bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social‐emotional learning and physical activity in schools: Practitioner perspectives and initial measurement development
Authors: Greenspan Scott B. , Whitcomb Sara A. , Santana Zachary A. , Fefer Sarah , Hayden Laura
Published: May 2022

School mental health (SMH) practitioners and physical education (PE) teachers have been identified as key stakeholders in supporting the integration of social‐emotional learning (SEL) and physical activity within schools. Authors of this study developed and administered a survey measure to delineate SMH practitioners' (i.e., school psychologists, school counselors; n = 219) and PE teachers' (n = 138) perspectives of social‐emotional learning (SEL) and PA, and aligning these practices within their work. There were two forms of the measure developed, with one for each stakeholder group. The analytic procedure involved Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), descriptive statistics, and analysis of mean differences using independent sample T tests at the factor level. The SMH form brought forth three factors (linking practices, need for training, and current practices), and the PE form brought forth two factors (linking practices and need for training). Survey results suggest that both SMH practitioners and PE teachers agree that there is inherent value in youths' engagement in both SEL and PA and would like increased training to incorporate such practices within their unique roles. SMH professionals rate on average that they “neither agree nor disagree” that they integrate PA within their work. Implications are discussed for both research and practice.
Sorghum root epigenetic landscape during limiting phosphorus conditions
Authors: Gladman Nicholas , Hufnagel Barbara , Regulski Michael , Liu Zhigang , Wang Xiaofei , Chougule Kapeel , Kochian Leon , Magalhães Jurandir , Ware Doreen
Published: May 2022

Efficient acquisition and use of available phosphorus from the soil is crucial for plant growth, development, and yield. With an ever‐increasing acreage of croplands with suboptimal available soil phosphorus, genetic improvement of sorghum germplasm for enhanced phosphorus acquisition from soil is crucial to increasing agricultural output and reducing inputs, while confronted with a growing world population and uncertain climate. Sorghum bicolor is a globally important commodity for food, fodder, and forage. Known for robust tolerance to heat, drought, and other abiotic stresses, its capacity for optimal phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) is still being investigated for optimized root system architectures (RSA). Whilst a few RSA‐influencing genes have been identified in sorghum and other grasses, the epigenetic impact on expression and tissue‐specific activation of candidate PUE genes remains elusive. Here, we present transcriptomic, epigenetic, and regulatory network profiling of RSA modulation in the BTx623 sorghum background in response to limiting phosphorus (LP) conditions. We show that during LP, sorghum RSA is remodeled to increase root length and surface area, likely enhancing its ability to acquire P. Global DNA 5‐methylcytosine and H3K4 and H3K27 trimethylation levels decrease in response to LP, while H3K4me3 peaks and DNA hypomethylated regions contain recognition motifs of numerous developmental and nutrient responsive transcription factors that display disparate expression patterns between different root tissues (primary root apex, elongation zone, and lateral root apex).
Protein‐protein interaction networks as miners of biological discovery
Authors: Wang Steven , Wu Runxin , Lu Jiaqi , Jiang Yijia , Huang Tao , Cai Yu‐Dong
Published: May 2022

Protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) form the basis of a myriad of biological pathways and mechanism, such as the formation of protein complexes or the components of signaling cascades. Here, we reviewed experimental methods for identifying PPI pairs, including yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H), mass spectrometry (MS), co‐localization, and co‐immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, a range of computational methods leveraging biochemical properties, evolution history, protein structures and more have enabled identification of additional PPIs. Given the wealth of known PPIs, we reviewed important network methods to construct and analyze networks of PPIs. These methods aid biological discovery through identifying hub genes and dynamic changes in the network, and have been thoroughly applied in various fields of biological research. Lastly, we discussed the challenges and future direction of research utilizing the power of PPI networks.
Molecular interactions and inhibition of the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease by a thiadiazolidinone derivative
Authors: Andrzejczyk Jacob , Jovic Katarina , Brown Logan M. , Pascetta Valerie G. , Varga Krisztina , Vashisth Harish
Published: May 2022

We report molecular interactions and inhibition of the main protease (MPro) of SARS‐CoV‐2, a key enzyme involved in the viral life cycle. By using a thiadiazolidinone (TDZD) derivative as a chemical probe, we explore the conformational dynamics of MPro via docking protocols and molecular dynamics simulations in all‐atom detail. We reveal the local and global dynamics of MPro in the presence of this inhibitor and confirm the inhibition of the enzyme with an IC50 value of 1.39 ± 0.22 μM, which is comparable to other known inhibitors of this enzyme.
MON 95379 Bt maize as a new tool to manage sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) in South America
Authors: Horikoshi Renato J. , Ferrari German , Dourado Patrick M. , Climaco Juan I. , Vertuan Hallison V. , Evans Adam , Pleau Michael , Morrell Kimberly , José Marcia O. M. A. , Anderson Heather , Martinelli Samuel , Ovejero Ramiro F. L. , Berger Geraldo U. , Head Graham
Published: May 2022

Background

The sugarcane borer (SCB), Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a key pest of maize in Argentina, and genetically modified maize, producing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins, has revolutionized the management of this insect in South America. However, field‐evolved resistance to some Bt technologies has been observed in SCB in Argentina. Here we assessed a new Bt technology, MON 95379, in the laboratory, greenhouse and field for efficacy against SCB.

