bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uniform gradient magnetic field and spatial localization method based on Maxwell coils for virtual surgery simulation
Authors: Huang Yi , Deng Xutian , Zhao Xujie , Xie Wenxuan , Yuan Zhiyong , Zhao Jianhui
Published: May 2024

With the development of virtual reality technology, simulation surgery has become a low‐risk surgical training method and high‐precision positioning of surgical instruments is required in virtual simulation surgery. In this paper we design and validate a novel electromagnetic positioning method based on a uniform gradient magnetic field. We employ Maxwell coils to generate the uniform gradient magnetic field and propose two positioning algorithms based on magnetic field, namely the linear equation positioning algorithm and the magnetic field fingerprint positioning algorithm. After validating the feasibility of proposed positioning system through simulation, we construct a prototype system and conduct practical experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the positioning system exhibits excellent accuracy and speed in both simulation and real‐world applications. The positioning accuracy remains consistent and high, showing no significant variation with changes in the positions of surgical instruments.
Multi‐style cartoonization: Leveraging multiple datasets with generative adversarial networks
Authors: Cai Jianlu , Li Frederick W. B. , Nan Fangzhe , Yang Bailin
Published: May 2024

Scene cartoonization aims to convert photos into stylized cartoons. While generative adversarial networks (GANs) can generate high‐quality images, previous methods focus on individual images or single styles, ignoring relationships between datasets. We propose a novel multi‐style scene cartoonization GAN that leverages multiple cartoon datasets jointly. Our main technical contribution is a multi‐branch style encoder that disentangles representations to model styles as distributions over entire datasets rather than images. Combined with a multi‐task discriminator and perceptual losses optimizing across collections, our model achieves state‐of‐the‐art diverse stylization while preserving semantics. Experiments demonstrate that by learning from inter‐dataset relationships, our method translates photos into cartoon images with improved realism and abstraction fidelity compared to prior arts, without iterative re‐training for new styles.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Annulation for the Synthesis of 5‐ and 6‐Membered N‐Heterocyclic Building Blocks
Authors: Peng Marie , Doucet Henri , Soulé Jean‐François
Published: May 2024

The sustainable preparation of N‐heterocycles is one of the most active research areas owing to their predominance as synthetics building blocks with extensive applications in organic, pharmaceutical, and material chemistry fields. Among the various catalytic protocols, the C−H bond functionalization with the concomitant C−N bond formation, so‐called C−H bond annulation, has become one of the most sustainable routes to access N‐heterocycles because it starts from low‐functionalized materials and generates a limited amount of waste, all respecting the concept of atom economy. Rhodium complexes often catalyze these reactions. This review focuses on the synthesis of 5‐ and 6‐membered ring N‐containing heterocycles such as indoles, pyrroles, indolines, (iso)quinolinones, dihydroquinolines, and pyrrolidones from readily available starting materials, with an emphasis on the novel C−H bond cascade synthetic methodologies via C−N/C−C bond formation, as well as on the mechanisms of these reactions, especially the oxidation steps. We hope this review will help researchers looking to prepare N‐heterocycles in a minimum of steps and those who want to develop new methodologies based on C−H bond activation/functionalizations.
A Novel Approach of Electrocatalytic Deamination From Aromatic Amide to Diarylimide on Ni‐PTFE Modified Electrode
Authors: Chen Wenjun , Huang Ziyang , Chen Hongyan , Liu Min
Published: May 2024

A hydrophobic Ni‐PTFE modified electrode has been prepared by constant current and cathodic electroplating with a nickel sheet as substrate in a PTFE suspension. Then the Ni‐PTFE modified electrode was used for electroreduction from aromatic amide to diarylimide. The electrochemical characterizations such as cyclic voltammogram, EIS, polarization curves, and electrode stability have been carried out by electrochemical workstation. The structure of the electroreduction product diarylimide was characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR, MS(Mass Spectrum), and EA(Elemental Analyzer). Based on the hydrophobicity of the electrode, an approach suggested that the phenyl ketone radical may be formed by electroreductive deamination at the cathode. With the construction of C−N bond by the radical coupling, the electrocatalytic reduction may be comprised of a one‐electron process including an ECC (Electrochemical‐Chemical‐Chemical) process. The electroreduction of aromatic amide to diarylimide may be controlled by both charge migration and concentration polarization. Electrocatalytic reduction of aromatic amides on Ni‐PTFE modified electrodes is all well conversion ratio.
The uniqueness of flexible and mouldable thermal insulation materials in thermal protection systems—A comprehensive review
Authors: Chaturvedi Kamna , Dhangar Manish , Jaiswal Ayushi , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Verma Sarika
Published: May 2024

