bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of the energy flow in and around a fluid-loaded elastic cylindrical shell
Authors: Dean Cleon E. , Braselton James P.
Published: July 2002

The energy flow in and around a fluid-loaded elastic cylindrical shell can be visualized by the instantaneous elastodynamic Poynting vector field and the time-averaged complex elastodynamic Poynting vector field. The instantaneous field can be used to animate and follow the energy flow around the cylindrical shell. The real and imaginary parts of the complex elastodynamic Poynting vector field can be used to show the traveling and standing wave components of the energy field, respectively. Special attention is given to the fluid/elastic boundary and energy coupling between the solid and fluid media. Numerous vector field plots and several animations will be shown.
Universal features of all-orders scattering in Biot theory
Authors: Smith Eric
Published: July 2002

Collective effects of multiple scattering in a fluid-saturated porous medium are treated self-consistently within the context of Biot theory. Like other effective-medium theories, Biot’s can be sensibly perturbed with random heterogeneity in any of the modulus or density parameters, with arbitrary covariances. When the perturbations are Gaussian and white, they can largely be absorbed back into the mean effective-medium parameters at long wavelength, by a successive iteration based on perturbation theory. This iteration begins with wave numbers at the grain scale, and ends with wave numbers near those of the acoustic waves of interest. Remarkably, a large range of arbitrary perturbations can be shown in this way to focus their collective scattering on the slow compressional wave, only mildly refracting the fast wave. Inertial and modular effects, and their implications for acoustic localization, will be discussed.
FDTD modeling of low-frequency sea surface reverberation in the presence of a near-surface bubble layer
Authors: Keiffer Richard S. , Zingarelli Robert A. , Novarini Jorge C.
Published: July 2002

There exists a well-documented discrepancy between the low to moderate frequency (150 Hz<f<1.5 kHz), low-grazing angle (<30 degrees) reverberation-derived backscattering strengths collected at sea and the predictions provided by rough surface scattering models. One of the central features of the data/model comparisons in this regime is the strong wind speed dependence exhibited in the data and the very weak wind speed dependence predicted by surface scattering models. In a previous study [Keiffer et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 227–234 (1995)], a heuristic model was used to explore the hypothesis that bubble-induced refraction may modify the insonification of the air/sea interface and significantly enhance the surface reverberation in this frequency range. In the present work, a finite difference time domain (FDTD) solution to the linear acoustic wave equation is exercised in numerical experiments designed to unambiguously demonstrate the significant impact that near-surface, bubble-induced refraction can have on the reverberation time series and, therefore, on the surface scattering strengths.
Direct measurement of F(λv) for a single circular pore
Authors: Petculescu Andi , Wilen Larry
Published: July 2002

A new technique for the direct measurement of the viscous dissipation function F(λv) in a circular pore will be described. The experiment is based on a loudspeaker-driven Helmholtz resonator geometry; the pore represents the aperture neck of the resonator. The technique involves measuring the acoustic impedance by simultaneously recording oscillatory pressure and displacement and using lumped-element circuit models to extract F(λv). Correction for end effects is attained by subtracting the impedances of two pores with different lengths prior to calculating F(λv). Runs were taken between 0.5 and 96 Hz, which correspond to values of λv between 0.6 and 8 for the pore size used. There is good agreement with theory over most of the frequency range. The experimental setup offers versatility since it allows easy substitution of different samples. Time permitting, we will describe application of the technique to thermoacoustic stack geometries such as reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) or pin arrays.
Nonlinear dynamics of aeroelastic systems
Authors: Dowell Earl H.
Published: July 2002

Aeroelastic systems are those that involve the coupled interaction between a convecting fluid and a flexible elastic structure. The nonlinear dynamical response of such systems is known to encounter limit cycle oscillations (LCO) in certain flight regimes and relatively simple experimental wind tunnel models have been designed to exhibit LCO as well. In the present paper, the results of these wind tunnel experiments are discussed and compared to comparable results from mathematical models. The physical models include (1) an airfoil and a control surface attached with an elastic spring including free-play, and (2) a delta wing with elastic geometrical nonlinearities due to bending and torsional deformations. Both self-excited oscillations such as flutter and LCO, as well as forced oscillations due to an aerodynamic gust, are discussed. The advantages of representing the unsteady aerodynamic flow field in terms of global modes for such studies are emphasized and illustrated.
On the existence of flexural edgewaves on fluid-loaded plates
Authors: Abrahams I. David , Norris Andrew N.
Published: July 2002

