bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ni Cluster‐Decorated Single‐Atom Catalysts Achieve Near‐Unity CO2‐to‐CO Conversion with an Ultrawide Potential Window of ≈1.7 V
Authors: Li Yaqian , Cao Xi , Chen Qingqing , Pan Rongrong , Zhang Jian , Meng Ge , Yang Yun , Li Yapeng , Mao Junjie , Chen Wei
Published: December 2024

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction to CO within a broad potential range is meaningful for cascade application integration. In this work, hydrogen spillover is created and utilized to cultivate a proton‐rich environment via the simple thermolysis of a Ni‐doped Zn coordination polymer (Zn CPs (Ni)) to create asymmetric Ni single atoms co‐located with adjacent Ni nanoclusters on nitrogen‐doped carbon, termed as NiNC&SA/N‐C, which expedites the hydrogenation of adsorbed CO2. Therefore, the sample demonstrates near‐unity CO2‐to‐CO conversion efficiency under pH‐universal conditions in ultra‐wide potential windows: −0.39 to −2.05 V versus RHE with the current densities ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 A cm−2 in alkaline conditions, −0.83 to −2.40 V versus RHE from 0.1 to 0.9 A cm−2 in neutral environments, and −0.98 to −2.25 V versus RHE across 0.1 to 0.8 A cm−2 in acid conditions. Corresponding in situ measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the enhanced H2O dissociation and more efficient hydrogen spillover on NiNC&SA/N‐C (compared to NiSA/N‐C) accelerate the protonation of adsorbed CO2 to form *COOH intermediates. This work emphasizes the significant role of proton spillover in CO2RR, opening novel avenues for designing high‐performance catalysts applicable to various electrocatalytic processes.
Theropod dinosaur diversity of the lower English Wealden: analysis of a tooth‐based fauna from the Wadhurst Clay Formation (Lower Cretaceous: Valanginian) via phylogenetic, discriminant and machine learning methods
Authors: Barker Chris T. , Handford Lucy , Naish Darren , Wills Simon , Hendrickx Christophe , Hadland Phil , Brockhurst Dave , Gostling Neil J.
Published: December 2024

The Lower Cretaceous Wealden Supergroup of southern England yields a diverse assemblage of theropod dinosaurs, its taxa being represented by fragments in addition to some of the most informative associated skeletons of the European Mesozoic. Spinosaurids, neovenatorid allosauroids, tyrannosauroids and dromaeosaurids are among reported Wealden Supergroup clades. However, the majority of relevant specimens are from the Barremian Upper Weald Clay and Wessex formations, and theropod diversity in the older Berriasian–Valanginian Hastings Group has remained poorly known, the fragmentary specimens reported thus far remaining enigmatic both in terms of phylogenetic affinities and sometimes provenance. A better understanding would be welcome given the paucity of Berriasian–Valanginian dinosaurs worldwide. Here, we describe an assemblage of Hastings Group theropod teeth from the Valanginian Wadhurst Clay Formation, mostly collected from the Ashdown Brickworks locality near Bexhill, East Sussex. These teeth were assessed using phylogenetic, discriminant and machine learning analyses and were found to include members of Spinosauridae, Tyrannosauroidea and Dromaeosauridae, in addition to others that remain of uncertain affinity within Coelurosauria. The taxa appear distinct from those already known from Wealden Supergroup strata: the spinosaurid cannot be referred to Baryonyx or the tyrannosauroid to Eotyrannus, for example, but we have not named new taxa at this time. Combined with other findings in the Wadhurst Clay Formation, our study indicates that Valanginian theropod diversity was comparable to that of younger Wealden Supergroup units, implying that the ‘characteristic’ theropod components of Wealden faunas were established early in the deposition of this famous geological succession.
Exon disruptive variants in Populus trichocarpa associated with wood properties exhibit distinct gene expression patterns
Authors: Piot Anthony , El‐Kassaby Yousry A. , Porth Ilga
Published: December 2024

Forest trees may harbor naturally occurring exon disruptive variants (DVs) in their gene sequences, which potentially impact important ecological and economic phenotypic traits. However, the abundance and molecular regulation of these variants remain largely unexplored. Here, 24,420 DVs were identified by screening 1014 Populus trichocarpa full genomes. The identified DVs were predominantly heterozygous with allelic frequencies below 5% (only 26% of DVs had frequencies greater than 5%). Using common garden‐grown trees, DVs were assessed for gene expression variation in the developing xylem, revealing that their gene expression can be significantly altered, particularly for homozygous DVs (in the range of 27%–38% of cases depending on the studied common garden). DVs were further investigated for their correlations with 13 wood quality traits, revealing that, among the 148 discovered DV associations, 15 correlated with more than one wood property and six genes had more than one DV in their coding sequences associated with wood traits. Approximately one‐third of DVs correlated with wood property variation also showed significant gene expression variation, confirming their non‐spurious impact. These findings offer potential avenues for targeted introduction of homozygous mutations using tree biotechnology, and while the exact mechanisms by which DVs may directly influence wood formation remain to be unraveled, this study lays the groundwork for further investigation.
Exploration of Medicinal Properties and Metabolite Diversity Between Different Petiole Types of Simarouba Glauca: A Nontargeted Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Kandaswamy Hemaprabha , Kannathasan Moghindhan , Selvakumar Divya , Selvamani Selva Babu , Kasiviswanathan Lekshmi Jeeva , Murugesan Gowtham , Kathirvel Suganya , Raman Revathi , Balasubramanian Arunachalam
Published: December 2024

