bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRIM6 facilitates SARS‐CoV‐2 proliferation by catalyzing the K29‐typed ubiquitination of NP to enhance the ability to bind viral genomes
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zhou Yuzheng , Wei Xia‐Fei , Fan Lujie , Gao Xiang , Li Yunfei , Wu Yezi , Feng Wei , Shen XiaoTong , Liu Lei , Xu Gang , Zhang Zheng
Published: March 2024

The Nucleocapsid Protein (NP) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is not only the core structural protein required for viral packaging, but also participates in the regulation of viral replication, and its post‐translational modifications such as phosphorylation have been shown to be an important strategy for regulating virus proliferation. Our previous work identified NP could be ubiquitinated, as confirmed by two independent studies. But the function of NP ubiquitination is currently unknown. In this study, we first pinpointed TRIM6 as the E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for NP ubiquitination, binding to NP's CTD via its RING and B‐box‐CCD domains. TRIM6 promotes the K29‐typed polyubiquitination of NP at K102, K347, and K361 residues, increasing its binding to viral genomic RNA. Consistently, functional experiments such as the use of the reverse genetic tool trVLP model and gene knockout of TRIM6 further confirmed that blocking the ubiquitination of NP by TRIM6 significantly inhibited the proliferation of SARS‐CoV‐2. Notably, the NP of coronavirus is relatively conserved, and the NP of SARS‐CoV can also be ubiquitinated by TRIM6, indicating that NP could be a broad‐spectrum anti‐coronavirus target. These findings shed light on the intricate interaction between SARS‐CoV‐2 and the host, potentially opening new opportunities for COVID‐19 therapeutic development.
Meal related symptoms in youth with chronic abdominal pain: Relationship to anxiety, depression, and sleep dysfunction
Authors: Benegal Achintya , Friesen Hunter , Schurman Jennifer , Colombo Jennifer , Friesen Craig
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of the current study was to describe meal‐related symptoms in youth with chronic abdominal pain fulfilling criteria for a disorder of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) and their associations with anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.

Methods

This was a retrospective evaluation of 226 consecutive patients diagnosed with an abdominal pain‐associated DGBI. As part of routine care, all had completed a standardized symptom history, the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (utilized to assess for disorders of initiation and maintenance of sleep and excessive daytime somnolence) and the Behavior Assessment System for Children‐Third Edition (utilized to assess for anxiety and depression). Four meal related symptoms were assessed: early satiety, postprandial bloating, postprandial abdominal pain, and postprandial nausea.

Results

Overall, 87.6% of patients reported at least one meal related symptom and the majority reported at least three symptoms. All meal related symptoms were significantly related to each other. Postprandial pain and nausea were more often reported by females. Early satiety, postprandial bloating, and postprandial nausea, but not postprandial pain demonstrated significant though variable associations with anxiety, depression, disorders of initiation and maintenance of sleep, and disorders of excessive somnolence, but only in adolescents.

Conclusions

Meal related symptoms are very common in youth with abdominal pain‐associated DGBIs. Early satiety, bloating, and postprandial nausea demonstrate variable associations with anxiety, depression, and disordered sleep while increased postprandial pain was not associated with psychologic or sleep dysfunction, suggesting a different pathway for symptom generation.
Pediatric retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction diagnosed by high‐resolution impedance manometry
Authors: Dorfman Lev , El‐Chammas Khalil , Mansi Sherief , Graham Kahleb , Kaul Ajay
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The inability to burp, known as retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R‐CPD), was initially described in adults. The proposed clinical diagnostic criteria for R‐CPD include belching inability, abdominal bloating and discomfort/nausea, postprandial chest pain, and involuntary noises. Botulinum toxin injection to the cricopharyngeal muscle has been reported to be beneficial. High‐resolution esophageal impedance‐manometry (HRIM) features in adolescent patients with R‐CPD have not been described yet.  The aim of our study was to describe the clinical and HRIM findings of pediatric patients with R‐CPD.

Methods

Clinical and manometric features of five pediatric patients diagnosed with R‐CPD were reviewed. HRIM study protocol was modified to include the consumption of carbonated drink to provoke symptoms and distinctive manometric features.

Results

We report five female patients aged 15–20 years who presented with an inability to burp and involuntary throat sounds. HRIM revealed normal upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation during swallowing, but abnormal UES relaxation with concurrent high esophageal impedance reflecting air entrapment and secondary peristalsis following the carbonated drink challenge. Four patients exhibited esophageal motility disorder. All patients reported improvement or resolution of symptoms after botulinum toxin injection to the cricopharyngeus muscle.

Conclusions

Adolescents with an inability to burp, reflux‐like symptoms, bloating, and involuntary throat noises should be assessed for R‐CPD by pediatric gastroenterologists with HRIM. The relatively recent recognition of this novel condition is the likely reason for its under‐ and misdiagnosis in children.
Cryoprotective effects and mechanisms of soybean oligosaccharides on the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) surimi during frozen storage
Authors: Mo Yijie , Zhang Xia , Zhang Lingzhi , Guo Xiao , Lin Yanxin , Ren Jing , Ding Yuqin
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Conventional cryoprotectant mixtures (sucrose and sorbitol) impart excessive sweetness and calories to surimi. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative cryoprotectants with low sweetness and low‐calorie content. The cryoprotective effects and possible mechanisms of soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS) on the frozen stability of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) surimi were investigated during 120 days of frozen storage in a comparison with commercial cryoprotectants (4% sucrose and 4% sorbitol, w/w).

