bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convenient Synthesis, Characterizations and Biological Evolution of Novel 1‐Phenyl‐N’‐(3‐phenylacryloyl)cyclopropane carbohydrazide Derivatives
Authors: Patagani Suresh , Balakrishna Kolli , Kumar Katari Naresh , Panasa Mahesh , Gundla Rambabu
Published: October 2024

Cancer is a longstanding worldwide issue, current chemotherapeutic treatments have limited effectiveness and high toxicity. An extensive investigation has revealed a significant potential link between ITK and the development of cancer. Hence, it is recommended to prioritize investigating ITK to develop and produce novel inhibitors for treating diseases associated with T cells. In our study, we have designed and synthesized two new series of compounds, which consist of cinnamic acid, carbohydrazide, and cyclopropanamide groups in a single compound. We have developed a facile method to synthesize 20 new derivatives of two series of innovative 1‐phenyl‐N’‐(3‐phenylacryloyl)cyclopropane carbohydrazide derivatives with good yields and purity. The Synthesized derivatives are conformed by analytical techniques (FT‐IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis) and their biological evaluation data is provided. The synthesized compounds displayed favorable docking scores in comparison to the ITK inhibitor, Ibrutinib. The in vitro cancer investigation shows that these compounds have good IC50 values, causing cytotoxicity against malignant cell lines.
Synthesis, Docking Study, and Antimicrobial Activity of Some New Heterocyclic Compounds Bearing Naphthalene Moiety
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , Soliman Nanees N. , Gaffer Hatem E. , Hawata Mohamed A. , Khalil Ekbal H.
Published: October 2024

Upon reaction with α,β‐unsaturated nitriles (2 a–d) and/or salicylaldehyde, 3‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)‐3‐oxopropanenitrile (1) yields pyridine derivatives 3 a–d and/or the imino chromene derivative 4. Compound 1 reacted with phenyl isothiocyanate in a basic medium to give the intermediate potassium salt 6. Upon stirring at room temperature, the intermediate 6 with some α‐halogenated compounds yielded the acyclic compounds 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15. On the other hand, refluxing intermediate 6 with the same α‐halogenated compounds in DMF in the presence of TEA afforded the corresponding thiophene derivatives 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16. The reaction of thiol 17 with hydrazine hydrate derivatives 18 a–d yielded the corresponding pyrazole derivatives 21 a–d. Compound 20 reacted with o‐phenylenediamine or o‐aminothiophenol in the presence of DMF/TEA to give the corresponding benzothiazole or benzoimidazole derivatives 27 a and 27 b, respectively. Thirty new synthesized compounds were examined for their antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria including S. aureus and B. subtilis, Gram‐negative bacteria such as P. aeruginosa and E. coli, and yeast‐like fungi like C. albicans in vitro. Compounds 15, 16, 21 d, 27 a, 27 b, exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to explore the binding affinities and interaction modalities of selected derivatives with the target PDB‐3cmt protein.
An Injectable, Self‐Healing, and Degradable Hydrogel With a Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy Synergistic Antibacterial Response
Authors: Yang Dong , Lin Chenxiang , Xiao Jun‐An , Li Peiyuan , Su Wei
Published: October 2024

Hydrogel dressings play an important role in the treatment of bacterial infection. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CM‐CS) was cross‐linked with aldehyde polyglycol (DF‐PEG), and then polydopamine (pDA) and 5,10,15, 20‐tetrakis (4‐aminophenyl) porphyrin (TAPP) were grafted to prepare a CM‐CS/DF‐PEG/pDA/TAPP hydrogel (CDPT). The results showed that the CDPT hydrogel had good adhesion, injectability, self‐healing, degradability, and biocompatibility. Under near‐infrared irradiation, the CDPT hydrogel has excellent photothermal and photodynamic effects and can effectively inhibit activity of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and antibiotic‐resistant, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In summary, CDPT hydrogel has potential applications as antibacterial material.
Modulatory Sedative Activity of Abrine on Diazepam in Thiopental Sodium Mediated Sleeping Mice: An In Vivo Approach with Receptor Binding Affinity of GABAergic Transmission
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Bhuia Md. Shimul , Chowdhury Raihan , Sheikh Salehin , Ansari Siddique Akber , Bappi Mehedi Hasan , Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: October 2024

The current study aims to assess the effects of abrine (ABR) in thiopental sodium (TS)‐induced sleeping mice and to explore the sedative impacts of the compound by using in vivo and in silico investigations. ABR (5 and 10 mg k−1g, i.p.) and diazepam (DZP) (2 mg k−1g, i.p.) were administered to the experimental animals either single or combined. TS (20 mg k−1g, i.p.) was administered to induce sleep, and latency with sleeping duration was observed for 3 h. The in silico investigation was conducted to predict the role of ABR in the gamma‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor in the sleeping process and to evaluate pharmacokinetics and toxicity. Results showed that ABR (10 mg k−1g) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the latency period (8.20 ± 1.85 min) and enhanced sleep duration (187.8 ± 8.87 min) in comparison with the control group. Additionally, the co‐treatments of ABR and DZP remarkably reduced the latency period (4.40 ± 0.24 min) and increased the sleeping duration (201.40 ± 5.89 min) compared to the single therapy. The molecular docking indicated that ABR has a binding affinity of −7.4 kcal/mol for the GABAA receptor. In conclusion, ABR provides strong sedative and synergistic efficacy on TS‐induced sleeping mice via the GABAergic system.
Synergistic Effect Between 0D CQDs and 2D MXene to Enhance the Photothermal Conversion of Hydrogel Evaporators for Efficient Solar Water Evaporation, Photothermal Sensing and Electricity Generation
Authors: Jing Xinyu , Chen Lizhi , Li Yancai , Yin Hongyan , Chen Jiaying , Su Mengyao , Liu Fangfei , Abdiryim Tursun , Xu Feng , You Jiangan , Liu Xiong
Published: October 2024

