bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive review of combustion ion chromatography for the analysis of total, adsorbable, and extractable organic fluorine
Authors: Shelor Charles Phillip , Warren Cable , Odinaka Chimauchem V. , Dumre Kalpana
Published: August 2024

Poly‐ and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants whose high stability and appreciable water solubility have led to near‐global contamination. PFAS are bioaccumulative toxins that have been linked to a myriad of disorders and have been detected nearly universally in human blood. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry is the most frequent method used for quantitation, though this typically only measures a few dozen of the >14 000 known PFAS and has been shown to account for a small portion of the total organic fluorine present. Sum parameter methods such as total, extractable, and adsorbable organic fluorine have emerged as alternative measurements for PFAS determination. Combustion ion chromatography has become the preferred method for organofluorine measurement where the sorbent or extract containing PFAS is combusted and the emitted hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a measure of the cumulative organofluorine present. Herein we critically review the types of organofluorine measurement, their separation from the sample matrix, and key parameters of the analytical instrument that affect sensitivity, reproducibility, and recovery with regards to PFAS analysis.
Lateralized Subthalamic Stimulation for Axial Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: Exploratory Outcomes and Open‐Label Extension
Authors: Lizarraga Karlo J. , Gnanamanogaran Bhairavei , Al‐Ozzi Tameem M. , Cohn Melanie , Tomlinson George , Boutet Alexandre , Elias Gavin J.B. , Germann Jürgen , Soh Derrick , Kalia Suneil K. , Hodaie Mojgan , Munhoz Renato P. , Marras Connie , Hutchison William D. , Lozano Andres M. , Lang Anthony E. , Fasano Alfonso
Published: August 2024

Background

A randomized trial suggested that reducing left‐sided subthalamic stimulation amplitude could improve axial dysfunction.

Objectives

To explore open‐label tolerability and associations between trial outcomes and asymmetry data.

Methods

We collected adverse events in trial participants treated with open‐label lateralized settings for ≥3 months. We explored associations between trial outcomes, location of stimulation and motor asymmetry.

Results

14/17 participants tolerated unilateral amplitude reduction (left‐sided = 10, right‐sided = 4). Two hundred eighty‐four left‐sided and 1113 right‐sided stimulated voxels were associated with faster gait velocity, 81 left‐sided and 22 right‐sided stimulated voxels were associated with slower gait velocity. Amplitude reduction contralateral to shorter step length was associated with 2.4‐point reduction in axial MDS‐UPDRS. Reduction contralateral to longer step length was associated with 10‐point increase in MDS‐UPDRS.

Conclusions

Left‐sided amplitude reduction is potentially more tolerable than right‐sided amplitude reduction. Right‐sided more than left‐sided stimulation could be associated with faster gait velocity. Shortened step length might reflect contralateral overstimulation.
Endogenous coalition formation and free trade agreements
Authors: Cao Vi , Fu Haifeng , Henry Wang X.
Published: August 2024

This paper studies the endogenous formation of free trade agreements. There are four countries belonging to two types according to market demand and production technology. A unique strong Nash equilibrium exists for the coalition formation game. In equilibrium, two coalition structures may emerge: global free trade, wherein a single coalition encompassing all countries is established, or polarization, characterized by the formation of two symmetric agreements between the same type countries. The specific coalition structure that emerges in equilibrium depends on both the disparity in demand and the gap in unit cost of production between the two types of countries.
Managerial decisions and team performance: Evidence from professional elite soccer
Authors: Boto‐García David , Bucciol Alessandro , Zarri Luca
Published: August 2024

How do managerial decisions influence team performance? Using tournament data from four sources on 76 managers coaching 34 teams in 1580 matches covering 10 seasons of the Italian male soccer premier league, we provide field evidence on the impact of managerial perseverance in playing style and risk aversion on team performance. We document that managers' perseverance is positively related to team outcomes. Our core findings are robust to a battery of checks. By shedding light on key features of decision‐making in a high‐powered incentives industry with frequent feedback, our results help qualify the “managers matter” view advanced in prior research.
Riemann‐Hilbert approach for the integrable discrete Hirota equation with bounded boundary conditions in the presence of a discrete spectrum
Authors: Liu Ya‐Hui , Guo Rui , Zhang Jian‐Wen
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the Riemann‐Hilbert (RH) approach for the integrable discrete Hirota equation with bounded boundary conditions is presented. In the direct scattering problem, we study the analyticity, asymptotics, symmetries of the eigenfunctions, and scattering coefficients and analyze the distribution of discrete eigenvalues. In the inverse scattering problem, the RH problem is constructed and solved as well as the reconstruction formula of potential is derived based on asymptotics. Finally, combining the time evolution, we solve the first‐ and second‐order dark soliton solutions on the nonzero background under the reflectionless condition.
Transverse tensile behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy composite at different temperatures and strain rates
Authors: Wu Qiaoguo , Wu Yuxiang , Zu Lei , Wang Qiankun , Zhang Qian , Zhang Guiming , Fu Jianhui , Zhou Lichuan , Pan Helin
Published: August 2024