RESULTS

SBOS at 6–8% (w/w) and commercial cryoprotectants could restrain water mobility and reduce thawing loss of frozen surimi by increasing non‐freezable water content. SBOS could maintain the structural stability of proteins by preventing sulfhydryl groups from being rapidly oxidized to disulfide bonds, retarding the reduction of the solubility, Ca2+‐ATPase activity and α‐helix content of myofibrillar proteins (MP), as well as hindering the increasing surface hydrophobicity of MP of surimi during 120 days of frozen storage. The introduction of SBOS increased the gel strength and water‐holding capacity of frozen‐stored surimi. Compared with commercial cryoprotectants, 8% SBOS was more effective in stabilizing protein structure, whereas it was slightly less effective with respect to ice‐forming inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained in the present study suggest that 8% SBOS could be potentially developed as a new cryoprotectant for surimi as a result of its ice‐forming inhibition abilities and protein structure stability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Heat/non‐heat treatment alleviates β‐conglycinin‐triggered food allergy reactions by modulating the Th1/Th2 immune balance in a BALB/c mouse model
Authors: Li Tanghao , Bu Guanhao , Chen Yixuan , Zhao Qingqing , Chang Yongfeng
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

With the increasing popularity of plant protein‐based diets, soy proteins are favored as the most important source of plant protein worldwide. However, potential food allergy risks limit their use in the food industry. This work aims to reveal the mechanism of β‐conglycinin‐induced food allergy, and to explore the regulatory mechanism of heat treatment and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment in a BALB/c mouse model.

RESULTS

Our results showed that oral administration of β‐conglycinin induced severe allergic symptoms in BALB/c mice, but these symptoms were effectively alleviated through heat treatment and HHP treatment. Moreover, β‐conglycinin stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation; a large number of cytokines interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, IL‐10, IL‐12 and IL‐13 were released and interferon γ secretion was inhibited, which disrupted the Th1/Th2 immune balance and promoted the differentiation and proliferation of naive T cells into Th2‐type cells.

CONCLUSION

Heat/non‐heat treatment altered the conformation of soybean protein, which significantly reduced allergic reactions in mice. This regulatory mechanism may be associated with Th1/Th2 immune balance. Our results provide data support for understanding the changes in allergenicity of soybean protein within the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Satisfactory mid‐term clinical outcomes of endoscopic tenotomy for iliopsoas tendinopathy following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Erard Julien , Viamont‐Guerra Maria‐Roxana ,   ReSurg, Bonin Nicolas
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To report 5‐year outcomes of endoscopic iliopsoas tenotomy in patients with iliopsoas tendinopathy following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and determine whether clinical scores are associated with cup position.

Methods

Patients who underwent endoscopic iliopsoas tenotomy for iliopsoas tendinopathy following THA (2014–2017) were contacted. Indications for endoscopic iliopsoas tenotomy after THA were groin pain during active hip flexion, exclusion of other causes of groin pain, and no pain relief after 6 months of conservative treatment. Pretenotomy cup inclination and anteversion were measured on radiographs; axial and sagittal cup overhang were measured on computed tomography (CT) scans. Oxford hip score (OHS), modified Harris hip score (mHHS), and groin pain were assessed.

Results

The initial cohort comprised 16 men (17 hips) and 31 women (32 hips), aged 60.7 ± 10.6 years. Cup inclination and anteversion were, respectively, 46.2 ± 6.2° and 14.6 ± 8.4°, while axial and sagittal cup overhang were, respectively, 4.4 ± 4.0 mm and 6.9 ± 4.5 mm. At ≥5 years follow‐up, four hips underwent cup and stem revision, two underwent isolated cup revision and one underwent secondary iliopsoas tenotomy. OHS improved by 23 ± 10 and mHHS improved by 31 ± 16. Posttenotomy groin pain was slight in 20.0%, mild in 17.5% and moderate in 12.5%. Regression analyses revealed that net change in mHHS decreased with sagittal cup overhang (β = –3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = –4.6 to –1.7; p < 0.001), but that there were no associations between cup position and net change in OHS.

