bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theoretical framework for the ecological role of three‐dimensional structural diversity
Authors: LaRue Elizabeth A , Fahey Robert T , Alveshere Brandon C , Atkins Jeff W , Bhatt Parth , Buma Brian , Chen Anping , Cousins Stella , Elliott Jessica M , Elmore Andrew J , Hakkenberg Christopher R , Hardiman Brady S , Johnson Jeremy S , Kashian Daniel M , Koirala Anil , Papeş Monica , St Hilaire Jamille B , Surasinghe Thilina D , Zambrano Jenny , Zhai Lu , Fei Songlin
Published: February 2023

The three‐dimensional (3D) physical aspects of ecosystems are intrinsically linked to ecological processes. Here, we describe structural diversity as the volumetric capacity, physical arrangement, and identity/traits of biotic components in an ecosystem. Despite being recognized in earlier ecological studies, structural diversity has been largely overlooked due to an absence of not only a theoretical foundation but also effective measurement tools. We present a framework for conceptualizing structural diversity and suggest how to facilitate its broader incorporation into ecological theory and practice. We also discuss how the interplay of genetic and environmental factors underpin structural diversity, allowing for a potentially unique synthetic approach to explain ecosystem function. A practical approach is then proposed in which scientists can test the ecological role of structural diversity at biotic–environmental interfaces, along with examples of structural diversity research and future directions for integrating structural diversity into ecological theory and management across scales.
Methyl jasmonate treatment alleviates chilling injury and improves antioxidant system of okra pod during cold storage
Authors: Liu Yunfen , Liu Yu , Chen Qiumei , Yin Feilong , Song Mubo , Cai Wen , Shuai Liang
Published: February 2023

Okra pod is sensitive to low temperature, which results in chilling injury under improper low‐temperature storage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment on okra pod stored at 4 ± 1°C for 12 days and illuminate the mechanism of MeJA alleviating chilling injury. Compared to the control, MeJA treatments maintained lower relative electric conductivity (REC), chilling injury (CI) degree, and lignin content, as well as higher total soluble solids, total soluble sugar, pectin content, and chlorophyll content. The factor analysis was applied to comprehensively evaluate the effects of MeJA so that 1 μmol/L MeJA was screened as the optimum concentration to maintain the okra quality throughout the storage time. In contrast with control, MeJA not only accelerated the generation of antioxidant substances (phenolics and flavonoids) but also increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD) activity, inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content accumulation, and the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. This work confirmed that MeJA could effectively alleviate chilling injury and maintain the quality during cold‐stored by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. These results provide theoretical guidance for the application of MeJA in okra storage and preservation.
Big Things, Small Packages: An Update on Microalgae as Sustainable Sources of Nutraceutical Peptides for Promoting Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Ejike Chukwunonso E. C. C. , Ezeorba Timothy P. C. , Ajah Obinna , Udenigwe Chibuike C.
Published: February 2023

In 2017, a review of microalgae protein‐derived bioactive peptides relevant in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management was published. Given the rapid evolution of the field, an update is needed to illumininate recent developments and proffer future suggestions. In this review, the scientific literature (2018–2022) is mined for that purpose and the relevant properties of the identified peptides related to CVD are discussed. The challenges and prospects for microalgae peptides are similarly discussed. Since 2018, several publications have independently confirmed the potential to produce microalgae protein‐derived nutraceutical peptides. Peptides that reduce hypertension (by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme and endothelial nitric oxide synthase), modulate dyslipidemia and have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties have been reported, and characterized. Taken together, future research and development investments in nutraceutical peptides from microalgae proteins need to focus on the challenges of large‐scale biomass production, improvement in techniques for protein extraction, peptide release and processing, and the need for clinical trials to validate the claimed health benefits as well as formulation of various consumer products with the novel bioactive ingredients.
Sex moderates family history of alcohol use disorder and childhood maltreatment effects on an fMRI stop‐signal task
Authors: Elton Amanda , Allen John Hunter , Yorke Mya , Khan Farhan , Xu Peng , Boettiger Charlotte A.
Published: February 2023

