bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of g‐C3N4/Bi4O5Br2 2D Nanosheet Photocatalyst for Removal of Organic Pollutants under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Zhou Yiyi , Zhang Jinxin , Wu Dongfang
Published: July 2023

The g‐C3N4/Bi4O5Br2 photocatalyst was successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal method for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. The structure of the catalyst is a two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheet structure with a high specific surface area, which provides more active sites. The heterojunction structure of g‐C3N4/Bi4O5Br2 can narrow the bandgap and thus increase the visible light absorption. The heterojunction formed by g‐C3N4 and Bi4O5Br2 can facilitate the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes (e−−h+). The degradation efficiencies of g‐C3N4/Bi4O5Br2 prepared under the optimal conditions are higher than 93.1 % for ciprofloxacin (CIP), rhodamine B (Rh B), and methylene blue (MB) under visible light. The results of the trapping experiment indicate that h+ and ⋅O2− contribute greatly to the removal of organic pollutants. Furthermore, the feasible mechanism of g‐C3N4/Bi4O5Br2 to degrade organic pollutants is proposed.
Furan and Thiophene Based Cycloheterophane Esters and Thioesters: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities, and DFT Calculations
Authors: Özcan Hafize , Deliorman Anıl , Zaim Ömer , Tüzün Nurcan Ş.
Published: July 2023

Four novel macrocyclic compounds with furan and thiophene were synthesized, characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Q‐TOF spectral data. Antimicrobial activities of these compounds were tested against Gram− Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Gram− E. coli O157 : H7ATCC 43895, Gram+ Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Gram− Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Gram− Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Macrocyclic thioesters were found more efficient against selected microorganisms than other compounds, especially the thioester with thiophene ring notably showed results as effective as reference antibiotic AMP (ampicillin) against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. DFT calculations on synthesized macromolecules provided insights into their 3‐dimensional geometries and electronic properties.
Zinc Oxide Nanomaterial‐Based Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction for the Trace Determination of Gold in Flash Gold Plating Solution Samples using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Authors: Kapukıran Fatih , Kartoğlu Bedrihan , Ebrar Karlıdağ Nazime , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: July 2023

The noble metal Au is extensively used in jewelry, industry, and medicine. In order to mitigate the low sensitivity of the flame module atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) to determine the gold, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterial were synthesized and used to pretreatment of the sample and preconcentrate gold ions in dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) process. Enrichment factor of the extraction method was enhanced by performing buffer solution type/volume, nanomaterial amount, mixing type/period, and desorption solvent concentration/volume optimizations. Calibration plot displayed good linearity and percent relative standard deviation recorded for the lowest concentration of the plot was adequately low (<7.0 %). Dynamic dynamic range for the proposed method was calculated between 30–400 μg/L. Regression coefficient (R2) of proposed method was found to be 0.9956. With an enrichment factor of 44.5‐folds, method recorded a detection limit (LOD) of 7.4 μg L−1 and quantification limit (LOQ) of 24.8 μg L−1. Flash gold plating bath solution was used to certify the quantification accuracy/applicability in complex matrix of the method. The obtained results (1.86±0.08 g L−1) were compatible with the results of the reference method (ICP‐OES) (1.87±0.08 g L−1). This is the first study for the extraction/preconcentration of gold using ZnO nanomaterial.
Christoffel–Darboux Kernels in Several Real Variables
Authors: Cichoń Dariusz , Szafraniec Franciszek Hugon
Published: July 2023

The Christoffel–Darboux kernels for orthogonal polynomials in several real variables are investigated within the context of the three-term relation reformulated for this purpose. As suggestive examples of orthogonality, we propose to discuss the two simple algebraic cases: the unit circle and the Bernoulli lemniscate.
MABAC framework for logarithmic bipolar fuzzy multiple attribute group decision-making for supplier selection
Authors: Jana Chiranjibe , Garg Harish , Pal Madhumangal , Sarkar Biswajit , Wei Guiwu
Published: July 2023

In this article, we introduce logarithmic operations on bipolar fuzzy numbers (BFNs). We present some new operators based on these operations, namely, the logarithm bipolar fuzzy weighted averaging (L-BFWA) operator, logarithm bipolar fuzzy ordered weighted averaging (L-BFOWA) operator, and logarithm bipolar fuzzy weighted geometric (L-BFWG) operator, and logarithm bipolar fuzzy ordered weighted geometric (L-BFOWG) operator. Further, develop a multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) methodology model based on logarithm bipolar fuzzy weighted averaging operator and logarithm bipolar fuzzy weighted geometric operators. To justify the proposed model’s efficiency, MABAC (the multiple attribute border approximation area comparison) methods are applied to construct MAGDM with BFNs established on proposed operators. To demonstrate the proposed approach’s materiality and efficiency, use the proposed method to solve supply chain management by considering numerical examples for supplier selection. The selection of suppliers is investigated by aggregation operators to verify the MABAC technique. The presented method is likened to some existing accumulation operators to study the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model. We concluded that the proposed model is accurate, effective, and reliable.
Beratungskompetenz von Weiterbildungspersonal: Wie wird Wissen konzeptualisiert und operationalisiert? Ein Systematisierungsversuch
Authors: Wißhak Susanne , Stanik Tim
Published: July 2023

