bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Federal Crop Insurance Corporation methods to estimate soft winter wheat grain yield in the Eastern United States
Authors: Lindsey Laura E. , Singh Maninder P. , Knott Carrie A. , Hankinson Matthew W. , Mudiyanselage Prabath Senanayaka , Houx James H. , Zarnstorff Mark
Published: September 2024

Soft winter wheat (SWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) is vulnerable to environmental stressors throughout winter and early spring. To assess yield potential of SWW, crop insurance adjustors estimate grain yield by multiplying the number of stems ft−2 by a yield factor of 0.50. However, crop insurance adjustors believe the yield factor of 0.50 is too low. A 3‐year experiment was conducted in Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky to compare predicted SWW yield to harvested yield. The existing yield factor underestimated SWW yield in 243 out of 246 comparisons. Average predicted yield was 40 bu acre−1 (range of 6 to 122 bu acre−1) while actual yield averaged 93 bu acre−1 (range of 51 to 124 bu acre−1). Due to the discrepancy in predicted and actual yield, data from a planting date and seeding rate experiment conducted at four site‐years in Ohio was used to establish a new yield factor based on the number of stems ft−2 and fractional green canopy cover (FGCC) measured with the Canopeo app at Feekes 5 growth stage. The new methods were applied to the original multi‐state dataset. Using a logarithmic function based on the number of stems ft−2, 50% of the predicted yield values were within −8 to 18 bu acre−1 of the actual yield values. A logarithmic function based on FGCC resulted in 50% of the predicted yield values within 3 to 18 bu acre−1 of the actual yield values. Overall, our results showed that new models performed better than the current method used by crop insurance adjustors.
Twisted Amide‐Mediated Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Koyama Ai , Kuranaga Takefumi , Suo Taiki , Morimoto Ryota , Matsumoto Takumi , Kakeya Hideaki
Published: September 2024

A robust, practical, and sustainable isomerization‐suppressed peptide bond formation via acyl sulfonamide, a twisted amide, is disclosed. Tosyl isocyanate and pentafluorobenzyl bromide were applied in combination to activate the peptide C‐terminus, which then reacted with an amine to yield an elongated peptide with high stereochemical purity. Careful analysis of NMR spectra of the active intermediate revealed the presence of an intramolecular hydrogen bond, suggesting that the hydrogen bond suppressed Cα‐epimerization during amidation. The isomerization suppression by the intramolecular hydrogen bond is expected to be effective even under high dilution conditions, making the present method a powerful tool for the synthesis of complex macrocyclic peptides. In addition to peptide synthesis, the developed synthetic entry to twisted amides can be applied to the investigation of transition metal‐catalyzed N−C bond activation. Moreover, the application to the N−C bond activation returned insight into peptide synthesis, leading to the use of sulfonamide as a protecting group of carboxylic acid that can be orthogonally removed in the presence of other conventional protecting groups.
Green human resource practices for individual environmental performance: A meta‐review
Authors: Paillé Pascal
Published: September 2024

The field of green human resource management is a discreet but paradoxically very dynamic research topic. While many literature reviews have been published in recent years, none have explicitly addressed the links with environmental performance. This paper aims to fill this gap. An analysis of the literature indicates that compared to other practices associated with recruitment, rewards, or even performance evaluation, environmental training practices are the most commonly used. Analysis of the selected corpus shows that the effect of sustainable human resource management practices on environmental performance is mediated by several attitudinal, cognitive and conative variables. An integrative model is proposed to connect the different variables. The paper concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of the study for the links between sustainable human resource management practices and individual environmental performance.
Pro‐environmental action plan for managers of distributed service facilities
Authors: Gawin Bartlomiej , Winiarski Jacek , Marcinkowski Bartosz
Published: September 2024

Given the variety of ways in which companies can communicate their pro‐ecological stances, it may be challenging to differentiate cursory Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) reporting from meaningful reporting, which is quantitatively supported and adequately monitored. Industry‐wide, a gap has emerged between corporate commitment to decarbonisation and tangible actions. For the most part, businesses continue to fall back on non‐verified data provided by a company that has not been externally audited. This study follows a qualitative research initiative focused on enhancing the questionable maturity of reporting in a reference business entity while simultaneously generating scientific knowledge. Through a series of documented interventions, we devise an environmental strategy action plan that complements highly abstract ESG strategies, with a depiction outlining specific measures for achieving key environmental performance indicators. Energy managers are provided with a validated structure for such a document, containing guidance on what information to include to effectively implement environmental statements in the overall sustainability strategies of their companies. We outline various avenues for companies, legislators, regulators, and organisations working on sustainability reporting frameworks to enhance reporting quality.
Do effective and sustainable corporate governance mechanisms affect the relevance of non‐financial information?
Authors: Zampella Annamaria , Campanella Francesco , Serino Luana , Spignese Alessia
Published: September 2024

