bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5th Argentinean Meeting on Evolutionary Biology (RABE V): Report on the “Evo‐Devo” Extended Symposium
Authors: Zattara Eduardo E. , Strelin Marina M.
Published: April 2024

Evolutionary developmental biology (Evo‐Devo) is flourishing in Latin America, particularly Argentina, where researchers are leveraging this integrative field to unlock the secrets of the region's remarkable biodiversity. A recent symposium held at the 5th Argentinean Meeting on Evolutionary Biology (RABE V) showcased a vibrant Evo‐Devo community and the diversity of its research endeavors. The symposium included 3 plenary talks, 3 short talks, and 12 posters, and spanned a range of organisms and approaches. Interestingly, the symposium highlighted a prevalence of “top‐down” Evo‐Devo studies in the region, where researchers first analyze existing diversity and then propose potential developmental mechanisms. This approach, driven in part by financial constraints and the region's historical focus on natural history, presents a unique opportunity to bridge disciplines like comparative biology, paleontology, and botany. The symposium's success underscores the vital role of Evo‐Devo in Latin America, not only for advancing our understanding of evolution but also for providing valuable tools to conserve and manage the region's irreplaceable biodiversity. As Evo‐Devo continues to grow in Latin America, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the region and beyond will be crucial for realizing the full potential of this transformative field.
On the number of minimum dominating sets and total dominating sets in forests
Authors: Petr Jan , Portier Julien , Versteegen Leo
Published: April 2024

We show that the maximum number of minimum dominating sets of a forest with domination number is at most and construct for each a tree with domination number that has more than minimum dominating sets. Furthermore, we disprove a conjecture about the number of minimum total dominating sets in forests by Henning, Mohr and Rautenbach.
On λ $\lambda $‐backbone coloring of cliques with tree backbones in linear time
Authors: Michalik Krzysztof , Turowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

A ‐backbone coloring of a graph with its subgraph (also called a backbone) is a function ensuring that is a proper coloring of and for each it holds that . In this paper we propose a way to color cliques with tree and forest backbones in linear time that the largest color does not exceed . This result improves on the previously existing approximation algorithms as it is ‐absolutely approximate, that is, with an additive error over the optimum. We also present an infinite family of trees with for which the coloring of cliques with backbones requires at least colors for close to . The construction draws on the theory of Fibonacci numbers, particularly on Zeckendorf representations.
Full‐body skin examination in screening for cutaneous malignancy: A focus on concealed sites and the practices of international dermatologists
Authors: Pham James P. , Allen Nicholas , Star Phoebe , Cust Anne , Guitera Pascale , Marghoob Ashfaq A. , Paoli John , Zalaudek Iris , Smith Annika
Published: April 2024

Background

Full‐body skin examination (FSE) is fundamental to the diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy but may not always include concealed site examination (CSE).

Objectives

To determine the approach of international dermatologists to CSE during FSE and examine influencing factors, barriers and attitudes toward CSE.

Methods

Members of the International Dermoscopy Society were surveyed using an online 12‐question survey disseminated via email.

Results

There were 706 completed responses among 1249 unique clicks to the survey, representing a completion rate of 56.5%. Fifty‐four percent of respondents reported always examining the breasts, while 52.8%, 18.8%, and 11.8% always examined the scalp, oral, and anogenital mucosa, respectively. The most frequent reason for examining concealed sites was patient concern, whilst common reasons for not examining concealed sites included low incidence of pathology and concern regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.

Conclusions

Our findings allude to the need for international consensus guidelines regarding the conduct and inclusion of concealed or sensitive sites in routine FSE. This is essential to define clinician responsibilities, inform patient expectations of care, and thereby mitigate potential medicolegal repercussions.
Effectiveness of physical soil and water conservation measures under simulated and observed dataset in Ethiopia: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Abebe Tilahun Getachew , Tesfay Fikrey , Lemma Tesfaye Mebrate , Getahun Yitea Seneshaw
Published: April 2024

To combat land degradation through conserving soil and water resources, Ethiopia has undergone vigorous implementation of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures, predominantly physical structures. To evaluate the effectiveness of these implemented structures, various researches have been conducted through using both measured and simulated approaches. This study was initiated to analyze the reliability of SWAT‐based simulated studies results on the effectiveness of SWC measures toward erosion reduction potential against the measured dataset using unpaired t‐test statistical analysis. In this study, 123 published papers were downloaded, of which 70 were found to be more related to the objective of the review. After applying four refining criteria, only 43 were found more compatible with the study objective and used for data analysis. Studies conducted by different scholars show up to 98% and 93.50% soil loss reduction effectiveness by SWC measures in measured and simulated approaches, respectively. The simulated SWC measure efficiency output was also evaluated with respect to the ground‐measured data of the same structure within the same agroecology class. Finally, the unpaired t‐test results indicated that the grass strip in the mid‐highland agroecology showed a significant difference from the measured one at a 95% significance level. However, none of the other measures showed significant differences between the measured and simulated datasets. Hence, the SWAT model can effectively simulate the effectiveness of physical SWC measures on soil loss reduction if it is well‐calibrated and validated with sediment yield data. Refining model parameters that can be sufficiently captured and represent biological measures (grass strip), incorporating additional field data for calibration and validation coupled with exploring alternative modeling approaches that efficiently simulate biological SWC was set as a recommendation to obtain an effective biological measure simulation.
Phosphorus sorption–desorption changes phosphorus fraction dynamic in a desert revegetation chronosequence
Authors: Li Chengyi , He Mingzhu , Xin Chunming , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: April 2024