Results

In a laboratory leaf disc bioassay, both MON 95379 (producing Cry1B.868 and Cry1Da_7) and Cry1B.868_single maize (producing only Cry1B.868) resulted in 100% mortality of SCB. The level of Cry1B.868 in the Cry1B.868_single maize is comparable to that in MON 95379 maize. However, the Cry1Da_7 protein does not have high efficacy against SCB, as evidenced by < 20% mortality on Cry1Da_7_single leaf tissue. Total (100%) mortality of SCB in a Cry1B.868_single tissue dilution bioassay indicated that Cry1B.868_single maize meets the criteria to be classified as a high dose. Similar median lethal concentration (LC50) values were observed for MON 89034‐R and susceptible SCB strains exposed to Cry1B.868 protein. MON 95379 also controlled SCB strains resistant to MON 89034 (Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2) and Cry1Ab. Under field conditions in Brazil and Argentina, MON 95379 maize plants were consistently protected from SCB damage.

Conclusion

MON 95379 maize will bring value to maize growers in South America by effectively managing SCB even in locations where resistance to other Bt‐containing maize technologies has been reported. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Anthraquinones and their analogues as potential biocontrol agents of rust and powdery mildew diseases of field crops
Authors: Barilli Eleonora , Agudo Francisco J. , Masi Marco , Nocera Paola , Evidente Antonio , Rubiales Diego
Published: May 2022

Background

Rusts and powdery mildews are severe fungal diseases of major crops worldwide, including cereals and legumes. They can be managed by chemical fungicide treatments, with negative consequences as environmental pollution and risk for human and animal health. Bioactive natural products could be the safest alternative for pest control. The family of anthraquinones, as well as analogue compounds containing an anthraquinone moiety or some modified anthraquinone rings, has been reported to exhibit certain antibiotic activity. Thus, the potential antifungal activity of some anthraquinones isolated from Ascochyta lentis, was assayed in this study for their effectiveness to reduce rust and powdery mildew diseases on pea and oat. Their effect on fungal development was macro‐ and microscopically assessed on inoculated leaves, and compared to the control achieved by the chemical fungicide (Tetraconazol 12.5% and Azoxystrobin 25%). In addition, the most promising compound was also tested at different concentrations in inoculated whole plants in order to evaluate its preventive and curative potential against fungal infection.

Results

All metabolites studied strongly reduced the development of rust and powdery mildews in both pea and oat, being pachybasin and lentiquinone C the most effective ones in hampering fungal spore germination and appressoria formation. Some of them also affected post‐penetration events reducing colony size and number of haustoria per colony. Results were confirmed for pachybasin in whole plants assays, showing an efficacy similar to the commercial fungicide to control fungal diseases, both in preventive and curative applications.

Conclusions

Some fungal anthraquinones and close metabolites, especially pachybasin, could be very promising molecules with effective potential as antifungal agents against both rust and powdery mildew of both pea and oat. Some structure activity‐relationships feature have also been evaluated. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Phase Stability, Electronic, and Optical Properties in Pcca, R3c, and Pm‐3m Phases of BiGaO3 Perovskite
Authors: Krache Lahcene , Ghebouli Mohamed Amine , Ghebouli Brahim , Alomairy Sultan , Reffas Mounir , Fatmi Messaoud , Chihi Tayeb
Published: May 2022

Using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA), the phase stability, electronic, and optical characteristics of BiGaO3 in the Pcca, R3c, and Pm‐3m phases are examined. The structural phase transition can be caused by the few soft modes between F and Z points in the R3c phase. Because it is coupled to isotropic deformation, the bulk modulus of BiGaO3 is an indicator of its high hardness. When electrons travel from the top of the valence band (O‐2p) to the bottom of the conduction band (Ga‐4p or Bi‐6p), optical transitions are detected. The pyroxene Pcca phase of BiGaO3 is the most stable, according to GGA–Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) total energy calculations. At 5 GPa, the phase change from the Pcca to the R3c structure occurs. Because of the smaller reticular lengths and higher Coulomb forces, the elastic constants of BiGaO3 are quite significant.
Space–Charge Profiles and Carrier Transport Properties in Dopant‐Free GaN‐Based p‐n Junction Formed by Distributed Polarization Doping
Authors: Kumabe Takeru , Kawasaki Seiya , Watanabe Hirotaka , Nitta Shugo , Honda Yoshio , Amano Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Herein, the operation of dopant‐free GaN‐based p‐n junctions formed by distributed polarization doping (DPD) is experimentally demonstrated and their space charge profiles and carrier transport properties are investigated. The device exhibits ideal space charge profiles explained by polarization effects and demonstrates the excellent controllability of DPD. In addition, it shows rectification and electroluminescence under forward‐biased conditions. The carrier transport properties could be explained by the conventional recombination/diffusion model used for impurity‐doped p‐n junctions. Repeatable breakdowns are also observed in all devices and the temperature‐dependent breakdown voltages reveal that the breakdowns are caused by avalanche multiplication, which is also the same as those reported in impurity‐doped GaN p‐n diodes. These results indicate that DPD is a promising doping technology for GaN‐based power devices overcoming any issues associated with conventional impurity doping.
Engineered Bacteria with Genetic Circuits Accumulating Nanomagnets as MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Yavuz Merve , Ütkür Mustafa , Kehribar Ebru Şahin , Yağız Ecrin , Sarıtaş Emine Ülkü , Şeker Urartu Özgür Şafak
Published: May 2022

