bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Daily stressors and mental health following disaster: A school‐based assessment of adolescent disaster survivors in China and Nepal
Authors: Newnham Elizabeth A. , Gao Xue , Guragain Bhushan , Jiao Feng , Nathan Elizabeth , Boyes Mark , Leaning Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Postdisaster daily stressors, the economic and social challenges caused or exacerbated by disasters, have significant consequences for mental health but are rarely investigated in child and adolescent populations. We assessed posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depression, and anxiety among adolescents affected by disasters in China and Nepal and examined the specific contributions of disaster‐related trauma exposure and daily stressors across mental health outcomes. A school‐based, cross‐sectional study was conducted with a stratified random sampling design. Adolescents living in disaster‐affected areas of southern China and Nepal (N = 4,215, 52.7% female, age range: 15–19 years) completed translated, validated measures. Mixed effects logistic regression analyses were conducted using a priori risk factors. PTSS were reported by 22.7% of participants and were higher among Nepali adolescents but did not differ between genders. Depressive symptoms were reported by 45.2% of the sample and were higher among Nepali adolescents and girls in both countries. Across all settings, disaster‐related trauma exposure was a significant risk factor for PTSS, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, China: odds ratios (ORs) = 1.44–2.06, Nepal, ORs = 1.21–2.53. High levels of household and interpersonal daily stressors further improved the models and contributed significantly to all mental health difficulties, China: ORs = 1.77–1.98, Nepal: ORs = 1.49–1.90. Postdisaster economic insecurity and interpersonal stressors are thus, likely to worsen adolescent mental health outcomes. Programs that identify and address structural inequalities for adolescents in disaster‐affected settings will have cascading effects for mental health.
Soil organic carbon stock responded more sensitively to degradation in alpine meadows than in alpine steppes on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Zhenchao , Zhan Tianyu , Li Yanpeng , Wang Yi , Yu Ting , Sun Juan
Published: September 2022

Grassland degradation is commonly thought to cause soil organic carbon (SOC) change, and the response of SOC stock to degradation is highly dependent on grassland type. However, the effects of grassland type on changes in SOC stocks with grassland degradation over broad geographic scales remain unclear. Here, we explored the probably different responses of SOC stocks to grassland degradation for alpine meadows and alpine steppes based on 58 peer‐reviewed publications regarding the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that SOC stock consistently decreased with increasing degradation levels in both alpine meadows and steppes, whereas the magnitudes of reduction of SOC stock in alpine meadows were significantly larger than those in alpine steppes (p < 0.05). The variations in SOC stock were significantly positively correlated with variations in aboveground biomass in the alpine steppes only (p < 0.05) but were significantly positively correlated with variations in belowground biomass in both alpine meadows and alpine steppes (p < 0.01). The relationships between change rates of SOC stock with initial SOC stock and mean annual precipitation were both significantly negative during the lightly and moderately degraded stages, while the negative relationship became nonsignificant for the heavily degraded stage (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that soil organic carbon stock responded more sensitively to degradation in alpine meadows with higher initial SOC stock and annual mean precipitation than in alpine steppes. Our study might have significant implications for future sustainable management practices for carbon sequestration of alpine grasslands on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
Exploring the Gallic and Cinnamic Acids Chimeric Derivatives as Anticancer Agents over HeLa Cell Line: An in silico and in vitro Study
Authors: Nolasco‐Quintana Ninfa Yaret , González‐Maya Leticia , Razo‐Hernández Rodrigo Said , Alvarez Laura
Published: September 2022

Cervical cancer is one of the most aggressive and important cancer types in the female population, due to its low survival rate. Actually, the search for new bioactive compounds, like gallic and cinnamic acid, is one of the most employed options to finding a treatment. In the present study, 134 phenolic compounds with cytotoxic activity over HeLa cell line were used to generate a descriptive (
=0.76) and predictive (
=0.69 and
=0.62) QSAR model. Structural, electronic, steric, and hydrophobic features are represented as different molecular descriptors in our QSAR model. From this model, nine gallate‐cinnamate ester derivatives (N1–N9) were designed and synthesized. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxic activity was evaluated against HeLa and non‐tumorigenic cells. Derivatives N6, N5, N1, and N9 were the most active molecules with IC50ExpHeLa values from 7.26 to 11.95 μM. Finally, the binding of the synthesized compounds to the colchicine binding site on tubulin was evaluated by molecular docking as a possible action mechanism. N1, N5 and N6 can be considered as templates for the design of new cervical anticancer compounds.
First experimental measurements of 2D microdosimetry maps in proton therapy
Authors: Guardiola Consuelo , Bachiller‐Perea Diana , Kole Emmanuel M. Mate , Fleta Celeste , Quirion David , De Marzi Ludovic , Gómez Faustino
Published: September 2022

Background

Empirical data in proton therapy indicate that relative biological effectiveness (RBE) is not constant, and it is directly related to the linear energy transfer (LET). The experimental assessment of LET with high resolution would be a powerful tool for minimizing the LET hot spots in intensity‐modulated proton therapy, RBE‐ or LET‐guided evaluation and optimization to achieve biologically optimized proton plans, verifying the theoretical predictions of variable proton RBE models, and so on. This could impact clinical outcomes by reducing toxicities in organs at risk.