Der Fokus der vorliegenden Untersuchung liegt auf der Weiterbildungsberatung, insbesondere auf dem Beratungswissen des Weiterbildungspersonals mit seinen verschiedenen Dimensionen. Um eine Eingrenzung zu erreichen, ist die Beratung als professionelle pädagogische Handlungsform Ausgangslage der Untersuchung. Auf Basis eines systematischen Literaturreviews werden Instrumente zur Erfassung von Beratungskompetenzen in Bildung, Beruf und Beschäftigung und in der sozialen Arbeit analysiert. Dabei untersuchen wir, inwiefern Beratungswissen in den Instrumenten konzeptualisiert und operationalisiert wird und ob diese für den Einsatz in der Weiterbildung geeignet sind. Hinsichtlich des Weiterbildungskontexts sind drei Instrumente prinzipiell einschlägig. Es zeigt sich aber, dass Wissen selten explizit erfasst wird. Forschungsdesiderate hinsichtlich der Operationalisierung des Beratungswissens von Weiterbildungspersonal werden diskutiert.
Green drilling fluid additives for a sustainable hole-cleaning performance: a comprehensive review
Authors: Mahmoud Husameldin , Mohammed Arafat A. A. , Nasser Mustafa.S. , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , El-Naas Muftah H.
Published: July 2023

Drilling fluids are the core of drilling operations, and they are responsible for many roles, such as lubricating drill string, cooling down drilling equipment, maintaining wellbore integrity, and transporting cuttings to the surface. High-energy demands have caused the oil and gas production rates to increase by orders of magnitude, which is accompanied by increased usage of different drilling fluids, including oil-based muds (OBM) and water-based muds (WBM). Large amounts of fluids used without caution can cause severe consequences to the environment if not well monitored. Therefore, the field has been exploring the utilization of biodegradable and environmentally friendly additives (green). These green formulations can promote a safer alternative to the currently available commercial additives, meet sophisticated drilling requirements, and ensure resource sustainability. A comprehensive overview of the literature has been conducted in this review, starting with a background on oil and gas reservoir types and cuttings transportation mechanisms, followed by a discussion on various recent green fluids or additives emerging in the field. In addition, an economic comparison has been conducted to assess the feasibility of the reviewed green formulations. Finally, the review ends with a summary and future prospective on the topic. In conclusion, this review suggests the development of multifunctional drilling fluids with good hole-cleaning properties, utilizing additives studied for different functions (e.g., filtration). Enhancement of rheological properties achieved through the addition of these additives indicates their suitability for hole-cleaning applications, which must be confirmed through additional studies. Consequently, filling the existing gap in the literature is by triggering research topics in this area.
Biochar-based materials in environmental pollutant elimination, H2 production and CO2 capture applications
Authors: Fang Lin , Huang Tao , Lu Hua , Wu Xi-Lin , Chen Zhongshan , Yang Hui , Wang Suhua , Tang Zhenwu , Li Zhuang , Hu Baowei , Wang Xiangke
Published: July 2023

Biochar and biochar-based materials have been studied extensively in multidisciplinary areas because of their outstanding physicochemical properties. In this review article, biochar and biochar-based materials in the removal of environmental pollutants, hydrogen generation and carbon dioxide capture were summarized and compared. The interaction mechanisms were discussed from the experimental results and characterization analysis. The high porous structures, active surface sites, (co)doping of single metals/nonmetals, and incorporation of metal oxides or other materials improved the high activity of biochar-based materials in their applications. However, there are still some challenges such as: (1) the fact that H2 generation with high selectivity or the produced syngas to meet the real application requirement in industrial is the main challenge in H2 production; (2) the fact that the selective capture of CO2 with high stability, high adsorption capacity and recyclability at low-cost should be considered and focused on; (3) the sorption-(photo)degradation of the organic chemicals; and (4) the fact that the sorption-reduction-extraction/solidification of metals/radionuclides are efficient methods for the elimination of environmental pollutants. In the end, the perspectives, challenges and possible techniques for biochar-based materials’ real application in future were described.

Graphical Abstract
Batch Active Learning for Multispectral and Hyperspectral Image Segmentation Using Similarity Graphs
Authors: Chen Bohan , Miller Kevin , Bertozzi Andrea L. , Schwenk Jon
Published: July 2023

Graph learning, when used as a semi-supervised learning (SSL) method, performs well for classification tasks with a low label rate. We provide a graph-based batch active learning pipeline for pixel/patch neighborhood multi- or hyperspectral image segmentation. Our batch active learning approach selects a collection of unlabeled pixels that satisfy a graph local maximum constraint for the active learning acquisition function that determines the relative importance of each pixel to the classification. This work builds on recent advances in the design of novel active learning acquisition functions (e.g., the Model Change approach in arXiv:2110.07739) while adding important further developments including patch-neighborhood image analysis and batch active learning methods to further increase the accuracy and greatly increase the computational efficiency of these methods. In addition to improvements in the accuracy, our approach can greatly reduce the number of labeled pixels needed to achieve the same level of the accuracy based on randomly selected labeled pixels.
Ocean current patterns drive the worldwide colonization of eelgrass (Zostera marina)
Authors: Yu Lei , Khachaturyan Marina , Matschiner Michael , Healey Adam , Bauer Diane , Cameron Brenda , Cusson Mathieu , Emmett Duffy J. , Joel Fodrie F. , Gill Diana , Grimwood Jane , Hori Masakazu , Hovel Kevin , Hughes A. Randall , Jahnke Marlene , Jenkins Jerry , Keymanesh Keykhosrow , Kruschel Claudia , Mamidi Sujan , Menning Damian M. , Moksnes Per-Olav , Nakaoka Masahiro , Pennacchio Christa , Reiss Katrin , Rossi Francesca , Ruesink Jennifer L. , Schultz Stewart T. , Talbot Sandra , Unsworth Richard , Ward David H. , Dagan Tal , Schmutz Jeremy , Eisen Jonathan A. , Stachowicz John J. , Van de Peer Yves , Olsen Jeanine L. , Reusch Thorsten B. H.
Published: July 2023

