bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atypical Regional Accent in Autistic Children: A Perception Study
Authors: Beccaria Federica , Gagliardi Gloria , Kissine Mikhail 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAutistic children are frequently said to speak with accents that markedly differ from those of their linguistic communities. To date, these anecdotal reports have never been tested or explained. We ran two perception studies using short audio recordings of autistic and typically developing children from the Campania region in Italy. The variety of Italian to which children are exposed in this region markedly differs from those spoken in the rest of Italy. Participant responses about the children's geographical origin show: (a) That autistic children's accent is devoid of the regional features of their community; (b) resembles the standard variety used in cartoons and child television programs. The judgments about children's accents are, furthermore, independent of the overall perception of speech atypicality. This paper shows that the accent of autistic children may diverge from that of their caregivers and peers because of the lasting influence of non‐interactional, screen sources on their speech.
Robust Autism Spectrum Disorder‐Related Spatial Covariance Gray Matter Pattern Revealed With a Large‐Scale Multi‐Center Dataset
Authors: Ma Sheng‐Zhi , Wang Xing‐Ke , Yang Chen , Dong Wen‐Qiang , Chen Dan‐Dan , Song Chao , Zhang Qiu‐Rong , Zang Yu‐Feng , Yuan Li‐Xia 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and its underlying neuroanatomical mechanisms still remain unclear. The scaled subprofile model of principal component analysis (SSM‐PCA) is a data‐driven multivariate technique for capturing stable disease‐related spatial covariance pattern. Here, SSM‐PCA is innovatively applied to obtain robust ASD‐related gray matter volume pattern associated with clinical symptoms. We utilized T1‐weighted structural MRI images (sMRI) of 576 subjects (288 ASDs and 288 typically developing (TD) controls) aged 7–29 years from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange II (ABIDE II) dataset. These images were analyzed with SSM‐PCA to identify the ASD‐related spatial covariance pattern. Subsequently, we investigated the relationship between the pattern and clinical symptoms and verified its robustness. Then, the applicability of the pattern under different age stages were further explored. The results revealed that the ASD‐related pattern primarily involves the thalamus, putamen, parahippocampus, orbitofrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The expression of this pattern correlated with Social Response Scale and Social Communication Questionnaire scores. Moreover, the ASD‐related pattern was robust for the ABIDE I dataset. Regarding the applicability of the pattern for different age stages, the effect sizes of its expression in ASD were medium in the children and adults, while small in adolescents. This study identified a robust ASD‐related pattern based on gray matter volume that is associated with social deficits. Our findings provide new insights into the neuroanatomical mechanisms of ASD and may facilitate its future intervention.
An idea to explore: Using origami to learn molecular structure of biomolecules
Authors: Vega‐Garzón Juan Carlos , Chaverra‐Rodriguez Duverney 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic affected a large range of in‐person education activities in Colombia. This created great limitations in academic performance for students with reduced access to communication technologies and deepened the educational gaps in the country. This was particularly true for sciences such as biochemistry. In Colombia, molecular structure is a subject traditionally taught through 2D drawings and static diagrams because software and 3D artifacts are not available to all students. Thus, it is essential to develop and apply strategies to study molecular structure; especially tools that are accessible and can be easily built and used at home in rural areas of the country. Here, we propose the use of origami as a tool to teach molecular structure to second year college students in Colombia. We describe the development and the implementation of the tool adjusted to students' needs regarding their visual, tactile, and other experiential learning. We included serious game elements during the implementation to engage participation and teamwork. Students' perception about the use and utility of origami to study molecular structure was favorable, highlighting its simplicity and powerfulness to help them grasp key concepts in chemistry. This motivates us to propose this idea to explore and continue improving the strategy in the classroom.
Making Sustainability Tensions Salient: Changing Information or People?