Understanding the characteristics of soil phosphorus (P) sorption and desorption is essential for comprehending P biogeochemical cycling and effectively managing ecosystems in a desert revegetation chronosequence. The present study utilized the Freundlich model and enzymatic activity to characterize the features of P sorption–desorption, and microbial activity, which aims to elucidate the effect of P kinetics and microbial activity on P fractions in the soils of a desert revegetation chronosequence, consisting of 11, 31, 40, 57, and 65 years old revegetated deserts. The findings revealed that the 31 years old soil showed the highest alkaline phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase activities, and the 40 years old displayed the highest inorganic pyrophosphatase activity. In revegetated desert soils, microbial activity changed P sorption–desorption kinetics by decreased or increased the parameters including sorption/desorption energy site, P sorption/desorption ability, and the maximum buffering capacity of P sorption/desorption. And in microbial activity soils of 31–40 years old, P desorption significantly decreased T‐P and A‐P concentrations (p < 0.05). P sorption process and enzyme activity explained 35.10% and 22.20% of P fraction variation, respectively; and P desorption process and enzyme activity explained 48.3% and 22.3% of P fraction variation, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into the contribution of P kinetics coupled with microbial activity in desert ecosystems, aiding in the effective management of these fragile ecosystems.
High Throughput Bioprinting Using Decellularized Adipose Tissue‐Based Hydrogels for 3D Breast Cancer Modeling
Authors: Shukla Priyanshu , Bera Ashis Kumar , Yeleswarapu Sriya , Pati Falguni
Published: April 2024

3D bioprinting allows rapid automated fabrication and can be applied for high throughput generation of biomimetic constructs for in vitro drug screening. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogel is a popular biomaterial choice for tissue engineering and studying carcinogenesis as a tumor microenvironmental mimetic. This study proposes a method for high throughput bioprinting with decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) based hydrogels for 3D breast cancer modeling. A comparative analysis of decellularization protocol using detergent‐based and detergent‐free decellularization methods for caprine‐origin adipose tissue is performed, and the efficacy of dECM hydrogel for 3D cancer modeling is assessed. Histological, biochemical, morphological, and biological characterization and analysis showcase the cytocompatibility of DAT hydrogel. The rheological property of DAT hydrogel and printing process optimization is assessed to select a bioprinting window to attain 3D breast cancer models. The bioprinted tissues are characterized for cellular viability and tumor cell‐matrix interactions. Additionally, an approach for breast cancer modeling is shown by performing rapid high throughput bioprinting in a 96‐well plate format, and in vitro drug screening using 5‐fluorouracil is performed on 3D bioprinted microtumors. The results of this study suggest that high throughput bioprinting of cancer models can potentially have downstream clinical applications like multi‐drug screening platforms and personalized disease models.
Ultrasmall Single‐Chain Nanoparticles Derived from Amphiphilic Alternating Copolymers
Authors: Qi Chufeng , Zhu You‐Liang , Zhao Huanyu , Lu Zhong‐Yuan
Published: April 2024

The collapse or folding of an individual polymer chain into a nanoscale particle gives rise to single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs), which share a soft nature with biological protein particles. The precise control of their properties, including morphology, internal structure, size, and deformability, are a long‐standing and challenging pursuit. Herein, a new strategy based on amphiphilic alternating copolymers for producing SCNPs with ultrasmall size and uniform structure is presented. SCNPs are obtained by folding the designed alternating copolymer in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) and fixing it through a photocatalyzed cycloaddition reaction of anthracene units. Molecular dynamics simulation confirms the solvophilic outer corona and solvophobic inner core structure of SCNPs. Furthermore, by adjusting the length of PEG units, precise control over the mean size of SCNPs is achieved within the range of 2.8 to 3.9 nm. These findings highlight a new synthetic strategy that enables enhanced control over morphology and internal structure while achieving ultrasmall and uniform size for SCNPs.
Modeling and analysis of visceral leishmaniasis dynamics using fractional‐order operators: A comparative study
Authors: Abdulkream Alharbi Sana , A. Abdoon Mohamed , Saadeh Rania , Alsemiry Reima Daher , Allogmany Reem , Berir Mohammed , EL Guma Fathelrhman
Published: April 2024

