
Face‐to‐face versus telephone‐based cognitive‐behavioral therapy for family caregivers of people with dementia
Authors: Töpfer Nils F. , Wrede Nicolas , Theurer Christina , Wilz Gabriele
Published: May 2023

Objective

The objective was to directly compare the effects and acceptability of telephone‐based (TEL‐CBT) with face‐to‐face cognitive‐behavioral therapy (F2F‐CBT) for family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD).

Method

Caregivers for whom F2F participation was possible were allocated to F2F‐CBT (n = 49). The other participants were randomized to TEL‐CBT (n = 139) or CG (n = 134). CBT consisted of 12 sessions over 6 months.

Results

TEL‐CBT yielded significantly better physical health (d = 0.27) and coping with daily hassles (d = 0.38) at posttest compared to F2F‐CBT. Therapist competence, acceptability, and outcomes at follow‐up did not differ between TEL‐CBT and F2F‐CBT.

Conclusions

TEL‐CBT is a valuable alternative to F2F‐CBT for family caregivers of PwD as TEL‐CBT has the advantage of higher accessibility while it does not significantly differ from F2F‐CBT in effectiveness and caregivers' evaluation of the setting, their experience with the therapist, and their satisfaction.
Iron/carbon conductive materials for enhancing anaerobic treatment of synthetic acrylamide wastewater
Authors: Fu Hao , Ma Yongwen , Wan Jinquan , Wang Yan , Long Yingping , Cao Jianye
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Most studies have focused on the degradation of acrylamide (AM) by a single strain. There are relatively few studies on the treatment of AM by anaerobic activated sludge. Previous studies have shown that conductive particles can change the mode of electron transport between anaerobic microorganisms. Therefore, this study compared the enhancement effect of three different particles (Fe3O4, granular activated carbon (GAC), graphite) on the treatment of synthetic AM wastewater by anaerobic activated sludge under different temperature conditions (30, 25, 20 °C) and particle dose (2, 6 g L−1).

RESULTS

The results showed that 6 g L−1 GAC improved the removal rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and AM by 22.95% and 19% compared with the control group at 30 °C, respectively, indicating that the addition of GAC contributes to the degradation of AM and improves COD removal rate. Results of high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the activated sludge with GAC obviously promoted the degradation of AM. Besides, a large amount of propionic acid was detected in all experimental groups during the reaction, and the activated sludge with GAC promoted degradation of propionic acid.

CONCLUSION

Anaerobic activated sludge supplemented with sufficient GAC can not only absorb and degrade AM synchronously but also accelerate the conversion of intermediates, such as acrylic and propionic acids. Based on the results of HPLC and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, a possible method of degradation of AM by anaerobic activated sludge was proposed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A pilot study: Application of paired ultrasound simulator training in obstetrics
Authors: Kegel Samantha , Elsamadicy Emad , Seger Lindsey , Ahmed Amiya A. , Makar Erica , Turan Ozhan , Turan Sifa
Published: May 2023

Objective

Medical trainees in obstetrics must develop competency in fetal ultrasonography. To date, no studies have utilized ultrasound simulator training for basic fetal anatomy with paired didactic coursework. We hypothesize that ultrasound simulator training with paired didactics improves medical trainee competency in fetal ultrasonography.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed at a tertiary care center during the 2021–2022 academic year. Medical trainees in obstetrics without prior simulator experience could participate. Participants completed ultrasound simulator training with standardized paired didactics and subsequent real‐time patient scanning. All images were reviewed by the same physician for competency. Trainees completed 11‐point Likert scale surveys at three time points: pre‐simulator, post‐simulator, and post‐real‐time patient scanning. Two‐tailed student's t‐tests with 95% confidence intervals were performed, and p‐values <0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Of the 26 trainees that completed the training, 96% reported that simulation positively impacted their confidence and ability to perform real‐time scanning of patients. Self‐reported knowledge of fetal anatomy, ultrasound techniques, and application to clinical obstetrics all significantly increased after simulator training (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Paired ultrasound simulation with didactic instruction significantly improves medical trainees' knowledge of fetal anatomy and ability to perform fetal ultrasonography. Implementing an ultrasound simulation curriculum may become an essential tool for obstetric residency programs.
Person‐centered analyses in quantitative studies about broadening participation for Black engineering and computer science students
Authors: Reeping David , Lee Walter , London Jeremi
Published: May 2023

Background

There have been calls to shift how engineering education researchers investigate the experiences of engineering students from racially minoritized groups. These conversations have primarily involved qualitative researchers, but an echo of equal magnitude from quantitative inquiry has been largely absent.