This research explores the transverse tensile properties of a unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy composite under quasi‐static and dynamic conditions, across various temperatures (−30, 25, 85°C). To conduct the investigation, a universal testing machine and a split Hopkinson tensile bar are utilized. The findings reveal that the transverse tensile properties are influenced by temperature and strain rate. At −30, and 25°C, the quasi‐static stress and strain curves exhibit linearity, while at 85, nonlinearity is observed. On the other hand, the dynamic stress and strain curves demonstrate approximate linearity across all temperatures. The quasi‐static tensile strength decreases with rising temperature, but the dynamic tensile strength remains relatively unaffected by temperature variations. Furthermore, both the quasi‐static and dynamic tensile elastic moduli decrease as temperature increases. The transverse tensile strength and elastic modulus exhibit an approximately linear relationship with the logarithm of the strain rate. The study also delves into the analysis of fracture morphologies and mechanisms through macroscopic and microscopic observations. By introducing the dynamic enhancement factor of strain rate, the formulas of the transverse tensile strength and elastic modulus at different temperatures are proposed. These formulas provide a comprehensive representation of the experimental results.

Highlights

Tensile properties at different temperatures and strain rates are tested.

Stress and strain curves at various temperatures and strain rates are studied.

Variation of tensile properties with temperature and strain rate is analyzed.

Change of fracture mechanism with temperature and strain rate is discussed.

Formulas for transverse tensile strength and elastic modulus are given.
Shedding light on transparency: A comprehensive study of state‐level transparency portals in Mexico
Authors: Cifuentes‐Faura Javier
Published: August 2024

The growing demand for transparency and accountability on the part of citizens has positioned governmental electronic portals as crucial elements in the promotion of democracy and citizen participation. Mexico has devised an approach to assess the transparency of State Transparency Portals, yielding an annual indicator and ranking. The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of economic and political factors on the level of transparency of the governmental portals of the 32 Mexican states. After performing the relevant econometric analyses and the necessary tests to ensure the reliability and robustness of the results, it was found that factors such as population density, debt, unemployment and fiscal effort have a significant impact on transparency. States with a higher debt burden are more transparent and higher unemployment rates hinder government transparency. Several recommendations are offered to promote government transparency, strengthen accountability and improve the position of states in the ranking of State Transparency Portals.
Spray performance simulation and experiment analysis of a greenhouse fixed‐pipe twin‐fluid cold fogger with different nozzle settings
Authors: Li Xue , Nuyttens David , Xu Tao , Jin Zeng , Wang Shilin , Lv Xiaonlan
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

High‐efficient pesticide application equipment for protected cultivation is scarce. In response, a fixed‐pipe twin‐fluid clod fogger (FTCF) was proposed as a potential solution. To investigate the optimal nozzle layout and spray performance, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used to study the airflow distribution and spray deposition of a FTCF with different nozzle settings using the Euler–Lagrange approach. Specifically, two piping configurations, middle‐cross‐inverted (MCI) and bilateral‐malposed‐opposite (BMO), were combined with three nozzle spacings (2 m, 3 m, 4 m) resulting in six nozzle settings. Additionally, a greenhouse spray trial was conducted to test the performance of FTCF with the selected nozzle settings and to validate the model.

RESULTS

The simulation results revealed that MCI piping configuration exhibited a stronger airflow disturbance compared to BMO configuration, indicating a more significant air‐guided effect in the MCI configuration. Combining this finding with the ground droplet distribution analysis of MCI piping configuration, it was observed that MCI‐2 m had the lowest coefficient of variation (CV) for ground deposition (20.56%). Consequently, MCI‐2 m was determined as the most optimal nozzle setting. Verification results demonstrated a high consistency between experimental and simulated spray deposition results.

CONCLUSIONS

The FTCF system effectively generated a three‐dimensional airflow field throughout the greenhouse environment. Furthermore, jet flow produced by FTCF disrupted the overall airflow pattern within the greenhouse space which facilitated droplet suspension and dispersion. This study provides valuable insights and innovative ideas for enhancing pesticide application technologies in protected cultivations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Design, synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel berberine derivatives
Authors: Zhang Bao‐Qi , Li Fu‐Ping , An Jun‐Xia , Ma Li , Jin Ya‐Rui , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Qin Lu‐Lu , Wang Deng‐Tuo , Jing Cheng‐Xin , Chen Gui‐Sha , Mou Guo‐Liang , Liu Ying‐Qian
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The threats to the safety of humans and the environment and the resistance of agricultural chemicals to plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria highlight an urgent need to find safe and efficient alternatives to chemical fungicides and bactericides. In this study, a series of Berberine (BBR) derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity against plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria.