Thin elastic plates in vacuo support flexural edge waves with wave speed proportional to and slightly less than the speed of flexural waves on a plate of infinite extent. This phenomenon has been known for 40 years, and has been experimentally verified. In this talk, the existence of edge-supported flexural waves on fluid-loaded plates is established theoretically. While the analogous in vacuo edge waves exist for all parameter values, submerged plates are shown to support such waves only under very light fluid-loading conditions. For example, thin plates of aluminum, brass, or Plexiglas will not support edge waves in water, although edge waves are permissible for each of these materials in air. More specifically, the nondimensional fluid-loading parameter must be less than 0.0462 for edge waves to exist on plates with Poisson’s ratio of 0.33. The analysis is based on classical thin-plate theory and employs the Wiener–Hopf technique to derive the dispersion relation for the edge wave number as a function of frequency. In the limit of zero fluid loading, the dispersion relation predicts the well-known result of Konenkov (1960) for edge waves on thin plates.
Scaled window decompositions for reduced interference time–frequency distributions
Authors: Williams William
Published: July 2002

The reduced interference distribution (RID) is a time–frequency distribution (and a member of Cohen’s class) which enjoys a number of desirable properties. A simple design procedure, which allows one to start with a simple primitive function, h(t) is provided. When h(t) is equipped with certain constraints, a full RID kernel within Cohen’s class can easily be constructed. RID computation has traditionally been achieved by the ‘‘outer-product methods,’’ wherein the kernel is convolved with the local autocorrelation of the signal along time for each lag value. Amin, Cunningham, and Williams and others have provided alternative methodologies; the ‘‘inner-product methods.’’ This involves decomposition of the kernel into an orthonormal set of windows. Each window is used to form an STFT. We have found that a truncated set of windows can be used to closely approximate RIDs. Wavelet and scale-related windows can be used to generate a discrete time–frequency distribution that closely approximates RIDs. Illustrations of the contributions of each of the windows will be provided. This method of decomposition of the RID leads to new insights into the nature of time–frequency distributions as well as providing a method for very fast computation.
A classroom acoustic model to evaluate prescriptive options to meet a performance standard
Authors: Godfrey Richard D.
Published: July 2002

A standard to prescribe the acoustical performance of classroom spaces is now under development. As drafted, the standard will contain performance requirements, and many members of the working group would like to include prescriptive requirements as well. In order to make these two approaches consistent, an acoustical model of the classroom space is needed to predict the effects of component performance on the overall acoustic performance of the space. A model based on classical acoustics has been developed which allows the designer to select components performance characteristics from menus of measured performance. These input data are entered into an energy balance which predicts the classroom sound pressure level as a function of position in the room and the reverberation time. These performance characteristics are then compared to various metrics being considered by the working group. In this paper the formulation of the model will be described, and proposed prescriptive options will be evaluated for consistence with the performance metrics.
Complex sound source determination: Behavioral studies on goldfish
Authors: Fay R. R.
Published: July 2002

A series of experiments is reported on complex sound perception in goldfish using classical respiratory conditioning and a stimulus generalization paradigm. In general, animals are initially conditioned to a simple or complex sound, and then tested for generalization to novel sounds that differ systematically from the conditioning sound along one or more stimulus dimensions. Generalization gradients to the novel sound set indicate what sounds are perceived as similar or dissimilar, and what features of sounds are analyzed or attended to during conditioning and generalization testing. So far, these kinds of experiments have demonstrated perceptual dimensions in goldfish that resemble the dimensions of pure tone pitch, complex pitch, timbre, and roughness as perceived by humans. In addition, several experiments have revealed auditory stream segregation in goldfish that resembles that demonstrated for human listeners. It is concluded that goldfish share with humans a sense of hearing that is primitive for vertebrates, and is likely shared with most other vertebrate species. At a qualitative level, at least, goldfish know what we know about sounds and their sources. [Work supported by the NIH, NIDCD.]
Study of weak underwater shock waves generated by Ho:YAG pulse laser beam
Authors: Hamid S. , Hosseini R. , Hirano Takayuki , Onodera Osamu , Takayama Kazuyoshi
Published: July 2002

For medical application of underwater shock waves as a less-invasive approach, a reliable micro shock wave source is required. The present paper reports progress in production of underwater micro shock waves by direct irradiation of pulse laser beam. Energy source was a Q-switched Ho:YAG laser (Nippon Infrared Industries Co. Ltd.) with 91 mJ/pulse energy measured at the end of a 0.60-mm diameter glass optical fiber, pulse duration of 200 ns, and wavelength of 2.1 μm. The laser beam was focused and transmitted through the optical fiber. The generation and propagation of underwater shock waves from the roughened end of the fiber were quantitatively visualized by double-exposure holographic interferometry. Sequential flow visualization revealed that plasma generated by the laser beam drove spherical shock waves. The diameter of plasma region increased, then reduced and detached from the fiber end. Heat-induced flow in front of the fiber vanished after 100 ms. Peak overpressures were measured at various stand-off distances. The weak shock waves produced by this method have potential to be applied for precise medical procedures such as revascularization in neurosurgery.
Simultaneous detection of acoustic and light emissions from cavitation bubbles in SWL
Authors: Matula Thomas J. , Bailey Michael R. , Hilmo Paul R. , Crum Lawrence A.
Published: July 2002