Childhood maltreatment (CM) and a family history (FH) of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are each associated with increased impulsivity. However, their unique or shared brain targets remain unknown. Furthermore, both CM and FH demonstrate sex‐dependent effects on brain and behavior. We hypothesized that CM and FH interact in brain regions involved in impulsivity with sex‐dependent effects. 144 first‐year college students (18–19 years old) with varying experiences of CM and/or FH but without current AUD performed an fMRI stop‐signal task. We tested interactions between FH, CM, and sex on task performance and blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal during successful inhibitions. We examined correlations between BOLD response and psychiatric symptoms. Significant three‐way interactions of FH, CM, and sex were detected for brain and behavioral data, largely driven by male subjects. In males, CM was associated with poorer response inhibition but only for those with less FH; males with higher levels of both CM and FH demonstrated better response inhibition. Three‐way interaction effects on voxel‐wise BOLD response during response inhibition were found in bilateral middle frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex. Network‐level analyses implicated the left frontoparietal network, executive control network, and default‐mode network. Greater BOLD response in these networks correlated with lower depressive, impulsive, and attentional symptoms, reduced alcohol misuse, greater resilience scores, and heightened trait anxiety. The results highlight sex‐divergent effects of heritable and environmental risk factors that may account for sex‐dependent expression of psychopathology in response to risk factors.
Long‐term mortality and cardiovascular events of seven angiotensin receptor blockers in hypertensive patients: Analysis of a national real‐world database: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Wonjae , Kang Jeehoon , Park Jun‐Bean , Seo Won‐Woo , Lee Seung‐Yeon , Lim Woo‐Hyun , Jeon Ki‐Hyun , Hwang In‐Chang , Kim Hack‐Lyoung
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Although many angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used, comparative data regarding their impact on clinical outcomes are limited. We aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of seven ARBs on long‐term cardiovascular outcomes in Korean patients with hypertension.

Methods

Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, the data of 780,785 patients with hypertension without cardiovascular disease (CVD) who initiated ARB treatment (candesartan, fimasartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, or valsartan) in 2014 and underwent this treatment for more than 6 months, were analyzed. Cox‐regression analysis was performed using Losartan as a comparator, as it was the most widely used drug, by adjusting age, sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, alcohol drinking, exercise, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and concomitant medications. The occurrence of mortality and the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) of the six ARBs was compared with that of losartan.

Results

The median follow‐up duration was 5.94 (interquartile range, 5.87–5.97) years. In the crude analysis of all‐cause mortality and MACEs, fimasartan exhibited the lowest event rates. In the Cox‐regression analysis with adjustment, there was no significant difference in all‐cause mortality among ARBs. The risk of MACEs with ARBs was similar to that with losartan, although the risks with irbesartan (hazard ratio [HR], 1.079; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.033–1.127; p = 0.007) and candesartan (HR: 1.066; 95% CI, 1.028–1.106; p = 0.015) were slightly higher.

Conclusion

In a Korean population of patients with hypertension without CVD, six different ARBs showed similar efficacy to losartan in terms of long‐term mortality and MACEs. Further well‐designed prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.
Towards the development of an isotope‐enabled rainfall‐runoff model: Improving the ability to capture hydrological and anthropogenic change
Authors: Watson Andrew , Vystavna Yuliya , Kralisch Sven , Helmschrot Jörg , van Rooyen Jared , Miller Jodie
Published: February 2023

Global hydrological alterations are being driven by climate change. However, while modelling tools have been instrumental in identifying these changes, their calibration is often dependent solely on streamflow data, which limits the ability to simulate important hydrological processes with the required level of certainty. Constraining hydrological process simulations is required to identify robust model parameters, reducing model uncertainty and providing a baseline model for climate‐related risk assessments. In this study, stable isotope measurements of rainwater, groundwater and stream water (δ2H and δ18O), together with an end member mixing analysis (EMMA) (as a post‐processing step) were integrated with the Jena adaptative modelling system (JAMS)/J2000 rainfall‐runoff model, named J2000iso. The J2000iso models of δ2H and δ18O were able to achieve a streamflow Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.75 and 0.72 and an isotope mixing Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) of 0.51 and 0.60, respectively. Compared with the base version, the J2000iso had a much smaller variability with 56% less ensemble variance in the NSE, 13% more simulated interflow which resulted in a better soil‐moisture simulation at an observation point, and lower simulated flow component uncertainty. The J2000iso δ2H model was more robust than the base version during a subsequent validation in terms of KGE and Bias with 0.60 and 0.002 compared with 0.51 and −0.14 for the base version. The EMMA provided a means to improve the hydrograph separation ability of the JAMS/J2000. As many catchments around the world are still ungauged and are affected by anthropogenic activities, the development and enhancement of isotope‐enabled modelling provides a means to improve the simulation of key hydrological processes.
ZIF‐8‐Derived Dual Metal (Fe, Ni)‐Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon for Superior ORR Performance in Universal Acid‐Base Properties Solutions
Authors: Zhou Zijian , Fang Huiyuan , Liu Yumin , He Lijuan , Zhao Junhui , Liu Mingshuang , Yang Weihua
Published: February 2023