Conclusions

Endoscopic iliopsoas tenotomy provides good mid‐term clinical outcomes in patients with iliopsoas tendinopathy following THA. Furthermore, improvements in mHHS were found to decrease with increasing sagittal cup overhang, in cases for which adequate preoperative imaging was available.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Reproductive toxicities of dimethyl phthalates on Caenorhabditis elegans with alteration in responses over life stages
Authors: Zhang Jing , Huang Yuheng , Yu Zhenyang , Mo Lingyun
Published: March 2024

Phthalate esters (PAEs) raised serious concerns on their health risk due to their toxicities. However, toxicities of low‐molecular‐weight PAEs, for example, dimethyl phthalates (DMPs), remained poorly investigated. In the present study, the reproductive toxicities of dimethyl (o‐)phthalate (DMOP), dimethyl (p‐)phthalate (DMPP), and dimethyl (m‐)phthalate (DMMP) were measured on Caenorhabditis elegans with mechanical exploration. Results showed that DMPP, DMOP, and DMMP commonly inhibited the total reproduction while stimulated lifespan, showing trade‐off effects. In effects on gene expressions, DMPP, DMOP, and DMMP caused different regulations on the expressions of vab‐1, ceh‐18, and gsa‐1 which are involved in oocyte growth, ovulation, and maturation. Meanwhile, they commonly downregulated those of rme‐2 and rcy‐4 that regulate germ cells and gonads and lipid metabolism in oocytes. Moreover, the effects on biochemicals that regulate reproductive processes showed alteration between stimulation and inhibition over life stages. In addition, effects at apical, biochemical, and molecular levels clearly showed the structure influences on the toxicities. Summing up, reproductive toxicities of DMPs depended on the exposure life stages and also the chemical structures.
Enhancement of electrical conductivity of biopolymer by sulfur nanoparticle dispersion technique
Authors: Singha R. , Mullick H.
Published: March 2024

Present work reports the investigation of the effect of different percentages of nanosized elemental sulfur particle grown in a biopolymer matrix. Sulfur is known for treatment against bacterial infections as an antimicrobial agent from ages as elemental sulfur and sulfur‐rich compounds interact with biological systems. In‐situ growth of sulfur nanoparticles is processed by the passage of environment friendly hydrogen sulfide gas in hydrated solution of gum acacia biopolymer. Gum acacia is ion conducting, plant derived natural polymer. In this work, structural and morphological studies are examined by x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It is found that with increasing concentration of sulfur nanoparticles the spheroidal shaped nanostructures grow in size and approaches the micron realm. Electrical characterization of the nanostructure synthesized biopolymer is observed by varying frequency over a broad‐spectrum range. Direct current electrical conductivity is found to be enhanced by 40 times higher over pure specimen.
Study on the preparation of recycled boards instead of wood boards from waste cellulose
Authors: Zhou Y. , Yao J. , Chen Q. , Xiao J. , Zhang N. , Zhuang Y. , Yang H.
Published: March 2024

The research on a novel preparation method for functional scaffolds from natural cellulose has attracted widespread attention in science and engineering. In order to obtain cellulose board which is similar to wood board in structure and mechanical properties, ice template, phase inversion under low temperature, and hot pressing were employed to fabricate board from natural cellulose. During preparation, ice template was used to control cellulose molecules arrange forming excellent orientation in the scaffold. Then, prepared scaffold was immersed in ethanol under −20 °C to remove salt ions used in cellulose resolve process, and keep the direction arrange of molecules in scaffold. Finally, prepared scaffold was treated by hot pressing for pushing off air in pores to form density board. Scanning electron microscopy image showed that prepared scaffold has directional cellulose arrange structure which was similar to that of wood. After hot pressing, the density of scaffold is increased. The mechanical properties of cellulose boards are enhanced with the increase of cellulose concentration, and the tensile strength can reach about 45 MPa, which has great potential in replacing natural wood boards. Our study provides new tactics for the use of natural cellulose in our life.
Fabrication of wear resistant nanocomposite and its mechanical properties: A step towards sustainability
Authors: Arya V. , Padap A. K.
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, particulate reinforced aluminium composites are appealing structural materials for numerous applications, such as automotive and aerospace, due to their low weight and high specific strength. Nanocomposite morphology and interfacial properties may alter when nano sized particles are reinforced with an aluminium matrix. The addition of nano reinforcement of aluminium oxide particle improve the mechanical strength of base alloy and a further improvement in mechanical properties may be enhanced by grain refinement processed under multi axial forging technique. The present study demonstrates the synthesis of wear resistant nanocomposite. It also investigates the effect of multi axial forging on microstructure, mechanical properties and wear behaviour of aluminium based nanocomposite. Optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction techniques were used for microstructural characterization. The fractography and worn surface analysis were examined by using scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy is used to show the presence of nanoparticles in casting. After three multi axial forging passes, the average grain size was reduced up to 4.2 μm as cast and 1.15 μm in nanocomposite. The wear resistance, microhardness and tensile strength of multi axial forging processed nanocomposite were significantly improved. All improved mechanical and wear properties cause the material one step towards sustainability.
Operational scheme for predicting tropical cyclone wind radius based on a statistical–dynamical approach and track pattern clustering
Authors: Kim Hye‐Ji , Moon Il‐Ju , Won Seong‐Hee
Published: March 2024