A typical pulse in electrohydraulic shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) consists of an intense positive pressure pulse, followed by a longer negative-pressure tail. Computer models of the bubble dynamics associated with such a pulse suggest that the positive pressure pulse compresses the bubble (R{0}=3−10 μm) to a submicron size. The negative-pressure tail then causes the bubble to undergo a dramatic expansion, followed by an inertially dominated (presumably spherical) collapse hundreds of microseconds later. Acoustic and light emissions are generated at both collapses. We have examined the simultaneous acoustic and optical emission from a cavitation field generated by SWL in order to determine whether the sonoluminescence is principally due to the initial compression of the bubble, or the final inertial collapse. Using two confocal 1-MHz, piezoceramic hydrophones and a PMT mounted on a light-tight water-filled container, we have observed acoustic and light emission corresponding to both the compression and inertial collapse of the bubble field. Our initial results suggest that the light emission occurs most frequently during the initial bubble compression. These results may have implications for understanding the sphericity of the bubble dynamics produced in SWL. [Work supported by NIH and DARPA.]
Dynamic photoelastic study of the transient stress fields in solids during shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Xi Xufeng , Zhong Pei
Published: July 2002

Photoelastic and shadowgraph imaging techniques were used to visualize shock wave propagation, evolution, and the resultant transient stress fields in solids during shock wave lithotripsy. In parallel, theoretical analysis of the wavefront evolution inside the solids was performed using the ray-tracing method. Excellent agreement between the theoretical prediction and experimental results was observed. Moreover, the effects of sample size and shape on wave evolution and associated stress fields induced inside the solids were evaluated, both theoretically and experimentally. Finally, stone fragmentation tests were carried out using stone phantoms of different geometry and size, and the characteristics of the damage patterns were documented. By correlating the stone fragmentation patterns with the behavior of different wave components induced in the target stones, it was found that while the damage cracks near the posterior surface of the sample were initiated by the reflected longitudinal tensile wave, the transmitted shear wave plays a critical role in crack extension. [Work supported by NIH.]
The experience of an Associate Editor with the review process of papers in the Journal
Authors: Burroughs Courtney B.
Published: July 2002

One of the most important parts of the Society is the Journal, in which information on new research findings are disseminated. Before a paper is published in the Journal, it must be approved by an Associate Editor who typically seeks the advice of two experts on the subject of the paper. Based on 6 years experience as an Associate Editor for the Journal, an overview of several aspects involved in the review process will be given. What constitutes a good review and what reviewers are looking for in an acceptable paper will be presented. Although the decision of acceptance rests with the Associate Editor, it is rare that this Associate Editor does not adhere to the recommendations made by reviewers. However, this Associate Editor does read all of the papers prior to deciding either to accept a paper after revisions are made in response to reviewer comments, reject the paper, or defer a final decision until after the paper has been revised and submitted for further review. An overview of this Associate Editor’s experience with making the acceptance/rejection decision and what is felt to be the ingredients required for an acceptable Journal paper will be given.
Visualization of violin sound-radiation results from multiplanar near-field acoustic holography
Authors: Wang Lily M. , Burroughs Courtney B.
Published: July 2002

The application of multiplanar near-field acoustic holography (NAH) to violins has produced an enormous amount of radiated sound-pressure and intensity data in three dimensions surrounding the instruments. The data have been analyzed to identify areas of significant sound energy radiation on the violin surface and the subsequent paths of that energy. The source regions have then been correlated to modal analysis results, as well as compared between structurally different violins. To complete such analyses has required powerful visualization tools. This presentation reviews the visualization software called application visualization system (AVS) and the techniques used for the investigation, including animating results on several sequential planes and viewing data as three-dimensional bricks that may be cut to view the interior behavior. [Work supported by NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Lucent Technologies/Bell Laboratories GRPW Grant, and AAUW Selected Professions Dissertation Fellowship.]
Detection of whale calls in noise: Performance comparison between a beluga whale, human listeners, and a neural network
Authors: Erbe Christine
Published: July 2002

This article examines the masking by anthropogenic noise of beluga whale calls. Results from human masking experiments and a software backpropagation neural network are compared to the performance of a trained beluga whale. The goal was to find an accurate, reliable, and fast model to replace lengthy and expensive animal experiments. A beluga call was masked by three types of noise, an icebreaker’s bubbler system and propeller noise, and ambient arctic ice-cracking noise. Both the human experiment and the neural network successfully modeled the beluga data in the sense that they classified the noises in the same order from strongest to weakest masking as the whale and with similar call-detection thresholds. The neural network slightly outperformed the humans. Both models were then used to predict the masking of a fourth type of noise, Gaussian white noise. Their prediction ability was judged by returning to the aquarium to measure masked-hearing thresholds of a beluga in white noise. Both models and the whale identified bubbler noise as the strongest masker, followed by ramming, then white noise. Natural ice-cracking noise masked the least. However, the humans and the neural network slightly overpredicted the amount of masking for white noise. This is neglecting individual variation in belugas, because only one animal could be trained. Comparing the human model to the neural network model, the latter has the advantage of objectivity, reproducibility of results, and efficiency, particularly if the interference of a large number of signals and noise is to be examined.
The perceptual tone/noise ratio of merged, iterated rippled noises with octave, harmonic, and nonharmonic delay ratios
Authors: Handel Stephen , Patterson Roy D.
Published: July 2002