Fe‐N/C catalysts have currently comparable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity to Pt/C catalysts, which are up for consideration as the most promising non‐precious metal material for research. In spite of this, its development and application are limited by the Fenton effect and insufficient stability. Herein, we have fabricated a FeNi‐nitrogen‐doped porous carbon (FeNi‐NPC) catalyst using solvent thermal method, made from the bimetallic (Fe, Ni)‐doped ZIF‐8. A soft template of glucose was used to control the pore structure and active specific surface area of the catalyst. With the benefit of the electronic effect of the bimetal, FeNi‐NPC catalysts exhibit superior ORR activity and stability to Pt/C catalysts in both acidic (E1/2=0.8672 V) and alkaline (E1/2=0.8663 V) conditions. FeNi‐NPC demonstrated peak power densities in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) of up to 865 mW cm−2, which exceeds the currently reported M‐N/C catalysts. The work presented here will lead to the design of efficient ORR electrocatalysts in PEMFC devices.
Quantitative Chemoproteomic Methods for Reactive Cysteinome Profiling
Authors: Xiao Weidi , Chen Ying , Wang Chu
Published: February 2023

Reactive cysteines often serve as functional sites on proteins and play important regulatory roles in various biological processes. A chemoproteomic method named “isoTOP‐ABPP” has enabled global profiling of cysteine reactivity in native systems and greatly increased our understanding on reactive cysteinome. This elegant method and its derived chemoproteomic technologies are now widely applied in profiling of reactive cysteinome and the associated post‐translational modifications, discovery of covalent ligands for undruggable targets as well as mechanistic investigation of various biological processes. In this review, we will briefly go over the history of isoTOP‐ABPP, summarize recent developments and applications of chemoproteomic technology in reactive cysteinome profiling, and discuss future directions in this field.
Information entropy based public opinion maximization in social networks
Authors: Li Xiaohua
Published: February 2023

Aiming at addressing the public opinion maximization problem in social networks with more intelligence, we propose an information entropy‐based method. First of all, considering the different information carried by different types of social network nodes and the different information transmitted by different social nodes, the definitions of participation entropy and interactive entropy are proposed. Then, the influence weight between public opinion propagation nodes is calculated, and then the global influence of nodes is calculated based on the linear threshold model. Finally, the seed set is selected according to the marginal gain of the social nodes. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
On a persisting curious double standard in behavior analysis: Behavioral scholars' perspectives on procedural fidelity
Authors: St. Peter Claire C. , Brand Denys , Jones Stephanie H. , Wolgemuth Jennifer R. , Lipien Lodi
Published: February 2023

Procedural fidelity is the extent to which independent variables are implemented as designed. Despite 40 years of discussion about the importance of procedural fidelity for behavioral research, reporting of fidelity data remains an uncommon practice in behavior‐analytic journals. Researchers have speculated about reasons for underreporting, but the perspectives of scholars about when reporting is warranted or necessary have not yet been explored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate possible reasons for infrequent reporting of fidelity data in behavior‐analytic studies. To address this purpose, we conducted focus groups with scholars in applied behavior analysis. Five themes emerged regarding why procedural fidelity data are not typically reported. We provide a discussion about how these themes are interrelated and offer suggestions and recommendations to assist with the collection and reporting of fidelity data.
Extent of dependence of crystalline, morphological, optical and electrical properties on deposition time of sprayed SnS thin films
Authors: Messaoudi Meriem , Boudour Samah
Published: February 2023

In the present experimental work, Tin Sulphide (SnS) thin films with various thicknesses have been grown on nonconducting substrate by using chemical spray pyrolysis technique in order to study the extent of dependence of crystallite size, morphological and optical properties of SnS films on their deposition times. The obtained films were characterized using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–visible and Hall Effect measurements. From 15 min to 60 min with an increase of 15 min each time one of all films was deposited, the XRD analysis indicated that all four sprayed SnS films are mainly composed with orthorhombic SnS phase, having a growing dominant peak intensity (120), with increasing deposition time. In addition, the XRD revealed the presence of the Sn2S3 secondary phase in SnS film sprayed at the longest time (60 min). It was found that the measurements of crystallite size and microstrain are varied in the inverse manner throughout the deposition period. The SEM and AFM analysis revealed that the morphology of sprayed films have good surface coverage without pinholes or cracks. AFM analysis confirmed that the root‐mean‐square (RMS) roughness behavior of the sprayed films increases from 14.6 to 56.7 nm with increasing deposition time. Optical studies showed that the transmittance decreases with the deposition time increase, and the minimum value of Urbach energy was 360 meV for the film deposited at 45 min, showing an improvement of the SnS film crystallinity. In addition, the optical band gap values significantly increased from 0.69 to 2.10 eV by increasing the deposition time from 15 min to 60 min. The Hall Effect study showed that SnS thin films have p‐type conductivity. The lowest resistivity and higher carrier concentration were found to be 0.134 Ω cm and 8.15 × 1019 (ion/cm−3), respectively. These obtained results revealed that the deposition time interestingly affect the properties of sprayed SnS films, which would qualifying them to meet the requirements to be serve in different applications.
Risk Stratification and Overall Survival Prediction in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients Based on Whole‐Volume MRI Radiomics
Authors: Chen Wujie , Gao Chen , Hu Can , Zheng Yao , Wang Lijing , Chen Haibo , Jiang Haitao
Published: February 2023