An operational scheme for predicting the symmetric R30 and R50 of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the western North Pacific was developed using a statistical regression method and track pattern clustering (four clusters). The statistical–dynamical model employs multiple linear regressions of two to eight variables at each cluster and forecast lead time. The dependent variable for prediction was the change in the 5‐kt wind radius (R5)—a proxy of TC size—relative to the initial time. The performance of the model was compared for the training (2008–2016) and testing (2017–2018) periods. The effect of clustering on TC size prediction was evaluated by comparing the performance of the non‐clustering and clustering models. The clustering model improved the prediction of TC size by 3%–24% at all lead times during the training period, especially with a significant improvement of up to 43% in Cluster 2. In Cluster 2, because most TCs tend to develop strongly and continue to increase in size, it greatly reduced the variability in TC size through clustering, allowed for smarter predictor selection, and ultimately improved TC size prediction. In the real‐time R30 and R50 predictions for the 2017 and 2018 TCs, the error of the clustered model was 18%–19% less than that of the non‐clustered model. The analysis results revealed that the real‐time prediction errors of the current model increase when the TC tracks are difficult to classify into specific clusters, the predicted environments and TC tracks are inaccurate, and the size and intensity of a TC rapidly increase.
Quantitative ultrasonography reveals skeletal muscle abnormalities in carriers of DMD pathogenic variants
Authors: Loureiro Bruna Melo Coelho , de Brito Mariana Rabelo , Iwabe Cristina , Dertkigil Sergio San Juan , França Marcondes C.
Published: March 2024

Introduction/Aims

Carriers of DMD pathogenic variants may become symptomatic and develop muscle‐related manifestations. Despite that, few studies have attempted to characterize changes in the muscles of these carriers using imaging tools, particularly muscle ultrasound (MUS). The aim of this study was to compare lower limb MUS findings in carriers of DMD pathogenic variants (cDMD) vs healthy controls.

Methods

Twenty‐eight women (15 cDMD and 13 controls) underwent clinical evaluation and MUS. We collected information about muscle‐related symptoms and assessed muscle strength. MUS was performed by a single physician (blind to the genetic status of subjects). The following muscles were assessed: rectus femoris, sartorius, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius. For each site, we computed data on muscle thickness, cross‐sectional area, sound attenuation index, and elastography. Between‐group comparisons were assessed using nonparametric tests and p‐values <.05 were deemed significant.

Results

None of the subjects had objective muscle weakness, but exercise intolerance/fatigue was reported by four cDMDs and only one control. Regarding MUS, sound attenuation indices were significantly higher among carriers for all muscles tested. Longitudinal and axial deep echo intensities for the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior were also higher in the cDMD group compared with controls. No significant between‐group differences were noted for elastography values, muscle area, or mean echo intensities.

Discussion

cDMD have skeletal muscle abnormalities that can be detected using quantitative MUS. Further studies are needed to determine whether such abnormalities are related to muscle symptoms in these patients.
Analysis of legacy gravity data reveals sediment‐filled troughs buried under Flathead Valley, Montana, USA
Authors: Gebril Ali , Khalil Mohamed A. , Joeckel R. M. , Rose James
Published: March 2024

Shallow, dominantly silt‐ and clay‐filled erosional troughs in Quaternary sediments under the Flathead Valley (northwestern Montana, USA) are very likely to be hydraulic barriers limiting the horizontal flow of groundwater. Accurately mapping them is important because of increasing demand for groundwater. We used a legacy Bouguer gravity map measured in 1968. The directional derivatives of the map are computed, and the map was enhanced by implementing edge detection tools. We produced generalized derivative, maximum horizontal gradient, total gradient and tilt gradient maps through two‐dimensional Fourier transform analysis. These maps were remarkably successful in locating buried troughs in the northern and northwestern parts of the study area, closely matching locations determined previously from compiled borehole data. Our results also identify hitherto unknown extensions of troughs and indicate that some of the buried troughs may be connected.
A locally calculable P3‐pressure in a decoupled method for incompressible Stokes equations
Authors: Park Chunjae
Published: March 2024

This article will suggest a new finite element method to find a ‐velocity and a ‐pressure solving incompressible Stokes equations at low cost. The method solves first the decoupled equation for a ‐velocity. Then, using the calculated velocity, a locally calculable ‐pressure will be defined component‐wisely. The resulting ‐pressure is analyzed to have the optimal order of convergence. Since the pressure is calculated by local computation only, the chief time cost of the new method is on solving the decoupled equation for the ‐velocity. Besides, the method overcomes the problem of singular vertices or corners.
Brochure intervention to manage bothersome taste changes in pediatric patients receiving cancer therapy
Authors: Hassan Hadeel , Oloyede Seye , Villanueva Gillian , Zahra Serena , Joseph‐Frederick Zakia , Green Gloria , Schechter Tal , Zupanec Sue , Dupuis L. Lee , Sung Lillian
Published: March 2024

Background

Primary objective was to determine if a patient informational brochure describing potentially useful strategies could help manage specific taste changes. Secondary objective was to describe the specific strategies used and whether the strategies were perceived as being helpful.

Procedure

This single‐center study included pediatric patients with cancer or hematopoietic cell transplant recipients receiving active treatment who experienced bothersome taste changes in the last month. Participants participated in baseline and follow‐up interviews conducted 14–21 days apart. A brochure that listed 16 potentially helpful strategies was provided at baseline. At follow‐up, we asked about brochure use and whether it helped. At both interviews, we asked about experienced taste changes, strategies used, and whether strategy helped.

