bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐Engineered Cochlear Fibrosis Model Links Complex Impedance to Fibrosis Formation for Cochlear Implant Patients
Authors: de Rijk Simone R. , Boys Alexander J. , Roberts Iwan V. , Jiang Chen , Garcia Charlotte , Owens Róisín M. , Bance Manohar
Published: June 2023

Cochlear implants are a life‐changing technology for those with severe sensorineural hearing loss, partially restoring hearing through direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. However, they are known to elicit an immune response resulting in fibrotic tissue formation in the cochlea that is linked to residual hearing loss and suboptimal outcomes. Intracochlear fibrosis is difficult to track without postmortem histology, and no specific electrical marker for fibrosis exists. In this study, a tissue‐engineered model of cochlear fibrosis is developed following implant placement to examine the electrical characteristics associated with fibrotic tissue formation around electrodes. The model is characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and an increase in the resistance and a decrease in capacitance of the tissue using a representative circuit are found. This result informs a new marker of fibrosis progression over time that is extractable from voltage waveform responses, which can be directly measured in cochlear implant patients. This marker is tested in a small sample size of recently implanted cochlear implant patients, showing a significant increase over two postoperative timepoints. Using this system, complex impedance is demonstrated as a marker of fibrosis progression that is directly measurable from cochlear implants to enable real‐time tracking of fibrosis formation in patients, creating opportunities for earlier treatment intervention to improve cochlear implant efficacy.
Emerging Spintronic Materials and Functionalities
Authors: Guo Lidan , Hu Shunhua , Gu Xianrong , Zhang Rui , Wang Kai , Yan Wenjing , Sun Xiangnan
Published: June 2023

The explosive growth of the information era has put forward urgent requirements for ultrahigh‐speed and extremely efficient computations. In direct contrary to charge‐based computations, spintronics aims to use spins as information carriers for data storage, transmission, and decoding, to help fully realize electronic device miniaturization and high integration for next‐generation computing technologies. Currently, many novel spintronic materials have been developed with unique properties and multifunctionalities, including organic semiconductors (OSCs), organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs), and 2D materials (2DMs). These materials are useful to fulfill the demand for developing diverse and advanced spintronic devices. Herein, these promising materials are systematically reviewed for advanced spintronic applications. Due to the distinct chemical and physical structures of OSCs, OIHPs, and 2DMs, their spintronic properties (spin transport and spin manipulation) are discussed separately. In addition, some multifunctionalities due to photoelectric and chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) are overviewed, including the spin‐filter effect, spin‐photovoltaics, spin‐light emitting devices, and spin‐transistor functions. Subsequently, challenges and future perspectives of using these multifunctional materials for the development of advanced spintronics are presented.
Precision Covalent Organic Frameworks for Surface Nucleation Control
Authors: Singh Vikramjeet , Zhang Jianhui , Chen Jianan , Salzmann Christoph G. , Tiwari Manish K.
Published: June 2023

Unwanted accumulation of ice and lime scale crystals on surfaces is a long‐standing challenge with major economic and sustainability implications. Passive inhibition of icing and scaling by liquid‐repellent surfaces are often inadequate, susceptible to surface failure under harsh conditions, and unsuitable for long‐term/real‐life usages. Such surfaces often require a multiplicity of additional features such as optical transparency, robust impact resistance, and ability to prevent contamination from low surface energy liquids. Unfortunately, most promising advances have relied on using perfluoro compounds, which are bio‐persistent and/or highly toxic. Here it is shown that organic, reticular mesoporous structures, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), may offer a solution. By exploiting simple and scalable synthesis of defect‐free COFs and rational post‐synthetic functionalization, nanocoatings with precision nanoporosity (morphology) are prepared that can inhibit nucleation at the molecular level without compromising the related contamination prevention and robustness. The results offer a simple strategy to exploit the nanoconfinement effect, which remarkably delays the nucleation of ice and scale formation on surfaces. Ice nucleation is suppressed down to −28 °C, scale formation is avoided for >2 weeks in supersaturated conditions, and jets of organic solvents impacting at Weber numbers >105 are resisted with surfaces that also offer optical transparency (>92%).
Inhalable Capsular Polysaccharide‐Camouflaged Gallium‐Polyphenol Nanoparticles Enhance Lung Cancer Chemotherapy by Depleting Local Lung Microbiota
Authors: Han Zi‐Yi , Chen Qi‐Wen , Zheng Di‐Wei , Chen Ke‐Wei , Huang Qian‐Xiao , Zhuang Ze‐Nan , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: June 2023