Background

The prognosis of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients has attracted much attention, but there is a lack of evaluation method. MRI‐based radiomics has the potential to evaluate AGC patients' prognosis.

Purpose

To identify and validate the risk stratification and overall survival (OS) in AGC patients using MRI‐based radiomics.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

A total of 233 patients (168 males, 63.6 ± 11.1 years; 65 females, 59.7 ± 11.8 years) confirmed AGC were collected. The data were randomly divided into a training (164) and validation set (69).

Sequence

A 3.0 T, axial T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted imaging, and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted (CE‐T1WI).

Assessment

Radiologist 1 segmented 233 patients and radiologist 2 segmented randomly 50 patients on CE‐T1WI. The risk score (RS) was summed by each sample based on the radiomics features and correlation coefficients. Patients were followed up for 7–67 months (median 41; 138 dead and 95 alive).

Statistical Tests

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa value were calculated. Differences in survival analysis were assessed by Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank test. Cox‐regression analysis was performed to identify the radiomics features and clinical indicators associated with OS. The calibration curves were built to assess the model. A two‐tailed P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Integrated with age, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and RS, a survival combined model was built. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting 3‐year and 5‐year OS was 0.765 and 0.788 in the training set, 0.757 and 0.729 in the validation set. There was no significant difference between the radiomics model and survival combined model for 3‐year (0.690 vs. 0.757, P = 0.425) and 5‐year OS (0.687 vs. 729, P = 0.412) in the validation set. The calibration curves showed a high degree of fit for the survival combined model.

Data Conclusion

This study established a survival combined model that might help AGC patients in future clinical decision‐making.

Evidence Level

33

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
‘Having the mask on didn't worry me until … they clamped my head down so I wouldn't move’: A qualitative study exploring anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer during radiation therapy
Authors: Forbes Erin , Clover Kerrie , Baker Amanda L. , Britton Ben , Carlson Melissa , McCarter Kristen
Published: February 2023

Introduction

More than 20% of patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer report anxiety specifically related to the immobilisation mask, a tight‐fighting mask patients are required to wear for the duration of each treatment session. However, limited research has investigated this from the patient perspective. The aim of this study was to better understand patient experiences of mask anxiety during head and neck cancer radiation therapy and to explore patient attitudes toward potential strategies that may reduce mask anxiety during this treatment.

Methods

Five patients with head and neck cancer, who had self‐reported mask anxiety during radiation therapy, participated in semi‐structured, qualitative interviews exploring their experiences of anxiety and suggestions for reducing anxiety. A codebook thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Six main themes were identified: (1) triggers of anxiety; (2) adjusting to radiation therapy; (3) education about the mask; (4) coping; (5) motivation and (6) improving the patient experience.

