bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient thermomechanically coupled FE‐FFT‐based multiscale simulation of polycrystals
Authors: Gierden Christian , Schmidt Annika , Waimann Johanna , Svendsen Bob , Reese Stefanie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn general, the overall macroscopic material behavior of any structural component is directly dependent on its underlying microstructure. For metal components, the associated microstructure is given in terms of a polycrystal. To enable the simulation of the related microstructural and overall elasto‐viscoplastic material behavior, a two‐scale simulation approach can be used. In this context, we use a FE‐FFT‐based two‐scale method, which is an efficient alternative to the classical FE2 method for the simulation of periodic microstructures. In addition, we consider a thermomechanically coupled framework to account for both thermal and mechanical loads. Finally, we incorporate a model order reduction technique based on a coarsely discretized microstructure to develop an efficient two‐scale simulation technique. As a demonstration of the feasibility of the proposed simulation framework, a numerical example will be investigated.
Exploring how general education teachers use school‐based consultation
Authors: DeFouw Emily R. , Owens Julie S. , Pastrana Rivera Freddie A. , Lee Mary , Evans Steven W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUnderstanding general education teachers' experiences with and goals for school‐based consultation is warranted to address class‐wide and individual student concerns. In a sample of 66 general education teachers, we described their experiences with (1) informal consultation with colleagues, (2) school team meeting consultation, and (3) ongoing, structured consultation. Results indicated teachers received consultation most often for challenging individual student behavior and individual student academics (rather than for class‐wide behavior management or academic instruction) and received consultation from teachers and administrators (rather than from school psychologists or behavioral consultants). Teachers reported higher satisfaction during informal consultations than in team meetings. When teachers received ongoing, structured consultation, most reported three or more sessions with one to two observations. Implications for assessing and improving school‐based teacher consultation are discussed.
Extreme environments as sources of fungal endophytes mitigating climate change impacts on crops in Mediterranean‐type ecosystems
Authors: Ballesteros Gabriel I. , Newsham Kevin K. , Acuña‐Rodríguez Ian S. , Atala Cristian , Torres‐Díaz Cristian , Molina‐Montenegro Marco A. 
Published: September 2023

Societal Impact StatementClimate change is predicted to increase drought and soil salinity in Mediterranean‐type ecosystems (MTEs), posing a significant threat to global food security. Genetic modification of crops to counteract this threat is expensive and has not met with universal support, and alternatives are hence needed to enhance crop production in MTEs. Here, fungal endophytes from the Atacama Desert, High Andes and Antarctica inoculated onto three crops were found to alleviate the negative effects of drought and salinity on plant performance. The study concludes that extremophile endophytes might be used to enhance crop performance as the climate of MTEs changes over future decades.Summary

Climate change will curtail the ability to provide sufficient food for our rapidly expanding population. Improvements to crop production in changing environments, particularly Mediterranean‐type ecosystems (MTEs), which are increasingly subjected to drought and salinisation, are hence urgently needed. Here, we explored the possibility that fungal endophytes from extreme environments can be used to enhance crop yield, survival and tolerance to environmental stresses.
Plants of lettuce, tomato and bell pepper were inoculated with up to six species of endophytic fungi isolated from the Atacama Desert, the High Andes and Antarctica. They were then exposed in the field for up to 120 days in each of three summers to current climatic conditions or to a future climate scenario simulating increased drought and soil salinisation.
Compared with uninoculated plants, the yield and survival of inoculated crops were increased by up to two‐fold under the future climate scenario. These effects were in part attributable to the improved water balance of inoculated crops exposed to drought and salinisation. The inocula also increased the concentrations of total phenols and proline in leaves and decreased lipid peroxidation when plants were subjected to increased aridity and salinity. A mixed inoculum of six endophytes from the extreme environments conferred the most beneficial effects on crop performance, with a commercially available inoculum having fewer positive effects on crops.
We conclude that the inoculation of crops with endophytes from extreme environments may be a viable solution to sustaining crop production in MTEs exposed to rapid climate change.