The perceptual tone/noise ratio was measured for merged iterated ripple noise stimuli (IRNs) in which one of the individual IRNs always had a delay of 16 ms. The second IRN was chosen to create merged IRNs with single octave delay ratios (e.g., 16 ms:8 ms), double octave delay ratios (e.g., 16 ms:4 ms), harmonic delay ratios (e.g., 16 ms:12 ms), and nonharmonic delay ratios (e.g., 16 ms:3.9 ms). All stimuli were high-pass filtered at 800 Hz. The tone/noise ratio was significantly enhanced for the octave ratios, and there was a strong interaction between the single and double octave delay ratios and number of iterations. But, the perceptual tone/noise ratio for nonoctave ratios was determined solely by the number of iterations. The pattern of the results can be explained in terms of the height of the largest peak in the summary autocorrelogram [Meddis and Hewitt, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 89, 2866–2882 (1991)] provided the model is modified to improve the simulation of the loss of phase locking.
Trends in the Use of Oral Anticoagulants for Adults With Venous Thromboembolism in the US, 2010-2020
Authors: Iyer Geetha S. , Tesfaye Helen , Khan Nazleen F. , Zakoul Heidi , Bykov Katsiaryna
Published: March 2023

Importance

The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has transformed the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Large health care databases offer valuable insight into how oral anticoagulants (OACs) are used in clinical practice and may aid in understanding reasons for changes in therapy.

Objectives

To evaluate prescribing patterns of OACs for patients with VTE and identify clinical events that precede treatment changes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from a public (Medicare fee-for-service) and a commercial (IBM MarketScan) health insurance database on 298 609 patients initiating OACs within 90 days of index VTE hospitalization from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2020. Statistical analysis was conducted from April to August 2022.

Exposures

Warfarin and the DOACs rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Characteristics of patients initiating different OACs, along with trends over time of patients initiating OACs, were compared. Time receiving continuous anticoagulant therapy, patterns of anticoagulant discontinuation (treatment gap of ≥30 days), and treatment switches were assessed. Clinical events in the 30 days preceding treatment modifications were identified.

Results

A total of 203 378 individuals with Medicare (mean [SD] age, 76.9 [7.6] years; 122 554 women [60.3%]) and 95 231 with commercial insurance (mean [SD] age, 57.6 [15.8] years; 47 139 women [49.5%]) were included (N = 298 609). Warfarin was the most frequent OAC prescribed (163 044 [54.6%]), followed by rivaroxaban (66 882 [22.3%]) and apixaban (65 997 [22.1%]). The proportion of patients initiating DOACs increased from 0% in 2010 to 86.8% (22 420 of 25 817) in 2019 for patients with Medicare and 92.1% (4012 of 4357) in 2020 for commercially insured patients. Patients with chronic kidney disease were more likely to initiate warfarin (35 561 [11.9%]) or apixaban (16 294 [5.5%]) than rivaroxaban (10 136 [3.4%]), and those with a history of bleeding were more likely to initiate apixaban (5424 [1.8%]) than rivaroxaban (3007 [1.0%]). Overall, patients received persistent OAC treatment for approximately 6 months (Medicare: median, 175 days [IQR, 76-327 days]; commercial insurance: median, 168 days [IQR, 83-279 days]). A total of 33 011 patients (11.1%) switched anticoagulant therapy within a year. Switching to another anticoagulant was preceded most frequently by codes for a VTE diagnostic procedure (27.2% of all switchers [8983 of 33 011]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study using data from 2 US health insurance databases suggests that most patients with VTE continued oral anticoagulant treatment for approximately 6 months. Clinical reasons for modifying anticoagulant therapy were identified in one-third of patients. Identifying reasons for treatment modification is crucial for generating valid evidence on drug safety and effectiveness.
Association of Patients’ Direct Addition of Buprenorphine to Urine Drug Test Specimens With Clinical Factors in Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Pytell Jarratt D. , Whitley Penn , Passik Steven D. , Bundy William L. , Dawson Eric , Saloner Brendan
Published: March 2023

Importance

The direct addition of buprenorphine to urine drug test specimens to mimic results suggestive of adherence is a clinically significant result, yet little is known about the phenomenon.

Objective

To characterize factors associated with the direct addition of buprenorphine to urine specimens among patients prescribed buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study of urine drug test specimens was conducted from January 1, 2017, to April 30, 2022, using a national database of urine drug test specimens ordered by clinicians from primary care, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment clinics. Urine specimens with quantitative norbuprenorphine and buprenorphine concentrations from patients with opioid use disorder currently prescribed buprenorphine were analyzed.