Currents are unique drivers of oceanic phylogeography and thus determine the distribution of marine coastal species, along with past glaciations and sea-level changes. Here we reconstruct the worldwide colonization history of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.), the most widely distributed marine flowering plant or seagrass from its origin in the Northwest Pacific, based on nuclear and chloroplast genomes. We identified two divergent Pacific clades with evidence for admixture along the East Pacific coast. Two west-to-east (trans-Pacific) colonization events support the key role of the North Pacific Current. Time-calibrated nuclear and chloroplast phylogenies yielded concordant estimates of the arrival of Z. marina in the Atlantic through the Canadian Arctic, suggesting that eelgrass-based ecosystems, hotspots of biodiversity and carbon sequestration, have only been present there for ~243 ky (thousand years). Mediterranean populations were founded ~44 kya, while extant distributions along western and eastern Atlantic shores were founded at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum (~19 kya), with at least one major refuge being the North Carolina region. The recent colonization and five- to sevenfold lower genomic diversity of the Atlantic compared to the Pacific populations raises concern and opportunity about how Atlantic eelgrass might respond to rapidly warming coastal oceans.
Drivers of accelerated warming in Mediterranean climate-type regions
Authors: Urdiales-Flores Diego , Zittis George , Hadjinicolaou Panos , Osipov Sergey , Klingmüller Klaus , Mihalopoulos Nikos , Kanakidou Maria , Economou Theo , Lelieveld Jos
Published: July 2023

The near-surface temperature in Mediterranean climate-type regions has increased overall similarly or more rapidly than the global mean rates. Although these regions have comparable climate characteristics and are located at similar latitudes, recent warming acceleration is most pronounced in the Mediterranean Basin. Here, we investigate the contributions of several climate drivers to regional warming anomalies. We consider greenhouse gases, aerosols, solar irradiance, land–atmosphere interactions, and natural climate variability modes. Our results highlight the dominant role of anthropogenic greenhouse gas radiative forcing in all Mediterranean climate-type regions, particularly those in the northern hemisphere. In the Mediterranean Basin, the recent warming acceleration is largely due to the combined effect of declining aerosols and a negative trend in near-surface soil moisture. While land-atmosphere feedbacks are also important in other locations (e.g., California and Southern Africa), this synergy is unique in the Mediterranean Basin. These two regional climate drivers have natural and anthropogenic components of equivalent importance. Such feedbacks are not fully resolved in the current regional climate projections.
Vegans, vegetarians, fish-eaters and meat-eaters in the UK show discrepant environmental impacts
Authors: Scarborough Peter , Clark Michael , Cobiac Linda , Papier Keren , Knuppel Anika , Lynch John , Harrington Richard , Key Tim , Springmann Marco
Published: July 2023

Modelled dietary scenarios often fail to reflect true dietary practice and do not account for variation in the environmental burden of food due to sourcing and production methods. Here we link dietary data from a sample of 55,504 vegans, vegetarians, fish-eaters and meat-eaters with food-level data on greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use, eutrophication risk and potential biodiversity loss from a review of 570 life-cycle assessments covering more than 38,000 farms in 119 countries. Our results include the variation in food production and sourcing that is observed in the review of life-cycle assessments. All environmental indicators showed a positive association with amounts of animal-based food consumed. Dietary impacts of vegans were 25.1% (95% uncertainty interval, 15.1–37.0%) of high meat-eaters (≥100 g total meat consumed per day) for greenhouse gas emissions, 25.1% (7.1–44.5%) for land use, 46.4% (21.0–81.0%) for water use, 27.0% (19.4–40.4%) for eutrophication and 34.3% (12.0–65.3%) for biodiversity. At least 30% differences were found between low and high meat-eaters for most indicators. Despite substantial variation due to where and how food is produced, the relationship between environmental impact and animal-based food consumption is clear and should prompt the reduction of the latter.
Machine learning coupled structure mining method visualizes the impact of multiple drivers on ambient ozone
Authors: Xu Han , Yu Haofei , Xu Bo , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Feng , Wei Yuting , Liang Weiqing , Liu Jinxing , Liang Danni , Feng Yinchang , Shi Guoliang
Published: July 2023