Local lung microbiota is closely associated with lung tumorigenesis and therapeutic response. It is found that lung commensal microbes induce chemoresistance in lung cancer by directly inactivating therapeutic drugs via biotransformation. Accordingly, an inhalable microbial capsular polysaccharide (CP)‐camouflaged gallium‐polyphenol metal–organic network (MON) is designed to eliminate lung microbiota and thereby abrogate microbe‐induced chemoresistance. As a substitute for iron uptake, Ga3+ released from MON acts as a “Trojan horse” to disrupt bacterial iron respiration, effectively inactivating multiple microbes. Moreover, CP cloaks endow MON with reduced immune clearance by masquerading as normal host‐tissue molecules, significantly increasing residence time in lung tissue for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. In multiple lung cancer mice models, microbe‐induced drug degradation is remarkably inhibited when drugs are delivered by antimicrobial MON. Tumor growth is sufficiently suppressed and mouse survival is prolonged. The work develops a novel microbiota‐depleted nanostrategy to overcome chemoresistance in lung cancer by inhibiting local microbial inactivation of therapeutic drugs.
Homogeneous Phase Distribution in Q‐2D Perovskites via Co‐Assembly of Spacer Cations for Efficient Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Guo Zhenyu , Liang Yin , Ni Dongyuan , Li Liang , Liu Shaocheng , Zhang Yu , Chen Qi , Zhang Qing , Wang Qian , Zhou Huanping
Published: June 2023

Quasi‐2D (Q‐2D) perovskites are promising candidates to apply in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, delicate control on crystallization kinetics is needed to suppress severe phase segregation. Here, the crystallization kinetics of Q‐2D perovskites are investigated via in situ absorbance spectroscopy and for the first time find the multiphase distribution is governed by the arrangement, rather than diffusion, of spacer cations at the nucleation stage, which associate with its assembling ability determined by molecular configuration. A “co‐assembly” strategy is conceived by combining co‐cations with different configuration characteristics, where bulky cations disturb the assembling between slender cations and lead–bromide sheet, contributing to homogeneous emitting phase with effective passivation. Correspondingly, in the phenylethylammonium (PEA+)‐based Q‐2D perovskites ( = 3), homogeneous phase distribution is achieved by incorporating co‐cation triphenylmethaneammonium (TPMA+), the branching terminals of which suppress cations assembling into low‐n phases and afford adequate cations as passivating ligands. Therefore, the champion external quantum efficiency of the LED device reaches 23.9%, which is among the highest performance of green Q‐2D perovskite LEDs. This work reveals that the arrangement of spacer cations determines the crystallization kinetics in Q‐2D perovskites, providing further guidance on the molecular design and phase modulation of Q‐2D perovskites.
A Photomodulable Bacteriophage‐Spike Nanozyme Enables Dually Enhanced Biofilm Penetration and Bacterial Capture for Photothermal‐Boosted Catalytic Therapy of MRSA Infections
Authors: Wu Haibin , Wei Min , Hu Shen , Cheng Pu , Shi Shuhan , Xia Fan , Xu Lenan , Yin Lina , Liang Guang , Li Fangyuan , Ling Daishun
Published: June 2023

Nanozymes, featuring intrinsic biocatalytic effects and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial properties, are emerging as a novel antibiotic class. However, prevailing bactericidal nanozymes face a challenging dilemma between biofilm penetration and bacterial capture capacity, significantly impeding their antibacterial efficacy. Here, this work introduces a photomodulable bactericidal nanozyme (ICG@hMnOx), composed of a hollow virus‐spiky MnOx nanozyme integrated with indocyanine green, for dually enhanced biofilm penetration and bacterial capture for photothermal‐boosted catalytic therapy of bacterial infections. ICG@hMnOx demonstrates an exceptional capability to deeply penetrate biofilms, owing to its pronounced photothermal effect that disrupts the compact structure of biofilms. Simultaneously, the virus‐spiky surface significantly enhances the bacterial capture capacity of ICG@hMnOx. This surface acts as a membrane‐anchored generator of reactive oxygen species and a glutathione scavenger, facilitating localized photothermal‐boosted catalytic bacterial disinfection. Effective treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus‐associated biofilm infections is achieved using ICG@hMnOx, offering an appealing strategy to overcome the longstanding trade‐off between biofilm penetration and bacterial capture capacity in antibacterial nanozymes. This work presents a significant advancement in the development of nanozyme‐based therapies for combating biofilm‐related bacterial infections.
Consumers bahavior towards the country of origin labeling policy: The case of the pasta market in Italy
Authors: Boncinelli Fabio , Dominici Andrea , Bondioni Federico , Marone Enrico
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the effect on the demand of pasta following the introduction of the mandatory country of origin labeling for wheat in Italy. This regulation opened a debate between producers, farmers, and consumer organizations on the opportunity posed by this policy. Using an online survey with a choice experiment conducted on 551 Italian pasta consumers, we demonstrated that consumers strongly approve this mandatory policy. This support suggests that place of wheat origin is relevant in driving the pasta choices of consumers and that they are willing to pay a premium price for pasta made with Italian wheat. Moreover, the extra utility that the consumers receive from purchasing pasta made with locally produced wheat is due by their support for the farmers and the agriculture sector [EconLit Citations: D12, Q13, Q18].
Instantaneous Free Radical Scavenging by CeO2 Nanoparticles Adjacent to the Fe−N4 Active Sites for Durable Fuel Cells
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyang , Jiang Xiaotian , Yin Shuhu , Ji Lifei , Yan Yani , Li Guang , Huang Rui , Wang Chongtai , Liao Honggang , Jiang Yanxia , Sun Shigang
Published: June 2023