Solar‐powered interfacial water evaporation is a promising technique for alleviating freshwater stress. However, the evaporation performance of solar evaporators is still constrained by low photothermal conversion efficiency and high water evaporation enthalpy. Herein, 0D carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are combined with 2D MXene to serve as a hybrid photothermal material to enhance the light absorption and photothermal conversion ability, meanwhile sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogels are used as a substrate material for water transport to reduce the enthalpy of water evaporation. The synergistic effect in 0D CQDs/2D MXene hybrid photothermal materials accelerate the carrier transfer, inducing efficient localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. This results in the enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency. The integrated hydrogel evaporators demonstrate a high evaporation rate (1.93 and 2.86 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 and 2 sunlights, respectively) and low evaporation enthalpy (1485 J g−1). In addition, the hydrogel evaporators are applied for photothermal sensing and temperature difference power generation (TEG). The TEG device presents an efficient output power density (230.7 mW m−2) under 1 sunlight. This work provides a feasible approach for regulating and controlling the evaporation performances of hydrogel evaporators, and gives a proof‐of‐concept for the design of multipurpose solar evaporation systems.
Phase Engineering‐Mediated D‐Band Center of Ru Sites Promote the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Under Universal pH Condition
Authors: Wang Ying , Luo Tianmi , Wei Ying , Liu Qingqing , Qi Yirong , Wang Dongping , Zhao Jiayi , Zhang Jun , Li Xu , Ma Qunzhi , Huang Jianfeng , Kong Xingang , Chen Guanjun , Feng Yongqiang
Published: October 2024

The rational design of pH‐universal electrocatalyst with high‐efficiency, low‐cost and large current output suitable for industrial hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for hydrogen production via water splitting. Herein, phase engineering of ruthenium (Ru) electrocatalyst comprised of metastable unconventional face‐centered cubic (fcc) and conventional hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) crystalline phase supported on nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix (fcc/hcp‐Ru/NC) is successfully synthesized through a facile pyrolysis approach. Fascinatingly, the fcc/hcp‐Ru/NC displayed excellent electrocatalytic HER performance under a universal pH range. To deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2, the fcc/hcp‐Ru/NC required overpotentials of 16.8, 23.8 and 22.3 mV in 1 M KOH, 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M phosphate buffered solution (PBS), respectively. Even to drive an industrial‐level current density of 500 and 1000 mA cm−2, the corresponding overpotentials are 189.8 and 284 mV in alkaline, 202 and 287 mV in acidic media, respectively. Experimental and theoretical calculation result unveiled that the charge migration from fcc‐Ru to hcp‐Ru induced by work function discrepancy within fcc/hcp‐Ru/NC regulate the d‐band center of Ru sites, which facilitated the water adsorption and dissociation, thus boosting the electrocatalytic HER performance. The present work paves the way for construction of novel and efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage.
Large deformation problem of hyperbolic shallow shells with bimodular effect: A perturbation‐variation method
Authors: He Xiao‐Ting , Wang Xin , Chang Hao , Sun Jun‐Yi
Published: October 2024

As an important analytical method, the perturbation‐variation method combines the advantages of perturbation method and variational method, and is widely used for the solution of nonlinear plate and shell problems. In this study, the perturbation‐variation method is used to solve the large deformation problem of a flexible hyperbolic thin shallow shells with different moduli in tension and compression (bimodular effect). First, we establish the governing equations expressed in terms of three displacement components, in which the bimodular effect of materials is considered in physical equations and the large deformation of shell is considered in geometrical equations. Next, we use the perturbation‐variation method to solve the governing equations established, obtaining the perturbation‐variation solution up to third‐order. During the application of the method, the displacements are expressed into perturbation formulas of all levels first, and the unknown constants and functions in the perturbation formulas are determined by the extreme value conditions of the functional established (variational principle), hence the perturbation‐variation method gets its name from this practice. The numerical results from FEM basically agree with the perturbation‐variation solution obtained. The method proposed may be extended into the solution of similar partial differential equations established in applied fields.
FFAG, Linear
Authors: Méot François
Published: October 2024

This chapter is an introduction to linear Fixed-Field Alternating Gradient (FFAG) cyclic accelerators. It begins with a brief reminder of the historical and technological context, and continues with the theoretical material needed for the simulation exercises. It relies on charged particle optics and acceleration concepts introduced in the previous synchrotron and scaling FFAG chapters and further addresses

design aspects of linear FFAGs,

diverse specificities of linear FFAG optics,

beam dynamics in rings,

serpentine acceleration.