Exposures

Nonprescribed opioid or stimulant co-positive, clinical setting, collection year, census division, patient age, patient sex, and payor.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Norbuprenorphine to buprenorphine ratio less than 0.02 identified direct addition of buprenorphine. Unadjusted trends in co-positivity for stimulants and opioids were compared between specimens consistent with the direct addition of buprenorphine. Factors associated with the direct addition of buprenorphine were examined with generalized estimating equations.

Results

This study included 507 735 urine specimens from 58 476 patients. Of all specimens, 261 210 (51.4%) were obtained from male individuals, and 137 254 (37.7%) were from patients aged 25 to 34 years. Overall, 9546 (1.9%) specimens from 4550 (7.6%) patients were suggestive of the direct addition of buprenorphine. The annual prevalence decreased from 2.4% in 2017 to 1.2% in 2020. Opioid-positive with (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.01; 95% CI, 1.85-2.18) and without (aOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.81-2.26) stimulant-positive specimens were associated with the direct addition of buprenorphine to specimens, while opioid-negative/stimulant-positive specimens were negatively associated (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.85). Specimens from patients aged 35 to 44 years (aOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.34-1.90) and primary care (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.44-1.79) were associated with the direct addition of buprenorphine. Differences by treatment setting decreased over time. Specimens from the South Atlantic census region had the highest association (aOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.25-1.56) and New England had the lowest association (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.46-0.65) with the direct addition of buprenorphine.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the direct addition of buprenorphine to urine specimens was associated with other opioid positivity and being collected in primary care settings. The direct addition of buprenorphine to urine specimens is a clinically significant finding, and best practices specific for this phenomenon are needed.
Comprehensive Framework of Firearm Violence Survivor Care
Authors: Timmer-Murillo Sydney C. , Schroeder Mary E. , Trevino Colleen , Geier Timothy J. , Schramm Andrew T. , Brandolino Amber M. , Hargarten Stephen , Holena Daniel , de Moya Marc , Milia David , deRoon-Cassini Terri A.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Firearm violence is a public health crisis placing significant burden on individuals, communities, and health care systems. After firearm injury, there is increased risk of poor health, disability, and psychopathology. The newest 2022 guidelines from the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma require that all trauma centers screen for risk of psychopathology and provide referral to intervention. Yet, implementing these guidelines in ways that are responsive to the unique needs of communities and specific patient populations, such as after firearm violence, is challenging.

Observations

The current review highlights important considerations and presents a model for trauma centers to provide comprehensive care to survivors of firearm injury. This model highlights the need to enhance standard practice to provide patient-centered, trauma-informed care, as well as integrate inpatient and outpatient psychological services to address psychosocial needs. Further, incorporation of violence prevention programming better addresses firearm injury as a public health concern.

Conclusions and Relevance

Using research to guide a framework for trauma centers in comprehensive care after firearm violence, we can prevent complications to physical and psychological recovery for this population. Health systems must acknowledge the socioecological context of firearm violence and provide more comprehensive care in the hospital and after discharge, to improve long-term recovery and serve as a means of tertiary prevention of firearm violence.
Land‐use patterns on heirs' property in the American South
Authors: Winters‐Michaud Clayton , Burnett Wesley , Callahan Scott , Keller Andrew , Williams Michael , Harakat Sumayyah
Published: March 2023

Heirs' property is a much‐criticized form of land ownership that disproportionately affects African Americans. This paper outlines a novel methodology for identifying heirs' property and classifying land‐use thereon. We summarize our results for the US South and present a comparison of land‐use patterns on heirs' property to the broader population, providing evidence both for and against commonly held beliefs about land use on heirs' property. For example, we find that the percentage of heirs' property classified as other (non‐agricultural) rural land is five times higher than the general population of non‐federal property, while the percentage of land classified as cropland is relatively equal between the two groups.
A global meta‐analysis of cover crop response on soil carbon storage within a corn production system
Authors: Joshi Deepak R. , Sieverding Heidi L. , Xu Hui , Kwon Hoyoung , Wang Michael , Clay Sharon A , Johnson Jane M. , Thapa Resham , Westhoff Shaina , Clay David E.
Published: March 2023