An in‐depth understanding of the mechanism concerning the parasitic disease called visceral leishmaniasis (VL) remains challenging. Thus, we modeled the dynamics of this illness using two fractional‐order operators, including Caputo–Fabrizio and Atangana–Baleanu. In the proposed dynamical model, the endemic and disease‐free equilibrium points were considered the symmetrical components. The fractional Euler method was applied to simulate the developed model, thus determining the equilibrium points' stability. The numerical simulation results were compared with the measured data to validate the model. The results obtained from the optimum fractional operator disclosed the minimum absolute and relative errors. The primary outcome of our study is the successful application of fractional‐order operators, specifically the Atangana–Baleanu operators with
= 0.98, in modeling the dynamics of VL. Notably, the numerical simulation results, validated against real data from Sudan, demonstrated that the Atangana–Baleanu operators with
= 0.98 yielded the best performance, with minimum absolute and relative errors. This underscores the precision of our fractional calculus‐based dynamical model in predicting VL dynamics compared to the classical framework, particularly for fractional‐order values of
= 0.99 and
= 0.98.
Double inertial extragradient algorithms for solving variational inequality problems with convergence analysis
Authors: Pakkaranang Nuttapol
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we introduce a novel dual inertial Tseng's extragradient method for solving variational inequality problems in real Hilbert spaces, particularly those involving pseudomonotone and Lipschitz continuous operators. Our secondary method incorporates variable step‐size, updated at each iteration based on some previous iterates. A notable advantage of these algorithms is their ability to operate without prior knowledge of Lipschitz‐type constants and without the need for any line‐search procedure. We establish the convergence theorem of the proposed algorithms under mild assumptions. To illustrate the numerical behavior of the algorithms and to make comparisons with other methods, we conduct several numerical experiments. The results of these evaluations are showcased and thoroughly examined to exemplify the practical significance and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
A liquid lever sensor based on an abrupt taper and micro‐arc Michelson interferometer in single‐mode fiber
Authors: Mao Beibei , Wu Yongfeng , Cheng Weihao , Ullah Rahat , Ren Jianxin , Mao Yaya , Yuan Tingxuan , Wang Tutao
Published: April 2024

A novel two‐parameter sensor is proposed based on the abrupt taper and micro‐arc Michelson interferometer (MI) in single‐mode fiber. When there is a regular change in the liquid level or temperature, the phase difference changes, and the spectral intensity or wavelength of the interfering valleys of this sensor is directionally shifted. This study enriches the construction of MI and provides a new perspective on liquid level measurement. We experimentally explored the sensor's sensing performance over temperature and liquid level: this sensor's temperature sensitivity and liquid level sensitivity were up to 62.9 pm/°C and 0.2896 dB/mm, respectively. In addition, this sensor is characterized by compactness, simplicity, low cost, and high reliability, and it is suitable for measurement of liquid level and temperature, expanding the application field of MI.
Marker‐based C‐arm self‐calibration with unknown calibration pattern
Authors: Pivot Odran , Voros Sandrine , Chappard Christine , Bernard Guillaume , Grondin Yannick , Desbat Laurent
Published: April 2024

Background

Accurate tomographic reconstructions require the knowledge of the actual acquisition geometry. Many mobile C‐arm CT scanners have poorly reproducible acquisition geometries and thus need acquisition‐specific calibration procedures. Most of geometric self‐calibration methods based on projection data either need prior information or are limited to the estimation of a low number of geometric calibration parameters. Other self‐calibration methods generally use a calibration pattern with known geometry and are hardly implementable in practice for clinical applications.

Purpose

We present a three‐step marker based self‐calibration method which does not require the prior knowledge of the calibration pattern and thus enables the use of calibration patterns with arbitrary markers positions.

Methods

The first step of the method aims at detecting the set of markers of the calibration pattern in each projection of the CT scan and is performed using the YOLO (You Only Look Once) Convolutional Neural Network. The projected marker trajectories are then estimated by a sequential projection‐wise marker association scheme based on the Linear Assignment Problem which uses Kalman filters to predict the markers 2D positions in the projections. The acquisition geometry is finally estimated from the marker trajectories using the Bundle‐adjustment algorithm.

Results

The calibration method has been tested on realistic simulated images of the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection) phantom, using calibration patterns with 10 and 20 markers. The backprojection error was used to evaluate the self‐calibration method and exhibited sub‐millimeter errors. Real images of two human knees with 10 and 30 markers calibration patterns were then used to perform a qualitative evaluation of the method, which showed a remarkable artifacts reduction and bone structures visibility improvement.

Conclusions

The proposed calibration method gave promising results that pave the way to patient‐specific geometric self‐calibrations in clinics.
Vestibular Hypofunction Screening in Older Cochlear Implant Candidates
Authors: Lovin Benjamin D. , Gorelik Daniel , Lin Kenny F. , Vrabec Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Vestibular loss is associated with increasing age and hearing loss. Cochlear implantation (CI) may be performed in these patients; however, CI can induce vestibular hypofunction (VH) postoperatively. If CI is performed in the “better balancing ear,” patients may experience vestibulopathy from new bilateral VH. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rates of VH in older CI candidates, thereby helping to identify patients at increased risk for bilateral VH after CI.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study from 2019 to 2022 of patients age 60 to 80 years old who underwent videonystagmography (VNG).

