bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton community response to a drought‐to‐wet climate transition in a subtropical estuary
Authors: Douglas Sarah , Xue Jianhong , Hardison Amber , Liu Zhanfei
Published: April 2023

Arid subtropical climates often oscillate between drought and wet conditions, leading to a “flood or famine” paradigm for estuarine freshwater inflow, in which sporadic storm events drive dynamic changes in salinity and nutrient availability. Transitioning from prolonged drought to wet conditions can impact phytoplankton communities. The Mission‐Aransas Estuary, located on the south Texas coast, transitioned from a 5‐yr drought (2010–2015) to wet conditions (2015–2020), punctuated by several large flood events and the direct impact of category 4 Hurricane Harvey. Using an 8‐yr bimonthly sample set (2012–2019), we evaluated particulate organic carbon, chlorophyll a, nutrient concentrations, and accessory pigments to characterize the response of the phytoplankton community to these climate events. We found that phytoplankton biomass was diminished during severe drought and increased during prolonged wet conditions. The phytoplankton community switched from being diatom‐dominated during drought to cyanobacteria‐dominated following estuarine freshening, driven by lower salinity and increased nutrient availability. Seasonal fluctuations between taxa persisted regardless of climate condition. The drought‐to‐wet transition prompted a regime shift of the estuarine phytoplankton community to a new quasi‐steady state in the studied estuary. Globally, changing climate regimes may cause longer periods of extreme drought or wet conditions for estuarine systems. Detailed, long‐term ecosystem monitoring is necessary to fully evaluate ecological responses to extreme weather events, especially links between biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem function. These results suggest that oscillations between distinct wet and dry periods have lasting effects on primary productivity, phytoplankton community composition, and organic matter cycling in subtropical estuaries with long residence times.
A methodology for performance prediction: Hydrodynamic investigation of spiral grooved thrust bearing
Authors: Mishra Hara Prakash , Behera Suraj Kumar
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the design and numerical optimization of oil‐lubricated spiral grooved thrust bearing (SGTB) for its application at high speed and axial loading conditions. A numerical model is developed using nonlinear incompressible Reynold's equation and is solved using the finite volume method (FVM) to determine the static characteristics over the bearing surface. Further, the influence of groove parameters such as spiral angle, groove angle, film thickness ratio, number of grooves and speed on the static characteristics of the bearing has been investigated. The result shows that the designed oil‐lubricated SGTB can operate at high‐speed conditions and withstand high axial load. Further, the characteristic data sets acquired from the numerical analysis are trained using an artificial neural network (ANN), and their performance is evaluated through the computation of the regression coefficient. Then adaptive neuro‐fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) surface plot is obtained to determine the optimum bearing parameters.
Influence of Curing Agents Molecular Structures on Interfacial Characteristics of Graphene/Epoxy Nanocomposites: A Molecular Dynamics Framework
Authors: Siahtiri Saeed , Sahraei Abolfazl Alizadeh , Mokarizadeh Abdol Hadi , Baghani Mostafa , Bodaghi Mahdi , Baniassadi Majid
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive molecular dynamics study on the effects of the stoichiometric ratio of epoxy:hardener, hardener's linear and cyclic structure, and number of aromatic rings on the interfacial characteristics of graphene/epoxy nanocomposite. The van der Waals gap and polymer peak density as a function of the type of the hardener is calculated by analyzing the local mass density profile. Additionally, steered molecular dynamics are used to conduct normal pull‐out of graphene to study the effect of the mentioned features of hardeners on the interfacial mechanical properties of nanocomposites, including traction force, separation distance, and distribution quality of reacted epoxide rings in the epoxy. Influence of the hardeners on the damage mechanism and its initiation point are also studied by analyzing the evolution of local mass density profile during the normal pull‐out simulation. It is seen that stoichiometric ratio and geometrical structure of the hardeners affect the interfacial strength. It is also revealed that the hardener type can change the epoxy damage initiation point. The damage occurs in the interphase region for a higher stoichiometric ratio or cyclic structure of hardener. In comparison, for hardener's lower stoichiometric ratio and non‐cyclic structure, failure begins in the epoxy near graphene layers.
Photothermal‐Responsive Crosslinked Liquid Crystal Polymers
Authors: Wang Meng , Huang Xiang , Yang Hong
Published: April 2023

Crosslinked liquid crystal polymers (CLCPs) are a promising type of smart polymer material with excellent two‐way shape memory behavior under the stimulation of various external conditions. Among the various external stimuli, light with the advantages of instantaneity, high accuracy, remote controllability, pollution‐free, etc., has been widely used in the control of CLCPs. Traditional photoresponsive CLCP systems based on photoisomerization are limited by the penetration depth of ultraviolet light, the number of useful photochemical reactions, and long‐term stability. Recently, a strategy for designing photoresponsive CLCPs based on the photothermal effect has attracted scientific attention. Photothermal materials in the CLCP matrix can convert light into heat through plasma resonance or energy transition under the light irradiation of a certain wavelength, and locally heat the CLCP matrix to beyond the liquid crystal‐to‐isotropic phase transition temperature, thus achieving reversible macroscopic deformation. Combining photothermal materials and CLCPs can decrease the dependence on specific photosensitive groups such as azobenzene mesogens and endow photoresponsive CLCPs with design flexibility. Herein, the photothermal‐responsive CLCPs under the stimulations of different light wavelengths and their application fields are reviewed. In addition, the current challenges in the field of photothermal‐responsive CLCPs are summarized, and a brief outlook on future development is proposed.
I want to remember: Preference for visual intensity in sentimental purchases
Authors: Huang Jiexian (Chloe) , Xu Fei (Katie) , Jiang Yuwei
Published: April 2023

