bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analytical Model of Light Scattering by Birefringent Polycrystalline Dielectrics Using Perturbation of Maxwell's Equations
Authors: Shachar Meir H. , Garay Javier E.
Published: September 2023

Polycrystalline materials have shown promise in advanced optical applications because of their unique optical and mechanical properties. Most polycrystalline materials have non‐uniform optical properties due to residual porosity, secondary phases, and/or crystalline anisotropies (e.g., birefringence). These optical inhomogeneities manifest as scattering that reduces the transparency of the polycrystal. Even in the case of a single‐phase polycrystal with negligible porosity, birefringence scattering will always be present whenever the crystal is anisotropic (non‐cubic). Multiple models for predicting birefringence scattering have been suggested in the literature that are successful in describing scattering loss in specific material systems. Here a first‐principles model of birefringent scattering that is applicable to any single‐phase, unaligned transparent polycrystal is derived. The model can treat grain size distributions and is not limited to a specific material system. The derivation culminates in an equation that describes birefringence scattering coefficient spectra using the single‐crystal refractive index tensor and chord length distribution (measured from a representative polished surface micrograph). The model should be useful for designing materials and characterization. For example, it can be used to predict transmissions of transparent polycrystals for a range of grain sizes or to characterize the average grain size using a transmission measurement.
An Analysis of Antioxidant Therapies for COVID‐19
Authors: Holt Alan , Davies Adrian
Published: September 2023

Oxidative stress and inflammation are observed in critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). As oxidative stress is due to free radicals, free radical scavenging agents, such as vitamin C, are used in the hope of mitigating the severity of COVID‐19. In this paper an analytical model of free radical encounters within a cell is derived. It computes the effectiveness of free radical scavenging and the subsequent reduction in oxidative damage due to therapeutic intervention of exogenous antioxidants. Various publications make claims of success, albeit modest, treating critically ill COVID‐19 patients with high doses of vitamin C. The findings cast doubt on these claims and challenge the notion that any benefits attributed to vitamin C are due to free radical scavenging.
Lifestyle and patterns of physical activity in Hadza foragers
Authors: Sayre M. Katherine , Anyawire Mariamu , Paolo Bunga , Mabulla Audax Z. P. , Pontzer Herman , Wood Brian M. , Raichlen David A.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Physically active lifestyles are associated with several health benefits. Physical activity (PA) levels are low in post‐industrial populations, but generally high throughout life in subsistence populations. The Hadza are a subsistence‐oriented foraging population in Tanzania known for being physically active, but it is unknown how recent increases in market integration may have altered their PA patterns. In this study, we examine PA patterns for Hadza women and men who engage in different amounts of traditional foraging.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and seventy seven Hadza participants (51% female, 19–87 years) wore an Axivity accelerometer (dominant wrist) for ~6 days during dry season months. We evaluated the effects of age, sex, and lifestyle measures on four PA measures that capture different aspects of the PA profile.

Results

Participants engaged in high levels of both moderate‐intensity PA and inactivity. Although PA levels were negatively associated with age, older participants were still highly active. We found no differences in PA between participants living in more traditional “bush” camps and those living in more settled “village” camps. Mobility was positively associated with step counts for female participants, and schooling was positively associated with inactive time for male participants.

Conclusions

The similarity in PA patterns between Hadza participants in different camp types suggests that high PA levels characterize subsistence lifestyles generally. The sex‐based difference in the effects of mobility and schooling on PA could be a reflection of the Hadza's gender‐based division of labor, or indicate that changes to subsistence‐oriented lifestyles impact women and men in different ways.
Continuous positive airway pressure treatment from the prehospital field in a Japanese regional Doctor Car system
Authors: Takeuchi Ichiro , Imaki Shohei , Furuya Ryosuke , Iwashita Masayuki , Takahashi Kohei , Furuya Akihiro , Yoshida Atsushi , Abe Takeru
Published: September 2023

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is an effective treatment for patients with severe heart failure, and certain guidelines recommend its early initiation. However, the current Japanese law strictly prohibits paramedics from administering this treatment. To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of prehospital administration of CPAP therapy, this study was conducted by the Yokohama Medical Control Council (Yokohama MC).

Methods

The Yokohama MC established a protocol for CPAP treatment and dispatched Doctor Cars to attend to patients with severe respiratory failure. The Boussignac CPAP system was installed in all Yokohama Doctor Cars, including Workstation‐type Doctor Cars and Hospital‐type Doctor Cars. Data from this study were collected and recorded in the Yokohama City Doctor Car Registry system from October 2020 to January 2022.

Results

The Doctor Car was dispatched 661 times, and CPAP therapy was administered to 13 patients in the prehospital field. It is important to note that the number of CPAP cases was lower than anticipated due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, given concerns about aerosol production. When assessing changes over time in oxygen saturation (SpO2), the median (interquartile range), excluding missing values, was 89% (83%–93%) without oxygen, 95% (94%–99.3%) with oxygen, and 100% (97%–100%) with CPAP. The differences between these groups were statistically significant with a p‐value of <0.0001. Respiratory distress was primarily attributed to heart failure in 10 patients (91%) and pneumothorax in 1 patient (9%). Notably, none of the patients’ conditions worsened after the use of CPAP.