Purpose

This paper examines the data analysis practices used in quantitative engineering education research related to broadening participation. We highlight practical issues and promising practices focused on “racial difference” during analysis.

Scope/Method

We conducted a systematic literature review of methods employed by quantitative studies related to Black students participating in engineering and computer science at the undergraduate level. Person‐centered analyses and variable‐centered analyses, coined by Jack Block, were used as our categorization framework, backdropped with the principles of QuantCrit.

Results

Forty‐nine studies qualified for review. Although each article involved some variable‐centered analysis, we found strategies authors used that aligned and did not align with person‐centered analyses, including forming groups based on participant attitudes and using race as a variable, respectively. We highlight person‐centered approaches as a tangible step for authors to engage meaningfully with QuantCrit in their data analysis decision‐making.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight four areas of consideration for advancing quantitative data analysis in engineering education: operationalizing race and racism, sample sizes and data binning, claims with race as a variable, and promoting descriptive studies. We contend that engaging in deeper thought with these four areas in quantitative inquiry can help researchers engage with the difficult choices inherent to quantitative analyses.
Against unifying homology concepts: Redirecting the debate
Authors: Gouvêa Devin Y. , Brigandt Ingo
Published: May 2023

The term “homology” is persistently polysemous, defying the expectation that extensive scientific research should yield semantic stability. A common response has been to seek a unification of various prominent definitions. This paper proposes an alternative strategy, based on the insight that scientific concepts function as tools for research: When analyzing various conceptualizations of homology, we should preserve those distinguishing features that support particular research goals. We illustrate the fruitfulness of our strategy by application to two cases. First, we revisit Lankester's celebrated evolutionary reappraisal of homology and argue that his analysis has been distorted by assimilation to modern agendas. His “homogeny” does not mean the same thing as modern evolutionary “homology,” and his “homoplasy” is no mere antonym. Instead, Lankester uses both new terms to pose a question that remains strikingly relevant—how do mechanistic and historical causes of morphological resemblance interact? Second, we examine the puzzle of avian digit homology, which exemplifies disciplinary differences in homology conceptualization and assessment. Recent progress has been fueled by the development of new tools within the relevant disciplines (paleontology and developmental biology) and especially by increasing interdisciplinary cooperation. Conceptual unification has played very little role in this work, which instead seeks concrete evolutionary scenarios that integrate all the available evidence. Together these cases indicate the complex relationship between concepts and other tools in homology research.
Blood Oxygen Level‐Dependent MR Imaging of Lower Extremities in Peripheral Artery Disease and Its Correlation With Walking Performance
Authors: Yu Xiaoxi , Liu Zhaoxi , Shao Jiang , Qu Jianxun , Lai Zhichao , Yuan Ling , Ma Jiangyu , Fan Xiaoyuan , Ye Luming , Li Kang , Zhang Yan , Wang Fengdan , Liu Bao , Jin Zhengyu , Feng Feng
Published: May 2023

Background

A noninvasive and reliable approach to quantitatively measure muscle perfusion of lower extremity is needed to aid the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Purpose

To verify the reproductivity of using blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) imaging to evaluate perfusion in lower extremities, and explore its correlation with walking performance in patients with PAD.

Study Type

Prospective observational study.

Subjects

Seventeen patients with lower extremity PAD (mean age: 67 ± 6 years, 15 males) and eight older adults (controls).

Field Strength/Sequence

Dynamic multi‐echo gradient echo T2* weighted imaging at 3T.

Assessment

Perfusion was analyzed in regions of interest according to muscle groups. Perfusion parameters were measured, such as minimum ischemia value (MIV), time to peak (TTP), and gradient during reactive hyperemia (Grad) by two independent users. Walking performance experiments including short physical performance battery (SPPB) and 6‐minute walk were tested in patients.