The aim of this paper is to investigate the value relevance of non‐financial information (NFI) under the EU Directive 2014/95/EU, since its increasing importance over recent years. Adopting a panel data set with all listed firms in Germany, Spain, France and Italy, we obtain a final sample of 10,025 firms‐year‐observations in the period from 2017 to 2021. Through the lens of institutional theory, it emerges that firms adopt coercive, mimetic and normative pressure to be recognised by investors in their NFI practices. Furthermore, the presence of effective and sustainable corporate governance mechanisms improve accounting information (namely, Earnings Per Shares and Book Value of Equity Per Shares) and NFI. The contribution of this study is twofold. First of all, it enriches the literature about value relevance of NFI; second, it is beneficial for practitioners, such as investors, policy makers and regulators on the strategic levels of effective corporate governance mechanisms. NFI has a positive effect on capital market and improve investors' decision‐making by providing information on diversity, environmental matters, social and employees matters, human rights and anti‐corruption and bribery matters, which will favour the firms' implementation of more sustainable actions. Indeed, if investors recognise the importance of a certain firm's NFI, the market value of that firm will increase with consequent reputational and economic‐financial benefits. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the role of effective and sustainable corporate governance mechanisms on the value relevance of NFI.
Three‐Phase Neutral‐Point‐Clamped Multilevel Inverter Interfacing Grid Interactive Renewable Energy System
Authors: Kumar Dalai Sumant , Prasad Panda Kaibalya , Siwakoti Yam P. , Panda Gayadhar
Published: September 2024

The potentiality of DC microgrid to incorporate renewable energy sources and improve power distribution efficiency has garnered considerable interest, especially in light of the ever‐increasing demand for efficient and clean energy systems. Multilevel inverters (MLIs) play a crucial role in interfacing these grid‐tied microgrids with various loads and energy sources. To improve the efficiency and dependability of such systems, this paper presents a three‐phase MLI interfacing solar photovoltaic (PV)‐battery‐based grid‐tied system. The system comprises of MLI with features such as (a) neutral point clamped input, (b) reduced number of switches to produce 7‐level output per phase, (c) self‐balanced capacitors, and (d) inherent voltage boosting ability. A novel power management control algorithm is designed to enhance the dynamic response and efficiency of the developed system. The effectiveness of the proposed system and its workability is validated through extensive experiments demonstrating enhanced power quality and efficient energy utilization.
Powerful knowledge and the 2022 Swedish social studies curriculum
Authors: Börjesson Mattias , Lilliestam Anna‐Lena
Published: September 2024

In the 21st century, the idea that students should have opportunities to develop powerful knowledge has been influential in educational research. Social realism as an educational philosophy, and a focus on knowledge derived from academic disciplines, have been advanced as an alternative to social constructivism and traditionalism as a basis for the curriculum. Drawing on these three educational philosophies, an analytical framework consisting of three curriculum models was developed: the traditional model, the social constructivist model and the social realist model. This analytical framework was used to identify underlying ideas in the Swedish social studies syllabi for civics, geography, history and religious education in the 2022 curriculum for compulsory school. The history syllabus aligns with social realist model, with a focus on disciplinary knowledge, that is students should understand how historical knowledge is produced and validated. The geography syllabus shows features of the traditional and the social constructivist model in that factual knowledge and students' everyday experiences are emphasised. The civics syllabus shows features of the traditional model, with a focus on subject knowledge. The religious studies syllabus also shows features of the traditional model with a focus on canonical knowledge, but also emphasises disciplinary knowledge that align with the social realist model.
Long‐Term Outcome and Mortality in Adolescent Girls 8 Years After Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Quadflieg Norbert , Naab Silke , Fichter Manfred , Voderholzer Ulrich
Published: September 2024

Objective

Assessment of the longer‐term outcome of anorexia nervosa (AN) in female adolescent inpatients (N = 132).

Method

A follow‐up (mean 8.2 years) after treatment was conducted. A subsample of 39 patients with at least 10 years of follow‐up (mean 14 years) was defined.

Results

Over the 8‐year follow‐up period, the body mass index (BMI) increased from 14.33 (1.65) to 19.04 kg/m2 (2.97; t[112] = 17.33, p < 0.001, d = 1.63), and BMI percentiles increased from 0.50 (1.14) to 24.96 (26.81; t[112] = 9.83, p < 0.001, d = 0.92). Remission was found in 32.5% (8‐year total sample) and 48.6% (14‐year subsample). In the 8‐year total sample, 15.1% still had AN or had relapsed (8.1% in the 14‐year subsample). A cross‐over from AN to binge‐eating disorder was rare. The main cross‐over occurred from AN to an eating disorder not otherwise specified (37.5% and 27.0%, respectively). The standardized mortality ratio was 21.7.

Discussion

In the long run, eating disorder diagnoses decreased significantly. Although a considerable proportion of patients recovered from their eating disorder, the number of recovered patients remained limited, with long‐term negative consequences in a large proportion of patients. Standardized mortality was excessive, calling for ever‐better therapies. Additional studies are needed to show if improved therapies lead to a better long‐term outcome.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and epilepsy: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hu Yang , Lin Duo , Wu Dongmei , Zhang Yuqing , Li Gongbo
Published: September 2024

Objective

Numerous observational studies have found a relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and epilepsy; however, their causal relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal role of SLE in epilepsy or any of its subtypes using a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to SLE were utilized as instrumental variables in MR analysis to assess their causal impact on epilepsy. The primary MR findings were derived using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, which was further supported by the weighted median and MR‐Egger regression techniques. Additionally, sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test and pleiotropy tests, were conducted to evaluate the influence of these SNPs on epilepsy, particularly looking for signs of horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity.

Results

We selected 43 SNPs that reached genome‐wide significance from genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) on SLE to serve as instrumental variables in this study. The IVW method showed no evidence to support a causal association between SLE and epilepsy (all epilepsy: odds ratio (OR) = 1.006, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.994–1.018; focal epilepsy: OR = 1.006, 95% CI = 0.994–1.019; generalized epilepsy: OR = 1.015, 95% CI = 0.996–1.035). Other MR complementary methods revealed consistent results. Furthermore, there was no evidence indicating heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.

Significance

The findings of MR analysis did not support a genetically predicted causal relationship between SLE and epilepsy, but emphasized the need for further research on shared pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly the role of immune system abnormalities and potential influences such as chronic inflammation and therapeutic interventions.

Plain Language Summary

The etiology of epilepsy is complex and diverse, including immune factors. Through a Mendelian randomization analysis, we did not find evidence of a genetic causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and epilepsy. However, this does not invalidate epidemiological evidence, and further exploration is needed to investigate factors influencing the relationship between the two.
Estimation of inelastic displacement ratio spectrum for existing RC structures via displacement response spectrum
Authors: Dadheech Sakshee , Gupta Vinay K.
Published: September 2024

In the present seismic design philosophy, the structures are designed to remain within the specified displacement limits for multiple earthquake hazard levels expected during their design life. Accordingly, the estimation of maximum inelastic displacement demand in a structure consistent with a given hazard level is of primary importance. Considering the complexity and inconvenience associated with the nonlinear response history analyses for a suite of hazard‐consistent ground motions, it is preferred to estimate the maximum inelastic displacement demand by using the scaling models available for the inelastic displacement ratio in the single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) structures. In this study, a new scaling model is developed for the inelastic displacement ratio spectrum for a given response reduction factor R in the case of 5%‐initial damping Bouc‐Wen‐Baber‐Noori (BWBN) oscillators with stiffness and strength degradations and pinching. This model is based on the observed similarities between the spectrum and the reciprocal of given displacement response SD() spectrum in most cases, and thus, this indirectly accounts for the effects of seismological and site parameters. A new strong‐motion duration definition is also proposed to identify shorter strong‐motion segments of comparable relevance, and on using this definition, it is shown that the dependence of the mean spectrum on strong‐motion duration may be considered negligible. Accordingly, the regression parameters of the proposed scaling model for spectrum are estimated as the exponential functions of only five governing BWBN parameters. The best‐fit estimates of the regression coefficients of the resulting prediction equations are obtained for three values of R. The residual error spectra are also modeled to estimate the spectrum for a given confidence level. The proposed scaling model can be applied to a wide range of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures with 5% initial damping by using the input of the design displacement spectrum and BWBN parameters.
First Record of Loropetalum chinense (Hamamelidaceae) in Flora of Vietnam
Authors: Zhu Zhen‐Hua , Lei Shu‐Qing , Pham Quang Canh , Hoang Trong Thang , Hoang Thanh Son , Li Bo
Published: September 2024

Loropetalum chinense (R.Br.) Oliv., a species that was previously documented to only be distributed in China, Japan, and India, with all distribution records north of the Tropic of Cancer, has now been recorded for the flora of Vietnam. The newly discovered population from the Son La Province in northwestern Vietnam, south of the Tropic of Cancer, represents the southernmost extent of the distribution of L. chinense. Detailed morphological descriptions, field photos, and a distribution map were provided.
A nanozyme catalysis‐diazotization reaction cascaded ratiometric colorimetric assay probing the dynamics of nitrite in leftovers
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Tang Lina , Sheng Wenjie , Yang Youyi , Lai Guolin , Liu Jinjin , Niu Xiangheng
Published: September 2024