Conclusion

We have detailed the administration of CPAP therapy in the prehospital field within a local city in Japan. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the inaugural report of a prospective observational study on the prehospital administration of CPAP therapy originating from Japan.
All‐Dielectric Multichannel Terahertz Metasurface Empowering Independent Wavefront Manipulation
Authors: Yue Zhen , Li Jitao , Li Jie , Zheng Chenglong , Lu Binbin , Liu Jingyu , Yang Fan , Li Hui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yating , Zang Xiaofei , Yao Jianquan
Published: September 2023

Metasurfaces have demonstrated unprecedented capabilities in modulating the polarization and phase of electromagnetic waves and formed an emerging field of research, driving the exploitation of versatile compact devices. In this work, one transmission‐mode, multichannel all‐silicon metasurface platform that can implement functionalities separately in two orthogonally polarized output fields under linearly polarized incidences is proposed, which can effectively promote the design flexibility. Specifically, a single metasurface can realize multiple independent target phase distributions carrying specific phase relationships, thus enabling different information processing in different linear polarization states. For proof‐of‐principle experimental exhibitions, a monolayer metasurface composed of silicon pillars is designed, fabricated, and characterized to demonstrate the ability of multi‐dimensional light field control, such as polarization‐switchable focusing beam. Moreover, the other designed metasurface can generate polarization‐switchable Bessel vortex beams under linearly polarized incidences, which also verifies the flexibility and practicality of such platform. This metasurface platform may lead to new optical components, involving multichannel singular beam generators, information encoders, and holographic encryption devices.
Strukturen, Bindungsanalyse und Reaktivität eines dikationischen Digallens und eines Diindens, die trans‐gefaltete Ditetrylene nachahmen
Authors: Barthélemy Antoine , Scherer Harald , Daub Michael , Bugnet Alexis , Krossing Ingo
Published: September 2023

Die Reaktion von Bisdicyclohexylphosphinoethan (dcpe) und den subvalenten MI‐Quellen [MI(PhF)2][pf] (M=Ga+, In+; [pf] −=[Al(ORF)4]−; RF=C(CF3)3) ergab die Salze [{M(dcpe)}2][pf]2, die die ersten bisher dokumentierten dikationischen, trans‐gefalteten Digallen‐ und Diindenstrukturen enthalten. Die nicht‐klassischen MI⇆MI‐Doppelbindungen sind überraschend kurz und zeigen eine ditetrylenartige Struktur. Die Bindungssituation wurde durch quantenchemische Berechnungen, QTAIM‐ (Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules) und EDA‐NOCV‐Analysen (Energy Decomposition Analysis with the combination of Natural Orbitals for Chemical Valence) umfassend analysiert und mit derjenigen in den isoelektronischen und isostrukturellen, aber neutralen Digermenen und Distannenen verglichen. Das gelöste [{Ga(dcpe)}2]2+([pf]−)2 reagiert unter milden Bedingungen bei Raumtemperatur mit 1‐Hexen, Cyclooctin, Diphenyldisulfid und Diphenylphosphan. Diese Reaktivität wird analysiert und rationalisiert.
Towards improving user awareness of search engine biases: A participatory design approach
Authors: Paramita Monica Lestari , Kasinidou Maria , Kleanthous Styliani , Rosso Paolo , Kuflik Tsvi , Hopfgartner Frank
Published: September 2023

Bias in news search engines has been shown to influence users' perceptions of a news topic and contribute to the polarisation of society. As a result, there is a need for news search engines that increase user awareness of biases in the search results. While technical approaches have been developed to mitigate biases in search, very few studies have investigated user preferences in interface designs for potentially raising their awareness of biases in news search engines. In this study, we utilized a participatory design methodology to develop eight prototypes with different features that could potentially be used to raise user awareness of biases in news search engines. We conducted three user studies, involving 132 participants with Computer Science backgrounds, to evaluate these prototypes. Our findings indicate the importance of news search engines that (a) inform users of possible biases in the results (bias visualization approach) and (b) allow users to access alternative search results (results‐reranking approach). Our study provides further insights into the strengths and possible risks of each approach, which are important for future research on designing interfaces for raising user awareness of biases in news search engines.
The effect of the 1‐in‐X numerical format on choices
Authors: Pighin Stefania , Bogani Alessandro , Davalos Gloria Berenisse Castro , Savadori Lucia
Published: September 2023