Simulations do not require specific keywords, they use optical elements met in the previous chapters, including MULTIPOL DIPOLE[S], CAVITE, data input/output keywords such as FAISCEAU, FAISTORE, the SYSTEM keyword, etc. Beam dynamics simulations include

–

computation of optical parameters,

–

particle trajectories through a cell or a ring,

–

closed-orbit finding, from multi-turn raytracing or by coordinate matching,

–

deriving ancillary outcomes from rays, such as

$$\bullet $$
∙

transport matrices using MATRIX,

$$\bullet $$
∙

periodic optical functions and their transport using TWISS,

–

finding dynamical aperture,

–

serpentine fast acceleration, and more.
Introduction
Authors: Huang Minchao , Cheng Yuqiang , Dai Jia , Li Jian
Published: October 2024

According to the type of propellant, space propulsion systems are divided into monopropellant, bipropellant, cold gas propulsion and electric propulsion systems. The operation of a space propulsion system is closely related to the working status of the structure, control, thermal control, power supply, telemetry, remote control and other subsystems.
Analysis of the Response Characteristics of the Tank Pressurization System and a Single Thruster
Authors: Huang Minchao , Cheng Yuqiang , Dai Jia , Li Jian
Published: October 2024

Based on the mathematical models of the operation of the space propulsion system components established in Chap. 2 and the Modelica programs for the startup, steady-state and shutdown processes of the components, the thruster simulation system for each type of thrust can be conveniently assembled. By inputting known parameters of the thruster, such as the gas cylinder and pressure-reducing valve structural parameters, propellant density, pipeline diameter and length, and thrust chamber structural parameters, into the simulation system, the response of a single thruster can be analyzed in terms of pipeline pressure, flow rate, combustion chamber pressure, temperature, component ratio, thrust and other parameters, on which basis in this book it discussed the effects of the gas cylinder pressure, pressure-reducing valve characteristics, filling and shutdown characteristics, thruster response time, the effects of the combustion chamber volume and the inner diameter of the nozzle throat.
Mathematical Model of the Operation of the Gel Propulsion System
Authors: Huang Minchao , Cheng Yuqiang , Dai Jia , Li Jian
Published: October 2024

In establishing the mathematical model and performing computer simulation of the operation of the gel propulsion system, it was assumed that the diaphragm valve and the electric detonation valve are opened at the beginning and that the gel propellant had already filled the main pipeline of the supply system (including the catheter, the reducing catheter, the orifice catheter, filter, flow regulator, etc.). After the electric gas valve or solenoid valve is energized and opened, the gel propellant starts to fill the liquid collection chamber, capillary tube, nozzle, etc. After the propellant is added, it enters the decomposition chamber to undergo atomization, evaporation, catalysis, and decomposition to generate high-temperature and high-pressure gas. Then, the gas is accelerated in the nozzle and is ejected at high speed from the nozzle to generate thrust.
Mathematical Model of the Operation of a Pump-Fed Liquid Rocket Engine
Authors: Huang Minchao , Cheng Yuqiang , Dai Jia , Li Jian
Published: October 2024

The internal operation of a pump-fed liquid rocket engine is a very complex physical and chemical process.
Simulation Analysis of the Starting Process of the Pump-Fed Liquid Rocket Engine
Authors: Huang Minchao , Cheng Yuqiang , Dai Jia , Li Jian
Published: October 2024

For the operation of a large pump-fed liquid rocket engine, the most important and critical working process is the starting process of the liquid rocket engine system. The success of starting is directly related to the success or failure of the launch of a space vehicle. During the starting process of a liquid rocket engine, very complex chemical and physical changes occur in the propellant components, and the engine system parameters change rapidly within a large range. Therefore, it is obviously important to conduct an in-depth simulation study on the starting process of a liquid rocket engine to reveal the pattern.
Nest protection and foraging behaviour in solitary and social nests of the socially polymorphic orchid bee Euglossa viridissima
Authors: Friedel A. , Quezada-Euán J. J. G. , Paxton R. J. , Soro A.
Published: October 2024

Natural enemies impose a selective pressure on solitary insects that may favour the evolution of sociality. In the socially polymorphic orchid bee Euglossa viridissima, females found nests solitarily and provision a first batch of brood. After brood maturity, a nest can remain solitary (all offspring disperse) or become social, when one or more subordinate daughters forage for nesting material and brood provisions for the dominant mother. Solitary females leave their nest unguarded when foraging whilst a female in a social nest can guard the nest while nestmates are foraging. By observing solitary and social nests, we found that subordinate foragers in social nests undertook longer provisioning trips than solitary females. The presence of a guarding female in a social nest protected the nest against intrusion, possibly favouring longer provisioning trips. Moreover, the frequency of successful attempts by intruders to enter nests was significantly lower in social nests. Our results provide strong support for the parasite defence hypothesis for the evolution of social behaviour.
Normal Operators for Momentum Ray Transforms, I: The Inversion Formula
Authors: Jathar Shubham R. , Kar Manas , Krishnan Venkateswaran P. , Sharafutdinov Vladimir A.
Published: October 2024