What determines an individual's preference for high‐ or low‐intensity visual stimuli? This research designed four studies, including one incentive‐compatible study, to explore a novel situation—imbuing a product with sentimental value to drive consumer consumption of intense visual stimulation. We manipulated imbuing a product with sentimental value from both the consumers' (via hypothetical scenarios) and the marketers' (via brand positioning) perspectives. The results reveal that when a product is imbued with sentimental value, consumers exhibit a greater preference for high‐intensity visual stimuli (highly saturated colors; Studies 1 and 2), and this effect is driven by consumers' heightened desire for memorability (Study 3). Moreover, the investigated effect diminishes when the expected usage time frame of products is short (vs. long; Study 4). Our work contributes to sentimental value, memory, and visual sensory marketing literature. The findings also provide strong managerial implications for marketing practitioners to properly use and design visual sensory stimuli. Specifically, we offer a viable way to incorporate sentiment into retailing (i.e., via brand positioning) and identify factors that marketers should consider (e.g., manufacturing materials) to promote rich visual elements in situations involving imbuing products with sentimental value.
Evaluation of a Structured Screening Assessment to Detect Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Seger Aline , Ophey Anja , Heitzmann Wiebke , Doppler Christopher E.J. , Lindner Marie‐Sophie , Brune Corinna , Kickartz Johanna , Dafsari Haidar S. , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Fink Gereon R. , Jost Stefanie T. , Sommerauer Michael
Published: April 2023

Background

Isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) cohorts have provided insights into the earliest neurodegenerative processes in α‐synucleinopathies. Even though polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for diagnosis, an accurate questionnaire‐based algorithm to identify eligible subjects could facilitate efficient recruitment in research.

Objective

This study aimed to optimize the identification of subjects with iRBD from the general population.

Methods

Between June 2020 and July 2021, we placed newspaper advertisements, including the single‐question screen for RBD (RBD1Q). Participants' evaluations included a structured telephone screening consisting of the RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) and additional sleep‐related questionnaires. We examined anamnestic information predicting PSG‐proven iRBD using logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Five hundred forty‐three participants answered the advertisements, and 185 subjects fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were screened. Of these, 124 received PSG after expert selection, and 78 (62.9%) were diagnosed with iRBD. Selected items of the RBDSQ, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the STOP‐Bang questionnaire, and age predicted iRBD with high accuracy in a multiple logistic regression model (area under the curve >80%). When comparing the algorithm to the sleep expert decision, 77 instead of 124 polysomnographies (62.1%) would have been carried out, and 63 (80.8%) iRBD patients would have been identified; 32 of 46 (69.6%) unnecessary PSG examinations could have been avoided.

Conclusions

Our proposed algorithm displayed high diagnostic accuracy for PSG‐proven iRBD cost‐effectively and may be a convenient tool for research and clinical settings. External validation sets are warranted to prove reliability. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
High‐resolution diffusion tensor imaging and T2 mapping detect regional changes within the hippocampus in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Valdés Cabrera Diana , Blevins Gregg , Smyth Penelope , Emery Derek , Solar Kevin Grant , Beaulieu Christian
Published: April 2023

Hippocampus demyelinating lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) have been frequently observed in ex vivo histopathological studies; however, they are difficult to image and quantify in vivo. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and T2 mapping could potentially detect such regional in vivo changes if acquired with sufficient spatial resolution. The goal here was to evaluate whether there are focal hippocampal abnormalities in 43 MS patients (35 relapsing–remitting, eight secondary progressive) with and without cognitive impairment (CI) versus 43 controls using high‐resolution 1 mm isotropic DTI, as well as complementary methods of T2‐weighted and T2 mapping at 3 T. Abnormal hippocampus regions were identified voxel‐by‐voxel by using mean diffusivity (MD)/T2 thresholds and avoiding voxels attributed to cerebrospinal fluid. When compared with controls, averaged left/right whole hippocampus MD was higher in both MS groups, while lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and volume, and higher T2 relaxometry and T2‐weighted signal values, were only significant in CI MS. The hippocampal MD and T2 images/maps were not uniformly affected and focal regions of elevated MD/T2 were evident in MS patients. Both CI and not CI MS groups showed greater proportional areas of the hippocampus with elevated MD, whereas only the CI group showed a greater proportional area of elevated T2 relaxation times or T2‐weighted signal. Higher T2 relaxometry and T2‐weighted signal values of elevated regions correlated with greater disability and whole hippocampus FA negatively correlated with physical fatigue. High‐resolution hippocampus DTI and T2 mapping with less partial volume effects showed whole hippocampus abnormalities with regional elevations of MD/T2 in MS, which could be interpreted as potentially from demyelination, neuron loss, and/or inflammation, and which overall were more extensive in the hippocampus of patients with larger total brain lesion volumes and CI.
Management and outcomes of chest wall rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Authors: Lautz Timothy B. , Xue Wei , Luo Leo Y. , Fair Douglas , Qumseya Amira , Gao Zhengya , Dasgupta Roshni , Rodeberg Dave , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the chest wall presents unique management challenges and local control considerations. The benefit of complete excision is uncertain and must be weighed against potential surgical morbidity. Our aim was to assess factors, including local control modality, associated with clinical outcomes in children with chest wall RMS.