To achieve the Fe−N−C materials with both high activity and durability in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, the attack of free radicals on Fe−N4 sites must be overcome. Herein, we report a strategy to effectively eliminate radicals at the source to mitigate the degradation by anchoring CeO2 nanoparticles as radicals scavengers adjacent (Scaad‐CeO2) to the Fe−N4 sites. Radicals such as ⋅OH and HO2⋅ that form at Fe−N4 sites can be instantaneously eliminated by adjacent CeO2, which shortens the survival time of radicals and the regional space of their damage. As a result, the CeO2 scavengers in Fe−NC/Scaad‐CeO2 achieved ∼80 % elimination of the radicals generated at the Fe−N4 sites. A fuel cell prepared with the Fe−NC/Scaad‐CeO2 showed a smaller peak power density decay after 30,000 cycles determined with US DOE PGM‐relevant AST, increasing the decay of Fe−NCPhen from 69 % to 28 % decay.
High‐molecular‐weight DNA extraction for long‐read sequencing of plant genomes: An optimization of standard methods
Authors: Kang Myoungbo , Chanderbali Andre , Lee Seungyeon , Soltis Douglas E. , Soltis Pamela S. , Kim Sangtae
Published: June 2023

Premise

Developing an effective and easy‐to‐use high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) DNA extraction method is essential for genomic research, especially in the era of third‐generation sequencing. To efficiently use technologies capable of generating long‐read sequences, it is important to maximize both the length and purity of the extracted DNA; however, this is frequently difficult to achieve with plant samples.

Methods and Results

We present a HMW DNA extraction method that combines (1) a nuclei extraction method followed by (2) a traditional cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) DNA extraction method for plants with optimized extraction conditions that influence HMW DNA recovery. Our protocol produced DNA fragments (percentage of fragments >20 kbp) that were, on average, ca. five times longer than those obtained using a commercial kit, and contaminants were removed more effectively.

Conclusions

This effective HMW DNA extraction protocol can be used as a standard protocol for a diverse array of taxa, which will enhance plant genomic research.
Set membership filtering for discrete saturated time‐varying networked systems with incomplete measurements under round‐robin protocol
Authors: Han Cong , Chen Dongyan , Hu Jun , Yu Hui
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the set membership filtering problem is investigated for a class of discrete networked systems with time delay and state saturation under the round‐robin (RR) protocol, where the system noise is unknown but bounded. In order to reduce the communication burden, the RR protocol is used to schedule the measurement information of the system. In addition, the incompleteness of the measurement information is considered. A set membership filter is established based on incomplete measurements. The objective is to give a criterion that the filtering error is confined to the ellipsoidal set by using the recursive linear matrix inequality (RLMI) method. Moreover, a convex optimization method is proposed to minimize the obtained ellipsoids. Finally, a numerical simulation illustrates that the designed set membership filtering scheme is effective.
Recursive system identification method from binary input/output measurements
Authors: Oualla Hicham , Pouliquen Mathieu , Frikel Miloud , Safi Said
Published: June 2023

This paper presents two online identification algorithms of finite impulse response (FIR) systems using binary measurements both on the input and on the output. These algorithms are based on the least mean square (LMS) technique and on the estimation of the correlation functions of the input and output from binary data. Note that the second algorithm is a simplified version of the first one in the case of a white noise on the input. The convergence and variance analyses are provided. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Oxidative balance scores and neural crest cell‐related congenital anomalies
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L. , Yang Wei , Ma Chen , Desrosiers Tania A. , Weber Kari , Collins R. T. , Nestoridi Eirini , Shaw Gary M. ,   The National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: June 2023

Oxidative stress and redox imbalance adversely affect embryonic development. We developed two oxidative balance scores (OBS) that include dietary and nondietary exposures. We hypothesized that higher scores (i.e., lower oxidative stress) would be associated with lower risk of neural tube defects, orofacial clefts, conotruncal heart defects, and limb deficiencies. We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study to create a dietary OBS based on intake of 13 nutrients and an overall OBS that included the 13 nutrients and eight additional nondietary factors related to oxidative balance (e.g., smoking). We used logistic regression to examine odds ratios associated with having low or high scores (i.e., <10th or >90th percentiles). Continuous models indicated reduced odds associated with high versus low scores (i.e., comparing odds at the 90th versus 10th percentile values of the distribution) on the overall OBS for cleft lip with or without cleft palate [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63–0.82], longitudinal limb deficiency (aOR 0.73, CI 0.54–0.99), and transverse limb deficiency (aOR 0.74, CI 0.58–0.95); increased odds for anencephaly (aOR 1.40, CI 1.07–1.84); and primarily nonsignificant associations with conotruncal heart defects. Results for the dietary OBS were similar. This study provides some evidence that oxidative stress contributes to congenital anomalies related to neural crest cell development.
#SocialMediaWellness: Exploring a research agenda and conceptualization for healthy social media consumption
Authors: Mertz Breanne A. , Hass Ashley , Anderson Kelley Cours , Kaskela Timothy , Zmich Louis J.
Published: June 2023

The crossroads of scholar and marketer concerns related to healthy social media usage is where this study extends the burgeoning literature on consumer well‐being in the digital area by exploring the topic of social media wellness, made more salient during the pandemic era. Consumers spend increasing amounts of time on social media despite experiencing numerous negative repercussions. Various disciplines have contributed to the examination of this topic; however, scant research has been conducted within the consumer research or marketing disciplines. Therefore, this paper aims to shed light on the need for social media wellness by (1) highlighting issues related to social media consumption, (2) introducing a conceptual definition of social media wellness, (3) exploring consumers' perceptions and experiences of social media usage through topic analysis, and (4) providing a research agenda for scholars to pursue. Following an exploratory observation of common topics surrounding social media wellness, specific hashtags and their corresponding posts were gathered from Twitter and then examined using the topic modeling method Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). Implications and future research are discussed accordingly.
Bioconversion of CO2 and potential of gas fermentation for mainstream applications: Critical advances and engineering challenges
Authors: Malusare Darshana U. , Ghumra Dishit P. , Yadav Manishkumar D.
Published: June 2023

The undesirable consequences of climate change are attributed to the ever‐increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. For the sustainable development of human society, there is an urgent need to develop novel techniques for efficient conversion and utilization of carbon dioxide. Hence, carbon capture and storage, artificial bioconversion of carbon dioxide are topics of great interest for current researchers across the globe. Here, we elucidate the different techniques of carbon fixation, which fall under the broad categories of natural fixation pathways, thermo‐catalytic conversion techniques, and synthetic carbon fixation pathways. Based on a comparative analysis, gas fermentation is a promising method for the microbial conversion of CO2‐containing gases into fuels and chemicals. However, for mainstream applications, in‐depth reviews of different reactor configurations and the various engineering aspects related to process development are still lacking. We have analyzed the published literature relating to artificial bioconversion of carbon dioxide and focused on the factors like equipment selection and reactor design that can assist in scale‐up of gas fermentation technology. The review provides an in‐depth understanding of engineering aspects related to stirred tank and bubble column reactors, focusing on the technical design parameters and discussing the conditions for optimal operation and performance during commercial gas fermentation processes.
Adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations and cancer risk: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Malcomson Fiona C. , Wiggins Christopher , Parra‐Soto Solange , Ho Frederick K. , Celis‐Morales Carlos , Sharp Linda , Mathers John C.
Published: June 2023

Background

The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations are lifestyle‐based guidelines that aim to reduce cancer risk. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies investigating associations between a score for adherence to the 2018 Cancer Prevention Recommendations and cancer risk was conducted.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for studies published to November 28, 2022. In meta‐analysis, the estimated risk ratios and 95% CIs for adherence score as a continuous (per 1‐point increment) and categorical (highest vs. lowest score category) variable using random‐effects models were estimated.

Results

Eighteen studies (11 cohort; seven case‐control) were included investigating incidence of breast (n = 7), colorectal (n = 5), prostate (n = 2), lung (n = 2), pancreatic (n = 1), endometrial (n = 1), unknown primary cancer (n = 1), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 1), and overall (any) cancer (n = 1). The summary risk ratio per 1‐point increment in adherence score was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85–0.93; I2 = 76.5%; n = 7) for breast cancer, 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84–0.91; I2 = 26.2%; n = 4) for colorectal cancer, and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86–0.98, I2 = 66.0%; n = 2) for lung cancer. There were no significant associations with prostate or other cancers. Meta‐analysis results using categorical adherence score variables were consistent with these findings.

Conclusions

Greater adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations was associated with lower risk of breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Future studies investigating associations with risk of other forms of cancer are warranted.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022313327.
Considerations for Cell and Gene Therapy Programs Entering the Clinical Space
Authors: Walford Geoffrey A. , Bautmans An , Cannon Carol , Duncan Kelly E. , Deschamps Kathleen , Matthews Randolph P. , Nussbaum Jesse , Stoch S. Aubrey
Published: June 2023

Cell and gene therapy (CGT) describes a broad category of medicinal products with potential applications to prevent and treat human disease in multiple therapeutic areas. These therapies leverage the use of modified nucleic acids, altered cells or tissue, or both. The modality, mechanism, route of administration, and therapeutic indication for a CGT product will influence the challenges and opportunities for early clinical development, some of which may be highly specific to the product under consideration. Both the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourage early interaction between sponsor and health authority to align on key elements of the CGT development program.
The sustainable development trend in environmental, social, and governance issues and stakeholder engagement: Evidence from mergers and acquisitions in China
Authors: Ma Ruichen
Published: June 2023

This study investigates how potential target firms' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance affects bid premiums during the merger and acquisition (M&A) process. Using a sample of 5658 M&A deals between 2009 to 2020, we provide new evidence that target firms' ESG rating is positively correlated to bid price, particularly when the target firm scores highly on their singular environmental and governance ratings, whereas the targets with high single social ratings alone are not correlated to bid price. Our results also implied that when the target has lower environmental and governance performance, M&A deals are less likely to face bid premiums. We additionally find that the target firms of non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs) are more likely to have a higher bid price as opposed to state‐owned enterprises' (SOEs) target firms. Additionally, we find that targets' ESG rating is positively correlated to target shareholder value creation, as well as being positively correlated to short bid deal negotiation times. Overall, our findings are in line with target‐resistance theory, which states that high ESG performance targets can use their ESG advantages to increase their bid price, as well as increase stakeholder engagement and generation of post‐M&A synergy.
Multi‐wavelength multi‐direction laser light scattering for cell characterization using machine learning‐based methods
Authors: Liu Lina , Islam Md Zahurul , Liu Xiaoxuan , Gupta Manisha , Rozmus Wojciech , Mandal Mrinal , Tsui Ying Yin
Published: June 2023

Cell identification and analysis play a crucial role in many biology‐ and health‐related applications. The internal and surface structures of a cell are complex and many of the features are sub‐micron in scale. Well‐resolved images of these features cannot be obtained using optical microscopy. Previous studies have reported that the single‐cell angular laser‐light scattering patterns (ALSP) can be used for label‐free cell identification and analysis. The ALSP can be affected by cell properties and the wavelength of the probing laser. Two cell properties, cell surface roughness and the number of mitochondria, are investigated in this study. The effects of probing laser wavelengths (blue, green, and red) and the directions of scattered light collection (forward, side, and backward) are studied to determine the optimum conditions for distinguishing the two cell properties. Machine learning (ML) analysis has been applied to ALSP obtained from numerical simulations. The results of ML analysis show that the backward scattering is the best direction for characterizing the surface roughness, while the forward scattering is the best direction for differentiating the number of mitochondria. The laser light having red or green wavelength is found to perform better than that having the blue wavelength in differentiating the surface roughness and the number of mitochondria. This study provides important insights into the effects of probing laser wavelength on gaining information about cells from their ALSP.
Potency trends of cannabis in Jamaica during the period of 2014 to 2020
Authors: Lindsay Carole M. , Bernard Khalia K. , Hammond Amanda M. , Beckford Sheldon , Abel Wendel D. , Brown Paul D. , Young Lauriann E.
Published: June 2023

Reports suggest that cannabis potency has dramatically increased over the last decade in the USA and Europe. Cannabinoids are the terpeno‐phenolic compounds found in the cannabis plant and are responsible for its pharmacological activity. The two most prominent cannabinoids are delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis potency is measured not only by the Δ9THC levels but also by the ratio of Δ9THC to other non‐psychoactive cannabinoids, namely, CBD. Cannabis use was decriminalized in Jamaica in 2015, which opened the gates for the creation of a regulated medical cannabis industry in the country. To date, there is no information available on the potency of cannabis in Jamaica. In this study, the cannabinoid content of Jamaican‐grown cannabis was examined over the period 2014–2020. Two hundred ninety‐nine herbal cannabis samples were received from 12 parishes across the island, and the levels of the major cannabinoids were determined using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the median total THC levels of cannabis samples tested between 2014 (1.1%) and 2020 (10.2%). The highest median THC was detected in the central parish of Manchester (21.1%). During the period, THC/CBD ratios increased from 2.1 (2014) to 194.1 (2020), and there was a corresponding increase in the percent freshness of samples (CBN/THC ratios <0.013). The data show that a significant increase in the potency of locally grown cannabis has occurred in Jamaica during the last decade.
Comparative study on physicochemical properties, microbial composition, and the volatile component of different light flavor Daqu
Authors: Hu Panpan , Wang Ji , Ali Urooj , Aziz Tariq , Sameeh Manal Y. , Feng Caiping
Published: June 2023