By influencing soil organic carbon (SOC), cover crops play a key role in shaping soil health and hence the system's long‐term sustainability. However, the magnitude by which cover crops impacts SOC depends on multiple factors, including soil type, climate, crop rotation, tillage type, cover crop growth, and years under management. To elucidate how these multiple factors influence the relative impact of cover crops on SOC, we conducted a meta‐analysis on the impacts of cover crops within rotations that included corn (Zea mays L.) on SOC accumulation. Information on climatic conditions, soil characteristics, management, and cover crop performance was extracted, resulting in 198 paired comparisons from 61 peer‐reviewed studies. Over the course of each study, cover crops on average increased SOC by 7.3% (95% CI, 4.9%–9.6%). Furthermore, the impact of cover crop–induced increases in percent change SOC was evaluated across soil textures, cover crop types, crop rotations, biomass amounts, cover crop durations, tillage practices, and climatic zones. Our results suggest that current cover crop–based corn production systems are sequestering 5.5 million Mg of SOC per year in the United States and have the potential to sequester 175 million Mg SOC per year globally. These findings can be used to improve carbon footprint calculations and develop science‐based policy recommendations. Taken altogether, cover cropping is a promising strategy to sequester atmospheric C and hence make corn production systems more resilient to changing climates.
Molybdenum oxides catalyzed the N,N‐dimethylamination of alcohols with N,N‐dimethylformamide for direct synthesis of tertiary amines
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Liu Jiteng , Zhang Lei , Wang Siming , Jia Xueqin , Fu Wenqian , Tang Tiandi
Published: March 2023

Molybdenum oxides (MoO3 − x, x = 1, 2, and 3) with three types of morphologies were prepared and applied to the reaction of benzyl alcohol with dimethylformamide (DMF) for synthesis of tertiary amines. The MoO3 − 1 catalyst prepared by direct calcination exhibited high activity and tertiary amines selectivity in the N,N‐dimethylamination of benzyl alcohol under the reaction conditions at 150°C for 12 h using DMF as a methylating agent and solvent, as compared to MoO3 − 2 and MoO3 − 3 catalysts. This feature was ascribed to the high proportion of surface chemisorbed oxygen for MoO3 − 1 sample, which can promote the adsorbed benzyl alcohol transformation into benzaldehyde. The MoO3 − 1 catalyst was also found to be reusable in five consecutive runs without a significant decrease in catalytic activity. In addition, control experiments showed two parallel reaction routes in this catalytic system. One route is the reaction of benzaldehyde intermediate and DMF to form tertiary amines (Route I); the other route is that benzyl formate intermediate reacted with DMF (Route II), which has not been reported before and specifically involves the esterification of benzyl alcohol with formic acid from DMF decomposition to form benzyl formate.
Cd(II) complexes derived from thiazoline, hydrazide and carbodithioate ligands: synthesis, crystal structures and electrochemical sensing of uric acid
Authors: Jaiswal Shubham , Pandey Shivendra Kumar , Prajapati Jyoti , Chandra Suryansh , Gond Mannu Kumar , Bharty Manoj Kumar , Tiwari Ida , Butcher Ray J.
Published: March 2023

Three novel Cd(II) metal complexes 1–3 have been synthesized with different derivatives of thiazoline, hydrazide and carbodithioate. These metal complexes are abbreviated as [Cd (tht)2]n, [Cd (Hpph)2]n and [Cd (mpps)2]n along with their respective ligands Htht, H2pph and mpps. The developed metal complexes are characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data and other spectroscopic techniques (Infrared [IR], nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], ultraviolet–visible [UV–vis] and fluorescence). The polymeric nature of these cadmium complexes have been ascertained by single XRD data. Several significant interactions were also revealed, which aid in the stabilization of these complexes' supramolecular architecture. Comparing complex 2 with complexes 1 and 3, the absorption spectra of complex 2 exhibits a greater λmax. On comparing the fluorescence study of these complexes, complex 2 has a higher fluorescence than complexes 1 and 3. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) approach was employed to detect the electrochemical behaviour of these complexes, as well as the sensing of uric acid (UA) by these complexes via modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). According to the conclusions received by CV study, the modified electrode containing complex 3 has admirable UA electro catalytic activity. This UA electrochemical sensing device offers a low detection limit (0.3 μM), fine linear ranges (30–1500 μM), reasonable sensitivity, and a fast reaction time.
Biosafety Photooxidation Strategy of Levofloxacin Driven by Manganese‐Doped Indium Zinc Sulfide
Authors: Wen Li , Liu Peng , Zhou Zhaoyi , Wang Ke , Zhou Yi
Published: March 2023

Overuse of antibiotics has led to ecological hazards such as the emergence of resistance genes and super bacteria, necessitating the development of water pollution control technology. Indium zinc sulfide (ZnIn2S4, ZIS) is a promising material for environmental applications due to its narrow band gap and excellent light absorption ability. This study investigates Mn‐doped ZIS photocatalysts to enhance their photocatalytic oxidation efficiency. Structural morphology, electrochemical testing, and active species testing confirm that Mn‐doping optimizes the energy band structure of ZIS and increases the concentration of active free radicals, improving the efficiency of charge separation. Mn‐doping also causes lattice distortion, leading to trapping centers to enhance charge separation efficiency. The optimal ZIS‐4% oxidation degradation rate of levofloxacin was 2.5 times higher than that of pristine ZIS, with degradation rates reaching almost 100% in 30 minutes. This study provides a novel approach to designing Mn‐doped photocatalysts for antibiotic pollution control.
Evaluation of a person‐centred psychotherapy programme for children with developmental disabilities and parents in disadvantaged families
Authors: Fung Suk Chun , Chan Randolph Chun Ho
Published: March 2023

Background

The needs of parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) in disadvantaged families are frequently unmet by service providers. This service gap likely diminishes the therapeutic gains of children's treatment. Catering to the psychological needs of both children and parents is important. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of a person‐centred psychotherapy programme for children with DD and parents in disadvantaged families in reducing parenting stress and promoting positive children's behaviours.

Method

Fifteen parent–child dyads participated in a person‐centred psychotherapy programme consisting of eight 1‐hr child‐centred play therapy (CCPT) sessions and four 1‐hr person‐centred therapy (PCT) sessions. The parents completed a quantitative questionnaire before and after the programme.

Results

The results indicated a significant reduction in children's conduct problems, with a large effect size, and in the levels of parental distress, parent–child dysfunctional interaction and difficulty in controlling their child's behaviours, with large effect sizes after the interventions.

Conclusions

This study provides positive evidence for the effectiveness of the person‐centred intervention programme. The results imply that individual humanistic therapy sessions are essential and effective to cater to parents' needs. Service providers can provide PCT to parents when delivering child services.
Myocarditis and myasthenia gravis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor in a patient with relapsed thymoma: A case report
Authors: Zhong Peng , Zhang Cuizhen , Guan Hongshan , Yan Jie , He Mengying , Zhou Xiaoyang
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)‐targeting CTLA4 and PD1 constitute a promising class of cancer treatment but are associated with several immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). A 55‐year‐old male patient with relapse thymoma was subjected to ICI therapy (PD‐1 antibody), 2 weeks later, the patient started to manifest including droopy eyelids, weak neck, arms, and legs, and shortness of breath. Then the patient was admitted to the hospital because of the MG symptoms. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) revealed the presence of hypercapnia. Noninvasive ventilation was utilized for respiratory support. At admission, increased serum troponin levels, coupled with interventricular conduction abnormalities were observed. On the second day after admission, the patient developed transient loss of consciousness and twitching of the muscles, and electrocardiography monitoring showed intermittent third‐degree atrioventricular block and ventricular pause necessitating temporary cardiac pacing. After excluding the possibility of acute coronary syndrome, intravenous steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, pyridostigmine, and mycophenolate mofetil were sequentially initiated. 2 weeks later after treatment initiation, cardiac biomarkers and conduction abnormalities were recovered. 7 weeks later, MG symptoms were markedly improved. ICI‐related MG and myocarditis can be life‐threatening without appropriate management and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for these irAEs in cancer patients receiving ICIs therapy. Steroids remain the cornerstone in the current management of irAEs due to the fast onset of action and high efficacy. However, in severe and refractory cases where no improvement is achieved despite high‐dose steroids, alternative immunosuppressants should be considered.
Metastatic prostate cancer presenting as a posterior mediastinal mass: A rare presentation
Authors: Haider Muhammad , Mahtani Arun Umesh , Botrus Bachar , Kenne Foma Munoh , Master Madiha Fatima
Published: March 2023

A 68‐year‐old African American male presented to the emergency department with back and abdominal pain. Imaging showed a posterior mediastinal mass interposed between the carina, the left main stem bronchus, and the descending thoracic aorta. Biopsy of the mass favored a metastatic prostate carcinoma, which is an extremely rare presentation.
Roxarsone Delivery Nanocomposite Based on Nitrite‐Functionalized Mesoporous Polydopamine for Multidrug‐Resistant Bacterial Infections via Enhanced Chemo‐Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Kang Zhecheng , Zhou Qian , Wang Kun , Wang An , Chen Tianyi , Wei Hongbo , Wang Tengjiao
Published: March 2023

Current treatments for infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria still remain challenging and therapeutic materials with high efficacy are of demand. Herein, a bactericidal nanocomposite was constructed by loading Roxarsone (ROX) onto nitrosylated mesoporous polydopamine (named mPDA@NO‐ROX). The designed nanocomposite exhibited considerable photothermal effect and controlled NO and ROX co‐delivery under the irradiation of near‐infrared laser (NIR) to achieve enhanced chemo‐photothermal antibacterial therapy. The in vitro antibacterial evaluation of the mPDA@NO‐ROX demonstrated the effective elimination of the Gram‐negative tetracycline‐resistant Escherichia coil and Gram‐positive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus under mild NIR irradiation compared to merely ROX loaded unmodified mPDA, indicating the NO enhanced chemo‐photothermal therapy. In addition, the cytotoxicity experiments indicated that mPDA@NO‐ROX exhibited only 5 % of hemolysis rate and high cell viability at 1 mg mL−1 against mammalian fibroblasts, suggesting the excellent biocompatibility. In conclusion, the mPDA@NO‐ROX could be a promising candidate for anti‐infection therapy of multidrug‐resistant bacteria.
Design, analysis, and adaptive maximum power point tracking control of small‐scale wind turbine system
Authors: Mendi Balaji , Pattnaik Monalisa , Srungavarapu Gopalakrishna
Published: March 2023

Due to the stochastic and unpredictable nature of wind speed, extraction of maximum power from the wind turbine system becomes an attractive control objective. Therefore, to capture more wind power, various conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) schemes are developed for standalone small‐scale variable speed wind power generation system (VSWPGS). This manuscript proposes novel adaptive step size (ASS) and drift‐free ASS (DF‐ASS) MPPT methods for a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)‐based VSWPGS. The control schemes achieve maximum power point (MPP) without using mechanical sensors like speed encoder and anemometer. The proposed MPPT controllers are implemented on a laboratory‐scale DC motor‐PMSG‐based wind power generation system (WPGS) using OPAL‐RT real‐time digital platform. The ASS and DF‐ASS methods capture more power, reduce the steady‐state power oscillation around MPP, and improve the tracking speed. Also, the proposed DF‐ASS control scheme avoids drift phenomenon during wind speed increase condition. The comparative experimental results of proposed ASS and DF‐ASS methods with respect to the fixed step size MPPT schemes show better dynamic and steady‐state performance, making it pertinent for small‐scale WPGS.
Crop diversity and susceptibility of crop fields to elephant raids in eastern Okavango Panhandle, northern Botswana
Authors: Matsika Tiroyaone A. , Masunga Gaseitsiwe S. , Makati Anastacia , McCulloch Graham , Stronza Amanda , Songhurst Anna C. , Adjetey Joseph A. , Obopile Motshwari
Published: March 2023

Elephants frequently raid crops within their ranges in Africa and Asia. These raids can greatly impact agricultural productivity and food security for farmers. Therefore, there is a need to explore cost‐effective measures that would reduce the susceptibility of crops and agricultural fields to elephant raiding, and further promote sustainable human–elephant coexistence. Previous studies have examined the susceptibility of crop fields to elephant raids using field characteristics such as field size and proximity to water sources. However, there are limited studies investigating how different crop types, individually and in their combinations, influence crop susceptibility to elephant raiding. This study utilized data collected from crop fields raided by the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) between 2008 and 2018 in the eastern Okavango Panhandle, northern Botswana. Data on crops grown, number of crop‐raiding incidences for each crop, and elephant raiding incidences were recorded for each field assessed. Incidence risks (IR) and field risk value (RV) were computed using an adaptive epidemiological approach. The results showed that elephant raiding incidents varied significantly amongst crop types over space and time (p < .0001). Cereal crops (millet: Eleusine conaracana, maize: Zea mays) incurred a higher number of crop‐raiding incidents compared with leguminous crops (cowpea: Vigna unguiculata; groundnut: Arachis hypogea). Field RVs significantly varied depending on which crop was present in the field. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of crop types and the susceptibility of the field to raiding (r = −0.680, p < .0001). Our results suggest that the susceptibility of the fields to elephant raids could be minimized by selecting crop types and combinations less susceptible to elephant damage, thus enhancing food security for local subsistence farmers.
Land‐use changes interact with geology to facilitate dispersal of the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) and leishmaniasis across Israel and the West Bank
Authors: Ben‐Moshe Noam , Rosensaft Marcelo , Iwamura Takuya
Published: March 2023

Geology plays a fundamental role in establishing species' habitats, determining both physical (e.g., landscape morphology, soil texture) and chemical (e.g., mineral composition, water availability) properties. In the current Anthropocene epoch, human activity is transforming Earth's geology and ecosystems. Yet to date, there have been almost no studies incorporating geology when examining the effect of such land‐use changes on species distribution. This study seeks to uncover how specific land‐use changes interact with geology, in order to explain the recent and rapid expansion of the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) across the mountains of central Israel and the West Bank. Hyraxes are dependent on rock mounds for their habitat, and their expansion seems to be correlated with increasing infrastructure construction. However, their expansion patterns differ among locations, even when the human land‐use is similar. To explain the patterns of hyrax distribution observed over the past 46 years, we converted geological data into ecological data, which present the probability of the local bedrock breaking into boulders, whether due to either natural or anthropogenic weathering processes. We applied species distribution models (SDMs) and found that the expansion of rock hyrax populations was facilitated by means of the interaction of specific geological units with land‐use practices (e.g., roads and construction), which resulted in the accumulation of large boulders, creating novel habitats and stepping stones in previously unsuitable areas for hyraxes. Since rock hyraxes are major hosts of the leishmaniasis pathogen, the findings from this study offer important insights into the progression and potential outbreaks of the disease in human populations. Understanding the role that geology plays in shaping a species' niche is expected to prove useful in studying the distribution of other wildlife species and is fundamental in studies seeking to predict the potential ecological impacts on local biodiversity associated with land‐use change.