Setting

Tertiary care neurotology practice.

Methods

VNG, including spontaneous nystagmus, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), caloric stimulation, and rotary chair, was reviewed and stratified by CI candidacy. Patients with prior CI or known vestibular diagnosis were excluded.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were CI candidates and 184 patients were controls. cVEMP demonstrated a significantly greater rate of unilateral VH in CI candidates (P = .018). Caloric stimulation demonstrated an elevated rate of bilateral VH and presbyvestibulopathy in CI candidates (P = .057 and P = .036, respectively). Rotary chair demonstrated a significantly higher rate of bilateral VH and incomplete vestibular compensation based on reduced gain and gain asymmetry, respectively, in CI candidates (P < .001 and P = .043, respectively). Mean bithermal slow phase velocity sum and rotary chair gain were significantly lower in the CI candidate group (P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). Preoperative identification of VH determined the side of implantation in 4 patients (15%).

Conclusion

VH and incomplete vestibular compensation are common and more frequently seen in CI candidates compared to age‐matched controls. Vestibular screening can play a role in surgical counseling and planning, and should be considered in older patients undergoing CI.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis for dose regimen optimization of vancomycin in Southern Chinese children
Authors: Shen Xianhuan , Li Xuejuan , Lu Jieluan , Zhu Jiahao , He Yaodong , Zhang Zhou , Chen Zebin , Zhang Jianping , Fan Xiaomei , Li Wenzhou
Published: April 2024

Changes in physiological factors may result in large pharmacokinetic variability of vancomycin in pediatric patients, thereby leading to either supratherapeutic or subtherapeutic exposure and potentially affecting clinical outcomes. This study set out to characterize the disposition of vancomycin, quantify the exposure target and establish an optimal dosage regimen among the Southern Chinese pediatric population. Routine therapeutic drug monitoring data of 453 patients were available. We performed a retrospective population pharmacokinetic analysis of hospitalized children prescribed intravenous vancomycin using NONMEM® software. A one‐compartment PPK model of vancomycin with body weight and renal functions as covariates based on a cutoff of 2 years old children was proposed in this study. Both internal and external validation showing acceptable and robust predictive performance of the model to estimate PK parameters. The value of area under the curve over 24 h to minimum inhibitory concentration ratio (AUC0‐24/MIC) ≥ 260 was a significant predictor for therapeutic efficacy. Monte Carlo simulations served as a model‐informed precision dosing approach and suggested that different optimal dose regimens in various scenarios should be considered rather than flat dosing. The evaluation of vancomycin exposure‐efficacy relationship indicated that lower target level of AUC0‐24/MIC may be needed to achieve clinical effectiveness in children, which was used to derive the recommended dosing regimen. Further prospective studies will be needed to corroborate and elucidate these results.
Density functional theory study on interatomic forces and electronic properties of ConMoP(n = 1 ~ 5) cluster
Authors: Wu Tinghui , Fang Zhigang , Liu Li'e , Song Jingli , Song Jia
Published: April 2024

To delve into the microscopic property variations of the ConMoP(n = 1 ~ 5) cluster, this study employs density functional theory at the B3LYP/def2‐TZVP quantum chemistry level. The paper conducts a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the clusters, examining parameters such as bond lengths, bond angles, electronic localization function (ELF), interaction region indicator function (IRI), independent gradient model based on the Hirshfeld partition, deformation density, electronic space range, chemical hardness and softness, polarizability, and dipole moment. The optimization process reveals 16 stable configurations for the ConMoP(n = 1 ~ 5) cluster, predominantly taking on a steric form. As the cluster size increases, the electronic delocalization of Co atoms intensifies, while the electronic properties of Mo atoms remain relatively stable. Notably, P atoms maintain a high degree of electronic delocalization. The interatomic forces within the clusters predominantly exhibit covalent bonding, with no evident repulsive effects observed between atoms. The bonding between metal atoms in the clusters leans toward a preference for covalent interaction. The degree of dispersion in the clusters increases with their growth, particularly evident in configuration 5‐a, which displays a broader spatial distribution. Configuration 3‐a demonstrates the most favorable activity, showcasing a relatively stable structure. Overall, configuration 3‐a emerges as a focal point for catalytic reactions. This article provides a more comprehensive analysis of the ConMoP(n = 1 ~ 5) cluster, yielding diverse results and enhancing the theoretical understanding of this cluster.
Phosphorus speciation and elemental associations in well‐drained soils of temperate forests
Authors: Henshaw Kalani Baer , Hettiarachchi Ganga , Judy Jonathan D.
Published: April 2024