In thermal control and safety systems, thermal insulation materials which are lightweight and flexible with hierarchical microstructures are commonly used nowadays. Flexible thermal insulation materials are designed to prevent heat transfer between two surfaces. These materials have various applications, from building insulation to automotive components, aerospace, and industrial processes. This review aims to provide an overview of flexible thermal insulation materials, their properties, and their applications. The most commonly used materials used for flexible thermal insulation are aerogels, ceramic fibres, and polymers. These materials are lightweight, durable, and have excellent thermal insulation properties and are also gaining popularity due to their unique characteristics. The insulation performance of flexible thermal insulation materials is influenced by thickness, density, porosity, and thermal conductivity factors. The choice of insulation material and its properties depend on the application site and the desired thermal insulation. The literature shows that nanofibrils‐based insulating materials have low thermal conductivity values and can be excellent flexible thermal insulating materials. Using flexible thermal insulation materials is crucial in reducing energy consumption and dissipation, enhancing thermal efficiency, and improving sustainability in various industries.
Synthesis of low cost cathode electrocatalyst Pt‐Ni/CAB using DMSO as a solvent for low temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell application
Authors: Singh Abhay Pratap , Pramanik Hiralal
Published: May 2024

In the present study, low cost platinum based bimetallic electrocatalyst Pt‐Ni/CAB with varying Pt to Ni atomic ratios 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 were successfully synthesized for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the developed proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The solvothermal process was adopted for the synthesis of Pt‐Ni(3:1)/CAB, Pt‐Ni(1:1)/CAB, and Pt‐Ni(1:3)/CAB using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent at a temperature of 190°C which is very close to the boiling point. The Pt‐Ni/CAB exhibited the highest activity for the ORR in half‐cell and single cell PEMFC performance. The electrocatalysts Pt‐Ni(1:3)/CAB appeared with smallest crystalline FCC structures having crystallite size of 8.33 nm. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis also show that the Pt‐Ni(1:3)/CAB has smallest particle size of 1.67 ± 0.45 nm. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis shows Pt‐Ni(1:3)/CAB electrocatalyst offers less activation loss at ORR peak at a potential of 0.16 V as compared to Pt‐Ni(3:1)/CAB (ORR peak – 0.12) and Pt‐Ni(1:1)/CAB (ORR peak – 0.11). The synthesized Pt‐Ni(1:3)/CAB produced a maximum power density of 18.86 mW/cm2 at a maximum current density of 44.8 mA/cm2 with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.914 V at a room temperature of 33°C. The power density improved around 1.34 times when the cell temperature was raised from 33 to 70°C. The Pt‐Ni(1:3)/CAB cathode electrocatalyst could be used as economical to substitute costly commercial pure platinum based electrocatalyst.
Toxoplasma replication is inhibited by MMV676477 without development of resistance
Authors: Abbaali Izra , Truong Danny , Wetzel Dawn M. , Morrissette Naomi S.
Published: May 2024

Protozoan parasites cause life‐threatening infections in both humans and animals, including agriculturally significant livestock. Available treatments are typically narrow spectrum and are complicated by drug toxicity and the development of resistant parasites. Protozoan tubulin is an attractive target for the development of broad‐spectrum antimitotic agents. The Medicines for Malaria Pathogen Box compound MMV676477 was previously shown to inhibit replication of kinetoplastid parasites, such as Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma brucei, and the apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum by selectively stabilizing protozoan microtubules. In this report, we show that MMV676477 inhibits intracellular growth of the human apicomplexan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii with an EC50 value of ~50 nM. MMV676477 does not stabilize vertebrate microtubules or cause other toxic effects in human fibroblasts. The availability of tools for genetic studies makes Toxoplasma a useful model for studies of the cytoskeleton. We conducted a forward genetics screen for MMV676477 resistance, anticipating that missense mutations would delineate the binding site on protozoan tubulin. Unfortunately, we were unable to use genetics to dissect target interactions because no resistant parasites emerged. This outcome suggests that future drugs based on the MMV676477 scaffold would be less likely to be undermined by the emergence of drug resistance.
Allen–Cahn solutions with triple junction structure at infinity
Authors: Sandier Étienne , Sternberg Peter
Published: May 2024

We construct an entire solution to the elliptic system
where is a ‘triple‐well’ potential. This solution is a local minimizer of the associated energy
in the sense that minimizes the energy on any compact set among competitors agreeing with outside that set. Furthermore, we show that along subsequences, the ‘blowdowns’ of given by approach a minimal triple junction as . Previous results had assumed various levels of symmetry for the potential and had not established local minimality, but here we make no such symmetry assumptions.
A Model‐Informed Drug Development Approach to Design a Phase 3 Trial of Teverelix Drug Product in Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients with Increased Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Sannala Chenna Keshava Reddy , MacLean Carol , Larsen Finn , van Os Steve , Jadhav Pravin , Shore Neal , Morgans Alicia K. , Okwuosa Tochukwu , Gobburu Joga
Published: May 2024