Comparative metabolomics is a powerful technique to unveil variabilities in metabolic composition between different plant types of the same species. Thus, unveiling the unique and common metabolites between plant types and unique medicinal properties has the potential to utilize the specific plant type in modern medicine. However, up to date, no study reports metabolite composition and medicinal properties of different color petiole types of Simarouba glauca (S. glauca), which is known for its potential pharmaceutical properties. In this study, we aimed to perform a metabolomic investigation on two different petiole types of S. glauca to unveil the unique and common metabolites and their therapeutic properties between these petiole plant types. In specific, we conducted a comprehensive metabolomic analysis of the green petiole (GP) and red petiole (RP) of S. glauca, that revealed 43 unique metabolites between both petiole types. The differentially accumulated metabolite analysis disclosed five differentially accumulated metabolites between RP and GP, in which two are highly accumulated in GP (4‐Amino‐1,5‐pentandioic acid and 2‐Myristynoyl pantetheine), and one (5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural) in RP. Furthermore, the chemical classification of identified metabolites resulted in 27 distinct chemical classes, with fatty acids and amino acids being notably enriched. Functional annotation highlighted the wound healing and antibacterial attributes of GP and the antipruritic and antiviral properties of RP. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of the identified metabolites in cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis, along with fatty acid biosynthesis. Moreover, RP exhibited a higher abundance of anticancer metabolites compared to GP. Overall, the findings of this study offer valuable insights into the metabolic disparities, metabolite role in color variation, and medicinal potentials of different petiole types of S. glauca and underscore their promising pharmaceutical applications.
Definitions and Terminology: What Is Continuous Cover Forestry in Fennoscandia?
Authors: Brunner Andreas , Valkonen Sauli , Goude Martin , Hanssen Kjersti Holt , Erefur Charlotta
Published: December 2024

Definitions of continuous cover forestry (CCF) vary among countries, and are often a political compromise.

We offer a common definition of CCF for this book, which can be found in a text box below.

The three silvicultural systems included in CCF are described briefly.

Conversion to CCF will be an important activity in the near future, but approaches to and experiences of conversion to CCF are largely lacking in Fennoscandia.

Methods need to be developed for how to assess the suitability of forest stands for CCF or conversion to CCF.

Bad practices and experiences with selective cutting in Fennoscandia before 1950 have led to a loss of experience and willingness to apply CCF.

Climate adaptation will make it necessary to modify CCF approaches in the region, especially given the limited number of shade-tolerant species.
Maternal exposure to buprenorphine, but not methadone, during pregnancy reduces social play behavior across two generations of offspring
Authors: Nyberg Henriette , Bogen Inger Lise , Nygaard Egil , Achterberg Marijke , Andersen Jannike Mørch
Published: December 2024

Rationale

The prevalence of newborns exposed to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as methadone or buprenorphine, during pregnancy is increasing. The opioid system plays a crucial role in regulating and shaping social behavior, and children prenatally exposed to opioids face an increased risk of developing behavioral problems. However, the impact of prenatal exposure to MOUD on offspring’s social behavior during adolescence and adulthood, as well as potential intergenerational effects, remains largely unexplored.

Objectives

Our study employed a translationally relevant animal model to investigate how maternal (F0) exposure to MOUD during pregnancy affects social behavior in young and adult rats across the first (F1) and second (F2) generation of offspring.

Methods

Female Sprague–Dawley rats were implanted with an osmotic minipump delivering methadone (10 mg/kg/day), buprenorphine (1 mg/kg/day), or sterile water, prior to mating with drug-naïve males. Adult F1 females were mated with treatment-matched F1 males to generate F2 offspring. We assessed social play behavior in juvenile offspring, and social interaction behavior in a three-chamber social interaction test in young adults of the F1 and F2 generations.

Results

Maternal exposure to buprenorphine, but not methadone, during pregnancy reduced social play behavior in both F1 and F2 offspring, expressed by a reduced number of pounces and pins, which are the two most characteristic parameters of social play in rats. Adult social interactions were unaffected by prenatal MOUD exposure across both generations.

Conclusions

Maternal exposure to buprenorphine during pregnancy may have adverse effects on social play behavior across two generations of offspring.
Cryogenic W-band Electron Spin Resonance Probehead with an Integral Cryogenic Low Noise Amplifier
Authors: Jbara Moamen , Zgadzai Oleg , Harneit Wolfgang , Blank Aharon
Published: December 2024

The quest to enhance the sensitivity of electron spin resonance (ESR) is an ongoing challenge. One potential strategy involves increasing the frequency, for instance, moving from Q-band (approximately 35 GHz) to W-band (approximately 94 GHz). However, this shift typically results in higher transmission and switching losses, as well as increased noise in signal amplifiers. In this work, we address these shortcomings by employing a W-band probehead integrated with a cryogenic low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a microresonator. This configuration allows us to position the LNA close to the resonator, thereby amplifying the acquired ESR signal with minimal losses. Furthermore, when operated at cryogenic temperatures, the LNA exhibits unparalleled noise levels that are significantly lower than those of conventional room temperature LNAs. We detail the novel probehead design and provide some experimental results at room temperature as well as cryogenic temperatures for representative paramagnetic samples. We find, for example, that spin sensitivity of ~ 3 × 105 spins/√Hz is achieved for a sample of phosphorus doped 28Si, even for sub-optimal sample geometry with potential improvement to < 103 spins/√Hz in more optimal scenarios.
Digital leisure motivational interference decreases college students’ online learning satisfaction: the roles of academic emotions and parental autonomy support
Authors: Guo Xiao-Rong , Gong Shao-Ying , Liu Si-Yang , Wang Jing , Wang Yan-Qing , Zhao Xin
Published: December 2024

Previous studies have pointed out that leisure motivational interference was an important factor affecting students’ learning satisfaction. This study concentrates on three unexplored areas in the current literature on leisure motivational interference and learning satisfaction. Specifically, it is the first to (a) focus on the effects of digital leisure motivational interference (DLMI) on online learning satisfaction; (b) separate the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of DLMI (DLMI-C, DLMI-A, and DLMI-B) when examining its effects; and (c) reveal how these three components influence online learning satisfaction. We conducted a questionnaire survey among 1041 Chinese college students who engaged in online learning, utilizing several measures: the Digital Leisure Motivational Interference Scale, the Academic Emotions Questionnaire, the Parental Autonomy Support Scale, and the Online Learning Satisfaction Scale. The results showed that (a) DLMI-C, DLMI-A, and DLMI-B negatively predicted online learning satisfaction, respectively; however, the differences in their effects were not significant; (b) academic emotions, both positive and negative, played the mediating roles between the three components of DLMI and online learning satisfaction; (c) parental autonomy support moderated the relationship between academic emotions (positive and negative) and online learning satisfaction. Notably, learners with higher levels of parental autonomy support reported greater online learning satisfaction compared to those with lower levels of support, particularly when experiencing lower frequency of academic emotions, whether positive or negative.
Storytelling and math anxiety: a review of storytelling methods in mathematics learning in Asian countries
Authors: Irmayanti Meiselina , Chou Li-Fang , Anuar Nur Najla binti Zainal
Published: December 2024

Asian schools have consistently demonstrated higher academic achievement in mathematics compared to Western countries, largely due to cultural factors and the intensity of their educational systems. However, this success often comes with increased stress levels, which contribute to math anxiety (MA) among students. Research in cognitive psychology has shown a positive link between storytelling and enjoyable learning experiences. Nevertheless, the use of storytelling, specifically in mathematics education, still needs to be explored. This study synthesizes previous empirical research on storytelling in mathematics classrooms across Asian schools, from early childhood to high school, through a narrative review utilizing Voyant Tools. Nineteen studies, selected from seven digital databases spanning January 2004 to July 2023, were analyzed. The findings revealed that different educational levels employ varied storytelling methods in mathematics education. For instance, in elementary schools, storytelling techniques such as total physical response storytelling (TPRS) and visual aids combined with enjoyable physical activities are commonly used. In contrast, digital storytelling (DST), incorporating brain-based learning (BBL) principles, visual imagery, and music—with or without student projects—is more prevalent at the high school level. Overall, storytelling has proven to be an effective tool for motivating students in mathematics by making the subject more comprehensible and enjoyable.
The 2024 GPS accuracy improvement initiative
Authors: Montenbruck O. , Steigenberger P.
Published: December 2024

Following several performance enhancements, GPS has provided a stable signal-in-space range error (SISRE) of about 50 cm (RMS) for more than a decade. As of early 2024, a major SISRE reduction by about 30% could be noted that helps to maintain the competitiveness of GPS in comparison with the Chinese BeiDou system and reduces the performance difference with respect to the European Galileo system. Based on analyses of onboard clock stability and broadcast navigation messages, the SISRE enhancement can be attributed to a combination of clock switches on selected satellites as well as an overall reduction of the mean time between navigation data uploads. The additional adoption of new transmit antenna phase center offsets in the control segment has no immediate performance impact but affects the comparison of broadcast and precise orbits. Following the aforementioned operational changes, SISRE values for dual-frequency P(Y)-code positioning with the legacy navigation message (LNAV) were found to decrease to roughly 30 cm from March 2024 onward, and marginally worse results are obtained for users of the civil L1/L2 signals and the L2 civil navigation (CNAV) message. Single-frequency LNAV users, on the other hand, experience only a minor benefit, since orbit and clock information improvements are largely masked by the non-availability of group delay information for the L1 C/A signal relative to the L1 P(Y) signal.
Early Childhood Digital Pedagogy: A Scoping Review of Its Practices, Profiles, and Predictors
Authors: Li Hui , He Huihua , Luo Wenwei , Li Hui
Published: December 2024