The momentum ray transform $$I_m^k$$

I
m
k

integrates a rank m symmetric tensor field f on $${{{\mathbb {R}}}}^n$$

R

n

over lines with the weight $$t^k$$

t
k

, $$I_m^kf(x,\xi )=\int _{-\infty }^\infty t^k\langle f(x+t\xi ),\xi ^m\rangle \,\textrm{d}t$$

I
m
k

f

(
x
,
ξ
)

=

∫

-
∞

∞

t
k

⟨
f

(
x
+
t
ξ
)

,

ξ
m

⟩

d
t

. We compute the normal operator $$N_m^k=(I_m^k) ^*I_m^k$$

N
m
k

=

(

I
m
k

)

∗

I
m
k

and present an inversion formula recovering a rank m symmetric tensor field f from the data $$(N_m^0f,\dots ,N_m^mf)$$

(

N
m
0

f
,
⋯
,

N
m
m

f
)

.
Abdominal Etching—A Novel Classification Method for Surgical Approach
Authors: Levy Avraham , Berl Ariel , Shir-az Ofir , Mann Din , Weiss Eitam , Shalom Avshalom
Published: October 2024

Background

The abdomen is the aesthetic and physical center of the body. Abdominal etching is used to enhance the appearance of the abdominal musculature. Body contouring and abdominal etching are popular among both men and women, and these procedures have been shown to result in high patient satisfaction and are considered safe. The aim of this study was to describe a novel classification for abdominal etching based on the senior author’s technique and experience.

Methods

This single surgeon, nonrandomized, retrospective study was conducted from December 2016 to September 2022. Patients were classified into 4 groups based on their body habitus, abdominal skin pinch test and skin quality, and the surgical plan was tailored accordingly.

Results

Sixty-two patients (42 male) with an average age of 36 years underwent abdominal etching during the study period. Subgrouping included 4 (6.45%) in Class 1, 22 (35.5%) in Class 2, 32 (51.6%) in Class 3 and 4 (6.45%) in Class 4. The most common complication was seroma. Concomitant procedures included silicone implants to the pectoral region (male), fat injection to the buttocks, breast reduction and mastopexy and treatment of post-liposuction irregularities.

Conclusions

The abdominal etching technique is safe and reproducible. It has demonstrated long-lasting results and high patient satisfaction. Our classification of patients will enable surgeons to better understand the problem presented and provide aesthetic and efficient results. Use of these guidelines and tailoring treatment options will further improve patient and physician satisfaction.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors  www.springer.com/00266
Assessment of the clinical and laboratory risk factors for thrombosis in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (two Egyptian tertiary centers experience)
Authors: Abdelsamei Ebtihal Mokhtar , Hakeem Gehan Lotfy Abdel , El Amin Nadia Mohamed , Yousef Maha Ahmed , Ghalioub Hager Samy , Mohamed Zamzam Hassan
Published: October 2024

In neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), arterial and venous thromboembolism is a major cause of morbidity and death which could be attributed to multiple risk factors exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiological assessments, predisposing risk factors, and outcomes of thrombosis in neonates admitted to NICU. This prospective cohort study was conducted at NICU, Minia, and Alexandria University Children’s Hospital. Screening of 886 patients admitted to NICU over one year with different clinical presentations, patients were classified into the thrombotic and non-thrombotic groups based on the presence or absence of thrombosis. Thrombosis was diagnosed based on clinical, laboratory and different radiologic assessments. Genetic testing for factor V Leiden mutations G1691A, prothrombin mutation G20210A, protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III gene mutations were performed for patients with a family history of thrombosis. Out of a total of 886 neonatal admissions, 36 patients were diagnosed with evident thrombosis (40 per 1000 NICU admissions). The sites of venous thrombosis detection were Portal vein thrombosis in 11 patients (30.6%), superior vena cava thrombosis in 7 patients (19.4%), deep venous thrombosis in 5 patients (13.9%), central venous thrombosis in 5 patients (13.9%), intra-cardiac thrombosis in 3 patients (8.3%) and necrotic skin patches in one patient (2.8%). Only 69% of enrolled thrombosis patients showed genetic mutations the most common of which was factor V Leiden mutation (52.3%). Sepsis, central venous line (CVL) insertion, C reactive protein (CRP), and duration of NICU admission were significantly more common in the thrombotic group (p < 0.001) and were associated with a higher risk of thrombosis (ORs: 1.02, 7.7, and 1.11, respectively) (p < 0.001). Higher mortality occurred in thrombosis neonates compared with a non-thrombotic group (52.8% versus 17.4%) (p < 0.001). NICU-admitted neonates are exposed to multiple overlapped risk factors, the detection of which is important for preventing potential thrombosis and improving the patient’s outcomes. The complexity of sepsis pathogenesis and management could potentiate multiple acquired risk factors. inherited thrombophilia detection is required for prevention of further morbidities.
A general multi-scale description of metastable adaptive motion across fitness valleys
Authors: Esser Manuel , Kraut Anna
Published: October 2024