Methods

Forty‐four children with RMS of the chest wall from low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk Children's Oncology Group studies were reviewed. Predictors of local failure‐free survival (FFS), event‐free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed, including clinical characteristics and staging, primary tumor anatomic locations, and local control modalities. Survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log‐rank test.

Results

Tumors were localized in 25 (57%) and metastatic in 19 (43%), and they involved the intercostal region (52%) or superficial muscle alone (36%). Clinical group was I (18%), II (14%), III (25%), and IV (43%), and ultimately 19 (43%) patients had surgical resection (upfront or delayed), including 10 R0 resections. Five‐year local FFS, EFS, and OS were 72.1%, 49.3%, and 58.5%, respectively. Univariate factors associated with local FFS included age, International Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) group, extent of surgical excision, tumor size, superficial tumor location, and presence of regional or metastatic disease. Other than tumor size, the same factors were associated with EFS and OS.

Conclusions

Chest wall RMS has variable presentation and outcome. Local control is a significant contributor to EFS and OS. Complete surgical excision, whether upfront or after induction chemotherapy, is usually only possible for smaller tumors confined to the superficial musculature but is associated with improved outcomes. While overall outcomes remain poor for patients with initially metastatic tumors, regardless of local control modality, complete excision may be beneficial for patients with localized tumors if it can be achieved without excess morbidity.
Photocrosslinking of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA)–polyethylene‐octene (POE) copolymer containing halogen‐free flame retardants
Authors: Morselli Giacomo , Villa Marco , Ceroni Paola , Medici Luca , Tarlazzi Fabio , Dossi Stefano , Matteucci Pietro , Galanti Andrea , Magrì Andrea
Published: April 2023

Photocrosslinking of polymers for industrial applications show undoubted advantages related to the mild conditions needed and the economical equipment. However, some issues include: the use of (i) mercury lamps as light sources, which poses concerns about safety and energy consumption, (ii) typical additives, such as halogen‐free flame‐retardant fillers (HFFR) are powdered materials, which can scatter UV photons and avoid a deep penetration of the light. In this study, we explore the UV‐curing of an innovative EVA‐POE blend containing hydrotalcite and aluminum hydroxide as HFFR in the presence of a 370‐nm UV LED, namely Ekopren® XI1321, a plastic used as coverage for electric cables. Two commercially available photoinitiators (benzophenone and ethyl Michler's ketone) were analyzed as well as two crosslinking coagents widely used in industry, that is, triallyl cyanurate and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate. A comparison with pure EVA and LDPE was performed to show a higher cross‐linked content of the proposed blend, even in the presence of light scattering mineral fillers at high concentration.
A bio‐gel electric actuator prepared from tannic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose by green cross‐linking process with good output performance
Authors: Jia Weikun , Fang Fujian , Xu Yan , Ma Xueyan , Wang Lan
Published: April 2023

In this article, a chitosan‐based bio‐gel electric actuator with tannic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)as cross‐linked materials was fabricated. By evaluating the output force and electrochemical characteristics of the electric actuator under different doping amounts of tannic acid and CMC, it was found that the sample with appropriate amount of cross‐linking can improve its output force, service life, specific capacitance. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and ion channel test showed that tannic acid and CMC were uniformly distributed in the chitosan matrix. The proper crosslinking was beneficial to transform the internal dense and uniform structure into a loose and porous structure, promote the migration of ions, improve the electrochemical performance of the electric actuator, and thereby improve its output performance. This study provided a facile and eco‐friendly method to construct chitosan‐based electromotive membrane with enhanced output properties.
One amino acid drives the lipid droplet targeting sequence of a new noncoding RNA‐encoded protein to mitochondrion
Authors: Yuan Quan , Zheng Kaixuan , Huang Ting , Zhi Zelun , Xu Yilu , Cui Liujuan , Liu Pingsheng , Zhang Shuyan
Published: April 2023