Results

Of 100 enrolled participants, different (87%) and bad (72%) taste were most common at baseline. Following the brochure intervention, statistically significant reductions were observed in food tasting different, bad, bland, bitter, sour, and metallic. For most strategies, the proportion of patients who used specific strategies or found them helpful was not significantly different between baseline and follow‐up. However, “eating foods you like” was considered helpful in significantly more participants who used the strategy in follow‐up (72 out of 89, 80.9%) compared with baseline (55 out of 95, 57.9%; p = .008). Between visits, 81.2% looked at the brochure. Among participants, 53.1% found the brochure helpful, very helpful, or extremely helpful.

Conclusions

A brochure that offered strategies to manage changes in taste helped participants cope with them. Further research should evaluate the brochure using randomized and multicenter trials.
Estimation of Permafrost Ground Ice to 10 m Depth on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zou Defu , Pang Qiangqiang , Zhao Lin , Wang Lingxiao , Hu Guojie , Du Erji , Liu Guangyue , Liu Shibo , Liu Yadong
Published: March 2024

Permafrost ground ice melting could alter hydrological processes in cold regions by releasing water. Currently, there is a lack of gridded data of ground ice from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). Using 664 borehole sample records, we applied a random forest (RF) method to predict the ground ice content of permafrost between 2 and 10 m depth in three layers (2–3, 3–5, and 5–10 m) at a spatial resolution of 1 km. The RF predictions demonstrated an R2 value exceeding 0.80 for all three layers with a negligible positive overestimation (0.98%–1.85%). The ground ice content of the first layer (2–3 m) can be predicted primarily using climate variables, but the contribution of terrain and soil variables increases as the depth increases. The total water storage of ground ice across the QTP permafrost (2–10 m depth) is approximately 3330.0 km3, with 403.5 km3 in the 2–3 m layer, 857.2 km3 in the 3–5 m layer, and 2069.3 km3 in the 5–10 m layer. This study generated for the first time a gridded dataset of the shallow permafrost ground ice content across the entire QTP which can be used to improve simulations of hydrological processes in the permafrost regions.
Transportation of hazardous material via railroad: Incident investigation and a case study of derailment in 2023
Authors: Welch Sophie , Youn Sungmin , Nichols Andrew , Na Sukjoon , Shen Ruiqing
Published: March 2024

Railway transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) is common and is generally considered safe. However, transporting toxic, flammable, and explosive substances via railways carries significant risk due to their high volume, proximity to populated areas, low public awareness, and potential domino effect. Particularly, the practice has come into question after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Ohio in February of 2023. This derailment continuously reminds the public and the industry that such incidents can profoundly affect a community, critical infrastructure, and the environment. To identify the root cause of the Ohio train derailment and discover the deficiency of the safety system applied, combining the cause mapping approach with the safety triad concept was employed in this study. Based on this approach and the preliminary incident investigation released by the National Transportation Safety Board, the incident sequence is established, and the causal events leading to this incident are identified in the three essential pillars of its safety system: prevention, mitigation, and response, respectively. The study subsequently develops recommendations to improve the safety system of HAZMAT freight trains. This is expected to lower further the probability and consequence of HAZMAT freight train incidents and ultimately result in long‐term changes in railroad transportation.
The intersectional impact of climate change and gender inequalities in Africa
Authors: Okesanya Olalekan John , Alnaeem Khlood Fathi Hassan , Hassan Hakeem Kayode , Oso Adebimpe Tolutope , Adigun Olaniyi Abideen , Bouaddi Oumnia , Olaleke Noah Olabode , M kheir Sara Gabrallah , Haruna Usman Abubakar , Shomuyiwa Deborah Oluwaseun , Manirambona Emery , Asebot Melat Tesfaye
Published: March 2024

The global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals underscores the importance of combating inequality, with climate change emerging as a significant threat, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This commentary explores the profound impact of climate change on the lives of women in Africa, shedding light on a critical issue where 80% of the female population in LMICs grapples with its far‐reaching consequences. Climate change is exacerbating existing gender disparities, particularly within the realms of agriculture, livelihoods, and resource access. Barriers like limited training and technology access hinder effective adaptation, perpetuating discrimination. Rooted deeply in social and cultural norms, the consequences of climate change negatively impact the human rights of women, resulting in increased vulnerability to illnesses, malnutrition, limited housing, and restricted support services. Health risks, including malaria transmission and respiratory diseases, further compound existing challenges, leading to increased rates of anemia, violence against women, alarming spikes in child marriages, and socio‐economic consequences. Integrated policies emphasizing gender mainstreaming, multisectoral approaches, and closing gender gaps in asset ownership are crucial to addressing these challenges. Education, training, and upskilling opportunities are essential to empowering women to confront climate change, further advocating for the development and enforcement of laws and policies recognizing gender differences and safeguarding women's rights. Moreover, there is a need for integrated solutions to foster sustainable development in Africa, as climate change is not a standalone issue but rather intertwines with various aspects of life. By advocating for policies that promote gender equality, education, and resource access, it seeks to pave the way for a more resilient and empowered female population, capable of navigating the complexities of climate change and contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development on the African continent.
Multiagent robotic systems and exploration algorithms: Applications for data collection in construction sites
Authors: Prieto Samuel A. , Giakoumidis Nikolaos , García de Soto Borja
Published: March 2024

The construction industry has been notoriously slow to adopt new technology and embrace automation. This has resulted in lower efficiency and productivity compared to other industries where automation has been widely adopted. However, recent advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence offer a potential solution to this problem. In this study, a methodology is proposed to integrate multirobotic systems in construction projects with the aim of increasing efficiency and productivity. The proposed approach involves the use of multiple robot and human agents (HA) working collaboratively to complete a construction task. The methodology was tested through a case study that involved 3D digitization of a small, occluded space using two robots and one HA. The results show that integrating multiagent robotic systems (MARS) in construction can effectively overcome challenges and complete tasks efficiently. The implications of this study suggest that MARS could revolutionize the industry.
Soil carbon and aggregate stability are positively related and increased under combined soil amendment, tillage, and cover cropping practices
Authors: Thapa Binita , Mowrer Jake
Published: March 2024

Agricultural practices alter the organic carbon dynamics in soil. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of carbon amendments, tillage, and cover cropping on permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), total organic carbon (TOC), and wet aggregate stability (WAS) in a 2‐year crop sequence (corn–cover crop–cotton–cover crop) at the Texas A&M Research Farm. Two carbon amendments (biochar and composted biosolid) were applied at the rate of 500 kg C ha−1, along with a control. Two tillage practices were evaluated: conventional tillage (CT) and no‐tillage (No‐Till). A cover crop (CC) mixture of oat, mustard, and pea and no cover crop (No‐CC) were also evaluated. Treatments were arranged in a split‐split plot design with four replications. Amending the soil with carbon as composted biosolid or biochar affected POXC at both the 0‐ to 5‐ and 5‐ to 15‐cm depths. The POXC was significantly higher for the biochar treated plots for corn and CC after corn but significantly lower POXC was observed after cotton with biochar‐treated plots. The POXC increased under No‐Till compared with CT and CC plots relative to No‐CC plots. The TOC was not sensitive to soil management practices. The POXC and TOC both decreased with depth. The WAS greater under No‐Till and CC plots. The POXC and WAS were influenced by soil management practices and can be useful indicators to assess short‐term soil health improvements. The POXC and WAS were positively related, suggesting that one may be used to predict the other.
Can saturated paste be used to predict bulk density in annual cropping systems in California?
Authors: Suarez Romero Veronica , Light Sarah E.
Published: March 2024

Soil bulk density (BD) is important for measuring changes in soil chemical, physical, and biological properties; however, the measurement is tedious to collect and requires specialized equipment. Database measurements for soil surface BD do not always correspond to present field conditions as field management can alter BD in time. Saturation percentage (SP) is a routine lab measurement. The objectives of this study are to (1) understand if a relationship between BD and SP can be developed and (2) build a model that predicts BD based on a routine low‐cost lab analysis. We collected 83 soil samples from different experimental sites around California's Central Valley. At each site, BD, SP, soil organic matter (OM), and soil total organic carbon were measured. A set of models were generated and compared based on their Akaike information criterion (AIC) and adjusted R2. The best two models are presented in this paper, and their accuracy and precision in estimating BD were further compared by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE) and the R2 of the predicted versus values measured in the field. We determined that a strong relationship between BD and SP exists (R2 = 0.70) and that a cubic model that includes SP and OM resulted in the best model to predict BD in California soils. Inclusion of additional data may further strengthen this model or make it applicable for other grower regions.
Enhanced Computational Study with Experimental Correlation on I–V Characteristics of Tantalum Oxide (TaOx) Memristor Devices in a 1T1R Configuration
Authors: Sihn Sangwook , Chambers William L. , Abedin Minhaz , Beckmann Karsten , Cady Nathaniel , Ganguli Sabyasachi , Roy Ajit K.
Published: March 2024

Memristors, non‐volatile switching memory platform, has recently attracted significant interest, offering unique potential to enable the realization of human brain‐like neuromorphic computing efficiency. Memristors also demonstrate excellent temperature tolerance, long‐term durability, and high tunability with nanosecond pulses, making them highly attractive for neuromorphic computing applications. To better understand the material processing, microstructure, and property relationship of switching mechanisms in memristor devices, computational methodologies, and tools are developed to predict the I–V characteristics of memristor devices based on tantalum oxide (TaOx) resistive random‐access memory (ReRAM) integrated with an n‐channel metal–oxide–semiconductor (NMOS) transistor. A multiphysics model based on coupled partial differential equations for electrical and thermal transport phenomena is solved for the high‐ and low‐resistance states during the formation, growth, and destruction of a conducting filament through SET and RESET stages. These stages effectively represent the migration of oxygen vacancies within an oxide exchange layer. A series of parametric studies and energy minimization calculations are conducted to determine probable ranges for key material and model parameters accounting for the experimental data. The computational model successfully predicted the measured I–V curves across various gate voltages applied to the NMOS transistor in the one transistor one resistance (1T1R) configuration.
Organic‐Hydrochloride‐Modified ZnO Electron Transport Layer for Efficient Defect Passivation and Stress Release in Rigid and Flexible all Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Wenjie , Tang Xiaoxuan , Xiong Jie , Xu Weiwei , Zhou Heng , Yu Chaohan , Lou Yanhui , Feng Lai
Published: March 2024

All inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite (AIP) has attracted great attention due to its excellent resistance against thermal stress as well as the remarkable capability to deliver high‐voltage output. However, CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) still encounter critical challenges in attaining both high efficiency and mechanical stability for commercial applications. In this work, formamidine disulfide dihydrochloride (FADD) modified ZnO electron transport layer (ETL) has been developed for fabricating inverted devices on either rigid or flexible substrate. It is found that the FADD modification leads to efficient defects passivation, thereby significantly reducing charge recombination at the AIP/ETL interface. As a result, rigid PeSCs (r‐PeSCs) deliver an enhanced efficiency of 16.05% and improved long‐term thermal stability. Moreover, the introduced FADD can regulate the Young's modulus (or Derjaguin‐Muller‐Toporov (DMT) modilus) of ZnO ETL and dissipate stress concentration at the AIP/ETL interface, effectively restraining the crack generation and improving the mechanical stability of PeSCs. The flexible PeSCs (f‐PeSCs) exhibit one of the best performances so far reported with excellent stability against 6000 bending cycles at a curvature radius of 5 mm. This work thus provides an effective strategy to simultaneously improve the photovoltaic performance and mechanical stability.
P‐Bridging Asymmetry Diatomic Catalysts Sites Drive Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Nan , Mei Riguo , Chen Liqiong , Yang Tao , Chen Zhongwei , Lin Xidong , Liu Qingxia
Published: March 2024

Rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) rely on the development of high‐performance bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts to facilitate efficient oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER). Single‐atom catalysts (SACs), characterized by their precisely defined active sites, have great potential for applications in ZABs. However, the design and architecture of atomic site electrocatalysts with both high activity and durability present significant challenges, owing to their spatial confinement and electronic states. In this study, a strategy is proposed to fabricate structurally uniform dual single‐atom electrocatalyst (denoted as P‐FeCo/NC) consisting of P‐bridging Fe and Co bimetal atom (i.e., Fe‐P‐Co) decorated on N, P‐co‐doped carbon framework as an efficient and durable bifunctional electrocatalyst for ZABs. Experimental investigations and theoretical calculations reveal that the Fe‐P‐Co bridge‐coupling structure enables a facile adsorption/desorption of oxygen intermediates and low activation barrier. The resultant P‐FeCo/NC exhibits ultralow overpotential of 340 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for OER and high half‐wave potential of 0.95 V for ORR. In addition, the application of P‐FeCo/NC in rechargeable ZABs demonstrates enhanced performance with maximum power density of 115 mW cm−2 and long cyclic stability, which surpass Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. This study provides valuable insights into the design and mechanism of atomically dispersed catalysts for energy conversion applications.
Tuning Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation Activity: Insights from the Active‐Site Distance in LnCu6 Clusters
Authors: Chen Jia‐Nan , Pan Zhong‐Hua , Sun Fu‐Li , Wu Ping‐Xin , Zheng Shou‐Tian , Zhuang Gui‐Lin , Long La‐Sheng , Zheng Lan‐Sun , Kong Xiang‐Jian
Published: March 2024

Atomically precise metal clusters serve as a unique model for unraveling the intricate mechanism of the catalytic reaction and exploring the complex relationship between structure and activity. Herein, three series of water‐soluble heterometallic clusters LnCu6, abbreviated as LnCu6‐AC (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Er, Yb; HAC = acetic acid), LnCu6‐IM (Ln = La and Nd; IM = Imidazole), and LnCu6‐IDA (Ln = Nd; H2IDA = Iminodiacetic acid) are presented, each featuring a uniform metallic core stabilized by distinct protected ligands. Crystal structure analysis reveals a triangular prism topology formed by six Cu2+ ions around one Ln3+ ion in LnCu6, with variations in Cu···Cu distances attributed to different ligands. Electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) shows that these different LnCu6 clusters exhibit different OER activities with remarkable turnover frequency of 135 s−1 for NdCu6‐AC, 79 s−1 for NdCu6‐IM and 32 s−1 for NdCu6‐IDA. Structural analysis and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations underscore the correlation between shorter Cu···Cu distances and improves OER catalytic activity, emphasizing the pivotal role of active‐site distance in regulating electrocatalytic OER activities. These results provide valuable insights into the OER mechanism and contribute to the design of efficient homogeneous OER electrocatalysts.
An empirical investigation of the relationship between pattern grime and code smells
Authors: Alharbi Maha , Alshayeb Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Developers are encouraged to adopt good design practices to maintain good software quality during the system's evolution. However, some modifications and changes to the system could cause code smells and pattern grime, which might incur more maintenance effort. As the presence of both code smells and pattern grime is considered a bad sign and raises a flag at code segments that need more careful examination, a potential connection between them may exist. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to (1) empirically investigate the potential relationship between the accumulation of pattern grime and the presence of code smells and (2) evaluate the significance of individual code smells when they appear in a specific pattern grime category. To achieve this goal, we performed an empirical study using six‐grime metrics and 10 code smells on five Java open‐source projects ranging from 217 to 563 classes. Our statistical results indicate that, in general, the growth of grime is more likely to co‐occur with code smells using Spearman's correlation and Odd Ratio test. Specifically, there is a strong positive association between the growth of pattern grime at the class level and the presence of Shotgun Surgery smell according to the result of applying the Apriori algorithm, which gives conviction values equal to 1.66. The findings in this paper are helpful for developers and researchers as the presence of pattern grime could be considered a factor in improving the performance of existing smell detection methods. Furthermore, the link between grime and smells can be exploited as a hint for smell distribution in the system.
Young and resilient: Unraveling papillary thyroid cancer outcomes in males under 40
Authors: Hood Caleb , Zmijewski Polina V. , McLeod M. Chandler , Herring Brendon , Bahl Deepti , Fazendin Jessica , Lindeman Brenessa , Chen Herbert , Gillis Andrea
Published: March 2024

Background

While males present with more adverse clinicopathologic features in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), younger age has previously been shown to be a favorable prognostic factor. We examined the combined effect of male sex and young age on PTC outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of thyroid cancer surgery patients (2000–2020) at a single quaternary care institution. We included papillary thyroid carcinoma cases and excluded those with prior cancer‐related thyroid surgery. We examined demographics, cancer stage, surgical outcomes, and complications by age and sex, analyzing groups below and above the age of 40 years.

Results

A total of 680 patients with PTC were included. Females constituted 68% (age ≥40 years: 44% and <40 years: 24%) and males 32% (≥40 years: 24% and <40 years: 8%). A significant difference (p < 0.001) of N1 disease distribution was found between the groups. N1a metastasis was greater in patients younger than 40 regardless of sex ((M < 40 (15%), F < 40 (15%), M ≥ 40 (12%), and F ≥ 40 (9%)). While, M < 40 had greater N1b metastasis (36%) than all other groups (M ≥ 40 (28%), F < 40 (22%), and F ≥ 40 (10%)). There was no significant difference in the distribution of T stages between groups. Groups showed no differences in 30‐day outcomes, recurrence at 1 year, reoperation, mortality, nerve injury, or hypocalcemia.

Conclusions

Young males with PTC face increased occurrence of nodal metastasis yet experience similar recurrence rates as their female and older counterparts. Subgroup analysis underscores the predictive role of sex and age in advanced PTC cases.
Soret and Dufour effects on two dimensional steady MHD flow past a semi‐infinite vertical porous plate in the presence of thermal radiation and radiation heat absorption with constant heat and mass flux
Authors: Ahmed Nazibuddin , Khanam Masuma
Published: March 2024

The problem of a two‐dimensional steady, MHD convective, incompressible, viscous flow past a uniformly moving semi‐infinite vertical porous plate embedded in a porous medium in the presence of radiation heat absorption, thermal radiation, thermal diffusion, and diffusion thermo effects with constant heat and mass flux are studied. In the fluid region, a transversely oriented, homogeneous magnetic field of intensity is applied. The non‐dimensional governing equations are solved analytically adopting asymptotic series expansion method. The impacts of several physical quantities including Grashof number, Schmidt number, Prandtl number, Soret number, radiation absorption, radiation parameter, magnetic field within the flow domain and transport characteristic have been explored graphically. It has been found that fluid velocity and skin friction fall with enhancing the values of magnetic parameter. Further, temperature and concentration fields rise with an increase in the Soret effect.
Narrative-Network Dynamics in Tipping Processes Towards Low-Carbon Energy Futures: The Case of Indonesia
Authors: Ismail Cynthia , Tàbara J. David , Takama Takeshi , Saurí David
Published: March 2024

Deliberate actions by social networks and their transformative visions can generate the necessary conditions for the emergence of positive tipping points towards sustainability, such as those that create qualitative, structural changes in sustainable development goals. However, there is a need for more empirical research conducted in non-Western countries to assess these complex processes. In this research, we customised Integrated Sustainability Assessment (ISA) and combined it with participatory narrative analysis, social-ecological network analysis and Q-methodology to capture the transformation processes in social network structures with their guiding visions in two coal- and carbon-intensive regions (CCIRs) of Indonesia: Banten and Bali Province. Our research approach tracked transformation narratives and visions and their associated network dynamics and showed that they could be used as anticipatory social tipping signals (ASTS) in deliberate transformation-oriented tipping point processes. Our study revealed two guiding visions actors use to guide their transformative actions to change the energy system. Those transformations emphasise (i) governance coordination and (ii) socio-economic diversification. We argue that making explicit the presence of and promoting dialogue among different visions towards sustainability can promote new opportunities for mutual learning and transformative strategy building among diverse social networks.