We consider a stochastic individual-based model of adaptive dynamics on a finite trait graph $$G=(V,E)$$

G
=
(
V
,
E
)

. The evolution is driven by a linear birth rate, a density dependent logistic death rate and the possibility of mutations along the directed edges in E. We study the limit of small mutation rates for a simultaneously diverging population size. Closing the gap between Bovier et al. (Ann Appl Probab 29(6):3541–358, 2019) and Coquille et al. (Electron J Probab 26:1–37, 2021) we give a precise description of transitions between evolutionary stable conditions (ESC), where multiple mutations are needed to cross a valley in the fitness landscape. The system shows a metastable behaviour on several divergent time scales, corresponding to the widths of these fitness valleys. We develop the framework of a meta graph that is constituted of ESCs and possible metastable transitions between them. This allows for a concise description of the multi-scale jump chain arising from concatenating several jumps. Finally, for each of the various time scales, we prove the convergence of the population process to a Markov jump process visiting only ESCs of sufficiently high stability.
Multimodal management of ectopic hepatic pregnancy: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Beck Maximilian Heinz , Sehouli Jalid , Leppig Jonas Alexander , Knitter Sebastian , Pratschke Johann , Krenzien Felix
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Ectopic pregnancies with implantation in the upper abdomen are exceptionally rare. Here we provide a systematic review of hepatic ectopic pregnancies and the corresponding management strategies. Furthermore, this report details a case of ectopic hepatic pregnancy, successfully treated with primary methotrexate (MTX) followed by a two-staged robotic-assisted resection.

Methods

Two independent investigators performed a systematic review using the online search engine PubMed and MEDLINE database. The search utilized the following terms: ‘Hepatic Ectopic Pregnancy,’ ‘Hepatic Extrauterine Pregnancy,’ ‘Hepatic Abdominal Pregnancy,’ and ‘Ectopic Liver Pregnancy.’ Cross-referencing was employed to identify possible additional publications.

Findings

Forty-seven case reports on hepatic pregnancies were identified. Of these, 40 provided manuscripts in the English language. Most patients with hepatic pregnancy presented with mild to moderate abdominal pain, while only a minority exhibited signs of hemodynamically relevant intraperitoneal hemorrhage. Most cases were managed through open surgical removal, although in recent years, there has been an increase in laparoscopically managed cases. Conservative approaches using methotrexate are seldom employed.

Conclusion

Hepatic pregnancies present a rare and challenging clinical scenario. Until now, these cases have usually been treated primarily with open explorative surgery. As reported in this case, primary conservative treatment approaches with MTX before surgery hold promise as a strategy to reduce surgery-related bleeding and morbidity, particularly for asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients.
A system dynamics gamification tool to enhance supply chain resilience in times of disruptions
Authors: Arias-Vargas Marco , Sanchis Raquel , Poler Raúl
Published: October 2024

In recent years, significant disruptive events have stressed the global business environment and supply chains worldwide, and these events have become more disturbing and frequent. Consequently, organisations have been facing many troubles in different echelons of their supply chains, such as high inventory stockouts or unplanned supply and recovery costs, significantly affecting their performance and stability. Accordingly, strategists must acknowledge enterprise and supply chain resilience as a vital competence in organisational strategies and ploys to guide decision-makers when dealing with disruptive events. This work aims to help organisations develop a powerful approach for testing and improving a decision-making process to minimise stockouts, through a simulation game that considers essential supply chain components, such as suppliers, products, and disruptive events, coexisting in a dynamic system. Upon implementing the proposed game within an organisation, the main expected outcomes include: (i) enhanced decision-making capabilities; (ii) increased awareness and preparedness to address disruptive events; (iii) improved practical understanding of resilient supply chain management practices; (iv) cost-effective training and awareness-building; and (v) repetitive learning opportunities, thereby enhancing supply chain management and resilience. The game’s simplicity is crucial to ensure that this tool remains accessible and practical for its intended audience, as excessive complexity may potentially discourage its use.
Immunotherapy response and resistance in patients with advanced uveal melanoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Maurer Alexander , Clerici Giulio , Schaab Jan A. , Cheng Phil F. , Mihic-Probst Daniela , Mader Cäcilia , Messerli Michael , Huellner Martin W. , Dummer Reinhard , Dimitriou Florentia
Published: October 2024

Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) is associated with poor prognosis. Ipilimumab/nivolumab has shown antitumor efficacy in phase II studies. Tebentafusp resulted in longer overall survival (OS) compared to investigator`s choice in a phase III study. We sought to describe the radiological response patterns of mUM patients treated with immunotherapy. Patients with mUM treated with ipilimumab/nivolumab and tebentafusp between July 2018 and December 2022, with available radiological assessment per RECISTv1.1 and/or imPERCIST5, were retrospectively identified and included. Progression-free survival (PFS) and OS rates, liver-specific response and pathological assessment in available liver biopsies were evaluated. In the ipilimumab/nivolumab group, median PFS (mPFS) was 2.9 months (95% CI 2.2–28.6) and mOS 28.9 months (95% CI 12.7-NR). Complete (CMR) and partial (PMR) metabolic response per imPERCIST5, and partial response (PR) per RECISTv1.1 were associated with longer PFS and OS by trend, compared to morphologically and metabolically stable or progressive disease. In the tebentafusp group, mPFS was 2.7 months (95% CI 2.2–3) and mOS 18.6 months (95% CI 11.5-NR). PMR and PR were associated with longer PFS by trend. In both treatments, the overall treatment response was associated with the radiological response at the liver site. In available liver tumor biopsies, differences in pathological and radiological responses were noted. ImPERCIST5 and RECIST v1.1 are valuable tools in the radiological response assessment, but both methods display limitations. Accurate biomarkers to stratify patients at risk for disease progression and future translational studies to investigate mechanisms of response and resistance are required.
Experimental investigation and numerical simulation of swaging process of tubes for oil country tubular goods
Authors: Saberi Saeid , Reiter Christian , Winter Gerald , Klarner Jürgen , Stockinger Martin
Published: October 2024

Premium integrated seamless pipes made from high strength low alloy steels are used to produce oil country tubular goods. Operational requirements of these pipes in petroleum industry lead to an adequate tube end connection with better mechanical strength and sealing properties. Therefore a cold swaging process or calibration of pipe end is necessary for the mechanical threading process of the tube. Applications of typical calibration mandrels result in heavy wear due to higher swaging loads and the optimal necessary geometry of end tube could not be achieved. In this study, a new mandrel geometry with a finished surface was developed to modify the pipe end profile and reduce the wear tool. The investigated pipe made from P110- pipe steel was plastically preformed using a cold swaging process. Experimental measurements of the pipe end geometry after swaging process resulted an increase of the inner tube diameter of approximately 4.9% and an outer tube diameter of 3.7% respectively. Furthermore, a rather constant tube wall thickness was also observed. An Abaqus plug-in was developed to characterize the swaging process of pipe ends. The influence of friction between tool and pipe surfaces on the final geometry of pipe ends and residual stresses in pipe ends due to preforming were numerically predicted. The new designed swaging process resulted a better final pipe end geometry and low tool wear during the preforming of pipe end. The presented plug-in in this work could be used for tool optimization and characterization of swaging process of pipes in oil and gas industries.
Migrants from a Different Shore: Earnings and Economic Assimilation of Immigrants from China in the United States
Authors: Lin Carl , Fang Tony , Hsu Mei
Published: October 2024

Using data from 1980, 1990, and 2000 U.S. censuses, as well as the 2010 and 2019 American Community Surveys and the 1993–2019 National Survey of College Graduates, we investigate the performance of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. labor market over the past 40 years since China initiated its economic reforms and open-door policy in 1978. The results indicate that by 1990, Chinese immigrants’ earnings surpassed those of immigrants from other countries, and by 2010, they exceeded the earnings of U.S.-born workers. Our Oaxaca-Blinder and Quantile decomposition analyses suggest that a significant portion of the earnings advantage held by Chinese immigrants, compared to other immigrant groups and U.S.-born workers over time, can be attributed to differences in observable characteristics, with education being the most crucial factor, both at the mean and across the earnings distribution. By employing national surveys that provide data on college graduates, we demonstrate that attaining the highest degree earned in the U.S. is associated with higher earnings for Chinese immigrants compared to all other immigrants. Furthermore, the difference in returns to U.S.-earned highest degrees can account for this earnings advantage. (JEL J31, J61, J24)
Remote delivered cognitive rehabilitation programs in Acquired Brain Injury: a systematic review of methods and outcomes
Authors: Câmara Joana , Geraldo Andreia , Vilar Manuela , Fermé Eduardo
Published: October 2024

Remote delivered cognitive rehabilitation programs (r-CRP) are increasingly recognized as alternative and complementary intervention approaches to traditional cognitive rehabilitation (CR) in the context of several neurological conditions, including acquired brain injuries (ABI). This systematic review examines the methodological characteristics of currently available r-CRP for ABI patients and investigates their impact on cognitive and noncognitive outcomes. A systematic search was performed on EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science, complemented by a manual search. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines were followed. Out of 1624 studies, a total of 19 studies were included. The results demonstrate that most r-CRP were administered to middle-aged community-dwelling chronic stroke survivors and that there was no consensus regarding assessment and intervention protocols. Moreover, most r-CRP were delivered through information and communication technologies (ICTs), primarily relying on cognitive training (CT) interventions addressing multiple cognitive domains (e.g., attention, memory). These ICT-based CT programs included tasks with low ecological validity, i.e., tasks with limited real-world application (e.g., cancelation tasks with artificial stimuli), and were asynchronous, meaning that participants performed the sessions at their own pace, without real-time monitoring from a therapist. In terms of the impact of r-CRP, class I studies reported mixed and inconsistent results regarding the effect of this mode of delivery on cognitive and noncognitive outcomes of ABI patients while supporting its high feasibility and acceptability among patients. Specific recommendations for future research are provided to improve the methodological quality of clinical studies and establish the evidence base for r-CRP.
A paedomorphic dwarf species, Gauthieria pumilio sp. nov. (Echinoidea: Phymosomatidae), from the Campanian (Late Cretaceous) of Hannover, Germany
Authors: Schlüter Nils
Published: October 2024

A new phymosomatoid species, Gauthieria pumilio sp. nov., from lower Campanian (Late Cretaceous) deposits in the vicinity of Hannover, Germany, is described. This species is very close in its overall appearance (i.e. tuberculation and ambulacral plating pattern) to a few other species: Gauthieria radiata and the juvenile stages of the Santonian Gauthieria spatulifera and the Maastrichtian Gauthieria princeps, with which Gauthieria pumilio sp. nov. is accordingly closely related. However, it deviates from its relatives by a significantly smaller test diameter. Accordingly it is deviating from the general increase in size during the evolutionary lineage leading from the Turonian G. radiata via G. spatulifera to the Maastrichtian G. princeps. This lineage exemplified Cope's Rule through increasing test size. However, G. pumilio sp. nov. challenges this pattern with its dwarfing phenomenon, exhibiting a test diameter < 18 mm. It shares the ambulacral plating pattern with G. radiata and the juvenile stages of G. spatulifera and G. princeps, providing further  insights into the genus's evolutionary history.
A Linguist’s Take on Blanc’s Proposition of Gestalt Language Processing and Natural Language Acquisition: An Implausible Theory at Odds with the Research
Authors: Beals Katharine
Published: October 2024

Purpose of the review

This review critiques Blanc’s Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Natural Language Acquisition (GLP/NLA), and related suggestions for clinical practice, from a linguistics angle.

Recent findings

This review extends a recent critique of GLP/NLA and brings to bear recent research on language acquisition in the general population and in autistic individuals. It also draws upon recent research on effective language teaching methods for minimally speaking autistic individuals, as well as the author’s own synthesis of evidence-based, autism-friendly instruction.

In light both of recent research and of earlier findings in the fields of autism and linguistics that are yet unconsidered in the context of GLP, I argue that those whom GLP/NLA proponents claim are “gestalt language processors” or “GLPs” necessarily engage in analytic, as opposed to gestalt, processes. I then explain why (a) the purported linguistic units in GLP—gestalts, defined as language that is echoed as analyzed stretches of speech sounds—are not plausible either as building blocks in language acquisition, or as full-fledged linguistic phenomena; and (b) that language acquisition, for all learners, is necessarily analytic, beginning in the earliest stages. Finally, I argue that some of the GLP/NLA suggestions for working with individuals proponents classify as “gestalt language processors” (also referred to reductively as “GLPs”) are detrimental to the autistic language learners that GLP/NLA proponents purport to be helping.
Toxic Metals and Metalloids in Food: Current Status, Health Risks, and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Zhao Di , Wang Peng , Zhao Fang-Jie
Published: October 2024

Purpose of Review

Exposure to toxic metals/metalloids, such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), through food consumption is a global public health concern. This review examines the contamination status of these metals/metalloids in food, assesses dietary intake across different populations, and proposes strategies to reduce metal/metalloid exposures throughout the food chain.

Recent Findings

For the general population, dietary intake of metals/metalloids is generally lower than health-based guidance values. However, for vulnerable populations, such as infants, children, and pregnant women, their dietary intake levels are close to or even higher than the guidance values. Among different food categories, seafood shows higher total As, but largely present as organic species. Rice accumulates higher As concentration than other cereals, with inorganic As (iAs) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) being the main As species. Methylated thioarsenate species, such as dimethylmonothioarsenate, have also been detected in rice. The distribution of iAs and DMA in rice shows geographical variation. Additionally, seafood and cocoa products generally contain more Cd than other food, but seafood consumption does not significantly increase in adverse health effects due to its high zinc and iron content. Compared to As and Cd, Pb concentrations in food are generally lower. To minimize the health risks of metal/metalloid exposure, several strategies are proposed.

Food contamination with toxic metals/metalloids poses significant concerns for human health, particularly for vulnerable populations. This review provides scientific evidence and suggestions for policy makers to reduce human exposure of metals/metalloids via dietary intake.
Measurement of PDE5 concentration in human serum: proof-of-concept and validation of methodology in control and prostate cancer patients
Authors: Gravina Giovanni Luca , Guida Eugenia , Dri Maria , Massoud Renato , Di Stasi Savino M. , Fucci Giorgio , Sansone Andrea , Dolci Susanna , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

We aimed to investigate if the type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5), an enzyme with cardinal biological functions in sexual and cardiovascular health, can be detected and quantited in human serum.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from control male and female subjects. PDE5 levels were measured by a specific ELISA kit. ROC curves weighted for age and serum levels of PSA (male subjects), or age (female subjects) were used to identify the predictive ability in the detection of PCa. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values were determined for cut-off value determined during ROC curve analysis.