The 1‐in‐X numerical format (e.g., 1 in 200) has been found to increase subjective probability evaluations and behavioral intentions in hypothetical scenarios compared with the N‐in‐NX format (e.g., 5 in 1000). However, it remains unclear whether this format can also bias choices between truly incentivized options. In four online studies (N = 1039), participants were presented with a small endowment (i.e., 1£) and an actual choice between two options: a sure loss of a part of such endowment and a lottery with the chance to lose the entire endowment, presented using either the 1‐in‐X or the N‐in‐NX format. In Studies 1–3, where the two options were equivalent in expected monetary value (EV) and the lottery was described with varying degrees of concreteness, participants preferred the lottery option to a lesser extent when the chance of losing the endowment was presented using the 1‐in‐X format compared with the N‐in‐NX format. The same effect was replicated in Study 4a when the lottery option had a higher EV than the sure loss, showing that the 1‐in‐X effect can also lead individuals to deviate from maximizing EV. However, the effect vanished in Study 4b when the difference in EV between the two options increased. Implications for risk communication and a possible interpretation of the results are discussed accordingly.
Sustainable entrepreneurship practices of Indian SMEs: A strategic approach using fuzzy Delphi and best worst method
Authors: Ghag Nikhil , Sonar Harshad
Published: September 2023

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) make up a sizable portion of the business sector in most countries. These businesses are also becoming more concerned about sustainability and how to strategically incorporate it into their operations. However, SMEs have shied away from sustainability investments due to a lack of a comprehensive viewpoint on the matter, an overemphasis on an economic perspective, and the resulting devaluation of environmental and social viewpoints. Though the importance of social and environmental practices for assessing sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) has increased, very little research has been done on SE, particularly those linked to the competitiveness of SMEs. The novelty lies in the identification of social and environmental practices for SE and analyzing it using the best worst method. The two main objectives are to calculate the relative weights of these practices and to identify the most crucial elements for judging SMEs' propensity for SE. The findings of this study have significant consequences not only for the businesses themselves but also for decision‐makers in charge of putting policies in place that make it easier to take actions that are consistent with SE.
Comprehensive treatment of von Hippel‐Lindau disease: A case report
Authors: Li Xuesong , Mo Zheng , Yu Zhuo
Published: September 2023

von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare autosomal dominant multiorgan disease characterized by several benign and malignant tumors rich in vascular, as well as cysts in other organs. A great clinical treatment strategy is significantly warranted for good prognosis of patients with VHL disease. Herein, we reported a case of a 45‐year‐old woman diagnosed with VHL disease with spinal hemangioblastoma (HB) and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Four years after the resection of the right kidney, a recurrent RCC in the right kidney and a malignant lesion in the left kidney were observed. This patient was started on sorafenib (800 mg, daily) and tislelizumab (200 mg per 3 weeks). After 6 months of treatment, the size of renal cell carcinoma was dramatically reduced and renal function improved. More importantly, she achieved partial response during the whole treatment. Microscopically, intramedullary masses resection was done and the HB in T4‐5 thoracic spinal was removed. Neurologic symptoms such as numbness and pain were remarkably alleviated. Additionally, tislelizumab‐induced elevation in liver transaminase levels and hypothyroidism were revered by hepatoprotector and levothyroxine, respectively. In short, comprehensive treatment strategies may benefit patients with VHL disease, especially with HB and ccRCC.
Distinctive Arbutin‐Containing Markers: Chemotaxonomic Significance and Insights into the Evolution of Proteaceae Phytochemistry
Authors: Zarfos Samuel D. , Deans Bianca J. , Ho Curtis C. , Jordan Gregory J. , Smith Jason A. , Bissember Alex C.
Published: September 2023

Natural products isolation studies of eight endemic Tasmanian Proteaceae species – Agastachys odorata, Persoonia juniperina, Hakea megadenia, Hakea epiglottis, Orites diversifolius, Orites acicularis, Orites revolutus, and Telopea truncata – and three endemic Australian Proteaceae species Banksia serrata, Banksia praemorsa, and Banksia marginata were undertaken. Two previously unreported glycoside‐derived natural products were identified, in addition to four other tremendously rare arbutin esters. The results of this study provide further evidence consistent with the proposal that these distinctive arbutin esters represent markers that can provide valuable insights into the chemical evolution of plant species within the family Proteaceae.
The Conversion of UDP‐Glc to UDP‐Man: In Silico and Biochemical Exploration To Improve the Catalytic Efficiency of CDP‐Tyvelose C2‐Epimerases
Authors: Vogel Ulrike , Da Costa Matthieu , Alvarez Quispe Carlos , Stragier Robin , Joosten Henk‐Jan , Beerens Koen , Desmet Tom
Published: September 2023

A promiscuous CDP‐tyvelose 2‐epimerase (TyvE) from Thermodesulfatator atlanticus (TaTyvE) belonging to the nucleotide sugar active short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily (NS‐SDRs) was recently discovered. TaTyvE performs the slow conversion of NDP‐glucose (NDP‐Glc) to NDP‐mannose (NDP‐Man). Here, we present the sequence fingerprints that are indicative of the conversion of UDP‐Glc to UDP‐Man in TyvE‐like enzymes based on the heptagonal box motifs. Our data‐mining approach led to the identification of 11 additional TyvE‐like enzymes for the conversion of UDP‐Glc to UDP‐Man. We characterized the top two wild‐type candidates, which show a 15‐ and 20‐fold improved catalytic efficiency, respectively, on UDP‐Glc compared to TaTyvE. In addition, we present a quadruple variant of one of the identified enzymes with a 70‐fold improved catalytic efficiency on UDP‐Glc compared to TaTyvE. These findings could help the design of new nucleotide production pathways starting from a cheap sugar substrate like glucose or sucrose.
Giant cell lichenoid dermatitis within healed varicella zoster site
Authors: Alghamdi Yara , Almahdi Bashaer , Alsifri Sahar , Huwait Hassan , Jfri Abdulhadi
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

There are dermatoses that arise within healed zosteriform sites, such as granulomas annulare, acneiform eruptions, psoriasis, lichen planus, and giant cell lichenoid dermatitis “GCLD.” Nonetheless, graft‐versus‐host disease should be considered and ruled out, especially in patients post‐bone marrow transplant. Herein, we report a case of GCLD manifesting within healed zosteriform sites.
Recurrent pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia: A case report and case review
Authors: Nazeef Mohamed , Devkota Sagar , Mainali Sumnima , Thapa Yubaraj , Upadhyay Sristi , Yadav Priyanka , Shrestha Jeena
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Managing acute pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy is challenging. The use of intravenous insulin along with lipid lowering drugs can be an option in settings where plasmapharesis and gene therapy are unavailable.

Acute pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia is rare but various studies have highlighted it as the third most common cause following gallstones and alcohol consumption. Managing acute pancreatitis is always challenging; even more challenging during pregnancy. We present a case of a 31‐year– old female with a history of recurrent pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia with a current episode of acute pancreatitis at 21 weeks of gestation.
A rare case of intra‐parenchymal meningioma in a female patient who presented with seizures: A case report
Authors: Duvuru Shyam , Sanker Vivek , Jain Samiksha , Kumar B. S. Sunil , Manoj Kumar M. , Gupta Umang
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Meningiomas are slow‐growing tumors that develop from the arachnoid cap cells' meningothelial cells. Males are more likely to develop intra‐parenchymal meningiomas, which also manifest earlier than ordinary meningiomas and are uncommon.

Meningiomas are slow‐growing neoplasms which arise from the meningothelial cells of the arachnoid cap cells. Unlike other meningiomas, intra‐parenchymal meningiomas do not originate from dura. Intra‐parenchymal meningiomas are more common in males and develop earlier than regular meningiomas. Because of the rare occurrence the intra‐parenchymal meningiomas, they are commonly misdiagnosed.
Two cases of acute‐onset cystoid macular edema and serous retinal detachment associated with combined use of encorafenib and binimetinib for advanced melanoma: A possible confounding risk for drug intolerance
Authors: Hasegawa Takumi , Iino Shiro , Fujisaki Misako , Okamura Sayuri , Baba Natsuki , Tanaka Nami , Takeuchi Yuko , Oyama Noritaka , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: September 2023

While combined use of BRAF/MEK inhibitors has elicited dramatic clinical efficacy in incurable melanoma, drug‐associated retinopathy has become an emerging adverse event. We present two Japanese men with advanced melanoma who developed visual impairment due to serous retinal detachments (SRDs) with cystoid macular edema (CME) immediately after initial administration of encorafenib/binimetinib, a BRAF and MEK inhibitor. One case had drug‐intolerable retinopathy on repeat dosing. Both cases were switched to another BRAF/MEK inhibitors, dabrafenib/trametinib, with no recurrence of SRDs. Co‐existing CME may be a confounding risk for the early development of SRDs with encorafenib/binimetinib therapy, providing attention during drug administration.
Heterogeneous catalytic ozonation of organic wastewater by using bimetallic catalysts supported on honeycomb‐structured activated carbon
Authors: Liu Ping , Wang Lechao , Du Le , Zhu Jiqin
Published: September 2023

Honeycomb‐structured activated carbon (HAC) is one of the most studied chemicals with large specific surface area, high porosity, unique adsorption properties, and other characteristics, which has been widely used in the fields of exhaust gas adsorption, wastewater adsorption, and catalyst support. However, the study and application of HAC in the field of wastewater treatment is not extensive. Herein, a novel HAC‐based bimetallic catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness co‐impregnation, which exhibited high catalytic activity in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation of methylene blue (MB) organic wastewater. A high MB removal of 95.43% and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 85.19% were achieved by using Cu‐La/HAC under optimized conditions. The inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) results showed that the metal dissolution concentration of Cu‐La/HAC was the lowest. Moreover, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization of copper‐containing catalysts indicated that the strong interaction between copper and lanthanum resulted in the low metal dissolution concentration.
Could it be hereditary angioedema?—Perspectives from different medical specialties
Authors: Magerl Markus , Sala‐Cunill Anna , Weber‐Chrysochoou Christina , Trainotti Susanne , Mormile Ilaria , Spadaro Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disease, with patients often suffering with associated symptoms for many years before receiving a correct diagnosis. The symptoms greatly impact a patient's quality of life (QoL) and include excruciating abdominal pain and angioedema of the skin and submucosa. Angioedema of the larynx represents a significant mortality risk in undiagnosed patients, and a large proportion of patients with HAE receive incorrect diagnoses and undergo unnecessary surgery. HAE‐specific treatments can control and prevent acute life‐threatening episodes, in addition to improving QoL, emphasizing the value of early diagnosis for patients. Diagnostic delay may be due to a lack of HAE awareness by healthcare professionals and the similarity of HAE symptoms with those of more common conditions, complicating differential diagnosis. The multifaceted nature of the condition may result in visits to one of many different medical settings, for example: the Emergency Room, pediatrics, general practice, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. Therefore, it is crucial that physicians in multiple healthcare specialties are aware of the disease to ensure that patients with HAE receive a timely diagnosis. Using patient cases from various medical specialties, this review highlights the necessity for cross‐specialty awareness of HAE and outlines the essential information for the various healthcare professionals that may encounter a patient with HAE symptoms, in order to effectively treat and/or diagnose HAE.
Race‐inclusive and equitable access to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: What are the biggest hurdles?
Authors: Puri Sonam , Saltos Andreas N. , Gray Jhanelle E.
Published: September 2023