Combined Facile Synthesis, Purification, and Surface Functionalization Approach Yields Monodispersed Gold Nanorods for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Han Shunping , Al‐Jamal Khuloud T. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSynthesizing gold nanorods (AuNRs) by seed‐mediated growth method results in the presence of undesired size and shape particles by‐products occupying 10–90% of the population. In this study, AuNRs are synthesized by the seed‐mediated growth method using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant. AuNRs with redshifted longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance (LLSPR) peak, localized in the biological “transparency window” (650–1350 nm), are synthesized after optimizing seed solution, silver nitrate solution, and hydrochloric acid solution volumes, based on the published protocols. A two‐step purification method, dialysis followed by centrifugation, is applied to remove excess CTAB and collect LLSPR‐redshifted AuNRs with high rod purity (>90%). CTAB is subsequently exchanged with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve AuNRs biocompatibility. PEGylated AuNRs are confirmed innocuous to both SN4741 cells and B16F10 cells by the modified MTT assay and the modified lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay up to 1 nm and 24 h incubation. In this study, a combined facile synthesis, purification, and surface functionalization approach is proposed to obtain water‐dispersible monodispersed AuNRs for drug delivery applications.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling for investigating the effect of simeprevir on concomitant drugs and an endogenous biomarker of OATP1B
Authors: Nakayama Shinji , Toshimoto Kota , Yamazaki Shinji , Snoeys Jan , Sugiyama Yuichi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe orally available anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug simeprevir exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics at the clinical doses due to saturation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 metabolism and organic anion transporting peptide (OATP) 1B mediated hepatic uptake. Additionally, simeprevir increases exposures of concomitant drugs by CYP3A4 and OATP1B inhibition. The objective of this study was to develop physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models that could describe drug–drug interactions (DDIs) of simeprevir with concomitant drugs via CYP3A4 and OATP1B inhibition, and also to capture the effects on coproporphyrin‐I (CP‐I), an endogenous biomarker of OATP1B. PBPK modeling estimated unbound simeprevir inhibitory constant (Ki) of 2.89 μM against CYP3A4 in the DDI results between simeprevir and midazolam in healthy volunteers. Then, we analyzed the DDIs between simeprevir and atorvastatin, a dual substrate of CYP3A4 and OATP1B, in healthy volunteers, and unbound Ki against OATP1B was estimated to be 0.00347 μM. Finally, we analyzed the increase in the blood level of CP‐I by simeprevir to verify the Ki,OATP1B. Because CP‐I was measured in subjects with HCV with various hepatic fibrosis state, Monte Carlo simulation was performed to involve the decreases in expression levels of hepatic CYP3A4 and OATP1B and their interindividual variabilities. The PBPK modeling coupled with Monte Carlo simulation using the Ki,OATP1B value obtained from atorvastatin study reasonably recovered the observed relationship between CP‐I and simeprevir blood levels. In conclusion, the simeprevir PBPK model developed in this study can quantitatively describe the increase in exposures of concomitant drugs and an endogenous biomarker via inhibition of CYP3A4 and OATP1B.
COVID‐19 booster dose vaccination of healthcare workers in Qatar: A web‐based cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Pattabi Amudha , Nazarene Ananth , Varghese Sejo , Nashwan Abdulqadir , Philip Reena , Munuswamy Ramya , Singh Kalpana 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundVaccines are an important public health measure and effective strategy to protect the population from COVID‐19. Front‐line healthcare personnel should receive priority in vaccination programs. However, the reported hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) toward the COVID‐19 vaccines cannot be ignored. It widely influences the level of vaccine hesitancy in the general population. Hesitancy, fear, and anxiety were documented in first and second rounds of COVID‐19 vaccination. This study assessed the acceptance of COVID‐19 booster doses among the HCWs in Qatar.MethodsA web‐based cross‐sectional online survey was conducted using the 7C Vaccine Readiness Scale to evaluate the preparedness of the HCWs to receive COVID‐19 vaccines. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to identify factors associated with preparedness for vaccination.ResultsA total of 382 participants completed the survey. Allied health professionals scored the least on the readiness score (−7.0 ± 9.9) compared to the physicians (3.1 ± 7.2) and nurses (3.0 ± 7.8). Physicians scored higher on confidence (58.8%), calculation (64.7%), and complacency (60.8%). Nurses scored higher on constraints (51.6%), collective responsibility (62.7%), and compliance (39.1%), and allied health professionals scored higher on (67.9%) conspiracy. There was a significant association between readiness score and not being infected with COVID‐19, post‐vaccine symptom experience, and hesitancy for the initial two doses.ConclusionThis study reports higher complacency and constraints with the perception of lower risks and the lack of interest in taking collective responsibility among the HCWs. Addressing vaccine hesitancy among them is critical to ensure successful vaccination campaigns and promote community safety during future pandemics.
