bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of the association between mental health and resource access: A longitudinal reciprocal model in a diverse refugee sample
Authors: Blackwell Meredith A. , Lardier David , Choe Ryeora , Goodkind Jessica R.
Published: June 2023

Stress associated with resource deprivation is an active social determinant of mental health. However, mixed findings around the strength of this association and its persistence over time obscure optimal interventions to improve mental health in forcibly displaced populations. A reciprocal model was analyzed between resource access and measures of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms at three different assessments conducted 6 months apart (Time [T] 1, T2, and T3). Participants included resettled refugees (N = 290) from three geocultural regions (i.e., Afghanistan, the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and Iraq/Syria). The results showed that although limited resource access at T1 was related to depressive and anxiety symptoms, B = 0.26, SE = 0.16, p = .023, r2 = 0.55; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, B = 0.20, SE = 0.10, p < .001, r2 = .56; and culturally specific depression and anxiety at T2, B = 0.22, SE = 0.16, p < .001, r2 = 0.65, these were not reciprocally related to resource access at T3. The results help clarify the strength and direction of effects between resource deprivation and depression, anxiety , and PTSD sympotms over time. Although resource deprivation is predictive of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms among recently resettled refugees, the effect may not persist in the long term. These findings have critical implications, including the urgency of ensuring initial access to resources for resettled refugees to stave off the development of depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, as delaying immediate resource access may result in the development of chronic, hard‐to‐treat mental health disorders.
Skin involvement in systemic lymphoma of follicular helper T‐cell origin: A cohort study of 57 patients
Authors: Stammler Romain , Battistella Maxime , Calvani Julien , Louveau Baptiste , Lemonnier François , Ingen‐Housz Oro Saskia , Ortonne Nicolas , Bouaziz Jean David , Rivet Jacqueline , Vignon‐Pennamen Marie‐Dominique , Boutboul David , Ram‐Wolff Caroline , Galicier Lionel , Thieblemont Catherine , Brice Pauline , Renaud Loïc , Jeudy Geraldine , Beylot‐Barry Marie , Le Clech Christian , Nardin Charlée , Cayuela Jean‐Michel , Meignin Véronique , Mourah Samia , Bagot Martine , De Masson Adèle ,   French Study Group on Cutaneous Lymphomas
Published: June 2023

Background

Angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL) is one of the most frequent peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) in western countries. Skin involvement is common and may reveal the malignancy. Despite its frequency, skin involvement in AITL has been poorly described.

Objectives

We aimed to analyze the cutaneous expression of PTCL of TFH origin and its prognostic impact.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study by retrieving histopathological reports including the mention ‘AITL’ or ‘PTCL with T‐follicular helper phenotype’ (PTCL‐TFH) from five French tertiary hospital centers.

Results

From 2000 to 2022, we reviewed 382 histopathological records and identified 52 AITL cases and 5 PTCL‐TFH cases with cutaneous involvement. Thirty‐two (56%) patients were males with a mean age of 63 years. Fifty‐six (98%) patients presented with lymphadenopathy, 32 (56%) splenomegaly and 17 (30%) hepatomegaly. B signs were present in 34 (60%) patients. Skin lesions were present on the lower limbs in 44 (77%) patients, trunk in 38 (67%) patients, upper limbs in 35 (61%) and head in 27 (47%). Macules and papules were the most frequent lesions found in 47 (82%) patients, followed by nodules in 10 (17%) patients, erythemato‐squamous plaques in 10 (17%) patients, purpura in 9 (16%), urticaria in 9 (16%) and blisters in 5 (9%) patients. Erythroderma affected seven patients (12%). A skin biopsy was taken in 50 patients and revealed a specific lymphomatous infiltrate in 36 cases. A dominant skin T‐cell clone was detected in 13 out of 17 (76%) patients. Among the 14 patients with a nonspecific dermatitis, various histopathological patterns were observed including interface dermatitis, psoriasiform dermatitis, vasculitis, bullous dermatitis, granulomatous dermatitis and thrombotic vasculopathy. After a median follow‐up of 24 months (range, 0–121 months), median overall survival was 121 months (95% CI, 25.2–NA). At last follow‐up, 33 patients (58%) were alive, 20 (35%) were in complete remission and 7 (12%) were in partial remission; 30 (53%) patients experienced at least one relapse, including nodal relapses in 24 (80%) cases and cutaneous relapses in 12 (40%).