Conclusion

Findings from these interviews provide valuable insight into how and when healthcare providers may be able to assist patients to manage mask anxiety. Recommendations include increased communication from health care providers; delivery of visual information to improve patient preparedness; exposure/opportunities to interact with the masks prior to treatment commencing and increased control of music/soundtrack selection. However, a limitation of this study is the small sample size and further research is warranted.
Cross‐sectional analysis reveals autoantibody signatures associated with COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Baiocchi Gabriela C. , Vojdani Aristo , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Vojdani Elroy , Halpert Gilad , Ostrinski Yuri , Zyskind Israel , Filgueiras Igor S. , Schimke Lena F. , Marques Alexandre H. C. , Giil Lasse M. , Lavi Yael B. , Silverberg Jonathan I. , Zimmerman Jason , Hill Dana A. , Thornton Amanda , Kim Myungjin , De Vito Roberta , Fonseca Dennyson L. M. , Plaça Desireé R. , Freire Paula P. , Camara Niels O. S. , Calich Vera L. G. , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Heidecke Harald , Lattin Miriam T. , Ochs Hans D. , Riemekasten Gabriela , Amital Howard , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Cabral‐Marques Otavio
Published: February 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is associated with increased levels of autoantibodies targeting immunological proteins such as cytokines and chemokines. Reports further indicate that COVID‐19 patients may develop a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases due to reasons not fully understood. Even so, the landscape of autoantibodies induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection remains uncharted territory. To gain more insight, we carried out a comprehensive assessment of autoantibodies known to be linked to diverse autoimmune diseases observed in COVID‐19 patients in a cohort of 231 individuals, of which 161 were COVID‐19 patients (72 with mild, 61 moderate, and 28 with severe disease) and 70 were healthy controls. Dysregulated IgG and IgA autoantibody signatures, characterized mainly by elevated concentrations, occurred predominantly in patients with moderate or severe COVID‐19 infection. Autoantibody levels often accompanied anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody concentrations while stratifying COVID‐19 severity as indicated by random forest and principal component analyses. Furthermore, while young versus elderly COVID‐19 patients showed only slight differences in autoantibody levels, elderly patients with severe disease presented higher IgG autoantibody concentrations than young individuals with severe COVID‐19. This work maps the intersection of COVID‐19 and autoimmunity by demonstrating the dysregulation of multiple autoantibodies triggered during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Thus, this cross‐sectional study suggests that SARS‐CoV‐2 infection induces autoantibody signatures associated with COVID‐19 severity and several autoantibodies that can be used as biomarkers of COVID‐19 severity, indicating autoantibodies as potential therapeutical targets for these patients.
Postpyloric vs gastric enteral nutrition in critically ill children: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Martinez Enid E. , Melvin Patrice , Callif Charles , Turner Ashley D. , Hamilton Susan , Mehta Nilesh M.
Published: February 2023

Background

We aimed to describe enteral nutrition (EN) delivery in patients receiving postpyloric EN (PPEN) vs gastric EN (GEN).

Methods

Single‐center retrospective study including patients aged <21 years admitted to an intensive care unit in a pediatric quaternary care hospital for ≧48 h who received PPEN or GEN as a first approach, as guided by a nutrition algorithm. PPEN patients were 1:1 propensity score matched to GEN patients on demographics, clinical characteristics, and disease severity. Days to EN initiation from admission, percentage of EN adequacy (delivered EN volume/prescribed EN volume) on days 1–3 and 7 after EN initiation, and time to achieving 60% of prescribed EN volume were compared between the two groups using Wilcoxon Mann‐Whitney tests and a Cox proportional hazards model. Data are presented as median (IQR1, IQR3).

Results

Forty‐six PPEN and 46 GEN patients were matched. Median time to EN initiation was 3.25 (2, 6.8) days for PPEN and 4.15 (1.5, 7.1) days for GEN (P = 0.6). Percentage of EN adequacy was greater for PPEN than GEN patients (day 1 PPEN 59.4% [18.8, 87.5] vs GEN 21.1% [7.8, 62.8], day 2 PPEN 54.3% [16.7, 95.8] vs GEN 24% [5.4, 56.7], day 3 PPEN 65.4% [14.7, 100] vs GEN 16% [0, 64.6], day 7 PPEN 77.8% [11.1, 100] vs GEN 13.8% [0, 74.5]; P < 0.05). PPEN patients had greater likelihood of achieving 60% of their prescribed EN volume than GEN patients (hazard ratio 1.84, 95% CI 1.07–3.15; P = 0.028).

Conclusion

PPEN was associated with greater EN delivery compared with GEN.
Diagnostic Value of Artificial Intelligence‐Assistant Diagnostic System Combined With Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Thyroid TI‐RADS 4 Nodules
Authors: Gong Zhong‐jing , Xin Jun , Yin Jun , Wang Bo , Li Xin , Yang Hui‐xian , Zhu Yan‐wen , Shen Junkang , Gu Jiying
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study evaluated the diagnostic value of artificial intelligence‐assistant diagnostic system combined with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (ACR TI‐RADS) 4 category thyroid nodules.

Methods

Thyroid nodules that were evaluated as ACR TI‐RADS 4 by conventional ultrasound were selected, all of which had pathological or fine needle aspiration (FNA) results. All nodules were examined by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and artificial intelligence (AI) analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of AI, CEUS and their combined diagnosis were compared; Analyzed and compared the diagnostic efficiency of AI, CEUS and their combined diagnosis.