Biomimetic Ion Channel Regulation for Temperature‐Pressure Decoupled Tactile Perception
Authors: Gao Naiwei , Huang Jiaoya , Chen Zhiwu , Liang Yegang , Zhang Li , Peng Zhengchun , Pan Caofeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe perception of temperature and pressure of skin plays a vital role in joint movement, hand grasp, emotional expression, and self‐protection of human. Among many biomimetic materials, ionic gels are uniquely suited to simulate the function of skin due to its ionic transport mechanism. However, both the temperature and pressure sensing are heavily dependent on the changes in ionic conductivity, making it impossible to decouple the temperature and pressure signals. Here, a pressure‐insensitive and temperature‐modulated ion channel is designed by synergistic strategies for gel skeleton's compact packing and ultra‐thin structure, mimicking the function of the temperature ion channel in human skin. This ion‐confined gel can completely suppress the pressure response of the temperature sensing layer. Furthermore, a temperature‐pressure decoupled ionic sensor is fabricated and it is demonstrated that the ionic sensor can sense complex signals of temperature and pressure. This novel and effective approach has great potential to overcome one of the current barriers in developing ionic skin and extending its applications.
Intercalation of Metal into Transition Metal Dichalcogenides in Molten Salts
Authors: Gao Lin , Li Mian , Fan Qi , Liang Kun , Hu Binjie , Huang Qing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVan der Waals (vdW)‐layered materials have drawn tremendous interests due to their unique properties. Atom intercalation in the vdW gap of layered materials can tune their electronic structure and generate unexpected properties. Here a chemical‐scissor‐mediated method that enables metal intercalation into transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) in molten salts is reported. By using this approach, various guest metal atoms (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Ag) are intercalated into various TMDC hosts (such as TiS2, NbS2, TaS2, TiSe2, NbSe2, TaSe2, and Ti0.5V0.5S2). The structure of the intercalated compound and intercalation mechanism are investigated. The results indicate that the vdW gap and valence state of TMDCs can be modified through metal intercalation, and the intercalation behavior is dictated by the electron work function. The adjustable charge transfer and intercalation endow a channel for rapid mass transfer to enhance the electrochemical performances. Such a chemical‐scissor‐mediated intercalation provides an approach to tune the physical and chemical properties of TMDCs, which may open an avenue in functional application ranging from energy conversion to electronics.
Ausbau der A1 zwischen AS Köln‐Niehl und AK Leverkusen‐West
Authors: Müller Thomas , Grassl Hans , Karpa Markus , Reyer Dominic , Wrage Thomas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDie bestehende Rheinbrücke Leverkusen hält den seit den 1960er‐Jahren in erheblichem Maße gestiegenen Anforderungen aus dem Schwerverkehr nicht mehr Stand. Der dadurch notwendige Ersatzneubau der Rheinbrücke und die prognostizierten zukünftigen Verkehrsstärken erfordern den Ausbau des Streckenabschnitts der A1 zwischen der Anschlussstelle Köln‐Niehl und dem Autobahnkreuz Leverkusen‐West auf acht durchgängige Fahrstreifen. Erstmalig wird in Deutschland die Planung des Ersatzneubaus einer seilverspannten Brücke über den Rhein erforderlich. Der Ausbau und Ersatzneubau der neuen Rheinbrücke für künftig insgesamt zwölf Fahrstreifen unter bauzeitlicher Aufrechthaltung von sechs bestehenden Fahrstreifen steht im Zusammenhang mit dem Ausbau des ca. 4,55 km langen Autobahnabschnitts mit insgesamt 15 Brücken, Stützwänden, Beckenanlagen, Lärmschutzwänden und Verkehrszeichenbrücken. Für die Maßnahme erfolgt nahezu die gesamte Planung aus einer Hand, d. h. von einem Auftragnehmer. Lediglich die Vermessung und Landschaftsplanung werden dem Gesamtplaner auftraggeberseitig zur Verfügung gestellt. Eine besondere Herausforderung stellen der Ausbau der Autobahn und der Ersatzneubau der Ingenieurbauwerke innerhalb der gesicherten Deponie, der Altablagerung Dhünnaue, dar. Für den Eingriff in die Altablagerung sind wirksame Emissionsschutzmaßnahmen vorzusehen. Die Abdichtung der Altablagerung ist samt Entwässerungs‐ und Entlüftungssystem mit Anschluss an die neue Verkehrsanlage und Ingenieurbauwerke wiederherzustellen.