Ground-level ozone affects Earth’s climate and human health. The formation of ozone is a complex process, depending on both atmospheric chemical processes and meteorological factors. In this study, machine learning coupled with a structure mining analysis was applied to investigate the ozone formation mechanism in Tianjin, China. The results showed isoprene has the greatest individual impact on local ozone generation, which suggests the biogenic emission of vegetation contribute significantly to native ozone pollution. The interaction between isoprene and nitrogen oxides is the strongest among precursors, with an obvious antagonistic effect between them. Reducing active volatile organic compounds is more effective for mitigating ozone pollution. Visualized network diagram also clearly illustrated the impacts of multiple drivers on ozone formation: isoprene, temperature and nitrogen oxides were the key drivers among all the influencing factors, other drivers (such as relative humidity) could assist the key drivers to collaboratively enhance or suppress ozone formation.
Partitioning of the denitrification pathway and other nitrite metabolisms within global oxygen deficient zones
Authors: Zhang Irene H , Sun Xin , Jayakumar Amal , Fortin Samantha G , Ward Bess B , Babbin Andrew R
Published: July 2023

Oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) account for about 30% of total oceanic fixed nitrogen loss via processes including denitrification, a microbially mediated pathway proceeding stepwise from NO3− to N2. This process may be performed entirely by complete denitrifiers capable of all four enzymatic steps, but many organisms possess only partial denitrification pathways, either producing or consuming key intermediates such as the greenhouse gas N2O. Metagenomics and marker gene surveys have revealed a diversity of denitrification genes within ODZs, but whether these genes co-occur within complete or partial denitrifiers and the identities of denitrifying taxa remain open questions. We assemble genomes from metagenomes spanning the ETNP and Arabian Sea, and map these metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) to 56 metagenomes from all three major ODZs to reveal the predominance of partial denitrifiers, particularly single-step denitrifiers. We find niche differentiation among nitrogen-cycling organisms, with communities performing each nitrogen transformation distinct in taxonomic identity and motility traits. Our collection of 962 MAGs presents the largest collection of pelagic ODZ microorganisms and reveals a clearer picture of the nitrogen cycling community within this environment.
Longitudinal development of the airway metagenome of preterm very low birth weight infants during the first two years of life
Authors: Rosenboom Ilona , Pust Marie-Madlen , Pirr Sabine , Bakker Alina , Willers Maike , Davenport Colin F , Wiehlmann Lutz , Viemann Dorothee , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: July 2023

Preterm birth is accompanied with many complications and requires severe therapeutic regimens at the neonatal intensive care unit. The influence of the above-mentioned factors on the premature-born infants’ respiratory metagenome or more generally its maturation is unknown. We therefore applied shotgun metagenome sequencing of oropharyngeal swabs to analyze the airway metagenome development of 24 preterm infants from one week postpartum to 15 months of age. Beta diversity analysis revealed a distinct clustering of airway microbial communities from hospitalized preterms and samples after hospital discharge. At nine and 15 months of age, the preterm infants lost their hospital-acquired individual metagenome signatures towards a common taxonomic structure. However, ecological network analysis and Random Forest classification of cross-sectional data revealed that by this age the preterm infants did not succeed in establishing the uniform and stable bacterial community structures that are characteristic for healthy full-term infants.
Progress and perspectives of Pd-based catalysts for direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Wei Jiamei , Wang Shen , Wu Jianguo , Cao Dong , Cheng Daojian
Published: July 2023

In this work, the theoretical basis, catalyst design and in situ application of DSHP are comprehensively summarized. It has certain guiding significance for the design of future catalysts.
Mono-, bi- and tri-metallic platinum group metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction following a facile synthetic route
Authors: Mirshokraee Seyed Ariana , Muhyuddin Mohsin , Orsilli Jacopo , Berretti Enrico , Capozzoli Laura , Lavacchi Alessandro , Lo Vecchio Carmelo , Baglio Vincenzo , Galli Anna , Zaffora Andrea , Di Franco Francesco , Santamaria Monica , Olivi Luca , Pollastri Simone , Santoro Carlo
Published: July 2023

HER electrocatalysts were synthesized starting from metal-phthalocyanine. The higher pyrolysis temperature is beneficial and associated with the formation of nanoparticles. The addition of the second and third metal is also beneficial for HER.
Influence of post-processing on the properties of 3D-printed poly(propylene fumarate) star polymer hydroxyapatite nanocomposites
Authors: Klein Taylor R. , Kirillova Alina , Gall Ken , Becker Matthew L.
Published: July 2023

Vat photopolymerization is able to produce intricate composite parts at high print speed, good part fidelity, and strong mechanical properties.
High-performance polyimine vitrimers from an aromatic bio-based scaffold
Authors: Stewart Kevin A. , Lessard Jacob J. , Cantor Alexander J. , Rynk John F. , Bailey Laura S. , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: July 2023

This works reports on novel polyimine vitrimers from a bio-based and fully aromatic scaffold. The dynamic networks possess high-performance thermal stability and charring behavior with facile thermomechanical and viscoelastic tunability.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel pyrimidin-2-amine derivatives as potent PLK4 inhibitors
Authors: Xue Yanli , Mu Shuyi , Sun Pengkun , Sun Yin , Liu Nian , Sun Yu , Wang Lin , Zhao Dongmei , Cheng Maosheng
Published: July 2023

A structurally novel and highly efficient PLK4 inhibitor was synthesized.
Synthesis and advantages of spinel-type composites
Authors: Shao Zhiyu , Wu Xiaotian , Wu Xiaofeng , Feng Shouhua , Huang Keke
Published: July 2023

In this review, basic structural characteristics of spinels are introduced and then the composite effects and methods are highlighted. An overview focusing on different synthesis and modulation methods is given, based on an in-depth understanding of the relationship between structure and activity.
Verification of EasyGain Settings in the Roger Remote Microphone System
Authors: Qi Shuang , Thibodeau Linda
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the EasyGain settings on a wireless receiver used with a remote microphone (RM) affected output as a function of hearing loss and receiver type.