Results

A total of 148 thyroid nodules were included in 140 patients, including 58 malignant nodules and 89 benign nodules. The sensitivity of combined diagnosis was significantly higher than that of AI or CEUS alone (P < .05). The NPV of AI, CEUS and combined diagnosis were statistically significant (P < .05). There was no significant difference in the diagnostic efficacy between AI and CEUS (P > .05), but there was a significant difference in NPV between AI and combined diagnosis (P < .05). The AUC of the combined diagnosis was 0.859, which was higher than that of AI, CEUS alone.

Conclusions

AI has a high diagnostic efficiency, which was helpful for radiologists to make rapid assessment. AI combined CEUS can significantly improve the diagnostic sensitivity and NPV, which was beneficial for the early detection of malignant nodules.
Pure Blue Perovskites Nanocrystals in Glass: Ultrafast Laser Direct Writing and Bandgap Tuning
Authors: Sun Ke , Li Xinkuo , Tan Dezhi , Jiang Haiyi , Xiong Kaiyi , Zhang Jie , Xu Beibei , Xiao Zhu , Li Zhou , Qiu Jianrong
Published: February 2023

Chemical engineering in lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) has garnered significant attention for tailoring optoelectronic properties, such as bandgap, quantum yield (QY), and stability. Here, pure blue emissive PNCs in glass by using ultrafast laser are reported. The emission wavelength is tuned in the range from 461 to 520 nm by engineering the chemical composition in the B‐site Cd/Pb mix‐cation system. The photoluminescence (PL) QY of CsCdxPb1−xBr3 PNCs reaches 13.4% for the pure blue emission at 467 nm, which is twice that of CsPbBryCl3−y PNCs. The pure blue emissive PNCs exhibit remarkable stability when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, heat, and ethanol solvents. The ultrafast laser print patterns can be encrypted and decrypted for information, which shows great potential for crucial information security applications. These results imply that B‐site engineering for lead halide PNCs embedded in glass is effective to tailor the PL spectra and increase the PL QY. The pure blue emissive PNCs hold great potential in the applications of blue and full‐color emissive devices.
Association of protein intake during hospitalization with readmission in older adult patients with heart failure at risk of malnutrition
Authors: Saijo Takeshi , Yasumoto Koji , Ryomoto Kayoko , Momoki Chika , Habu Daiki
Published: February 2023

Background

The influence of protein intake during hospitalization on postdischarge readmission in patients with heart failure (HF) is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between protein intake and readmission in older adult patients with HF at risk of malnutrition.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at a single acute care hospital. Patients were diagnosed with HF between April 2017 and March 2019, aged ≥65 years, and had a body mass index <35 and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index <92 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was HF‐related readmission within 1 year after discharge. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine whether protein intake was an independent predictor of readmission within 1 year.

Results

Ultimately, 165 patients were included in the analysis: 105 patients did not require readmission, and 60 required readmission because of HF‐related events. Multivariate analysis showed that protein intake <1.2 g/kg/day was an independent contributor to readmission in either model (model 1: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.07 [95% CI, 1.07–4.01], P = 0.030; model 2: HR = 2.24 [95% CI, 1.15–4.37], P = 0.018; model 3: HR = 2.70 [95% CI, 1.23–5.94], P = 0.013; and model 4: HR = 2.88 [95% CI, 1.28–6.51], P = 0.011).

Conclusion

Low protein intake during hospitalization in older adult patients with HF at risk of malnutrition may increase the rate of readmission within 1 year after discharge. Nutrition intervention should be provided to these patients early during their hospitalization to ensure sufficient protein intake to maintain and improve their nutrition status and activity level.
Determinants of social enterprise performance: The role of passion, competence, and organizational legitimacy
Authors: Wu Jianlin , Cai Wenjun , Song Yi
Published: February 2023

Social enterprises have been widely recognized as tools to solve societal problems. As the soul of social enterprises, social entrepreneurs help social enterprises overcome resource constraints and achieve survival and development. However, existing studies have focused limited attention on the effects of social entrepreneur characteristics on social enterprise performance. Drawing on the institutional logics perspective, this paper constructs a theoretical model of social entrepreneurial passion and entrepreneurial competence affecting social enterprise performance through organizational legitimacy and examines the moderating effect of regulatory uncertainty. Data were collected from 198 social enterprises in China. The results indicate that organizational legitimacy mediates the relationships between social entrepreneurial passion, entrepreneurial competence, and social enterprise performance. Regulatory uncertainty positively moderates the relationship between organizational legitimacy and social enterprise economic performance. The findings of this study contribute to research on social enterprise performance and organizational legitimacy. This paper also offers practical suggestions that social entrepreneurs should exert their passion and competence, obtain organizational legitimacy, and analyze the institutional environments to promote the development of the enterprise.
Inclusive approaches for cumulative effects assessments
Authors: Adams Megan S. , Tulloch Vivitskaia J. D. , Hemphill Jessie , Penn Briony , Anderson Leya T. , Davis Kate , Avery‐Gomm Stephanie , Harris Alex , Martin Tara G.
Published: February 2023

The cumulative impacts of human activities and natural disturbance are leading to loss and extinction of species, ecological communities and biocultural connections people have to those ecosystems. Exclusive and extractive western science methodologies often hinder the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge holders in cumulative effects assessments (CEAs), which can lead to regional conflict and ineffective assessment and management of cumulative effects.