Purpose

The present work shows the first 2D LET maps obtained at a proton therapy facility using the double scattering delivery mode in clinical conditions by means of new silicon 3D‐cylindrical microdetectors.

Methods

The device consists of a matrix of 121 independent silicon‐based detectors that have 3D‐cylindrical electrodes of 25‐µm diameter and 20‐µm depth, resulting each one of them in a well‐defined micrometric radiation sensitive volume etched inside the silicon. They have been specifically designed for a hadron therapy, improving the performance of current silicon‐based microdosimeters. Microdosimetry spectra were obtained at different positions of the Bragg curve by using a water‐equivalent phantom along an 89‐MeV pristine proton beam generated in the Y1 proton passive scattering beamline of the Orsay Proton Therapy Centre (Institut Curie, France).

Results

Microdosimetry 2D‐maps showing the variation of the lineal energy with depth in the three dimensions were obtained in situ during irradiation at clinical fluence rates (∼108 s−1 cm−2) for the first time with a spatial resolution of 200 µm, the highest achieved in the transverse plane so far. The experimental results were cross‐checked with Monte Carlo simulations and a good agreement between the spectra shapes was found. The experimental frequency‐mean lineal energy values in silicon were 1.858 ± 0.019 keV µm−1 at the entrance, 2.61 ± 0.03 keV µm−1 at the proximal distance, 4.97 ± 0.05 keV µm−1 close to the Bragg peak, and 8.6 ± 0.1 keV µm−1 at the distal edge. They are in good agreement with the expected trends in the literature in clinical proton beams.

Conclusions

We present the first 2D microdosimetry maps obtained in situ during irradiation at clinical fluence rates in proton therapy. Our results show that the arrays of 3D‐cylindrical microdetectors are a reliable microdosimeter to evaluate LET maps not only in the longitudinal axis of the beam, but also in the transverse plane allowing for LET characterization in three dimensions. This work is a proof of principle showing the capacity of our system to deliver LET 2D maps. This kind of experimental data is needed to validate variable proton RBE models and to optimize LET‐guided plans.
A cash‐strapped creator's reward‐based crowdfunding strategies with spot sales
Authors: Guo Xiaolong , Gao Qian , Li Tao , Yu Yugang
Published: September 2022

Reward‐based crowdfunding with the all‐or‐nothing mechanism helps cash‐strapped creators raise funds from potential consumers to develop new products. However, this mechanism may hurt the creator in the long run because possible buying frenzies of strategic consumers will cannibalize the demand for spot sales if the project succeeds with overfunding. Through a two‐period model incorporating a crowdfunding period and a spot sales period, we find that strategic consumers' purchasing decisions depend on the probability that they will like the product in spot sales. Moreover, we show that crowdfunding cannot be used to finance when the setup cost that a creator needs to pay for the production is sufficiently high. In addition, for creators who can use crowdfunding to finance, contrary to the intuition that they should not take risks when the market uncertainty is high, we find the opposite results when we take the joint effect of the setup cost and market uncertainty into consideration. To be specific, when the market uncertainty is high and the setup cost is higher than a threshold, the creator can optimally choose the risky strategy. Furthermore, the creator may benefit from market uncertainty when a high setup cost is required to launch the product.
Monitoring proficiency: Growth of number sense in primary school
Authors: Gökçe Semirhan , Güner Pınar , Baştuğ Muhammet
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to develop tests for monitoring the number sense skills of primary school students based on proficiency definitions and to compare their number sense skills according to gender, school type, and mother's educational level. The first stage addressed to test development in which anchor items were used for vertical equating of number sense tests across grade levels. In the second stage, the number sense skills were compared in terms of student characteristics. The participants were 2034 primary school students. Reliable and valid number sense tests each consisting of 20 items were developed that allow comparison among Grades 2, 3, and 4. The findings indicated that number sense skills were not developed sufficiently in early childhood and had different trends in terms of gender through grades. Moreover, private schools outperformed public schools and the gap became higher in Grade 4. The results also showed that mother's education is an important factor for children to have higher number sense skills. Number sense is a prominent predictor of mathematics performance and monitoring number sense progress helps to evaluate the effectiveness of mathematics instruction.
Reevaluation of ethylene role in Arabidopsis cauline leaf abscission induced by water stress and rewatering
Authors: Meir Shimon , Philosoph‐Hadas Sonia , Salim Shoshana , Segev Adi , Riov Joseph
Published: September 2022

