bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case for Religion of Nature
Authors: Crosby Donald A.
Published: February 2008

Religious naturalism is an approach to religious truth and meaning that is being articulated and defended in various forms by increasing numbers of thinkers today. This essay provides a description of some of the central ideas of religious naturalism and especially of what the author calls religion of nature as a version of religious naturalism. It sets forth a defense of these ideas in response to certain key questions regarding them. The essay recommends religious naturalism in general and religion of nature in particular for study and consideration by students interested in contemporary developments in religious thought.
Deep Pantheism
Authors: Corrington Robert S.
Published: February 2008

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Reinterpreting the Kwakiutl Hamatsa Dance As an Expression of the Apollonian and Dionysian Synthesis
Authors: McLuckie Alan
Published: February 2008

In Patterns of Culture, Ruth Benedict appropriates Nietzsche’s distinction between the Apollonian and Dionysian art impulses as the model for her discussion of cultural diversity among North American Indians. However, Benedict’s use of the Nietzschean model not only fails to capture the true ritual significance of the religious or spiritual practices of Kwakiutl Indians of the North West Coast, the result of which portrays the Kwakiutl as primitive savages, but it is also a crude misrepresentation of the Nietzschean model she takes herself to be adopting. While I do not think that Benedict’s position is definitive of current scholarship on this topic, it is my contention that the Apollonian/Dionysian model, properly understood, yields some rather interesting insights into the religio-spiritual practices of the Kwakiutl and so is deserving of further study. This article offers an interpretation of the hamatsa dance of the Kwakiutl Winter Ceremonial as a synthesis of both Apollonian and Dionysian art impulses through which the Kwakiutl construct their ontological and moral worldview.
John Sandys-Wunsch. What Have They Done to the Bible? A History of Modern Biblical Interpretation
Authors: Mitchell Christine
Published: February 2008

John Sandys-Wunsch. What Have They Done to the Bible? A History of Modern Biblical Interpretation. Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, 2005. xx + 378 pp. Paper. ISBN 9780814650288. $39.95.
Bramadat, Paul and David Seljak, ed. Religion and Ethnicity in Canada
Authors: Stewart Adam
Published: February 2008

Bramadat, Paul and David Seljak, ed. Religion and Ethnicity in Canada. Toronto: Pearson Longman, 2005. 320 pp. Paper. ISBN 9780321248411. $49.95.
Korean students’ perceptions of identities and cultural capital
Authors: Lee Heekyeong
Published: February 2008

This article presents four Korean adult students’ personal narratives about their experiences in Canadian university programs. Using Bourdieu’s critical social theory, Bakhtin’s dialogism and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory as a conceptual frame, I focus on the students’ perceptions of identities, cultural capital and different social relations of power embedded in their language learning contexts. The students share certain commonalities such as being Korean and educated in Korea. However, their diverse investment in, evaluation and negotiation of their second language discourse practices, challenge stereotypic, monolithic labels and attributed identities as second language learners.
Reclaiming the local in language policy and practice. A. Suresh Canagarajah (ed.) (2005)
Authors: Sadeghi Shiva
Published: February 2008

Reclaiming the local in language policy and practice. A. Suresh Canagarajah (ed.) (2005) Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates 297pp. ISBN: 0–8058–4593–3
Cuando los hablantes se niegan a elegir
Authors: Fernández Mauro A.
Published: February 2008

The lack of familiarity of sociolinguistics with social theory, leads to use indifferently, as if they were transparent and univocal, items that present problems since the beginning of their use as technical items. This is the case of the term identity. From the modern perspective, theories on identity, formulated by social sciences, can be ascribed to two main groups: essentialists and constructionists. The perspective of this paper belongs to the latter. Because of its relevance, Tajfel´s theory of social identity stands out. This theory has been recently developed by Hogg through the theory of self-categorization. This work deals with the relationship that languages can maintain with identities under the light of these theories. Languages and linguistic varieties are, on the one hand, the result of social identity acts, and, on the other hand, the source of social identities (among which ethnic and national identities are found, but not exclusively). Likewise, reflexive modernization theory is based on ”the fact that social practices are constantly examinated and improved under the light of the information that is extracted from those practices, that, in this sense, alter their characteristics” (Giddens). All this process affects identities and on their relations to languages and varieties.
Points of enunciation
Authors: Konidaris Ephie , Maguire Mary H
Published: February 2008

This inquiry presents portraits of two Greek adults’ perceptions of growing up as ‘Bill 101’ trilinguals in Montreal. This urban space is a unique location to understand how allophone students take up or revise their subject positions in becoming and being trilingual. Bakhtin’s dialogic theory and Bourdieu’s theory of capital provide a conceptual frame to understand their perceptions of the role of particular resources in their trilingualism and the social, cultural and political meanings they attach to them. Participants constructed their trilingual identities through their daily interactions within diverse social networks of parents, relatives, teachers and peers within home, school and work.
Valorising minority languages through public policies
Authors: Hambye Philippe , Siroux Jean-Louis
Published: February 2008