Effective width estimation of flanged reinforced concrete shear walls
Authors: Tabiee Mohammad , Abdoos Hatef , Khaloo Alireza , Kavei Sina 
Published: September 2023

SummaryThe present study deals with introducing a novel approach toward estimating the effective width of flanged reinforced concrete shear walls (FRCSWs). Due to the paucity of studies in assessing the effective width of nonrectangular sections, this paper aims at proposing efficacious formulations for the effective width estimation of short, squat, and slender T‐ and U‐shaped reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls subjected to the simultaneous action of the axial and lateral loading. To this end, at first, FRCSWs are simulated in the flanged shear wall numerical laboratory (FlashLab) program, which utilizes the finite element Abaqus software to analyze the walls. Thereafter, employing the developed numerical models, an extensive parametric investigation is conducted for a wide range of the key parameters. General expressions have then been developed to estimate the effective width of flanged RC shear walls invoking the evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR) analysis in conjunction with the genetic algorithm (GA). To assess the capability of the established equations in predicting the effective width of flanged sections, R‐factors have been calculated for all the cases examined in this study, which ranged between 0.78 and 0.94. Furthermore, a comparison has been made among the results attained through the proposed methodology and those obtained using the conventional design codes. It was revealed that the relative error obtained employing the proposed formulations is less than that of the corresponding values of the design codes by approximately 30% on average. The superiority of the established framework stems from consideration of the following: (1) influential parameters, (2) effective width variations at different performance levels, (3) loading direction, and (4) type of the wall in the effective width calculation process.
Switching it Up: The Promise of Stimuli‐Responsive Polymer Systems in Biomedical Science
Authors: Shymborska Yana , Budkowski Andrzej , Raczkowska Joanna , Donchak Volodymyr , Melnyk Yuriy , Vasiichuk Viktor , Stetsyshyn Yurij 
Published: September 2023

AbstractResponsive polymer systems have the ability to change properties or behavior in response to external stimuli. The properties of responsive polymer systems can be fine‐tuned by adjusting the stimuli, enabling tailored responses for specific applications. These systems have applications in drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering, and more, as their ability to adapt and respond to dynamic environments leads to improved performance. However, challenges such as synthesis complexity, sensitivity limitations, and manufacturing issues need to be addressed for successful implementation. In our review, we provide a comprehensive summary on stimuli‐responsive polymer systems, delving into the intricacies of their mechanisms and actions. Future developments should focus on precision medicine, multifunctionality, reversibility, bioinspired designs, and integration with advanced technologies, driving the dynamic growth of sensitive polymer systems in biomedical applications.