A real‐world data analysis evaluating the clinical outcomes of consolidation durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation in Black versus non‐Black patients with unresectable stage III non–small cell lung cancer demonstrates that there was no overall difference in survival or toxicity between the two groups. The study addresses the important issue of race‐ and ethnicity‐related disparities in clinical trial accruals that limit the generalizability of the results across the patient population. Larger multi‐institutional prospective studies evaluating racially underrepresented populations are warranted to evaluate the contribution of individual factors, optimize treatment strategies, and narrow the disparities in cancer care.
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization for miRNA Combined with Staining of Proteins
Authors: Boen Jente R. A. , Pintelon Isabel , Gevaert Andreas B. , Segers Vincent F. M. , van Craenenbroeck Emeline M.
Published: September 2023

The last decades have illustrated the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in various biological and pathological processes. The combined visualization of miRNAs using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and proteins using immunofluorescence (IF) can reveal their spatiotemporal distribution in relation to the cell and tissue morphology and can provide interesting insights into miRNA‐protein interactions. However, standardized protocols for co‐localization of miRNAs and proteins are currently lacking, and substantial technical obstacles still need to be addressed. In particular, the incompatibility of protein IF protocols with steps required for miRNA FISH, such as proteolytic pretreatments and ethylcarbodiimide post‐fixation, as well as hurdles related to low signal intensity of low‐copy miRNAs, remains challenging. Our technique may considerably enhance miRNA‐based research, as current detection techniques lack the ability to elucidate cellular and subcellular localization. Here, we describe an optimized 2‐day protocol for combined detection of low‐abundant miRNAs and proteins in cryosections of cardiac tissue, without the need for protease‐dependent pretreatment or post‐fixation treatment. We successfully demonstrate endothelial‐specific localization of low‐abundant miR‐181c‐5p in cardiac tissue. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Fluorescent in situ hybridization for miRNA combined with staining of proteins
Assessing the agronomic potential of sorghum B‐lines using genomic prediction
Authors: Kent Mitchell A. , Fonseca Jales M. O. , Klein Patricia E. , Klein Robert R. , Hayes Chad M. , Rooney William L.
Published: September 2023

In hybrid sorghum breeding, basic agronomic traits, such as days to flowering and plant height, of sorghum seed parents must be within a specific range for hybrid seed production. Because many sorghum programs select new B‐lines outside of commercial seed production environments, the purpose of this study was to determine if genomic prediction is effective to evaluate new lines for their agronomic potential for seed production. Two B‐line RIL populations were evaluated across several environments for days to mid‐anthesis (DY), plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), and seed yield (SY). Across environments and populations, average prediction accuracies were between 0.47 and 0.61 for DY, 0.24 and 0.60 for PH, 0.16 and 0.37 for SY, and 0.37 and 0.57 for PL. The effect of training set size was assessed by subsampling various amounts of data into the training set, ranging from 5% to 65%. Prediction accuracies generally improved as the proportion of the total data in the training set increased for both inter‐ and intrapopulation predictions, but a relatively small portion (15%) of the total data still produced modest prediction accuracies. The effect of the marker density on genomic prediction accuracies was assessed by subsampling various numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms. It was observed that as few as 500 markers were able to produce prediction accuracies similar to when all markers were used. The results of this study indicated that genomic prediction can be a useful and cost‐effective tool that sorghum breeding programs should incorporate into their pipeline.
Sustainable development goals disclosures: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerasinghe Thanya , Gunarathne Nuwan , Samudrage Dileepa N.
Published: September 2023