Teverelix drug product (DP) is a parenteral gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist that has been successfully tested in phase 2 trials for hormone‐sensitive advanced prostate cancer (APC) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In previous APC trials, teverelix DP was administered as intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) injections, using a loading dose and (in a single trial) a maintenance dose. Our objective was to derive an optimal dosing regimen for phase 3 clinical development, using a pharmacometrics modeling approach. Data from 9 phase 2 studies (229 patients) was utilized to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model that described the concentration profile accommodating both IM and SC routes of administration. A 2‐compartment model with sequential first‐order absorption (slow and fast) and lag times best described the PK profiles of teverelix following SC and IM administration. An indirect response model with inhibition of production rate was fit to describe testosterone (T) concentrations based on physiological relevance. The final population PK–pharmacodynamic model was used to conduct simulations of various candidate dosing regimens to select the optimal dosing regimen to achieve clinical castration (T < 0.5 ng/mL by day 28) and to sustain clinical castration for 26 weeks. Model simulation showed that a loading dose of 360 mg SC and 180 mg IM with a maintenance dose of 360 mg SC 6‐weekly (Q6W) starting at day 28 can achieve a ≥95% castration rate up to 52 weeks. This dose regimen was selected for phase 3 clinical development, which includes cardiovascular safety assessment in comparison to a GnRH agonist.
First‐Principles Insights into the Mechanism of CO2 Hydrogenation Reactions by Fe‐PNP Pincer Complex
Authors: Ghoshal Sourav , Sarkar Pranab
Published: May 2024

Using the state of the art theoretical methods, we have provided a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of the CO2 hydrogenation into HCOOH, H2CO, and CH3OH by 2,6‐bis(diisopropylphosphinomethyl)pyridine (PNP)‐ligated Fe pincer complex, featuring one CO and two H as co‐ligands. For the computational investigation, a verified structural model containing methyl groups in place of the experimental isopropyl groups was used. Three catalytic conversions involving hydrogenation of CO2 into formic acid (HCOOH), HCOOH into formaldehyde and methanol were studied in different solvent medium. Our modelled complex appears to be a viable base‐free catalyst for the conversion of CO2 into HCOOH and HCOOH into H2CO, based on the free energy profiles, which show apparent activation energy barriers of 16.28 kcal/mol and 23.63 kcal/mol for the CO2 to HCOOH and HCOOH to H2CO conversion, respectively. However, the computed results show that, due to the huge energy span of H2CO to CH3OH conversion, complete hydrogenation of CO2 into methanol could not occur under moderate conditions. Morpholine co‐catalyst, which can lower the hydrogenation barrier by taking part in a simultaneous H‐atom donation‐acceptance process, could have assisted in completing this step.
Investigating the Intramolecular Competition of Different RNA Binding Motifs for Neomycin B by Native Top‐Down Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Heel Sarah Viola , Breuker Kathrin
Published: May 2024

The ongoing search for small molecule drugs that target ribonucleic acids (RNA) is complicated by a limited understanding of the principles that govern RNA‐small molecule interactions. Here we have used stoichiometry‐resolved native top‐down mass spectrometry (MS) to study the binding of neomycin B to small model hairpin RNAs, an unstructured RNA, and a viral RNA construct. For 15–22 nt model RNAs with hairpin structure, we found that neomycin B binding to hairpin loops relies on interactions with both the nucleobases and the 2′‐OH groups, and that a simple 5′ or 3′ overhang can introduce an additional binding motif. For a 47 nt RNA construct derived from stem IA of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) rev response element (RRE) RNA, native top‐down MS identified four different binding motifs, of which the purine‐rich internal loop showed the highest affinity for neomycin B. Stoichiometry‐resolved binding site mapping by native top‐down MS allows for a new perspective on binding specificity, and has the potential to reveal unexpected principles of small molecule binding to RNA.
Trust in the Food and Drug Administration: A National Survey Study
Authors: Feldman William B. , Rand Leah Z. , Carpenter Daniel , Russo Massimiliano , Bhaskar Anushka , Lu Zhigang , Campbell Eric G. , Darrow Jonathan , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: May 2024

Building trust in public health agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become a key government priority. Understanding the roots of FDA mistrust is important if the agency is to develop targeted messaging and reforms aimed at building confidence in the agency. We conducted a survey of 2,021 respondents in the US probing attitudes toward the FDA. The primary outcome was FDA trust, defined as the mean score that each respondent assigned to the FDA across four prespecified axes: (1) competence and effectiveness; (2) commitment to acting in the best interests of the American public; (3) abiding by the rules and regulations set forth by policy or law; and (4) expertise in health, science, and medicine. On multivariable ordinal logistic regression, FDA mistrust was associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.88), rural community (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.96), conservative political views (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.74–0.81), worse self‐reported health (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80–0.98), lower satisfaction with health care received (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.56–0.71), less attention to health and science news (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64–0.80), and not having children under the age of 18 (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60–0.86). These findings underscore the challenges faced by US political leaders in convincing a heterogeneous American public to trust the FDA. The FDA should develop and deploy targeted outreach strategies to populations with lower levels of trust and strengthen internal processes that minimize biases and ensure sound decision‐making.
A Sulfonated Covalent Organic Framework for Atmospheric Water Harvesting
Authors: Schweng Paul , Li Changxia , Guggenberger Patrick , Kleitz Freddy , Woodward Robert T.
Published: May 2024

We report a sulfonated covalent organic framework (COF) capable of atmospheric water harvesting in arid conditions. The isothermal water uptake profile of the framework was studied, and the network displayed steep water sorption at low relative humidity (RH) in temperatures of up to 45 °C, reaching a water uptake of 0.12 g g−1 at 10 % RH and even 0.08 g g−1 at just 5 % RH, representing some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. We found that the inclusion of sulfonate moieties shifted uptake in the water isotherm profiles to lower RH compared to non‐sulfonated equivalents, demonstrating well the benefits of including these hydrophilic sites for water uptake in hot, arid locations. Repeated uptake and desorption cycles were performed on the material without significant detriment to its adsorption performance, demonstrating the potential of the sulfonated COF for real‐world implementation.
Addition of CD14 improves discrimination of lymphocytes in the TBNK phenotyping panel
Authors: Shumate Kimberly A. , Williams Samantha N. , Khatri Aashish B. , Knight Vijaya
Published: May 2024

Peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping panels typically include CD45 for discrimination of the lymphocyte population, and fluorophore‐conjugated monoclonal antibodies to identify T, B, and Natural Killer (NK) cells. While CD45 combined with side scatter is generally sufficient to clearly distinguish lymphocytes from monocytes in the majority of peripheral blood samples, it is challenging to accurately gate lymphocytes in samples from patients with monocytosis or significant lymphopenia, or from very young infants. Addition of a monocyte marker to lymphocyte phenotyping panels for monocyte exclusion has previously been evaluated for improved discrimination of lymphocytes, albeit largely in healthy donor adult samples. Here we evaluate the effect of the addition of CD14 to a standard lymphocyte phenotyping panel on total lymphocyte, T, B, and NK cell percentages in a predominantly pediatric population of patients under evaluation chiefly for immunodeficiency, immune‐depletion, or immune reconstitution. Addition of CD14 to the standard lymphocyte phenotyping improved discrimination of lymphocytes from monocytes, resulted in decreased NK cell percentages, likely because CD16+ and/or CD56+ monocytes were included in the CD56+CD16+ NK cell gate with conventional gating, and although less significant, resulted in an increased percentage of B cells, since relatively larger B cells were likely gated out by more restrictive light scatter gating used with the conventional gating approach. The change in NK and B cell percentages were more pronounced in samples from patients below a year of age, and in patients who were relatively lymphopenic. These data suggest that addition of CD14 to conventional lymphocyte phenotyping panels that utilize CD45 versus side scatter gating results in significant improvement in the accuracy of lymphocyte gating, and accurate quantification of NK and B cells particularly in samples from infants and lymphopenic individuals.
AdaPtive and rObust Key pre‐distribution for multi‐phase IoT networks
Authors: Messai Mohamed‐Lamine
Published: May 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) networks continue to be deployed and play a crucial role in our daily life. Thus, ensuring their security is of utmost importance. This necessitates the use of cryptographic materials to maintain the confidentiality of exchanged data between IoT devices (or sensor nodes). The key component of these cryptographic materials is the encryption and decryption keys. In resource‐constrained networks like sensor and IoT networks, employing symmetric pairwise keys offers a trade‐off between resource saving and security. However, symmetric cryptosystems suffer from node compromising attacks. In addition, such networks often require the post‐deployment of new IoT devices either periodically or based on specific use cases leading to a multi‐phase IoT networks. So, key establishment is required to secure newly added node communications. This paper presents an adaPtive and rObust Key pre‐distribution (POK) that enables key establishment between deployed nodes. POK enhances the generation and pre‐loading of keys in sensor nodes. The fundamental concept of POK involves pre‐loading newly added IoT or sensor nodes with pairwise keys computed using a hash function and taking into account the expected number of future post‐deployments. Through a comparative analysis with related works, POK minimizes communication overhead, eliminates the need for time synchronization, and offers an energy‐efficient scheme. Furthermore, POK offers a resilience to node compromising attack by the self‐healing property, where compromised nodes have a limited effect on the network, and newly deployed nodes remain unaffected.
The “elongate chelicera problem”: A virtual approach in an extinct pterygotid sea scorpion from a 3D kinematic point of view
Authors: Schmidt Michel , Melzer Roland R.
Published: May 2024

Chelicerae, distinctive feeding appendages in chelicerates, such as spiders, scorpions, or horseshoe crabs, can be classified based on their orientation relative to the body axis simplified as either orthognathous (parallel) or labidognathous (inclined), exhibiting considerable diversity across various taxa. Among extinct chelicerates, sea scorpions belonging to the Pterygotidae represent the only chelicerates possessing markedly elongated chelicerae relative to body length. Despite various hypotheses regarding the potential ecological functions and feeding movements of these structures, no comprehensive 3D kinematic investigation has been conducted yet to test these ideas. In this study, we generated a comprehensive 3D model of the pterygotid Acutiramus, making the elongated right chelicera movable by equipping it with virtual joint axes for conducting Range of Motion analyses. Due to the absence in the fossil record of a clear indication of the chelicerae orientation and their potential lateral or ventral movements (vertical or horizontal insertion of joint axis 1), we explored the Range of Motion analyses under four distinct kinematic settings with two orientation modes (euthygnathous, klinogathous) analogous to the terminology of the terrestrial relatives. The most plausible kinematic setting involved euthygnathous chelicerae being folded ventrally over a horizontal joint axis. This configuration positioned the chelicera closest to the oral opening. Concerning the maximum excursion angle, our analysis revealed that the chela could open up to 70°, while it could be retracted against the basal element to a maximum of 145°. The maximum excursion in the proximal joint varied between 55° and 120° based on the insertion and orientation. Our findings underscore the utility of applying 3D kinematics to fossilized arthropods for addressing inquiries on functional ecology such as prey capture and handling, enabling insights into their possible behavioral patterns. Pterygotidae likely captured and processed their prey using the chelicerae, subsequently transporting it to the oral opening with the assistance of other prosomal appendages.
Blue‐Light Enhanced Iron Catalysed Hydrosilylation of Carboxamides and Carboxylic Esters at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Zhang Qingxin , Darcel Christophe
Published: May 2024

We report herein a blue‐light‐promoted iron‐catalyzed reduction of carboxamides and carboxylic esters. Conducting the reaction under hydrosilylation conditions and blue light (2×24 W, 450–460 nm) in the presence of an iron(0) based pre‐catalyst, Fe(CO)4(IMes), amines and alcohols were obtained, respectively, notably at ambient conditions, whereas using white light, higher reaction temperatures up to 100 °C were required. Preliminary mechanism studies highlighted the crucial role of blue light not only to generate the catalytic active species, but also in some steps of the catalytic cycle.
Effects of water extract from Nasturtium officinale R. Br. straw on growth and selenium uptake of peach seedlings
Authors: Wang Jun , Xu Xingting , Zhou Kexuan , Xu Yaxin , Jin Xin , Xiao Yunying , Xia Xianmin , Hu Rongping , Lin Lijin
Published: May 2024

The content of selenium (Se) in most horticultural crops is low. To improve Se uptake in fruit trees, we investigated the impact of water extract derived from Nasturtium officinale R. Br. straw on the growth and Se uptake of peach seedlings under Se‐enriched soil by a pot experiment. The water extract of N. officinale straw exhibited notable effects on various growth parameters and Se accumulation in peach seedlings, with the most significant outcomes observed at a 200‐fold dilution. Specifically, the extract led to substantial enhancements in biomass, photosynthetic pigment content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and soluble protein content in peach seedlings. Remarkably, the 200‐fold dilution of N. officinale straw extract resulted in a 60.78% increase in root biomass and a 31.26% increase in shoot biomass when compared to the control. Moreover, the water extract augmented the levels of total Se, inorganic Se, and organic Se, along with the activities of Se metabolism‐related enzymes in peach seedlings. Among various tested dilutions, the 300‐fold and 400‐fold dilutions of N. officinale straw extract exhibited the highest total Se contents in roots and shoots, respectively, indicating increments of 97.26% and 44.08% over their respective controls. Additionally, correlation and gray relational analyses unveiled significant associations between peroxidase activity, soluble protein content, chlorophyll a content, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and the total shoot Se content. In conclusion, the water extract of N. officinale straw holds substantial potential for promoting the growth and Se uptake in peach seedlings, with the best concentration of 300‐fold dilution.
Characterizing sand transport with various micro‐ridge spacings and heights
Authors: Jia Wenru , Li Xiuming , Li Shengyu , Li Qing , Wang Shijie , Yan Haiming , Xie Baoni , Wei Hao
Published: May 2024

In arid regions, the use of ridge cover as a traditional agricultural strategy has been effective in mitigating soil wind erosion. However, few studies have focused on the sand transport characteristics of different micro‐ridge spacings and heights. This study aimed to identify the mechanism by which ridges change the near‐surface sand transport. In a controlled wind tunnel environment, the aeolian sand flux structure and sand transport flux (qz) at heights from 0 to 0.7 m were measured. The results showed that, compared with no ridges, ridge covering could significantly modify the structure of aeolian sand flux near the surface, yielding a substantial reduction in the proportion of sand transport to the total sand transport in the 0‐ to 0.1‐m height layer. In the absence of ridges, blown sand was mainly concentrated in the 0‐ to 0.1‐m height layer, and qz decreased exponentially as the height increased. With various micro‐ridge spacings and heights, when H was less than 0.1 m and L was more than 15H, the blown sand also remained concentrated in the 0‐ to 0.1‐m height layer, and qz decreased exponentially as the height increased. When H increased to 0.15 m from 0.1 m and L decreased from 15H to 5H, the height of the blown sand was concentrated in the 0.3‐ to 0.4‐m layer. The blown sand layer of most ridge structures was concentrated at a height of 0.1–0.4 m, and the structure of the aeolian sand flux resembled an ‘elephant nose effect’. The total sand transport rate of all ridge structures was significantly lower than that with no ridges, indicating that a reasonable ridge structure can effectively prevent wind erosion.
Predisposing, triggering and runout processes at a permafrost‐affected rock avalanche site in the French Alps (Étache, June 2020)
Authors: Cathala Maëva , Bock Josué , Magnin Florence , Ravanel Ludovic , Ben Asher Matan , Astrade Laurent , Bodin Xavier , Chambon Guillaume , Deline Philip , Faug Thierry , Genuite Kim , Jaillet Stéphane , Josnin Jean‐Yves , Revil André , Richard Jessy
Published: May 2024

Although numerous recent studies have explored the relationship between permafrost degradation and rock slope failure, there is still a need for in‐depth investigations to develop relevant hazard assessment approaches. We investigate the predisposing, triggering and propagation processes of a rock avalanche (c. 225,000 m3) that occurred in Vallon d'Étache (France) on 18 June 2020, whose scar was coated by ice and water. Weather records and energy balance models show that the rock avalanche occurred right after the warmest spring and winter since at least 1985, but also right after the spring with the highest water supply anomaly (snowmelt and rainfall). Measured ground surface temperature and geoelectrical surveys reveal that relatively ice‐rich permafrost could exist in the NW face (release area) while it is inexistent below the SE face, contradicting certain permafrost maps. Heat transfer simulations suggest that the rock avalanche occurred during a transition from cold to warm permafrost conditions at failure depth (30 m), with a temperature increase of up to 0.6°C per decade since 2012 (when considering potential snow cover effect), and current temperature ranging between −3 and −1°C, depending on the applied model forcing. This warming certainly contributed to predispose slope to failure. In addition, the shift towards warm permafrost and water infiltration potentially enhancing permafrost degradation along fractures through heat advection or favouring the development of high hydrostatic pressures may have played as triggering factors. Finally, propagation simulations show that the rock avalanche involved several phases with different rheological properties due to the incorporation of snow and material segregation within the deposit. These new insights at various scales highlight the complexity of the triggering and propagation processes of rock slope failure occurring in high mountains, a significant part of which can be linked to snow effects on ground temperature, water supply and rheological properties.
Experimental study on critical sand production pressure gradient at different production stages of high temperature and high pressure tight sandstone gas reservoir
Authors: Li Yi‐Long , Li Cai‐Shen , Tuo Hong , Wu Bei‐Bei , Chen Chang‐Hao
Published: May 2024

Sand production is a common issue in sandstone gas reservoir development, severely impacting the productivity of sandstone gas wells. In order to thoroughly investigate the sand production characteristics of high‐temperature and high‐pressure tight sandstone gas reservoirs, this study focuses on six core samples from tight sandstone gas reservoirs(three samples with fractures), under reservoir conditions (185 MPa, 160°C), sand production experiments were conducted to thoroughly investigate the sand production patterns in sandstone reservoirs under the combined influence of different effective stresses and production pressure differentials. The results indicate: (1) under the simultaneous increase of effective pressure and production pressure differential, sand production near the wellbore (r = 0.1 m) becomes more likely in the reservoir; (2) in actual reservoirs without fractures near the wellbore (r = 0.1 m), sand production phenomena do not occur; (3) reservoirs with fractures near the wellbore (r = 0.1 m) are more prone to sand production, under an effective stress of 90 MPa, with specimens containing fractures exhibiting a 76.48% lower critical sand production pressure gradient compared to those without fractures; (4) when the pore fluid pressure is 95 MPa, the maximum gas production rate for Well X without sand production is 12.4 × 104 m3/d. The experimental results have guiding significance for the rational production of gas wells in this type of reservoir.
Advancing freshwater science with sensor data collected by community scientists
Authors: Oviedo‐Vargas Diana , Peipoch Marc , Ensign Scott H , Bressler David , Arscott David B , Jackson John K
Published: May 2024

Autonomous sensor networks providing real‐time data are growing in popularity with community scientists due to instant availability of high‐frequency data. What role does this monitoring play in watershed assessment alongside agency‐run monitoring programs? How accessible, interoperable, and reusable are the data for other researchers? We compared a community science‐led stream monitoring network—EnviroDIY—in the Delaware River Basin, in which more than 50 watershed organizations have deployed more than 100 stations monitoring temperature, electric conductivity, depth, and sometimes turbidity, with the Basin's US Geological Survey (USGS) stream gauge network. The EnviroDIY network (n = 124) complemented the USGS network (n = 102) by monitoring sites with different watershed sizes and land‐use distributions. Although data were accessible and interoperable using a web data portal, community scientists had difficulty sharing metadata that would enable data reuse outside this project and they required support analyzing these large datasets to understand threats to watershed conditions. We address those needs here with a conceptual framework for interpreting data and communicating results.
Translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Swahili Pain Catastrophizing Scale among refugees who survived torture and/or war trauma in Kenya: An observational study
Authors: Kibet Jepkemoi J. , Phillips Joliana S. , Latrous Mariem C. , Khalil Hanan , Morris Linzette D.
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Accurate assessment of any patient relies on the use of appropriate measurements which are culturally‐ and linguistically‐applicable and valid. The following study aimed to translate, cross‐culturally adapt and test the nomological validity, structural validity, internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, sensitivity‐to‐change and feasibility of the Swahili version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (Swa‐PCS) among refugees who survived torture/war trauma living with chronic pain in Kenya.

Methods

An observational study was conducted. Translation and cultural adaptation of the original PCS for the Swahili‐speaking refugee population in Kenya, who survived torture or war trauma was undertaken. Following this process, a validation study was conducted on the newly‐adapted instrument, to ascertain the psychometric properties (nomological validity, structural validity, internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, sensitivity‐to change, and ceiling and floor effects).

Results

Fifty participants were included in this study. Correlations between pain catastrophization and fear‐avoidance behavior measures were significant (r = 0.538, p < 0.01). Ceiling effects were 42−48% with no floor effects. Standard errors of measurement values were between 0.938 and 3.38. Minimal‐detectable‐change values were between 2.17 and 7.82. Internal consistency was satisfactory to good, for the whole and subsections respectively (range α = 0.693−0.845). Magnification had the lowest α. Test−retest reliability was also satisfactory to good (range ICC =  0.672−0.878). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the Swa‐PCS had three factors which explained the majority of the variance. Root mean square error of approximation and comparative fit index were calculated for goodness‐of‐fit assessment, and were 0.18 and 0.83, respectively.

Conclusion

This study showed that the adapted Swa‐PCS displayed overall satisfactory to good internal consistency, test‐retest reliability and sensitivity‐to‐change. Furthermore, the Swa‐PCS scores were related to fear‐avoidance behavior scores as expected (nomological validity). Structural validation of the Swa‐PCS requires further investigation. Further testing of the psychometric properties of the Swa‐PCS is however warranted.
The protective effect of dietary folate intake on gastric cancer is modified by alcohol consumption: A pooled analysis of the StoP Consortium
Authors: Gonzalez‐Palacios Sandra , Compañ‐Gabucio Laura‐María , Torres‐Collado Laura , Oncina‐Canovas Alejandro , García‐de‐la‐Hera Manuela , Collatuzzo Giulia , Negri Eva , Pelucchi Claudio , Rota Matteo , López‐Carrillo Lizbeth , Lunet Nuno , Morais Samantha , Ward Mary H. , Martin Vicente , Lozano‐Lorca Macarena , Malekzadeh Reza , Pakseresht Mohammadreza , Hernández‐Ramírez Raúl Ulises , Bonzi Rossella , Patel Linia , López‐Cervantes Malaquias , Rabkin Charles S. , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hidaka Akihisa , Trichopoulou Antonia , Karakatsani Anna , Camargo M. Constanza , Curado Maria Paula , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , La Vecchia Carlo , Boffetta Paolo , Vioque Jesús
Published: May 2024

Dietary folate intake has been identified as a potentially modifiable factor of gastric cancer (GC) risk, although the evidence is still inconsistent. We evaluate the association between dietary folate intake and the risk of GC as well as the potential modification effect of alcohol consumption. We pooled data for 2829 histologically confirmed GC cases and 8141 controls from 11 case–control studies from the international Stomach Cancer Pooling Consortium. Dietary folate intake was estimated using food frequency questionnaires. We used linear mixed models with random intercepts for each study to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Higher folate intake was associated with a lower risk of GC, although this association was not observed among participants who consumed >2.0 alcoholic drinks/day. The OR for the highest quartile of folate intake, compared with the lowest quartile, was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.67–0.90, P‐trend = 0.0002). The OR per each quartile increment was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.87–0.96) and, per every 100 μg/day of folate intake, was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.84–0.95). There was a significant interaction between folate intake and alcohol consumption (P‐interaction = 0.02). The lower risk of GC associated with higher folate intake was not observed in participants who consumed >2.0 drinks per day, ORQ4v Q1 = 1.15 (95% CI, 0.85–1.56), and the OR100 μg/day = 1.02 (95% CI, 0.92–1.15). Our study supports a beneficial effect of folate intake on GC risk, although the consumption of >2.0 alcoholic drinks/day counteracts this beneficial effect.
Mapping the correlations between bandgap, HOMO, and LUMO trends for meta substituted Zn‐MOFs
Authors: Williamson Kyle I. , Herr Daniel J. C. , Mo Yirong
Published: May 2024

Bandgap is a key property that determines electrical and optical properties in materials. Modulating the bandgap thus is critical in developing novel materials particularly semiconductors with improved features. This study examines the bandgap, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level trends in a metal organic framework, metal–organic framework 5 (MOF‐5), as a function of Hammett substituent effect (with the constant σm in the meta‐position of the benzene ring) and solvent dielectric effect (with the constant ε). Specifically, experimental design and response surface methodologies helped to assess the significance of trends and correlations between these molecular properties with σm and ε. While the HOMO and LUMO decrease with increasing σm, the LUMO exhibits greater sensitivity to the substituent's electron withdrawing capability. The relative difference in these trends helps to explain why the bandgap tends to decrease with increasing σm.
Performance evaluation of Bi/Zn‐impregnated commercial TiO2 nanoparticles for photocatalytic nitrobenzene decomposition
Authors: Mishra Saurav , Chakinala Nandana , Chakinala Anand G. , Surolia Praveen K.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Commercial TiO2 nanoparticles were subjected to modification through Bi and Zn metal doping. The resulting catalysts were comprehensively characterized, and their performance was then reviewed for removal of model pollutant nitrobenzene in water.

RESULTS

Amidst the synthesized catalysts, the co‐doping of Bi/Zn (0.25:0.75 wt%) demonstrated the best photocatalytic degradation activity, achieving 95% degradation within 90 min of reaction time, with 2.99 × 10−2 min−1 rate constant value. The involvement of different radicals during the degradation process was elucidated by employing appropriate radical scavengers. Furthermore, the degradation results were investigated applying the first‐order kinetic model, leading to the determination of reaction rate constants and initial rates of the degradation process.

CONCLUSION

An improved photocatalytic activity was observed with metal doping due to the synergistic effect of doped metals with commercial TiO2 and profound charge transfer among them. It was observed that performance was increased with temperature rise in the practical range of application, that is, 5–20 °C. This behavior was due to high rate of movement of charge carriers. Further, involvement and functioning of various radical species such as h+, OH− and O2− in nitrobenzene degradation were successfully established using appropriate radical scavengers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Familial communication and cascade testing following elective genomic testing
Authors: Adelson Sophia M. , Blout Zawatsky Carrie L. , Hickingbotham Madison R. , Bell Megan E. , Platt Dylan M. , Leonhard Jennifer R. , Zoltick Emilie S. , Hajek Catherine A. , Green Robert C. , Christensen Kurt D.
Published: May 2024

Familial communication of results and cascade genetic testing (CGT) can extend the benefits of genetic screening beyond the patient to their at‐risk relatives. While an increasing number of health systems are offering genetic screening as an elective clinical service, data are limited about how often results are shared and how often results lead to CGT. From 2018 to 2022, the Sanford Health system offered the Sanford Chip, an elective genomic test that included screening for medically actionable predispositions for disease recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics for secondary findings disclosure, to its adult primary care patients. We analyzed patient‐reported data about familial sharing of results and CGT among patients who received Sanford Chip results at least 1 year previously. Among the patients identified with medically actionable predispositions, 94.6% (53/56) reported disclosing their result to at least one family member, compared with 46.7% (423/906) of patients with uninformative findings (p < 0.001). Of the patients with actionable predispositions, 52.2% (12/23) with a monogenic disease risk and 12.1% (4/33) with a carrier status reported that their relatives underwent CGT. Results suggest that while the identification of monogenic risk during elective genomic testing motivates CGT in many at‐risk relatives, there remain untested at‐risk relatives who may benefit from future CGT. Findings identify an area that may benefit from increased genetic counseling and the development of tools and resources to encourage CGT for family members.
Lymph node tuberculosis‐associated paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a non‐HIV patient: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Guimarães André Rodrigues , Bastos Juliana , Santos Lurdes , Silva‐Pinto André
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health threat, especially in HIV patients who may experience immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Diagnosing and defining IRIS in non‐HIV patients remains challenging. A 63‐year‐old male with acute leukaemia underwent induction therapy with a regimen containing fludarabine. Febrile neutropenia led to further investigations, revealing non‐cavitary pulmonary TB, prompting anti‐tuberculosis therapy (ATT) alongside resumed leukaemia treatment with sorafenib. Persistent extra‐pulmonary TB, specifically lymph node involvement, were observed and IRIS was suspected, evidenced by enlarged lymphadenopathies, scrofula, and skin lesions that developed during the 13‐month course of ATT, with no recurrence after its cessation. This article explores a case of lymph node TB‐associated paradoxical IRIS in a non‐HIV leukaemia patient, revealing the intricate interplay between tuberculosis and haematological malignancies and emphasizing the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment consensus. Challenges in lymph node TB diagnosis and management highlight the need for tailored therapeutic approaches. The report explores the potential immunomodulatory effects of fludarabine and sorafenib, questioning their roles in TB‐IRIS. This case illuminates TB‐IRIS dynamics in non‐HIV patients, urging further research and collaborative efforts to enhance understanding and outcomes. As medical complexities persist, personalized therapeutic approaches and advancements in TB‐IRIS research are crucial.
Discernable machine learning methods for Raman micro‐spectroscopic stratification of mitoxantrone‐induced drug‐resistant cells in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Anjikar Ajinkya , Iwasaki Keita , Paneerselvam Rajapandian , Hole Arti , Chilakapati Murali Krishna , Noothalapati Hemanth , Dutt Shilpee , Yamamoto Tatsuyuki
Published: May 2024

Drug resistance plays a vital role in both cancer treatment and prognosis. Especially, early insights into such drug‐induced resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can help to improve treatment plans, reduce costs, and bring overall positive outcomes for patients. Raman spectroscopy provides precise biomolecular information and can provide all these necessities effectively. In this study, we employed machine learning (ML) discrimination of Raman micro‐spectroscopic data of myelocytic leukemia cell line HL‐60 from its drug‐resistant counterpart HL‐60/MX2. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and logistic regression (LR) methods were evaluated for their ability to identify and discriminate drug resistance in AML cells. Our study demonstrates the power of ML to classify drug‐induced resistance in AML cells utilizing subtle variations in biomolecular information contained in molecular spectroscopic data by obtaining 94.11% and 97.05% classification accuracies by LDA and LR models, respectively. We also showed that the ML methods are discernable. Our findings depict the importance of automation and its optimal usage in cancer study and diagnosis. The results of our study are expected to take ML‐assisted Raman spectroscopy one step closer to making it a generalized tool in medical diagnosis in the future.