It was previously reported that cauline leaf abscission in Arabidopsis is induced by a cycle of water stress and rewatering, which is regulated by the complex of INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA), HAESA (HAE), and HAESA‐LIKE2 (HSL2) kinases. However, the involvement of ethylene in this process was ruled out. Because this conclusion contradicts the well‐established role of ethylene in organ abscission induced by a cycle of water stress and rewatering, our present study was aimed to reevaluate the possible involvement of ethylene in this process. For this purpose, we examined the endogenous ethylene production during water stress and following rewatering, as well as the effects of exogenous ethylene and 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), on cauline leaf abscission of Arabidopsis wild type. Additionally, we examined whether this stress induces cauline leaf abscission in ethylene‐insensitive Arabidopsis mutants. The results of the present study demonstrated that ethylene production rates increased significantly in cauline leaves at 4 h after rewatering of stressed plants and remained high for at least 24 h in plants water‐stressed to 40 and 30% of system weight. Ethylene treatment applied to well‐watered plants induced cauline leaf abscission, which was inhibited by 1‐MCP. Cauline leaf abscission was also inhibited by 1‐MCP applied during a cycle of water stress and rewatering. Finally, no abscission occurred in two ethylene‐insensitive mutants, ein2‐1 and ein2‐5, following a cycle of water stress and rewatering. Taken together, these results clearly indicate that ethylene is involved in Arabidopsis cauline leaf abscission induced by water stress and rewatering.

Our results show that ethylene is involved in Arabidopsis cauline leaf abscission induced by water stress and rewatering, similar to leaf abscission in other plants.
Vaccine target and carrier molecule nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D dimerizes like the close Escherichia coliGlpQ homolog but unlike other known homolog dimers
Authors: Jones Seth P. , Cook Kali H. , Holmquist Melody L. , Almekinder Liam J. , Delaney Annie M. , Charles Ryhl , Labbe Natalie , Perdue Janai , Jackson Niaya , Pichichero Michael E. , Kaur Ravinder , Michel Lea V. , Gleghorn Michael L.
Published: September 2022

We have determined the 1.8 Å X‐ray crystal structure of nonlipidated (i.e., N‐terminally truncated) nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi; H. influenzae) protein D. Protein D exists on outer membranes of H. influenzae strains and acts as a virulence factor that helps invade human cells. Protein D is a proven successful antigen in animal models to treat obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and otitis media (OM), and when conjugated to polysaccharides also has been used as a carrier molecule for human vaccines, for example in GlaxoSmithKline Synflorix™. NTHi protein D shares high sequence and structural identify to the Escherichia coli (E. coli) glpQ gene product (GlpQ). E. coli GlpQ is a glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase (GDPD) with a known dimeric structure in the Protein Structural Database, albeit without an associated publication. We show here that both structures exhibit similar homodimer organization despite slightly different crystal lattices. Additionally, we have observed both the presence of weak dimerization and the lack of dimerization in solution during size exclusion chromatography (SEC) experiments yet have distinctly observed dimerization in native mass spectrometry analyses. Comparison of NTHi protein D and E. coli GlpQ with other homologous homodimers and monomers shows that the E. coli and NTHi homodimer interfaces are distinct. Despite this distinction, NTHi protein D and E. coli GlpQ possess a triose‐phosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel domain seen in many of the other homologs. The active site of NTHi protein D is located near the center of this TIM barrel. A putative glycerol moiety was modeled in two different conformations (occupancies) in the active site of our NTHi protein D structure and we compared this to ligands modeled in homologous structures. Our structural analysis should aid in future efforts to determine structures of protein D bound to substrates, analog intermediates, and products, to fully appreciate this reaction scheme and aiding in future inhibitor design.
The association between perceived residential environment, social interaction and subjective well‐being of China's elderly migrants
Authors: Song Jiangyu , Zhou Suhong , Li Qiuping , Wang Linsen , Jing Fengrui , Ma Ruofei
Published: September 2022

With the rapid growth in both urbanization and the ageing of the population, elderly migrants have become a more prominent group in urban China. Previous studies have shown that elderly migrants are a vulnerable group in terms of subjective well‐being (SWB) and studies have emphasized the role of their socioeconomic status (SES) and family‐related attributes (FRA) on their SWB. However, there is less attention on whether the perceived residential environment (PRE) to which elderly migrants are exposed and their social interactions have some effect on their SWB. To fill this research gap, street view images and questionnaire survey data from Guangzhou, China were collected. The association between PRE, social interactions, and elderly migrants' SWB was examined within a comprehensive framework using structural equation models. The results indicated that elderly people who had migrated within China had lower levels of SWB than Guangzhou‐born elderly adults. Social interactions mediated the effects of SES, FRA, and perceived environment on the SWB of elderly migrants. After controlling for SES and FRA, a livelier and safer PRE was directly positively associated with elderly migrants' SWB (coefficient = 0.181 at the 1% level) and indirectly associated with elderly migrants' SWB through social interactions with local friends (coefficient = 0.035 at the 1% level) and with neighbours (coefficient = 0.014 at the 5% level). These results suggest that increased social interactions and the creation of a better PRE would benefit elderly migrants' SWB in the context of active ageing.
Regioselective Synthesis of 3, 5‐Disubstituted Isoxazole Catalyzed by Cu2O−ZnO Nanocomposite
Authors: Pardeshi Shaktising S. , Labhane Prakash K. , Disale Shamrao T. , More Dhananjay H. , Sapkal Bharatkumar M.
Published: September 2022