In this paper, we propose to take a sociolinguistic and sociological look at policies aiming to introduce immigrants’ languages in school curriculum in Belgium, in a way to give value to the identity of migrant communities. We present first diverse arguments claiming for the recognition of these languages in the educational field. Then we put under scrutiny the social processes grounding the relation between a language and one’s identity. Our reasoning stems from a double questioning: is their language a core value for all minority groups? If it is the case, Which kind of value language valorization policies may attribute to these languages and to their users? While underlying the necessity to improve the socioeconomical and sociolinguistic situation of migrant communities, we try to show that the conditions of a real transformation of the linguistic hierarchy cannot be reduced to the conditions of their symbolic recognition.
Creoles with sentence final negation
Authors: Dieck Marianne
Published: February 2008

This article synthetically presents the main properties of the negation system of three creoles that share the typologically marked feature of postsentence negation: Palenquero, Fa d´ambô and Santomense. Remarkable coincidences are noted, not only at a syntactic structure level, but also coincidences of semantic implications that the distribution of the negative elements has for the scope of negation and for the production of pragmatic effects that go beyond negation. To account for these similarities, a semantic-pragmatic explanation is proposed: the negative patterns of these creoles follow a general tendency, recorded in all languages (creoles and non creoles) with postsentence negation, to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation by clearly marking the scope of negation with an additional element.
Decolonisation, globalisation: Language-in-education policy and practice. Angel M. Y. Lin and Peter W. Martin (eds) (2005)
Authors: LaDousa Chaise
Published: February 2008

Decolonisation, globalisation: Language-in-education policy and practice. Angel M. Y. Lin and Peter W. Martin (eds) (2005) Multilingual Matters xix+204pp. ISBN 1-85359-824-0
Emotions and multilingualism. Aneta Pavlenko (2005)
Authors: Wei Li
Published: February 2008

Emotions and multilingualism. Aneta Pavlenko (2005) Cambridge University Press 304pp. ISBN 0521843618
Motives for Residential Mobility in Later Life: Post-Move Perspectives of Elders and Family Members
Authors: Sergeant Julie F. , Ekerdt David J.
Published: February 2008

This qualitative study delineates motives for residential mobility, describes dynamics between the elder and family members during the move decision process, and locates the move decision within ecological layers of the aging context. Interviews were conducted with 30 individuals and couples (ages 60–87) who experienced a community-based move within the past year, and with 14 extended family members. Reasons for moving (from perspectives of both elders who moved and their family members) were grouped into four themes and eleven issues that influenced the move decision. These themes parallel the ecological context of individual health and functioning, beliefs and attitudes, physical environment, and social pressures. Late-life mobility is a significant life transition that is the outcome of an ongoing appraisal and reappraisal of housing fit with individual functioning, needs, and aspirations. Family members are an integral part of these decision and residential mobility processes.
Disparities in Mistreatment During Childbirth
Authors: Liu Chen , Underhill Kristen , Aubey Janice J. , Samari Goleen , Allen Heidi L. , Daw Jamie R.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Lack of respectful maternity care may be a key factor associated with disparities in maternal health. However, mistreatment during childbirth has not been widely documented in the US.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of mistreatment by health care professionals during childbirth among a representative multistate sample and to identify patient characteristics associated with mistreatment experiences.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used representative survey data collected from respondents to the 2020 Pregnancy Risk and Monitoring System in 6 states and New York City who had a live birth in 2020 and participated in the Postpartum Assessment of Health Survey at 12 to 14 months’ post partum. Data were collected from January 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.

Exposures

Demographic, social, clinical, and birth characteristics that have been associated with patients’ health care experiences.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Any mistreatment during childbirth, as measured by the Mistreatment by Care Providers in Childbirth scale, a validated measure of self-reported experiences of 8 types of mistreatment. Survey-weighted rates of any mistreatment and each mistreatment indicator were estimated, and survey-weighted logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.

Results

The sample included 4458 postpartum individuals representative of 552 045 people who had live births in 2020 in 7 jurisdictions. The mean (SD) age was 29.9 (5.7) years, 2556 (54.4%) identified as White, and 2836 (58.8%) were commercially insured. More than 1 in 8 individuals (13.4% [95% CI, 11.8%-15.1%]) reported experiencing mistreatment during childbirth. The most common type of mistreatment was being “ignored, refused request for help, or failed to respond in a timely manner” (7.6%; 95% CI, 6.5%-8.9%). Factors associated with experiencing mistreatment included being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer identifying (unadjusted OR [UOR], 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4-3.8), Medicaid insured (UOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8), unmarried (UOR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-1.0), or obese before pregnancy (UOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7); having an unplanned cesarean birth (UOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2), a history of substance use disorder (UOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.1), experienced intimate partner or family violence (UOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.3-4.2), mood disorder (UOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), or giving birth during the COVID-19 public health emergency (UOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0). Associations of mistreatment with race and ethnicity, age, educational level, rural or urban geography, immigration status, and household income were ambiguous.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study of individuals who had a live birth in 2020 in 6 states and New York City found that mistreatment during childbirth was common. There is a need for patient-centered, multifaceted interventions to address structural health system factors associated with negative childbirth experiences.
Rapid Prediction of Energy Level Alignment and Conductance of Single‐Molecule Junctions Through Intramolecular Dipole Moment
Authors: Zhang Yirong , Yang Sha , Yang Yang , Ren Ji‐Chang , Butch Christopher J. , Wang Lin , Liu Wei
Published: April 2024