We offer our reflections on the development of a collaborative CEA process with the Kitasoo Xai'xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv First Nations in what is now known as the Central Coast of British Columbia. We designed our CEA around the guiding principles of respecting Indigenous sovereignty and regional autonomy, designing for trauma‐informed approaches, and prioritizing inclusivity and reciprocity. We focused our efforts on identifying current and future pressures on species of the Nations' choice.

We relied on expert elicitation and data‐driven approaches to identify and map current and future cumulative impacts to predict their consequences for species' health. We used combinations of visualizations, numerical, oral and written materials to convey, elicit and share complex information with experts.

We found a diversity of elicitation processes fostered the involvement of a variety of experts (e.g. Indigenous knowledge holders and Nation staff, regional biologists, Crown managers, tenure holders). We mapped over 90+ impacts to species in the region and after conversation and facilitated elicitation processes with over 50 knowledge holders, emerged with predictions for the consequences of seven plausible scenarios of future cumulative impacts for eight species as well as broad themes for the management of cumulative impacts to the lands and waters of the Nations with whom we collaborated. Our shared lessons can support researchers, planners, proponents, and Indigenous and colonial government agencies to conduct inclusive, collaborative and accessible CEAs that inform regional land and marine use planning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
An overview of the recent advances in flame retarded poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Baochai Li , Bakar Aznizam Abu , Mohamad Zurina
Published: February 2023

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is derived from crops, and has a broad application prospect in electronics and electrical, automotive industries due to its biodegradability and good physical and mechanical properties. However, PLA's flammability and serious melt dripping cannot meet the requirements of terminal products, thus limiting its application. Over the past decade, much research on flame retardant PLA has emerged. This paper reviews the development of PLA flame retardants in recent years, focusing on phosphorus‐based, phosphorus–nitrogen‐based, bio‐based, nanoparticles, intumescent flame retardants, and their combinations. Besides that, the efficiency of flame retardant and its loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA is also thoroughly reviewed. Finally, the future development of flame‐retardant PLA is briefly summarized and prospected.
Enhanced impact resistance of three‐dimensional woven composites with double‐layer core structure
Authors: Yang Xiaori , Zheng Liangang , Chen Long , Xu Fujun
Published: February 2023

In this study, to further improve the anti‐impact property of 3D woven spacer composites (3DWSC), three kinds of integrated 3DWSC with double‐layer cores assembled at different height combinations of 4 + 8 mm, 6 + 6 mm, and 8 + 4 mm, were designed and prepared. And the impact performances and the post‐impact lateral compressive properties of the resulting composites were investigated and compared to the single‐layer 3DWSC of the same height. The results show that among the three combinations, 3DWSC‐4 + 8 has the highest contact force value of 2454.33 N at 10 J, which is 90.60% higher than that of single‐layer 3DWSC. And the residual compressive strength of 3DWSC‐4 + 8 maintains 91.30% after 10 J energy impact, while the retention value of single‐layer 3DWSC is only 68.43%. The above results can be attributed to the fact that the addition of the middle panel in double‐layer 3DWSC is benefical to improve the capacity of the material to withstand transverse load or bending moment and to absorb more energy through its damage compared to the single‐layer 3DWSC. In addition, the SEM images showed that only resin cracks in the double‐layer 3DWSC and no fiber breakage and delamination, indicating exceptional mechanical stability of the as‐prepared double‐layer 3DWSC. This work can serve as a reference for the design and fabrication to multi‐layer 3DWSC, a promising material in the field of high‐performance composites.
Thermal post‐processing effects on the polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites manufactured by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Pazhamannil Ribin Varghese , Namboodiri V. N. Jishnu , Hadidi Haitham M. , Edacherian Abhilash , Govindan P.
Published: February 2023