Cu2O−ZnO nanocatalyst has been successfully employed for the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of propargyl ester with in situ generated nitrile oxide from aromatic hydroximyl chlorides under base‐free and mild temperature conditions for the regioselective synthesis of 3, 5‐disubstituted isoxazoles at a low loading of catalyst. The catalyst can be reused in further catalytic reactions up to five cycles without significant loss in its catalytic activity. The catalyst was characterized by using powder XRD, TEM, SEM and EDS. This developed methodology has advantages such as simplicity, excellent yields, shorter reaction time, and excellent functional group compatibility.
Construction of Excellent Visible Light Absorption Heat Storage Slurry Using Phase Change Microcapsules for Solar Thermal Utilization
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Sun Zhicheng , Guo Qingwei , Zhou Yang , Li Zhenzhen , Wen Jinyue , Li Furong , Liu Yuanyuan , Jiao Shouzheng
Published: September 2022

Most solar thermal utilization materials can only absorb ultraviolet irradiation rather than visible‐light, limiting the photothermal conversion efficiency of corresponding devices. In this work, a functional thermal slurry system with excellent visible‐light absorption and high photothermal conversion performance is developed based on the phase change microcapsules, incorporating the visible‐light absorption antenna in the shell structure. Specifically, a phase change microcapsule with paraffin as the core material and silica as the wall material is prepared by the in‐situ polymerization method, in which the shell layer is doped with various photosensitive molecules. The photothermal conversion efficiency of copper phthalocyanine and MXene can reach 98 % and 85.3 % respectively. The corresponding conversion efficiency could reach up to more than 80 % in a long temperature range. Therefore, the doping of photosensitive molecules with visible‐light absorption can promote the solar energy conversion efficiency of these solar thermal utilization materials.
Electricity Promoted Chemoselective Functionalization of Alkenes: Diastereoselective Synthesis of Oxindole Containing Thioethers and Selenoethers
Authors: Kumar Dabaria Kamlesh , Bai Rekha , Singh Badsara Satpal
Published: September 2022

An electricity promoted chemoselective functionalization of alkenes having oxindole moiety with thiols and selenols under the catalyst‐free conditions to afford thioethers and selenoethers in 70–96 % and 90–94 % respectively is described. Substrates bearing electron‐neutral, ‐donating, and ‐withdrawing substituents all were well tolerated under the developed electrochemical reaction conditions.
Amino Acid Conjugated Spiropyrans: Synthesis and Photoisomerization Studies
Authors: Senturk Bengi , Akdag Akin
Published: September 2022

Among photo‐switchable compounds, spiropyrans have attracted significant attention owing to their multi‐responsiveness towards a change in the pH, solvent polarity, and temperature, along with light. Upon exposure to the external stimulants, the merocyanine form is obtained due to bond cleavage between spiro carbon and oxygen, which transforms the optically active spiropyrans into an achiral form. The back conversion of the resulting achiral merocyanine form to the spiropyrans brings about a racemic mixture. In this study, D and L enantiomers of alanine and phenylalanine derivatives were incorporated onto a spiropyran bearing hydroxyl group to obtain optically active spiropyrans. Photochemical and photophysical properties of these compounds were studied in methanol, isopropanol, dichloromethane, and hexane. The effect of the benzyl and methyl units on the ring closure rate of the merocyanines was also investigated. For this purpose, ring closure kinetics of different merocyanines containing hydroxyl group, D‐alanine, and D‐phenylalanine derivatives were compared. The results reveal that the ring closure rate of the merocyanine with benzyl group attached is faster than the rate of the structures with methyl or hydroxyl groups.
Catalysts and Batteries Recycling to Produce Ferroalloys and High‐Speed Steel
Authors: Rocabois Philippe , Dufour Jean-Pierre , Dimet Arnaud , Baret Raphaël , Chorlet Stéphane
Published: September 2022

To decrease its CO2 emission and environmental footprint, Erasteel produces its high‐speed steel using 90% recycled materials and targets to increase this ratio even further. The remaining 10% are mainly metallic oxides (V2O5, MoO3), ferroalloys (FeW, FeCr, FeSi), and cobalt. The total life assessment shows that producing from 100% recycled material leads to reducing CO2 emission by 96%. The high‐value metallic alloys are sourced from spent catalysts, scraps, metallic oxides, or carbides. Used catalysts contain Mo, W, and Co elements that are directly used as raw material in high‐speed steel containing cobalt. The metals contained in the spent catalyst (Ni, Co, Mo) are recycled with specific equipment: a patented roaster to eliminate the sulfur and hydrocarbides, submerged electrodes electric furnace to separate metals and minerals and to obtain ferroalloys, an argon oxygen decarburization reactor to remove impurities and reduce oxides by aluminum or ferrosilicon additions. The elements contained in the batteries: Ni, Mn, and Zn, are separated by pyrometallurgy in an electric arc furnace to produce ZnO powder, MnO‐rich slag, and ferronickel alloys, the three of them used as raw material by metallurgical industries.
Microstructure and Properties of a Novel Carbon‐Martensitic Hot Work Tool Steel Processed by Laser Additive Manufacturing without Preheating
Authors: Boes Johannes , Röttger Arne , Mutke Christian , Escher Christoph , Weber Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Laser additive manufacturing (LAM) techniques, such as laser‐powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) or laser‐directed energy deposition (L‐DED), allow for the production of complex‐shaped parts by either the local melting of a metallic powder bed by a laser beam (L‐PBF) or a local application and laser beam melting of powder material by a nozzle (L‐DED). In the case of carbon‐martensitic tool steels, their cold crack susceptibility limits their LAM processability and is usually counteracted by substrate preheating. As preheating can increase the oxygen take‐up of the powder and alter the part microstructure, it can be disadvantageous for part quality and powder reusability. In this study, it is investigated a carbon‐martensitic steel designed for the production of parts with low crack density by LAM without preheating, focusing on the microstructure and hardness of the L‐PBF‐ and L‐DED‐manufactured steel. The steel can be LAM‐processed without preheating, resulting in specimens with low crack densities and martensitic microstructure with retained austenite. The hardness of the as‐built material (L‐PBF: 542HV30 and L‐DED: 623HV30) is increased by quenching and tempering up to 693HV30. Direct tempering of the as‐built specimen without previous quenching leads to a shift of the secondary hardness maximum from 500  to 530 °C.
Five‐wheel framework for system‐based monitoring of heavy metal pollution in rivers
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Mishra Vandana , Bhardwaj Saiyami , Garg Shafali , Dumée Ludovic F. , Sharma Radhey Shyam
Published: September 2022