Conclusions

This study revealed the deep heterogeneity of skin presentations in AITL. Atypical skin presentations were common and included blistering, purpuric and psoriasiform eruptions.
Suppression of cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling ameliorates retinal injury in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Fang Xiao‐Ling , Zhang Qin , Xue Wen‐Wen , Tao Jin‐Hua , Zou Hai‐Dong , Lin Qiu‐Rong , Wang Yu‐Lan
Published: June 2023

The blood‐retinal barrier (BRB), homeostasis, neuronal integrity, and metabolic processes are all directly influenced by Müller cells, the most important retinal glial cells. We isolated primary Müller cells from Sprague–Dawley (SD) neonatal rats and treated them with glucose at varying doses. CCK‐8 was used to quantify cellular viability, and a TUNEL assay was performed to detect cell apoptosis. ELISA, immunofluorescence, and western blotting were used to assess cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling, Kir4.1, AQP4, GFAP, and VEGF levels, respectively. H&E staining was used to examine histopathological alterations in diabetic retinopathy (DR)‐affected retinal tissue in rats. As glucose concentration increases, gliosis of Müller cells became apparent, as evidenced by a decline in cell activity, an increase in apoptosis, downregulation of Kir4.1 level, and overexpression of GFAP, AQP4, and VEGF. Treatments with low, intermediate, and high glucose levels led to aberrant activation of cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling. Interestingly, blocking cAMP and PKA reduced high glucose‐induced Müller cell damage and gliosis by a significant amount. Further in vivo results suggested that cAMP or PKA inhibition significantly improved edema, bleeding, and retinal disorders. Our findings showed that high glucose exacerbated Müller cell damage and gliosis via a mechanism involving cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling.
Trends of potentially illegal deforestation over protected areas of Rio das Velhas basin, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Amanda Ribeiro , Pacheco Fernando António Leal , Fernandes Luís Filipe Sanches , da Costa Adriana Monteiro
Published: June 2023

Despite the promise to increase control and fight against deforestation, the new Brazilian Forest Code (BFC) allowed more flexible dimensioning and land use rules in areas of private rural properties intended for native vegetation protection, namely the Legal Reserve (LR) and Areas of Permanent Preservation (APP). Following a decade of BFC implementation, the promise was somewhat flawed, while oversight and monitoring of private rural properties were not as expected. Considering this worrying scenario, the objective of this study was to quantify and map the forest balance of private rural properties listed in the Environmental Rural Registry of Rio das Velhas hydrographic basin (Minas Gerais, 2002), to assess compliance with the BCF and detect potentially illegal deforestation. The total deforested area in 6216 (28.7%) registered private rural properties reached approximately 119,800 ha after 2008, 61,500 ha of which were suppressed without surplus forest of LR. Besides, nearly half of the private rural properties presented forest deficits in the APPs. In a vast majority of cases, the deforestation was potentially illegal, but only a small number of private rural property owners was made responsible for that. The deforested areas were concentrated in small sectors within the rural properties, which would facilitate the control of illegal native vegetation suppression if oversight and law enforcement had been effective. Our results are an alert and a subside to public institutions and rural property owners while developing and executing plans, programs, and projects focused on environmental regularization of rural properties, with the ultimate goal of preventing further land degradation in the basin.
Primary versus salvage intratympanic steroid treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Lan Wei‐Che , Lin Chia‐Der , Tsou Yung‐An , Shih Liang‐Chun , Aoh Yu , Lu Chien‐Chi , Hsu Hsiu‐San , Lai Chun‐Yu , Wang Ching‐Yuan
Published: June 2023

Objective

The objective of this research is to compare primary and salvage intratympanic (IT) steroid treatments in terms of hearing outcomes in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Methods

The patients were randomized into two (primary and salvage) groups. Both groups received systemic steroid treatment for 2 weeks. The primary group also received IT dexamethasone injection three times during the treatment period, whereas the salvage group received IT dexamethasone injection only if no or slight recovery was noted at the 2‐week follow‐up. If needed, salvage steroid injection was administered three times during the following 2 weeks. Hearing recovery was analyzed according to the modified American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery criteria.

Results

The degrees of hearing improvement at the 3‐month follow‐up were similar in the two groups. Compared with baseline, the pure‐tone average values and speech discrimination scores improved by 38.45 ± 21.95 dB HL and 34.32% ± 30.55%, respectively, in the primary group and 36.80 ± 22.33 dB HL and 31.87% ± 27.88%, respectively, in the salvage group (p = .762 and .659, respectively). In addition, the complete or partial hearing recovery rates were also similar in the primary and salvage groups (67.7% vs. 73.3%, respectively; p = .780). In the salvage group, 18 patients required no IT steroid injection because they recovered after systemic steroid treatment.

Conclusion

Primary and salvage IT steroid treatments for ISSNHL led to similar outcomes. In summary, salvage IT steroid injection is recommended for patients with ISSNHL patients to prevent unnecessary IT injection.

Level of evidence

2.
Lignin phenol quantification from machine learning‐assisted decomposition of liquid chromatography‐absorbance spectroscopy data
Authors: Bruhn Anders Dalhoff , Wünsch Urban , Osburn Christopher L. , Rudolph Jacob C. , Stedmon Colin A.
Published: June 2023

Analysis of lignin in seawater is essential to understanding the fate of terrestrial dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the ocean and its role in the carbon cycle. Lignin is typically quantified by gas or liquid chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS or LC‐MS). MS instrumentation can be relatively expensive to purchase and maintain. Here we present an improved approach for quantification of lignin phenols using LC and absorbance detection. The approach applies a modified version of parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC2) to 2nd derivative absorbance chromatograms. It is capable of isolating individual elution profiles of analytes despite co‐elution and overall improves sensitivity and specificity, compared to manual integration methods. For most lignin phenols, detection limits below 5 nmol L−1 were achieved, which is comparable to MS detection. The reproducibility across all laboratory stages for our reference material showed a relative standard deviation between 1.47% and 16.84% for all 11 lignin phenols. Changing the amount of DOM in the reaction vessel for the oxidation (dissolved organic carbon between 22 and 367 mmol L−1), did not significantly affect the final lignin phenol composition. The new method was applied to seawater samples from the Kattegat and Davis Strait. The total concentration of dissolved lignin phenols measured in the two areas was between 4.3–10.1 and 2.1–3.2 nmol L−1, respectively, which is within the range found by other studies. Comparison with a different oxidation approach and detection method (GC‐MS) gave similar results and underline the potential of LC and absorbance detection for analysis of dissolved lignin with our proposed method.
SOCS1‐KIR Peptide in PEGDA Hydrogels Reduces Pro‐Inflammatory Macrophage Activation
Authors: Jha Aakanksha , Larkin Joseph , Moore Erika
Published: June 2023

Macrophages modulate the wound healing cascade by adopting different phenotypes such as pro‐inflammatory (M1) or pro‐wound healing (M2). To reduce M1 activation, the JAK/STAT pathway can be targeted by using suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS1) proteins. Recently a peptide mimicking the kinase inhibitory region (KIR) of SOCS1 has been utilized to manipulate the adaptive immune response. However, the utilization of SOCS1‐KIR to reduce pro‐inflammatory phenotype in macrophages is yet to be investigated in a biomaterial formulation. This study introduces a PEGDA hydrogel platform to investigate SOCS1‐KIR as a macrophage phenotype manipulating peptide. Immunocytochemistry, cytokine secretion assays, and gene expression analysis for pro‐inflammatory macrophage markers in 2D and 3D experiments demonstrate a reduction in M1 activation due to SOCS1‐KIR treatment. The retention of SOCS1‐KIR in the hydrogel through release assays and diffusion tests is demonstrated. The swelling ratio of the hydrogel also remains unaffected with the entrapment of SOCS1‐KIR. This study elucidates how SOCS1‐KIR peptide in PEGDA hydrogels can be utilized as an effective therapeutic for macrophage manipulation.
Sanggenon C inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by regulating the MIB1/DAPK1 axis in glioblastoma
Authors: Chang Hongbo , Hou Jianbing , Shao Yaqian , Xu Minghao , Weng Xuelian , Du Yi , Shi Junbo , Zhang Li , Cui Hongjuan
Published: June 2023

Sanggenon C (SC), a herbal flavonoid extracted from Cortex Mori, has been mentioned to possess more than one treasured organic properties. However, the molecular mechanism of its anti‐tumor impact in glioblastoma (GBM) remains unclear. In this study, we reported that SC displayed a GBM‐suppressing impact in vitro and in vivo with no apparent organ toxicity. SC dramatically suppressed cell proliferation‐induced cell apoptosis in GBM cells. Mechanistically, we unveiled that SC modulated the protein expression of death associated protain kinase 1 (DAPK1) by controlling the ubiquitination and degradation of DAPK1. Quantitative proteomic and Western blot analyses showed that SC improved DAPK1 protein degradation via decreasing the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligase Mindbomb 1 (MIB1). More importantly, the effects of SC on cell proliferation and apoptosis of GBM cells have been in part reversed through DAPK1 downregulation or MIB1 overexpression, respectively. These results indicated that SC might suppress cell proliferation and induce cell apoptosis by decreasing MIB1‐mediated DAPK1 degradation. Furthermore, we found that SC acted synergistically with temozolomide (TMZ), an anti‐cancer drug used in GBM, resulting in elevated chemotherapeutic sensitivity of GBM to TMZ. Collectively, our data suggest that SC might be a promising anti‐cancer agent for GBM therapy.
Application of various genetic analysis techniques for detecting two rare cases of 9p duplication mosaicism during prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Sufen , Zhou Yuqiu , Xiao Gefei , Qiu Xianrong
Published: June 2023

Background

The identification of genetic mosaicism and the genetic counseling needed following its discovery have been challenging problems in the field of prenatal diagnosis. Herein, we describe the clinical phenotypes and various prenatal diagnostic processes used for two rare cases of 9p duplication mosaicism and review the prior literature in the field to evaluate the merits of different methods for diagnosing mosaic 9p duplication.

Methods

We recorded ultrasound examinations, reported the screening and diagnosis pathways, and analyzed the mosaic levels of the two cases of 9p duplication using karyotype analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis (FISH).

Results

Case 1 had a normal clinical phenotype for tetrasomy 9p mosaicism, and Case 2 showed multiple malformations caused by both trisomy 9 and trisomy 9p mosaicism. Both cases were initially suspected after non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPT) based on cell‐free DNA. The mosaic ratio of 9p duplication found via karyotyping was lower than what was discovered by CMA and FISH, in both cases. Contrary to previous findings, the mosaic level of trisomy 9 found by karyotype analysis was greater than what was found by CMA, in terms of complex mosaicism involving trisomy 9 and trisomy 9p, in Case 2.

Conclusion

NIPT can indicate 9p duplication mosaicism during prenatal screening. Different strengths and limitations existed in terms of diagnosing mosaic 9p duplication by karyotype analysis, CMA, and FISH. The combined use of various methods may be capable of more accurately determining break‐points and mosaic levels of 9p duplication during prenatal diagnosis.
Liquid–liquid phase separation in synaptopathies
Authors: Jiang Huihui , Wu Haitao
Published: June 2023

Liquid–liquid phase separation has emerged as an important mechanism for regulating cell activity by promoting the formation of membrane‐less condensates. In the nervous system, the formation of distinct molecular condensates via phase separation is involved in synaptic assembly and function. Disruption of phase separation is associated with several disease states, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review summarizes the function of phase separation in the assembly and plasticity of the synapse, discusses the role of abnormal phase separation in neurological diseases, and proposes potential treatment options for these neurological diseases based on phase separation.
An optimization based multi‐block‐structured grid generation method
Authors: Sauer Marcel , Morsbach Christian
Published: June 2023

A new optimization based meshing technique for block‐structured meshes is presented. Given a topological block partition, block sizes, and distance constraints, meshes are generated automatically. The optimization effort is limited by using a BSpline based intermediate layer with reduced degrees of freedom, making it suitable for high resolution meshes. The optimization itself minimizes approximated grid criteria defined in the intermediate layer domain. Sampling the intermediate layer results in a mesh, which is projected in order to preserve geometric constraints. The capability of the new method is shown for 2D and 3D geometries.
Ultrasonic radiation‐induced synthesis, characterization, and biological activity of a new Fe3O4 supported‐sulfonated graphene oxide/polyaniline nano‐composite
Authors: Jakhar Prakash , Sharma Shaily , Sharma Himanshu
Published: June 2023

In this investigation, a unique Fe3O4‐supported‐sulfonated graphene oxide/polyaniline (FSGO/PANI) nano‐composite was designed and further, it was evaluated for antimicrobial activity. In situ polymerization in an aqueous acidic medium using ultrasonic irradiation technique was used to create this innovative nano‐composite (FSGO/PANI). FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and NMR, approaches were used to characterize the surface morphologies as well as structures of the developed FSGO/PANI nano‐composite. Both FTIR and NMR spectroscopy supported the existence of polyaniline (PANI). XRD data depicted that the produced nano‐composite was an amorphous material. TGA data were used to confirm the thermal stability of FSGO/PANI. At 100°C, the nano‐composite lost weight relatively slowly (11%) and roughly (34.35%) at 400°C. The FSGO/PANI nano‐composite showed excellent results in form of MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and ZOI (zone of inhibition) against bacterial strains and fungal strains in tests for antimicrobial activity.
Family perspectives on the transition from active treatment to survivorship for children with cancer
Authors: Parker Kellee , Christensen Vivian , Lindemulder Susan , Chan Lai Hin Kimi , Saxton Lauren , Cottrell Erika
Published: June 2023

Background

Completing therapy for childhood cancer is an exciting milestone. However, this adjustment can be extremely stressful for patients and their families as they transition from cancer patient to survivor. A better understanding of the patient and family experience and their needs during this transition is crucial for developing guidelines and leveraging support for future patients and families.

Procedure

Participants were recruited from across the United States using a maximum variation sampling strategy. Families were eligible if they had a child diagnosed with cancer before age 15 and had completed treatment at least 1 year prior to their interview. Participants completed a 90–180‐minute semi‐structured interview either in person or virtually. Interviews focused on the experiences of getting a diagnosis, experiences with treatment, information seeking, impact of cancer on the family, social support, and transitions to survivorship. Inductive thematic analysis revealed a wide variety of themes. This paper examines the transition from active cancer therapy into survivorship.

Results

Identified primary themes included (i) feelings about transitioning off therapy; (ii) coping with lingering effects; and (iii) experiences of transitioning off therapy and survivorship care. Subthemes highlighted the need for more support for both patients and families during this transition.

Conclusion

Patients and families desire more support during the transition off therapy. Suggestions included access to additional resources, earlier transition to receiving survivorship care, and more holistic survivorship care. Further research is needed to determine best models and feasibility of delivering this desired support to all patients and families.
The relationship between sarcopenia, multidimensional frailty, and malnutrition cluster and long‐term mortality in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Guo Gaoyue , Wang Han , Yang Wanting , Li Chaoqun , Zhao Xingliang , Fan Xiaofei , Hui Yangyang , Cui Binxin , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xuqian , Jiang Kui , Sun Chao
Published: June 2023

Aim

Sarcopenia, multidimensional frailty, and malnutrition represent common debilitating conditions in the context of cirrhosis, linked to a variety of dismal outcomes. We aimed to clarify their overlap and cumulative impact on long‐term mortality in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Consecutive patients with cirrhosis were prospectively recruited from January 2018 to December 2020. The diagnosis of sarcopenia, multidimensional frailty, and malnutrition was standardized according to the consensus definition and our well‐documented criteria. The prevalence of the respective debilitating condition and the concurrence of this comorbidity were calculated.

Results

In total, 253 patients with cirrhosis aged 64 years with a female predominance (52.4%) were recruited. Sarcopenia was present in 20.9% (53/253), multidimensional frailty in 12.6% (32/253), and malnutrition in 44.7% (113/253) of the entire cohort. Approximately half of the patients had at least one debilitating condition (127/253). Sarcopenia and malnutrition co‐existed in 33 nonfrail patients (13.0%) and multidimensional frailty and malnutrition in eight nonsarcopenic patients (3.2%). Fifteen (5.9%) subjects had all three debilitating conditions, namely malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty (MSF) group. The proportions of males, infections, and ascites were significantly higher in the MSF group. Patients in the MSF group had the highest levels of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and creatinine. The 2‐year mortality rates in patients with three debilitating conditions, two conditions, one condition, and no conditions were 60.0%, 23.8%, 21.4%, and 13.5%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression indicated the long‐term mortality risk was approximately four‐fold higher among patients in the MSF group compared to those with no conditions.

Conclusions

A fraction of patients with cirrhosis exhibited comorbidities of sarcopenia, multidimensional frailty, and malnutrition, linked to a higher risk of long‐term mortality.
Modifying explosive behavior with additives
Authors: Busby Taylor , Smith James , Sheehan Pam , Oxley Jimmie
Published: June 2023

The influence of additives on the detonation velocity of a polyethylene wax/RDX formulation was examined. Additives included species of various shock impedance: glass microballoons; glass microspheres; polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres; thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs); and PMMA microencapsulated pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). Performance of the insensitive explosive 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN) was enhanced by addition of PETN‐either neat or encapsulated, but encapsulation did not increase the sensitivity of the formulation. The energy contribution of the encapsulated PETN to the detonation front of the insensitive explosive 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN) was also demonstrated. Present in 5 wt%, the encapsulated PETN allowed DNAN to sustain a reaction (5.36 km/s) at 13 mm, well below its critical diameter.
Perturbative Solution of the Einstein Constraints with Spin and Momentum Far Away From a Binary Source in the Bowen‐York Formalism
Authors: Altas Emel , Ertugrul Emine , Tekin Bayram
Published: June 2023

The momentum and Hamiltonian constraints of vacuum Einstein equations, within the Bowen‐York formalism, for two interacting black holes in close separation, with anti‐parallel spins and anti‐parallel linear momenta is studied. An analytical solution using perturbation theory is given. The location and the shape of the apparent horizon which generically depend on all the parameters, angles, and the separation between the black holes are also computed. The solution only works for distances far away from the black holes. To gain more insight close into the black holes, one has to go to the higher orders in perturbation theory, which is a rather cumbersome process. But the solution presented here can be of some use for numerical computations as the latter should match our result for the described problem.
Country context, race and wages: A comparative analysis of Ethiopian immigrant labour market integration in the United States and Israel
Authors: Tesfai Rebbeca , Saabneh Ameed
Published: June 2023

American immigration policy debates focus on immigrants' (lack of) labour market success. While research shows that Black African immigrants experience the largest wage disadvantage, studies rarely discuss whether country‐context—formed by immigration policy and migration history—matters for their wages and whether race matters differently across place. We use Israeli and US data to determine whether Ethiopian immigrants are most disadvantaged across country contexts. Our results indicate that Ethiopian immigrants' credentials are higher in the United States, but that does not lead to higher relative wages than in Israel. Because we find that Ethiopian immigrants who are most similar to the native‐born earn nearly identical wages to the most marginalized groups in both countries, it is clear that country context plays only a small role in wage disparities. Instead, discrimination and unobserved differences between groups are most important.
Treeline remote sensing: from tracking treeline shifts to multi‐dimensional monitoring of ecotonal change
Authors: Garbarino Matteo , Morresi Donato , Anselmetto Nicolò , Weisberg Peter J.
Published: June 2023

Remote sensing applications have a long history in treeline research. Recent reviews have examined the topic mainly from a methodological point of view. Here, we propose a question‐oriented review of remote sensing in treeline ecology to relate remote sensing methodologies to key ecological metrics and identify knowledge gaps and promising areas for future research. We performed a meta‐analysis to assess the role of remote sensing as a tool for measuring spatial patterns and dynamics of alpine and Arctic treeline ecotone globally. We assessed the geographic distribution, scale of analysis, and relationships between remote sensing techniques and treeline ecological metrics through co‐occurrence mapping and multivariate statistics. Our analysis revealed that only 10% of treeline ecology studies applied remote sensing tools, often associated with the keyword ‘climate change’. Monitoring studies adopted coarser spatial resolutions over longer temporal extents in comparison with other treeline studies. A multiscale and multi‐sensor spatial approach was implemented in just 19% of papers. Long‐term research commonly relied on aerial and oblique photography to measure treeline shifts through photointerpretation within a multidisciplinary framework. More recent treeline dynamics were often quantified using greenness trends derived from the pixel‐based classification of satellite images. Many recent short‐term studies focused on delineating tree scale metrics derived from the object‐based classification of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) images or LiDAR data. Over the past decade, high‐resolution and low‐cost UAV remote sensing has emerged as an interesting opportunity to fill the gap between local‐scale ecological patterns and coarse‐resolution satellite sensors. Additionally, treeline remote sensing applications would strongly benefit from multidisciplinary frameworks that integrate field studies in ecology and environmental science. The multi‐dimensional structural complexity of treelines typically responds to environmental drivers over multiple scales and thus is best described with multiscale and multi‐sensor approaches.
Data‐driven approach for investigating and predicting of compressive strength of fly ash–slag geopolymer concrete
Authors: Tran Van Quan
Published: June 2023

Fly ash–slag geopolymer concrete is an intangible material that does not use conventional Portland cement, thereby reducing CO2 emissions into the environment, and helping to increase sustainable development. However, compared with conventional concrete, the compressive strength of fly ash–slag geopolymer concrete is complexly dependent on many factors. Using the data‐driven approach for investigating and predicting fly ash–slag geopolymer concrete compressive strength is a suitable choice. This study introduces 11 easily accessible machine learning models in open‐source libraries of the Python programming language such as support vector machine, random forest (RF), gradient boosting (GB), AdaBoost, decision trees, light GB machine, extreme GB (XGB), K‐nearest neighbors, multivariable regression, Gaussian process regression, and CatBoost (CatB). Based on a dataset of 158 samples, 14 inputs, and 1 output variable compressive strength, the performance of 11 machine learning models was evaluated through 4 criteria including coefficient of determination, root mean square error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error combined with 10 repeats of 10‐fold cross‐validation. Four models have the best performance based on the above four criteria value in determining compressive strength for testing dataset sorted descending is CatB > XGB > RF > GB. Global Shapley (SHAP) value‐based CatB and XGB indicates three groups of factors with decreasing influence on compressive strength of geopolymer concrete: group I (slag, molarity, coarse aggregate, curing temperature, and alkaline activator/binder) > group II (Na2SiO3 content, NaOH content, fine aggregate, fly ash content), curing period > group III (extra water added, NaOH/Na2SiO3, superplasticizer content, rest period). Extra water added, NaOH/Na2SiO3, superplasticizer content, rest period have insignificant influence on the compressive strength value of geopolymer concrete. The greater the slag content in the slag–fly ash mixture, the greater the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. The optimum molarity of NaOH concentration is about 14–16 M for designing the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. SHAP values partial dependence plots (PDP) and PDP indicate that alkaline activator/binder optimal values exist to achieve high compressive strength. The compressive strength increases with curing temperature between 20 and 100°C. PDP values show that the tendency to increase compressive strength with increasing coarse aggregate content from about 750 to 1250 kg/m3.
Additives enhancing supported amines performance in CO2 capture from air
Authors: Wang Yaozu , Miao Yihe , Ge Bingyao , He Zhijun , Zhu Xuancan , Liu Shanke , Li Jia , Yu Lijun
Published: June 2023

The utilization of supported amines as adsorbents in direct air capture (DAC) has been demonstrated to be a promising strategy for the reduction of CO2 emissions. To improve the performance of amine‐based adsorbents, the incorporation of additives has been widely adopted. In the present study, we conduct a comprehensive comparison of seven additives on tetraethylenepentamine‐impregnated mesoporous silica as a representative amine‐based adsorbent. The results indicate that minor molecular weight additives with hydroxyl groups show improved adsorption–desorption performance and increase oxidative stability. A proposed mechanism for these improvements is the combined physical and chemical promotion effects of hydroxyl groups. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, it is found that the effects of additives on amine‐based adsorbents are dependent on factors, such as additive type, pristine adsorbent properties, incorporation method, and testing conditions. Based on these findings, it is recommended that future DAC systems prioritize the use of hydroxyl‐containing additives, whereas higher CO2 concentration and temperature capture may benefit from the incorporation of additives without hydroxyl groups. These conclusions are expected to contribute to the design of efficient adsorbents for CO2 capture.
Cross‐Coupling Reactions Enabled by Well‐Defined Ag(III) Compounds: Main Focus on Aromatic Fluorination and Trifluoromethylation
Authors: Demonti Luca , Joven‐Sancho Daniel , Nebra Noel
Published: June 2023

AgIII compounds are considered strong oxidizers of difficult handling. Accordingly, the involvement of Ag catalysts in cross‐coupling via 2e− redox sequences is frequently discarded. Nevertheless, organosilver(III) compounds have been authenticated using tetradentate macrocycles or perfluorinated groups as supporting ligands, and since 2014, first examples of cross‐coupling enabled by AgI/AgIII redox cycles saw light. This review collects the most relevant contributions to this field, with main focus on aromatic fluorination/perfluoroalkylation and the identification of AgIII key intermediates. Pertinent comparison between the activity of AgIIIRF compounds in aryl‐F and aryl‐CF3 couplings vs. the one shown by its CuIIIRF and AuIIIRF congeners is herein disclosed, thus providing a more profound picture on the scope of these transformations and the pathways commonly associated to C−RF bond formations enabled by coinage metals.
Using a framework to assess teaching effectiveness (FATE) to promote instructor development and growth
Authors: Simonson Shawn R. , Frary Megan , Earl Brittnee
Published: June 2023

This chapter proposes the need to define the qualities of effective teaching in higher education and introduces a framework to assess teaching effectiveness (FATE) that can be adapted by other institutions for evaluating teaching, with the goal of promoting instructor development and growth.
Recent advancements of landslide hydrology
Authors: Greco Roberto , Marino Pasquale , Bogaard Thom A.
Published: June 2023

Occurrence of rainfall‐induced landslides is increasing worldwide, owing to land use and climate changes. Although the connection between hydrology and rainfall‐induced landslides might seem obvious, hydrological processes have been only marginally considered in landslide research for decades. In 2016, an advanced review paper published in WIREs Water [Bogaard and Greco (2016), WIREs Water, 3(3), 439–459] pointed out several challenging issues for landslide hydrology research: considering large‐scale hydrological processes in the assessment of slope water balance; including antecedent hydrological information in landslide hazard assessment; understanding and quantifying the feedbacks between deformation and infiltration/drainage processes; overcoming the conceptual mismatch of soil mechanics models and hydrological models. While little progress has been made on the latter two issues, a variety of studies have been published, focusing on the role of hydrological processes in landslide initiation and prediction. The importance of the identification of the origin of water to understand the processes leading to landslide activation is largely acknowledged. Techniques and methodologies for the definition of landslide catchments and for the assessment of landslide water balance are progressing fast, often considering the hydraulic effect of vegetation. The use of hydrological information in landslide prediction models has also progressed enormously. Empirical predictive tools, to be implemented in early warning systems for shallow landslides, benefit from the inclusion of antecedent soil moisture, extracted from different sources depending on the scale of the prediction, leading to significant improvement of their predictive skill. However, this kind of information is generally still missing in operational LEWS.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
Education for Sustainability: Connecting with Signs of Hope
Authors: Rivera Maulucci María S. , Pfirman Stephanie , Callahan Hilary S.
Published: June 2023

In the context of a rapidly-warming world, a global pandemic, systemic racism, and environmental racism, as science researchers and educators, we recognize an urgent need for comprehensive sustainability and environmental justice education. We also recognize the special role that higher education can and should play in the creation of a sustainable future. To achieve a holistic vision of education for sustainability that attends to viability, feasibility, durability, wholeness, and scale-sensitivity, we must thoughtfully and carefully address issues of justice, inclusion, and authenticity. In this volume, we gather voices from across institutions, subject areas, and points of view to explore the subject matter of sustainability (what to teach or research), the process (how to teach or motivate students and stakeholders to care about sustainability), and the people (who teaches, who learns, and who matters in education for sustainability).
Going Up: Incorporating the Local Ecology of New York City Green Roof Infrastructure into Biology Laboratory Courses
Authors: Rhodes Matthew E. , McGuire Krista L. , Shek Katherine L. , Gopal Tejashree S.
Published: June 2023

Current urban development practices are predicted to be largely unsustainable, placing an increasing burden on surrounding ecological systems. One mitigation effort involves expanding green infrastructure and alleviating urban ecological challenges by building in cooperation with ecological processes. Cities are investing in large-scale green infrastructure projects such as urban parks, bioswales (roadside plantings), and green roofs. Recently, scientists have begun to explore the ecological principles that govern the assembly and long-term performance of rooftop communities. In Fall 2013 and Spring 2017, students in the Microbiology and Molecular Biology laboratory courses at Barnard College engaged in surveys of soil microbial communities from different types of green infrastructure installations to evaluate the factors that structure community assembly. These projects enabled students to witness and contribute to developing urban ecological sustainability measures. The results contributed to a successful grant application, a Master’s thesis, and several peer-reviewed publications with students as lead or co-authors. Two students, inspired by their exposure to green infrastructure, demonstrated the negative impacts of nitrogen deposition on sensitive roadside green infrastructure installations. Students expressed an increased feeling of ownership and pride due to the authenticity and novelty of their work and increased engagement with both the course project and ecological sustainability.
Syndemic: Using Game-Based Learning to Engage Students in the Human Microbiome
Authors: Ruskin Emma , Danino Tal
Published: June 2023

The average adult has over 10 trillion microorganisms located in and on their body. This staggering total is more than the number of human cells and even stars in our entire galaxy. Despite cutting-edge research revealing the critical importance of these internal ecosystems in human and planetary health, students’ understanding of the microscopic world remains limited. Syndemic, an educational video game, attempts to make this invisible world visible to users by presenting the human microbiome in an accurate, engaging way. The game takes place in the future, where a genetically engineered microbe is designed to aid the immune system in killing bacterial infections, metastasizing cancer cells, chronic allergies, and other health-related antigens. The game integrates current research through a unique collaboration with the Synthetic Biological Systems Laboratory at Columbia University. This chapter first explores our changing understanding of the microbiome and how this translated into the creation of Syndemic. We then explore the undergraduate perspective on field-testing of the game. We look at the developing arena of digital game-based learning and how both a quantitative and qualitative study of Syndemic within local and global communities fits within this framework. We show that Syndemic was an effective learning opportunity for diverse users and how it also proved a worthwhile component of undergraduate education.
Teaching Chemistry in Context: Environmental Lead Exposure: Quantification and Interpretation
Authors: Austin Rachel Narehood , McDermott Ann , Korfmacher Katrina , Arbelaez Laura , Bousleiman Jamie , Downey-Mavromatis Arminda , Elsiesy Rahma , Ki Sohee , Rao Meena , Williams Shoshana
Published: June 2023

Two broad themes emerge from much of the literature on chemistry education over the last few decades. One: Students should be actively engaged. Two: Students learn more when they care about the topic. This article summarizes our efforts to use the environmental health effects of lead to engage students in authentic chemistry learning. We summarize and cite several related projects with similar goals to provide a resource for chemistry instructors interested in using the broad topic of human-lead interactions. Our work is relevant to environmental justice issues, and we suggest ways to introduce these topics into the chemistry classroom successfully.
Brownfield Action: A Civic-Oriented, Web-Based, Active Learning Simulation
Authors: Bower Peter , Rodriguez Sedelia
Published: June 2023

Brownfield Action is a web-based interactive learning simulation in which students form geotechnical consulting companies and collaboratively solve problems in environmental forensics. Brownfield Action combines a civic-minded, constructivist approach to learning, the environmental, economic, and civic importance of brownfields and the toxification of the environment. Through a series of independent professional evaluations, Brownfield Action has established itself as a highly successful pedagogical model for teaching both introductory and advanced environmental science. Brownfield Action has been disseminated by a nationwide network of undergraduate STEM educators and an interacting network of users.
The UNPAK Project: Much More Than a CURE
Authors: Callahan Hilary S. , Wolyniak Michael , Thompson Jennifer Jo , Rutter Matthew T. , Murren Courtney J. , Bisner April
Published: June 2023

Over a decade ago, faculty researchers at primarily undergraduate institutions embarked on a project motivated as much by questions about plant genomics as by commitment to undergraduate mentoring. The project gained funding from NSF and also an acronym: UNPAK, Undergraduates Phenotyping Arabidopsis Knockouts. The project aims to test ideas about how often mutation results in detectable change in plant traits important in both ecology and agriculture, relying on the premier model species in plant science, much like the lab mouse in biomedicine. UNPAK has two major tenets. First, it harnesses the hands, eyes and brains of undergraduates across many campuses to amass and analyze its data and analyses. Second, it connects faculty and students on these campuses to build and share social, cultural and human capital, essential for scientists at all stages to continue to advance and flourish. Social science colleagues have joined UNPAK to assess this second tenet and to examine its influence as student motivations and access to resources before and after graduation, and the project’s impact on faculty careers. More basically, UNPAK fosters friendships and solidarity, the underpinning of social groups that are working toward the intertwined goals of sustainability and social justice.
Teaching About Climate Change from an Astronomical Perspective
Authors: Kay Laura , Fuiten Kassandra
Published: June 2023

Astronomical observations and research inform our understanding of climate changes on Earth and how it affects life. By teaching climate change in a Life in the Universe class as part of comparative planetology and the history of life on Earth, I hope to offer a less politicized perspective than what students have previously seen.
Volcanoes, Climate Change, and Sustainability
Authors: Rodriguez Sedelia , Fuiten Kassandra
Published: June 2023

Volcanoes have a complex relationship with sustainability and climate: they contributed to the formation of Earth’s atmosphere, can have short-term effects on local climate and world climate, and have been used as a scapegoat for man-made climate change. A better understanding of volcanoes and their relation to climate provides students with a more nuanced view of their environment, specifically climate change. By interesting students in environmental science, one hopes that their fascination leads to greater investment in the sustainability of their local environments.
Perspectives on Teaching Climate Change: Two Decades of Evolving Approaches
Authors: Pfirman Stephanie , Winckler Gisela
Published: June 2023

Since 1996, Columbia University and Barnard College have required that undergraduate environmental majors take “Earth’s Environmental Systems: Climate.” The class is co-taught by 2–3 professors and is offered by different teams in fall and spring semesters. As one of the longest, continuously running, required classes on climate in the world, tracing changes in the content of this class, as well as the perspectives of its professors and students, provides insight into the evolution of climate change from a component of Earth’s system, to an international crisis. This chapter discusses the experiences of teaching undergraduate students - both science majors and non-majors - about Earth’s climate system and the risks facing the planet and society. Drawing on 845 student course evaluations and 20 survey responses from co-teachers and teaching assistants, we trace how the course, students, and faculty have evolved over two decades (1996–2018) as the earth warmed, environmental and ecosystems changed, projections of future impacts became more robust, demand for adaptation strategies and mitigation actions increased, and public discourse became polarized. We reflect on how, as we adjusted to these trends, we moved beyond our scientific training to discuss decision-making and actions within an increasingly charged national discourse.