bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac DTI using short‐axis PROPELLER: A feasibility study
Authors: Sadighi Mehdi , Kara Danielle , Mai Dingheng , Nguyen Khoi , Chen Shi , Kwon Deborah , Nguyen Christopher
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We aimed to develop a free‐breathing (FB) cardiac DTI (cDTI) method based on short‐axis PROPELLER (SAP) and M2 motion compensated spin‐echo EPI (SAP‐M2‐EPI) to mitigate geometric distortion and eliminate aliasing in acquired diffusion‐weighted (DW) images, particularly in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI).

Theory and Methods

The study involved 10 healthy volunteers whose BMI values fell into specific categories: BMI <25 (4 volunteers), 25< BMI <28 (5 volunteers), and BMI >30 (1 volunteer). We compared DTI parameters, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and helix angle transmurality (HAT), between SAP‐M2‐EPI and M2‐ssEPI. To evaluate the performance of SAP‐M2‐EPI in reducing geometric distortions in the left ventricle (LV) compared to CINE and M2‐ssEPI, we utilized the DICE similarity coefficient (DSC) and assessed misregistration area.

Results

In all volunteers, SAP‐M2‐EPI yielded high‐quality LV DWIs without aliasing, demonstrating significantly reduced geometric distortion (with an average DSC of 0.92 and average misregistration area of 90 mm2) and diminished signal loss due to bulk motion when compared to M2‐ssEPI. DTI parameter maps exhibited consistent patterns across slices without motion related artifacts.

Conclusion

SAP‐M2‐EPI facilitates free‐breathing cDTI of the entire LV, effectively eliminating aliasing and minimizing geometric distortion compared to M2‐ssEPI. Furthermore, it preserves accurate quantification of myocardial microstructure.
The coax monopole antenna: A flexible end‐fed antenna for ultrahigh field transmit/receive arrays
Authors: Budé Lyanne M. I. , Steensma Bart R. , Zivkovic Irena , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The coax monopole antenna is presented for body imaging at 7 T. The antenna is fed at one end, eliminating the possibility of cable‐coil coupling and simplifying cable routing. Additionally, its flexibility improves loading to the subject.

Methods

Like the coax dipole antenna, an interruption in the shield of the coaxial cable allows the current to extend to the outside of the shield, generating a B1+ field. Matching is achieved using a single inductor at the distal side, and a cable trap enforces the desired antenna length. Finite difference time domain simulations are employed to optimize the design parameters. Phantom measurements are conducted to determine the antenna's B1+ efficiency and to find the S‐parameters in straight and bent positions. Eight‐channel simulations and measurements are performed for prostate imaging.

Results

The optimal configuration is a length of 360 mm with a gap position of 40 mm. Simulation data show higher B1+ levels for the coax monopole (20% in the prostate), albeit with a 5% lower specific absorbance rate efficiency, compared to the fractionated dipole antenna. The S11 of the coax monopole exhibits remarkable robustness to loading changes. In vivo prostate imaging demonstrates B1+ levels of 10–14 μT with an input power of 8 × 800 W, which is comparable to the fractionated dipole antenna. High‐quality images and acceptable coupling levels were achieved.

Conclusion

The coax monopole is a novel, flexible antenna for body imaging at 7 T. Its simple design incorporates a single inductor at the distal side to achieve matching, and one‐sided feeding greatly simplifies cable routing.
E‐commerce platform finance with dual channels
Authors: Yan Nina , Chen Zhineng , Xu Xun , He Xiuli
Published: February 2024

In the platform economy era, e‐commerce platforms function as distribution channels for sellers and offer online loans to sellers as financing providers. This study focuses on platform finance, where the platform sets a credit line or interest rate to offer either a limited or unlimited loan to capital‐constrained sellers. The sellers may have sufficient initial capital or be capital‐constrained but have access to limited or unlimited loans. We found that the optimal sellers' channel strategy, choosing either a single channel or online‐dominant or offline‐dominant dual channels, depends on the platform's credit line, consumers' channel preferences, and their switching behavior between online and offline channels. Given an unlimited (or limited) loan, the seller's dominated channel's quantity decreases (or increases) with her initial capital. The seller's and platform's preference for the unlimited loan or limited loan depends on the dominant channel and the seller's capital constraint. Loan offerings result in Pareto improvements for both participants, which reveals the value platform finance brings. We compare platform finance with bank finance and find that platform finance increases the sellers' threshold quantity without stockout in each channel and encourages the seller to place a higher quantity in both channels. We also examine the channel substitution effect on the sellers' quantity decisions. Findings provide insights for platforms and sellers to implement optimal financing and channel structures to increase their profits.
In defence of urban community gardens
Authors: Egerer Monika , Karlebowski Susan , Conitz Felix , Neumann Astrid E. , Schmack Julia M. , Sturm Ulrike
Published: February 2024

With the boom in urban living has come a boom in urban gardening. In particular, urban community gardening is an increasingly popular form of horticultural production, community involvement and connection to nature. Through the establishment and management of community gardens, biodiversity can flourish, with community gardens as ‘hotspots’ of flora and fauna within the urban matrix. Gardeners can deeply connect with the natural elements of gardens and thus learn about and gain appreciation for the natural world. Such interactions can combat the loss of nature experiences in cities. Despite their benefits for nature and for people, community gardens are threatened ecosystems as often temporary fixtures in city landscapes due to lack of land tenure and policy protection.

In this perspective, we recognize community gardens as an important ecosystem in urban conservation and argue for the defence of urban community gardens by city policy. We formalize this activity and the value of these ecosystems with scientific evidence from ecological and social‐ecological research in 39 community gardens in Berlin and Munich, Germany.

Although our data reveal that these gardens support large amounts of biodiversity and catalyse human‐nature connections, a lack of comprehensive documentation of social‐ecological benefits at the city level can make community gardens vulnerable to urban planning threats; we have seen losses of multiple research sites in the last 4 years of biodiversity research.

Policy implications: To protect community gardens now and for future urban generations, we call for systematic and comprehensive data collection on community gardening activities and policy support for these urban ecosystems. Some cities are starting to do this and this can be scaled out. We argue for the recognition of urban community gardens as a physical land use and also of the gardeners themselves as important habitat managers and stewards of urban biodiversity.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Evaluation of effect of boric acid on thermoplastic starch: Morphological, mechanical, barrier, and optical properties
Authors: Yoğurtçu Hakan , Gürler Nedim
Published: February 2024

In this study, starch was modified with different amounts of boric acid, and the degree of substitution of the synthesized compounds at different temperatures and times was determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and titration methods. The degrees of substitution in both methods showed similar tendency. Optimum conditions were determined, and thermoplastic starch (TPS) and boric acid (B) films were prepared by casting method using glycerol as plasticizer. The morphological properties of the films were studied by scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM‐EDS). According to the FTIR results, it was observed that the BO and BOC stretching vibrations increased when the amount of boric acid increased. The tensile strength, water barrier (swelling capacity, solubility, and water vapor permeability), and optical properties of samples were investigated. The swelling capacity, solubility, and water vapor permeability of the films decreased with the addition of 0.5% boric acid to the starch, but the highest tensile strength was achieved. The tensile strength for TPSB0.5% increased compared to control group TPS. In addition, the film showed the highest transparency. Thermoplastic film containing 0.5% boric acid can be used as a packaging material due to its improved mechanical and water barrier.

Highlights

The thermoplastic starch and boric acid composite were successfully produced.

The presence of boric acid was confirmed by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS).

The degree of substitution was determined by two different methods.

Transparency increased with the addition of boric acid.

Tensile strength improved with boric acid content.
A new approach for grafting plasticized cellulose acetate biodegradable plastic with maleic anhydride: Processing and characterization
Authors: Pesaranhajiabbas Ehsan , Mohanty Amar K. , Al‐Abdul‐Wahid M. Sameer , Misra Manjusri
Published: February 2024

Grafting polymers with reactive maleic anhydride is a common approach for the synthesis of new material with the capability of acting as a compatibilizer in polymer blends. Accordingly, this research showed a new approach for grafting maleic anhydride onto renewable cellulose acetate using an initiator. The grafting process through extrusion showed good stability with continuous production of all grafted samples. Moreover, two different grafting processes, namely one‐step and two‐step processes, were shown to produce materials with very similar characteristics. Grafting of maleic anhydride onto cellulose acetate by reacting with its hydroxyl groups was confirmed by both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Rheological studies also demonstrated the enhanced flowability and lower viscosity of the grafted material in comparison to the plasticized cellulose acetate.

Highlights

Grafting maleic anhydride onto plasticized cellulose acetate by reactive extrusion.

Detection of grafted maleic anhydride onto cellulose acetate through NMR analysis.

High thermal stability of grafted materials.

Significant reduction in viscosity of plasticized cellulose acetate after grafting
Hydrophobic glass and paper coatings based on plasma polymerized vegetable oils using a novel atmospheric pressure plasma concept
Authors: Bellmann Martin , Loesch‐Zhang Amelia , Möck Dennis M. J. , Appelt Jörn , Geissler Andreas , Viöl Wolfgang
Published: February 2024

Atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization represents a promising coating technology, addressing drawbacks of traditional processes (solvent use, multistep procedures, etc.) while enabling deposition of thin cross‐linked polymer layers with high contour fidelity. We address technological challenges with a novel plasma device that integrates multiple plasma source benefits and investigate the suitability of two plant‐based precursors, chia and tung oil, for plasma polymerization to hydrophobize glass and paper. Chia oil enables the deposition of thin, covalently bonded hydrophobic polymer layers. Such coatings have diverse applications especially inside the paper industry, where water repellents in the form of internal and surface sizing have always been an essential functionalization step. Using bio‐based precursors and reducing extra chemicals contributes to substituting fossil‐based or harmful substances.
Mountain greening and rising temperatures erode habitats of ironwort (Sideritis), an important natural medicinal resource
Authors: Theodoridis Spyros , Hickler Thomas , Thines Marco
Published: February 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Native medicinal plants contribute essential health benefits to populations globally, constituting a major natural resource that human societies rely on. Being an integral part of terrestrial biodiversity, medicinal plants are detrimentally affected by ongoing climate and land‐use change, yet comprehensive studies on the risk that extinction will pose to medicinal biodiversity are lacking. Responding to ongoing scientific calls for conserving medicinal biodiversity, this study provides an integrated assessment of the impacts of environmental change on ironwort (Sideritis), a group of closely related endemic plants of great cultural significance as local medicinal resources in the Balkan Mountains.

Mountain habitats harbour unique biodiversity and provide vital resources for human well‐being, including natural medicinal resources, yet they are amongst the environments most impacted by global change. While there is ample evidence of recent rapid climate and land‐use change on mountain ecosystems, the impacts of these processes on the habitats of culturally important medicinal plants are still poorly understood. Here, we assess the potential loss of mountain habitats for medicinal plant resources over the past four decades using the culturally important ironwort, a group of endemic medicinal plants of the Balkan Mountains extensively used by local human populations and the pharmaceutical industry for treating cough and cold and gastrointestinal disorders.

We used information collected from major European natural history museums to guide extensive field campaigns across 15 separate mountain ranges. We integrate field data with thousands of satellite images, station‐validated climate reanalysis data and habitat suitability modelling. We finally used machine learning to assess the relative roles of climate and vegetation rates of change in driving rates of habitat suitability change.

We show that rising temperatures and ‘mountain greening’ erode the habitats of ironwort at alarming rates. About 50% of the total habitat area across all considered mountain ranges shows a significant decline in habitat suitability.

These past trends will most likely continue in the future and could lead to widespread local extinction of the species and other medicinal plants that share similar ecological preferences, threatening their future contributions to societal well‐being.
Association between individual sensor behavior of an electronic nose and airways inflammation in children with asthma: a pilot study at alpine altitude climate
Authors: Ferrante Giuliana , Cogo Anna Luisa , Sandri Marco , Piazza Michele , Costella Silvia , Appodia Massimiliano , Aralla Raffaele , Tenero Laura , Zaffanello Marco , Piacentini Giorgio
Published: February 2024

Background

Markers of airway inflammation can be helpful in the management of childhood asthma. Residential activities, such as intensive asthma camps at alpine altitude climate (AAC), can help reduce bronchial inflammation in patients who fail to achieve optimal control of the disease. Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be obtained using electronic devices such as e‐Noses. We aimed to identify alterations in urinary e‐Nose sensors among children with asthma participating in an intensive camp at AAC and to investigate associations between urinary e‐Nose analysis and airway inflammation.

Methods

We analyzed data collected in children with asthma recruited between July and September 2020. All children were born and resided at altitudes below 600 m asl. Urinary VOCs (measured using the Cyranose 320® VOC analyzer), Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) and spirometry were evaluated upon children's arrival at the Istituto Pio XII, Misurina (BL), Italy, at 1756 m asl (T0), and after 7 (T1) and 15 days (T2) of stay.

Results

Twenty‐two patients (68.2% males; median age: 14.5 years) were enrolled. From T0 to T1 and T2, the negative trend for FeNO was significant (p < .001). Significant associations were observed between e‐Nose sensors S7 (p = .002), S12 (p = .013), S16 (p = .027), S17 (p = .017), S22 (p = .029), S29 (p = .021), S31 (p = .009) and ΔFeNO at T0–T1. ΔFeNO at T0‐T2 was significantly associated with S17 (p = .015), S19 (p = .004), S21 (p = .020), S24 (p = .012), S25 (p = .018), S26 (p = .008), S27 (p = .002), S29 (p = .007), S30 (p = .013).

Conclusions

We showed that a decrease in FeNO levels after a short sojourn at AAC is associated with behaviors of individual urinary e‐Nose sensors in children with asthma.
RNA and protein biomarkers for detecting enhanced metabolic resistance to herbicides mesosulfuron‐methyl and fenoxaprop‐ethyl in black‐grass (Alopecurus myosuroides)
Authors: Lowe Claudia , Onkokesung Nawaporn , Goldberg Alina , Beffa Roland , Neve Paul , Edwards Robert , Comont David
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The evolution of non‐target site resistance (NTSR) to herbicides leads to a significant reduction in herbicide control of agricultural weed species. Detecting NTSR in weed populations prior to herbicide treatment would provide valuable information for effective weed control. While not all NTSR mechanisms have been fully identified, enhanced metabolic resistance (EMR) is one of the better studied, conferring tolerance through increased herbicide detoxification. Confirming EMR towards specific herbicides conventionally involves detecting metabolites of the active herbicide molecule in planta, but this approach is time‐consuming and requires access to well‐equipped laboratories.

RESULTS

In this study, we explored the potential of using molecular biomarkers to detect EMR before herbicide treatment in black‐grass (Alopecurus myosuroides). We tested the reliability of selected biomarkers to predict EMR and survival after herbicide treatments in both reference and 27 field‐derived black‐grass populations collected from sites across the UK. The combined analysis of the constitutive expression of biomarkers and metabolism studies confirmed three proteins, namely, AmGSTF1, AmGSTU2 and AmOPR1, as differential biomarkers of EMR toward the herbicides fenoxaprop‐ethyl and mesosulfuron in black‐grass.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that there is potential to use molecular biomarkers to detect EMR toward specific herbicides in black‐grass without reference to metabolism analysis. However, biomarker development must include testing at both transcript and protein levels in order to be reliable indicators of resistance. This work is a first step towards more robust resistance biomarker development, which could be expanded into other herbicide chemistries for on‐farm testing and monitoring EMR in uncharacterised black‐grass populations. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
An analysis of virtual reality in abdominal surgery—A scoping review
Authors: Ochs Vincent , Saad Baraa , Taha‐Mehlitz Stephanie , Staubli Sebastian , Neumann Katerina , Fischer Laura , Honaker Michael D. , Lamm Sebastian , Rosenberg Robert , Taha Anas , Cattin Philippe C.
Published: February 2024

Background

The integration of virtual reality (VR) in surgery has gained prominence as VR applications have increased in popularity.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken, gathering the most relevant sources, utilising a detailed literature search of medical and academic databases including EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, IEEE, Google Scholar, and the Google search engine.

Results

Of the 18 articles included, 7 focused on VR in colon surgery, 5 addressed VR in pancreas surgery, and the remaining 6 concentrated on VR in liver surgery. All the articles concluded that VR has a promising future in abdominal surgery by facilitating precision, visualisation, and surgeon training.

Conclusions

Adopting VR technology in abdominal surgery has the potential to improve preoperative planning, decrease perioperative anxiety among patients, and facilitate the training of surgeons, residents, and medical students. Additional supporting studies are necessary before VR can be widely implemented in surgical care delivery.
Biomarkers of transfusion transmitted occult hepatitis B virus infection: Where are we and what next?
Authors: Fu Michael X. , Simmonds Peter , Andersson Monique , Harvala Heli
Published: February 2024

Blood transfusion is a vital procedure, where transfusion‐transmitted infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains an important issue, especially from blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). Occult hepatitis B virus infection is a complex entity to detect using surrogate blood biomarkers for intrahepatic viral transcriptional activity, requiring a continually refined battery of tests utilised for screening. This review aims to critically evaluate the latest advances in the current blood biomarkers to guide the identification of OBI donors and discuss novel HBV markers that could be introduced in future diagnostic practice. Challenges in detecting low HBV surface antigen levels, mutants, and complexes necessitate ultrasensitive multivalent dissociation assays, whilst HBV DNA testing requires improved sensitivity but worsens inaccessibility. Anti‐core antibody assays defer almost all potentially infectious donations but have low specificity, and titres of anti‐surface antibodies that prevent infectivity are poorly defined with suboptimal sensitivity. The challenges associated with these traditional blood HBV markers create an urgent need for alternative biomarkers that would help us better understand the OBI. Emerging viral biomarkers, such as pre‐genomic RNA and HBV core‐related antigen, immunological HBV biomarkers of T‐cell reactivity and cytokine levels, and host biomarkers of microRNA and human leucocyte antigen molecules, present potential advances to gauge intrahepatic activity more accurately. Further studies on these markers may uncover an optimal diagnostic algorithm for OBI using quantification of various novel and traditional blood HBV markers. Addressing critical knowledge gaps identified in this review would decrease the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection without compromising the sustainability of blood supplies.
Constructing 2D Phthalocyanine Covalent Organic Framework with Enhanced Stability and Conductivity via Interlayer Hydrogen Bonding as Electrocatalyst for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Li Mingrun , Han Bin , Li Senzhi , Zhang Qi , Zhang Enhui , Gong Lei , Qi Dongdong , Wang Kang , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: February 2024

Fabricating COFs‐based electrocatalysts with high stability and conductivity still remains a great challenge. Herein, 2D polyimide‐linked phthalocyanine COF (denoted as NiPc‐OH‐COF) is constructed via solvothermal reaction between tetraanhydrides of 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octacarboxyphthalocyaninato nickel(II) and 2,5‐diamino‐1,4‐benzenediol (DB) with other two analogous 2D COFs (denoted as NiPc‐OMe‐COF and NiPc‐H‐COF) synthesized for reference. In comparison with NiPc‐OMe‐COF and NiPc‐H‐COF, NiPc‐OH‐COF exhibits enhanced stability, particularly in strong NaOH solvent and high conductivity of 1.5 × 10−3 S m−1 due to the incorporation of additional strong interlayer hydrogen bonding interaction between the O−H of DB and the hydroxy “O” atom of DB in adjacent layers. This in turn endows the NiPc‐OH‐COF electrode with ultrahigh CO2‐to‐CO faradaic efficiency (almost 100%) in a wide potential range from −0.7 to −1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), a large partial CO current density of −39.2 mA cm−2 at −1.1 V versus RHE, and high turnover number as well as turnover frequency, amounting to 45 000 and 0.76 S−1 at −0.80 V versus RHE during 12 h lasting measurement.
Self‐Flipping Solar Seesaw Evaporators Leverage Scaling to De‐Scale
Authors: Chen Yi‐Zhou , Yang Hao‐Cheng , Li Hao‐Nan , Xin Jia‐Hui , Zhang Chao , Wan Ling‐Shu , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: February 2024