Statistical Tests

BOLD parameters were compared using Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Relations between parameters and walking performance were assessed by Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results

Good to perfect agreement was demonstrated for all perfusion parameters of interuser reproducibility, and the interscan reproducibility of MIV, TTP, and Grad was good. The TTP of the patients was longer than that of the controls (87.85 ± 38.85 s vs. 36.54 ± 7.27 s), while the Grad of patients was smaller (0.16 ± 0.12 msec/s vs. 0.24 ± 0.11 msec/s). Among PAD patients, the MIV was significantly lower in the low SPPB subgroup (score 6–8) than in the high SPPB group (score 9–12), and the TTP was negatively correlated with 6‐minute walk distance (ρ = −0.549).

Data Conclusion

BOLD imaging method had overall good reproducibility for the perfusion assessment of calf muscles. The perfusion parameters were different between PAD patients and controls, and were correlated with lower extremity function.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Low anterior resection syndrome
Authors: Hernandez Matthew C. , Wong Paul , Melstrom Kurt
Published: May 2023

Low anterior resection syndrome represents a clinical state wherein a constellation of gastrointestinal symptoms is a direct result of anatomic changes to the rectum. Patients who undergo operations to create a neorectum often develop persistent symptoms of increased frequency, urgency, diarrhea, and these symptoms are debilitating and impact patients' quality of life. A stepwise approach to treatment can improve many patients' symptoms with the most invasive options reserved for highly refractory symptoms.
Colorectal cancer screening: A review of current screening options, timing, and guidelines
Authors: Williams J. Ryan , Ayscue Jennifer M.
Published: May 2023

Screening for colon and rectal cancer has been associated with reduced incidence over the past few decades. However, shown a paradoxical increase in colon and rectal cancer in those younger than 50 years has also been recently shown. This information, along with the introduction of new screening modalities, has lead to updates in the current recommendations. We present some of the data supporting the use of current screening modalities, as well as summarize current guidelines.
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy in microsatellite unstable colorectal cancer: Are we in the era of nonoperative management?
Authors: Khalil Miriam , Abbass Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2023

Microsatellite unstable (MSI‐H) colorectal cancers (CRC) are the hallmark of Lynch Syndrome. Advances in immunotherapy have yielded a change in the treatment of those cancers. Recent publications about neoadjuvant immunotherapy in CRC are triggering a high interest to use under the umbrella of achieving a complete clinical response. Although we do not know the extent of this response over time, avoiding surgical morbidity seems to be on the horizon for this subset of CRC.
Papular interstitial elastolytic giant cell granuloma concomitant with lichen amyloidosus in a type II diabetes patient
Authors: Hiwatashi‐Okuda Saki , Asano Yoshihide , Fujimura Taku
Published: May 2023

The papular variant of elastolytic giant cell granuloma (EGCG) is a rare variant of EGCG, and it is occasionally associated with metabolic comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus (DM). Although the mechanisms of developing EGCG are still unknown, one of the possible mechanisms for ECGC developing in a DM patient might be explained by hyperglycaemia‐induced inflammation. In this report, we described a case of papular interstitial EGCG mainly composed of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 bearing cells, concomitant with lichen amyloidosus in a type II DM patient.
A method of obtaining the anisotropic complex moduli of carbon fibers by fitting
Authors: Guan Chengyu , Tang Zi‐Jia , Zhao Fei , Yang Zhiyong , Li Huimin
Published: May 2023

A novel fitting method of obtaining the anisotropic complex moduli of fibers based on the complex moduli of matrix and composites is presented. The complex longitudinal, transverse and in‐plane shear moduli of the unidirectional T700 carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite and the complex modulus of its matrix are measured using dynamic mechanical analysis. The predicted properties of the composite are calculated using the generalized method of cells (GMC). The complex axial, transverse and axial shear moduli of the carbon fibers are obtained by minimizing the sum of the squares of the modules of the difference between the test properties and predicted properties. Finally, the results of the experiment, finite element analysis, and GMC are compared. The results show that the complex axial and transverse moduli of the carbon fibers can be accurately evaluated, while the complex axial shear modulus cannot be accurately determined.
Structure and function of a hexameric cyanophycin synthetase 2
Authors: Markus Linda M. D. , Sharon Itai , Munro Kim , Grogg Marcel , Hilvert Donald , Strauss Mike , Schmeing T. Martin
Published: May 2023