Method:

To assess the effects of the EasyGain setting on a Roger receiver, a Phonak Naida V90 superpower hearing aid (HA), two universal Roger X (02) receivers, two Roger 18 integrated receivers, and a Roger Inspiro transmitter were used. An electroacoustic evaluation was performed for five degrees of hearing loss ranging from a flat 40 to 80 dB HL, and for nine EasyGain settings from +8 to −8 dB with each Roger receiver.

Results:

A three-way analysis of variance indicated significant main effects of hearing loss, receiver type and EasyGain settings, as well as their two-way interactions (
p
< .05). Overall, the output of the integrated receiver was 2.77 dB higher than that of the universal receiver. The change in output with 2-dB changes in EasyGain setting varied with the degree of hearing loss. For mild hearing loss (40 and 50 dB), every 2-dB change in EasyGain produced an average of 1.93 dB (
SD
= 0.17) change in the root-mean-square (RMS) output. For the higher degrees of hearing loss (60, 70, and 80 dB HL), the change in RMS varied depending on the range of EasyGain setting as follows: when EasyGain was > 0 dB, every 2-dB change in EasyGain setting produced an average change in RMS output of 1.32 dB (
SD
= 0.41); however, when EasyGain was ≤ 0 dB, every 2-dB change resulted in a mean 1.95 dB (
SD
= 0.16) change.

Conclusions:

The benefits of EasyGain technology on the RMS output are dependent on the interaction of the receiver type, degree of hearing loss, and EasyGain settings. The results highlight the importance of electroacoustic verification to determine appropriate settings for optimal audibility when using an RM system.
Our initial experience of monitoring the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow during cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Andersen Leon , Appelblad Micael , Wiklund Urban , Sundström Nina , Svenmarker Staffan
Published: July 2023

Background: Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is believed to be relatively constant within an upper and lower blood pressure limit. Different methods are available to monitor CBF autoregulation during surgery. This study aims to critically analyze the application of the cerebral oxygenation index (COx), one of the commonly used techniques, using a reference to data from a series of clinical registrations. Method: CBF was monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy, while cerebral blood pressure was estimated by recordings obtained from either the radial or femoral artery in 10 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. The association between CBF and blood pressure was calculated as a moving continuous correlation coefficient. A COx index > 0.4 was regarded as a sign of abnormal cerebral autoregulation (CA). Recordings were examined to discuss reliability measures and clinical feasibility of the measurements, followed by interpretation of individual results, identification of possible pitfalls, and suggestions of alternative methods. Results and Conclusion: Monitoring of CA during cardiopulmonary bypass is intriguing and complex. A series of challenges and limitations should be considered before introducing this method into clinical practice.
Thermodynamic route of Nb3Sn nucleation: Role of oxygen
Authors: Sun Zeming , Dare Darrah K. , Baraissov Zhaslan , Muller David A. , Thompson Michael O. , Liepe Matthias U.
Published: July 2023

Intermetallic Nb3Sn alloys have long been believed to form through Sn diffusion into Nb. However, our observations of significant oxygen content in Nb3Sn prompted an investigation of alternative formation mechanisms. Through experiments involving different oxide interfaces (clean HF-treated, native oxidized, and anodized), we demonstrate a thermodynamic route that fundamentally challenges the conventional Sn diffusion mechanism for Nb3Sn nucleation. Our results highlight the critical involvement of a SnOx intermediate phase. This new nucleation mechanism identifies the principles for growth optimization and new synthesis of high-quality Nb3Sn superconductors.
The journey of “Lille Alvilde”
Authors: Bjørkøy Aasta Marie Bjorvand , Kaasa Janicke S.
Published: July 2023

Maurits Hansen’s short story “Lille Alvilde”
(Little Alvilde,
1829), about a small girl’s idyllic encounter with a bear, is
considered a Norwegian classic. Since it was first published, it has
been reprinted numerous times in several Norwegian publications. Its
extensive publishing history made it available to a large readership
and ensured its canonization. Moreover, Hansen’s story was
distributed abroad, and translated versions were printed in England
and the United States. In this chapter, we present the journey of
“Lille Alvilde”, from Norway to England and the United States, and
back again. By tracing the transnational publishing and translation
history of the original text into the different English versions, we
unpack the distribution, translation, and transformation of Hansen’s
canonized story.
“Travel […] is a part of education”
Authors: Shefrin Jill
Published: July 2023