Authors: Manzhynski Siarhei , Figge Frank , Thorpe Andrea Stevenson 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSustainability issues are associated with numerous tensions. These tensions are sometimes being referred to as wicked or even paradoxical. As long as tensions stay latent for organizational members, they will not be perceived and, thus, will not be adequately managed. The question of how tensions become salient is therefore of particular interest. Prior research suggests that contextual and cognitive factors render latent tensions salient and argues that advanced cognition is required to recognize sustainability tensions. In this paper, we show that developing cognition is only one possible strategy. We argue that information links a situation with actors' cognition and is therefore vital for rendering latent sustainability tensions salient. We show that simplifying information and making information more complex are two additional ways to recognize sustainability tensions. The situation–information–cognition (SIC) rule we develop in this article shows when and under which conditions the three strategies apply interchangeably or in combination.
Tuning the Electronic and Optical Properties of Cu2ZnSn1−xGexS4 Alloys for Photovoltaic Applications: A Hybrid Density Functional Theory and Device Simulation Approach
Authors: Goumri‐Said Souraya , Ziane Mohamed Issam , Belarbi Mousaab , Kanoun Mohammed Benali 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, we explore the electronic and optical properties of Cu2ZnSn1−xGexS4 using density functional theory combined with hybrid functional calculations. Alloying Cu2ZnSnS4 with Ge and the formation of a band gap gradient are investigated as strategies to improve the efficiency of single‐junction photovoltaic (PV) devices and as top cells in tandem solar cells. Our findings reveal that increasing Ge concentration leads to a rise in the band gap, with a small bowing constant (b ≈ 0.02 eV) indicating good miscibility of Ge in the host lattice. The electronic properties suggest that lower Ge incorporation may be optimal for PV applications. Additionally, device simulations were conducted to evaluate the impact of Cu2ZnSn1−xGexS4 layer thickness on device performance, with and without a back surface field. The integration of first‐principles calculations with SCAPS‐1D simulations offers a comprehensive framework for predicting the performance of Cu2ZnSn1−xGexS4 solar cells, highlighting the potential of Ge alloying for enhancing PV efficiency.
Designing Human–Robot Interaction Algorithms for Developing Metacognitive Skills
Authors: Barın Özkan Sibel , Burak İnner A. , Toz Metin , Ünlü Berke 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn today's technology, robots are involved in all life aspects. Therefore, it is inconceivable that robots will not affect the field of education either. Robot simulators can help developers test and improve intelligent systems before putting them in natural environments. In this study, the use of robots in education has been discussed in relation to the development of metacognitive abilities. A simulation environment was prepared for testing and developing the methods that follow learning models in human–robot interaction. The simulation is about a humanoid robot making an engineering lesson plan. It has been tested on a group of academicians consisting of 64 (32 persons in the experimental group and 32 persons in the control group) persons working in Computer Engineering in the 2021–2022 academic year. The application process includes an 8‐week course period. The data as the result of the test were collected from both groups using the MCQ‐30 scale and from the experimental group by the metacognitive strategy questions after preparing the engineering lesson plans made by robot simulation. Evaluation of the data showed that the robot simulation was effective in the metacognition scores of the people in the experimental group, and the success level of the people in the control group did not change significantly, considering the results of the pretest and the posttest.
Purple and red rice (Oryza sativa L.) bran polyphenols show antiobesity and antidiabetic activities
Authors: Boue Stephen M. , Broussard William , Michelz Abigail 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRice bran is a source of bioactive polyphenols. This study aimed to characterize the antidiabetic potential of different rice brans (one brown, two red, and two purple) by examining their ability to inhibit α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase, and to stimulate glucose uptake in adipocytes.FindingsAll pigmented bran extracts significantly inhibited α‐glucosidase. Both red rice brans inhibited α‐amylase close to 50% at the highest dose tested. All four pigmented rice brans inhibited lipase in vitro (IC50 values 4.38–10.09 mg/mL). The pigmented rice brans studied contained higher levels of total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity when compared to brown rice bran. Purple bran contained anthocyanins and red brans contained proanthocyanidins. The pigmented brans consisted of higher levels of total benzoic acids, while the brown rice bran had higher levels of total cinnamic acids. Tricin was identified in all pigmented brans.ConclusionsOur study indicates that pigmented rice brans have the ability to manage obesity and diabetes due to their inhibitory effects on lipid and carbohydrate digestion. Several bioactive polyphenols were identified.Significance and NoveltyThe potential of pigmented rice bran to inhibit α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and lipase was confirmed.
Bismuth Schiff base complex and its oxide nanoparticles as photocatalyst for the removal of dyes from water
Authors: Shaabani Behrouz , Soleimaninia Shadi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBismuth oxide and bismuth complexes with organic ligands, particularly Schiff bases, have received much attention due to their non‐toxicity, antibacterial, and photocatalytic properties in removing water and environmental contaminants by oxidative degradation. This work investigates the synthesis of bismuth complexes with the salicylidine Schiff base ligand of H2L through hydrothermal and solvothermal methods, the preparation of bismuth oxide nanoparticles from these complexes, and the synthesis of bismuth oxide nanoparticles from bismuth nitrate. To characterize the products, several techniques including infrared, UV–vis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used. Hydrothermally and solvothermally produced bismuth(III) complexes with H2L had particle sizes of about 46 and 15 nm, respectively, while oxide nanoparticles made from them had sizes of about 42 and 52 nm, respectively.The study also investigates the usage of complexes and oxide nanoparticles as photocatalysts under an ultraviolet (UV) lamp (30 W) irradiation to remove contaminants such as methyl orange, acid red 14, orange acid 7, and malachite green from water. The results showed that the bismuth complexes and oxide nanoparticles effectively remove these dyes from contaminated water samples.
Optoelectronic Properties and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Application of Donor‐Acceptor Dyads Derived From 2,6‐DicarboxyBODIPY
Authors: Sheehan Aimee , Okkelman Irina A. , Groslambert Geoffrey , Bucher Christophe , Dmitriev Ruslan I. , Filatov Mikhail A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDonor‐acceptor BODIPY dyads, functionalized at the 2 and 6 positions with benzyl ester (BDP‐DE) or carboxylic acid (BDP‐DA) groups, were synthesized, and their optoelectronic properties were investigated. Carbonyl groups were found to increase the reduction potential of the BODIPY core by 0.15–0.4 eV compared to regular alkyl‐substituted BODIPYs. These compounds exhibited efficient intramolecular charge separation and triplet state formation through the spin‐orbit charge transfer intersystem crossing (SOCT‐ISC) process, achieving singlet oxygen quantum yields of up to 92 %, depending on the solvent polarity. Notably, the fluorescence and singlet oxygen generation of BDP‐DAs were found to depend on the ionization state of the carboxylic groups. Time‐resolved fluorescence measurements revealed that complexation of BDP‐DAs with bovine serum albumine (BSA) significantly extended their excited state lifetimes. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) studies of human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) cells and pig small intestinal organoids (enteroids) provided insights into subcellular localization. The diacid with 2,4‐dimethoxyphenyl group at the meso‐position (DA1) displayed longer lifetimes in lipid‐droplet‐like structures and shorter lifetimes in cytoplasmic regions. The diacid containing a meso‐anthracenyl group (DA2) formed ′islands’ in cell monolayers, exhibiting a distinct lifetime gradient from the periphery to the center. These results highlight the potential of donor‐acceptor BODIPYs as fluorescent probes for biological imaging, particularly in revealing subtle differences in cellular environments.
Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Evolution
Authors: Katsamitros Andreas , Giannakakis Antonios N. , Karamoschos Nikolaos , Karousis Nikolaos , Tasis Dimitrios 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) are considered advanced class materials due to their exotic structural and optical properties. The abundance of starting monomers with variable linkage motifs may give rise to multiple conformations in either 2D or 3D fashion. Tailoring of the abovementioned properties has facilitated the application of COFs in a wide range of applications, which are strongly correlated with energy conversion schemes. Having a crystalline porous character and a large set of donor‐acceptor combinations, COFs are expected to make huge impact in photocatalytic processes. In this Review, we present the recent advances in the development of semiconducting COF‐based systems towards the photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide evolution. An overview is given about the effect of various parameters on the photocatalytic performance, such as charge transfer tuning, wettability by chemical functionalization, topology, porosity and crystallinity. Various challenges are discussed, and constructive insights are given for the development of highly functional COF‐based photocatalysts for H2O2 evolution.
Synthesis, Anticonvulsant, Antinociceptive Activity and Preliminary Safety Evaluations of Novel Hybrid Imidazolidine‐2,4‐Dione Derivatives with Morpholine Moiety
Authors: Czopek Anna , Byrtus Hanna , Góra Małgorzata , Rapacz Anna , Sałat Kinga , Koczurkiewicz‐Adamczyk Paulina , Pękala Elżbieta , Obniska Jolanta , Kamiński Krzysztof 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to design new hybrid compounds with imidazolidin‐2,4‐dione and morpholine rings as broad spectrum anticonvulsants. To achieve this goal, all compounds were evaluated in animal seizure models, namely the maximal electroshock (MES), the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ), and selected in the 6 Hz (32 mA) tests. The most promising compound, 5‐isopropyl‐3‐(morpholinomethyl)‐5‐phenylimidazolidine‐2,4‐dione (19), demonstrated broader anticonvulsant activity than phenytoin or levetiracetam, with ED50 of 26.3 mg/kg (MES), 11.1 mg/kg and 40.9 mg/kg (6 Hz, 32 and 44 mA, respectively). Compared to phenytoin, compound 19 was active in both MES and 6 Hz (32 and 44 mA) tests. It showed nearly 1.5‐fold higher efficacy than levetiracetam in the 6 Hz (32 mA test), but unlike levetiracetam, it was also active in 6 Hz (44 mA) test. Moreover, compound 23 (3‐(morpholinomethyl)‐5,5‐diphenylimidazolidine‐2,4‐dione), displayed similar anticonvulsant efficacy to phenytoin and slightly higher activity than levetiracetam in 6 Hz (32 mA) test. In vitro binding studies showed that compound 23 inhibited weakly sodium and calcium channels, whereas compound 19 did not exhibit this effect. Importantly, both 19 and 23 showed no cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells (MTT test). Unfortunately, these compounds didn′t show antinociceptive activity in the oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathic pain model.
Ultrastructural Remodeling of Cardiomyocytes in Postinfarction Myocardium of Rats in the Late Stages of the Disease
Authors: Fedotov Sergei A. , Stepanov Andrei V. , Sakuta Galina A. , Andreev Ivan S. , Ivanova Marina S. , Baidyuk Ekaterina V. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIdentifying factors that contribute to the transition to the dilated phase in cardiac ischemia is a critical challenge in heart failure treatment. Currently, no effective therapies exist for this ischemic complication, and the mechanisms driving left ventricular dilatation during chronic post‐infarction remodeling remain poorly understood. One potential pathological process leading to ventricular dilatation involves specific compensatory rearrangements in the border zone adjacent to the infarct, which isolates the intact myocardium from inflammation at the scar edge. Using a rat model, we examined ultrastructural changes in the intact and border zones of post‐infarction myocardium at chronic stages. Morphometric analysis of myofibrils, mitochondria, and excitation‐contraction coupling structures revealed similar remodeling processes in both zones at 2 weeks post‐infarction, characterized by decreased myofibril density, reduced mitochondrial area and volume density, and shortened contacts between T‐tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum. At 26 weeks post‐infarction, during the dilated cardiomyopathy phase, we observed distinct compensatory changes in the border zone. Specifically, there was a loose arrangement of myofibrils and an increased volume fraction of mitochondria. These differences in remodeling between the intact and border zones highlight factors contributing to ventricular dilatation and help the development of new therapeutic strategies to delay heart failure progression in cardiac ischemia.
An Estimate of Wolverine Density for the Canadian Province of Alberta
Authors: Fisher Jason T. , Jahid Mehnaz , Gutsell Robin , Hubbs Anne , Cowen Laura L. E. , Barrueto Mirjam , Heim Nicole , Paczkowski John 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWolverines (Gulo gulo) are a circumboreal species that has experienced substantial range reduction worldwide. In Canada, the wolverine has been extirpated entirely from the east, and from prairie regions in the west. The province of Alberta holds the south‐central portion of wolverines' Canadian range, and there they have been designated as Data Deficient since 2001 due to a historical lack of information. Our aim was to provide a first approximation of a wolverine abundance estimate at the provincial scale to inform science‐based management as well as status designation. We synthesised existing density estimates and wolverine–habitat relationships to create a province‐wide density estimate for wolverines. Densities were derived from five landscapes, spanning protected National Parks in the Rocky Mountains, the highly developed Foothills and the northcentral and northwestern boreal forests. Densities were estimated using spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) models. Densities ranged from 6.74 wolverines/1000 km2 in the northwest boreal to 0.71 wolverines/1000 km2 in the foothills. The proportion of adults was based on a study from the northwest, which estimated 57% adults to 43% subadults. Extrapolating densities across natural subregions (bioclimatic ecoregions), based on known habitat relationships, it was estimated that there were 955 wolverines in the province, of which 544 were adults. This number falls well below an IUCN threshold for a legally listed species; we suggest a reassessment of the wolverine status in Alberta and considering commensurate conservation actions.
Modeling and Response of a Three‐Story Steel Building With Sliding Slabs in Earthquake Motions
Authors: Córdova Alvaro , Chou Chung‐Che , Wu Chi‐Jeng , Tsampras Georgios , Uang Chia‐Ming , Chao Shih‐Ho 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn conventional steel building construction, the slabs are rigidly connected to the beams by steel‐headed stud anchors. This study explores a novel sliding slab system where the slabs are allowed to slide with respect to the steel frame by adding low‐friction Teflon pads and a horizontal all‐steel sandwiched buckling‐restrained brace (H‐SBRB) to enhance the seismic response of the building system. In this work, the effectiveness of this system in enhancing the seismic response is evaluated by constructing and validating a numerical model of a full‐scale three‐story steel dual‐frame building equipped with a buckling restrained braced frame (BRBF). The frame specimen was subjected to strong ground motions simulated using a shaking table at the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering in Tainan, Taiwan. A component test of the Teflon was conducted, where the frictional behavior displayed a velocity‐dependence, and the results were integrated into the analytical model. The model showed a good correlation with the test results, particularly in drift response, slab response, floor acceleration, and overall sliding response. Two H‐SBRB design forces, referred to as Design 1 and Design 2, were presented, and the slab sliding response was obtained by conducting nonlinear response history analyses. Design 1 reduced the floor accelerations by 19%, the interstory drifts by 15%, and the total base shear by 13% compared to a building model with rigidly‐connected slabs. In Design 2, the H‐SBRB design force was reduced, leading to a reduction in floor acceleration by 31% and interstory drift by 34%.
Guidelines for study the oxidative stress damage and mechanism of on Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chen Shengxiong , Zhou Pengren , Lu Rui , Wang Yangyang , Cao Hui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOxidative stress, caused by free radicals damaging cellular structures, is associated with various diseases. Effective research on oxidative stress mechanisms and potential therapies requires robust model organisms. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is an ideal model due to its small size, high transparency, and ease of cultivation. Additionally, C. elegans exhibits human‐like responses under oxidative stress, such as changes in antioxidant enzyme activity, accumulation of oxidative damage, and regulation of antioxidant‐related gene expression. This guideline outlines methods for utilizing C. elegans in oxidative stress research, detailing the construction of oxidative stress models and corresponding detection indicators. This comprehensive approach aims to advance the study of oxidative stress and the evaluation of antioxidants.