Baijiu, a type of liquor, is known for its pure fragrance and softness. Its unique style is attributed to the complex microbial flora and flavor precursors found in Daqu. In order to elaborate the nature of light flavor Daqu to guide the baijiu production, four Daqu samples (DQ1, DQ2, DQ3, and DQ4) from Shanxi province were analyzed to determine their microbial structure, physicochemical properties, and volatile flavors using high‐throughout put seqencing and headspace solid‐phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method in this study. The findings indicated that there were no noticeable variations in the water content and esterase activity of the four Daqu. However, the DQ2 sample had a higher acidity value and saccharifying enzyme activity, whereas DQ3 had the highest protease activity. The microbial community structure of the four Daqu was similar, with Lactobacillus and Streptophyta as the dominant bacteria, but the abundance of bacteria was different among the four Daqu. Issachenkia was a common dominant fungus genus in all samples. Rhizopus and Lichtemia were higher in DQ1 and DQ2, while Torulaspora, Aspergillus, and Candida were more prevalent in DQ4. A total of 27 volatile components were detected in the four Daqu, including esters, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, and acids. DQ2 had the most volatile components and ethyl lactate and ethyl acetate were the most significant esters in the four samples. In conclusion, the physicochemical indicators of the four light flavor Daqu had distinct differences. There were significant variations in the abundance of bacteria and fungi, leading to differences in the volatile component content. These research findings can serve as a theoretical foundation for blending different light flavors Daqu and hold great significance in enhancing the quality of baijiu.
Challenges of hesitancy in human papillomavirus vaccination: Bibliometric and visual analysis
Authors: Deng Disi , Shen Yifeng , Li Wanjing , Zeng Nan , Huang Yefang , Nie Xiaowei
Published: June 2023

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has immense research value in the prevention of related tumours. A huge body of work has been published in this field, which may pose difficulties for researchers aiming to investigate all the available information. However, bibliometrics can provide deep insights into this research field.

Objective

We aimed to study HPV vaccine development, visually analyse the development status, trends, research hotspots, and frontiers of this field, and provide a reference for research on it.

Methods

Articles were acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOS viewer and CiteSpace software were used to analyse publication growth, country/region, institution, journal distribution, author, reference, and keywords, and collected burst keyword words to display research hotspots.

Results

A total of 4831 references were obtained, and the annual number of publications increased fluctuating over the past decade. The United States of America ranked at the top in terms of percentage of articles. The institution with the highest number of research publications in this field was the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most productive and frequently cited authors was Lauri E Markowitz. The journal with the most publications in this field was Vaccine, and the most influential journal was Paediatrics. The most frequently cited reference was ‘A 9‐Valent HPV Vaccine against Infection and Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Women’. Burst detection analysis of top keywords showed that ‘national immunisation survey’, ‘social media’, and ‘hesitancy’ are the current research frontiers in this field.

Conclusion

This study provides useful information for acquiring knowledge on HPV vaccine. Research on solving the hesitation of HPV vaccination will become an academic trend in this field, which can offer guidance for more extensive and in‐depth studies in the future.
The role of effort type and intensity in children's decisions about effort‐based outcomes
Authors: Kiefer Sarah L. , Caballero Alejandro , Lucca Kelsey
Published: June 2023

Despite the importance of persistence in early learning, we know little about how children reason about outcomes that result from their efforts. Here we examined the role of effort type (i.e., physical vs. cognitive) and intensity (i.e., high vs. low effort) in shaping children's decision making about effort‐based rewards. Five‐ to 7‐year‐olds (N = 133) were assigned to one of four conditions (High Physical Effort, Low Physical Effort, High Cognitive Effort, Low Cognitive Effort) and completed a series of tasks to construct a toy. Tasks varied in the type (physical/cognitive) and intensity (high/low) of effort required to complete them. After constructing their toy, children completed a series of tasks to probe how much they valued that toy. Across conditions, children preferred their toy and gave it a higher monetary value, relative to a stranger's. However, when choosing their toy came at a cost, children no longer preferred it. Only children who built their toy through either cognitive or low effort were willing to incur a cost for their toy. Older children, across conditions, were also more likely to incur a cost for their toy. These findings demonstrate that by age five, children are sensitive to variations in effort type and intensity, and these factors shape how they evaluate effort‐based rewards.
Development and Validation of Novel Free Vitamin D Equations: The Health Aging and Body Composition Study
Authors: Cheng Jonathan H. , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Katz Ronit , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Shlipak Michael G. , Sarnak Mark J. , Ix Joachim H. , Ginsberg Charles
Published: June 2023

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in 25% of Americans. However, 25(OH)D may not be an accurate measure of vitamin D because the majority (85%–90%) of 25(OH)D is bound to vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), which varies by over 30% across individuals. Free 25(OH)D may be a better measure, but it is difficult to measure accurately and precisely. The existing free 25(OH)D estimating equation does not include VDBP phenotypes; therefore, new equations that include this variable may be more accurate. A total of 370 participants in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study, a cohort of healthy community‐dwelling individuals aged 70–79 years old, underwent VDBP and vitamin D metabolite [25(OH)D, 24,25(OH)2D, 1,25(OH)2D, free 25(OH)D] measurements and were randomly allocated into equation development (two out of three) and internal validation (one out of three) groups. New equations were developed with multiple linear regression and were internally validated with Bland–Altman plots. The mean age was 75 ± 3 years, 53% were female, and the mean measured free 25(OH)D was 5.37 ± 1.81 pg/mL. Three equations were developed. The first equation included albumin, 25(OH)D3, 25(OH)D2, VDBP, 1,25(OH)2D3, and 24,25(OH)2D3. The second equation included all variables in Eq. (1) plus VDBP phenotypes. The third equation included albumin, 25(OH)D3, intact parathyroid hormone, and 1,25(OH)2D3. In internal validation, all three new equations predicted free 25(OH)D values within 30% and 15% of the measured free 25(OH)D concentrations in 76%–80% and 48%–52% of study participants, respectively. Equation (2) was the most precise, with a mean bias of 0.06 (95% limits of agreement −2.41 to 2.30) pg/mL. The existing equation estimated free 25(OH)D within 30% and 15% of measured free 25(OH)D in 43% and 22% of participants, respectively. Free 25(OH)D can be estimated with clinically available biomarkers as well as with more laboratory‐intensive biomarkers with moderate precision. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Performance of the COSMO solvation model for photoacidity and basicity in water
Authors: Ghiami‐Shomami Ali , Hättig Christof
Published: June 2023

The possibilities and problems to predict excited‐state acidities and basicities in water with electronic structure calculations combined with a continuum solvation model are investigated for a test set of photoacids and photobases. Different error sources, like errors in the ground‐state values, the excitation energies in solution for the neutral and (de‐)protonated species, basis set effects, and contributions beyond implicit solvation are investigated and their contributions to the total error in are discussed. Density functional theory in combination with the conductor like screening model for real solvents and an empirical linear Gibbs free energy relationship are used to predict the ground‐state values. For the test set, this approach gives more accurate values for the acids than for the bases. Time‐dependent density‐functional theory (TD‐DFT) and second‐order wave function methods in combination with the conductor like screening model are applied to compute excitation energies in water. Some TD‐DFT functionals fail for several species to predict correctly the order of the lowest excitations. Where experimental data for absorption maxima in water is available, the implicit solvation model leads with the applied electronic structure methods in most cases for the excitation energies in water to an overestimation for the protonated and to an underestimation for the deprotonated species. The magnitude and sign of the errors depend on the hydrogen bond donating and accepting ability of the solute. We find that for aqueous solution this results generally in an underestimation in the changes from the ground to the excited state for photoacids and an overestimation for photobases.
Evaluating a Phase‐Specific Approach to Aortic Flow: A 4D Flow MRI Study
Authors: Ramaekers Mitch J.F.G. , Westenberg Jos J.M. , Venner Max F.G.H.M. , Juffermans Joe F. , van Assen Hans C. , te Kiefte Bastiaan J.C. , Adriaans Bouke P. , Lamb Hildo J. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Schalla Simon
Published: June 2023

Background

Aortic flow parameters can be quantified using 4D flow MRI. However, data are sparse on how different methods of analysis influence these parameters and how these parameters evolve during systole.

Purpose

To assess multiphase segmentations and multiphase quantification of flow‐related parameters in aortic 4D flow MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

40 healthy volunteers (50% male, 28.9 ± 5.0 years) and 10 patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (80% male, 54 ± 8 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

4D flow MRI with a velocity encoded turbo field echo sequence at 3 T.

Assessment

Phase‐specific segmentations were obtained for the aortic root and the ascending aorta. The whole aorta was segmented in peak systole. In all aortic segments, time to peak (TTP; for flow velocity, vorticity, helicity, kinetic energy, and viscous energy loss) and peak and time‐averaged values (for velocity and vorticity) were calculated.

Statistical Tests

Static vs. phase‐specific models were assessed using Bland–Altman plots. Other analyses were performed using phase‐specific segmentations for aortic root and ascending aorta. TTP for all parameters was compared to TTP of flow rate using paired t‐tests. Time‐averaged and peak values were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the combined group, velocity in static vs. phase‐specific segmentations differed by 0.8 cm/sec for the aortic root, and 0.1 cm/sec (P = 0.214) for the ascending aorta. Vorticity differed by 167 sec−1 mL−1 (P = 0.468) for the aortic root, and by 59 sec−1 mL−1 (P = 0.481) for the ascending aorta. Vorticity, helicity, and energy loss in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta peaked significantly later than flow rate. Time‐averaged velocity and vorticity values correlated significantly in all segments.