Sectorial approach for monitoring heavy metal pollution in rivers has failed to report realistic pollution status and associated ecological and human health risks. The increasing spread of heavy metals from different sources and emerging risks to human and environmental health call for reexamining heavy metal pollution monitoring frameworks. Also, the sources, spread, and load of heavy metals in the environment have changed significantly over time, requiring consequent modification in the monitoring frameworks. Therefore, studies on heavy metal monitoring in rivers conducted in the last decade were evaluated for experimental designs, research frameworks, and data presentations. Most studies (∼99%) (i) lacked inclusiveness of all environmental compartments; (ii) focused on “one pollutant – one/two compartment” or sometimes “one pollutant – one compartment – one effect” approach; and (iii) remained “data‐rich but information poor.” An ecological approach with integrative system thinking is proposed to develop a holistic approach for monitoring river pollution. It is visualized that heavy metal monitoring, risk analyses, and water management must incorporate tracking pollutants in different environmental compartments of a river (water, sediment, and floodplain/bank soil) and consider correlating it with riverbank land use. The systems‐based pollution monitoring and assessment studies will reveal the critical factors that drive heavy metals pollutant movement in ecosystems and associated potential risks to the environment, wildlife, and humans. Also, water quality and pollution indexing tools would help better communicate complex pollution data and associated risks among all stakeholders. Therefore, integrating systems approaches in scientific‐ and policy‐based tools would help sustainably manage the health of rivers, wildlife, and humans.
An efficient blade sweep correction model for blade element momentum theory
Authors: Fritz Erik Kaspar , Ferreira Carlos , Boorsma Koen
Published: September 2022

This article proposes an efficient correction model that enables the extension of the blade element momentum method (BEM) for swept blades. Standard BEM algorithms, assuming a straight blade in the rotor plane, cannot account for the changes in the induction system introduced by blade sweep. The proposed extension corrects the axial induction regarding two aspects: the azimuthal displacement of the trailed vorticity system and the induction of the curved bound vortex on itself. The extended algorithm requires little additional processing work and maintains BEM's streamtube independent approach. The proposed correction model is applied to simulations of swept blade geometries based on the IEA 15 MW reference wind turbine. Results show good agreement with lifting line simulations that inherently can account for the swept blade geometry.

Blade sweep couples bending and torsion deformations by curving the blade axis in the inplane direction. As such, it can be used to passively alleviate loads and, thus, aeroelastically tailor wind turbine blades. The implementation of aeroelastic tailoring techniques, and the aeroelastic analysis in general, becomes increasingly significant with the size of wind turbine rotors continually rising. Due to its low computing complexity, BEM remains a crucial tool in the aerodynamic and aeroelastic analysis of wind turbine rotors. Thus, the proposed correction model contributes to a fast and accurate evaluation of swept blade designs.
Biobased hydrogels and their composite containing MgMOF74 for the removal of textile dyes and wastewater treatment
Authors: Caldera‐Villalobos Martín , Claudio‐Rizo Jesús Alejandro , Cabrera‐Munguía Denis Aidée , Burciaga‐Montemayor Nidia Guadalupe
Published: September 2022

In this work, we report the synthesis of a biobased hydrogel comprised of collagen, chitosan, and polyurethane for the removal of textile dyes. The adsorption capacity of this hydrogel was improved by adding a magnesium metal–organic framework to the semi‐interpenetrating polymer matrix yielding a composite hydrogel. Removal of Bismarck Brown and Congo red was studied, and the experimental results fit Freundlich's model. Both hydrogel formulations were tested for the removal of textiles dyes from wastewaters. The magnesium–metal organic framework improved the efficiency of the biobased hydrogel for the removal of direct and mordant dyes reaching up to 89 ± 2%. The composite hydrogel was tested for the removal of Congo Red in a fixed bed column observing the breakthrough point after 168 min. Also, a flocculant material was prepared from collagen and chitosan and was tested for the removal of direct red dye from wastewater removing up to 80 ± 1%. The pretreated wastewater by coagulation–flocculation was treated by adsorption yielding a global removal efficiency of 99%. Finally, the studied hydrogels are potentially biodegradable being completely degraded by the proteolytic action after 22 days.