The demand for highly efficient cancer diagnostic tools increases alongside the high cancer incidence nowadays. Moreover, there is an imperative need for novel cancer treatment therapies that lack the side effects of conventional treatment options. Developments in this aspect employ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for biomedical applications due to their stability, biocompatibility, and magnetic properties. Certain organisms, including many bacteria, can synthesize magnetic nanocrystals, which help their spatial orientation and survival by sensing the earth's geomagnetic field. This work aims to convert Escherichia coli to accumulate magnetite, which can further be coupled with drug delivery modules. The authors design magnetite accumulating bacterial machines using genetic circuitries hiring Mms6 with iron‐binding activity and essential in magnetite crystal formation. The work demonstrates that the combinatorial effect of Mms6 with ferroxidase, iron transporter protein, and material binding peptide enhances the paramagnetic behavior of the cells in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Cellular machines are also engineered to display Mms6 peptide on the cell surface via an autotransporter protein that shows augmented MRI performance. The findings are promising for endowing a probiotic bacterium, able to accumulate magnetite intracellularly or extracellularly, serving as a theranostics agent for cancer diagnostics via MRI scanning and hyperthermia treatment.
Free‐Standing Nanoarrays with Energetic Electrons and Active Sites for Efficient Plasmon‐Driven Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Jiang Weiyi , Zhang Haona , An Yang , Mao Yuyin , Wang Zeyan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Peng , Zheng Zhaoke , Wei Wei , Dai Ying , Cheng Hefeng , Huang Baibiao
Published: May 2022

Direct ammonia (NH3) synthesis from water and atmospheric nitrogen using sunlight provides an energy‐sustainable and carbon‐neutral alternative to the Haber–Bosch process. However, the development of such a route with high performance is impeded by the lack of effective charge transfer and abundant active sites to initiate the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). Here, the authors report efficient plasmon‐induced photoelectrochemical (PEC) NH3 synthesis on the hierarchical free‐standing Au/KxMoO3/Mo/KxMoO3/Au nanoarrays. Endowed with energetically hot electrons and catalytically active sites, the plasmonic nanoarrays exhibit an efficient PEC NH3 synthesis rate of 9.6 µg cm−2 h−1 under visible light irradiation, which is among the highest PEC NRR systems. This work demonstrates the rationally designed plasmonic nanoarrays for highly efficient NH3 synthesis, which paves a new path for PEC catalytic reactions driven by surface plasmons and future monolithic PEC devices for direct artificial photosynthesis.
Electrically Accelerated Self‐Healable Polyionic Liquid Copolymers
Authors: Liu Qianhui , Wang Siyang , Zhao Zeyu , Tong Jianhua , Urban Marek W.
Published: May 2022

Electrically accelerated self‐healable poly(ionic liquids) copolymers that exhibit resistor‐capacitor (RC) circuit properties are developed. At low alternating current (AC) frequencies these materials behave as a resistor (R), whereas at higher frequencies as a capacitor (C). These properties are attributed to a combination of dipolar and electrostatic interactions in (1‐[(2‐methacryloyloxy)ethyl]‐3‐butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl‐sulfonyl)imide) copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomers to form p(MEBIm‐TSFI/MMA)] copolymers. When the monomer molar ratio (MEBIm‐TSFI:MMA) is 40/60, these copolymers are capable of undergoing multiple damage‐repair cycles and self‐healing is accelerated by the application of alternating 1.0–4.0 V electric field (EF). Self‐healing in the absence of EFs is facilitated by van der Waals (vdW) interactions, but the application of AC EF induces back and forth movement of charges against the opposing force that result in dithering of electrostatic dipoles giving rise to interchain physical crosslinks. Electrostatic inter‐ and intrachain interactions facilitated by copolymerization of ionic liquid monomers with typically dielectric acrylic‐based monomers result in enhanced cohesive energy densities that accelerate the recovery of vdW forces facilitating self‐healing. Incorporating ionic liquids into commodity polymers offers promising uses as green conducting solid polyelectrolytes in self‐healable energy storage, energy‐harvesting devices, and many other applications.
Ambient Air‐Processed Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells with Well‐Controlled Film Morphology for Four‐Terminal Tandem Application
Authors: Jang Gyeong Sun , Kim Youngwoong , Kim Young Yun , Yoo Jason J. , Kim Geunjin , Jeon Nam Joong , Lee Hae-Seok , Kim Donghwan , Seo Jangwon
Published: May 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as the next generation of solar cells because of the promising nature of creating tandem solar cells with Si photovoltaics. Wide‐bandgap PSCs are developed to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of tandem devices. For the mass production of tandem solar cells, not only is a limitation of scalable coating a critical factor, but uncontrollable grain growth in ambient air impedes commercialization. Serious differences in morphology depending on the experimental environment are found. In the ambient air processing system, severe wrinkles and voids resulting in deteriorated photovoltaic performance are found as compared with those in N2 condition. It is suggested that humidity in the air plays a crucial role in the remaining perovskite intermediate phase and the rate of solvent evaporation during the spin‐coating procedure. Herein, void‐ and wrinkle‐free perovskite films using methyl ammonium chloride and formamide are fabricated, thus leading to efficient PSCs with a PCE of 20.6%. Furthermore, newly designed perovskite films to blade coating for large‐area fabrication as well as to semitransparent PSCs for a four‐terminal silicon/perovskite tandem solar cell with a PCE of 25.2% are applied.
Restoring force model of steel‐recycled concrete composite frame with infilled recycled block wall
Authors: Meng Ercong , Yu Yalin , Zhang Xianggang , Su Yisheng
Published: May 2022

To study the restoring force model of steel‐recycled concrete composite frame with infilled recycled block wall, the experimental results of two recycled concrete‐filled steel tube frames with infilled recycled block walls and three steel‐reinforced recycled concrete frames with infilled recycled block walls under low cyclic loading were analyzed. The four broken‐line skeleton curve model which was suitable for this kind of composite frame was proposed, and the calculation methods for different stages of the skeleton curve were given respectively. According to the hysteretic characteristics of different frame specimens, the hysteretic loops for steel‐recycled concrete composite frame with infilled recycled block wall were simplified by using the treat methods of positive and negative symmetry and sudden drop of bearing capacity, and the restoring force model for different type of steel‐recycled concrete composite frame with infilled recycled block wall was established. At the same time, combing the experimental results, the proposed restoring force model was verified. The results show that the established restoring force model can predict the hysteretic behavior of steel‐recycled concrete composite frame with infilled recycled block wall well, and it can provide theoretical support for the elastic–plastic time history analysis of this kind of frame structures under earthquake.
Inelastic seismic behavior of asymmetric structures with mass and stiffness eccentricity under bidirectional ground motions
Authors: Hussain Md Ahsaan , Dutta Sekhar Chandra
Published: May 2022

Structures with an asymmetric plan have proved to be severely vulnerable during the past earthquakes. The vulnerability may arise due to the uneven distribution of stiffness or mass. Most of the research focused on studying the eccentricity arising due to the irregular stiffness distribution. On the other hand, the systems with mass eccentricity arising due to the uneven distribution of mass at floor level are given relatively little attention. Hence, the present paper comprehensively studied the stiffness and mass eccentric systems together. In each case, the structure is subjected to bidirectional components of ground motion, which reflects the real situation more closely. So, for the lateral load‐resisting elements (columns), effect of biaxial interaction due to simultaneous bidirectional movement is included in the hysteresis behavior as explained in the paper to make a reasonably accurate prediction. Primarily idealized single‐story systems were used to study how asymmetric structures are vulnerable if they have stiffness or mass eccentricity. Further, the three‐story asymmetric systems were also included in the scope of the study to observe the effect of higher modes. To simulate a more practical situation, the present paper considers higher eccentricity in the first story of the three‐story system due to functional reasons, while the upper stories have lesser eccentricities compared to the first story. The present study shows that mass eccentric systems are equally vulnerable to earthquakes as stiffness eccentric systems. Further, three‐story systems show a manifold increase in response compared to its single‐story counterparts. Such a study may help to develop more insight into the generic behavior of plan asymmetric systems, leading to the improvement of design guidelines.
Recent Advances on Synthesis of CoCO3 with Controlled Morphologies
Authors: Zhang Quanxing , Yu Wei , Zhang Dongpei , Liu Mengyuan , Wang Jinyao , Meng Kexin , Yang Chaohe , Jin Xin , Zhang Guangyu
Published: May 2022

Cobalt carbonates and derivatives represent most promising cost‐effective materials for energy storage, conversion and upgrading. Morphology determines the performances, as size, shape and electronic configuration are key factors for tunable properties in the area of batteries, catalysis, magnetics and plasmonics. However, there is lack of insights in literature on morphological control of cobalt carbonates during hydrothermal and solvothermal conditions. Therefore, this review provides detailed discussion on synthesis, formation mechanism and morphological control of nanosheets, wires, spheres and cubes of cobalt carbonates. Furthermore, the influence of experimental conditions and plausible mechanism which govern the growing processes were further discussed in details. The outcome of this short review will offer insights into rational design of inexpensive metal carbonates for numerous other energy and environment applications.
Hesperetin alleviates DMH induced toxicity via suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation in the colon of Wistar rats
Authors: Shree Alpa , Islam Johirul , Yadav Vikas , Sultana Sarwat , Khan Haider Ali
Published: May 2022

1,2‐Dimethylhydrazine (DMH), a colon‐specific environmental toxicant is one among the carcinogen responsible for the cause of colon cancer. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Hesperetin (HST) against colon toxicity induced by DMH in Wistar rats. HST, a flavonoid widely found in citrus fruits possesses several biological activities including anti‐microbial, anti‐oxidant properties among others. A single dose of DMH (40 mg/kg body weight) was administered subcutaneously on 1st day for induction of colon toxicity followed by oral treatment with HST at a dose of 20 mg/kg bodyweight for 14 consecutive days. DMH administration leads to excessive ROS generation, resulting in an imbalance in redox homeostasis and causing membrane lipid peroxidation, which is also partly due to the decrease in the level of tissue antioxidant machinery. Our result showed HST significantly ameliorates DMH‐induced lipid peroxidation and also substantially increases the activity/level of various anti‐oxidant proteins (GR, GPx, GST, GSH, and SOD). HST was also found to reduce the expression of inflammatory proteins (TNF‐α, IL‐6, i‐NOS, COX‐2, NF‐kB‐p65), goblet cell disintegration as well as mucin depletion (sulfo and sialomucin) in the colon that was found to be elevated upon administration of DMH. Our histological results further provide confirmation of the protective role of HST against DMH‐induced pathological alterations. The results of the present study demonstrate supplementation of HST is beneficial in ameliorating DMH‐induced toxicity by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, goblet cell disintegration as well mucin depletion in the colon of Wistar rats.
In‐situ tin casting combined with three‐dimensional scanner to quantify anecic earthworm burrows
Authors: Wen Na , Zhang Jie , Zeng Hui , Liu Gang , Horton Robert
Published: May 2022

Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) play a critical role in soil ecosystems. Analyzing the spatial structure of earthworm burrows is important to understand their effect on water flow and solute transport. The aim of this study was to quantitatively characterize structural characteristics (cross‐sectional area [A], circularity [C], diameter [D], actual length [Lt], tortuosity [τ]) of anecic earthworm burrows that were open and connected at the soil surface at two sites of different tillage treatments (no‐till at Lu Yuan [LY] and rotary tillage at Shang Zhuang [SZ]) by combining a new in‐situ tin casting method with three‐dimensional (3D) laser scanning technology. The cross‐sections of anecic earthworm burrows were almost circular, and the C values were significantly negatively correlated with D and A. Statistically, there were no significant differences in the τ values (1.143 ± 0.082 vs. 1.133 ± 0.108) of anecic earthworm burrows at LY and SZ, but D (6.456 ± 1.585 mm) and A (36.929 ± 21.656 mm2) of anecic earthworm burrows at LY were significantly larger than D (3.449 ± 0.531 mm) and A (9.786 ± 2.885 mm2) at SZ. Our study showed that burrow structures at two different sites differed from each other. Soil tillage methods, soil texture, and soil organic matter content at the two sites could have affected earthworm species composition, variation of earthworm size and the morphology of burrows. The method used in this research enabled us to adequately assess the spatial structure of anecic earthworm burrows in the field with a limited budget.
Uniform in‐plane elastic field inside a monoclinic elliptical inhomogeneity with non‐confocal elliptical interphase layer
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: May 2022

We employ the Stroh quartic formalism to study the in‐plane deformations of a three‐phase composite consisting of an elliptical inhomogeneity embedded in an infinite matrix via an intermediate interphase layer itself bounded by two elliptical boundaries. The matrix is subjected to uniform remote in‐plane loading. The two corresponding elliptical interfaces (one between the inhomogeneity and the interphase layer and the other between the interphase layer and the surrounding matrix) are non‐confocal. The inhomogeneity and the matrix are assumed to be monoclinic materials with the symmetry plane at x3 = 0 whilst the intermediate interphase layer is composed of a mathematically degenerate orthotropic material. The non‐confocal character of the two elliptical interfaces is carefully designed according to the orthotropic property of the interphase layer. Two simple conditions are found that ensure that the internal elastic field of stresses and strains inside the elliptical inhomogeneity is uniform. For given material and geometric parameters of the composite, these two conditions give two simple relationships among the three remote in‐plane stresses. In addition, the internal uniform elastic field inside the elliptical inhomogeneity and the non‐uniform elastic field in the interphase layer are determined in real‐form in terms of the two 4 × 4 fundamental elasticity matrices for the inhomogeneity and the matrix and the three 2 × 2 Barnett‐Lothe tensors for (only) the matrix.
On the restrained torsional warping of thin‐walled elastic shafts
Authors: Armero Francisco
Published: May 2022

This paper studies the torsion of thin‐walled shafts when warping is restrained. It focuses on the treatment of the warping–twist constraint (whereby the twisting of the shaft is constrained to control the warping of its cross sections) by different formulations of warping torsion. This constraint underlies the kinematics of the classical TWKV formulation of Timoshenko‐Wagner‐Kappus‐Vlasov, whereas it is relaxed in the widely‐used RBV formulation of Reissner‐Benscoter‐Vlasov and the new mixed formulation recently proposed by the author. These two unconstrained formulations are still able to enforce the constraint in a penalty‐type limit process depending on specific combinations of the section's torsional constants, some new to the literature. Here we obtain rigorous estimates of these torsional constants and penalty parameters in the thin‐wall limit, thus providing an alternative understanding of the physical response of these sections. In particular, we prove that the constrained limit is attained in the thin‐wall limit for open sections but not for closed (multiply‐connected) cross sections. These analyses also provide an understanding of how those three formulations model the torsion of elastic shafts. To this purpose, we also undertake a detailed numerical evaluation of these considerations. The results presented here show the improved performance gained by the new mixed formulation of warping torsion, avoiding the anomalies observed for the TWKV formulation and the incorrect (not in equilibrium) RBV stresses.
A Risk-Based Approach for Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Drinking Water Production and Distribution Chain
Authors: Cantoni Beatrice
Published: May 2022

Provision of safe drinking water (DW) is one of the major requisites for human health, related to four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nation 2030 Agenda: SDGs 3 (Good health), 6 (Clean water and sanitation), 11 (Sustainable cities) and 12 (Responsible production and consumption). However, this is hindered by the presence, especially in highly-anthropized contexts, of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in DW, that may pose a risk for human health. The present study aims at developing a holistic framework to support both (i) decision-makers for CECs prioritization in DW regulation and (ii) water utilities for the selection of appropriate monitoring and treatment interventions for the optimization of DW supply system. In detail, a quantitative chemical risk assessment (QCRA), including uncertainties related to both exposure and hazard assessments, was developed. Then, it was combined with testing and modeling of CECs fate in treatment processes and in distribution network, obtaining a robust tool to achieve the above-mentioned SDGs.

Graphical Abstract
Influence of the Collection Equipment on Organic Waste Treatment: Technical and Environmental Analyses
Authors: Dolci Giovanni
Published: May 2022

The research investigated the influence of different collection bag types on the environmental and energy performances of the food waste management chain, comparing paper and bioplastic bags. First, the use of bags during the food waste household storage was examined. Subsequently, the behavior of bags when subjected to anaerobic digestion was evaluated, performing Biochemical Methane Potential tests and semi-continuous co-digestion tests with the food waste, to simulate the operating conditions of full-scale digesters. Finally, the performances of the food waste management chain were evaluated, with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The experimental tests showed a more favorable behavior of paper bags, showing a very good compatibility with the anaerobic digestion. The LCA results revealed how paper bags lead to improvements in the impact associated to the food waste management.

Graphical Abstract
Flood Damage Assessment to Economic Activities in the Italian Context
Authors: Galliani Marta
Published: May 2022

In the last century the number of floods affecting people increased across Europe, due to both more frequent intense events and the growth of population and urbanization in flood-prone areas. Equipping cities with tools for flood damage assessment is crucial to effectively manage and reduce flood risk. The sector of businesses has a key role in cities development and suffers high losses in case of inundation, but damage appraisal to economic activities is still a challenging task. This study took up the challenge of addressing this topic, with specific reference to direct damage and the Italian context. Two approaches have been implemented: the analysis of about a thousand damage data regarding economic activities in four Italian flood events and the development of damage functions for retail activities by means a synthetic approach. The results led to the identification of the most vulnerable elements of different types of economic activities and provided reference values to assess the order of magnitude of flood damage.

Graphical Abstract
Cold Atom Interferometry in Satellite Geodesy for Sustainable Environmental Management
Authors: Batsukh Khulan
Published: May 2022

Our Earth is a complex system. By monitoring the integrated geodetic-geodynamic processes, we can understand its sub-systems and geographical distribution of its resources. With the development of space techniques and artificial satellites, satellite geodesy era started, e.g., it became possible to observe a wide range of processes, occurring both on and below the Earth's surface. Such observations can be exploited not only in environmental activities, but also in societal activities like natural disasters monitoring. Thus, satellite geodesy can bring great benefits to “Climate action”, one of the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nation: we can estimate the ice-sheet mass balance and study the impact of climate change by monitoring sea levels. This paper aims to investigate the possible implementation of cold atom sensors for future satellite gravity missions, which would improve our current knowledge of the Earth’s gravity field and contribute into the sustainable environmental management.

Graphical Abstract
Limit Analysis for Masonry Vaults and Domes of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Giangregorio Maria Chiara
Published: May 2022

The scope of this dissertation is the study of masonry shell structures of cultural heritage through limit analysis. The final aim is to set up computational tools, integrated with experimental observations, for use in the interpretation of observed crack patterns and to study the safety of these structures. The kinematic approach is developed to calculate the limit load and the three-dimensional collapse mechanism of symmetric and skew barrel vaults. The effect of structural strengthening is examined as well. A static discrete model is developed for double curvature and polygonal domes, applying equilibrium at the blocks and strength criteria at interfaces. This allows to study a cracked masonry dome, evaluating the collapse multiplier and mechanism by considering the shell flexural response mechanism. This is used also to analyse the actual behaviour in membrane regime of a dome on reaching the maximum load before cracking. Finally, the polygonal dome supporting a tower of the Chiaravalle Abbey in Milan is analysed.

Graphical Abstract
Amplitudes from Coulomb to Kerr-Taub-NUT
Authors: Emond William T. , Huang Yu-tin , Kol Uri , Moynihan Nathan , O’Connell Donal
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Electric-magnetic duality, the Newman-Janis shift, and the double copy all act by elementary operations on three-point amplitudes. At the same time, they generate a network of interesting classical solutions spanning from the Coulomb charge via the dyon to the Kerr-Taub-NUT spacetime. We identify the amplitudes corresponding to each of these solutions, working to all orders in spin, but to leading perturbative order. We confirm that the amplitudes double-copy when the solutions are related by the classical double copy. Along the way we show that the Kerr-Taub-NUT solution corresponds to a gravitational electric-magnetic duality rotation acting on the Kerr solution, again to all orders in spin, and demonstrate that the asymptotic charges also transform simply under our operations.
Hadronic vacuum polarization and the MUonE proposal
Authors: Greynat David , de Rafael Eduardo
Published: May 2022

Abstract

The MUonE proposal at the CERN SPS consists in extracting the value of the hadronic vacuum polarization self-energy function (HVP) from its contribution to the differential cross-section of elastic muon-electron scattering. The HVP contribution to the muon anomalous magnetic moment can then be obtained from a weighted integral of the measured HVP self-energy function. This, however, requires a knowledge of the HVP function in its full integration domain. This paper discusses a procedure to reconstruct the HVP function in the regions not directly accessible to measurement. The method is based on the so-called transfer theorems, due to Flajolet and Odlyzko, which we explain and adapt to HVP.
Stonecutting and Early Stereotomy in the Fatimid Walls of Cairo
Authors: Salcedo-Galera Macarena , García-Baño Ricardo
Published: May 2022

Bab el Nasr gate, which was built between 1087 and 1092, is one of the three remaining gates in the Cairo Fatimid walls. Inside the walls, there are a great variety of stonework pieces that reveal the stereotomic knowledge of their executors. Specially, the inner space of Bab el Nasr gate is covered by a groin vault which stands out for the accuracy of its construction, despite its early execution date. In order to analyse the geometry and design of its construction, a photogrammetric survey has been carried out with the aim of comparing the solution executed in Bab el Nasr with other contemporary vaults. Furthermore, this paper reviews the Renaissance stonecutting texts and manuscripts which, centuries later, include the proposed solution in Cairo, and which are the basis for the creation of Descriptive Geometry as a discipline.
Two-level fixation with headless compression screws for tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Wagner Robert Kaspar , Kloen Peter
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Reduction and fixation of tibial plateau fractures associated with small, “floating” intra-articular fragments proposes a challenge. We use fully threaded headless compression screws for (interfragmentary) fixation of such fragments before final plate fixation when standard fixation of intra-articular fragments with k-wires or lag screws is deemed insufficient. Our aim is to describe our technique and clinical experience of this two-level fixation.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2021, 29 patients with a comminuted tibial plateau fracture were treated with this two-level fixation in this retrospective case series. Clinical baseline and surgical variables were collected for all patients. Clinical outcome variables were available for 28 patients with a median follow-up of 16.5 months (IQR 5–24). Functional outcomes were measured with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and reported by 22 patients at a median of 5.2 years (IQR 3.5–9.8).

Results

Reduction was anatomic or good in 82% of cases, fair in 14%, and a malreduction in 4%. Arthrosis was graded as grade 0 in 25% of cases, 1 in 39%, 2 in 21%, and 3 in 14%. Flexion was 110 degrees (IQR 100–130). Five patients had an extension deficit of 5 to 10 degrees. Median KOOS for symptoms and stiffness was 69 points (IQR 45–78), for pain 71 (IQR 45–88), for ADL 85 (IQR 52–95), for sports 30 (IQR 11–55), and for quality of life 34 (IQR 19–56).

Conclusion

The use of fully threaded headless compression screws is a simple and helpful addition in the treatment of comminuted tibial plateau fractures.
Geometric dimensionality control of structural components in topology optimization
Authors: Gerzen Nikolai , Mertins Thorsten , Pedersen Claus B. W.
Published: May 2022

The present contribution derives a theoretical framework for constructing novel geometrical constraints in the context of density-based topology optimization. Principally, the predefined geometrical dimensionality is enforced locally on the components of the optimized structures. These constraints are defined using the principal values (singular values) from a singular value decomposition of points clouds represented by elemental centroids and the corresponding relative density design variables. The proposed approach is numerically implemented for demonstrating the designing of lattice or membrane-like structures. Several numerical examples confirm the validity of the derived theoretical framework for geometric dimensionality control.
Investigation of the cutting fluid’s flow and its thermomechanical effect on the cutting zone based on fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulation
Authors: Liu Hui , Meurer Markus , Schraknepper Daniel , Bergs Thomas
Published: May 2022

Cutting fluids are an important part of today’s metal cutting processes, especially when machining aerospace alloys. They offer the possibility to extend tool life and improve cutting performance. However, the equipment and handling of cutting fluids also raises manufacturing costs. To reduce the negative impact of the high cost of cutting fluids, cooling systems and strategies are constantly being optimized. In most existing works, the influences of different cooling strategies on the relevant process state variables, such as tool wear, cutting forces, chip breakage, etc., are empirically investigated. Due to the limitations of experimental methods, analysis and modeling of the working mechanism has so far only been carried out at a relatively abstract level. For a better understanding of the mechanism of cutting fluids, a thermal coupled two-dimensional simulation approach for the orthogonal cutting process was developed in this work. This approach is based on the Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) method and provides a detailed investigation of the cutting fluid’s impact on chip formation and tool temperature. For model validation, cutting tests were conducted on a broaching machine. The simulation resolved the fluid behavior in the cutting area and showed the distribution of convective cooling on the tool surface. This work demonstrates the potential of CEL-based cutting fluid simulation, but also pointed out the shortcomings of this method.
Using reference models in variable selection
Authors: Pavone Federico , Piironen Juho , Bürkner Paul-Christian , Vehtari Aki
Published: May 2022

Variable selection, or more generally, model reduction is an important aspect of the statistical workflow aiming to provide insights from data. In this paper, we discuss and demonstrate the benefits of using a reference model in variable selection. A reference model acts as a noise-filter on the target variable by modeling its data generating mechanism. As a result, using the reference model predictions in the model selection procedure reduces the variability and improves stability, leading to improved model selection performance. Assuming that a Bayesian reference model describes the true distribution of future data well, the theoretically preferred usage of the reference model is to project its predictive distribution to a reduced model, leading to projection predictive variable selection approach. We analyse how much the great performance of the projection predictive variable is due to the use of reference model and show that other variable selection methods can also be greatly improved by using the reference model as target instead of the original data. In several numerical experiments, we investigate the performance of the projective prediction approach as well as alternative variable selection methods with and without reference models. Our results indicate that the use of reference models generally translates into better and more stable variable selection.
Body composition is associated with tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Francke M. I. , Visser W. J. , Severs D. , de Mik - van Egmond A. M. E. , Hesselink D. A. , De Winter B. C. M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model may be used to improve tacrolimus dosing and minimize under- and overexposure in kidney transplant recipients. It is unknown how body composition parameters relate to tacrolimus pharmacokinetics and which parameter correlates best with tacrolimus exposure. The aims of this study were to investigate which body composition parameter has the best association with the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and to describe this relationship in a popPK model.

Methods

Body composition was assessed using bio-impedance spectroscopy (BIS). Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM). Lean tissue mass, adipose tissue mass, over-hydration, and phase angle were measured with BIS and then evaluated as covariates. The final popPK model was evaluated using goodness-of-fit plots, visual predictive checks, and a bootstrap analysis.

Results

In 46 kidney transplant recipients, 284 tacrolimus concentrations were measured. The base model without body composition parameters included age, plasma albumin, plasma creatinine, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotypes, and hematocrit as covariates. After full forward inclusion and backward elimination, only the effect of the phase angle on clearance (dOFV =  − 13.406; p < 0.01) was included in the final model. Phase angle was positively correlated with tacrolimus clearance. The inter-individual variability decreased from 41.7% in the base model to 34.2% in the final model. The model was successfully validated.

Conclusion

The phase angle is the bio-impedance spectroscopic parameter that correlates best with tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. Incorporation of the phase angle in a popPK model can improve the prediction of an individual’s tacrolimus dose requirement after transplantation.