Salt scaling poses a significant obstacle to the practical implementation of solar‐driven evaporation for desalination. Attempts to mitigate scaling by enhancing mass transfer often lead to a compromise in evaporation efficiency due to associated heat loss. In the present work, a novel seesaw evaporator with a Janus structure to harness scaling for periodic self‐descaling is reported. The seesaw evaporators are facilely fabricated by delignifying balsa wood and subsequently single‐sided spray‐coating it with soot and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This unique Janus structure enables the evaporator to float on the brine while ensuring an ample supply of solution for evaporation. During evaporation, salt ions are transported directionally toward the cocked end of the evaporator to form scaling, triggering the seesaw evaporator to flip once a threshold is reached. The accumulated salts re‐dissolve back into the solution. By adjusting the tilt angle, the evaporator can achieve an impressive evaporation rate of up to 2.65 kg m−2 h−1 when evaporating an 8 wt.% NaCl solution. Remarkably, these evaporators maintain a stable evaporation rate during prolonged 120 h operation and produce ≈3.93–6.35 L m⁻2·day⁻¹ of freshwater from simulated brines when assembled into an evaporation device.
Nanoparticulate TiN Loading to Promote Z‐Scheme Water Splitting Using a Narrow‐Bandgap Nonoxide‐Based Photocatalyst Sheet
Authors: Galvão Rhauane Almeida , Nandy Swarnava , Hirako Akio , Otsuki Takehiro , Nakabayashi Mamiko , Lu Daling , Hisatomi Takashi , Domen Kazunari
Published: February 2024

Some oxide‐based particulate photocatalyst sheets exhibit excellent activity during the water‐splitting reaction. The replacement of oxide photocatalysts with narrow‐bandgap photocatalysts based on nonoxides could provide the higher solar‐to‐hydrogen energy conversion efficiencies that are required for practical implementation. Unfortunately, the activity of nonoxide‐based photocatalyst sheets is low in many cases, indicating the need for strategies to improve the quality of nonoxide photocatalysts and the charge transfer process. In this work, single‐crystalline particulate SrTaO2N is studied as an oxygen evolution photocatalyst for photocatalyst sheets applied to Z‐scheme water splitting, in combination with La5Ti2Cu0.9Ag0.1O7S5 and Au as the hydrogen evolution photocatalyst and conductive layer, respectively. The loading of SrTaO2N with CoOx provided increases activity during photocatalytic water oxidation, giving an apparent quantum yield of 15.7% at 420 nm. A photocatalyst sheet incorporating CoOx‐loaded SrTaO2N is also found to promote Z‐scheme water splitting under visible light. Notably, the additional loading of nanoparticulate TiN on the CoOx‐loaded SrTaO2N improves the water splitting activity by six times because the TiN promotes electron transfer from the SrTaO2N particles to the Au layer. This work demonstrates key concepts related to the improvement of nonoxide‐based photocatalyst sheets based on facilitating the charge transfer process through appropriate surface modifications.
Highly Sensitive Fiber Crossbar Sensors Enabled by Second‐Order Synergistic Effect of Air Capacitance and Equipotential Body
Authors: Qu Xiangyang , Wu Yuchen , Han Zhiliang , Li Jing , Deng Lili , Xie Ruimin , Zhang Guanglin , Wang Huaping , Chen Shiyan
Published: February 2024

Fiber crossbars, an emerging electronic device, have become the most promising basic unit for advanced smart textiles. The demand for highly sensitive fiber crossbar sensors (FCSs) in wearable electronics is increased. However, the unique structure of FCSs presents challenges in replicating existing sensitivity enhancement strategies. Aiming at the sensitivity of fiber crossbar sensors, a second‐order synergistic strategy is proposed that combines air capacitance and equipotential bodies, resulting in a remarkable sensitivity enhancement of over 20 times for FCSs. This strategy offers a promising avenue for the design and fabrication of FCSs that do not depend on intricate microstructures. Furthermore, the integrative structure of core‐sheath fibers ensures a robust interface, leading to a low hysteresis of only 2.33% and exceptional stability. The outstanding capacitive response performance of FCSs allows them to effectively capture weak signals such as pulses and sounds. This capability opens up possibilities for the application of FCSs in personalized health management, as demonstrated by wireless monitoring systems based on pulse signals.
Stabilization of LiCoO2 Cathodes in High Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries Through 2‐(Trifluoromethyl)Benzamide (2‐TFMBA) Electrolyte Additives
Authors: Li Jinyang , Wang Jiajun , Huang He , Gao Meng , Wang Xingkai , Dong Qiujiang , Zhang Wanxing , Zhang Shiyu , Guo Hao , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin
Published: February 2024