Results

41 control male subjects, 18 control female subjects, and 55 consecutive subjects, of which 25 were affected by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and 30 with histologically confirmed prostate cancer (PCa), were studied. PDE5 serum levels were detectable in all subjects (range: 5 to 65 ng/ml). Analysis by MANCOVA identified a significant difference in serum PDE5 between control subjects or hyperplasia patients and PCa patients. Marginal means of serum PDE5 concentrations showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). The ROC curve demonstrated that PDE5 serum levels can predict men with or without PCa, with 0.806 AUC value (p < 0.0001). Using a 12.705 ng/ml PDE5 serum cut-off yielded sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 83.3%, 77.27%, 62.5%, and 91.1% in detecting men with histologically proven PCa, respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrated, for the first time, that PDE5 levels can be detected in human sera and that PCa patients have significantly higher PDE5 concentration compared to BPH patients or male and female controls. While serum PDE5 level measurement may open new research avenues, the clinical relevance of PDE5 levels in PCa patients deserves further investigation.
Unusual infections and thrombotic events in Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Barbot Mattia , Lazzara Martina , Mazzeo Pierluigi , Pecori Giraldi Francesca
Published: October 2024

The diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome requires a high degree of suspicion, especially in patients in whom typical features are overshadowed by other ailments. These include, among others, widespread opportunistic infections or sepsis and venous or arterial thromboembolism.

This Review will summarize available data on patients presenting with severe infections or thrombotic events and the best approach to diagnosis.
Who and how to screen for endogenous hypercortisolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity
Authors: Guarnotta Valentina , Giordano Carla , Reimondo Giuseppe
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The current review aims to summarize and discuss the prevalence of confirmed hypercortisolism in patients with diabetes mellitus or obesity, analysing the screening tests used and their accuracy, in order to better identify whether patients with diabetes mellitus and obesity should be screened for Cushing’s syndrome (CS) and how.

Methods

A narrative review was performed including publications focusing on the current knowledge on prevalence of confirmed hypercortisolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or obesity and on screening tests used to detect CS.

Results

The studies reviewed suggest that the prevalence of CS in patients with T2DM is variable, ranging from 0.6 to 9.3%. The most used screening test is the overnight cortisol after 1 mg of dexamethasone suppression test (DST), with a false positive rate ranging from 3.7 to 21%. The prevalence of CS among obese patients is generally about 1%, except for two studies which reported higher prevalence. For obese patients, 1 mg DST and late-night salivary cortisol are the most accurate screening tests for CS.

Conclusions

Clinical expertise remains the mainstay to identify which subjects should be screened for CS. The evaluation of the clinical stigmata of CS and the combination with clinical comorbidities typical of CS are the stronger predictors of CS. In addition, we could hypothesize that in patients with T2DM, overnight 1 mg DST is the more accurate screening test for CS. By contrast, in patients with obesity both LNSC and overnight 1 mg DST could be equally used for the screening of hypercortisolism.
Shear mechanical behavior and fracturing path of red sandstone treated by joninted effect of water-fractures
Authors: Li Yangyang , Zhu Huicong , Zhang Shichuan , Chen Bing , Zhang Buchu
Published: October 2024

Water content and primary fractures can change the mechanical characteristics of rock, making it easy to induce geological disasters. Therefore, direct shear tests of red sandstone under the action of water-fracture were carried out in this paper. The results show that shear strength of rock samples with fractures is less than that of intact rock samples. With the increase of primary fracture dip angle, shear strength and macroscopic crushing area of the rock sample increases first and then decreases with 20° as the boundary. It shows that the primary fractures weaken the shear mechanical properties and change the macroscopic failure mode. The shear performance of water-bearing rock samples is weaker than that of intact rock samples, and the weakening degree of water-saturated on shear performance of rock samples is lower than that of unsaturated water state. The fracture surfaces of rock samples are divided into 'shortest path single through type', 'longest path single through type' and 'cross path through type'. The failured rock samples are divided into 'single through type' and 'cross through type'. The research results can provide reference for geological disaster management under relevant conditions.
Classroom Interactions Facilitate a Sense of Belonging in Remote STEM Classes: Lessons from a Large-Scale Quantitative Study
Authors: Narla Avaneesh V. , Edwards Madison M. , Bullard Elizabeth , Petrie Katherine L. , Heinrichsen Erilynn T.
Published: October 2024

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, instructors strove to facilitate student learning, engagement, and community in an unfamiliar environment, while students adapted to a college experience that differed from their expectations. This context provided the opportunity to identify factors that increased undergraduates’ sense of belonging in remote STEM classrooms. We analyzed responses from 1589 students in 26 undergraduate STEM courses at a large R1 research university in Likert-style surveys to assess how the remote modality affected their sense of belonging in their STEM course. Likewise, we analyzed data from 22 instructors about their pedagogical mindset and implementation of classroom activities. K-means clustering of student survey responses sorted classes into four significantly distinct clusters. Student responses in cluster 1 revealed an increased sense of belonging in the post-survey, whereas students in cluster 4 reported a decreased sense of belonging. Further, we observed that a higher frequency of active learning activities (student–student and student-instructor interactions) and instructor type (teaching faculty) correlated with an increased sense of belonging. Many studies have investigated alterations in students’ sense of belonging; our study contributes by identifying activities that enhance a sense of belonging in remote STEM classrooms. Moreover, our findings from a quantitative study allow us to propose ways instructors can modify their courses to increase student sense of belonging and insulate students from the isolation of remote classrooms.