Phosphorus (P) dynamics in the soil subsurface are relatively unstudied, especially in forest soils, and may be important in areas with groundwater‐fed surface water bodies. Here, we use X‐ray absorption near‐edge P spectroscopy (P‐XANES) and X‐ray fluorescence microprobe mapping (µ‐XRF) to examine P speciation and co‐localization with Fe and Al as a function of depth in soils from coniferous and deciduous forests. P‐XANES revealed similar trends in P speciation with depth for both forest types, with Al‐P and Fe‐P being dominant, whereas Ca‐P and organic P were minor constituents. Correlation plots derived from µ‐XRF mapping revealed a strong correlation between P and both Fe and Al at all depths. At depths of up to 378 cm, a range that includes A, E, and B horizons, the relationships between P and Al/Fe were remarkably consistent, consisting of a population of P diffusely associated with Al/Fe, consistent with Fe‐ or Al‐adsorbed P, as well as P linearly correlated with Al/Fe in several discreet groupings, indicative of the presence of specific P compounds. At depths below 378 cm, the relationships between P and Al/Fe changed dramatically, with correlation plotting indicating the disappearance of any diffuse P:Al/Fe relationships. This change occurred concurrently with a decrease in oxalate extractable P, suggesting that the P present in this deep soil horizon may be present in a more stable form that is less available for transport, as well as potentially indicating that P adsorbed to Fe/Al did not readily pass through the overlaying Bw soil horizon.
The hidden strength of small business: Social networks and wet market vendors in China
Authors: Zhong Shuru , Werner Cynthia
Published: April 2024

Throughout contemporary China, consumers have the option of purchasing food products from “traditional” Chinese wet markets or “modern” supermarket chains. Wet market vendors are economically disadvantaged as the operators of small‐scale businesses with limited investment and high labor costs. Nevertheless, wet market vendors continue to thrive in urban China, despite the continued expansion of supermarket chains. This article combines ethnographic data and social network analysis to examine how social networks provide wet market vendors with some important competitive advantages. The article draws on fourteen months of fieldwork in Sanya City, China, and provides an analysis of the composition, structure, and strength of the network ties of 113 wet market vendors. Vendors tend to have strong and dense ties to individuals who help them establish their businesses. Vendors also rely on strong ties with regular suppliers to help them reduce costs and ensure a regular supply of goods. These strong ties are balanced by weaker ties with a diverse range of customers, including small businesses and household consumers. A combination of both strong and weak network ties contributes to the collective resilience of wet market vendors, allowing them to confront crises, reduce risk and uncertainty, and improve performance.
Tunable 2D Conjugated Porous Organic Polymer Films for Precise Molecular Nanofiltration and Optoelectronics
Authors: Miller Kristen , Gayle Jessica M. , Roy Soumyabrata , Abdellah Mohamed H. , Hardian Rifan , Cseri Levente , Demingos Pedro G. , Nadella Hema Rajesh , Lee Frank , Tripathi Manoj , Gupta Sashikant , Guo Galio , Bhattacharyya Sohini , Wang Xu , Dalton Alan B. , Garg Ashish , Singh Chandra Veer , Vajtai Robert , Szekely Gyorgy , Ajayan Pulickel
Published: April 2024

Structural design of 2D conjugated porous organic polymer films (2D CPOPs), by tuning linkage chemistries and pore sizes, provides great adaptability for various applications, including membrane separation. Here, four free‐standing 2D CPOP films of imine‐ or hydrazone‐linked polymers (ILP/HLP) in combination with benzene (B‐ILP/HLP) and triphenylbenzene (TPB‐ILP/HLP) aromatic cores are synthesized. The anisotropic disordered films, composed of polymeric layered structures, can be exfoliated into ultrathin 2D‐nanosheets with layer‐dependent electrical properties. The bulk CPOP films exhibit structure‐dependent optical properties, triboelectric nanogenerator output, and robust mechanical properties, rivaling previously reported 2D polymers and porous materials. The exfoliation energies of the 2D CPOPs and their mechanical behavior at the molecular level are investigated using density function theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, respectively. Exploiting the structural tunability, the comparative organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) performance of six membranes having different pore sizes and linkages to yield valuable trends in molecular weight selectivity is investigated. Interestingly, the OSN performances follow the predicted transport modeling values based on theoretical pore size calculations, signifying the existence of permanent porosity in these materials. The membranes exhibit excellent stability in organic solvents at high pressures devoid of any structural deformations, revealing their potential in practical OSN applications.
Crystallization Control Assists Annealing‐Free Fabrication of Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells with Power Conversion Efficiency over 17%
Authors: Chen Yiwen , Wang Dongjie , Zhang Zheling , Huang Yu , Guo Rongrong , Zhu Wending , Tao Ying , Zhang Yang , Xiong Jian , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2024

The one‐step drop‐casting for preparing perovskite films in three‐layer mesoporous for printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells always results in insufficient filling of mesopores. A binary solvent based on 2‐methoxyethanol (2‐ME) and 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) offers a method suitable for annealing‐free to prepare dense perovskite films in mesopores. The crystallization process of perovskite films in mesopores can be adjusted by the content of NMP in the solvent. The introduction of NMP enhances the density of the perovskite film based on the binary solvent system, optimizing the contact between the perovskite film and the mesoporous scaffold. When the ratio of 2‐ME to NMP is 9:1, the optimal device achieves impressive performance metrics, including a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.28%, an open‐circuit voltage of 0.98 V, a short‐circuit current of 23.80 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 74.08%. This represents the highest PCE achieved to date in the annealing‐free preparation of perovskite films for printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, devices based on this binary solvent system exhibit remarkable stability, with almost no loss in efficiency even after 120 days of storage in an air environment without encapsulation.
Simple Encapsulation Method for Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with Transparent Electrode‐Integrated Barrier Films
Authors: Han Nara , Han Songyeon , Eom Ji‐Ho , Cho Tae‐Yeon , Young Oh Joon , Jin Choi Woo , Cho Seong‐Keun , Ham Dong Seok
Published: April 2024

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been rapidly developed for realistic applications such as windows and auxiliary power supplies of electronics. However, the moisture penetration through the flexible substrate films still poses a major obstacle because it can destroy the perovskite films under outdoor conditions. Unlike conventional PSCs with glass‐based encapsulation, flexible PSCs face challenges in finding suitable materials and structures that maintain flexibility while providing effective encapsulation. Simple encapsulation methods for flexible PSCs are proposed using a transparent electrode‐integrated flexible barrier (TIFB) substrate comprising silicon nitride (SiNx)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/indium tin oxide (ITO). A dense SiNx layer with chemical vapor deposition on ITO–PET films is deposited and a more flexible TIFB than the conventional laminated substrate owing to its thinness is achieved. TIFB shows a low water vapor transmission rate of 4.3 × 10−3 g m−2 day. Consequently, the efficiency of TIFB‐based PSCs under harsh conditions (60 °C and 90RH%) exhibits an acceptable decrease within 10% of its highest efficiency after 400 h, which is the most stable data under high temperature and humidity among existing flexible encapsulated PSCs. TIFB, as a flexible substrate, is a major candidate to protect flexible electronics and PSCs against external factors.
Intersectionality approach to mental health for Black men in student affairs
Authors: Quayson Felix , Ofori‐Yentumi Philip
Published: April 2024

Navigating higher education can be a challenging experience for Black men. Among these, Black men often face unique mental health challenges stemming from systemic racism, cultural expectations, and societal pressures. Addressing their specific needs requires a comprehensive approach. However, supporting Black men's mental health in higher education involves a multi‐faceted approach. By actively recognizing their challenges and ensuring resources cater to their specific needs, we can create an environment where all Black men can thrive in student affairs services. In this article, we used Chapman‐Hilliard and Adams‐Bass's theoretical framework of Black Liberation Psychology to guide our analysis of the mental health challenges that Black men face in student affairs.
Brother, We Got You: A collective impact approach to addressing Black college men's mental health
Authors: Johnson Jarrel T. , Florestal‐Kevelier Raphael D.
Published: April 2024

Higher education administrators, faculty, and staff across diverse institutional contexts grapple with college students' persisting and increasing mental health concerns. Further, recent research has discussed mental health challenges Black collegians encounter, exacerbated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Mental health issues among Black college students vary based on several factors (e.g., institutional type, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality). Research has demonstrated the various mental health trepidations Black men navigate at institutional campuses. Informed by a collective impact framework, we explored how higher education institutional stakeholders can collaboratively labor to drive solutions for promoting Black college men's mental health and well‐being. This article begins by broadly reviewing the literature on Black men's mental health in and outside collegiate settings. Next, we discussed the collective impact framework and how it can aid in expanding and advancing transformative mental health programs and services for Black college men. This article concluded with implications for future practices and programmatic considerations within collegiate environments.
Incorporating Global Englishes Varieties intoEFLClassrooms: Development of Listening Comprehension and Pronunciation
Authors: Miao Yongzhi , Kang Okim , Meng Xianghui
Published: April 2024

With the rise of different English varieties, scholars argued for reconceptualizing teaching pedagogies to acknowledge and incorporate diverse Global English (GE) varieties into the classroom (Rose & Galloway, 2019). However, very few studies explored the effectiveness of such innovative pedagogy on language skills. This study investigated the effect of an 8‐week GE‐oriented English intervention on the development of learners' listening comprehension and pronunciation. Two intact classes of undergraduate English learners in China were sampled over one semester. The intervention group (n = 29) received (a) awareness‐raising activities about different GE varieties and (b) explicit teaching of and exposure to different spoken varieties of English and their linguistic features. The control group (n = 21) received instruction modeled on American English. The intervention lasted 8 weeks (one session of 45 minutes/week). A pretest, an immediate posttest, and a delayed posttest (3 weeks after) were administered. Results from mixed effect models suggested (a) positive, yet unsustained effects on listening comprehension of GE varieties and (b) no effect on pronunciation development. Findings provide preliminary evidence for the practicality and effectiveness of GE‐oriented language classrooms.
Induction of tauopathy in a mouse model of amyloidosis using intravenous administration of adeno‐associated virus vectors expressing human P301L tau
Authors: Finneran Dylan J. , Desjarlais Taylor , Henry Alayna , Jackman Brianna M. , Gordon Marcia N. , Morgan David
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in which extracellular aggregates of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide precede widespread intracellular inclusions of the microtubule‐associated protein tau. The autosomal dominant form of AD requires mutations that increase production or aggregation of the Aβ peptide. This has led to the hypothesis that amyloid deposition initiates downstream responses that lead to the hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau.

METHODS

Here we use a novel approach, somatic gene transfer via intravenous adeno‐associated virus (AAV), to further explore the effects of pre‐existing amyloid deposits on tauopathy. APP+PS1 mice, which develop amyloid deposits at 3 to 6 months of age, and non‐transgenic littermates were injected at 8 months of age intravenously with AAV‐PHP.eB encoding P301L human tau. Tissue was collected at 13 months and tauopathy was assessed.

RESULTS

Total human tau expression was observed to be relatively uniform throughout the brain, reflecting the vascular route of AAV administration. Phospho‐tau deposition was not equal across brain regions and significantly increased in APP+PS1 mice compared to non‐transgenic controls. Interestingly, the rank order of phospho‐tau deposition of affected brain regions in both genotypes paralleled the rank order of amyloid plaque deposits in APP+PS1 mice. We also observed significantly increased MAPT RNA expression in APP+PS1 mice compared to non‐transgenic despite equal AAV transduction efficiency between groups.

DISCUSSION

This model has advantages over prior approaches with widespread uniform human tau expression throughout the brain and the ability to specify the stage of amyloidosis when the tau pathology is initiated. These data add further support to the amyloid cascade hypothesis and suggest RNA metabolism as a potential mechanism for amyloid‐induced tauopathy.
Anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in a dog with pericardial effusion and a heart base mass‐like effect
Authors: McCrae Sean , Skinner Stephanie , Odunayo Adesola , Wolf Jacob
Published: April 2024

A 4‐year‐old American Pitbull terrier presented for acute onset of a honking cough, vomiting and anorexia. Thoracic radiographs revealed tracheal narrowing consistent with a mass effect or tracheal collapse. The dog was hospitalised but acutely developed respiratory distress, syncope and pale mucous membranes. Moderate pleural effusion and a heart base mass were noted on echocardiographic examination as well as evidence of cardiac tamponade. Coagulation times were severely prolonged. After additional discussion with the owners, rodenticide exposure was considered possible. The owners elected humane euthanasia. A necropsy revealed gross evidence of intrathoracic haemorrhage and a heart base mass consistent with a haematoma. There was no evidence of neoplasia on histopathological evaluation of the tissues. A final diagnosis of rodenticide intoxication was made. This case report demonstrates the importance of considering anticoagulant rodenticide intoxication in patients with a history of pericardial effusion. It is also important to consider a haematoma as a differential diagnosis when a heart‐associated mass is visualised in patients with pericardial effusion.
Spermatic cord torsion associated with perineal hernia in a cryptorchid dog
Authors: Tsioli Vassiliki , Flouraki Evgenia , Zacharopoulou Theodora
Published: April 2024

An 8‐year‐old male German Shepherd dog with a history of dyschezia, tenesmus and perineal swelling for 1 month was referred. The dog was known to be unilaterally abdominal cryptorchid. The normally descended testis had been surgically removed a few years ago. On physical examination, a firm, non‐painful, irreducible mass was palpable in the left perineal region. Digital rectal examination revealed rectal deviation, and the pelvic diaphragm was absent on the left. The prostate gland was normal upon palpation. Abdominal radiography revealed that the urinary bladder was present in the caudal abdomen. Based on clinical, laboratory and imaging findings, a diagnosis of perineal hernia was made. Surgical exploration revealed the presence of left spermatic cord torsion in the perineal hernia. The testis was removed, and internal obturator muscle transposition was performed for herniorrhaphy. The dog had an uneventful recovery, and the results of re‐examinations 10 days, 6 months and 12 months later were normal.
Measurement of proviral load associated with the development of lymphocytosis in bovine leukaemia virus‐infected Holstein cattle at a dairy farm in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichiro
Published: April 2024

We monitored the bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) proviral load (PVL) in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and the PBL counts in BLV‐infected cattle on a dairy farm in Japan to determine the changes in PVL with the progression of lymphocytosis. A total of 25 BLV‐infected Holstein cattle at a dairy farm were followed up from May 2015 (0 month) to April 2016 (11 months). PBL counts and PVL were measured three times in 25 cattle. Based on their PBL counts, five cattle with normal PBL (≤7500 cells/µL) at 0 month but high PBL (>7500 cells/µL) at 11 months were classified as the increased group. All cattle in the increased group showed increased PVL compared to asymptomatic aleukaemic carriers at 11 months. This study revealed increases in PVL with the progression of lymphocytosis, suggesting that cattle with progression of lymphocytosis should be segregated from BLV‐negative cattle as soon as possible.
Sleep dysfunction in aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Cvancara David J. , Aboueisha Mohamed A. , Sharma Ayush A. , Sharma Dhruv , Humphreys Ian M. , Jafari Aria , Abuzeid Waleed M.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Studies have described sleep dysfunction (SD) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, there is a paucity of literature describing sleep dysfunction in the context of aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of SD in patients with AERD relative to CRS.