Increasing the charging cutoff voltage of LiCoO2 to 4.6 V is significant for enhancing battery density. However, the practical application of Li‖LiCoO2 batteries with a 4.6 V cutoff voltage faces significant impediments due to the detrimental changes under high voltage. This study presents a novel bifunctional electrolyte additive, 2‐(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (2‐TFMBA), which is employed to establish a stable and dense cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI). Characterization results reveal that an optimized CEI is achieved through the synergistic effects of the amide groups and trifluoromethyl groups within 2‐TFMBA. The resulting CEI not only enhances the structural stability of LiCoO2 but also serves as a high‐speed lithium‐ion conduction channel, which expedites the insertion and extraction of lithium ions. The Li‖LiCoO2 batteries with 0.5 wt% 2‐TFMBA achieves an 84.7% capacity retention rate after enduring 300 cycles at a current rate of 1 C, under a cut‐off voltage of 4.6 V. This study provides valuable strategic insights into the stabilization of cathode materials in high‐voltage batteries.
Activatable theranostic prodrug scaffold with tunable drug release rate for sequential photodynamic and chemotherapy
Authors: Wang Si‐Yu , Pan Ying‐Hao , Qu Yu‐Chen , Chen Xiao‐Xiao , Shao Na , Niu Li‐Ya , Yang Qing‐Zheng
Published: February 2024

Glutathione (GSH)‐activated prodrugs are promising for overcoming the limitations of conventional anti‐tumor drugs. However, current GSH‐responsive disulfide groups exhibit unregulated reactivity, making it impossible to precisely control the drug release rate. We herein report a series of GSH‐responsive prodrugs with a “three‐in‐one” molecular design by integrating a fluorescence report unit, stimuli‐responsive unit and chemodrug into one scaffold with tunable aromatic nucleophilic substitution (SNAr) reactivity. The drug release rate of these prodrugs is tailored by modification of substituent groups with different electron‐withdrawing or ‐donating abilities on the BODIPY core. Furthermore, the prodrugs self‐assemble in water to form nanoparticles that serve as photosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species upon irradiation for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The PDT process also increases the concentration of GSH in cells, further promoting the release of drugs for chemotherapy. This strategy provides a powerful platform for sequential photodynamic and chemotherapy with tunable drug release rates and synergistic therapeutic effects.
Tuberowithania pengiana (Withaninae, Physalideae, Solanaceae), a new species and genus from southwest Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Ze‐Huan , Yang Yi , Wang Yi , Chen Li , Zhao Fei , Li Yuan‐Yuan
Published: February 2024

We describe a small population of remarkable plants found in Shuangjiang County, SW Yunnan, as Tuberowithania pengiana gen. & sp. nov., a unique genus within the subtribe Withaninae, tribe Physalideae of the Solanaceae family. The new genus and species feature a distinctive combination of morphological traits, including a large clumped tuberous root, urceolate and densely pubescent dark purplish flowers, densely pubescent purplish filaments, and yellowish‐white, ovoid berries snugly covered by 10‐ribbed accrescent calyx. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on a combined matrix of four DNA markers (nrITS, trnL‐F, waxy, LFY), revealed that T. pengiana is deeply nested within the subtribe Withaninae. It forms a sister relationship with Archiphysalis chamaesarachoides, although with weak support.
On matched asymptotic expansion solutions of a bucklewave propagation problem
Authors: Langthjem Mikael A. , Jensen Henrik M.
Published: February 2024

In the present paper, the method of matched asymptotic expansions is used to derive approximate analytical solutions to a model problem related to bucklewave propagation in undersea pipelines. The model problem, introduced by Chater, Hutchinson and Neale (in: Collapse – The Buckling of Structures in Theory and Practice (Thompson, J.M.T., Hunt, G.W., eds.) Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, 1983), consists of a linear elastic beam resting on a nonlinear elastic foundation, with inclusion of axial tension and inertia, related to a propagating buckle. When tension dominates over inertia, it is found that the asymptotic solution describing a propagating buckle has the character of nonoscillatory motion. When tension and inertia forces are of equal magnitude, or when inertia forces dominate over tension, the solutions are found to be oscillatory, but still localized around the bucklewave front. Finally, it is shown that when the propagation speed of the buckle exceeds a critical value, a spatial instability sets in, with exponentially growing amplitude of the beam deflection.
Impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on population management in AZA
Authors: Bladow Rachel A. , Strohmayer Kendra A. , Johnstone Hana K. , Eebes Kristine Schad , Dorsey Candice L. , Andrews John E.
Published: February 2024