Practitioner points

Composite hydrogels of collagen, chitosan, and MgMOF74 removed efficiently textile dyes from wastewater in batch systems and fixed bed columns.

A biobased flocculant of collagen and chitosan significantly improved water quality after coagulation flocculation.

Hydrogels were reusable for four cycles, and they can be proteolytically degraded after 22 days.
Solutions of Exercises
Authors: Deville Michel O.
Published: September 2022

Chapter ten collects the detailed solutions of the exercises proposed at the end of each chapter.
Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Deville Michel O.
Published: September 2022

Dimensional analysis based on the principle of dimensional invariance allows the introduction of dimensionless numbers, like the famous Reynolds number, via the application of the Vaschy–Buckingham theorem. Dynamic similarity and self-similarity are described. The analysis of the dimensionless compressible Navier–Stokes equations shows how the incompressible equations are recovered when the Mach number goes to zero. The nature of pressure in the compressible and incompressible cases is broadly discussed.
Stokes Flow
Authors: Deville Michel O.
Published: September 2022

Creeping flows where the viscous effects are dominant, are considered. The Moffatt corner eddies are described. The flow around a sphere is detailed and leads to the Stokes formula. Stokes eigenmodes are analyzed and a three-dimensional Stokes solution is given. The flow around a circular cylinder leads to the Stokes’ paradox.
Instability
Authors: Deville Michel O.
Published: September 2022

The first instability mechanism is applied to the plane parallel channel flow. We establish the well known Orr-Sommerfeld equation which is solved by the Chebyshev Tau method. The associated Fortran programme is given in the appendix. Then the stability of the circular Couette flow between two concentric cylinders is undertaken. The inviscid approach yields the Rayleigh stability criterion. The incorporation of the viscous and pressure terms generates through a linearization process a set of differential equations again solved by high-order discretization methods through a generalized eigenvalue problem. The chapter ends with the case of the non-linear axisymmetric Taylor vortices.
Euler vs Hasse Diagrams for Reasoning About Sets: A Cognitive Approach
Authors: Bourou Dimitra , Schorlemmer Marco , Plaza Enric
Published: September 2022

The literature on diagrammatic reasoning includes theoretical and experimental work on the effectiveness of diagrams for conveying information. One influential theoretical contribution to this field proposes that a notation that is more effective than another would have an observational advantage over it; that is, it would make certain pieces of information observable—by means of some visual, meaning-carrying relationships—that were not observable in the other. Although the notion of observational advantage captures a relevant aspect of the benefit of using one notation over another, we present here an example where this notion is not sufficient to distinguish between a more and a less effective diagram. We suggest to take the theory of observational advantage one step further by linking it to cognitive theories of human conceptualisation and reasoning. Following our previous work, we propose that the act of observing facts about set theory from the geometry of a diagram can be modeled as a conceptual blend of image schemas with parts of the geometric configuration of a diagram. Image schemas are elementary mental structures that crystallize early embodied experiences, allowing agents to make sense of what they perceive by conceptualising it in terms of these structures (e.g., container, link, scale etc.). With our approach, we can extend the theory of observational advantage to take into account the cognitive complexity of the act of observation. Concretely, we present an example of an Euler and a Hasse diagram, and we posit that, while their observational advantage is equivalent, the Hasse diagram requires a much more complex network of conceptual blends to model certain observations made from it. Thus, to reason about certain set-theoretic claims, a Hasse diagram is less cognitively effective than an Euler diagram with equivalent observational advantage. We believe our approach contributes to the theoretical discussion on what factors affect the effectiveness of a diagram, and provides new avenues for the exploration of how the embodied experiences of the users contribute to the way they reason with diagrams.
Tables as Powerful Representational Tools
Authors: Schlimm Dirk
Published: September 2022

Tables are widely used for storing, retrieving, communicating, and processing information, but in the literature on the study of representations they are still somewhat neglected. The strong structural constraints on tables allow for a clear identification of their characteristic features and the roles these play in the use of tables as representational and cognitive tools. After introducing syntactic, spatial, and semantic features of tables, we give an account of how these affect our perception and cognition on the basis of fundamental principles of Gestalt psychology. Next are discussed the ways in which these features of tables support their uses in providing a global access to information, retrieving information, and visualizing relational structure and patterns. The latter is particularly important, because it shows how tables can contribute to the generation of new knowledge. In addition, tables also provide efficient means for manipulating information in general and in structured notations. In sum, tables are powerful and efficient representational tools.
When to Intervene? Prescriptive Process Monitoring Under Uncertainty and Resource Constraints
Authors: Shoush Mahmoud , Dumas Marlon
Published: September 2022