How substituents affect the conductance of single‐molecule junctions has been a subject of ongoing debate. Here, a comparative study on the transport properties across a broader range of experimentally proposed and representative π‐conjugated molecular systems, each characterized by prototypical backbone motifs with distinct terminal groups and featuring a range of substituents is conducted. Employing the non‐equilibrium Green's function method within density functional theory, this investigation reveals a significant impact on junction conductance due to asymmetric characteristics arising from both electronic and spatial effects induced by the di‐substituents of phenanthrene analogs with C═C or B─N motifs. Remarkably, a linear correlation is uncovered, either negative or positive, between the dipole moment of the molecules and the junction conductance, contingent upon whether the transport is governed by the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) or lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) states. Furthermore, the validity of this proposed dipole moment descriptor is substantiated across various substituted series, including 2,7‐dipyridylfluorene, oligo(phenylene ethynylene), and 1,4‐diaminobenzene. These findings underscore the pivotal role of individual molecular dipole moment, easily determinable, in offering precise predictive insight into the conductance of intricate molecular junctions.
Self‐Powered System for H2 Production and Biomass Upgrading
Authors: Liu Shao‐Qing , Xie Shiyan , Wu Shuwen , Yang Yang , Lei Peng‐Xia , Luo Shuiping , Feng Renfei , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Luo Jing‐Li
Published: April 2024

Hydrazine‐oxidation‐assisted self‐powered H2 generation system greatly expands the applicability of hydrogen production technology. However, the high cost of hydrazine greatly impedes the widespread adoption of hydrazine‐contained energy systems for large‐scale H2 production. Besides, the gaseous products of hydrazine splitting, comprising a mixture of H2 and N2, necessitate energy‐intensive downstream separation. Here, taking advantage of a low‐potential furfural oxidation reaction (FOR) on the Cu electrode, a self‐powered H2 production system by integrating a direct furfural fuel cell (DFFC) and a bipolar H2 production electrolyser is reported. Ru‐dispersed Cu nanowire with remarkable catalytic activity is developed as a hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst to couple with the FOR. The HER‐FOR electrolyzer achieves bipolar H2 production with an apparent 200% Faradaic efficiency, attaining a current density of 100 mA cm−2 with a low cell voltage of 0.43 V. The DFFC displays an open circuit potential of 0.969 V and a peak power density up to 193 mW cm−2. Inspired by the bipolar H2 production that eliminates the gas separation, a self‐powered system utilizing furfural as the sole consumable, which yields a pure H2 production rate of 6 mmol h−1 m−2 is demonstrated. This work provides a new avenue for constructing self‐powered H2 production systems.
Nondestructive Single‐Atom‐Thick Crystallographic Scanner via Sticky‐Note‐Like van der Waals Assembling–Disassembling
Authors: Moon Ji‐Yun , Kim Seung‐Il , Ghods Soheil , Park Seungil , Kim Seunghan , Chang SooHyun , Jang Ho‐Chan , Choi Jun‐Hui , Kim Justin S. , Bae Sang‐Hoon , Whang Dongmok , Kim Tae‐Hoon , Lee Jae‐Hyun
Published: April 2024

Crystallographic characteristics, including grain boundaries and crystallographic orientation of each grain, are crucial in defining the properties of two‐dimensional materials (2DMs). To date, local microstructure analysis of 2DMs, which requires destructive and complex processes, is primarily used to identify unknown 2DM specimens, hindering the subsequent use of characterized samples. Here, a nondestructive large‐area 2D crystallographic analytical method through sticky‐note‐like van der Waals (vdW) assembling–disassembling is presented. By the vdW assembling of veiled polycrystalline graphene (PCG) with a single‐atom‐thick single‐crystalline graphene filter (SCG‐filter), detailed crystallographic information of each grain in PCGs is visualized through a 2D Raman signal scan, which relies on the interlayer twist angle. The scanned PCGs are seamlessly separated from the SCG‐filter using vdW disassembling, preserving their original condition. The remaining SCG‐filter is then reused for additional crystallographic scans of other PCGs. It is believed that the methods can pave the way for advances in the crystallographic analysis of single‐atom‐thick materials, offering huge implications for the applications of 2DMs.
Overcoming Moisture‐Induced Charge Decay in Tribo‐Materials
Authors: Kim Jin‐Kyeom , Jung Sungwoo , Kim Do‐Heon , Gao Jian , Lee Yun Sik , Park Hyesung , Song Hyun‐Cheol , Baik Jeong Min
Published: April 2024

The paper extensively explores moisture‐induced charge decay in tribo‐materials, addressing charge generation fundamentals and overcoming strategies. Triboelectric effect and contact electrification models are discussed, with corona charging and hydro‐charging as effective charge generation methods. Moisture‐induced adverse effects, such as swelling and charge dissipation, are outlined. Electronegativity and dangling bonds' roles in charge traps are explored, along with the impact of functionalities on materials. Various strategies, including hydrophobic surfaces, crystalline phases, and water‐reactive materials, are proposed to counter moisture effects. Tribo‐materials are currently applied in energy, sensors, environment, and healthcare, with potential in smart skin sensors and implantable devices. Overcoming challenges, including high charge density and durability, can lead to breakthroughs, expanding applications to harsh environments like underwater and high temperatures.
Engineering 2D Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Yang Jindi , Zeng Xiangkang , Tebyetekerwa Mike , Wang Zhuyuan , Bie Chuanbiao , Sun Xin , Marriam Ifra , Zhang Xiwang
Published: April 2024

Solar energy can be utilized in photocatalysis technology to realize light‐driven hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, a green chemical synthesis route. Designing high‐performance photocatalysts is critical to achieving practical solar H2O2 production. During the past decade, significant research progress is made in photocatalytic materials for H2O2 production. Particularly 2D materials‐based photocatalysts stand out due to their unique physical and chemical properties. This review highlights the intricate relationship between 2D material innovation and photochemical H2O2 production. It starts with the fundamental principles of photochemical H2O2 generation, focusing on crucial steps such as photon absorption, carrier dynamics, surface reactions, and the challenges that 2D materials can solve at each step. Then, various 2D materials‐based photocatalysts for solar H2O2 production are introduced in detail. Engineering strategies to optimize the photocatalytic performance are discussed afterward. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities for designing 2D materials‐based photocatalysts for solar H2O2 production are outlined. This review is expected to inspire the engineering of 2D materials‐based photocatalysts for the green synthesis of H2O2 and the conversion of solar energy to other chemicals.
Liposomal Neostigmine Bromide: A Localized Therapeutic Approach for Detrusor Underactivity
Authors: Liu Kunpeng , Gong Haitao , Jiao Binbin , Ding Zhenshan , Ren Jian , Gan Zhihua , Yu Qingsong
Published: April 2024

This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of cationic liposomal neostigmine bromide (NB), a novel drug delivery system, for the treatment of detrusor underactivity. By comparing the characteristics of NB‐liposomes (NLP), NB‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex liposomes (NCLP), and NB‐mesoporous silica nanoparticle@CaCO3 liposomes (NMCLP), NMCLP is selected as the main research subject. It has an average particle size and zeta potential of 100 nm and +50 mV, and its encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of NB are 14.75% and 12.8%, respectively. Most importantly, NMCLP shows the best in vitro release performance among the three liposomes, demonstrating its ability in sustained release of NB. During cell and animal assays, efficient cellular uptake of liposomes through liposome‐specific pathways is observed, facilitating targeted drug delivery, and in vivo experiments demonstrate the efficacy of NMCLP in improving bladder function in mice. Urodynamic measurements show increased bladder capacity and reduced voiding pressure, indicating enhanced bladder muscle activity. Histological analysis reveals the distribution and deep penetration of NMCLP within bladder tissues, supporting its localized drug effect. Therefore, NMCLP holds promise as a targeted and effective therapeutic strategy for detrusor underactivity.
Photoinduced Remote C(sp3)−H Phosphonylation of Amides
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Yuchen , Zhu Lin , Xue Xiao‐Song , Li Chaozhong
Published: April 2024

The present study reports an unprecedented protocol for the phosphonylation of unactivated C(sp3)−H bonds. By utilizing 1 mol % 4DPAIPN (1,2,3,5‐tetrakis(diphenylamino)‐4,6‐dicyanobenzene) as the catalyst, satisfactory yields of γ‐phosphonylated amides are obtained through a visible‐light‐induced reaction between N‐((4‐cyanobenzoyl)oxy)alkanamides and 9‐fluorenyl o‐phenylene phosphite at room temperature. This protocol demonstrates broad substrate scope and wide functional group compatibility.
Exploring the Impact of Active Site Structure on the Conversion of Methane to Methanol in Cu‐Exchanged Zeolites
Authors: Göltl Florian , Bhandari Saurabh , Lebrón‐Rodríguez Edgard A. , Gold Jake I. , Hutton Daniel J. , Zones Stacey I. , Hermans Ive , Dumesic James A. , Mavrikakis Manos
Published: April 2024

In the past, Cu‐oxo or ‐hydroxy clusters hosted in zeolites have been suggested to enable the selective conversion of methane to methanol, but the impact of the active site's stoichiometry and structure on methanol production is still poorly understood. Herein, we apply theoretical modeling in conjunction with experiments to study the impact of these two factors on partial methane oxidation in the Cu‐exchanged zeolite SSZ‐13. Phase diagrams developed from first‐principles suggest that Cu‐hydroxy or Cu‐oxo dimers are stabilized when O2 or N2O are used to activate the catalyst, respectively. We confirm these predictions experimentally and determine that in a stepwise conversion process, Cu‐oxo dimers can convert twice as much methane to methanol compared to Cu‐hydroxyl dimers. Our theoretical models rationalize how Cu‐di‐oxo dimers can convert up to two methane molecules to methanol, while Cu‐di‐hydroxyl dimers can convert only one methane molecule to methanol per catalytic cycle. These findings imply that in Cu clusters, at least one oxo group or two hydroxyl groups are needed to convert one methane molecule to methanol per cycle. This simple structure–activity relationship allows to intuitively understand the potential of small oxygenated or hydroxylated transition metal clusters to convert methane to methanol.
CYP3A Mediates an Unusual C(sp2)−C(sp3) Bond Cleavage via Ipso‐Addition of Oxygen in Drug Metabolism
Authors: Qin Xuan , Wang Yong , Ye Qiuji , Hakenjos John M. , Wang Jin , Teng Mingxing , Guo Lei , Tan Zhi , Young Damian W. , MacKenzie Kevin R. , Li Feng
Published: April 2024

Mammalian cytochrome P450 drug‐metabolizing enzymes rarely cleave carbon–carbon (C−C) bonds and the mechanisms of such cleavages are largely unknown. We identified two unusual cleavages of non‐polar, unstrained C(sp2)−C(sp3) bonds in the FDA‐approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor pexidartinib that are mediated by CYP3A4/5, the major human phase I drug metabolizing enzymes. Using a synthetic ketone, we rule out the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation mechanism that is commonly invoked to address P450‐mediated C−C bond cleavages. Our studies in 18O2 and H218O enriched systems reveal two unusual distinct mechanisms of C−C bond cleavage: one bond is cleaved by CYP3A‐mediated ipso‐addition of oxygen to a C(sp2) site of N‐protected pyridin‐2‐amines, and the other occurs by a pseudo‐retro‐aldol reaction after hydroxylation of a C(sp3) site. This is the first report of CYP3A‐mediated C−C bond cleavage in drug metabolism via ipso‐addition of oxygen mediated mechanism. CYP3A‐mediated ipso‐addition is also implicated in the regioselective C−C cleavages of several pexidartinib analogs. The regiospecificity of CYP3A‐catalyzed oxygen ipso‐addition under environmentally friendly conditions may be attractive and inspire biomimetic or P450‐engineering methods to address the challenging task of C−C bond cleavages.
Did court dismiss professor's free speech claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: April 2024

A San Antonio College English professor was disciplined for email communications she sent to colleagues and administrators. In the first email, she contacted administrators about financial aid for a student who was forced to drop her class involuntarily because it wasn’t part of his degree plan. She criticized the college for “disenfranchis[ing] and depriv[ing] students of necessary skills and knowledge to complete all college‐level courses.” Additionally, she noted she had contacted the “Lieutenant Governor, the House Higher Education Committee, and the Senate Education Committee.” The professor admonished the administration to take care of the student and stop passing the buck.
L‐kynurenine and quinolinic acid inhibited markers of cell survival in B16 F10 melanoma cells in vitro
Authors: Basson Charlise , Serem June Cheptoo , Bipath Priyesh , Hlophe Yvette Nkondo
Published: April 2024

Melanoma is an aggressive malignancy and remains a major cause of skin cancer mortality, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies. Recent findings revealed that L‐kynurenine and quinolinic acid induce cytotoxicity and morphological changes in B16 F10 melanoma cells in vitro. This paper highlights the effects of
L‐kynurenine and quinolinic acid at previously determined half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations on cell cycle progression, cell death and extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase inhibition. Melanoma, B16 F10 and murine macrophages, RAW 264.7 cells were used in this study, as both cell lines express all the enzymes associated with the kynurenine pathway. Post exposure to the compounds at half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations, transmission electron microscopy was used to assess intracellular morphological changes. Flow cytometry was used to analyse cell cycle progression and quantify apoptosis via the dual staining of Annexin V and propidium iodide and cell survival via extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase.
L‐kynurenine and quinolinic acid at half‐maximal inhibitory concentrations induced intracellular morphological changes representative of cell death. Flow cytometry revealed alterations in cell cycle distribution, increased apoptosis and significantly inhibition of cell survival.
L‐kynurenine and quinolinic acid are exogenous kynurenine compounds which inhibited cell survival through extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase inhibition, induced cell cycle alterations and induced apoptosis in B16 F10 melanoma cells.
Potent Anthelmintic Activity of Chalcones Synthesized by an Effective Green Approach
Authors: Turani Ornella , Castro M. Julia , Vazzana Juliana , Mendioroz Pamela , Volpe María A. , Gerbino Darío C. , Bouzat Cecilia
Published: April 2024

There is currently an urgent need for new anthelmintic agents due to increasing resistance to the limited available drugs. The chalcone scaffold is a privileged structure for developing new drugs and has been shown to exhibit potential antiparasitic properties. We synthesized a series of chalcones via Claisen‐Schmidt condensation, introducing a novel recoverable catalyst derived from biochar obtained from the pyrolysis of tree pruning waste. Employing microwave irradiation and a green solvent, this approach demonstrated significantly reduced reaction times and excellent compatibility with various functional groups. The result was the generation of a library of functionalized chalcones, exhibiting exclusive (E)‐selectivity and high to excellent yields. The chalcone derivatives were evaluated on the free‐living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The chalcone scaffold, along with two derivatives incorporating a methoxy substituent in either ring, caused a concentration‐dependent decrease of worm motility, revealing potent anthelmintic activity and spastic paralysis not mediated by the nematode levamisole‐sensitive nicotinic receptor. The combination of both methoxy groups in the chalcone scaffold resulted in a less potent compound causing worm hypermotility at the short term, indicating a distinct molecular mechanism. Through the identification of promising drug candidates, this work addresses the demand for new anthelmintic drugs while promoting sustainable chemistry.
Suppressing the background of LC–ESI–MS analysis of permethylated glycans using the active background ion reduction device
Authors: Fowowe Mojibola , Yu Aiying , Wang Junyao , Onigbinde Sherifdeen , Nwaiwu Judith , Bennett Andrew I. , Mechref Yehia
Published: April 2024

Mass spectrometry (MS) has revolutionized analytical chemistry, enabling precise identification and quantification of chemical species, which is pivotal for biomarker discovery and understanding complex biological systems. Despite its versatility, the presence of background ions in MS analysis hinders the sensitive detection of low‐abundance analytes. Therefore, studies aimed at lowering background ion levels have become increasingly important. Here, we utilized the commercially available Active Background Ion Reduction Device (ABIRD) to suppress background ions and assess its effect on the liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization (LC–ESI)–MS analyses of N‐glycans on the Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer. We also investigated the effect of different solvent vapors in the ESI source on N‐glycan analysis by MS. ABIRD generally had no effect on high‐mannose and neutral structures but reduced the intensity of some structures that contained sialic acid, fucose, or both when methanol vapor filled the ESI source. Based on our findings on the highest number of identified N‐glycans from human serum, methanol vapor in the ion source compartment may enhance N‐glycan LC–ESI–MS analyses by improving the desolvation of droplets formed during the ESI process due to its high volatility. This protocol may be further validated and extended to advanced bottom‐up proteomic/glycoproteomic studies for the analysis of peptide/glycopeptide ions by MS.
Pro+: Automated protrusion and critical shear stress estimates from 3D point clouds of gravel beds
Authors: Yager Elowyn M. , Shim Jaeho , Hodge Rebecca , Monsalve Angel , Tonina Daniele , Johnson Joel P. L. , Telfer Luke
Published: April 2024

The dimensionless critical shear stress (τ*c) needed for the onset of sediment motion is important for a range of studies from river restoration projects to landscape evolution calculations. Many studies simply assume a τ*c value within the large range of scatter observed in gravel‐bedded rivers because direct field estimates are difficult to obtain. Informed choices of reach‐scale τ*c values could instead be obtained from force balance calculations that include particle‐scale bed structure and flow conditions. Particle‐scale bed structure is also difficult to measure, precluding wide adoption of such force‐balance τ*c values. Recent studies have demonstrated that bed grain size distributions (GSD) can be determined from detailed point clouds (e.g. using G3Point open‐source software). We build on these point cloud methods to introduce Pro+, software that estimates particle‐scale protrusion distributions and τ*c for each grain size and for the entire bed using a force‐balance model. We validated G3Point and Pro+ using two laboratory flume experiments with different grain size distributions and bed topographies. Commonly used definitions of protrusion may not produce representative τ*c distributions, and Pro+ includes new protrusion definitions to better include flow and bed structure influences on particle mobility. The combined G3Point/Pro+ provided accurate grain size, protrusion and τ*c distributions with simple GSD calibration. The largest source of error in protrusion and τ*c distributions were from incorrect grain boundaries and grain locations in G3Point, and calibration of grain software beyond comparing GSD is likely needed. Pro+ can be coupled with grain identifying software and relatively easily obtainable data to provide informed estimates of τ*c. These could replace arbitrary choices of τ*c and potentially improve channel stability and sediment transport estimates.
Tree peony seed oil alleviates hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites in high‐fat diet mice
Authors: Liang Ziyue , He Yinglong , Wei Dongfeng , Fu Peixin , Li Yuying , Wang Hao , Yang Di , Hou Xiaogai
Published: April 2024

With the changes of people's lifestyle, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia which were induced from a diet high in both fat and sugar have become serious health concerns. Tree peony seed oil (PSO) is a novel kind of edible oil that shows great potential in the food industry because of its high constituent of unsaturated fatty acids. Based 16S rRNA and gut untargeted metabolomics, this study elucidated that the mechanism of PSO regulating blood glucose (Glu) and lipids. The impact of PSO on gut microbiota balance and gut metabolites of mice with a high‐fat diet (HFD) was evaluated. The findings indicated that PSO decreased HFD mice's body weight and fat accumulation, ameliorating the levels of blood lipid, reduced liver fat vacuole levels. What's more PSO modulated the proportion of gut microbiota in HFD mice and enhanced the abundance of probiotics. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that PSO not only impacted the generation of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gut microorganism and altered metabolic pathway but exerted influence on secondary bile acids (BA), amino acid metabolism, and various other metabolites. These results suggested that PSO has the potential function for mitigating HFD‐induced hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia by regulating gut microbiota and host metabolism.
Modelling Systems with Intangible Boundaries Using SysML: An Automotive Feature Modelling Guideline
Authors: Digraskar Ruturaj , Singh Dhirendra , Raje Shruti , Mittal Mudit
Published: April 2024

A lot has been published around the methodology of using SysML (Systems Modeling Language) for modelling tangible systems, i.e., systems with fixed and real boundaries. However, automotive features when observed as systems become both challenging and interesting. These features are culminations of behaviors synchronizing from various components, where none of them is fully responsible for the feature, nor can be termed as a “system” representing the feature. Through modelling several features and analyzing on what is the best way to represent such an “Intangible” system, a pattern has emerged. In this paper, we will be sharing a process involving application of SysML and a tailored framework for modelling such systems. This application can be used to accurately represent “Features” as “Systems,” defining boundaries using structure, behavior, and requirements. Using this process for modelling such systems, i.e., systems with intangible boundaries, we can completely define the scope and boundary of “system” for various analysis to develop and define such “system,” but also improve the completeness & correctness of the model and reduce the overall process time by elimination multiple iteration due to issue faced during verification and validation stages.
Systemic Model of Leadership Approaches
Authors: Myla Srimannarayana , Marshall Karel , Mabuza BCM , Scalco Aleksandra , Sutherland Jack
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a Technical Leadership Model designed to address the challenges posed by diverse businesses, the global context, and the technological landscape. The model's development involved a synthesis of cognitive studies on organizational leadership and a literature analysis of INCOSE SE Vision 2035 [Vision 35]. This vision offers insights into present and future Systems Engineering challenges, global megatrends, technological shifts, and a roadmap for enhancing competencies, skills, theoretical foundations, and collaborative opportunities within the systems engineering community.

The research was spearheaded by a team within Cohort 7 of the INCOSE Technical Leadership Institute (TLI), aided by coaches and other cohort members. Through structured interviews, surveys, and workshops, these cohort members engaged senior organizational leaders to gather their viewpoints. These insights were amalgamated with the pre‐existing Leadership Model initially developed by a distinguished TLI coach with support from Cohort 1 in 2015 [Godfrey 2015]. The outcomes and conclusions are derived from a diverse range of collaborative methodologies utilized to forge this shared model. Moreover, input from senior leaders across various industries, organizations, and INCOSE TLI members, projecting future leadership trends, enriched the model. This body of work yields an enhanced, collective leadership model encompassing behavioral attributes such as vision, emotional intelligence, communication, effective team management, and an additional layer of dynamism.
Neural Network‐based Method to Compute Recommended Cruise Level and Optimal Climb Location
Authors: Kushwaha Dinesh Kumar , Volner Mark , Young Shih‐Yih (Ryan) , Kottackal Sebin K
Published: April 2024

System engineering towards utilizing machine learning solutions in the aviation domain is a fast‐progressing discipline. This paper tries to bring out the system engineering and implementation aspects of ML solution as an improvement in a sub‐system of an existing aviation system. The flight management systems (FMSs) compute the recommended cruise level (RCL) considering the aircraft's gross weight, its speed schedule, and the forecast wind. The RCL increases with distance in the no wind conditions as the fuel get consumed, reducing the gross aircraft weight. The RCL profile may have frequent climbs and descents in the presence of winds, which is not desired for flight operations.

The document proposes a neural network‐based method for computing an operationally acceptable cruise profile considering the wind and temperature weather forecast. The method recommends step climbs and step descents (optimal level and optimal step location) in such a way that they are separated by a large enough cruise phase. From system engineering point of view two guiding documents for such an implementation to look forward are “EASA Concept Paper: First usable guidance for Level 1 machine learning applications” [12] and “Process Standard for Development and Certification/Approval of Aeronautical Safety‐Related Products Implementing AI” [13].

Two neural networks have been created to estimate wind compensated ECON cruise speeds and required time‐fuel to cover the next 500NM distance. The RCL profiles are generated for various test wind scenarios for Airbus A220 aircraft. It has been recorded the proposed neural network‐based method is better at recommending a cruise altitude and it is 9X faster than the existing method to calculate the RCL and optimal climb location. The neural network‐based design also helped in reducing the memory footprint by more than 100 times as there is no requirement of storing the performance database files required by the existing system. Only the parameters of the trained neural networks are required to be stored. Most importantly, the RCL computed by the proposed neural network‐based method yields a smaller operational cost than that determined by the existing method. The proposed method is designed to replace the existing traditional subsystem to give an overall improved performance while the functionalities of other subsystems remain unaffected.
FPGA Implementation of Adaptive PID Control for Quadcopter Position Tracking
Authors: Bhat N. Harish , Chokkadi Shreesha , Shenoy B. Satish
Published: April 2024

PID control is widely used for designing controllers in production plants and automotive and robotic applications. Although it suits linear systems, with minor modifications, it can also be applied to nonlinear plants. As a simple control approach, it can be easily realized conceptually, but there is a large cost involved in the production of the working controller. A digital PID controller based on a fixed point representation of the operands can be considered for approximate realization. The field programmable gate array (FPGA), with its concurrent architecture, is an ideal way of producing programmable, cost‐, power‐, and speed‐optimized controllers with a compromised controller area compared to application‐specific approaches. In this research, the PID controller for quadcopters is initially tested for performance using MATLAB/Simulink based on continuous/analog domain operations. Then, FPGA‐based architecture mapping is performed using HDL Coder, with fixed‐point‐based operands produced using the fixed‐point conversion toolbox. With satisfactory performance obtained with system generator‐based cosimulation of the controller, Vivado IDE is used to implement the controller on a Zynq Ultrascale+ based FPGA device. The realized cost‐efficient controller is analysed for logical resources, computation power and controller frequency and inferred to be optimal with reference to all these indices. By adapting the thrust, which is the control input for the translational motion of the quadcopter, robustness against coupled motion is ensured, with higher simultaneous tracking speeds.
High prevalence of “non‐pathogenic” POLE mutation with poor prognosis in a cohort of endometrial cancer from South India
Authors: Kuriakose Santhosh , Dhanasooraj Dhananjayan , Shiny P. M. , Shammy S. , Sona V. P. , Manjula Anupama A. , Ramachandran Amrutha , Vijaykumar Bindu , Susan Nayana , Dinesan M. , Sankar Uma V. , Ramachandran Kavitha , Sreedharan P. S.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project identified favorable prognosis regarding the ultra‐mutated endometrial cancer (EC) subtype linked to polymerase epsilon gene (POLE) mutations. This study investigated POLE mutations in EC of Indian patients.

Methods

This retrospective analytical study was conducted between January 2016 and January 2023 at the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, and the MVR Cancer Center, Kozhikode, Kerala. Sanger sequencing of POLE gene exons 9 and 13 in 151 EC patients was carried out to analyze the relationship between mutations and epidemiological factors, clinicopathologic features, and treatment outcomes.

Results

Among 151 cases enrolled, 39 were unique POLE‐mutated cases. Significant associations were high‐grade tumors, myometrial invasion >50%, and Lymph‐vascular space invasion (LVSI). The median follow‐up was 40 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 34–46). A lower mean disease‐specific survival (DSS) of 51.7 months (95% CI, 43.7–59.6) was noted in the POLE‐mutated group compared with 72.11 months (95% CI, 67.60–76.62) for the POLE wild‐type. A statistically significant hazard ratio (HR) of 2.683 for DSS in the POLE‐mutated group was noted. In advanced stages (FIGO stages II–IV), a nine‐fold HR for DSS and overall survival (OS) compared with POLE wild‐type was identified. After controlling for treatment effects using Cox proportional HR, advanced‐stage POLE‐mutated tumors had a significantly higher HR of 8.67 for DSS compared with POLE‐wild‐type tumors of the same stage.

Conclusion

This study identified a unique set of POLE mutations in Indian EC patients associated with poor prognosis, which were particularly pronounced in advanced stages. Advanced stage of presentation, type of POLE mutations, and possibly ethnicity are predictors of adverse outcomes in POLE‐mutated EC. The present study highlights ethnicity as a determinant of phenotypic expression of genetic change.
Post‐publication research integrity concerns in randomized clinical trials: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Chien Patrick F. W. , Elsuity Mohamad A. , Rashwan Mosab M. , Núñez‐Núñez María , Khan Khalid S. , Zamora‐Romero Javier , Bueno‐Cavanillas Aurora , Fawzy Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Background

Post‐publication handling of integrity concerns in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is a contentious matter.

Objectives

We undertook a scoping systematic review to map the literature regarding post‐publication integrity issues in RCTs.

Search Strategy and Selection Criteria

Following prospective registration (https://osf.io/pgxd8) we initially searched PubMed and Scopus but subsequently extended it to include the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases without language, article type or publication time restriction until November 2022. Reviewers independently selected published articles covering any aspect of post‐publication research integrity concerns in RCTs.

Data Collection and Analysis

The study findings grouped within domains relating to issues concerning post‐publication integrity were extracted in duplicate, verified by a third reviewer, and then tabulated.

Main Results

The initial search captured 3159 citations, of which 89 studies were included in the review. Cross‐sectional studies constituted the majority of included studies (n = 34, 38.2%), followed by systematic reviews (n = 10, 11.2%), methodology reviews/studies (n = 9, 10.1%) and other types of descriptive studies (n = 8, 9.0%). A total of 21 articles (23.6%) covered the domain on general issues, 25 (28.1%) in the journal's instructions and policies domain, eight (9.0%) in the editorial and peer review domain, one (1.1%) in the correspondence and complaints (post‐publication peer review) domain, 12 (13.5%) in the investigation for concerns domain, six (6.7%) in the post‐investigation decisions and sanctions domain, none in the critical appraisal guidance domain, five (5.6%) in the integrity assessment in systematic reviews domain, and 26 (29.2%) in the recommendations for future research domain. A total of 12 of the selected articles (13.5%) covered two (n = 9) or three (n = 3) different domains.

Conclusions

Various research integrity domains and issues covering post‐publication aspects of RCT integrity were captured and gaps were identified, mostly related with the necessary implications for all stakeholders to improve research transparency. There is an urgent need for a multistakeholder consensus towards creating specific statements for addressing post‐publication integrity concerns in RCTs.