Recent Developments in Electrodeposition of Transition Metal Chalcogenides‐Based Electrode Materials for Advance Supercapacitor Applications: A Review
Authors: Mohapatra Subhashree , Das Himadri Tanaya , Tripathy Bankim Chandra , Das Nigamananda 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHigh‐performance supercapacitive electrode materials have received significant attention from researchers worldwide, thus aiming for comparable performance similar to the extensively used rechargeable batteries. For emerging energy storage technologies like flexible supercapacitors, transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have been in the spotlight due to their promising electrochemical features compared to other electrode materials. Among the synthesis techniques, electrodeposition‐mediated preparation of thin films of TMCs offered an affordable binder‐free approach for electrode fabrication that effectively improved the supercapacitor performance. Hence, this review mainly focussed on the electrodeposition‐based syntheses of single/ multinary chalcogenides and their composites for supercapacitors applications. Further, the effects of different deposition parameters were discussed for boosting the supercapacitor performance. Finally, this review outlined the existing challenges and future perspectives in this research domain, which will assist the upcoming exploration in the energy storage field.
Salinity stress tolerance prediction for biomass‐related traits in maize (Zea mays L.) using genome‐wide markers
Authors: Singh Vishal , Krause Margaret , Sandhu Devinder , Sekhon Rajandeep S. , Kaundal Amita 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop after rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). Salinity stress significantly affects vegetative biomass and grain yield and, therefore, reduces the food and silage productivity of maize. Selecting salt‐tolerant genotypes is a cumbersome and time‐consuming process that requires meticulous phenotyping. To predict salt tolerance in maize, we estimated breeding values for four biomass‐related traits, including shoot length, shoot weight, root length, and root weight under salt‐stressed and controlled conditions. A five‐fold cross‐validation method was used to select the best model among genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP), ridge‐regression BLUP (rrBLUP), extended GBLUP, Bayesian Lasso, Bayesian ridge regression, BayesA, BayesB, and BayesC. Examination of the effect of different marker densities on prediction accuracy revealed that a set of low‐density single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained through filtering based on a combination of analysis of variance and linkage disequilibrium provided the best prediction accuracy for all the traits. The average prediction accuracy in cross‐validations ranged from 0.46 to 0.77 across the four derived traits. The GBLUP, rrBLUP, and all Bayesian models except BayesB demonstrated comparable levels of prediction accuracy that were superior to the other modeling approaches. These findings provide a roadmap for the deployment and optimization of genomic selection in breeding for salt tolerance in maize.
Secondary glaucoma: Toward interventions based on molecular underpinnings
Authors: Mueller Anna , Lam Isabel , Kishor Krishna , Lee Richard K. , Bhattacharya Sanjoy 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGlaucoma is a heterogeneous group of progressive diseases that leads to irreversible blindness. Secondary glaucoma refers to glaucoma caused by a known underlying condition. Pseudoexfoliation and pigment dispersion syndromes are common causes of secondary glaucoma. Their respective deposits may obstruct the trabecular meshwork, leading to aqueous humor outflow resistance, ocular hypertension, and optic neuropathy. There are no disease‐specific interventions available for either. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is characterized by fibrillar deposits (pseudoexfoliative material) on anterior segment structures. Over a decade of multiomics analyses taken together with the current knowledge on pseudoexfoliative glaucoma warrant a re‐think of mechanistic possibilities. We propose that the presence of nucleation centers (e.g., vitamin D binding protein), crosslinking enzymes (e.g., transglutaminase 2), aberrant extracellular matrix, flawed endocytosis, and abnormal aqueous‐blood barrier contribute to the formation of proteolytically resistant pseudoexfoliative material. Pigment dispersion syndrome is characterized by abnormal iridolenticular contact that disrupts iris pigment epithelium and liberates melanin granules. Iris melanogenesis is aberrant in this condition. Cytotoxic melanogenesis intermediates leak out of melanosomes and cause iris melanocyte and pigment epithelium cell death. Targeting melanogenesis can likely decrease the risk of pigmentary glaucoma. Skin and melanoma research provides insights into potential therapeutics. We propose that specific prostanoid agonists and fenofibrates may reduce melanogenesis by inhibiting cholesterol internalization and de novo synthesis. Additionally, melatonin is a potent melanogenesis suppressor, antioxidant, and hypotensive agent, rendering it a valuable agent for pigmentary glaucoma. In pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, where environmental insults drive pseudoexfoliative material formation, melatonin's antioxidant and hypotensive properties may offer adjunct therapeutic benefits.This article is categorized under:
Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology