bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On global maritime oil piracy: an association rules analysis
Authors: Alexopoulos Thomas A.
Published: November 2023

Maritime piracy is a global problem that disrupts oil flows and products. This research attempts to identify potential association rules between the features of hostile acts against tankers. To that end, the Apriori algorithm is used. We use data from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and modify them in a basket case style. Essential features of an attack are examined, such as the closeness to the coasts, the cruising status of the tankers, and the time neighboring other attacks. Despite the perception we have of them, it turns out that pirates follow conservative strategies. It is found that success is strongly coupled with the safety of the attack by striking near the coast and on anchored tankers. The produced association rules include different time-neighboring conditions and no values regarding the attack month. This implies no strong preference for starting an attack, close or far from a previous episode, and no seasonality.
Outcomes Among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 Treated with Remdesivir in an Urban Center Pre-COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Chew Debra , Shiau Stephanie , Sudharshan Sree , Alankar Aparna , Desilva Malithi , Kodali Swetha , Raquepo Tricia Mae , Meilad Naema , Sudyn Alexander , Swaminathan Shobha
Published: November 2023

Objective

Data on treatment outcomes among minority populations treated with remdesivir are limited. We sought to evaluate outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and treated with remdesivir among a predominantly Black and LatinX population.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and treated with remdesivir at an urban hospital in Newark, NJ, between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021, prior to widespread COVID-19 vaccination uptake. We describe 28-day mortality by demographic, socio-economic, and clinical factors, including clinical status by World Health Organization’s (WHO) 8-point Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement.

Results

A total of 206 patients met study inclusion criteria (52% were male, 41% non-Hispanic Black and 42% Hispanic). Overall mortality at 28 days was 11%. Eighty-one percent of patients with baseline WHO status of 4 or greater recovered by day 14. Mortality was higher among those who were older (p = 0.01), those with underlying diabetes mellitus (p = 0.047), those with more severe illness on admission by WHO Ordinal Scale (WHO status ≥ 4), and those on concomitant tociluzimab or convalescent plasma use.

Conclusions

We found that remdesivir was effective in treating most COVID-19 patients in our study. Traditional risk factors, such as advanced age and underlying co-morbidities, were associated with worse clinical outcomes and deaths.
Evaluation of the barrier and antimicrobial properties of biodegradable films based on potato waste starch containing natural additives
Authors: Castañón Vilca Joaquín Antonio , Ortiz-Quispe Briguit Stefany , Apaza-Cusiatau Christian Ricardo , Medrano de Jara Elizabeth , Quequezana-Bedregal Marcia Juana , Gutierrez-Oppe Evelyn Edith , Pessôa Filho Pedro de Alcântara
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the antimicrobial and water vapor barrier properties of biodegradable films made from potato (Solanum tuberosum) waste starch and the natural additives glycerol, propolis, and montmorillonite ("chaco"). Films were produced using the casting method, and their physical, antimicrobial, and barrier properties were analyzed. Film compositions were established using an experimental design of mixtures. The water vapor permeability values ranged from 0.44 × 10−10 to 8.55 × 10−10 g/(m·s·Pa). The permeation energy was lower than that of polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene films but higher than that of cellophane films. The solubility values ranged from 58 to 66%, and the tensile modulus ranged from 2.15 to 5.15 MPa. The largest inhibition halo diameter obtained for Staphylococcus aureus was 17 mm. The developed packages completely biodegrade within 30 days under composting conditions at ambient temperatures. These findings suggest the potential application of these biodegradable packages for fresh products such as fruits and vegetables.
Rates of convergence for regression with the graph poly-Laplacian
Authors: Trillos Nicolás García , Murray Ryan , Thorpe Matthew
Published: November 2023

In the (special) smoothing spline problem one considers a variational problem with a quadratic data fidelity penalty and Laplacian regularization. Higher order regularity can be obtained via replacing the Laplacian regulariser with a poly-Laplacian regulariser. The methodology is readily adapted to graphs and here we consider graph poly-Laplacian regularization in a fully supervised, non-parametric, noise corrupted, regression problem. In particular, given a dataset $$\{x_i\}_{i=1}^n$$

{

x
i

}

i
=
1

n

and a set of noisy labels $$\{y_i\}_{i=1}^n\subset \mathbb {R}$$

{

y
i

}

i
=
1

n

⊂
R

we let $$u_n{:}\{x_i\}_{i=1}^n\rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

u
n

:

{

x
i

}

i
=
1

n

→
R

be the minimizer of an energy which consists of a data fidelity term and an appropriately scaled graph poly-Laplacian term. When $$y_i = g(x_i)+\xi _i$$

y
i

=
g

(

x
i

)

+

ξ
i

, for iid noise $$\xi _i$$

ξ
i

, and using the geometric random graph, we identify (with high probability) the rate of convergence of $$u_n$$

u
n

to g in the large data limit $$n\rightarrow \infty $$

n
→
∞

. Furthermore, our rate is close to the known rate of convergence in the usual smoothing spline model.
Hierarchical traits of rhizosphere soil microbial community and carbon metabolites of different diameter roots of Pinus tabuliformis under nitrogen addition
Authors: Jing Hang , Wang Huiling , Wang Guoliang , Liu Guobin , Cheng Yi
Published: November 2023

Structures and functions were varied among roots with different diameters, and responded differently to nitrogen (N) addition, a phenomenon called hierarchical trait. However, the presence of this trait in carbon (C) metabolite of root exudate and rhizosphere microbial community remains unclear. We studied the patterns of C metabolites and microbial communities of rhizosphere soil among different diameter roots of Pinus tabulaeformis and their responses to N addition using metabolomics and high-throughput sequencing methods. Root C metabolites and rhizosphere soil microbial communities had hierarchical traits, in which exudates of R1 roots (0–0.5 mm) were rich in fatty acids and organic acids, while exudates of R3 roots (1–2 mm) were rich in carbohydrates and alcohols. With the increasing root diameters, numbers of bacteria and fungi of rhizosphere soil decreased and increased, respectively, while diversities of bacteria and fungi increased. N addition had a promotion effect on abundance of root C metabolites. Numbers of bacteria and fungi of rhizosphere soil were enhanced and inhibited, respectively, while diversities of bacteria and fungi were facilitated by N addition. N addition promoted microbial populations of rhizosphere soil by reducing exudates of R1 roots, and increasing exudates of R2 (0.5–1 mm) and R3 roots. Hippuric acid and cytidine-5´-monophosphate of R1 roots, lactic acid of R2 roots, glucose 1 and spermidine 2 of R3 roots were the functional C metabolites that affected microbial populations of rhizosphere soil, such as Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Basidiomycota, and Ascomycota. Hierarchical traits were extended from root to rhizosphere soil in this study.

Graphical Abstract
Revolving Doors: Social Dimensions of Law Firm Culture and Pathways out of Firms
Authors: Kay Fiona M.
Published: November 2023

A growing body of research suggests that contemporary law firms face challenges with the retention of legal talent—especially women and racialized lawyers. Yet, we know little about the conditions that prompt lawyers to leave law firms or where they go after leaving. This article builds on the scholarship of John Hagan, emphasizing the role of social capital in law firm culture, and work by Emmanuel Lazega, tracing dimensions of law firm collegiality—both with implications for lawyers’ careers within and beyond law firms. I draw on data from a twenty-seven-year longitudinal survey of Canadian lawyers. Using piecewise exponential survival models, I examine organizational, cultural, and individual factors that may encourage mobility from law firms. The study reveals a pervasive gender difference that is not explained by human capital, organizational characteristics, or individual traits. Results also demonstrate the importance of social capital and firm culture—specifically, the presence of workplace policies of flexible scheduling, lawyers’ sense of a good match with their firm, their satisfaction with status rewards, and finally, the role of mentors—in shaping the flow of legal talent from law firms to various job destinations.
Rethinking Inclusion: Ideal Minorities, Inclusion Cultures, and Identity Capitals in the Legal Profession
Authors: Ballakrishnen Swethaa S.
Published: November 2023

Using preliminary observations from three parallel projects that employ a range of methods (network and content analysis, surveys, focus groups, and interviews), this article traces the experience of navigating different kinds of identity as useful capital within the legal profession. Identity is not the first kind of non-economic capital to influence professional navigation, but it is distinct in that it is owned and deployed primarily by minority actors. Adding to scholarship that has located the extensions for identity as capital, three interrelated contributions follow from this research. First, it reveals the prevalence of a diffuse field of diversity consciousness where, regardless of outcome, there is a sense that diversity is useful capital. Second, despite being notionally useful, these multi-method sources reveal the ways in which navigating such capital is simultaneously complicated for both actors within visible (e.g. race and perceived gender) and invisible (e.g. some disability, genderfluidity, and religion) identity categories. The isomorphic diversity posturing by organizations fosters a system where being a minority is seen as an advantage, but inclusion feels like accommodation either because it demands certain portrayals of precarity or because it leaves individuals unsure of their worth beyond the expected performance of their identity. As a result, even though the new version of the ideal professional norm might valorize identity as capital, it continues to serve organizations rather than individuals. Finally, these data make the methodological case for the usefulness of the periphery as an analytical vantage point to assess systemic inequalities in legal profession research.
Dietary carbohydrate quality index and cardio-metabolic risk factors
Authors: Maghoul Arman , Khonsari Nami Mohammadian , Asadi Sasan , Abdar Zahra Esmaeili , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Qorbani Mostafa
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Introduction: Improving the quality of diet is known as one of the practical ways to reduce cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs). The carbohydrate quality index (CQI) is a relatively new index to evaluate diet quality. It is calculated based on the ratio of solid carbohydrates to total carbohydrates, dietary fibre intake, glycemic index and the ratio of whole grains to total grains. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to investigate the association between dietary CQI and CMRFs. Methods: In this systematic review, some international databases, including Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to July 2022, were searched according to appropriate keywords. All observational studies with an English full text assessing the association between the dietary CQI and CMRFs were included. Two researchers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the articles with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random/fixed-effect meta-analysis was used to pool standardized mean difference (SMD) as an effect size. Results: 11 studies with a total of 63962 subjects were found to be eligible and included in the qualitative synthesis; only BMI, WC and metabolic syndrome reached the threshold of 3 reports with the same effect size and thus only 5 were included in the meta-analysis. The main finding of the included studies was that there were inverse associations between CQI and CMRFs, mainly obesity, glucose metabolism indices, and blood pressure. In the five studies included in the random effect meta-analysis, the association between CQI and body mass index (SMD: 0.45, 95%CI: −0.12, 1.01), waist circumference (SMD: −0.09, 95%CI: −0.34, 0.15) and metabolic syndrome (SMD: 0.63, 95%CI: −0.01, 1.28) was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although the qualitative findings support the positive association of CQI with CMRFs, the evidence is insufficient to conclude robust findings. Further observational and interventional studies are needed to clearly elucidate this association.
Constructing a 3‐D Radially Anisotropic Crustal Velocity Model for Oklahoma Using Full Waveform Inversion
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhu Hejun
Published: November 2023