Methods

This study is a prospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with CRS without polyposis (CRSsNP, n = 206), CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP, n = 38), and AERD (n = 28) were recruited prospectively in academic center rhinology clinic. SD was assessed using the Neuro‐QOL Short Form v1.0‐Sleep Disturbance (sleep‐QOL), for which severe SD is defined as a score >2.0 standard deviations from the normalized mean. Demographic and patient‐reported outcome measures (including SNOT‐22 and PHQ‐2) were collected to adjust for sleep confounders. Comparisons were made between groups using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The prevalence of severe SD was significantly higher in AERD (57.1%) than in CRSsNP (32.5%) or CRSwNP (34.2%), p = 0.038. After adjusting for sleep confounders, the risk of sleep dysfunction remained higher among patients with AERD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.72 vs. CRSsNP, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–6.27, p = 0.02; OR = 3.06 vs. CRSwNP, 95% CI = 1.06–8.82, p = 0.04). SNOT‐22 total score and the sleep subdomain showed no correlation with sleep‐QOL score.

Conclusions

The frequency and severity of SD are greater in AERD patients than in patients with CRS with or without nasal polyposis, independent of confounders of sleep quality. While the putative link between AERD and SD remains elusive, this study suggests that SD in AERD may be greater than previously recognized.
Principles of Mixing and Fractionation Models
Authors: Skrzypek G.
Published: April 2024

Upfront consideration of possible mixing scenarios is required to achieve an optimal sampling design and deliver a successful project. This will also help increase efficiency by reducing the number of samples, workload and cost without compromising the final outcomes. Chapter 2 summarised key information about a conceptual framework for devising a sampling design for tracing non-particulate agricultural pollutants in surface and groundwaters on a catchment scale. This chapter provides a short introduction to mixing models applicable to tracers for water pollution studies.
Conclusion: Stable Isotope Tracers Are Useful for the Identification of Pollutants in Agro-ecosystems
Authors: Imfeld G. , Skrzypek G. , Adu-Gyamfi J. , Heng L.
Published: April 2024

Pollutant management in agro-ecosystems is a complex challenge that requires two key questions to be answered: (i) how to improve identification and quantification of pollutant sources, transport pathways and fate on the catchment scale? and (ii) how to prioritise and combine soil and water management practices to minimise the use and impact of agro-pollutants? An integrative book such as this one, focusing on the stable H, C, N, O and S isotope compositions of a variety of agro-pollutants, may help to address the first question and enable increasingly precise and robust evaluation of pollution in agro-ecosystems.
Introduction
Authors: Masters William A. , Finaret Amelia B.
Published: April 2024

This chapter explains how and why economics is useful for studying agriculture and food systems. All human populations have profound similarities in our nutritional needs, but people everywhere live under vastly different conditions. The economics of agriculture, food and nutrition offers powerful insights into how and why people respond to their unique circumstances in different ways. Economics offers a toolkit of methods and data developed over centuries of studying how people escaped hunger and undernutrition, and now need to address climate change, the global rise of diet-related diseases and other obstacles to further progress. This book is intended to be a core text for students in courses taking an economics perspective on food policy, agricultural development, food systems, or nutrition and health. No previous training is needed beyond secondary school algebra and geometry. Some students will come at this topic from the humanities and social sciences, while others will have studied agriculture or the health sciences, but everyone can use economics to understand how individual decisions and societal interactions drive the outcomes we observe, and how evidence-based policies and interventions can best improve agriculture, food and health.
Social Welfare: Evaluating Change in Food Markets
Authors: Masters William A. , Finaret Amelia B.
Published: April 2024

Economic principles help us explain observed outcomes as the result of each person having made consistent choices from their limited options. This approach helps us predict how people respond to new circumstances, and also provides a framework for inference about changes in the level of multidimensional wellbeing that a population can reach when their circumstances change. The first section of this chapter shows how changes in welfare can be compared in terms of economic surplus for consumers, producers and others in each community. We show how the concept of economic surplus helps explain and guide decision-making around policy choices, with strengths and limitations relative to other approaches. In the second section of the chapter, we use economic surplus to begin analysis of market failures, starting with externalities. Externalities are the unintended impacts of market activity on other people who may be harmed or benefit from nonmarket side effects of production or consumption. We discuss the many externalities that arise in agriculture, food systems and health, using economic surplus to show how decision-makers can consider the interests of both market participants and people affected by nonmarket externalities.