RESULTS

Bioassay results indicated that compounds A11, A14, A20, A21, A22, A25, A26, E1, E2, E3, Z1 and Z2 showed high inhibitory activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea. Especially, A25 showed a broad spectrum and the highest antifungal activity among these compounds. Its EC50 value against Botrytis cinerea was 1.34 μg mL−1. Compound E6 possessed high inhibitory activity against Xanthomonas oryzae and Xanthomonas Campestris, with MIC90 values of 3.12 μg mL−1 and 1.56 μg mL−1. A Topomer CoMFA model was generated for 3D‐QSAR studies based on anti‐B. cinerea effects, with high predictive accuracy, showed that the addition of an appropriate substituent group at the para‐position of benzyl of BBR derivatives could effectively improve the anti‐B. cinerea activity. In addition, compound A25 could significantly inhibit the spore germination of Botrytis cinerea at low concentration, and compound F4 exhibited remarkable curative and protective efficiencies on rice bacterial leaf blight.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the BBR derivatives are hopeful for further exploration as the lead compound with novel antimicrobial agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
On electrostatic interactions of adenosine triphosphate–insulin‐degrading enzyme revealed by quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics
Authors: Somin Sarawoot , Kulasiri Don , Samarasinghe Sandhya
Published: August 2024

The insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) plays a significant role in the degradation of the amyloid beta (Aβ), a peptide found in the brain regions of the patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) allosterically regulates the Aβ‐degrading activity of IDE. The present study investigates the electrostatic interactions between ATP‐IDE at the allosteric site of IDE, including thermostabilities/flexibilities of IDE residues, which have not yet been explored systematically. This study applies the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) to the proposed computational model for exploring electrostatic interactions between ATP and IDE. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations are performed at different temperatures for identifying flexible and thermostable residues of IDE. The proposed computational model predicts QM/MM energy‐minimised structures providing the IDE residues (Lys530 and Asp385) with high binding affinities. Considering root mean square fluctuation values during the MD simulations at 300.00 K including heat‐shock temperatures (321.15 K and 315.15 K) indicates that Lys530 and Asp385 are also the thermostable residues of IDE, whereas Ser576 and Lys858 have high flexibilities with compromised thermostabilities. The present study sheds light on the phenomenon of biological recognition and interactions at the ATP‐binding domain, which may have important implications for pharmacological drug design. The proposed computational model may facilitate the development of allosteric IDE activators/inhibitors, which mimic ATP interactions.
Generative AI in education and research: A systematic mapping review
Authors: Yusuf Abdullahi , Pervin Nasrin , Román‐González Marcos , Noor Norah Md
Published: August 2024

Given the potential applications of generative AI (GenAI) in education and its rising interest in research, this systematic review mapped the thematic landscape of 407 publications indexed in the Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus. Using EPPI Reviewer, publication type, educational level, disciplines, research areas and applications of GenAI were extracted. Eight discursive themes were identified, predominantly focused on ‘application, impact and potential’, ‘ethical implication and risks’, ‘perspectives and experiences’, ‘institutional and individual adoption’, and ‘performance and intelligence’. GenAI was conceptualised as a tool for ‘pedagogical enhancement’, ‘specialised training and practices’, ‘writing assistance and productivity’, ‘professional skills and development’, and as an ‘interdisciplinary learning tool’. Key gaps highlighted include a paucity of research and discussions on GenAI in K‐12 education; a limited exploration of GenAI's impact using experimental procedures; and a limited exploration of the potential and ethical concerns of GenAI from the lens of cultural dimensions. Promising opportunities for future research are highlighted.
A novel hybrid observer‐based model‐free adaptive high‐order terminal sliding mode control for robot manipulators with prescribed performance
Authors: Zha Minxuan , Wang Haoping , Tian Yang , He Dingxin , Wei Yangchun
Published: August 2024

Although widely used in industrial applications, strong nonlinearity and coupling, high computational complexity prevent high precision tracking control of manipulator. In this paper, to overcome the rely on system model and achieve prescribed convergence, a novel hybrid observer‐based model‐free adaptive high‐order fast terminal sliding model control scheme (HO‐MHTSMC) with prescribed performance is proposed for trajectory tracking control of robot manipulators in the existence of friction and external disturbance. The ultra‐local model is used to approximate the original complex system in a model free form in a short sliding time window, which avoid the accurate modeling of the manipulator system. To compensate for the lumped uncertainties, a hybrid observer based on adaptive time‐delay estimation and adaptive second order sliding mode observer (SOSM) is proposed to achieve finite‐time observation and zero estimation error. Besides, a transformation using prescribed performance function is applied to the system to ensure the transient and steady‐state performance of the trajectory tracking in joint space. Furthermore, a high‐order fast terminal sliding mode control algorithm with backstepping control strategy is used to stabilize the whole system and reduce the chattering problem in conventional sliding mode control. The stability analysis of the system is provided by Lyapunov theorem. Finally, numerical study and co‐simulations show that the proposed control scheme has better performance in tracking accuracy and robustness compared with conventional control schemes.
Synthesis and Anti‐Hyperalgesic Efficacy of MP‐103, a Non‐Racemic Enantiomeric Mixture of a New 1,4‐Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan‐9‐one
Authors: Micheli Laura , Toti Alessandra , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla , Crocetti Letizia , Farina Carlo , Scherz Michael
Published: August 2024