Cyanophycin is a natural polymer composed of a poly‐aspartate backbone with arginine attached to each of the aspartate sidechains. Produced by a wide range of bacteria, which mainly use it as a store of fixed nitrogen, it has many promising industrial applications. Cyanophycin can be synthesized from the amino acids Asp and Arg by the widespread cyanophycin synthetase 1 (CphA1), or from the dipeptide β‐Asp‐Arg by the cyanobacterial enzyme cyanophycin synthetase 2 (CphA2). CphA2 enzymes display a range of oligomeric states, from dimers to dodecamers. Recently, the crystal structure of a CphA2 dimer was solved but could not be obtained in complex with substrate. Here, we report cryo‐EM structures of the hexameric CphA2 from Stanieria sp. at ~2.8 Å resolution, both with and without ATP analog and cyanophycin. The structures show a two‐fold symmetrical, trimer‐of‐dimers hexameric architecture, and substrate‐binding interactions that are similar to those of CphA1. Mutagenesis experiments demonstrate the importance of several conserved substrate‐binding residues. We also find that a Q416A/R528G double mutation prevents hexamer formation and use this double mutant to show that hexamerization augments the rate of cyanophycin synthesis. Together, these results increase our mechanistic understanding of how an interesting green polymer is biosynthesized.
The interpretability of the activity signal detection model for wood‐boring pests Semanotus bifasciatus in the larval stage
Authors: Liu Xuanxin , Chen Zhibo , Zhang Haiyan , Li Juhu , Jiang Qi , Ren Lili , Luo Youqing
Published: May 2023

Background

The acoustic detection model of activity signals based on deep learning could detect wood‐boring pests accurately and reliably. However, the black‐box characteristics of the deep learning model have limited the credibility of the results and hindered its application. Aiming to address the reliability and interpretability of the model, this paper designed an active interpretable model called Dynamic Acoustic Larvae Prototype Network (DalPNet), which used the prototype to assist model decisions and achieve more flexible model explanation through dynamic feature patch computation.

Results

In the experiments, the average recognition accuracy of the DalPNet on the simple test set and anti‐noise test set for Semanotus bifasciatus larval activity signals reached 99.3% and 98.5%, respectively. The quantitative evaluation of interpretability was measured by the relative area under the curve (RAUC) and the cumulative slope (CS) of the accuracy change curve in this paper. In the experiments, the RAUC and the CS of DalPNet were 0.2923 and −2.0105, respectively. Additionally, according to the visualization results, the explanation results of DalPNet were more accurate in locating the bite pulses of the larvae and could better focus on multiple bite pulses in one signal, which showed better performance compared to the baseline model.

Conclusion

The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed DalPNet had better explanation while ensuring recognition accuracy. In view of that, it could improve the trust of forestry custodians in the activity signals detection model and aid in the practical application of the model in the forestry field. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of a population pharmacokinetic model to characterize the pharmacokinetics of intrathecally administered tominersen in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma
Authors: Yamamoto Yumi , Sanwald Ducray Patricia , Björnsson Marcus , Smart Kevin , Grimsey Paul , Vatakuti Suresh , Portron Agnes , Massonnet Benoit , Norris Daniel A. , Silber Baumann Hanna E.
Published: May 2023

Tominersen is an intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide targeting huntingtin mRNA which leads to a dose‐dependent, reversible lowering of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mutant huntingtin protein concentration in individuals with Huntington's disease. Nonlinear mixed‐effect population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modeling was conducted to characterize the CSF and plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of tominersen, and to identify and quantify the covariates that affect tominersen PKs. A total of 750 participants from five clinical studies with a dose range from 10 to 120 mg contributed CSF (n = 6302) and plasma (n = 5454) PK samples. CSF PK was adequately described by a three‐compartment model with first‐order transfer from CSF to plasma. Plasma PK was adequately described by a three‐compartment model with first‐order elimination from plasma. Baseline total CSF protein, age, and antidrug antibodies (ADAs) were the significant covariates for CSF clearance. Body weight was a significant covariate for clearances and volumes in plasma. ADAs and sex were significant covariates for plasma clearance. The developed PopPK model was able to describe tominersen PK in plasma and CSF after intrathecal administration across a range of dose levels, and relevant covariate relationships were identified. This model has been applied to guide dose selection for future clinical trials of tominersen in patients with Huntington's disease.
Fabrication of an Electrochemical Sensor Based on Silver Nanoparticles Stabilized by Phoenix dactylifera Seed Oils for the Determination of Ornidazole in Milk Samples
Authors: Ettadili Fatima Ez‐zahra , Chhaibi Bilal , Ouatmane Fatima Zahra , Alaoui Ouafa Tahiri , Laghrib Fathellah , Farahi Abdelfettah , Bakasse Mina , Lahrich Sara , EL Mhammedi Moulay Abderrahim
Published: May 2023