Over the past decade, the seismicity rate in the state of Oklahoma has increased significantly, which has been linked to industrial operations, such as saltwater injection and hydraulic fracturing. Taking advantage of induced earthquakes and recently deployed seismometers, we construct a 3‐D radially anisotropic seismic velocity model for the crust of Oklahoma by using full waveform inversion. To mitigate the well‐known cycle‐skipping problem, we use misfit functions based on phase and waveform differences in several frequency bands. Relative velocity perturbations in the inverted model allow us to delineate major geological provinces in Oklahoma, such as the Anadarko Basin and the Cherokee Platform/Shelf. In addition, radial anisotropy in the inverted model reflects deformation within the crust of Oklahoma, which might correlate with sedimentary layering, microcracks/fractures, as well as dominant orientation of anisotropic minerals. The crystalline basement beneath Oklahoma can be inferred from the new velocity model, which enables us to better classify induced seismicity in current earthquake catalogs. Furthermore, synthetic experiments suggest that the new velocity model enables us to better constrain earthquake locations in Oklahoma, especially for determining their depths, which are important for investigating induced seismicity.
Experiments on Gravel‐Sand Transitions: Behavior of the Grain Size Gap Material
Authors: Dingle Elizabeth H. , Venditti Jeremy G.
Published: November 2023

River bed sediments often lack fine gravel between 1 and 5 mm, a phenomenon referred to as the “grain size gap.” The gap corresponds to the rapid reduction in grain size associated with the gravel‐sand transition (GST), where median bed material grain size reduces from ∼10 mm gravel to ∼1 mm sand. Fine gravel grain sizes are often present in hillslope sediment, so it is not clear why they are absent on riverbed surfaces. We present a phenomenological laboratory experiment examining changes in sediment dynamics across a GST to examine the behavior of grain size gap material when included in the bed and feed grain size distributions. Our observations indicate that where sand falls out of washload, forming persistent surficial deposits at the GST, grain size gap material experiences enhanced mobility. This is due to hydraulic smoothing by sand that occurs because of a geometric effect, where medium sand bridges interstitial pockets in fine gravel bed surfaces. Our experiments show that gap gravel flux is enhanced by sand deposition, making gravel beds mobile at the threshold of motion. We are unable to maintain an immobile grain size gap gravel bed when sand is fed which explains why gravel beds composed of 1–5 mm particles are so rare on Earth. We hypothesize that in natural systems, grain size gap particles are either buried in the diffuse extension of GSTs or transported into coastal and marine environments where they are more commonly observed.
Globally limited but severe shallow-shelf euxinia during the end-Triassic extinction
Authors: Bond Andrew D. , Dickson Alexander J. , Ruhl Micha , Bos Remco , van de Schootbrugge Bas
Published: November 2023

One of the most severe extinctions of complex marine life in Earth’s history occurred at the end of the Triassic period (~201.4 million years ago). The marine extinction was initiated by large igneous province volcanism and has tentatively been linked to the spread of anoxic conditions. However, the global-scale pattern of anoxic conditions across the end-Triassic event is not well constrained. Here we use the sedimentary enrichment and isotopic composition of the redox-sensitive element molybdenum to reconstruct global–local marine redox conditions through the extinction interval. Peak δ98Mo values indicate that the global distribution of sulfidic marine conditions was similar to the modern ocean during the extinction interval. Meanwhile, Tethyan shelf sediments record pulsed, positive δ98Mo excursions indicative of locally oxygen-poor, sulfidic conditions. We suggest that pulses of severe marine de-oxygenation were restricted largely to marginal marine environments during the latest Triassic and played a substantial role in shallow-marine extinction phases at that time. Importantly, these results show that global marine biodiversity, and possibly ecosystem stability, were vulnerable to geographically localized anoxic conditions. Expanding present-day marine anoxia in response to anthropogenic marine nutrient supply and climate forcing may therefore have substantial consequences for global biodiversity and wider ecosystem stability.
Vortex nanolaser based on a photonic disclination cavity
Authors: Hwang Min-Soo , Kim Ha-Reem , Kim Jungkil , Yang Bohm-Jung , Kivshar Yuri , Park Hong-Gyu
Published: November 2023