Soon after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, almost all Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities closed to the public. Resulting cost‐saving and safety measures led some facilities to temporarily cease or reduce animal breeding and/or transfers. We surveyed AZA facilities and Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Coordinators for AZA's cooperative population management programs to evaluate how widespread these decisions were, if impacts varied by taxa, and how the AZA community navigated related challenges during the pandemic. We found that 60% of responding facilities did not suspend breeding and 22% did not suspend transfers. About 50% of responding zoos increased their reliance on ground transportation to move animals, while aquariums reported no change to transportation methods. SSP Coordinators reported the main reason why breeding decreased, regardless of taxa, was due to canceled or delayed transfers. The reasons transfers decreased differed by taxa, such as limited financial resources and lack of access to air transportation. The majority of respondents for both surveys stated transfers were the greatest challenge they faced. To address this, facilities utilized alternative transportation methods and worked closely with nearby zoos and aquariums for the movement of animals, while SSP Coordinators issued alternative transfer recommendations. If another pandemic or other widespread facility closure occurs, our research highlights the importance of communication, collaboration, and flexibility to fulfill breeding and transfer recommendations to maintain sustainable zoo and aquarium populations.
Homological quantum mechanics
Authors: Chiaffrino Christoph , Hohm Olaf , Pinto Allison F.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We provide a formulation of quantum mechanics based on the cohomology of the Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) algebra. Focusing on quantum-mechanical systems without gauge symmetry we introduce a homotopy retract from the chain complex of the harmonic oscillator to finite-dimensional phase space. This induces a homotopy transfer from the BV algebra to the algebra of functions on phase space. Quantum expectation values for a given operator or functional are computed by the function whose pullback gives a functional in the same cohomology class. This statement is proved in perturbation theory by relating the perturbation lemma to Wick’s theorem. We test this method by computing two-point functions for the harmonic oscillator for position eigenstates and coherent states. Finally, we derive the Unruh effect, illustrating that these methods are applicable to quantum field theory.
The chiral separation effect from lattice QCD at the physical point
Authors: Brandt B. B. , Endrődi G. , Garnacho-Velasco E. , Markó G.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this paper we study the Chiral Separation Effect by means of first-principles lattice QCD simulations. For the first time in the literature, we determine the continuum limit of the associated conductivity using 2+1 flavors of dynamical staggered quarks at physical masses. The results reveal a suppression of the conductivity in the confined phase and a gradual enhancement toward the perturbative value for high temperatures. In addition to our dynamical setup, we also investigate the impact of the quenched approximation on the conductivity, using both staggered and Wilson quarks. Finally, we highlight the relevance of employing conserved vector and anomalous axial currents in the lattice simulations.
A new redundancy strategy for enabling graceful degradation in resilient robotic flexible assembly cells
Authors: Jin Ziyue , Marian Romeo M. , Chahl Javaan S.
Published: February 2024

The development of resilience in manufacturing systems has drawn more attention than ever. Using redundant components is one of the key strategies for building and enhancing the resilience of a manufacturing system. However, current redundancy strategies require duplicated machinery employed either in active or in standby status. This in turn causes extra costs in designing and achieving resilience. Achieving an efficient deployment of the redundant component in the face of failures is also challenging. In this paper, we introduce a novel redundancy strategy, called adaptive standby redundancy (ASR), to achieve resilient performance for discrete manufacturing systems while reducing the cost of employing the duplicated components that are typically used in traditional systems. This novel strategy permits achievement of high levels of utilisation of the system and graceful degradation in case of failure, keeping the system functional. The strategy is then validated in a developed robotic flexible assembly cell (RFAC), which is tested and results on its efficacy and performance enhancement are discussed.
Evaluation of Outcomes Between the Top-down Versus the Bottom-up Approach for Retropubic Midurethral Sling
Authors: Mehrotra Vidushri , Pearl John , Sheyn David , Wherley Susan D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

Retropubic midurethral sling (MUS) placement is the gold standard for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in the USA. The procedure can be approached from either a top-down or a bottom-up direction, but there is a paucity of contemporary data regarding outcomes between these approaches. The aim of this study was to provide updated clinical outcomes data.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing the retropubic MUS procedure alone or at the time of pelvic organ prolapse repair between 2010 and 2020 at a single academic medical center. The electronic medical record was used to extract demographic data, operative approach, and perioperative complications. The primary outcome was a composite incidence of any perioperative complication.

Results

Of the 309 patients analyzed, 140 (45.3%) underwent top-down and 169 (54.7%) underwent bottom-up retropubic MUS placement. Patients undergoing top-down MUS placement were more likely to be older (mean age 58 vs 54, p=0.02), have a history of diabetes mellitus (20% vs 8.9%, p=0.004), and have had a prior hysterectomy (27% vs 16%, p=0.02). They were less likely to have a concurrent anterior (p<0.001) or posterior repair (p<0.001). Patients undergoing the top-down procedure were less likely to experience sling exposure (p=0.02); complications in the two groups were otherwise similar.

Conclusions

The top-down approach to retropubic MUS placement was associated with lower rates of mesh erosion in this population of patients. Neither approach is associated with an increased overall risk of complications or de novo overactive bladder symptoms.
Comparison of Cross-Sectional Area of Pubovisceral Muscle in Nulliparous and Primiparous Women
Authors: Regendova Alexandra , Samesova Adela , Zapletalova Katerina , Horejskova Sabina , Svata Zuzana , Hrdouskova Monika , Zapletal Jan , Krofta Ladislav , Hajkova Hympanova Lucie
Published: February 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

The main risk factor for pelvic floor disorders is vaginal delivery, which may cause levator ani muscle (LAM) injury and denervation. LAM includes pubovisceral muscle (PVM, pubococcygeus), puborectalis muscle (PRM), and iliococcygeus muscle. We hypothesize that primiparous women with low pelvic floor muscle contraction have a reduced PVM cross-sectional area (CSA) compared to nulliparous women.

Methods (Sample Size and Statistical Approaches)

This single-centre prospective observational study compared healthy nulliparous (n = 40) to primiparous (n = 40) women after vaginal delivery without LAM avulsion and Oxford score ≤ 3. Demographics, questionnaires (ICIQ-UI-SF, OAB-Q-SF, PISQ-12), POP-Q, Oxford score, ultrasound measurements (minimal anteroposterior and lateral diameters, hiatal area, PRM thickness, levator-urethra gap) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—PVM CSA were evaluated. Normality was tested, and an appropriate test was used to compare the groups. Power calculation suggested 40 participants per group.

Results

The primiparous group was older, had a higher BMI, and their hiatal area on ultrasound at contraction was larger compared to the nulliparous group. The CSA of the left-sided PVM (1.15 ± 0.50 cm2) was larger compared to the right side (1.03 ± 0.50 cm2), p = 0.02 in nulliparous women. The PVM CSA of primiparous women with low Oxford score was reduced compared to nulliparous (0.87 ± 0.30 versus 1.09 ± 0.50 cm2, p = 0.006). The intra-rater reliability for PVM CSA had an ICC of 0.90 and inter-rater ICC of 0.77.

Conclusions

Primiparous women after vaginal delivery with low pelvic floor contraction force had reduced PVM CSA on MRI images compared to nulliparous women.
Quantum Theory in Finite Dimension Cannot Explain Every General Process with Finite Memory
Authors: Fanizza Marco , Lumbreras Josep , Winter Andreas
Published: February 2024

Arguably, the largest class of stochastic processes generated by means of a finite memory consists of those that are sequences of observations produced by sequential measurements in a suitable generalized probabilistic theory (GPT). These are constructed from a finite-dimensional memory evolving under a set of possible linear maps, and with probabilities of outcomes determined by linear functions of the memory state. Examples of such models are given by classical hidden Markov processes, where the memory state is a probability distribution, and at each step it evolves according to a non-negative matrix, and hidden quantum Markov processes, where the memory is a finite-dimensional quantum system, and at each step it evolves according to a completely positive map. Here we show that the set of processes admitting a finite-dimensional explanation do not need to be explainable in terms of either classical probability or quantum mechanics. To wit, we exhibit families of processes that have a finite-dimensional explanation, defined manifestly by the dynamics of an explicitly given GPT, but that do not admit a quantum, and therefore not even classical, explanation in finite dimension. Furthermore, we present a family of quantum processes on qubits and qutrits that do not admit a classical finite-dimensional realization, which includes examples introduced earlier by Fox, Rubin, Dharmadikari and Nadkarni as functions of infinite-dimensional Markov chains, and lower bound the size of the memory of a classical model realizing a noisy version of the qubit processes.
The microbial community of coral reefs: biofilm composition on artificial substrates under different environmental conditions
Authors: Yanovski Roy , Barak Hana , Brickner Itzchak , Kushmaro Ariel , Abelson Avigdor
Published: February 2024

Artificial reefs are used as tools for the restoration of degrading coral reefs by providing new settlement substrates. The initial recruitment process consists of the formation of microbial biofilms shortly after deployment. The aim of the present study is to compare biofilm composition and development on artificial substrates at two different coral-reef sites. These locations differ in their environmental conditions, including their level of anthropogenic impact. Substrate and seawater samples were collected four times during the first 6 months after deployment, using a new methodology termed ‘tab-by-tab’. DNA was extracted, sequenced, and sorted for both prokaryotic (16s) and eukaryotic (18s) genes. No difference was found between the planktonic communities in the water, yet significant differences were observed in the biofilm communities on the structures at the two sites. Moreover, differences were recorded in coral recruitment rates, which are known to be affected by biofilm composition. Our findings suggest a potential role of environmental conditions in the early biofilm stages (first few months), which in turn may impact the succession and development of coral-reef communities and the success of artificial reefs as restoration tools.
Vegetation changes since the late Middle Ages around Bern, Switzerland
Authors: Stevanon Philip , Gobet Erika , Schwörer Christoph , Rohr Christian , Tinner Willy
Published: February 2024

While the impacts of modern farming and land use practices on climate and biodiversity since 1900 are well-studied in Western and Central Europe, less is known about the preceding transitional period of the 18th and 19th century. By combining information from both natural and historical archives, this study strives to understand the impacts of 18th century agrarian modernisation on Central European ecosystems. Here we present a multi-proxy palaeoecological study from Egelsee (548 m a.s.l., within the city of Bern, Switzerland) spanning the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century. We use pollen, charcoal, dung fungal spores and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) as proxies for vegetation and land use changes as well as radiocarbon wiggle matching for the chronology. Our pollen record suggests a shift from cereal cultivation towards grazing from the 16th century onwards, and from the 18th century towards fertilised meadows for animal husbandry. The pollen-inferred decrease of woods since 1700 quantitatively confirms the historically described timber scarcity in the lowlands of Switzerland, while the positive correlation between climate indices and our pollen-inferred cereal production suggests a certain vulnerability of societies to subsistence crises. From the 1850s, urbanisation rapidly altered the vegetation from an open agricultural landscape to a highly urbanised area, leading to a decline of biodiversity towards the present. This study shows that historically well-documented changes in agricultural practices in livestock farming and fodder production, and later urbanisation, can likewise be reconstructed with palaeoecological approaches. Our interdisciplinary approach provides new insights into how agricultural innovations affected vegetation and ecosystems during the past 500 years.