With the aim to identify novel and improved drug candidates for the non‐opioid management of neuropathic pain, a few chiral fluorobenzenesulfonylamide derivatives of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan‐9‐one, a rigid bicyclic analogue of piracetam, were prepared and characterized in animal models of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. The R‐enantiomers of these novel compounds are generally more potent than their corresponding S‐enantiomers. An oral dose of R‐2‐fluorophenyl derivative 8a is better tolerated when compared to the R‐3‐ fluorophenyl derivative 9a, (mouse Rota‐Rod test). Consequently, the enantiomeric 2‐fluorophenyl derivatives (8a and 8b) are thoroughly investigated in an enlarged panel of inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, including several models of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. The R‐enantiomer (8a) is consistently more potent in its anti‐hypersensitivity profile than the S‐enantiomer (8b). Surprisingly, the non‐racemic enantiomeric mixture consisting of a 2‐to‐1, or better still, a 3‐to‐1 mixture of the R‐enantiomer (8a) over the S‐enantiomer (8b) is more potent than the R‐enantiomer (8a) alone or than their racemic mixture. These results are reminiscent of our previous report on MP‐101, a non‐racemic mixture of dimiracetam enantiomers. Although further investigations will be required to rationalize these findings at the pharmacokinetic or molecular level, racetam derivatives appear to be promising candidates for the management of persistent pain.
Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over PdCu/zirconium Phosphonate with Metal and Lewis Acid Sites
Authors: Huang Yongyu , Xia Xinxin , Li Pei , Gu Yaqian , Song Hua , Li Cuiqin , Li Feng
Published: August 2024

Hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol under H2 and N2 atmosphere was studied over zirconium phosphonate (ZrPO)‐supported PdCu (PdCu/ZrPO) catalysts. The direct hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation activities of PdCu metal active sites and the transfer hydrogenation activity of Zr4+−O2− Lewis acid‐basic sites were investigated, respectively. The size and the distribution of Cu particles could be adjusted by altering the P/Zr molar ratio. Bimetallic PdCu could enhance the acidity of the PdCu/ZrPO catalysts, and improve the ratio of Lewis/Brønsted acid, which led to an increase in the transfer hydrogenation activity of Lewis acid‐basic pairs. The electronic effect between Pd and Cu promoted furfural to absorb onto electron‐deficient Cu through η1(O)‐aldehyde configuration, which contributed to the direct hydrogenation and the transfer hydrogenation at metal active sites. Especially, the adsorption and dissociation of H2 in electron‐rich Pd were promoted, which significantly improved the direct hydrogenation activity.
The causal effect of repealing Certificate‐of‐Need laws for ambulatory surgical centers: Does access to medical services increase?
Authors: Stratmann Thomas , Bjoerkheim Markus , Koopman Christopher
Published: August 2024

In many states, Certificate‐of‐Need (CON) laws prevent ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) from entering the market or expanding their services. This paper estimates the causal effects of state ASC‐CON law repeal on the accessibility of medical services statewide, as well as for rural areas. Our findings show that CON law repeals increase ASCs per capita by 44%–47% statewide and 92%–112% in rural areas. Repealing ASC‐CON laws causes a continuous increase in ASCs per capita, an effect which levels off 10 years after repeal. Contrary to the “cream‐skimming” hypothesis, we find no evidence that CON repeal is associated with hospital closures in rural areas. Rather, some regression models show that repeal is associated with fewer medical service reductions.
Engineering magnetic nanosystem for TRPV1 and TRPV4 channel activation
Authors: Yang Fang , Ma Yaqi , Zhang Aoran , Yao Junlie , Jiang Shaohua , He Chenglong , Peng Hao , Ren Guiping , Yang Yiqian , Wu Aiguo
Published: August 2024

Recently, physical tools for remotely stimulating mechanical force‐sensitive and temperature‐sensitive proteins to regulate intracellular pathways have opened up novel and exciting avenues for basic research and clinical applications. Among the numerous modes of physical stimulation, magnetic stimulation is significantly attractive for biological applications due to the advantages of depth penetration and spatial‐temporally controlled transduction. Herein, the physicochemical parameters (e.g., shape, size, composition) that influence the magnetic properties of magnetic nanosystems as well as the characteristics of transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential vanilloid‐4 (TRPV4) channels are systematically summarized, which offer opportunities for magnetic manipulation of cell fate in a precise and effective manner. In addition, representative regulatory applications involving magnetic nanosystem‐based TRPV1 and TRPV4 channel activation are highlighted, both at the cellular level and in animal models. Furthermore, perspectives on the further development of this magnetic stimulation mode are commented on, with emphasis on scientific limitations and possible directions for exploitation.