Prescriptive process monitoring approaches leverage historical data to prescribe runtime interventions that will likely prevent negative case outcomes or improve a process’s performance. A centerpiece of a prescriptive process monitoring method is its intervention policy: a decision function determining if and when to trigger an intervention on an ongoing case. Previous proposals in this field rely on intervention policies that consider only the current state of a given case. These approaches do not consider the tradeoff between triggering an intervention in the current state, given the level of uncertainty of the underlying predictive models, versus delaying the intervention to a later state. Moreover, they assume that a resource is always available to perform an intervention (infinite capacity). This paper addresses these gaps by introducing a prescriptive process monitoring method that filters and ranks ongoing cases based on prediction scores, prediction uncertainty, and causal effect of the intervention, and triggers interventions to maximize a gain function, considering the available resources. The proposal is evaluated using a real-life event log. The results show that the proposed method outperforms existing baselines regarding total gain.
Gravitational anomalies of fermionic higher-spin fields
Authors: Lekeu Victor , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Using the Atiyah-Singer index theorem, we formally compute gravitational anomalies for fermionic higher-spin fields in two, six and ten dimensions, as well as the U(1) mixed gauge-gravitational anomaly in four dimensions. In all cases, anomaly cancellations are found for an infinite tower of fields with alternating chiralities.
Spinning sum rules for the dimension-six SMEFT
Authors: Remmen Grant N. , Rodd Nicholas L.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We construct new dispersive sum rules for the effective field theory of the standard model at mass dimension six. These spinning sum rules encode information about the spin of UV states: the sign of the IR Wilson coefficients carries a memory of the dominant spin in the UV completion. The sum rules are constructed for operators containing scalars and fermions, although we consider the dimension-six SMEFT exhaustively, outlining why equivalent relations do not hold for the remaining operators. As with any dimension-six dispersive argument, our conclusions are contingent on the absence of potential poles at infinity — so-called boundary terms — and we discuss in detail where these are expected to appear. There are a number of phenomenological applications of spinning sum rules, and as an example we explore the connection to the Peskin-Takeuchi parameters and, more generally, the set of oblique parameters in universal theories.
Membranes in AdS4 orientifold vacua and their Weak Gravity Conjecture
Authors: Casas Gonzalo F. , Marchesano Fernando , Prieto David
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study type IIA orientifold compactifications with fluxes that give rise to perturbatively stable, non-supersymmetric AdS4 vacua with D6-brane gauge sectors. Non-perturbative instabilities can be mediated by D8-branes wrapped on the six internal dimensions X6, if they reduce to 4d membranes with a charge Q larger than its tension T. The mismatch Q ≠ T arises due to i) curvature corrections and ii) the BIon backreaction of D6-branes wrapping 3-cycles of X6. We give a simple expression for the second effect in toroidal orientifolds, and find that only pairs of 3-cycles at SU(2) angles contribute to it. They either contribute towards Q > T or Q < T depending on the 3-cycles separation, allowing to engineer 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 0 vacua in tension with the Weak Gravity Conjecture for membranes.
Emotions are associated with the genesis of visually induced motion sickness in virtual reality
Authors: Kaufeld Mara , Bourdeinik Julia , Prinz Lisa Marie , Mundt Martin , Hecht Heiko
Published: September 2022

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is a well-known side effect of virtual reality (VR) immersion, with symptoms including nausea, disorientation, and oculomotor discomfort. Previous studies have shown that pleasant music, odor, and taste can mitigate VIMS symptomatology, but the mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. We predicted that positive emotions influence the VIMS-reducing effects. To investigate this, we conducted an experimental study with 68 subjects divided into two groups. The groups were exposed to either positive or neutral emotions before and during the VIMS-provoking stimulus. Otherwise, they performed exactly the same task of estimating the time-to-contact while confronted with a VIMS-provoking moving starfield stimulation. Emotions were induced by means of pre-tested videos and with International Affective Picture System (IAPS) images embedded in the starfield simulation. We monitored emotion induction before, during, and after the simulation, using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) valence and arousal scales. VIMS was assessed before and after exposure using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and during simulation using the Fast Motion Sickness Scale (FMS) and FMS-D for dizziness symptoms. VIMS symptomatology did not differ between groups, but valence and arousal were correlated with perceived VIMS symptoms. For instance, reported positive valence prior to VR exposure was found to be related to milder VIMS symptoms and, conversely, experienced symptoms during simulation were negatively related to subjects’ valence. This study sheds light on the complex and potentially bidirectional relationship of VIMS and emotions and provides starting points for further research on the use of positive emotions to prevent VIMS.
Isoform-specific patterns of tau burden and neuronal degeneration in MAPT-associated frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Giannini Lucia A. A. , Ohm Daniel T. , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , Dratch Laynie , Suh EunRan , van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Trojanowski John Q. , Lee Edward B. , van Swieten John C. , Grossman Murray , Seelaar Harro , Irwin David J. ,   Netherlands Brain Bank
Published: September 2022