Early childhood digital pedagogy (ECDP) has been widely implemented and studied, but the empirical evidence has not been systematically reviewed. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the existing studies to understand the practices and profiles of ECDP and the redefined roles of teacher, child, and technology. Thirty-eight studies on ECDP published from January 2010 to October 2024 were collected from three academic databases: EBSCO, Web of Science, and ProQuest. Synthesis of the findings of these studies revealed that: Firstly, digital technologies increasingly hold transformative potential for instructional practices at the level of modification and redefinition based on the SAMR framework. Secondly, play-based, project-based, problem-based, and co-operative and collaborative pedagogy with constructivist tendencies are the trademarks of ECDP. Lastly, in pedagogical interactions, teachers, children, and digital technologies each play diverse roles. This review study sheds some light on the practical characteristics of ECDP, which can inspire the effective designs and implementation of ECDP in the future.
Enhanced spray-wall interaction model for port fuel injection under medium load conditions
Authors: Hamid Mohammed O. A. , Kunwar Anil
Published: December 2024

This study presents an Eulerian-Lagrangian framework for the numerical analysis of spray dynamics, with a focus on droplet movement, spray-wall interactions, and the effects of varying injection parameters associated with port fuel injection (PFI) system. A grid-independent criterion is introduced to optimize mesh analysis for accurate predictions of fuel penetration length. The size distribution of secondary droplets is described using a probability density function, and statistical optimization is subsequently implemented to estimate their mean size. This probabilistic approach enhances the Lagrangian wall film (LWF) model, leading to accurate predictions of the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) at a given radial width (

$$R_\text{{w}}$$

R
w

), with results closely matching experimental data. For

$$8.0 ~\text {mm} \le R_\text{{w}} \le 24.0 ~\text {mm}$$

8.0

mm
≤

R
w

≤
24.0

mm

, the maximum SMD of 21.67

$$\mu$$

μ

m corresponds to

$$R_\text{{w}} = 14.0, \text {mm}$$

R
w

=
14.0
,
mm

, while the smallest SMD of 12.68

$$\mu$$

μ

m is computed for a radial position of

$$R_\text{{w}} = 24.0 ~\text {mm}$$

R
w

=
24.0

mm

. The numerical investigation quantifies the role of spray-wall interactions in determining the trajectory of fuel distribution, particularly in the formation of wall films and the relative spatio-temporal diesel concentration (F/A) %. The study explores aspects such as droplet size variations, heat transfer during evaporation, and film behavior under different injection pressures, providing insights into the multiphysical characteristics of spray-wall systems. Near the impingement site (

$$2.0 ~\text {mm} \le R_\text{{w}} \le 4.0 ~\text {mm}$$

2.0

mm
≤

R
w

≤
4.0

mm

), the plume height (

$$H_\text{{w}}$$

H
w

) slightly decreases with an increase in injection pressure. While the CFD methodology in this current work has been primarily developed for automotive engineering sector (PFI engines), it also has potential applications in areas such as additive manufacturing, hydropower engineering, climate science, and environmental engineering.
Linking adults and cystacanths of a new species of Rhadinorhynchus Lühe, 1911 (Acanthocephala: Rhadinorhynchidae) from the Pacific coast of Mexico by using morphological and molecular data
Authors: Grano-Maldonado Mayra I. , Sereno-Uribe Ana L. , Payán José Carlos Hernández , de León Gerardo Pérez-Ponce , García-Varela Martín
Published: December 2024

During parasitological surveys of marine fishes and zooplankton in localities of the Northwestern Pacific coast of Mexico, 28 Gafftopsail pompano (Trachinotus rhodopus Gill) and 50 mysid crustaceans (Metamysidopsis frankfiersi Hendrickx & Hernández-Payán) we identified to be infected with adults and cystacanths, respectively of an acanthocephalan morphologically corresponding to the genus Rhadinorhynchus Lühe, 1911. DNA sequences of the small (SSU) and large (LSU) subunits of ribosomal DNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox 1) from mitochondrial DNA were obtained. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the newly sequenced individuals in a clade with Rhadinorhynchus sp. from carangids in other localities of the Pacific coast of Mexico; together, all these individuals formed an independent lineage that is recognized herein as a new species, Rhadinorhynchus trachinoti
n. sp. The new species is morphologically distinguished from the other 38 congeners by having a long and cylindrical proboscis armed with 12 longitudinal rows bearing 16–18 hooks each. The ecological information gathered from the parasites, together with genetic evidence, confirms that the Gafftopsail pompano is the definitive host of R. trachinoti
n. sp., while mysid crustaceans serve as the intermediate host. Current records also indicate that R. trachinoti
n. sp. is distributed along the Pacific coast of Mexico, from Mazatlán, Sinaloa in the north to Puerto Angel, Oaxaca in the south. This distribution aligns with the Mexican Coastal Current, which extends from the Gulf of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca to the entrance of the Gulf of California and southern Baja California.
A new kind of polynomials for finite groups
Authors: Asboei A. K. , Anabanti C. S.
Published: December 2024

Let Property X be a certain property of some finite groups; for instance, nilpotent, supersolvable, solvable et cetera. The Thompson-like problem asks whether for two finite groups $$G_{1}$$

G
1

and $$G_{2}$$

G
2

of the same order type, does $$G_{2}$$

G
2

always satisfy Property X if $$G_{1}$$

G
1

satisfies Property X? Thompson-like problem has been solved where Property X is nilpotent. In this paper, we will introduce a new kind of polynomials for finite groups, which we shall call ‘the order polynomials’ and use it to propose another way of solving the Thompson-like problem, where Property X is nilpotent. Furthermore, we examine Thompson-like problem when Property X is supersolvable, and give infinitely many counterexamples to show that the answer to the problem is in the negative there.
One-to-One psychodrama: applied to transgenerational psychotherapy
Authors: Maciel Manuela
Published: December 2024

In this article, published in the Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie (ZPS), we will review and discuss the different one-to-one psychodrama methods that we teach at the Anne Ancelin Schutzenberger International School of Psychogenealogy and Transgenerational Therapy. It covers the use of the empty chair, the two chairs, internal psychodrama, psychodrama with objects, the minimalist bipersonal psychodrama and the ancestral psychodrama, together with some form of bilateral stimulation of the body.
Friction and Wear Performance of Composite SiC-YAG Thermal Spray Coatings in Water-Based Lubricants for Maritime Applications
Authors: Khanmohammadi H. , Valaker E. A. , Perello-Badia D. , Espallargas N.
Published: December 2024

The tribological performance of four different thermal spray coatings has been tested against five different polymer seal materials in a fully formulated water-based lubricant. Water-based lubricants have been proposed for a marine application due to their environmental acceptability and their potential benefits when they are used in oil-to-sea interfaces minimizing the issues related to seawater contamination. The effect of normal load and speed on friction was studied for all seal-coating candidates. Hydrogenated acronitrile–butadiene rubber (HNBR) and ethylene–propylene–diene rubber (EPR) seals resulted in higher coefficient of friction (CoF) compared to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), aliphatic polyketone (PK) and synthetic woven fabric impregnated with phenolic resin (SWF) plastic seals. This was attributed to the higher real contact area generated by the softer rubber seals compared to the harder plastic seals at the same normal load. From the point of view of the tribosurfaces tested in this work (hardened steel, WC-CoCr, Cr3C2-NiCr and SiC-YAG), friction and wear were controlled by two different mechanisms depending on the type of tribosurface. For metallic surfaces, the friction modifiers in the lubricant were adsorbed on the metals and controlled the frictional performance. The hardened steel (100% metallic surface) showed the lowest CoF, followed by the two cermet coatings (21-23 vol.% of metallic binder). The SiC-YAG coating (ThermaSiC) showed the best friction and wear performance due to the formation of a hydrated film on the SiC phase (77 vol.% of the surface) despite not having any metal matrix.
Obesity-Related Kidney Disease in Bariatric Surgery Candidates
Authors: Pereira Pedro Reis , Almeida Manuela , Braga Patrícia , Pereira João , Pereira Sofia , Nora Mário , Guimarães Marta , Malheiro Jorge , Martins La Salete , Monteiro Mariana P. , Rodrigues Anabela
Published: December 2024

Background

Obesity has a negative impact in kidney health. However, the hallmarks of kidney dysfunction in bariatric surgery candidates are poorly characterized. To address this knowledge gap, we used a propensity score-matched analysis to compare kidney lesion biomarkers in bariatric surgery candidates and living kidney donors.

Methods

Bariatric surgery candidates attending a single center for obesity treatment were pair-matched for sex and age to potential living kidney transplant donors (PLKD) using a 1:1 nearest-neighbor approach (N = 400, n = 200/group). A 24-h urine collection was used to analyze proteinuria and creatinine clearance.

Results

Patients with obesity (PWO) had higher creatinine clearance when compared to PLKD (143.35 ± 45.50 mL/min vs 133.99 ± 39.06 mL/min, p = 0.03), which was underestimated when correction for body surface area (BSA) was used (creatinine clearance corrected for BSA of 115.25 ± 33.63 mL/min/1.73 m2 in PWO vs 135.47 ± 35.56 mL/min/1.73 m2 in PLKD). Proteinuria was also higher in PWO compared to PLKD (139.82 ± 353.258 mg/day vs 136.35 ± 62.24 mg/day, p < 0.0001). Regression analysis showed that creatinine clearance was strongly correlated with proteinuria in PWO (HR 1.522, p = 0.005), but it was less evident in PLKD (HR 0.376, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Hyperfiltration and disproportionate proteinuria are frequent in patients with obesity. Since hyperfiltration can be underestimated by adjusting creatinine clearance for BSA, this should not be used when evaluating kidney function in bariatric surgery candidates.
The occurrence of opportunistic pathogenic Pseudomonas species in bathing ponds
Authors: Baudišová Dana , Bobková Šárka , Pumann Petr
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to evaluate opportunistic pathogenic bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas in anthropogenically impacted bathing waters, primarily focusing on bathing ponds. The findings include the detection of these bacteria, their susceptibility to selected antibiotics, and the determination of the Exotoxin A (exoA) gene using PCR method. P. aeruginosa was present in most samples, albeit in low concentrations (1–14 CFU/100 mL). The presence of P. otitidis, which is associated with ear infection, in this type of bathing water, was not rare (up to 90 CFU/100 mL). This species would not be detected by the standard methods, including tests on acetamid medium, used for P. aeruginosa in water. The isolated strains of P. otitidis lack the exoA gene and exhibited higher resistance to meropenem compared to P. aeruginosa.
Endothelial Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Allow to Differentiate Between Various Endotypes of INOCA: A Multicentre, Prospective, Cohort Study
Authors: Gąsecka Aleksandra , Szolc Piotr , van der Pol Edwin , Niewiara Łukasz , Guzik Bartłomiej , Kleczyński Paweł , Tomaniak Mariusz , Figura Emilia , Zaremba Mateusz , Grabowski Marcin , Kochman Janusz , Legutko Jacek , Kołtowski Łukasz
Published: December 2024

Ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) might be due to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), vasospastic angina (VSA) or both. We compared plasma concentration of various extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients with different INOCA endotypes. Patients were divided into those with INOCA (CMD, VSA, mixed CMD + VSA) and non-anginal chest pain. Plasma concentrations of EVs were measured using flow cytometry. Out of 96 patients included, 34 had CMD (35%), 15 VSA (16%), 24 mixed endotype (25%) and 23 non-anginal chest pain (24%). Patients with INOCA had lower ratio of endothelial EVs (CD144 +) to total EVs, compared to patients with non-anginal pain (p = 0.027). Patients with mixed endotype had lower ratio of endothelial EVs (CD144 +) to total EVs, compared to CMD (p = 0.008), VSA (p = 0.014) and non-anginal pain (p < 0.001). Decreased ratio of endothelial EVs (CD144 +) to total EVs might serve as a "circulating footprint" of the mixed INOCA endotype.

Graphical Abstract

CCS – chronic coronary syndrome, CD – cluster of differentiation, CMD – coronary microvascular dysfunction, CFR – coronary flow reserve, EVs – extracellular vesicles, FFR – fractional flow reserve, INOCA - IMR – index of microvascular resistance, VSA – vasospastic angina
Guiding principles in physics
Authors: Fischer Enno
Published: December 2024

Guiding principles are central to theory development in physics, especially when there is only limited empirical input available. Here I propose an approach to such principles looking at their heuristic role. I suggest a distinction between two modes of employing scientific principles. Principles of nature make descriptive claims about objects of inquiry, and principles of epistemic action give directives for further research. If a principle is employed as a guiding principle, then its use integrates both modes of employment: guiding principles imply descriptive claims, and they provide directives for further research. By discussing the correspondence principle and the naturalness principle as examples, I explore the consequences for understanding and evaluating current guiding principles in physics. Like principles of nature, guiding principles are evaluated regarding their descriptive implications about the research object. Like principles of epistemic action, guiding principles are evaluated regarding their ability to respond to context-specific needs of the epistemic agent.
How Does Bereavement Affect the Health-Related Quality of Life of Household Members Who Do and Do Not Provide Unpaid Care? Difference-in-Differences Analyses Using the UK Household Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Pennington Becky , Hernández Alava Mónica , Strong Mark
Published: December 2024

Background

Guidelines for modelling in economic evaluation recommend that it may be necessary to consider costs and outcomes until all modelled patients have died. Some guidelines also recommend that carers’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes should be included. However, it is unclear whether economic evaluations should continue to include carers’ HRQoL after patients have died, and whether there is any evidence to support an additional bereavement effect for carers.

Methods

We used the UK Household Longitudinal Study waves 1–12. We used Difference-in-Differences to estimate the short- and long-term bereavement effects on the SF-6D for people who reported that they did and did not provide care to a household member who then died. We assumed parallel trends conditional on age, sex, long-term health conditions, education, and household income.

Results

Carers and non-carers experienced a significant loss in HRQoL in the year immediately following bereavement. Carers potentially experienced a loss in HRQoL in the year before bereavement, whereas the bereavement effect may have lasted longer for non-carers. For both groups, HRQoL became comparable to the non-bereaved population around 3 years after bereavement.

Conclusions

Bereavement has a statistically significant negative impact on HRQoL in the short-term, for both carers and non-carers. However, the effect size is small and is not sustained, suggesting that including bereavement in economic evaluation would make little difference to results.
Pharmacodynamics (PD), Pharmacokinetics (PK) and PK-PD Modeling of NRF2 Activating Dietary Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention and in Health
Authors: Shannar Ahmad , Chou Pochung Jordan , Peter Rebecca , Dave Parv Dushyant , Patel Komal , Pan Yuxin , Xu Jiawei , Sarwar Md Shahid , Kong Ah-Ng
Published: December 2024

Purpose of Review

Dietary phytochemicals, bioactive compounds derived from plants, have gained increasing attention for their potential role in cancer prevention. Among these, NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2) activating dietary phytochemicals such as curcumin, sulforaphane, ursolic acid, and cyanidin have demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising agents in chemoprevention. This review examines the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles of these dietary phytochemicals, with a focus on their NRF2-mediated effects in cancer prevention.

Recent Findings

Preclinical studies have highlighted the potential of these dietary phytochemicals to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation, key drivers of carcinogenesis. We explore the complexity of their PK/PD properties, influenced by factors such as bioavailability, metabolism, and drug interactions. While most of these phytochemicals follow two compartmental PK, their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects follow the indirect response (IDR) model. Furthermore, we discuss the application of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to simulate the behavior of these compounds in humans, providing insights for clinical translation.

The integration of PK-PD analysis into the development of dietary phytochemical-based therapies offers a pathway to optimize dosing strategies, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and improve safety. This review underscores the importance of these compounds as part of cancer interception strategies, particularly in the early stages of cancer development, where they may offer a natural, less toxic alternative to conventional therapies.

Graphical Abstract
An Experimental Approach to Measure Slips at Frictional Contact Interfaces Using a Self-Powered Sensor
Authors: Ba M. , Qin W. , Sun Y. , Zhao W.
Published: December 2024

When fastening components connected through friction contacts are subjected to tangential cyclic loads, slips may occur at the contact interfaces. Under multiple cyclic tangential load excitations, slips may be cumulative or shakedown. However, few reports have conducted experimental work on slip behaviors because local micro slips are difficult to measure. In this paper, an experimental approach to measure slips at frictional contact interfaces under cyclic loads was presented, which could directly capture slip behaviors. In this approach, local micro slips at the contact interfaces were measured by a self-powered sensor based on the principles of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and a conventional digital source meter was used to collect the voltage signals from the sensor. This approach is completely different from existing contact displacement measurement methods. The slip behaviors in a flat-on-flat contact using an established test bench were observed experimentally. The finite element model of this contact configuration was built to simulate the dynamic slips and the results were in good agreement with the experimental results.
The Relationship Between CEO Characteristics and Banks’ Risk-Taking: Review and Research Directions
Authors: Hertrampf Patrick , Brunner-Kirchmair Thomas M. , Hiebl Martin R. W. , Wiedemann Arnd
Published: December 2024

The fundamental role of the banking sector in society and the economy necessitates extensive regulation and supervision. Given that increased risk-taking behavior can undermine the stability of the banking sector, it is crucial to identify the factors affecting banks’ risk-taking. This study focuses on the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) characteristics on banks’ risk-taking behavior. To achieve this, we conduct a systematic literature review and analyze the findings through the lens of the upper echelons theory (UET) framework. Our analysis reveals that banks’ risk-taking is measured in diverse and often arbitrary ways, highlighting the need for standardized measurement methods to ensure comparability. Our findings also indicate that various CEO characteristics, including demographic, psychological, social psychological, biological, and other traits, significantly influence banks’ risk-taking. These results suggest that stringent regulations do not serve as a boundary condition for UET. We propose five research avenues, include new methods for measuring CEO characteristics (such as linguistic approaches), explore new areas of research based on the developments of UET (such as moderators and the objective situation), refine the measurement of banks’ risk-taking, address questions regarding control variables, and identify additional CEO characteristics of major interest (such as emotional intelligence or CEO attractiveness). Our study underscores the relevance of UET in banking, providing valuable insights for practitioners, academics, and regulators.
Antisemitismus unter Muslim*innen: Sozialisation, religiöse Tradierung oder herkunftsübergreifendes Feindbild des islamischen Fundamentalismus
Authors: Öztürk Cemal , Pickel Gert
Published: December 2024

In Deutschland werden die Debatten über Antisemitismus unter Muslim*innen zunehmend unter verzerrten Voraussetzungen geführt. So stellt z. B. die Alternative für Deutschland stellt Antisemitismus als ein „importiertes“ Feindbild aus dem Nahen Osten dar, das tief in der islamischen Religion verwurzelt sei. Diese Sichtweise suggeriert eine einfache Erklärung für die Quellen des Antisemitismus unter Muslim*innen, die jedoch in der wissenschaftlichen Forschung stark umstritten ist. So wird kontrovers diskutiert, ob die Sozialisation im Nahen Osten tatsächlich eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Entstehung antisemitischer Einstellungen spielt. Ebenso wird infrage gestellt, ob der Antisemitismus tatsächlich in der islamischen Tradition begründet ist. Viele Studien heben stattdessen hervor, dass nicht die islamische Religion an sich, sondern der islamische Fundamentalismus die entscheidende Triebkraft des Antisemitismus ist. Dieser Beitrag nähert sich der Thematik anhand mehrerer Bevölkerungsumfragen und vor allem einer Befragung unter deutschen Muslim*innen. Die Analysen zeigen, dass antisemitische Einstellungen unter Muslim*innen – besonders in ihrer tradierten gegen Israel gerichteten Artikulationsform– häufiger vertreten sind als im Durchschnitt der Gesamtbevölkerung. Dennoch können viele der gängigen Annahmen über die Ursachen des Antisemitismus die Unterschiede innerhalb der muslimischen Gemeinschaft nicht ausreichend erklären. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass die Neigung zu antisemitischen Einstellungen nicht signifikant zwischen Muslim*innen unterschiedlicher Herkunft variiert. Auch die individuelle Religiosität der Muslim*innen ist kein wesentlicher Prädiktor für antisemitische Haltungen. Vielmehr zeigt sich, dass eine fundamentalistische Interpretation der Religion ein zentraler Einflussfaktor ist. Eine Moderationsanalyse deutet darauf hin, dass Antisemitismus ein herkunftsübergreifendes Feindbild unter fundamentalistischen Muslim*innen darstellt. Dieser Einfluss des religiösen Fundamentalismus erweist sich dabei auch im Vergleich zu anderen Erklärungsansätzen als robust.
A short review of current knowledge regarding long-term treatment of Graves’ disease with antithyroid drugs
Authors: Giordani Ilaria , Sykiotis Gerasimos P.
Published: December 2024

Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism, especially in younger people. Current European guidelines recommend antithyroid drugs as initial treatment for a period limited to 12–18 months. Definitive treatment such as surgery or radioactive iodine is proposed in the case of contraindication to antithyroid drugs or in the case of recurrence after medical treatment. However, more recent studies show that long-term antithyroid treatment is associated with reduced risk of recurrence without an increase in adverse effects. Such data support the option of long-term treatment of Graves’ disease with antithyroid drugs and suggest the necessity for a change to long-standing practices in the field. Herein, after reviewing some general knowledge on Graves’ disease treatment, we discuss the evidence regarding long-term treatment of Graves’ disease with antithyroid drugs for endocrinologists, internists, and other specialists involved in the management of these patients. We consider the main studies in the field, outline their respective strengths and limitations, and, finally, present our opinion on when, in the light of this new evidence, endocrinologists should consider long-term treatment with antithyroid drugs.
Identifying the factors influencing the development of bilateral investment treaties with health safeguards: a Machine Learning-based link prediction approach
Authors: Lu Haohui , Thow Anne Marie , Patay Dori , Tissaoui Takwa , Frank Nicholas , Rippin Holly , Hoang Tien Dat , Gomes Fabio , Alschner Wolfgang , Uddin Shahadat
Published: December 2024

A network analysis approach, complemented by machine learning (ML) techniques, is applied to analyse the factors influencing Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) at the country level. Using the Electronic Database of Investment Treaties, BITs with health safeguards from 167 countries were charted, resulting in 534 connections with countries as nodes and their BITs as edges. Network analysis found that, on average, a country established BITs with six other nations. Additionally, we used node embedding techniques to generate features from the network, such as the Jaccard coefficient, resource allocation, and Adamic Adar for downstream link prediction. This study employed five tree-based ML models to predict future BIT formations with health inclusion. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting model proved to be superior, achieving a 64.02% accuracy rate. Notably, the Common Neighbor centrality feature and the Capital Account Balance Ratio emerged as influential factors in creating new BITs with health inclusions. Beyond economic considerations, our study highlighted a vital intersection: the nexus between BITs, economic growth, and public health policies. In essence, this research underscores the importance of safeguarding public health in BITs and showcases the potential of ML in understanding the intricacies of international treaties.
Direct-on-Filter FTIR Analysis of Respirable Crystalline Silica: A Field Study to Demonstrate Utility for Routine Non-regulatory Monitoring in Coal Mines
Authors: Elie Garek , Pandey Rohit , Sarver Emily Allyn
Published: December 2024

Crystalline silica is generally considered the most hazardous constituent of respirable coal mine dust, and new federal rules are aimed at further limiting exposures in US mines. For regulatory purposes, respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is monitored by collecting filter samples, which are analyzed for quartz (the predominant form of RCS) by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in a centralized laboratory. To enable more timely results, NIOSH has developed a direct-on-filter (DOF) FTIR analysis method and free “FAST” software that can be used in the field. For samples collected under specific conditions, FAST processes the FTIR spectral data to determine quartz mass (and mass concentration with user inputted sampling duration and flow rate). The DOF FTIR method is not approved for regulatory RCS monitoring; however, it could be quite useful for routine non-regulatory monitoring. This field study demonstrates how the method (including FAST) could be applied for that purpose, specifically using low-cost and widely available sampling components (i.e., generic 3-piece styrene cassettes and an expandable cyclone-cassette holder assembly that is designed to be compatible with these cassettes). Moreover, to demonstrate how quartz percentage could be estimated in the field, sampling for this study included continuous personal dust monitors (CPDMs), which are designed to measure respirable dust mass concentration. While the DOF FTIR method enables field-measurement of quartz mass (and mass concentration) using a filter sample, field-measurement of the respirable dust mass (and mass concentration) on that filter sample is impractical. This would require determination of the total sample mass, which is typically done with a sensitive microbalance. Thus, the paired CPDM approach is presented workable solution.
Artificial intelligence and the social dimension of sustainable development: through a security perspective
Authors: Malmio Irja
Published: December 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been described as a great hope but also a threat to fulfilling the social goals of sustainable development, where one critical aspect is providing society with a safe and secure environment. At the same time, interdisciplinary analyses that connect the social effects of artificial intelligence with security issues have been relatively sparse. Accordingly, this article explores how the sociotechnical connection between AI, the social dimension of sustainable development, and security is being communicated in research conceptualizing this liaison. Conducive to this aim, a scoping review has been applied to holistically connect AI, social sustainability, and security while deploying a thematic content analysis to illustrate the central themes of this intersection. In total, 62 articles and eleven reports were included in the study. Six themes are explored: AI for social good, economic security, development and humanitarian aid, values, sociotechnical harms, and societal security. The article emphasizes the importance of aligning technology development with broader social objectives by highlighting the complex interplay between AI, social sustainability, and security. Understanding this link opens possibilities for developing AI solutions that contribute to social sustainability while identifying propensities in emerging technologies that can lead to ‘‘sociotechnical harm’’ with increased polarization and a deteriorated security situation.