Over the past decade, the majority of the mammalian genome considered to be noncoding has been revealed to be able to produce proteins. Many RNA molecules, mis‐annotated as noncoding, actually are predicted to code for proteins. Some of those proteins have been identified and verified to play critical roles in multiple biological processes. The lipid droplet (LD) is a unique cellular organelle bound with a phospholipid monolayer membrane, and is closely associated with cellular lipid metabolism and metabolic disorders. However, it is still unclear how a protein targets to LDs. Here we identified a new protein on LDs, LDANP2, which is encoded by noncoding RNA, through a proteomics‐based strategy. The key sequence for its localization on LDs, Truncation 3, is predicted to form an amphipathic helix. Surprisingly, the deletion of the first amino acid in Truncation 3 resulted in mitochondrial localization. How the types of amino acids would determine the LD or mitochondrial localizations of the protein was studied. The findings introduce a useful strategy to mine for new proteins and would provide clues to the understanding of how a protein would find its right organelle, with phospholipid monolayer or bilayer membrane.
FIGHT‐PD: A feasibility study of periodized boxing training for Parkinson disease
Authors: Blacker David J. , Fazio Raimondo , Tucak Claire , Beranek Phillip , Pollard Connor , Shelley Tegan , Rajandran Sanathraj , Holbeche Georgina , Turner Mitchell , Cruickshank Travis
Published: April 2023

Background

Boxing training has become a popular form of exercise for people with Parkinson disease (PD). There is a dearth of high‐quality feasibility, safety, and efficacy data on boxing training for PD. Feasibility of Instituting Graduated High‐intensity Training (FIGHT‐PD) aimed to examine these features in a periodized boxing training program featuring high‐intensity physical and cognitive demands.

Objective

To conduct a feasibility study, aiming to address deficiencies in the current knowledge base and to provide data for future studies.

Design

Single‐arm, open‐label feasibility.

Setting

University department and medical research institute.

Participants

Ten people with early stage PD without contraindications to intense exercise, identified from a database of participants interested in boxing training.

Interventions

A 15‐week exercise program with three 1‐hour sessions per week, with each session including warmup and then rounds of noncontact boxing using a training device. Three distinct blocks of 5 weeks including active rest.

Boxers Development: focus on training technique

Boxers Cardio: increasing intensity, including high‐intensity interval training

Boxers Brain: focus on cognitively challenging dual task training

Main Outcome Measures

Process, resource, and management measures including recruitment and retention rates, timelines and costs, and compliance with prescribed exercise targets. Clinical outcomes were safety (adverse events), training intensity (using heart rate and perceived exertion monitoring), tolerability (pain, fatigue, and sleep scores), and pre‐ and postprogram Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS‐III).

Results

Among 10 participants from a pool of 82 (recruitment rate = 12%), there were no withdrawals; 348/360 workouts were completed (adherence = 97.7%); 4/348 (1.1%) workouts were missed due to minor injury. Nine of 10 participants showed improvement in UPDRS motor score.

Conclusions

FIGHT‐PD provides a depth of feasibility and safety data, methodological detail, and preliminary results that is not described elsewhere and could provide a useful basis for future studies of boxing training for PD.
Hillslope erosional features and permafrost dynamics along infrastructure in the Arctic Foothills, Alaska
Authors: Stephani Eva , Darrow Margaret M. , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Wuttig Frank , Daanen Ronald P. , Schwarber Jaimy A. , Doré Guy , Shur Yuri , Jorgenson Mark T. , Croft Peppi , Drage Jeremiah S.
Published: April 2023

Abrupt thaw of ice‐rich permafrost in the Arctic Foothills yielded to the formation of hillslope erosional features. In the infrastructure corridor, we observed thermal erosion and thaw slumping that self‐healed near an embankment. To advance our understanding of processes between infrastructure and hillslope erosional features (INF‐HEF), we combined climate and remote sensing analyses to field investigations to assess an INF‐HEF system and validate our findings in a broader area along the infrastructure corridor. We identified that thaw consolidation along an embankment formed a thermokarst ditch that was ubiquitous in the broader study area, and which was extensively affected by shrubification and supported other positive feedback (e.g., snow accumulation, water impoundment, and weakened vegetation mat). The thermokarst ditch facilitated channelization of cross‐drainage water, thus increasing the terrain vulnerability to thermal erosion that evolved into thaw slumping after heavy rainfalls. The terrain resilience to thaw slumping benefited from the type of ground ice and topography prevailing at our site. The lateral discontinuity of massive ice in an ice‐wedge polygonal system (i.e., interchange soil and massive ice) compounded to a low‐slope gradient with topographic obstacles (e.g., baydzherakhs) decreased slumping activity and supported self‐stabilization.
The functional roles of m6A modification in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Fa , Chen Feng , Wang Chao , Zhou Feng‐Hai
Published: April 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent malignancy of the male genitourinary system, and its etiology suggests that genetics is an essential risk factor for its development and progression, while exogenous factors may have an significant impact on this risk. Initial diagnosis of advanced PCa is relatively frequent, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the predominant standard of care for PCa and the basis for various novel combination therapy regimens, and is often required throughout the patient's subsequent treatment. Although diagnostic modalities and treatment options are evolving, some patients suffer from complications, including biochemical relapse, metastasis and treatment resistance. Mechanisms of PCa pathogenesis and progression have been the focus of research. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is an RNA modification involved in cell physiology and tumor metabolism. It has been observed to affect the evolution of diverse cancers through the regulation of gene expression. Genes associated with m6A are prominent in PCa and are involved in multiple aspects of desmoresistant PCa occurrence, progression, PCa bone metastasis (BM), and treatment resistance. Here, we explore the role of m6A modifications in promoting PCa.
MicroRNA‐147b induces neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer cells by targeting ribosomal protein RPS15A
Authors: Natani Sirisha , Ramakrishna Maresha , Nallavolu Teja , Ummanni Ramesh
Published: April 2023

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the leading cause of cancer related deaths in men, often androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) leads to the progression of androgen independent PCa (AIPC) which further leads to Neuroendocrine PCa (NEPC). Identifying the molecular mechanisms which navigate the neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) of PCa cells is clinically relevant. It has been suggested that the micro RNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of intrinsic mechanisms relevant to tumor progression, resistance as a result leads to poor prognosis. miR‐147b has been transpiring as one of the deregulated miRNAs associated with the occurrence of multiple cancers. The present study has studied the role of miRNA‐147b in inducing NEPC.

Methods

To investigate the functional role of miR‐147b in NEPC, we have expressed miRNA mimics or inhibitors in PCa cells and monitored the progression of NEPC along with PCa cell proliferation and survival. The molecular mechanism miRNA‐147b follows was studied using western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain analysis. miRNA target prediction using bioinformatics tools followed by target validation using luciferase reporter assays was performed.

Results

In the present study, we found that miR‐147b is highly expressed in AIPC cell lines in particular neuroendocrine cells NCI‐H660 and NE‐LNCaP derived from LNCaP. Mechanistic studies revealed that overexpression of miR‐147b or miRNA mimics induced NED in LNCaP cells in in‐vitro while its inhibitor reversed the NE features (increased NE markers and reduced prostate specific antigen) of PC3, NCI‐H660 and NE‐LNCaP cells. In addition, miR‐147b reduced the proliferation rate of LNCaP cells via elevated p27kip1 and lowered cyclin D1 for promoting differentiation. In reporter assays, we have identified ribosomal protein S15A (RPS15A) is a direct target of miRNA‐147b and RPS15A expression was negatively regulated by miR‐147b in PCa cells. Furthermore, we also report that RPS15A is downregulated in NEPC cells and its expression is inversely correlated with NE markers.

Conclusion

Targeting the miR‐147b ‐ RPS15A axis may overcome the progression of NEPC and serve as a novel therapeutic target to attenuate NED progression of PCa.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi, nematodes and spinetoram combinations for integrated management ofThrips tabaci
Authors: Wakil Waqas , Gulzar Sehrish , Prager Sean Michael , Ghazanfar Muhammad Usman , Shapiro‐Ilan David I
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Two consecutive field trials using a blend of entomopathogens in combination with a new chemistry insecticide were conducted to determine treatment effects on onion thrips (Thrips tabaciLindeman) populations, crop damage, plant development, crop yield and impact on natural enemies. Products were tested in an onion cropping system and included the insect pathogenic fungusBeauveria bassiana(isolate WG‐11), an entomopathogenic nematodeHeterorhabditis bacteriophora(strainVS) and the new‐chemistry chemical insecticide spinetoram.

RESULTS

In all treatments, a significant decrease in thrips per plant population was detected in both trials. Overall, dual application of entomopathogens and insecticide was more effective than singly applied treatments. The lowest number of thrips larvae (1.96 and 3.85) and adults (0.00 and 0.00) were recorded when treated with dual application ofB. bassianaand spinetoram at 7 days post application (DPA) after the second spray application in 2017and 2018, respectively. Damage on onion plants was considerably decreased in all treatments relative to the control. The lowest damage was observed on onion plants treated withB. bassiana + spinetoram at 7 DPA after the second spray application during both years. A significant decrease in the number of natural enemies (beetles, spiders, mites, lacewings, ants and bugs) on onion plants was recorded during both years. Insect pathogens when applied alone and in combination with each other considerably protected arthropod natural enemies compared to insecticide application applied alone. Significant increase in plant agronomic traits was observed compared to the control. Among all the treatments,B. bassiana + spinetoram produced maximum leaf length, leaf weight, total leaves, neck diameter, bulb diameter, number of rings per bulb, bulb weight, dry matter and plant yield following the 2017and 2018 applications, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the study reveal the potential of using insect pathogens and insecticide for control ofT. tabaci. However, combinations containing spinetoram are harmful to nontarget organisms, whereas biological control agents help in protecting biodiversity in onion agroecosystems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamical Symmetry Breaking in Magnetic Systems
Authors: Tóbik Jaroslav
Published: April 2023

The magnetic transition processes with symmetry breaking are studied theoretically on one magnetic moment model and more complex magnetic systems. It is shown that the symmetry‐breaking processes behave much more deterministic than could be deduced from energy considerations. The two qualitatively different cases of dynamical control are identified depending on robustness against thermal fluctuations. The first case is robust against thermal fluctuations even if the magnetic transition control parameter is changed adiabatically. The second case is unstable against temperature fluctuations and the result of symmetry breaking is random. If the magnetic transition control parameter is rapidly changed, control over the final magnetic state is regained. This phenomenon is related to precession of magnetic momentum, and therefore, it is not noticeable in methods considering and minimizing energy of the magnetic systems directly.
Prevention effect of total ginsenosides and ginseng extract from Panax ginseng on cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression in mice
Authors: Zhang He , Sun Yue , Fan Meiling , Zhang Yuyao , Liang Zuguo , Zhang Lancao , Gao Xiang , He Xinzhu , Li Xiangyan , Zhao Daqing , Sagratini Gianni , Su Hang , Qi Wenxiu
Published: April 2023

Oral decoction is widely applied in traditional Chinese medicines. The polysaccharides of decoction promote the exposure of small molecules and increase their bioavailability. This study mainly compared the component and activities of total ginsenosides (TGS) and ginseng extract (GE) on immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide. Thirty‐two mice were randomly divided into control, model, TGS, and GE groups. The mice were orally administered for 28 days and then injected with cyclophosphamide on the last four days. The results of component analysis showed the total content of 12 ginsenosides in TGS (67.21%) was higher than GE (2.04%); the total content of 17 amino acids in TGS (1.41%) was lower than GE (5.36%); the total content of 10 monosaccharides was similar in TGS (74.12%) and GE (76.36%). The animal results showed that both TGS and GE protected the hematopoietic function of bone marrow by inhibiting cell apoptosis, and recovering the normal cell cycle of BM; maintained the dynamic balance between the Th1 and Th2 cells; also protected the spleen, thymus, and liver. Meanwhile, TGS and GE protected the intestinal bacteria of immunosuppressed mice by increasing the abundance of lactobacillus and decreasing the abundance of the odoribacter and clostridia_UCG‐014. The prevention effect of GE was superior to TGS in some parameters. In conclusion, TGS and GE protected the immune function of immunosuppressed mice induced by cyclophosphamide. Meanwhile, GE showed higher bioavailability and bioactivity compared with TGS, because the synergistic effect of polysaccharides and ginsenosides plays an important role in protecting the immune function.
Probabilistic interpretation of algebraic inequalities related to reliability and risk
Authors: Todinov Michael T.
Published: April 2023

The paper explores the probabilistic interpretations of algebraic inequalities and presents several findings. First, the inequality of the additive ratios can be used to increase the probability of an event occurring within a set of mutually exclusive and exhaustive events. The interpretation of this inequality produced a counter‐intuitive result, that for suppliers delivering the same quantity of reliable products alongside unknown numbers of unreliable products, the probability of purchasing a reliable product from a randomly selected supplier is higher than the probability of purchasing a reliable product from the market formed by all suppliers. Next, the paper discusses how averaging the reliabilities of components from different varieties can lead to a significant overestimation of the calculated system reliability, as demonstrated by another algebraic inequality interpretation. Finally, the paper derives tight bounds for the reliability of demand in a load‐strength interference model by interpreting the Hayashi's inequality. Notably, these bounds do not depend on the shape of the load distribution and only require the strength distribution to be known in relatively small vicinities of the lower and upper bound of the load.
Positioning failure error identification of industrial robots based on particle swarm optimization and Kriging surrogate modeling
Authors: Shen Wanghao , Liu Guojun , He Jialong , Li Guofa , Han Liangsheng
Published: April 2023

To tackle the low identification accuracy of robot positioning, this paper proposes a positioning failure error identification method for industrial robots, combining the Kriging surrogate model and the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. First, based on the Denavit‐Hartenberg and the small displacement screw methods, the kinematic model of a six‐degree‐of‐freedom industrial robot with joint errors is constructed. Then, the Kriging surrogate model of the kinematic error is constructed, which is trained by generated training samples. Finally, the joint error identification of industrial robots is solved by an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm based on exponential inertia weight and sub‐population cooperation under the multi‐attitude positioning condition. The simulation results show that the proposed optimization algorithm can significantly improve the convergence accuracy and accurately identify the actual errors at each joint of the industrial robot.
Targeted alveo‐pleural fistula endobronchial valve treatment using ventilation scintigraphy
Authors: Sidhu Calvin , Ratnagobal Shoba , Thomas Rajesh , Lee Gary Y. C. , Drudy Enya , Francis Roslyn J.
Published: April 2023

Persistent air‐leaks can be difficult to localize in radiology. Bronchoscopic management of air‐leaks requires identification of the leak's location to allow suitable targeted treatment. One‐way endobronchial valves have become a suitable option for persistent air‐leaks. In this report, a combination scintigraphy and one‐way endobronchial valve treatment successfully resolved a persistent air‐leak.
Nonlinear feedback switching rule design for sector‐bounded switched systems
Authors: Lunardi Henrique , Dezuo Tiago , Trofino Alexandre
Published: April 2023

This article presents a robust switching rule design technique for a class of nonlinear and uncertain switched systems. The approach is based on a state transformation that allows for nonlinear state feedback. The results are given in terms of linear matrix inequality problems and they guarantee global asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system even if sliding modes occur on any switching surface. The class of systems considered is general enough to include multiple time varying sector‐bounded nonlinearities associated with real‐time changes in the operation point. The potential of the method is illustrated through photovoltaic systems, in which the nonlinear I–V characteristic of the modules is treated as a sector‐bounded function. As the slope of the sectors depend on the environmental conditions, robust sectors containing the nonlinearities for any uncertain uniform operation condition are derived.
A new formulation of sparse multiple kernel k$$ k $$‐means clustering and its applications
Authors: Qu Wentao , Xiu Xianchao , Sun Jun , Kong Lingchen
Published: April 2023

Multiple kernel ‐means (MKKM) clustering has been an important research topic in statistical machine learning and data mining over the last few decades. MKKM combines a group of prespecified base kernels to improve the clustering performance. Although many efforts have been made to improve the performance of MKKM further, the present works do not sufficiently consider the potential structure of the partition matrix. In this paper, we propose a novel sparse multiple kernel ‐means (SMKKM) clustering by introducing a ‐norm to induce the sparsity of the partition matrix. We then design an efficient alternating algorithm with curve search technology. More importantly, the convergence and complexity analysis of the designed algorithm are established based on the optimality conditions of the SMKKM. Finally, extensive numerical experiments on synthetic and benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of clustering performance and robustness.
A novel causal mediation analysis approach for zero‐inflated mediators
Authors: Jiang Meilin , Lee Seonjoo , O'Malley A. James , Stern Yaakov , Li Zhigang
Published: April 2023

Mediation analyses play important roles in making causal inference in biomedical research to examine causal pathways that may be mediated by one or more intermediate variables (ie, mediators). Although mediation frameworks have been well established such as counterfactual‐outcomes (ie, potential‐outcomes) models and traditional linear mediation models, little effort has been devoted to dealing with mediators with zero‐inflated structures due to challenges associated with excessive zeros. We develop a novel mediation modeling approach to address zero‐inflated mediators containing true zeros and false zeros. The new approach can decompose the total mediation effect into two components induced by zero‐inflated structures: the first component is attributable to the change in the mediator on its numerical scale which is a sum of two causal pathways and the second component is attributable only to its binary change from zero to a non‐zero status. An extensive simulation study is conducted to assess the performance and it shows that the proposed approach outperforms existing standard causal mediation analysis approaches. We also showcase the application of the proposed approach to a real study in comparison with a standard causal mediation analysis approach.
Pomegranate Peel Extract‐Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Evaluation of Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant, and Anti‐esophageal Cancer Effects
Authors: Fu Yulei , Li Jianying , Almasi Maryam
Published: April 2023

Pomegranate is one of the popular fruits in Asian culture. Pomegranate has many pharmaceutical applications in folklore medicine. In the present study, the extract of the dried peel of pomegranate was used as a reducing agent for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Various chemical methods such as FE‐SEM, XRD, and FT‐IR were used to characterize AgNPs. The results of XRD showed 45.55 nm for the crystal size of AgNPs. A spherical morphology was confirmed for the nanoparticles using FE‐SEM images with an average size of 63.15 nm the nanoparticles. In the cellular and molecular part of the recent study, the treated cells with AgNPs were assessed by MTT assay for 48 h about the cytotoxicity and anti‐human esophageal cancer properties on normal (HUVEC) and esophageal cancer cell lines i. e. KYSE‐30, KYSE‐50, KYSE‐70, KYSE‐110, KYSE‐270, OE33, ESO26 and FLO‐1. The IC50s of AgNPs were 487, 500, 435, 461, 285, 338, 253 and 288 μg/mL against KYSE‐30, KYSE‐50, KYSE‐70, KYSE‐110, KYSE‐270, OE33, ESO26 and FLO‐1 cell lines, respectively. The viability of malignant esophageal cell lines reduced dose‐dependently in the presence of AgNPs. It seems that the anti‐human esophageal cancer effect of recent nanoparticles is due to their antioxidant effects.
The pathway from sensory processing sensitivity to physical health: Stress as a mediator
Authors: Kenemore Jordan , Chavez Juliana , Benham Grant
Published: April 2023

Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) has been proposed as an innate trait associated with differences in the processing and reactivity to internal and external stimuli. To date, there has been limited research on the association between SPS and physical health and only one study examining mediators of this relationship. The aim of this study was to examine psychological stress as a mediator of the SPS‐health relationship in a predominately Hispanic sample of 923 adult undergraduates attending university between 2018 and 2020. We identified three SPS factors, each of which were associated with poorer physical health as assessed through two psychometrically validated self‐report measures of physical symptoms. Additionally, we demonstrate that this relationship is mediated by perceived stress, suggesting that treatments focussed on stress reduction might be an avenue through which the impact of SPS on physical health can be modified.
Dual‐Functional Super‐Assembled Mesoporous Carbon‐Titania/AAO Hetero‐Channels for Bidirectionally Photo‐Regulated Ion Transport
Authors: Zhou Shan , Zhang Xin , Xie Lei , He Yanjun , Yan Miao , Liu Tianyi , Zeng Hui , Jiang Lei , Kong Biao
Published: April 2023

Photo‐regulated nanofluidic devices have attracted great attention in recent years due to their adjustable ion transport in real time. However, most of the photo‐responsive nanofluidic devices can only adjust the ionic current unidirectionally, and cannot simultaneously increase or decrease the current signal intelligently by one device. Herein, a mesoporous carbon‐titania/ anodized aluminum hetero‐channels (MCT/AAO) is constructed by super‐assembly strategy, which exhibits dual‐function of cation selectivity and photo response. The polymer and TiO2 nanocrystals jointly build the MCT framework. Polymer framework with abundant negatively charged sites endows MCT/AAO with excellent cation selectivity, and TiO2 nanocrystals are responsible for the photo‐regulated ion transport. High photo current densities of 1.8 mA m−2 (increase) and 1.2 mA m−2 (decrease) are realized by MCT/AAO benefiting from the ordered hetero‐channels. Significantly, MCT/AAO can also achieve the bidirectionally adjustable osmotic energy by alternating the configurations of concentration gradient. Theoretical and experimental results reveal that the superior photo‐generated potential is responsible for the bidirectionally adjustable ion transport. Consequently, MCT/AAO performs the function of harvesting ionic energy from the equilibrium electrolyte solution, which greatly expands its practical application field. This work provides a new strategy in constructing dual‐functional hetero‐channels toward bidirectionally photo‐regulated ionic transport and energy harvesting.
Stabilizing Liquid in Precise Nonequilibrium Shapes via Fast Interfacial Polymerization
Authors: Lian Xiaodong , Liao Shenglong , Han Wenwen , Song Chenhao , Wang Yapei
Published: April 2023

Due to the minimization of interface area caused by surface tension, the stabilization of liquid in complex and precise nonequilibrium shapes is challenging. In this work, a simple, surfactant‐free, and covalent strategy to stabilize liquid in precise nonequilibrium shapes via fast interfacial polymerization (FIP) of highly reactive n‐butyl cyanoacrylate (BCA) monomer triggered by water‐soluble nucleophiles is described. Full interfacial coverage can be achieved instantly, and the resultant polyBCA film anchored at the interface can support the unequal interface stress, which allows the production of non‐spherical droplets with complex shapes. Notably, the formulation of internal aqueous phase is nearly unaffected since no specific additive is required. Moreover, considering the excellent biocompatibility of BCA and polyBCA, the produced droplets can be used as micro‐bioreactor for enzyme catalysis and even bacterial culture, which well mimic the morphology of cells and bacteria to achieve the biochemical reaction in non‐spherical droplets. The present work not only opens a new sight for the stabilization of liquid in nonequilibrium shapes, but may also promote the development of synthetic biology based on non‐spherical droplets, and tremendous potential applications are anticipated.
Sodium Stoichiometry Tuning of the Biphasic‐NaxMnO2 Cathode for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Tang Dafu , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Jin , Li Zhipeng , Li Xin , Han Guang , Wei Qiulong , Qu Baihua
Published: April 2023

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives for large‐scale energy storage owing to the rich resource and cost effectiveness. However, there are limitations of suitable low‐cost, high‐rate cathode materials for fast charging and high‐power delivery in grid systems. Herein, a biphasic tunnel/layered 0.80Na0.44MnO2/0.20Na0.70MnO2 (80T/20L) cathode delivering exceptional rate performance through subtly regulating the sodium and manganese stoichiometry is reported. It delivers a reversible capacity of 87 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1 (33 C), much higher than that of tunnel Na0.44MnO2 (72 mAh g−1) and layered Na0.70MnO2 (36 mAh g−1). It proves that the one‐pot synthesized 80T/20L is able to suppress the deactivation of L‐Na0.70MnO2 under air‐exposure, which improves the specific capacity and cycling stability. Based on electrochemical kinetics analysis, the electrochemical storage of 80T/20L is mainly based on pseudocapacitive surface‐controlled process. The thick film of 80T/20L cathode (a single‐side mass loading over 10 mg cm−2) also has superior properties of pseudocapacitive response (over 83.5% at a low sweep rate of 1 mV s−1) and excellent rate performance. In this sense, the 80T/20L cathode with outstanding comprehensive performance could meet the requirements of high‐performance SIBs.
Effective Surface Modification of 2D MXene toward Thermal Energy Conversion and Management
Authors: Bark Hyunwoo , Thangavel Gurunathan , Liu Rui Jun , Chua Daniel H. C. , Lee Pooi See
Published: April 2023

Thermal energy management is a crucial aspect of many research developments, such as hybrid and soft electronics, aerospace, and electric vehicles. The selection of materials is of critical importance in these applications to manage thermal energy effectively. From this perspective, MXene, a new type of 2D material, has attracted considerable attention in thermal energy management, including thermal conduction and conversion, owing to its unique electrical and thermal properties. However, tailored surface modification of 2D MXenes is required to meet the application requirements or overcome specific limitations. Herein, a comprehensive review of surface modification of 2D MXenes for thermal energy management is discussed. First, this work discusses the current progress in the surface modification of 2D MXenes, including termination with functional groups, small‐molecule organic compound functionalization, and polymer modification and composites. Subsequently, an in situ analysis of surface‐modified 2D MXenes is presented. This is followed by an overview of the recent progress in the thermal energy management of 2D MXenes and their composites, such as Joule heating, heat dissipation, thermoelectric energy conversion, and photothermal conversion. Finally, some challenges facing the application of 2D MXenes are discussed, and an outlook on surface‐modified 2D MXenes is provided.