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration with MAPT pathogenic variants (FTLD-MAPT) has heterogeneous tau pathological inclusions postmortem, consisting of three-repeat (3R) or four-repeat (4R) tau isoforms, or a combination (3R + 4R). Here, we studied grey matter tau burden, its relation to neuronal degeneration, and regional patterns of pathology in different isoform groups of FTLD-MAPT. We included 38 FTLD-MAPT autopsy cases with 10 different MAPT pathogenic variants, grouped based on predominant tau isoform(s). In up to eleven regions (ten cortical and one striatal), we quantified grey matter tau burden using digital histopathological analysis and assigned semi-quantitative ratings for neuronal degeneration (i.e. 0–4) and separate burden of glial and neuronal tau inclusions (i.e. 0–3). We used mixed modelling to compare pathology measures (1) across the entire cohort and (2) within isoform groups. In the total cohort, tau burden and neuronal degeneration were positively associated and most severe in the anterior temporal, anterior cingulate and transentorhinal cortices. Isoform groups showed distinctive features of tau burden and neuronal degeneration. Across all regions, the 3R isoform group had lower tau burden compared to the 4R group (p = 0.008), while at the same time showing more severe neuronal degeneration than the 4R group (p = 0.002). The 3R + 4R group had an intermediate profile with relatively high tau burden along with relatively severe neuronal degeneration. Neuronal tau inclusions were most frequent in the 4R group (p < 0.001 vs. 3R), while cortical glial tau inclusions were most frequent in the 3R + 4R and 4R groups (p ≤ 0.009 vs. 3R). Regionally, neuronal degeneration was consistently most severe in the anterior temporal cortex within each isoform group. In contrast, the regions with the highest tau burden differed in isoform groups (3R: striatum; 3R + 4R: striatum, inferior parietal lobule, middle frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex; 4R: transentorhinal cortex, anterior temporal cortex, fusiform gyrus). We conclude that FTLD-MAPT isoform groups show distinctive features of overall neuronal degeneration and regional tau burden, but all share pronounced anterior temporal neuronal degeneration. These data suggest that distinct isoform-related mechanisms of genetic tauopathies, with slightly divergent tau distribution, may share similar regional vulnerability to neurodegeneration within the frontotemporal paralimbic networks.
Patients successfully lose body weight after primary total knee arthroplasty but not more than a matched general population
Authors: Smolle Maria Anna , Musser Ewald , Hauer Georg , Vielgut Ines , Leitner Lukas , Ehall Reinhard , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: September 2022

Introduction

High BMI is associated with increased risk for knee osteoarthritis, ultimately necessitating total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this retrospective study was to (1) analyse the amount of postoperative long-term weight loss as reflected by BMI change in TKA patients, (2) identify factors associated with increased change in BMI, and to (3) compare changes with BMI trends of a general population.

Materials and methods

Overall, 298 TKA patients [198 females; mean age: 65.1 ± 7.9 years, median follow-up 8.8 (interquartile range: 5.9–10.8 years)] were included in the final evaluation and compared with an age group-matched control group from the general population regarding weight trends between 2006 and 2014. Main variable of interest in both cohorts was body mass index (BMI). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess changes in weight and BMI over time between TKA patients and the general population. Furthermore, mixed linear-effects models were constructed to analyse the potential change in BMI independent from age and gender.

Results

In TKA patients, a significant drop in BMI by 0.8 ± 3.2 points from postoperative to final follow-up was observed (p < 0.001), with reduction being significant independently from age (p = 0.382), gender (p = 0.310), or revision surgery (p = 0.195). In the general population, likewise a significant BMI-decrease by 0.7 ± 6.1 points was observed between 2006 and 2014, with younger people (p = 0.004) and females (p < 0.001) being more likely to reduce BMI. Yet, BMI-decrease between TKA patients and the general population over time was comparable (p = 0.734). Notably, patients with initially higher BMI were significantly more likely to lose weight postoperatively than normal-weight patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results point against the notion that TKA patients lose a considerable amount of weight in comparison to the general population as soon as improved joint function and pain relief have been achieved. Thus, individualized patient education programmes should be reinforced, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Evaluation of the ulna lengthening by distraction osteogenesis in congenital radial deficiency
Authors: Górecki Michał , Redman Marcin , Romanowski Leszek , Czarnecki Piotr
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Publications evaluating the results of the ulna lengthening in congenital radial deficiency are based only on small groups of subjects which yield statistical studies of low scientific value. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of ulna lengthening in radial longitudinal deficiency and determine the number and quality of complications based on one of the most numerous study groups described in the literature.

Methods

The material consists of a study group with 31 upper limbs of unmatured patients diagnosed with type III and IV radial longitudinal deficiency. The study group was evaluated based on the parameters known from the literature. The difficulties during elongation were classified according to Paley’s classification.

Results

The study group contained patients with a mean age of 9 years, and the number of boys and girls was comparable. Ulna length significantly increased after elongation compared to the initial bone length. The patient’s age didn’t affect the ulna lengthening, and the amount of elongation didn’t significantly affect the total stabilization period. However, the total stabilization time increased with increasing patient age. Difficulties affected more than half of the cases.

Conclusions

Ulna elongation in congenital radial deficiency results in significant lengthening of the ulna, and thus the entire forearm, compared to the initial bone length. This technique has a high percentage of difficulty, so its use should be considered after cautious discussion with the parents and patients.