Optical vector vortex beams provide additional degrees of freedom for spatially distinguishable channels in data transmission. Although several coherent light sources carrying a topological singularity have been reported, it remains challenging to develop a general strategy for designing ultra-small, high-quality photonic nanocavities that generate and support optical vortex modes. Here we demonstrate wavelength-scale, low-threshold, vortex and anti-vortex nanolasers in a C5 symmetric optical cavity formed by a topological disclination. Various photonic disclination cavities are designed and analysed using the similarities between tight-binding models and optical simulations. Unique resonant modes are strongly confined in these cavities, which exhibit wavelength-scale mode volumes and retain topological charges in the disclination geometries. In the experiment, the optical vortices of the lasing modes are clearly identified by measuring polarization-resolved images, Stokes parameters and self-interference patterns. Demonstration of vortex nanolasers using our facile design procedure will pave the way towards next-generation optical communication systems.
Encapsulated stem cell–derived β cells exert glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Keymeulen Bart , De Groot Kaat , Jacobs-Tulleneers-Thevissen Daniel , Thompson David M. , Bellin Melena D. , Kroon Evert J. , Daniels Mark , Wang Richard , Jaiman Manasi , Kieffer Timothy J. , Foyt Howard L. , Pipeleers Daniel
Published: November 2023

Clinical studies on the treatment of type 1 diabetes with device-encapsulated pancreatic precursor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells found that insulin output was insufficient for clinical benefit. We are conducting a phase 1/2, open-label, multicenter trial aimed at optimizing cell engraftment (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03163511). Here we report interim, 1-year outcomes in one study group that received 2–3-fold higher cell doses in devices with an optimized membrane perforation pattern. β cell function was measured by meal-stimulated plasma C-peptide levels at 3-month intervals, and the effect on glucose control was assessed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin dosing. Of 10 patients with undetectable baseline C-peptide, three achieved levels ≥0.1 nmol l−1 from month 6 onwards that correlated with improved CGM measures and reduced insulin dosing, indicating a glucose-controlling effect. The patient with the highest C-peptide (0.23 nmol l−1) increased CGM time-in-range from 55% to 85% at month 12; β cell mass in sentinel devices in this patient at month 6 was 4% of the initial cell mass, indicating directions for improving efficacy.
Next-generation MRI scanner designed for ultra-high-resolution human brain imaging at 7 Tesla
Authors: Feinberg David A. , Beckett Alexander J. S. , Vu An T. , Stockmann Jason , Huber Laurentius , Ma Samantha , Ahn Sinyeob , Setsompop Kawin , Cao Xiaozhi , Park Suhyung , Liu Chunlei , Wald Lawrence L. , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Mareyam Azma , Gruber Bernhard , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Liao Congyu , Yacoub Essa , Davids Mathias , Bell Paul , Rummert Elmar , Koehler Michael , Potthast Andreas , Gonzalez-Insua Ignacio , Stocker Stefan , Gunamony Shajan , Dietz Peter
Published: November 2023

To increase granularity in human neuroimaging science, we designed and built a next-generation 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner to reach ultra-high resolution by implementing several advances in hardware. To improve spatial encoding and increase the image signal-to-noise ratio, we developed a head-only asymmetric gradient coil (200 mT m−1, 900 T m−1s−1) with an additional third layer of windings. We integrated a 128-channel receiver system with 64- and 96-channel receiver coil arrays to boost signal in the cerebral cortex while reducing g-factor noise to enable higher accelerations. A 16-channel transmit system reduced power deposition and improved image uniformity. The scanner routinely performs functional imaging studies at 0.35–0.45 mm isotropic spatial resolution to reveal cortical layer functional activity, achieves high angular resolution in diffusion imaging and reduces acquisition time for both functional and structural imaging.
Partitioned dual Maclaurin symmetric mean operators based on picture fuzzy sets and their applications in multi-attribute decision-making problems
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Rehman Ubaid ur , Emam Walid , Ali Zeeshan , Wang Haolun
Published: November 2023

The partitioned Dual Maclaurin symmetric mean (PDMSM) operator has the supremacy that can justify the interrelationship of distinct characteristics and there are a lot of exploration consequences for it. However, it has not been employed to manage “multi-attribute decision-making” (MADM) problems represented by picture fuzzy numbers. The basic inspiration of this identification is to develop the novel theory of picture fuzzy PDMSM operator, and weighted picture fuzzy PDMSM operator and to identify their important results (Idempotency, Monotonicity, and Boundedness). Further, to identify the best decision, every expert realized that they needed the best way to find the beneficial optimal using the proper decision-making procedure, for this, we diagnosed the MADM tool in the consideration of deliberated approaches based on PF information. Finally, to drive the characteristics of the invented work, several examples are utilized to test the manifest of the comparative analysis with various more existing theories, which is a fascinating and meaningful technique to deeply explain the features and exhibited of the proposed approaches.
Research on rheological behavior of fresh concrete single-cylinder pumping based on SPH-DEM
Authors: Wu Wanrong , Chen Wang , Lu Guoyi , Wang Jiaqian , Tian Guangtian , Xu Boxuan , Deng Chao
Published: November 2023

In contrast to traditional approaches to simulating fresh concrete, the model applied here allows issues such as liquid phase and the motion of sub-scale particles to be considered. The rheological behavior of fresh concrete materials was investigated, and the slump test and pumping process of fresh concrete were simulated by combining the smooth particle hydrodynamics coupled with discrete element method. Based on Bi-viscosity model and Bingham model, linear and nonlinear fitting of rheometer data and the derivation equations were educing. Bi-viscosity model and the Bingham model were compared in slump test. The results show that the Bi-viscosity model is more accurate in simulation, and the error percentage is less than 10%. The Bi-viscosity model was used to simulate and predict the results of slump experiment, and the influence of rheological parameters on the slump velocity and shape was obtained. The simulation analysis model of concrete single-cylinder pumping is established, and the experimental and simulation analysis models are compared. The results show that the SPH-DEM pumping pressure prediction is very close to the experimental results.
Benefit of using interaction effects for the analysis of high-dimensional time-response or dose-response data for two-group comparisons
Authors: Duda Julia C. , Drenda Carolin , Kästel Hue , Rahnenführer Jörg , Kappenberg Franziska
Published: November 2023

High throughput RNA sequencing experiments are widely conducted and analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The statistical models calculated for this task are often not clear to practitioners, and analyses may not be optimally tailored to the research hypothesis. Often, interaction effects (IEs) are the mathematical equivalent of the biological research question but are not considered for different reasons. We fill this gap by explaining and presenting the potential benefit of IEs in the search for DEGs using RNA-Seq data of mice that receive different diets for different time periods. Using an IE model leads to a smaller, but likely more biologically informative set of DEGs compared to a common approach that avoids the calculation of IEs.
Reparameterized multiobjective control of BCG immunotherapy
Authors: Yue Rongting , Dutta Abhishek
Published: November 2023

Bladder cancer is a cancerous disease that mainly affects elder men and women. The immunotherapy that uses Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin (BCG) effectively treats bladder cancer by stimulating the immune response of patients. The therapeutic performance of BCG relies on drug dosing, and the design of an optimal BCG regimen is an open question. In this study, we propose the reparameterized multiobjective control (RMC) approach for seeking an optimal drug dosing regimen and apply it to the design of BCG treatment. This approach utilizes constrained optimization based on a nonlinear bladder cancer model with impulsive drug instillation. We compare the performance of RMC with Koopman model predictive control (MPC) and validate the efficacy of optimal BCG dosing regimens through numerical simulations, demonstrating the efficient elimination of cancerous cells. The proposed control framework holds the potential for generalization to other model-based treatment designs.
Simplified models of aerosol collision and deposition for disease transmission
Authors: Jung Sunghwan Sunny
Published: November 2023

Fluid-mechanics research has focused primarily on droplets/aerosols being expelled from infected individuals and transmission of well-mixed aerosols indoors. However, aerosol collisions with susceptible hosts earlier in the spread, as well as aerosol deposition in the nasal cavity, have been relatively overlooked. In this paper, two simple fluid models are presented to gain a better understanding of the collision and deposition between a human and aerosols. The first model is based on the impact of turbulent diffusion coefficients and air flow in a room on the collisions between aerosols and humans. Infection rates can be determined based on factors such as air circulation and geometry as an infection zone expands from an infected host. The second model clarifies how aerosols of different sizes adhere to different parts of the respiratory tract. Based on the inhalation rate and the nasal cavity shape, the critical particle size and the deposition location can be determined. Our study offers simple fluid models to understand the effects of geometric factors and air flows on the aerosol transmission and deposition.
Impact of microalgae layer thickness on the treatment performance of drain water
Authors: Moustafa Aya Moustafa , ElNadi Mohamed El-Hosseiny , Abdelmomen Mahmoud Mohamed , Nagy Amira Mohamed
Published: November 2023

The water shortage problem in Egypt has promoted the exploration of new water resources, including the use of treated agricultural drainage water. This study aims to develop an efficient and cost-effective method for the in-situ treatment of agricultural drainage water from the Bahr-ElBaqar drain using a microalgae layer. The objective was to establish the optimal thickness of the layer for achieving the highest removal efficiency of pollutants from the drain's wastewater. Practical work was performed on a pilot consisting of five channels with four channels having microalgae with different thicknesses and fixed lengths of 50 cm, and the fifth channel acting as a buffer channel to assimilate the drain water without any treatment microalgae layer. After the experiment, it was discovered that a 10-mm layer of microalgae was the most effective thickness for eliminating pollutants from wastewater. The removal efficiencies were 29% for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 46.9% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), and 56.1% for total suspended solids (TSS) removal. This experiment provided evidence that microalgae could represent a viable solution for in-situ treatment of agricultural drainage wastewater with high removal efficiencies for pollutants in wastewater and decreased the need for constructing huge and expensive wastewater treatment plants.
Topolectrical Circuit Correspondence Design of Polyacetylene
Authors: Albooyeh Majid Reza , Sadeghi Ali , Mohseni Seyed Majid
Published: November 2023

In cis and trans geometrical configurations of the polyacetylene molecule, one-dimensional chain is constructed by attaching a number of identical –HC=CH– units one-by-one. We attach as many units as required to obtain the chain of the desired length. In case of a very long polyacetylene chain, which is practically considered infinite in length, a periodic unit is defined, so that its band structure would be calculable. Then, the electronic properties and topological properties of the chain can be predicted. Since experimental synthesis of single-layer polyacetylene chain has lots of limitations, in an alternative approach, emulation of a tight-binding model is used to describe the electron transfer in polyacetylene polymer chain. In case of either synthesis or testing the polyacetylene molecule, it is necessary to improvise a one-to-one correspondence between polyacetylene polymer and topological circuit, which is introduced for the first time in the present study. To this aim, the outputs of density functional theory calculations alongside with the calculations based on the physical chemistry formalisms are used. Here, we observed that the electronic response of the circuit is topologically sustained at frequencies where the coupling was pre-determined via high precision quantum system equivalent topolectrical circuit, as an alternative classical system, to study electron transfer of trans-polyacetylene polymer quantum chain by the precision of one-electron.
Metabolic health status and renal disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Seirafian Shiva , Vahdat Sahar , Mortazavi Mojgan , Clark Cain C. T. , Shahdadian Farnaz
Published: November 2023

Previous surveys suggests that body mass index (BMI) may be positively related to development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, this association might be altered by metabolic syndrome. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of metabolic health status with CKD. The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 3322 representative sample of Iranian adults. Metabolic syndrome was identified based on the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and BMI was assessed by anthropometric measurements. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by modification of diet in renal disease-Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (MDRD-EPI) formula. Subjects were categorized into four phenotypes: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy overweight and obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUHNW), and metabolically unhealthy overweight and obesity (MUHO). Based on multivariate-adjusted models, the risk of CKD was significantly higher in MUHO compared with MHNW (OR: 1.48; p < 0.05). Although MUHNW and MUHO were associated with lower eGFR and albuminuria, the significant association was not observed in case of hematuria. Furthermore, subjects with kidney stones tended to be in MHO (OR: 1.42; p < 0.05) and MUHO phenotypes (OR: 1.64; p < 0.05), in comparison to the MHNW phenotype. The odds of kidney disorders were higher in adults with metabolic syndrome, regardless of BMI. However, this relationship might be strengthened by the concomitance of metabolic syndrome and obesity. To verify our findings, clarify the causality, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, further research are warranted.
Association of intraosseous and intravenous access with patient outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Nilsson Frederik Nancke , Bie-Bogh Søren , Milling Louise , Hansen Peter Martin , Pedersen Helena , Christensen Erika F. , Knudsen Jens Stubager , Christensen Helle Collatz , Folke Fredrik , Høen-Beck David , Væggemose Ulla , Brøchner Anne Craveiro , Mikkelsen Søren
Published: November 2023

Here we report the results of a study on the association between drug delivery via intravenous route or intraosseous route in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Intraosseous drug delivery is considered an alternative option in resuscitation if intravenous access is difficult or impossible. Intraosseous uptake of drugs may, however, be compromised. We have performed a retrospective cohort study of all Danish patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the years 2016–2020 to investigate whether mortality is associated with the route of drug delivery. Outcome was 30-day mortality, death at the scene, no prehospital return of spontaneous circulation, and 7- and 90-days mortality. 17,250 patients had out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. 6243 patients received no treatment and were excluded. 1908 patients had sustained return of spontaneous circulation before access to the vascular bed was obtained. 2061 patients were unidentified, and 286 cases were erroneously registered. Thus, this report consist of results from 6752 patients. Drug delivery by intraosseous route is associated with increased OR of: No spontaneous circulation at any time (OR 1.51), Death at 7 days (OR 1.94), 30 days (2.02), and 90 days (OR 2.29). Intraosseous drug delivery in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with overall poorer outcomes than intravenous drug delivery.
Enhanced specificity of Bacillus metataxonomics using a tuf-targeted amplicon sequencing approach
Authors: Xu Xinming , Nielsen Lasse Johan Dyrbye , Song Lijie , Maróti Gergely , Strube Mikael Lenz , Kovács Ákos T
Published: November 2023

Bacillus species are ubiquitous in nature and have tremendous application potential in agriculture, medicine, and industry. However, the individual species of this genus vary widely in both ecological niches and functional phenotypes, which, hence, requires accurate classification of these bacteria when selecting them for specific purposes. Although analysis of the 16S rRNA gene has been widely used to disseminate the taxonomy of most bacterial species, this gene fails proper classification of Bacillus species. To circumvent this restriction, we designed novel primers and optimized them to allow exact species resolution of Bacillus species in both synthetic and natural communities using high-throughput amplicon sequencing. The primers designed for the tuf gene were not only specific for the Bacillus genus but also sufficiently discriminated species both in silico and in vitro in a mixture of 11 distinct Bacillus species. Investigating the primers using a natural soil sample, 13 dominant species were detected including Bacillus badius, Bacillus velezensis, and Bacillus mycoides as primary members, neither of which could be distinguished with 16S rRNA sequencing. In conclusion, a set of high-throughput primers were developed which allows unprecedented species-level identification of Bacillus species and aids the description of the ecological distribution of Bacilli in various natural environment.
Functional relationships reveal differences in the water cycle representation of global water models
Authors: Gnann Sebastian , Reinecke Robert , Stein Lina , Wada Yoshihide , Thiery Wim , Müller Schmied Hannes , Satoh Yusuke , Pokhrel Yadu , Ostberg Sebastian , Koutroulis Aristeidis , Hanasaki Naota , Grillakis Manolis , Gosling Simon N. , Burek Peter , Bierkens Marc F. P. , Wagener Thorsten
Published: November 2023

Global water models are increasingly used to understand past, present and future water cycles, but disagreements between simulated variables make model-based inferences uncertain. Although there is empirical evidence of different large-scale relationships in hydrology, these relationships are rarely considered in model evaluation. Here we evaluate global water models using functional relationships that capture the spatial co-variability of forcing variables (precipitation, net radiation) and key response variables (actual evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, total runoff). Results show strong disagreement in both shape and strength of model-based functional relationships, especially for groundwater recharge. Empirical and theory-derived functional relationships show varying agreements with models, indicating that our process understanding is particularly uncertain for energy balance processes, groundwater recharge processes and in dry and/or cold regions. Functional relationships offer great potential for model evaluation and an opportunity for fundamental advances in global hydrology and Earth system research in general.
An open-pore MFI zeolite nanosheet-modified separator with Li-ion flux regulation for lithium-metal batteries
Authors: Zhai Yunyun , Wu Yunqin , Sheng Junlu , Liu Haiqing , Huang Zhenpeng , Xiao Qiang , Li Lei
Published: November 2023

An open-pore two-dimensional MFI zeolite nanosheet-modified separator redistributes Li+ flux to achieve uniform Li deposition.
Self-energy correction and numerical simulation for efficient lead-free double perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yao Ruijia , Ji Shilei , Zhou Tingxue , Quan Chuye , Liu Wei , Li Xingao
Published: November 2023

Appropriate elements are selected to replace the B′/B′′ positions in Cs2B′B′′Br6, the band gap is corrected using DFT-1/2 method, and the promising solar cell device is simulated using SCAPS-1D software.
Ion mobility mass spectrometry uncovers regioselectivity in the carboxylate-assisted C–H activation of palladium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Ibáñez-Ibáñez Laura , Mollar-Cuni Andres , Apaloo-Messan Edmond , Sharma Akhilesh K. , Mata Jose A. , Maseras Feliu , Vicent Cristian
Published: November 2023

Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry methods were employed to investigate the regioselectivity aspects of carboxylate-assisted Pd-mediated C–H activation of N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.
A new series of magnetic and luminescent layered hybrid materials obtained from thianthrene phosphonic acid: M(H2O)PO3-S2C12H7 (M = Cu, Zn) and M(H2O)2(PO2OH-S2C12H7)2 (M = Mn, Co)
Authors: Letheux Geoffrey , Ganesan Parameshwari , Veillon Fabien , Varignon Julien , Perez Olivier , Cardin Julien , Labbé Christophe , Rogez Guillaume , Ligeour Mathilde , Jaffrès Paul-Alain , Rueff Jean-Michel
Published: November 2023

Four new metallophosphonates with the chemical formulae M(H2O)PO3-S2C12H7 (M = Cu, Zn) and M(H2O)2(PO2OH-S2C12H7)2 (M = Mn, Co) were synthesized using a hydrothermal route from the original bent rigid thianthrene-2-ylphosphonic acid (TPA).
An effective visible-light driven fumarate production from gaseous CO2 and pyruvate by the cationic zinc porphyrin-based photocatalytic system with dual biocatalysts
Authors: Takeuchi Mika , Amao Yutaka
Published: November 2023

An effective visible-light driven fumarate production from pyruvate and gaseous CO2 by cationic water-soluble zinc porphyrin based-photocatalytic system with malate dehydrogenase and fumarase was developed.
Exploration of structure sensitivity of gold nanoparticles in low-temperature CO oxidation
Authors: Ying Lei , Han Yu , Zhu Beien , Gao Yi
Published: November 2023

A theoretical investigation of the dynamic structure–reactivity relation of Au nanoparticles in CO oxidation.
A rotationally-driven dynamic solid phase sodium bisulfite conversion disc for forensic epigenetic sample preparation
Authors: Turiello R. , Nouwairi R. L. , Keller J. , Cunha L. L. , Dignan L. M. , Landers J. P.
Published: November 2023

An alternative method for epigenetic sample preparation by a rotationlly-driven, microfluidic sodium bisulfite conversion system for up to four samples in parallel.
Discovery, synthesis, activities, structure–activity relationships, and clinical development of combretastatins and analogs as anticancer drugs. A comprehensive review
Authors: Singh Sheo B.
Published: November 2023

This comprehensive review describes discovery, synthesis, structure activity relationship, and anticancer activity of six series of 22 natural products as well as clinical studies of several candidates.
Realizing a high OER activity in new single-atom catalysts formed by introducing TMNx (x = 3 and 4) units into carbon nanotubes using high-throughput calculations
Authors: Yang Xia , Yu Guangtao , Chen Wei
Published: November 2023

Introducing the TMN3 or TMN4 units into carbon nanotube can be considered as an effective strategy for realizing the nonprecious and highly efficient SAC catalysts for OER.
Recent advances in two-dimensional intrinsic ferromagnetic materials Fe3X(X=Ge and Ga)Te2 and their heterostructures for spintronics
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhang Xi , Xiang Gang
Published: November 2023

This review summarizes the spintronic properties of Fe3X(X=Ge and Ga)Te2 and their heterostructures for spintronics, providing an overview to support further studies of emergent 2D Fe3X(X=Ge and Ga)Te2 materials and related vdWHs devices.
Nano-infrared analysis of amyloid β1–42 fibrils formed in the presence of lipids with unsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Zhaliazka Kiryl , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: November 2023

Using nano-Infrared spectroscopy, we resolved secondary structure of amyloid β oligomers and fibrils formed in the presence of unsaturated phospholipids at different stages of protein aggregation.
Recent advances in ligand-enabled palladium-catalyzed divergent synthesis
Authors: Wang Yue , Feng Jinzan , Li Er-Qing , Jia Zhenhua , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: November 2023

In this review, recent advances in ligand-enabled palladium-catalyzed divergent synthesis are reported.
Adhesion dynamics of functionalized nanocarriers to endothelial cells: a dissipative particle dynamics study
Authors: Akbarishandiz Saeed , Khani Shaghayegh , Maia Joao
Published: November 2023

Model of (a) rod, (b) sphere, and (c) disc. Snapshot of (d) rod, (e) sphere, and (f) disc after 30 × 105 time steps run. The rotation of the disc at (g) 0, (h) 15, and (i) 30 × 105 time steps. (j) The Z_MSD, and (k) shell entropy of NCs with different shapes.
A main chain biodegradable polyurethane with anti-protein adsorption and anti-bacterial adhesion performances
Authors: Cao Zhonglin , Ma Chunfeng , Xiang Li , Cao Linyan
Published: November 2023

A biodegradable PEOC–PU coating, a self-renewable material, presented outstanding nonspecific resistance to proteins and antibacterial adhesion, and could be hopefully used in medical antibacterial dressings.
Synthesis of gallic acid-grafted epoxidized natural rubber and its role in self-healable flexible temperature sensors
Authors: Guchait Aparna , Sharma Simran , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Mondal Titash
Published: November 2023

Developing a flexible temperature sensor with appreciable sensitivity is critical for advancing research related to flexible electronics.
High General Health Literacy Does Not Ensure Hearing Loss Health Literacy in Mothers of Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Authors: Cooper Ellie , Werfel Krystal
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to characterize general health literacy and hearing loss health literacy for mothers of children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH).

Method:

Participants included 25 mothers of 2-year-old and 3-year-old children who had a diagnosis of permanent, bilateral hearing loss for at least 1 year. Measures of general health literacy and hearing loss health literacy were collected.

Results:

Results indicated that mothers had high general health literacy but had lower hearing loss health literacy skills than expected. Although mothers had high education and experience of at least 1 year of having a child with hearing loss, performance on hearing loss health literacy measures was low.

Conclusion:

Caregiver understanding of hearing loss terminology and concepts is essential for decision making regarding their child's hearing loss health care.
Autistic Children's Irritability During Social Communication Assessments
Authors: Fipp-Rosenfield Hannah L. , Levy Rachel S. , Grauzer Jeffrey M. , Kaat Aaron , Roberts Megan Y.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Accurate measurement of autistic children's social communication is critical for assessing skills, setting intervention goals, evaluating change over time, determining service eligibility, and determining classroom placement. There are various types of assessments, some of which use specific tasks to elicit social communication. Structured tasks may frustrate children, inadvertently elicit irritability, and have a cascading effect on their ability to communicate. To date, no studies have evaluated how differing types of social communication assessments may exacerbate children's irritability and impact assessment scores. We examined the extent to which (a) social communication assessment type (structured vs. naturalistic) impacts autistic children's irritability and (b) child irritability is associated with social communication scores.

Method:

Autistic toddlers (
n
= 114,

M
age

= 33.09 months,
SD
= 6.15) completed the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS; structured) and a 10-min play-based mother–child interaction (MCX; naturalistic). Child irritability was scored on both assessments using a global rating scale of 0–15.

Results:

Child irritability during the CSBS was significantly higher than during the MCX (
V
= 4892,
p
< .001,
r
= .68). Higher irritability was associated with lower CSBS social communication scores (
B
= −0.05,
p
= .03), but not MCX scores (
B
= 0.04,
p
= .13; Theil's
F
= 6.92,
p
= .009).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that the CSBS may pose unique challenges for autistic children, as it led to higher rates of irritability and negatively affected children's social communication scores. Evaluating the association between assessment type and irritability supports the complete characterization of autistic children's experience during assessments and clinicians in obtaining a more representative measure of social communication.