Data Conclusion

Static 4D flow MRI segmentation yields comparable results as multiphase segmentation for flow‐related parameters, eliminating the need for time‐consuming multiple segmentations. However, multiphase quantification is necessary for assessing peak values of aortic flow‐related parameters.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Periodontitis in individuals with few remaining teeth and a high gingival bleeding index increases the probability of dyslipidemia
Authors: Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , Freitas Taciane Oliveira Bet , Cruz Simone Seixas da , Trindade Soraya Castro , Figueiredo Ana Claudia Morais Godoy , Couto Souza Paulo Henrique , Cerqueira Eneida de Moraes Marcílio , Hintz Alexandre Marcelo , Carneiro Daline Oliveira , Lacerda Juliana Andrade de , Seymour Gregory John , Scannapieco Frank Andrew , Loomer Peter Michael , Passos‐Soares Johelle de Santana
Published: June 2023

Background

Dyslipidemia, a silent multifactorial condition, is characterized by changes in blood lipid levels, affecting all socioeconomic strata, increasing the risk for atherosclerotic diseases. This study investigated whether there is an association between dyslipidemia and the combined exposure of periodontitis plus the number of remaining teeth, gingival bleeding, or caries.

Methods

A two‐center cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 1270 individuals, with a minimum age of 18 years. Socioeconomic and demographic data, health conditions, lifestyle parameters, and anthropometric, biochemical, and oral clinical examinations were performed. The exposures considered were the presence of periodontitis, dental caries, number of remaining teeth, and gingival bleeding. The outcome was dyslipidemia as defined by the Brazilian Guidelines on Dyslipidemia and Prevention of Atherosclerosis. The combined associations between periodontitis plus other oral health conditions and dyslipidemia were estimated using confounder‐adjusted prevalence ratios (PRsingle, PRmultiple, for single and multiple covariable adjustments) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), in a Poisson regression model with robust variance.

Results

The occurrence of dyslipidemia was 70.1% and periodontitis was 84.1%. A positive association between periodontitis and dyslipidemia existed: PRsingle = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01–1.26. Combined exposure of periodontitis plus <11 remaining teeth (PRmultiple = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05–1.43), as well as combined exposure of periodontitis plus ≥10% gingival bleeding and <11 remaining teeth (PRmultiple = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.03–1.44), represented greater probabilities of 23% and 22% of individuals having a diagnosis of dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

Periodontitis combined with fewer than 11 teeth doubled the likelihood of being diagnosed with dyslipidemia.
Body mass estimate of Anancus arvernensis (Croizet and Jobert 1828): comparison of the regression and volumetric methods
Authors: Romano Marco , Bellucci Luca , Antonelli Matteo , Manucci Fabio , Palombo Maria Rita
Published: June 2023

In this contribution, we estimate the possible living body mass (BM) of the anancine gomphotheriid Anancus arvernensis, by testing a recently proposed volumetric method based on hyper‐realistic in vivo 3D reconstructions and comparing the results with the BM obtained by using regression formulas. The analysis, conducted starting from two articulated skeletons, showed that the performance of regression formulas varies considerably from taxon to taxon, with plausible estimates obtained only when the mean of all the formulas on the individual bones is available and considered. Differently, formulas applied to single bones can lead to underestimations or overestimations of up to 300%, with BM ranging from 54 kg to 26 metric tonnes. By using the volumetric method, the in vivo reconstruction of Anancus arvernensis made it possible to estimate a BM between 5.2 and 6 t, a figure close to that of an extant adult male African elephant. The obtained results show that estimating BM in terrestrial tetrapods from single or fragmented bones might lead to highly improbable and misleading conclusions. Thus, in the presence of adequately complete mounted skeletons, it is always preferable and recommended to estimate the BM using the volumetric approach, which is based on an in vivo 3D reconstruction.
Application of colorimetric sensor array coupled with machine‐learning approaches for the discrimination of grains based on freshness
Authors: Liang Yue , Lin Hao , Kang Wencui , Shao Xiaokang , Cai Jianrong , Li Huanhuan , Chen Quansheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in grain fluctuate depending on the degree of grain freshness. A new colorimetric sensor array (CSA) was developed as capture probes for the quantification of VOCs in grains in this work, and it was designed to monitor the variation of grain VOCs. CSA spectral data acquisition using visible–near‐infrared spectroscopy and image processing of CSA's image imformation by computer were used comparatively. Then, machine‐learning‐based models – for example, synergistic interval partial least squares, genetic algorithm, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm, and ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm – were introduced to optimize variables. Moreover, principal component analysis, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and K‐nearest neighbors (KNN) were used for the classification. Ultimately, quantitative models for detecting grain freshness are developed using various variable selection strategies.

Results

Compared with the pattern recognition results of image processing, visible–near‐infrared spectroscopy could better separate the grains with different freshness from principal component analysis, and the prediction set of LDA models could correctly identify 100% of rice, 96.88% of paddy, and 97.9% of soybeans. In addition, compared with CARS and ACO, the LDA model and KNN model based on genetic algorithms show the best prediction performance. The prediction set could correctly identify 100% of rice and paddy samples and 95.83% of soybean samples.

Conclusion

The method developed could be used for non‐destructive detection of grain freshness. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.