As a common food additive, excessive nitrite poses a great threat to human health, and monitoring its content in food products is of importance for healthy diet. Currently, the detection of nitrite content in food is primarily focused on fresh dishes, and there is a lack of research on monitoring the variations of nitrite in different foods under various storage conditions. In this study, we cascaded nanozyme catalysis with diazotization reaction and developed a ratiometric colorimetric assay to dynamically analyze nitrite in leftovers. First, nanoscale MnFe2O4 was synthesized as an oxidase mimic to catalyze colorless 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation to blue TMBox. Then, a diazotization process of the produced TMBox took place under the stimulation of nitrite, lowering the ultraviolet‐visible absorption signal (652 nm) assigned to TMBox and simultaneously generating a new signal at 445 nm ascribed to diazotized TMBox. Thus, a ratiometric colorimetric method could be constructed based on the above reversed variations of the two signals for high‐selectivity nitrite determination, providing a linear range of 1.76–180 μM and a detection limit of 0.12 μM. By employing the established assay to dynamically monitor nitrite in food products, it was found that the nitrite content in overnight leftovers was higher than that in fresh dishes, presenting an increasing trend with storage time. In addition, potential impacts of storage factors on the dynamics of nitrite content were investigated, providing some implications for food preservation and daily consumption.
Effects of the Medicaid coverage cliff on low‐income elderly Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Koh Kanghyock , Park Sungchul
Published: September 2024

The Medicaid coverage “cliff” occurs when Medicare beneficiaries with household income exceeding 100% of the federal poverty level lose eligibility for supplemental Medicaid coverage. Using a regression discontinuity design with data from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2007–2019, we demonstrate that the cliff increases out‐of‐pocket spending by 25% and the probability of experiencing problems paying medical bills by 44.4% without decreases in overall health care spending. However, there is evidence that near‐poor Medicare beneficiaries changed behavior in response to the cliff, increasing the use of high‐value diagnostic and preventive testing by 8.8% and enrollment in a more affordable plan by 12.2%. The cliff does not encourage healthy behavior.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict severe influenza
Authors: Zhao Mingzhen , Zhang Bo , Yan Mingjun , Zhao Zhiwei
Published: September 2024

Background

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease posing significant harm to human health. Early prediction and intervention in patients at risk of developing severe influenza can significantly decrease mortality.

Method

A comprehensive analysis of 146 patients with influenza was conducted using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We assessed the relationship between severe influenza and patients' clinical information and molecular characteristics. First, the variables of differentially expressed genes were selected using R software. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate the association between clinical information and molecular characteristics and severe influenza. A nomogram was developed to predict the presence of severe influenza. At the same time, the concordance index (C‐index) is adopted area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve to evaluate the predictive ability of the model and its clinical application.

Results

Severe influenza was identified in 47 of 146 patients (32.20%) and was significantly related to age and duration of illness. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated significant correlations between severe influenza and myloperoxidase (MPO) level, haptoglobin (HP) level, and duration of illness. A nomogram was formulated based on MPO level, HP level, and duration of illness. This model produced a C‐index of 0.904 and AUC of 0.904.

Conclusions

A nomogram based on the expression levels of MPO, HP, and duration of illness is an efficient model for the early identification of patients with severe influenza. These results will be useful in guiding prevention and treatment for severe influenza disease.
The impact of cryptocurrency heists on Bitcoin's market efficiency
Authors: Li Mingnan , Manahov Viktor , Ashton John
Published: September 2024

Within the adaptive market hypothesis (AMH) framework, this study explores the dynamic impact of cryptocurrency heists on Bitcoin's market efficiency. By analysing Bitcoin's one‐minute price data, we calculate permutation entropy to assess market disorder and employ the complexity‐entropy causality plane to quantify structural changes in the market. The analysis focuses on the market efficiency changes the day before, the day of, and the day after a heist, revealing that heists significantly disrupt market efficiency. Specifically, on the day of and following a heist, we observe a marked decrease in permutation entropy alongside a significant increase in complexity, indicating a notable decline in market efficiency. Further analysis shows that when a heist targets a specific token, this token draws investor attention, causing a less severe drop in Bitcoin's market efficiency, while the affected token's market efficiency drops more dramatically. These findings suggest that different token markets react differently to heists, and investors should consider adjusting their strategies to respond to these changes. For policymakers, the results highlight the critical need to enhance market stability and security through informed policy measures to mitigate the impact of such disruptive events.
The effect of humanising nature
Authors: Flannery Belinda J. , Loi Natasha M. , Schutte Nicola S.
Published: September 2024

Humans may have an innate need to affiliate with nature; this need has been termed biophilia. Humanising nature may connect to biophilia. An experimental design with 167 participants tested the hypothesis that a humanised description of the functioning of trees that focused on similarities between tree and human functioning would have a greater impact than a description of purely biological functions of trees. Participants randomly assigned to the humanising nature condition had higher mean scores for positive affect and empathy related to the target aspect of nature as well as greater pro‐environmental intention. A MANOVA showed that the humanising nature condition had a significantly greater overall impact than the control condition. Positive affect and empathy were significantly different between groups. A serial mediation analysis found that positive affect and empathy connected the intervention with pro‐environmental intention. Humanising nature holds promise as an approach to meeting biophilia needs. The findings may be globally relevant to the interaction of humans with nature.
Developments in observational systems for weather forecasting
Authors: Browning K A , Szejwach G
Published: September 2024

There have been significant improvements in forecasting skills brought about by recent advances in numerical weather prediction. Some improvements can also be attributed to better observations but here the achievements have been patchy. There is, however, considerable scope for further improvements through advances in observing technology and, not least, in the effectiveness with which the observations are used. In examining these issues in this review we concentrate on those techniques that hold particular promise for operational improvements over the next decade. Techniques of interest primarily to the reseach community are not covered. Most of the observational systems discussed here are non‐labour intensive and exploit some form of remote‐sensing principle. The systems include satellites, ground‐based radar, wind and temperature profilers, and sferics detection networks. Observational systems are expensive and, although their implementation should lead to greater accuracy and specificity in weather analyses and forecasts, the extent to which this will occur depends on the customers' recognition of the benefits of such improvements and on their willingness to pay for them.
The role of various weather parameters and the use of worst‐case forecasts in prediction of gas sales
Authors: van den Berg W D
Published: September 2024

Consumption and sale of natural gas is strongly dependent on the weather. Up to 1986 Gasunie, the Dutch gas company, used a mathematical method to forecast gas consumption 24‐48 hours ahead. The model was not able to respond quickly to major changes in the weather (i.e. the temperature). MeteoConsult was asked to find a closer relationship between Dutch gas consumption and the weather in order to make the gas‐flow forecast more dynamic and more realistic. We found that apart from temperature, wind speed and cloudiness were also important. Using those additional parameters and making the original model less slow in responding to changes in external conditions resulted in a 50% reduction of the root mean square error in gas‐flow forecasts. The original forecast model, which included extensive use of software that measures and controls actual gas flow at many locations had, however, to be left virtually unchanged. Therefore, we developed a parameterisation of the influence of wind speed and cloudiness called ‘effective temperature’. Finally, there is the problem of errors in the forecast. An unexpected jump of more than 4°C in effective temperature in sub‐zero temperatures could lead to a low pressure in the gas pipes, which is highly undesirable. Risk analysis is even more important during extremely cold weather, such as that of January 1987. Verification shows that meteorologists are able to make ‘worst‐case’ forecasts with only 10% of the forecasts exceeding the lower worst case.
Assessing the economic value of weather forecasts: an overview of methods, results and issues
Authors: Murphy A H
Published: September 2024

This paper contains an overview of the problem of assessing the economic value of weather forecasts. Methods of forecast‐value assessment are identified. A representative list of recent references is included. The interdisciplinary nature of the forecast‐value assessment problem and the need to address this problem through a continuing programme of methods‐oriented and applications‐oriented research are emphasised.
Evaluating the impact of pharmacist counseling on patient satisfaction and willingness to pay: A study in the Pakistan health care context
Authors: Mustafa Asma Ghulam , Aslam Adeel
Published: September 2024

Background

Patient‐centered pharmacist counseling enhances health care experiences by fostering understanding and trust. This study aimed to understand patient satisfaction levels and their propensity to pay for pharmacist counseling services.

Methods

This study is a cross‐sectional survey that was carried out in Lahore, Pakistan. The study was conducted from May to July 2023, utilizing the Patient Satisfaction Feedback (PSF) questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection in various community pharmacies. The data was collated from 300 completed surveys and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques in IBM SPSS software (Version 22). The analysis provided valuable insights into the influence of counseling services on patients' viewpoints.

Results

In the study, a diverse sample of patients demonstrated a notably positive reception of pharmacist counseling. The majority of the respondents had a positive response towards easy access to this service, with 76.7% reporting no difficulty. Furthermore, 49.7% expressed complete satisfaction in obtaining the knowledge they required, while 43.3% indicated they received this knowledge to some extent. Prominent values were observed, including 57.3% expressing high satisfaction levels, and 71.3% demonstrating readiness to pay for it. Notably, gender‐related differences were observed, with females displaying particularly strong positive attitudes towards counseling services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study revealed significant patient satisfaction with pharmacist counseling services, with over half of the participants expressing contentment. Moreover, despite the country's lower health care spending, a substantial portion of patients expressed a willingness to pay for this service, highlighting the potential for establishing pharmaceutical care services with a distinctive role within Pakistan's health care sector.
Hydride and halide abstraction reactions behind the enhanced basicity of Be and Mg clusters with nitrogen bases
Authors: Yáñez Manuel , Mó Otilia , Montero‐Campillo M. Merced , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: September 2024

In this study, we investigate the protonation effects on the structure, relative stability and basicity of complexes formed by the interaction of monomers and dimers of BeX2 and MgX2 (X = H, F) with NH3, CH2NH, HCN, and NC5H5 bases. Calculations were performed using the M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVTZ formalism, along with QTAIM, ELF and NCI methods for electron density analysis and MBIE and LMO‐EDA energy decomposition analyses for interaction enthalpies. The protonation of the MH2– and M2H4–Base complexes occurs at the negatively charged hydrogen atoms of the MH2 and M2H4 moieties through typical hydride abstraction reactions, while protonation at the N atom of the base is systematically less exothermic. The preference for the hydride transfer mechanism is directly associated with the significant exothermicity of H2 formation through the interaction between H− and H+, and the high hydride donor ability of these complexes. The basicity of both, MH2 and M2H4 compounds increases enormously upon association with the corresponding bases, with the increase exceeding 40 orders of magnitude in terms of ionization constants. Due to the smaller exothermicity of HF formation, the basicity of fluorides is lower than that of hydrides. In Be complexes, the protonation at the N atom of the base dominates over the fluoride abstraction mechanism. However, for the Mg complexes the fluoride abstraction mechanism is energetically the most favorable process, reflecting the greater facility of Mg complexes to lose F−.
A New Route for the Synthesis of (Trichloromethyl)Quinazoline‐4(1H)‐One and (1,2,3‐Triazole)‐Quinazoline‐4(1H)‐One Functionalized Derivatives via Copper‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Nematpour Manijeh
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of functionalized (trichloromethyl)quinazoline‐4(1H)‐one with high yields through a novel three‐component intramolecular CH activation reaction from trichloroacetonitrile, benzoyl chlorides, and various primary amines is a remarkable achievement in organic chemistry. This strategy offers a direct and efficient route to access complex molecular structures from readily available starting materials. The use of copper (I) as a catalyst and L‐proline as a ligand in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature highlights the importance of transition metal catalysis in enabling selective CH activation processes. Furthermore, the subsequent transformation of the obtained product with phenylacetylene and sodium azide in the presence of a copper catalyst in water solvent at room temperature demonstrates the versatility of this synthetic approach in accessing new (1,2,3‐triazole)‐quinazoline‐4(1H)‐one derivative. The combination of available starting materials, catalytic systems, mild reaction conditions, and ease of purification procedures contributes to the attractiveness of this method for the synthesis of diverse (trichloromethyl)quinazoline‐4(1H)‐one and (1,2,3‐triazole)‐quinazoline‐4(1H)‐one derivative.
Improving drought monitoring using climate models with bias‐corrected under Gaussian mixture probability models
Authors: Naz Rubina , Ali Zulfiqar , Kartal Veysi , Alshahrani Mohammed A. , Hilali Shreefa O. , Al Samman Fathia Moh.
Published: September 2024

Global climate models (GCMs) are extensively used to calculate standardized drought indices. However, inaccuracies in GCM simulations and uncertainties inherent in the standardization methodology limit the precision of drought evaluations. The objective of this research is to remove bias in GCMs for improving drought monitoring and assessment. Consequently, this article proposes a new framework for drought index under the ensemble of GCMs—Multi‐Model Quantile Mapped Standardized Precipitation Index (MMQMSPI). In accordance of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the second stage derives a new index by assessing the feasibility of parametric and nonparametric models during standardization. In the application, we used 18 GCMs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) data of precipitation across 32 grid points within the Tibetan Plateau region. The comparative findings reveal that the integration of KCGMD is the most suitable choice compared to other best‐fitted univariate distributions in both features of the proposed framework. In this research, we assess the implications of evaluating future patterns of drought for the years 2015–2100 using seven different time periods and three different future scenarios. Temporal behavior clearly shows monthly variations in the pattern of MMQMSPI, and these variations differ on each time scale, but a drastic change can be seen over the long term, i.e., extreme dry and wet conditions, with a higher probability in all scenarios.
Purification, Source Exploration, and Bioactivity Evaluation of Oligosaccharides in Sijunzi Decoction
Authors: Chen Xiaonan , Pu Zongjin , Liu Yixin , Dong Bangjian , Li Xiaobo
Published: September 2024

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) has been widely used to treat splenic deficiency syndrome. Previous studies confirmed that polysaccharides and non‐polysaccharides (NPS) are the main active components of SJZD. This study aimed to investigate the composition and activity of oligosaccharides in NPS. In this study, the oligosaccharide component (named SJZD‐OGS), consisting of several different oligosaccharides, was separated and purified from non‐polysaccharides of SJZD (SJZD_NPS). Ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–IMS–QTOF/MS), matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS), and high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD) were used to analyze SJZD‐OGS. SJZD‐OGS, with a molecular weight of 2178 Da, was composed of glucose and fructose, and its chemical composition mainly included fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) with a degree of polymerization of 3–14 (DP 3–14). The results of oligosaccharide source exploration demonstrated that the chemical composition of SJZD‐OGS was different from that of the oligosaccharides of each herb in SJZD. In addition, SJZD‐OGS showed good anti‐inflammatory activity on macrophage cells and intestinal epithelial cell protective activity. The present work provides experimental evidence for elucidating the pharmaceutical components of SJZD and presents an effective strategy for the research of oligosaccharides in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Secondary Contouring for the Butterfly Graft: Improving Form and Preserving Function
Authors: Varman Rahul , Miller Jonas , Clark J. Madison
Published: September 2024

Objective

The butterfly graft (BFG) secondary contouring procedure addresses external nasal irregularities following the primary BFG surgery. We explore demographic factors associated with the desire for secondary contouring and assess patient‐reported outcomes following the procedure.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 374 patients undergoing BFG between April 2020 and April 2023 identified 10 individuals electing for secondary contouring. Demographics, Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation (NOSE) scores, Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), and decision regret scale (DRS) were collected and reported.

Results

Secondary contouring rate was 2.7% of total cases. The majority of patients desiring BFG secondary contouring were white females (90%). NOSE scores significantly improved post‐primary surgery (mean change: 51.7, SD: 14.01, p‐value: <0.05). Although overall NOSE scores remained improved after secondary contouring (mean change: 47.2, SD: 18.84, p‐value: <0.05) compared with their preoperative NOSE scores, one patient (10%) reported worse score after secondary contouring. Four patients (40%) reported worsening after secondary contouring compared with after initial BFG surgery. DRS indicated minimal regret from patients.

Conclusion

BFG secondary contouring is a valuable option for patients with external nasal complaints, providing improvements in nasal appearance and durable improvement in breathing outcomes. We emphasize the importance of patient counseling and appropriate patient selection. Our results suggest that patients should expect a slight worsening of NOSE scores following secondary contouring, but that significant worsening is a low risk.

Level of Evidence

4: Case series Laryngoscope, 135:1066–1071, 2025
Textile Muscle Fibers Made by and for Continuous Production Using Doped Conducting Polymers
Authors: Huniade Claude , Martinez Jose G. , Mehraeen Shayan , Jager Edwin W. H. , Bashir Tariq , Persson Nils‐Krister
Published: September 2024

Like skeletal muscles having a fibrous structure, conducting polymers can actuate upon electrical stimulation and can be shaped into fibers. Through textile assembly strategies of such fibers, complex actuating architectures are possible. However, state‐of‐the‐art strategies using short pieces of yarn, which compel manual integration, are not fully taking advantage of textiles. To manufacture actuating textiles that best exploit textile properties like softness and pliability, and to enable production upscaling, a production of continuous, actuating fibers is presented here. These fibers are produced from commercial polyamide 6/6 filaments by first continuously dip‐coating in a modified commercial poly(3,4−ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) dispersion before the electropolymerization of polypyrrole (PPy), where the fibers are withdrawn continuously through an electrolyte solution containing the pyrrole monomer. By employing a cyclic dip‐coating with individual viscosity, drying temperature, and withdrawal speed for each layer, and by adjusting the tension, speed, and applied potential of the electropolymerization, their isotonic strain is enhanced threefold. Their specific tension, at 400 µN tex−1, reaches slightly higher than human skeletal muscle fibers. Furthermore, these continuous actuating fibers produced on the meter are processable in an industrial knitting machine. This study anchors the development of textile muscle fibers for future textile muscles.
Dunkl convolution and elliptic regularity for Dunkl operators
Authors: Brennecken Dominik
Published: September 2024

We discuss in which cases the Dunkl convolution of distributions , possibly both with non‐compact support, can be defined and study its analytic properties. We prove results on the (singular‐)support of Dunkl convolutions. Based on this, we are able to prove a theorem on elliptic regularity for a certain class of Dunkl operators, called elliptic Dunkl operators. Finally, for the root system we consider the Riesz distributions and prove that their Dunkl convolution exists and that  holds.
On the real spectrum of differential operators with PT‐symmetric periodic matrix coefficients
Authors: Veliev Oktay A.
Published: September 2024

We study the spectrum of the operator generated by the differential expression of order with the Parity‐Time (PT)‐symmetric periodic matrix coefficients. The case when and are the odd numbers was investigated in [18]. In this paper, we consider the all remained cases: (a) is an odd number and is an even number, (b) is an even number and is an arbitrary positive integer. We find conditions on the coefficients under which in the cases (a) and (b) the spectrum of contains the sets and respectively for some .
Zinc Phthalocyanine Core‐First Star Polymers Through Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization and Nitroxide Exchange Reaction
Authors: Ahmetali Erem , Kocaarslan Azra , Bräse Stefan , Théato Patrick , Kasım Şener M.
Published: September 2024

Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) and nitroxide exchange reaction (NER) are very efficient methodologies that require only suitable alkoxyamine derivatives and create different polymeric architectures in a controlled manner. Herein, the synthesis of star polymers containing TEMPO‐substituted symmetric zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) is presented via NMP and NER. Moreover, linear polymer formation is conducted in a single arm on TEMPO‐substituted asymmetric ZnPc to elucidate the properties of star polymers. All linear and star polymers are characterized by FT‐IR, UV–vis, fluorescence, GPC, NMR, and EPR techniques. The results show that the proposed reactions are capable of forming controlled star‐shaped polymers. The increasing arm number (from a single to four arms) results in variable dispersity values (Đ) (1.2–3) due to different arm lengths, especially in NMP. However, this difficulty has been overcome via NER, and star polymers have been successfully synthesized with relatively low molecular weight (30 K > 10 K) and low dispersity (1.2–1.9). The results clearly indicate that while styrene and 4‐vinyl benzyl chloride monomers are introduced to the structure equally, star polymers with phthalocyanine can be synthesized in a controlled manner, and their quarternized derivatives have the potential to be effective as photoactive agents in photodynamic therapy.
MHA conference highlights investments to integrate care into community clinics
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2024

Mental Health America's (MHA's) conference attendees — including thousands of mental health advocates, people with lived experience and their families, and clinical leaders — learned firsthand last week of the Biden administration's plans to invest millions to integrate behavioral health services into hundreds of community health centers around the country.
Anatomical validation of needle placement for cervical paraspinal mapping of the multifidus
Authors: Malave Brian , Johnson Steven , Haig Andrew J.
Published: September 2024

Introduction/Aims

The paraspinal muscles are an important component of electrodiagnostic testing for radiculopathy. In the cervical region, a protocol for cervical paraspinal mapping assumes accurate placement of the electromyography (EMG) needle into the cervical multifidus. However, there is scant information regarding the accuracy of needle placement in that muscle. This study examines the accuracy of this protocol in sampling the intended multifidus muscle of cadavers.

Methods

An experienced electromyographer directed needles to multifidus at C5, C7, and T2 spinous processes of 19 embalmed cadavers, and injected color dyes. Separately another examiner dissected the cadavers, noting whether the dye was in the correct location and whether its trajectory approached any “danger zones” of nerve, artery, or joint.

Results

The dye was in the multifidus muscle 100% of the time and hit the intended bony target in 79%, 73%, and 79% of C5, C7, and T2 insertions. No insertion was found in a danger zone.

Discussion

The results indicate modest accuracy for EMG needle placement as proposed in the clinical protocol. Clinical utility of this method requires more work including the establishment of norms, sensitivities, specificities, and clinical impact.
LQG control for networked control systems with packet dropouts and input delay: UDP case
Authors: Liu Xincheng , Zhang Ancai , Liang Xiao
Published: September 2024

This article investigates the linear quadratic Gaussian problem for networked control systems (NCSs) with input delay and unknown packet dropouts. In NCSs, packet dropouts occur in both the control‐actuator channel and the sensor‐estimator channel. Meanwhile, the input delay happens in the control‐actuator channel. It is noted that there is no acknowledgment of successful delivery of control packets, that is, the user datagram protocol case. Therefore, the famous separation principle fails. The contributions of this article are two‐folds: first, based on the intermittent standard observations, an approximate estimation Kalman filter algorithm is proposed to estimate the state. Second, in virtue of the obtained estimator and dynamic programming method, an explicit expression of the optimal controller is given the delayed backward and forward difference equations.
Treatment of pediatric refractory or relapsed Epstein–Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic syndrome with PD‐1 inhibitors
Authors: Guo Shu‐Yi , Wang Jian , Fang Jian‐Pei , Lei Jia‐Ying , Wu Xiao‐Qin , Qiu Kun‐Yin , Zhou Dun‐Hua
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Epstein–Barr virus‐associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV‐HLH) is a type of pediatric HLH that occurs frequently in Asia. Although immunochemotherapy based on etoposide and hormone has improved survival rates, there are still about 30% of HLH patients that do not respond. The objective of the article is to examine the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) inhibitors for children with relapsed/refractory (r/r) EBV‐HLH.

Methods

A retrospective case note review of four pediatric patients with r/r EBV‐HLH who were treated with PD‐1 inhibitors at Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen University.

Results

All four patients responded to PD‐1 inhibitors and achieved partial response after their first infusion. Plasma EBV DNA copy number and HLH‐related monitoring indicators decreased in all of these patients. All patients received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), and two were still alive at the last follow‐up on December 30, 2022. Two patients died because of transplantation‐related complications. Serious side effects included increased liver enzymes and edema in two patients.

Conclusion

PD‐1 inhibitors are an effective salvage therapy and can provide a bridge to allo‐HSCT for pediatric patients with r/r EBV‐HLH. However, side effects should be monitered.