Early modern and Enlightenment children
travelled. They toured, emigrated, visited family, or fled
persecution. Silvia Cole, the Dutch-English granddaughter of a
Huguenot, moved to London. An Austrian ambassador’s daughter read
English children’s books. Colonial civil servants and military
officers fathered children while posted abroad, sometimes with local
women. Teachers, female and male, also travelled, whether as
religious, political, or economic migrants. Writing masters
travelled to the American colonies. The French Revolution spread
educators across Europe. Booksellers and printers published in more
than one language and advertised to colonial markets. Drawing on
paratexts, life writing, manuscripts, ephemera, and marginalia, this
chapter seeks commonalities of reading experiences among children
living abroad or in the care of foreign teachers, exploring how
booksellers catered to both groups.
A World of books
Authors: Sánchez-Eppler Karen
Published: July 2023

Three late-nineteenth-century American farm boys
wrote and illustrated a homemade library. The Nelson family lived in
rural New Hampshire, USA in what seem narrowly local circumstances –
far from transnational. Yet the books they create depict an
imaginary “World”. Their library reflects competition and conflict
between imaginary nations, but also collaboration, with some books
claiming transnational authorship and publication sites.
International communication provides impetus for the Nelson
brothers’ bookmaking in ways that illuminate the transnational
dimensions of children’s book production in the real world. The case
study offered in this chapter both explores the significance of
global thinking for the Nelson’s bookmaking and asks what their
homemade publications reveal about the transnational circulation and
function of all children’s books.
On the comparison of diversity of parts of a distribution
Authors: Rajaram Rajeev , Ritchey Nathan , Castellani Brian
Published: July 2023

The literature on diversity measures, regardless of the metric used (e.g., Gini-Simpson index, Shannon entropy) has a notable gap: not much has been done to connect these measures back to the shape of the original distribution, or to use them to compare the diversity of parts of a given distribution and their relationship to the diversity of the whole distribution. As such, the precise quantification of the relationship between the probability of each type p

i
and the diversity D in non-uniform distributions, both among parts of a distribution as well as the whole, remains unresolved. This is particularly true for Hill numbers, despite their usefulness as ‘effective numbers’. This gap is problematic as most real-world systems (e.g., income distributions, economic complexity indices, rankings, ecological systems) have unequal distributions, varying frequencies, and comprise multiple diversity types with unknown frequencies that can change. To address this issue, we connect case-based entropy, an approach to diversity we developed, to the shape of a probability distribution; allowing us to show that the original probability distribution g
1, the case-based entropy curve g
2 and the c
{1,k} versus the

c

{
1
,
k
}

*
ln

A

{
1
,
k
}

curve g
3, which we call the slope of diversity, are one-to-one (or injective), i.e., a different probability distribution g
1 gives a different curve for g
2 and g
3. Hence, a different permutation of the original probability distribution g
1(that leads to a different shape) will uniquely determine the graphs g
2 and g
3. By proving the injective nature of our approach, we will have established a unique way to measure the degree of uniformity of parts as measured by D

P
/c

P
for a given part P of the original probability distribution, and also have shown a unique way to compute the D

P
/c

P
for various shapes of the original distribution and (in terms of comparison) for different curves.
Electromagnetic shielding properties of LPBF produced Fe2.9wt.%Si alloy
Authors: Quercio Michele , Galbusera Francesco , Canova Aldo , Demir Ali Gökhan , Gruosso Giambattista , Previtali Barbara
Published: July 2023

Ferromagnetic materials are used in various applications such as rotating electrical machines, wind turbines, electromagnetic shielding, transformers, and electromagnets. Compared to hard magnetic materials, their hysteresis cycles are featured by low values of coercive magnetic field and high permeability. The application of additive manufacturing to ferromagnetic materials is gaining more and more attraction. Indeed, thanks to a wider geometrical freedom, new topological optimized shapes for stator/rotor shapes can be addressed to enhance electric machines performances. However, the properties of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processed alloy compared to conventionally produced counterpart must be still addressed. Accordingly, this paper presents for the first time the use of the LPBF for the manufacturing of Fe2.9wt.%Si electromagnetic shields. The process parameter selection material microstructure and the magnetic shielding factor are characterized.
Cefiderocol-containing regimens for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia: a propensity-weighted cohort study
Authors: Rando Emanuele , Cutuli Salvatore Lucio , Sangiorgi Flavio , Tanzarella Eloisa Sofia , Giovannenze Francesca , De Angelis Giulia , Murri Rita , Antonelli Massimo , Fantoni Massimo , De Pascale Gennaro
Published: July 2023

Background

Cefiderocol is a novel β-lactam with activity against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), but its role in CRAB pulmonary infections is controversial due to limited evidence.

Objectives

To assess the association between cefiderocol-containing regimens treatment and 28-day mortality in carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Methods

An observational cohort study including critically ill COVID-19 patients with CRAB-VAP admitted to two ICUs of a large academic hospital in Rome between September 2020 and December 2022. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality. A propensity score was created to balance the cefiderocol- and non-cefiderocol-containing groups. A propensity-weighted multiple logistic regression model was calculated to evaluate risk factors for 28-day mortality. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

121 patients were enrolled, 55 were treated with cefiderocol- and 66 with non-cefiderocol-containing regimens. The 28-day all-cause mortality was 56% (68/121). A statistically significant difference in 28-day mortality was found between cefiderocol- and non-cefiderocol- containing regimens groups (44% versus 67%, P = 0.011). In the propensity-adjusted multiple logistic regression, cefiderocol (OR 0.35 95% CI 0.14, 0.83) was a predictor of 28-day survival, Charlson comorbidity index (OR 1.36 95% CI 1.16, 1.78), SOFA score (OR 1.24 95% CI 1.09, 1.57) and septic shock (OR 3.71 95% CI 1.44, 12.73) were all associated with increased 28-day mortality.

Conclusion

Cefiderocol-containing regimens were associated with reduced 28-day mortality in CRAB-VAP. The sample size and the observational design limit the study’s conclusions. Future RCTs are needed to establish cefiderocol’s definite role in these infections.
A Monovalent Fab Affinity-Capture and Elution Bridging Immunoassay Overcomes Rheumatoid Factor Interference while Accurately Detecting Antidrug Antibodies
Authors: Calderon Boris , Reynolds Nichole A , Swearingen Craig A , Carter Quincy L , Bivi Nicoletta , Cramer Jeff W , Alexander Courtney L , Siegel Robert W , Konrad Robert J
Published: July 2023

Background

Rheumatoid factor (RF) consists of autoantibodies that bind the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and present in sera of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Immunoassays to detect antidrug antibodies (ADA) in RA patient samples may experience interference due to RF binding and crosslinking Fc regions of the capture and detection antibody reagents. To overcome this interference, a novel Fab affinity-capture and elution (ACE)-bridging immunoassay (Fab ACE-Bridge) was developed with monovalent-recombinant Fab to avoid RF interference.

Methods

ACE and ACE-Bridge assays were developed to detect ADA against a therapeutic monoclonal antibody using samples from healthy donors, psoriasis patients, and RA patients. The performance of these assays was compared to a novel Fab ACE-Bridge assay, in which monoclonal antibody was replaced with monovalent Fab.

Results

High screening signals in the ACE and ACE-Bridge assays were detected in RA patient samples but not in samples from healthy donors or psoriasis patients. The high screening signals in RA samples did not inhibit to the expected extent in the confirmatory assay, a consistent feature of false-positive screening results. Further investigation revealed RF as the interferent affecting assay performance. Modification of the ACE-Bridge assay by using monovalent Fab eliminated RF interference while allowing for sensitive and drug-tolerant detection of authentic ADA.

Conclusions

RF interfered significantly in traditional ACE and ACE-Bridge assays. Implementation of a novel monovalent Fab ACE-Bridge assay overcame RF interference. The use of monovalent Fab is recommended for immunogenicity assays when assessing ADA in RA patient samples.
Virtual Reality and Emotion
Authors: Markowitz David M. , Bailenson Jeremy N.
Published: July 2023

This chapter evaluates how immersive virtual reality (VR) can be used as a tool to inform an understanding of emotion and how emotion operates as a mechanism for VR effects. The authors conducted a 5-year systematic review of the VR and emotion literature (2015–2019), focusing on empirical studies that were concerned with three types of research: (1) the connection between VR and emotion from an emotion regulation perspective (e.g., mood induction, clinical applications), (2) studies that treat emotions as a mechanism to evaluate social or psychological phenomena, and (3) studies concerned with a deeper understanding of emotions or emotion theory. This perspective draws on evidence from communication research, psychology, and human–computer interaction to achieve these aims. The authors ground their investigation in an overview of immersive VR and discuss current debates in emotion research, concluding with an attempt to make connections across fields.
A Variant of LbCas12a and Elevated Incubation Temperatures Enhance the Rate of Gene Editing in the Oomycete Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Mendoza Carl S. , Findlay Annika , Judelson Howard S.
Published: July 2023

CRISPR-Cas editing systems have proved to be powerful tools for functional genomics research, but their effectiveness in many non-model species remains limited. In the potato and tomato pathogen Phytophthora infestans, an editing system was previously developed that expresses the Lachnospiracae bacterium Cas12a endonuclease (LbCas12a) and guide RNA from a DNA vector. However, the method works at low efficiency. Based on a hypothesis that editing is constrained by a mismatch between the optimal temperatures for P. infestans growth and endonuclease catalysis, we tested two strategies that increased the frequency of editing of two target genes by about 10-fold. First, we found that editing was boosted by a mutation in LbCas12a (D156R) that had been reported to expand its catalytic activity over a broader temperature range. Second, we observed that editing was enhanced by transiently incubating transformed tissue at a higher temperature. These modifications should make CRISPR-Cas12a more useful for interrogating gene and protein function in P. infestans and its relatives, especially species that grow optimally at lower temperatures.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Ethnoracial Differences in Premenopausal Hysterectomy
Authors: Robinson Whitney R. , Mathias Joacy G. , Wood Mollie E. , Anderson Lauren G. , Howard Annie Green , Carey Erin T. , Nicholson Wanda K. , Carey Timothy S. , Myers Evan R. , Stürmer Til , Doll Kemi M.
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate whether greater symptom severity can explain higher hysterectomy rates among premenopausal non-Hispanic Black compared with White patients in the U.S. South rather than potential overtreatment of Black patients.

METHODS:

Using electronic health record data from 1,703 patients who underwent hysterectomy in a large health care system in the U.S. South between 2014 and 2017, we assessed symptom severity to account for differences in hysterectomy rates for noncancerous conditions among premenopausal non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic patients. We used Poisson generalized linear mixed modeling to estimate symptom severity (greater than the 75th percentile on composite symptom severity scores of bleeding, bulk, or pelvic pain) as a function of race–ethnicity. We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs). We controlled for factors both contra-indicating and contributing to hysterectomy.

RESULTS:

The overall median age of non-Hispanic White (n=1,050), non-Hispanic Black (n=565), and Hispanic (n=158) patients was 40 years. The White and Black patients were mostly insured (insured greater than 95%), whereas the Hispanic patients were often uninsured (insured 58.9%). White and Black patients were mostly treated outside academic medical centers (nonmedical center: 63.7% and 58.4%, respectively); the opposite was true for Hispanic patients (nonmedical center: 34.2%). Black patients had higher bleeding severity scores compared with Hispanic and White patients (median 8, 7, and 4 respectively) and higher bulk scores (median 3, 1, and 0, respectively), but pain scores differed (median 3, 5, and 4, respectively). Black and Hispanic patients were disproportionately likely to have severe symptoms documented on two or more symptoms (referent: not severe on any symptoms) (adjusted PR [Black vs White] 3.02, 95% CI 2.29–3.99; adjusted PR [Hispanic vs White] 2.61, 95% CI 1.78–3.83). Although Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to experience severe symptoms, we found no racial and ethnic differences in the number of alternative treatments attempted before hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION:

We did not find evidence of overtreatment of Black patients. Our findings suggest potential undertreatment of Black and Hispanic patients with uterine-sparing alternatives earlier in their disease progression.
Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lens for Visual Rehabilitation in Children Younger Than 12 Years With Penetrative Ocular Trauma
Authors: Yang Xiao-Di , Lyu Yong
Published: July 2023

Objectives:

To observe the clinical outcomes of visual rehabilitation using rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGPCLs) after penetrative ocular trauma in children younger than 12 years in China.

Methods:

Patients younger than 12 years with penetrative ocular trauma fitted with an RGPCL for visual rehabilitation from 2017 to 2021 were included. In the case cohort, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with spectacles was measured when the RGPCL was fitted, and the initial BCVA with RGPCL, and the BCVA at the last visit were compared.

Results:

Fifteen patients, aged 4 to 12 (mean 8.0±2.7) years, who wore an RGPCL for 7 to 53 (mean 20.3±15.7) months, were included. The BCVA was log of minimal angle of resolution 0.4 (0.2–0.7) with spectacles and 0.1 (0.1–0.2) for RGPCL at the initial visit, and 0.0 (0.0–0.1) for BCVA at the last visit, with a statistically significant difference between the three comparisons (P<0.001). Six of the 15 (40%) children abandoned wearing RGPCL because of discomfort and lens rejection (n=3, 50%), lens loss and inability to replace broken lens because of travel distances and epidemics (n=2, 33%), and cost (n=1, 17%).

Conclusions:

Although application is complicated and initial wearing comfort is poor, an RGPCL is still a beneficial, safe tool for postoperative visual rehabilitation in children with open ocular trauma.
Comparison of SureTectTM with phenotypic and genotypic method for the detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods
Authors: Byun Kye-Hwan , Kim Byoung Hu , Cho Ah Jin , Her Eun , Yoon Sunghee , Kim Taeik , Ha Sang-Do
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study is to compare and assess the effectiveness of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and the selective agar plate method for the detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. In RTE foods, the detection performance of the three methods (RT-PCR [SureTectTM kit and PowerChekTM kit], LAMP [3M MDS], selective agar) were similar at 0-10, 10-50, 50-100, and 100- CFU/mL of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes. We found that with RT-PCR, the Ct value of salad was significantly higher (p<0.05) than other RTE foods, indicating that fiber plays a critical role as an obstacle to the rapid detection of Salmonella spp. However, the Ct value displayed a mixed pattern according to the inoculation level of L. monocytogenes. The use of rapid detection kits and machines mostly depends on the user’s choice, with accuracy, ease of use, and economy being the primary considerations. As an RT-PCR kit, SureTectTM and PowerChekTM showed high accuracy in detecting Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes in RTE foods, showing that they can replace the existing RT-PCR kits available. Additionally, LAMP also showed excellent detection performance, suggesting that it has the potential to be used as a food safety management tool.
Development and validation of ultra-fast quantitative real-time PCR
method to differentiate between Oncorhynchus keta and
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Park Min-Ji , Lee Han-Cheol , Yang Ji-Young , Kim Jung-Beom
Published: July 2023

The ultra-fast quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was
developed and validated to differentiate the morphologically similar ones,
Oncorhynchus keta and Oncorhynchus mykiss.
Species-specific primers were designed for the COI genes of
mtDNA. The species-specific primers designed for O. keta and
O. mykiss were selectively amplified by O.
keta and O. mykiss DNA, respectively. The
sensitivity of O. keta and O. mykiss primers
was 1 ng/μL. Quantitative testing showed that the
results met the ‘Guidelines on Standard Procedures for Preparing Analysis
Method such as Food’ proposed by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
The qPCR method developed and validated in this study for identifying O.
keta and O. mykiss has advantages such as speed
and field applicability. Therefore, this method is expected to help control
forgery and alteration of raw materials in the seafood industry.