In developing countries, the extent of SDG disclosures in annual reports remains largely unexplored despite the popularity of corporate commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, this study aims to assess the extent to which companies make SDG disclosures in Sri Lanka and identify the reasons affecting such disclosures. This study collected data by content analyzing the annual reports of 45 listed companies, followed by trend analysis and semi‐structured interviews. The results show that SDG 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) are the most disclosed SDGs. Of these goals, the disclosure pattern related to SDG 17 is influenced by the collectivistic nature of the country's community. However, the average level of disclosure related to SDGs remains low, as they are often treated as add‐ons to existing sustainability strategies. Additionally, interviews revealed that companies have not actively adjusted their operations to integrate SDGs, suggesting that SDG disclosures primarily serve as a means to enhance their legitimacy.
Stability and passivity analysis of higher‐order differential systems inspired by RLC circuits
Authors: Ateş Muzaffer , Ateş Muhammet
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses the global asymptotic stability and strong passivity analysis of fourth‐order nonlinear and time‐varying dynamical systems by utilizing the Lyapunov direct method. The mathematical model of the main system is obtained from a non‐linear and aging RLC circuit that we have designed before. RLC circuits play an excellent role in the stability of modern system theory. Without the concept of storage elements, the construction of Lyapunov or energy functions for nonlinear and time‐varying systems may be difficult. Because of this, although there are many studies on the stability concept, but the subject has not been completed yet. Therefore, this study may present some mathematical technicalities to the Lyapunov stability with physical considerations. The Lyapunov functions obtained from RLC circuits are natural storage functions, and they satisfy the dissipation inequality. The theoretical stability results of the system are also discussed by Lyapunov's linearization method. The relationship between stability and passivity is also given. Meanwhile, we realized that linear system analysis is not a guaranteed way for determining the stability properties of a full system. Finally, the correctness and availability of the proposed approach are verified through simulation results.
Army ant middens – Home and nursery of a diverse beetle fauna
Authors: von Beeren Christoph , Pohl Sebastian , Fikáček Martin , Kleinfelder Stephan , Tishechkin Alexey K. , Yamamoto Shûhei , Chani‐Posse Mariana , Żyła Dagmara , Tokareva Alexandra , Maruyama Munetoshi , Hall W. Eugene , Sandoval Liliana P. , Kronauer Daniel J. C.
Published: September 2023

Army ants provide nourishment to a large variety of animals. This includes birds that feed on animals flushed out by army ant raids, symbiotic arthropods that consume the ants' prey or their brood, and other arthropods that scavenge on army ant refuse deposits. The latter have not received much attention, and the few published studies lack detailed species identifications. Here we provide a first systematic inventory of the beetle fauna associated with refuse deposits of Eciton army ants, with a focus on Eciton burchellii. We collected 8364 adult beetles, 511 larvae, and 24 eggs from 34 deposits at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We used a combination of DNA barcoding and morphology to identify a subset of 436 specimens to species level. The samples included several new species, and we here formally describe two water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae). Refuse deposits harbored a diverse beetle fauna. The identified subset consisted of 91 beetle species from 12 families, with rove beetles being the most abundant and diverse visitors. Of the 85 species found with E. burchellii, 50 species were collected from only one or two refuse deposits. Conversely, seven species were found in 10 or more refuse deposits, indicating a certain level of habitat specialization. We matched adults and immatures for 22 beetle species via DNA barcodes, demonstrating that army ant middens also serve as a beetle nursery. The present survey highlights the significant ecological function of army ants as promoters of biodiversity and their status as keystone species in tropical rainforests.
Is ecology different when studied with citizen scientists? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Castagneyrol Bastien , Bedessem Baptiste , Julliard Romain
Published: September 2023

Ecology is broad and relies on several complementary approaches to study the mechanisms driving the distribution and abundance of organisms and their interactions. One of them is citizen science (CitSci), the co‐production of scientific data and knowledge by nonprofessional scientists, in collaboration with, or under the direction of, professional scientists. CitSci has bloomed in the scientific literature over the last decade and its popularity continues to increase, but its qualitative contribution to the development of academic knowledge remains understudied. We used a bibliometric analysis to study whether the epistemic content of CitSci‐based articles is different from traditional, non‐CitSci ones within the field of ecology. We analyzed keywords and abstracts of articles published in ecology over the last decade, disentangling CitSci articles (those explicitly referring to citizen science) and non‐CitSci articles. Keyword co‐occurrence and thematic map analyses first revealed that CitSci and non‐CitSci articles broadly focused on biodiversity, conservation, and climate change. However, CitSci articles did so in a more descriptive way than non‐CitSci articles, which were more likely to address mechanisms. Conservation biology and its links with socio‐ecosystems and ecosystem services was a central theme in the CitSci corpus, much less in the non‐CitSci corpus. The situation was opposite for climate change and its consequences on species distribution and adaptation, which was a central theme in the non‐CitSci corpus only. We only revealed subtle differences in the relative importance of particular themes and in the way these themes are tackled in CitSci and non‐CitSci articles, thus indicating that citizen science is well integrated in the main, classical research themes of ecology.
Non‐cardiac comorbidities and intensive up‐titration of oral treatment in patients recently hospitalized for heart failure: Insights from the STRONG‐HF trial
Authors: Chioncel Ovidiu , Davison Beth , Adamo Marianna , Antohi Laura E. , Arrigo Mattia , Barros Marianela , Biegus Jan , Čerlinskaitė‐Bajorė Kamilė , Celutkiene Jelena , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Damasceno Albertino , Diaz Rafael , Edwards Christopher , Filippatos Gerasimos , Kimmoun Antoine , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Metra Marco , Novosadova Maria , Pagnesi Matteo , Pang Peter S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Radu Razvan I. , Saidu Hadiza , Sliwa Karen , Voors Adriaan A. , Takagi Koji , Ter Maaten Jozine M. , Tomasoni Daniela , Cotter Gad , Mebazaa Alexandre
Published: September 2023

Aims

To assess the potential interaction between non‐cardiac comorbidities (NCCs) and the efficacy and safety of high‐intensity care (HIC) versus usual care (UC) in the STRONG‐HF trial, including stable patients with improved but still elevated natriuretic peptides.

Methods and results

In the trial, eight NCCs were reported: anaemia, diabetes, renal dysfunction, severe liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, psychiatric/neurological disorders, and malignancies. Patients were classified by NCC number (0, 1, 2 and ≥3). The treatment effect of HIC versus UC on the primary endpoint, 180‐day death or heart failure (HF) rehospitalization, was compared by NCC number and by each individual comorbidity. Among the 1078 patients, the prevalence of 0, 1, 2 and ≥3 NCCs was 24.3%, 39.8%, 24.5% and 11.4%, respectively. Achievement of full doses of HF therapies at 90 and 180 days in the HIC was similar irrespective of NCC number. In HIC, the primary endpoint occurred in 10.0%, 16.6%, 13.6% and 26.2%, in those with 0, 1, 2 and ≥3 NCCs, respectively, as compared to 19.1%, 25.4%, 23.3% and 26.2% in UC (interaction‐p = 0.80). The treatment benefit of HIC versus UC on the primary endpoint did not differ significantly by each individual comorbidity. There was no significant treatment interaction by NCC number in quality‐of‐life improvement (p = 0.98) or the incidence of serious adverse events (p = 0.11).

Conclusions

In the STRONG‐HF trial, NCCs neither limited the rapid up‐titration of HF therapies, nor attenuated the benefit of HIC on the primary endpoint. In the context of a clinical trial, the benefit–risk ratio favours the rapid up‐titration of HF therapies even in patients with multiple NCCs.
Construction of the Bioconjugate Py‐Macrodipa‐PSMA and Its In Vivo Investigations with Large 132/135La3+ and Small 47Sc3+ Radiometal Ions
Authors: Hu Aohan , Martin Kirsten E. , Śmiłowicz Dariusz , Aluicio‐Sarduy Eduardo , Cingoranelli Shelbie J. , Lapi Suzanne E. , Engle Jonathan W. , Boros Eszter , Wilson Justin J.
Published: September 2023

To harness radiometals in clinical settings, a chelator forming a stable complex with the metal of interest and targets the desired pathological site is needed. Toward this goal, we previously reported a unique set of chelators that can stably bind to both large and small metal ions, via a conformational switch. Within this chelator class, py‐macrodipa is particularly promising based on its ability to stably bind several medicinally valuable radiometals including large 132/135La3+, 213Bi3+, and small 44Sc3+. Here, we report a 10‐step organic synthesis of its bifunctional analogue py‐macrodipa‐NCS, which contains an amine‐reactive −NCS group that is amenable for bioconjugation reactions to targeting vectors. The hydrolytic stability of py‐macordipa‐NCS was assessed, revealing a half‐life of 6.0 d in pH 9.0 aqueous buffer. This bifunctional chelator was then conjugated to a prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐binding moiety, yielding the bioconjugate py‐macrodipa‐PSMA, which was subsequently radiolabeled with large 132/135La3+ and small 47Sc3+, revealing efficient and quantitative complex formation. The resulting radiocomplexes were injected into mice bearing both PSMA‐expressing and PSMA‐non‐expressing tumor xenografts to determine their biodistribution patterns, revealing delivery of both 132/135La3+ and 47Sc3+ to PSMA+ tumor sites. However, partial radiometal dissociation was observed, suggesting that py‐macrodipa‐PSMA needs further structural optimization.
1,2,5‐Azadiborolane as a Building Block for Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Polymers
Authors: Maier Matthias , Zeh Vivien , Munker Nadine , Glock Julian , Oberdorf Kai , Ayhan Ozan , Lichtenberg Crispin , Helten Holger
Published: September 2023

The incorporation of BN units in organic scaffolds by isoelectronic/isosteric substitution of selected CC couples has emerged as an efficient tool to produce new materials with useful properties and functions. The knowledge about BN‐doped inorganic–organic hybrid polymers, however, is still rather scarce. This is especially true for linear or cyclolinear macromolecules that feature longer inorganic chains. Herein, we introduce 1,2,5‐azadiborolane as a polymer building block for the first time. An attempt to apply it for the synthesis of a cyclolinear poly(iminoborane) resulted after only two B−N coupling events in the formation of a molecular compound comprising a chain of three nitrogen and two boron atoms – as confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry. In combination with a p‐phenylene diamine‐based co‐monomer, we accomplished to incorporate the 1,2,5‐azadiborolane into a hybrid polymer of considerable molecular weight that features a B2N3 chain. We additionally synthesized a small molecular model compound for the polymer and characterized it crystallographically as well. Comparison of the UV‐vis spectra of the monomer, the oligomer, and the polymer revealed systematic red‐shifts of the longest‐wavelength absorption band with increasing number of BN units in the chain.
A comparative study of lupeol extraction from a by‐product of lupin processing by hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents and their precursor components
Authors: Bañares Celia , Baréa Bruno , Chabni Assamae , Torres Carlos F. , Durand Erwann , Villeneuve Pierre
Published: September 2023

A series of hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (HNADESs) have been employed to extract lupeol from lupin seed coat at 30 and 70°C. The extraction yields have been compared with those obtained with conventional organic solvents. In general, lupeol extraction yields (LEYs) obtained when using HNADES are somewhat smaller than those obtained if organic solvents are used. However, the nature of the HNADES mixtures as green solvents represents a superior performance in terms of sustainability of the extraction process. Additionally, an investigation has been carried out in order to compare the LEYs obtained when using the HNADES mixtures with those obtained if the isolated precursor compounds are employed at a temperature (70°C) where both HNADES and the corresponding precursor compounds are liquids. Surprisingly, LEYs for lupeol at 70°C were found to be, in some cases, slightly higher if the precursor compounds are used in comparison with the proper HNADES mixtures. It seems that the unique properties of the HNADES mixtures are not enough to perform better as extractants in comparison with the isolated precursor compounds at moderate temperatures, at least for the case of lupeol from lupin seed coat. Some hints are presented to explain these results.

Practical Applications: The demand to use by‐products, such as raw materials, to obtain potential bioactive compounds is gaining strong attention in the last years. The use of green solvents to extract these compounds is also envisaged to obtain substances in an environment‐friendly way and with high sustainability for the economy and end‐consumers. The main aim of this work is the extraction of lupeol from lupin seed coat by using on one side different hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent (HNADES) mixtures, and on the other side by using the precursor compounds of the mixtures, in order to evaluate the efficiency of these green extraction solvents in the recovery of bioactive compounds with health benefits from waste material. Our results show that lupeol can be extracted both with the HNADES mixtures and with their precursor components at moderate temperatures with similar efficiency. This work questions the need of using HNADES as clean extraction solvents as the precursor compounds have themselves interesting extracting capacities.
The heterogeneous geomorphological impact of an exceptional flood event and the role of floodplain vegetation
Authors: Dawson Martin , Lewin John
Published: September 2023

Application of an integrated spatial approach combining several sources of remote sensing data to include both channel and floodplain morphological and sedimentological impacts has identified the geomorphological effects of three extreme flood events during a single flood season (2019–2020) along a 16‐km reach of the River Teme, UK. This combined approach allowed the assessment of in‐channel pattern development, incision and aggradation; lateral bank migration; and overbank sedimentation and scour by out‐of‐channel flows. Rates of change during the event period were compared with those in the previous 10 years. The approach also allowed the role of vegetation and cultivation, both bankside and out on floodplains, to be assessed with variations in the extent of riparian wood and channel slope driving contrasts in the extent of the response. The spatial impacts from such extreme events are highly localised, varied in kind, and can be considered for both rivers and floodplains together. Erosional effects were distinctively distributed and not simply contributions to ongoing meander development; channel aggradation was localised, and overbank sedimentation explicably patchy. In reaches without woody vegetation, differences in channel and floodplain slope, local floodplain relief as created by prior events, and the impact of man‐made structures were factors that drove variations in flood response. This study strongly underlines the role of continuous riparian vegetation in maintaining bank stability and constraining lateral channel migration, but also to the potential influence of floodplain vegetation and planting for ‘natural engineering’ in the context of floodplains as well as channels in comparable environments. Maintenance of riparian vegetation in the context of landowner and Natural England conflict and management of future flood risk is important, but also highlighted is the need to consider the role of hedgerows and wider planting for constraining soil and riverbank erosion during flood events.
Extension of moving particle simulation by introducing rotational degrees of freedom for dilute fiber suspensions
Authors: Enomoto Keigo , Ishida Takato , Doi Yuya , Uneyama Takashi , Masubuchi Yuichi
Published: September 2023

We develop a novel Moving Particle Simulation (MPS) method to reproduce the motion of fibers floating in sheared liquids accurately. In conventional MPS schemes, if a fiber suspended in a liquid is represented by a one‐dimensional array of MPS particles, it is entirely aligned to the flow direction due to the lack of shear stress difference between fiber–liquid interfaces. To address this problem, we employ the micropolar fluid model to introduce rotational degrees of freedom into the MPS particles. The translational motion of liquid and solid particles and the rotation of solid particles are calculated with the explicit MPS algorithm. The fiber is modeled as an array of micropolar fluid particles bonded with stretching, bending and torsional potentials. The motion of a single rigid fiber is simulated in a three‐dimensional shear flow generated between two moving solid walls. We show that the proposed method is capable of reproducing the fiber motion predicted by Jeffery's theory which is different from the conventional MPS simulations.