This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Transforming Learning: First-Person Reflections from UC Links Participants
Authors: Cano John , Welsh Mahmood Mara
Published: August 2024

This chapter includes nine first-person narratives from differently positioned UC Links participants including youth, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as university faculty. Together, these reflections describe how participation in UC Links programs transformed participants’ ways of thinking about teaching and learning, engaging with local communities, connecting theory and practice, and conducting research.
University-Community Partnerships as “Hybrid Contexts of Activity”: Learnings from Two Projects with Roma Children in Spain
Authors: Lalueza José Luis , Martínez-Lozano Virginia , Macías-Gómez-Estern Beatriz
Published: August 2024

This chapter describes two projects in Spain, one in Barcelona and one in Seville, that are considered “hybrid contexts of activity.” The Shere Rom Project links teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona with teachers, children, and families from local Roma communities and immigrants from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. La Clase Mágica-Sevilla also brings together partners from the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, with mainly Roma young people from local marginalized communities. Both are inter-institutional projects in which the aims and practices of different organizations, such as universities, public schools, and neighborhood agencies converge in a new context of activity with their own aims and practices. They also have intercultural and intergenerational dimensions, bringing together participants from different groups with different life experiences.

Focusing on the students’ learning and identity change processes, the authors in this chapter describe the ways in which all participants in these two projects learn and change as they develop new practices. This is done by constructing the idea of “hybrid contexts of activity,” which points to the transformative potential of the hybridity inherent in our projects as a seed for social transformation and dialogue.
Learning with the City: Establishing a Culturally Sustaining School-University-City Partnership
Authors: Middaugh Ellen , Ramos Yasmeen , Deo Amrita
Published: August 2024

San José Y-PLAN connects San José State University (SJSU) faculty, undergraduate and graduate students with area youth and civic partners. This chapter describes an emerging partnership between UC Berkeley, SJSU, the City of San José, and East San José middle and high schools as they adapted the Y-PLAN model to strengthen connections between systems that regulate students’ current realities and possibilities for the future. We analyze how the Y-PLAN methodology, which has operated with great success for years in urban, progressive cities, intersects with the context of a predominantly Latinx community of the third largest city in California. Specifically, we examine (1) street design as social justice work: how the Y-PLAN methodology enabled our community of practice to gain understanding of how our quality (and inequality) of life is shaped by city planning and how we can participate to make those processes representative of community needs, (2) linguistic capital and planning: how our community of practice leveraged existing competencies and developed new linguistic capital through this process, and (3) Higher education as a connector of cities and schools: what unique affordances a regional state school can bring to serve as an integrated resource for the local community.
La Mia Scuola è Differente, an After-School Program with an Intercultural Focus: The Challenges and Opportunities of Program Development
Authors: Bugno Lisa , Agostinetto Luca
Published: August 2024

La Mia Scuola È Differente (LMSD) is in the process of formation, aimed at creating an after-school program that promotes diversity, increases social inclusion, and empowers children who attend primary and middle schools located in a community of children and families with migrant backgrounds. The neighborhood contends with cultural segregation, lack of integration with Italian residents, and social stigma. Such a context is the setting for Padova’s 7th Instituto Comprensivo (read District) “San Camillo,” which includes four primary schools and three secondary schools. The LMSD project began in 2019 and is focused on individual and collective transformation. By using the school as a socially inclusive community hub and a transformative space during afternoons, the project reinforces the school’s role in challenging social exclusion in the neighborhood, while offering children a safe, quality environment during their caregivers’ working hours. The after-school program engages children in various creative, innovative activities that foster linguistic, emotional, scientific, and technological skills. The educational initiatives are carefully designed to promote quality experiences and embodied learning, and special attention is paid to family engagement. Intercultural education is emphasized in this chapter, as it is based on collective work and commitments.
The Wellbeing Club-Uganda: Facilitating Positive Wellbeing and Leadership Among Adolescents in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Bintliff Amy Vatne , Namanda Zaharah , Peninah Beinomugisha , Levine Rebecca S. , Nalutaaya Norah , Cheung Wendy Wei
Published: August 2024

The Wellbeing Club-Uganda is a research-practice partnership connecting University of California, San Diego Department of Education Studies faculty and students with Africa Education and Leadership Initiative (Africa ELI), a nongovernmental organization in Kampala, Uganda, supporting low-income and refugee youth with educational and leadership opportunities. The goal of The Wellbeing Club is to support adolescent wellbeing through a positive youth development curriculum that includes teaching the 4W LIFT model of wellbeing that exposes youth to 11 dimensions of wellbeing through arts-based learning, peer-to-peer discussions, mindfulness strategies, and community engagement projects.

This chapter describes Wellbeing Club practices and highlights undergraduate and graduate student involvement. Authors provide examples of the benefits of the Club for 25 Ugandan adolescents in Kampala who attended Club during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and school closures. Participants reported enjoyment of art activities, increased voice and confidence through talking circles, improved leadership skills through community engagement projects, and higher engagement within their families and communities. Adolescents also began using the language of the model in everyday interactions which helped them identify and access strategies to help them cope, flourish, and thrive.
Transforming Systems of Activity through Expansive Learning: A Journey of Renewal
Authors: Welsh Mahmood Mara , Underwood Charles , Cano John , Trujillo N. Karla G.
Published: August 2024

This chapter applies the framework of the sociotechnical activity system to examine the UC Links network and how it has both responded to and been transformed by two definitive historical moments: the elimination of affirmative action at the University of California and across the state, and the COVID-19 pandemic. We begin by describing the conceptual framework for collaborative activity on which UC Links as a sociotechnical activity system is based. We then apply that framework to understand the establishment of the UC Links network as a community of learners, and the evolution of tools and practices among UC Links programs over more than 25 years. We next use the sociotechnical activity system framework to understand how the UC Links network transformed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to adapt and transform itself in response to ongoing challenges and opportunities.
Critical Digital Literacies among Youth: From Food Eating Contests to Societal Transformation
Authors: Unadkat Devanshi , Hull Glynda
Published: August 2024

In this chapter we trace the development of students’ critical digital literacies as they create and share digital stories. This project was carried out by a team of researchers, teachers, undergraduate and graduate students, and community partners with the UC Links network. Through a curriculum rooted in developing critical imaginings of self, others, and their local and global communities, students’ composition practices shifted from being centered on topics that were considered “viral” to ones that were more rooted in addressing social issues. We explore how the curriculum supported these shifts in students’ stories and the powerful narratives they crafted through this renewed curriculum.
Math CEO: A Mutually Beneficial Partnership between College Mentors and Latinx Youths
Authors: Pantano Alessandra
Published: August 2024

The UC Irvine Math Community Educational Outreach program (Math CEO) is a university-community partnership that connects faculty and students at the University of California, Irvine, with Latinx families in Santa Ana, California. The program offers weekly after-school math enrichment sessions and STEM-focused field trips for middle school students, as well as college-orientation workshops for caregivers. In this chapter, we focus on Math CEO’s intentional efforts to create an inclusive community of learners, both in in-person and virtual modalities (the latter practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020–22). Drawing on different perspectives—from college students, youths, and caregivers alike—we link these efforts to specific program outcomes.
Triple-gauge couplings in LHC diboson production: a SMEFT view from every angle
Authors: El Faham Hesham , Pelliccioli Giovanni , Vryonidou Eleni
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study explores fully leptonic WZ and WW production at the LHC within the SMEFT framework at NLO in QCD, focusing on both CP-even and CP-odd triple-gauge-coupling dimension-six operators. We investigate the off-shell processes, contrasting our findings in inclusive setups with those in the presence of realistic fiducial selections. Alongside the conventional kinematic observables, we examine polarisation-sensitive observables and angular coefficients. Moreover, we assess potential SMEFT effects on asymmetry observables. Through a sensitivity analysis, we identify critical LHC observables that are particularly sensitive to SMEFT-induced modifications, thereby shedding light on potential avenues for new physics searches in diboson production at the LHC.
Evaluation of atmospheric-plasma-source absorption mode Fourier transform Orbitrap mass spectrometry for chlorinated paraffin mixtures
Authors: Masucci Claudia , Nagornov Konstantin O. , Kozhinov Anton N. , Kraft Kevin , Tsybin Yury O. , Bleiner Davide
Published: August 2024

Chlorinated paraffins (CP) are complex molecular mixtures occurring in a wide range of isomers and homologs of environmental hazards, whose analytical complexity demand advanced mass spectrometry (MS) methods for their characterization. The reported formation of chlorinated olefins (COs) and other transformation products during CP biotransformation and degradation can alter the MS analysis, increasing the high resolution required to distinguish CPs from their degradation products. An advanced setup hyphenating a plasma ionization source and an external high-performance data acquisition and processing system to the legacy hybrid LTQ Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer is reported. First, the study demonstrated the versatility of a liquid sampling atmospheric pressure glow discharge, as a soft ionization technique, for CP analysis. Second, enhanced resolution and sensitivity provided by the absorption mode Fourier transform spectral representation on this legacy mass spectrometer are shown. The developed Orbitrap-based platform allowed the detection of new isotopic clusters and CPs and COs to be distinguished at medium resolution (setting 30,000 at m/z 400, ~ 400 ms transients), and even chlorinated di-olefins (CdiOs) at higher resolution (setting 100,000 at m/z 400, ~ 1500 ms transients). Overall, such proof-of-principle instrumental improvements are promising for environmental and analytical research in the field of CP analysis.

Graphical Abstract
Local Solutions of RG Flow Equations from the Nash–Moser Theorem
Authors: D’Angelo Edoardo , Pinamonti Nicola
Published: August 2024

We prove local existence of solutions of a functional renormalisation group equation for the effective action of an interacting quantum field theory, when a suitable local potential approximation is considered. To obtain this equation in a Lorentzian setting a quantum state for the theory is selected and a regulator consisting in a mass is added to the action. The flow equation for mass rescalings is then studied using the renown Nash–Moser theorem.
Characteristics of isoniazid-induced psychosis: a systematic review of case reports and case series
Authors: B Keerthanaa , Appaji Rashmi , Thomas Levin , Baral Tejaswini , N Skanda , Chaithra  , M Sonal Sekhar , Saravu Kavitha , Undela Krishna , Rao Mahadev
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Isoniazid, a first-line antitubercular drug, is associated with nervous system adverse drug reactions such as seizures, peripheral neuropathy, and psychosis. This systematic review of case reports and case series aimed to characterize the demographic, social, and clinical factors associated with isoniazid-induced psychosis in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) and those who received isoniazid for latent TB infection (LTBI).

Methods

We comprehensively searched the Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases to identify relevant studies published between the date of inception of the database and June 2024.

Results

A total of 28 studies, including 21 case reports and 7 case series involved 37 patients who developed isoniazid-induced psychosis. A higher frequency of isoniazid-induced psychosis was observed during the first 2 months of treatment, with a relatively early onset observed among patients aged 18 years or less. Delusions and/or hallucinations are the common symptoms of isoniazid-induced psychosis. Psychomotor disturbances, disorganized speech or formal thought disorder, disorganized or abnormal behaviour, and neuropsychiatric symptoms (sleep disturbances, hostility or aggression, confusion, affective symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and cognitive difficulties) were the other symptoms observed in the included studies. More than 80% of cases rechallenged with isoniazid resulted in the recurrence of psychotic symptoms.

Conclusion

Patients with TB and LTBI should be assessed for psychotic and neuropsychiatric symptoms during isoniazid therapy, mainly in the first 2 months. Further research is required to understand the impact of underlying risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and isoniazid pharmacokinetics, as well as the clinical utility and dosage recommendations of pyridoxine for managing isoniazid-induced psychosis.
ESR Essentials: response assessment criteria in oncologic imaging—practice recommendations by the European Society of Oncologic Imaging
Authors: Zamboni Giulia A. , Cappello Giovanni , Caruso Damiano , Gourtsoyianni Sofia , Cyran Clemens , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , D’Anastasi Melvin , Fournier Laure , Neri Emanuele
Published: August 2024

Assessing the response to oncological treatments is paramount for determining the prognosis and defining the best treatment for each patient. Several biomarkers, including imaging, can be used, but standardization is fundamental for consistency and reliability. Tumor response evaluation criteria have been defined by international groups for application in pharmaceutical clinical trials evaluating new drugs or therapeutic strategies. RECIST 1.1 criteria are exclusively based on unidimensional lesion measurements; changes in tumor size are used as surrogate imaging biomarkers to correlate with patient outcomes. However, increased tumor size does not always reflect tumor progression. The introduction of immunotherapy has led to the development of new criteria (iRECIST, Level of Evidence (LoE) Ib) that consider the possibility that an increase in disease burden is secondary to the immune response instead of progression, with the new concept of Unconfirmed Progressive Disease (a first progression event which must be confirmed on follow-up). Specific criteria were devised for HCC (mRECIST, LoE IV), which measure only enhancing HCC portions to account for changes after local therapy. For GIST treated with imatinib, criteria were developed to account for the possible increase in size reflecting a response rather than a progression by assessing both tumor size and density on CT (Choi, LoE II). This article provides concise and relevant practice recommendations aimed at general radiologists to help choose and apply the most appropriate criteria for assessing response to treatment in different oncologic scenarios. Though these criteria were developed for clinical trials, they may be applied in clinical practice as a guide for day-to-day interpretation.

Key Points

Response evaluation criteria, designed for use in clinical trials, might serve as a surrogate biomarker for overall survival.

RECIST 1.1 defines measurable and non-measurable disease among which target lesions and non-target lesions are selected at baseline as reference for follow-ups.

Some therapies and/or cancers require the use of different criteria, such as iRECIST, mRECIST, and Choi criteria.
Continental scale spatial temporal interpolation of near-surface air temperature: do 1 km hourly grids for Australia outperform regional and global reanalysis outputs?
Authors: Stewart Stephen B. , McVicar Tim R. , Van Niel Thomas G. , Cai Dejun
Published: August 2024

Near-surface air temperature is an essential climate variable for the study of many biophysical phenomena, yet is often only available as a daily mean or extrema (minimum, maximum). While many applications require sub-diurnal dynamics, temporal interpolation methods have substantial limitations and atmospheric reanalyses are complex models that typically have coarse spatial resolution and may only be periodically updated. To overcome these issues, we developed an hourly air temperature product for Australia with spatial interpolation of hourly observations from 621 stations between 1990 and 2019. The model was validated with hourly observations from 28 independent stations, compared against empirical temporal interpolation methods, and both regional (BARRA-R) and global (ERA5-Land) reanalysis outputs. We developed a time-varying (i.e., time-of-day and day-of-year) coastal distance index that corresponds to the known dynamics of sea breeze systems, improving interpolation performance by up to 22.4% during spring and summer in the afternoon and evening hours. Cross-validation and independent validation (n = 24/4 OzFlux/CosmOz field stations) statistics of our hourly output showed performance that was comparable with contemporary Australian interpolations of daily air temperature extrema (climatology/hourly/validation: R2 = 0.99/0.96/0.92, RMSE = 0.75/1.56/1.78 °C, Bias = -0.00/0.00/-0.03 °C). Our analyses demonstrate the limitations of temporal interpolation of daily air temperature extrema, which can be biased due to the inability to represent frontal systems and assumptions regarding rates of temperature change and the timing of minimum and maximum air temperature. Spatially interpolated hourly air temperature compared well against both BARRA-R and ERA5-Land, and performed better than both reanalyses when evaluated against the 28 independent validation stations. Our research demonstrates that spatial interpolation of sub-diurnal meteorological fields, such as air temperature, can mitigate the limitations of alternative data sources for studies of near-surface phenomena and plays an important ongoing role in supporting numerous scientific applications.
Switching from inotersen to eplontersen in patients with hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis with polyneuropathy: analysis from NEURO-TTRansform
Authors: Conceição Isabel , Berk John L. , Weiler Markus , Kowacs Pedro A. , Dasgupta Noel R. , Khella Sami , Chao Chi-Chao , Attarian Shahram , Kwoh T. Jesse , Jung Shiangtung W. , Chen Jersey , Viney Nicholas J. , Yu Rosie Z. , Gertz Morie , Masri Ahmad , Cruz Márcia Waddington , Coelho Teresa
Published: August 2024

Background

The phase 3 NEURO-TTRansform trial showed eplontersen treatment for 65 weeks reduced transthyretin (TTR), halted progression of neuropathy impairment, and improved quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with hereditary TTR-mediated amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN), vs. historical placebo.

Methods

NEURO-TTRansform enrolled patients with ATTRv-PN. A subset of patients were randomized to receive subcutaneous inotersen 300 mg weekly (Weeks 1–34) and subsequently switched to subcutaneous eplontersen 45 mg every 4 weeks (Weeks 37–81). Change in serum TTR and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were evaluated through Week 85. Effects on neuropathy impairment, QoL, and nutritional status were also evaluated.

Results

Of 24 patients randomized to inotersen, 20 (83%) switched to eplontersen at Week 37 and four discontinued due to AEs/investigator decision. Absolute change in serum TTR was greater after switching from inotersen (−74.3%; Week 35) to eplontersen (−80.6%; Week 85). From the end of inotersen treatment, neuropathy impairment and QoL were stable (i.e., did not progress) while on eplontersen, and there was no deterioration in nutritional status. TEAEs were fewer with eplontersen (Weeks 37–85; 19/20 [95%] patients) compared with inotersen (up to Week 35; 24/24 [100%] patients). Mean platelet counts decreased during inotersen treatment (mean nadir reduction ‒40.7%) and returned to baseline during eplontersen treatment (mean nadir reduction, ‒3.2%).

Conclusions

Switching from inotersen to eplontersen further reduced serum TTR, halted disease progression, stabilized QoL, restored platelet count, and improved tolerability, without deterioration in nutritional status. This supports a positive benefit-risk profile for patients with ATTRv-PN who switch from inotersen to eplontersen.
The interaction between miR165/166 and miR160 regulates Arabidopsis thaliana seed size, weight, and number in a ROS-dependent manner
Authors: Pawłasek Natalia , Sokołowska Anna , Koter Marek , Oracz Krystyna
Published: August 2024

Main conclusion

Our data link the miR165/166- and miR160-mediated regulatory modules to ROS and seed formation. Trade-offs of seed size, weight, and number probably require control of the expression of miR165/166 by miR160, modulation of ROS metabolism by miR165/166, and miR160 abundance by ROS-induced oxidative modifications

The cycle of plant life and its yield productivity depends fundamentally on the establishment of the trade-offs of seed size, weight, and number. For annual plants, seed number should simply be a positive function of vegetative biomass and a negative function of seed size and/or weight. However, extensive natural variation within species is observed for these traits, for which an optimal solution is environmentally dependent. Understanding the miRNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression determining seed phenotype and number is crucial from both an evolutionary and applied perspective. Although extensive research has concentrated on the individual roles of miRNAs in plant life, fewer studies have centred on their functional interactions, hence this study aimed to examine whether the module of miR165/miR166 and/or miR160 interactions is involved in forming Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, and/or has an impact on their features. Considering that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are among key players in seed-related processes, it was also intriguing to verify if the mechanism of action of these miRNAs is associated with the ROS pathway. The plant material used in this study consisted of flower buds, green siliques, and freshly harvested seeds, of wild type (WT), and STTM165/166 and STTM160 × 165/166 mutants of A. thaliana plants which are powerful tools for functional analysis of miRNAs in plants. The novel results obtained during physiological phenotyping together with two-tailed qRT-PCR analysis of mature miR165, miR166, miR160, and spectrofluorimetric measurement of apoplastic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for the first time revealed that interaction between miR165/miR166 and miR160 may regulate seed size, weight and number in ROS-dependent manner.