In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) were synthesized using AgNO3 through a simple route using bio‐oil obtained from flash pyrolysis of Phoenix dactylifera seed powder as reducing as well as capping agent. The acquired bio‐oil was characterized by FT‐IR and GC–mass spectrometry. Besides, the main objective of this study is to construct a highly sensitive sensor to detect ornidazole (ODZ) in real samples. The sensor was elaborated by using carbon paste electrode modified with the synthesized Ag‐NPs (Ag‐NPs /CPE). The synthesized Ag‐NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and UV‐Visible (UV‐vis). The resulting sensor demonstrates a significant shift in ODZ reduction peak toward more positive potential (−0.257 V .vs Ag/AgCl) compared to the unmodified CPE (−0.561 V .vs Ag/AgCl). The ODZ peak reduction current Ipc varies linearly with ODZ concentration in the range of 8.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−3 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 9.76×10−7 mol L−1. The proposed method has been successfully used to determine ODZ in milk sample with satisfactory results.
Spontaneous Internal Electric Field in Heterojunction Boosts Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zinc–Air Batteries: Theory, Experiment, and Application
Authors: Yao Yong , Wu Jiexing , Feng Qiaoxia , Zeng Kui , Wan Jing , Zhang Jincan , Mao Boyang , Hu Kui , Chen Liming , Zhang Hao , Gong Yi , Yang Kai , Zhou Haihui , Huang Zhongyuan , Li Huanxin
Published: May 2023

Heterojunctions are a promising class of materials for high‐efficiency bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts in both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the conventional theories fail to explain why many catalysts behave differently in ORR and OER, despite a reversible path (*O2⇋*OOH⇋*O⇋*OH). This study proposes the electron‐/hole‐rich catalytic center theory (e/h‐CCT) to supplement the existing theories, it suggests that the Fermi level of catalysts determines the direction of electron transfer, which affects the direction of the oxidation/reduction reaction, and the density of states (DOS) near the Fermi level determines the accessibility for injecting electrons and holes. Additionally, heterojunctions with different Fermi levels form electron‐/hole‐rich catalytic centers near the Fermi levels to promote ORR/OER, respectively. To verify the universality of the e/h‐CCT theory, this study reveals the randomly synthesized heterostructural Fe3N‐FeN0.0324 (FexN@PC with DFT calculations and electrochemical tests. The results show that the heterostructural F3N‐FeN0.0324 facilitates the catalytic activities for ORR and OER simultaneously by forming an internal electron‐/hole‐rich interface. The rechargeable ZABs with FexN@PC cathode display a high open circuit potential of 1.504 V, high power density of 223.67 mW cm−2, high specific capacity of 766.20 mAh g−1 at 5 mA cm−2, and excellent stability for over 300 h.
A Stretchable Solid Ionic Electrode‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensors
Authors: Bo Xiangkun , Wang Lingyun , Zhao Hong , Almardi Jasim M. , Li Weilu , Daoud Walid A.
Published: May 2023

Stretchable power devices and self‐powered sensors have become increasingly desired for wearable electronics and artificial intelligence. In this study, an all‐solid‐state triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is reported, whose one solid‐state structure prevents delamination during stretch and release cycles and increasing the patch adhesive force (3.5 N) and strain (586% elongation at break). Through the synergetic virtues of stretchability, ionic conductivity, and excellent adhesion to the tribo‐layer, reproducible open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 84 V, charge (QSC) of 27.5 nC, and short‐circuit current (ISC) of 3.1 µA after drying at 60°C or 20,000 contact‐separation cycles are obtained. Apart from contact‐separation, this device shows unprecedented electricity generation through stretch–release of solid materials leading to a linear relationship between VOC and strain. For the first time, this work provides a clear explanation of the working mechanism of contact‐free stretching–releasing and investigates the relationships of exerted force, strain, thickness of the device, and electric output. Benefitting from the one solid‐state structure, this contact‐free device remains stable even after repeated stretch–release cycling, maintaining 100% of its VOC after 2500 stretch–release cycles. These findings provide a strategy toward highly conductive and stretchable electrodes for harvesting mechanical energy and health monitoring.