The mechanical properties of components manufactured by fused filament fabrication lack sufficient levels for industrial applications. The need for post‐processing is, therefore, necessary to enhance the interlayer strength and mechanical characteristics. In the present study, experimental analysis of the effects of annealing on polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene manufactured by fused filament fabrication is explored. Annealing temperatures are selected in the range from 90 to 210°C based on differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The ultimate tensile strength improved by 20.39% from 32.39 to 38.99 MPa after the heat treatment at 180°C for 1‐h duration. Flexural strength showed a remarkable enhancement of 53.21% after annealing at 180°C for 2 h. The interlayer diffusion and bonding are boosted following heat treatment and microstructural imaging proved the same although the surface had flakes due to the high heat exposure. X‐ray diffraction testing of annealed models demonstrated a maximum crystallinity index of 32.56% when compared with nonannealed samples with 6.58%. The addition of polycarbonate to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene improves the stiffness and impact loading capacity with high heat resistance. The heat treatment process is capable of magnifying the mechanical characteristics of the end functional components, thereby opening up the scope for more engineering applications.
Nephrotoxicity assessment of Esculentoside A using human‐induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived organoids
Authors: Gu Shuyi , Wu Gaosong , Lu Dong , Meng Guofeng , Wang Yu , Tang Liming , Zhang Weidong
Published: February 2023

Drug‐induced nephrotoxicity is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). A major obstacle in predicting AKI is the lack of a comprehensive experimental model that mimics stable and physiologically relevant kidney functions and accurately reflects the changes a drug induces. Organoids derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are promising models because of their reproducibility and similarity to the in vivo conditions. In this study, Esculentoside A, the triterpene saponin with the highest concentration isolated from the root of Phytolacca acinose Roxb., was used to induce kidney injury models in vivo and kidney organoids. Esculentoside A induced AKI in mice, together with pathological changes and enhanced apoptosis. Moreover, Esculentoside A damaged podocytes and proximal tubular endothelial cells in kidney organoids in a similar way as in vivo. We also found that treatment with 60 μM Esculentoside A induced the known biomarkers of kidney damage and inflammatory cytokines (such as kidney injury molecule (KIM‐1), β2‐microglobulin (β2‐M), and cystatin C (CysC)) in the organoids, in which activation of Cleaved Caspase‐3 was involved, possibly due to lowered mitochondrial membrane potential. In summary, this study strongly suggests using kidney organoids as a reliable platform to assess Chinese medicine‐induced nephrotoxicity.
Sliding mode based fault diagnosis with deep reinforcement learning add‐ons for intrinsically redundant manipulators
Authors: Sacchi Nikolas , Incremona Gian Paolo , Ferrara Antonella
Published: February 2023

This article presents a fault diagnosis control scheme for intrinsically redundant robot manipulators based on the combination of a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approach and a battery of sliding mode observers. The DRL plays the role of detecting and isolating possible sensor faults, thus generating an alarm and pin‐pointing the source. This in turn allows to compensate the sensor faults independently from the actuator ones. The latter are therefore detected and isolated by a set of sliding mode observers driven by input laws designed according to an optimal reaching algorithm. In order to design and apply such observers, a global feedback linearization is performed, which transforms the multi‐input‐multi‐output (MIMO) nonlinear robot model into a chain of double integrators. The proposal is analyzed and assessed in realistic conditions using the PyBullet environment in which a 7 degrees‐of‐freedom (DOFs) Franka Emika Panda robot manipulator is reproduced.
Using Small Branches of Bombax ceiba Instead of Stem Bark for a Conservative Sourcing Approach: Comparative Studies of Chemical Profiling by LC‐MS, GC‐MS, and HPLC
Authors: Kumar Meena Ajay , Ilavarasan Raju , Ojha Vikas , Perumal Ayyam , Singh Ravindra , Srikanth Narayanam , Singh Dhiman Kartar
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the current study piece is to use short branches rather than stem bark to take a conservative approach to the Bombax ceiba plant. Similarities were found in the HPLC, LCMS, and GCMS data of the plant‘s stem bark and tiny branches. Analysis using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) of abundant medicinal phytochemicals of Bombax ceiba and its Molecular Docking Interaction with AKT Protein Kinase, Human Acetyl Choline Esterase, and Pancreatic Lipase Colipase Target Protein. According to the HPLC study results, Bombax ceiba stem bark contains 0.359 % lupeol, whereas tiny branches have 0.039 %. Three compounds have good binding energy (Kcal/mol) with Human acetyl choline esterase, while seven compounds have very good binding energy (Kcal/mol) with AKT Protein kinase and Pancreatic Lipase Colipase. Small branches are essentially identical to stem bark in terms of their chemical composition that makes them active against certain target proteins.
External Field‐induced Transitions in Quantum Dot: Role of Noise‐anharmonicity Interplay
Authors: Datta Swarnab , Arif Sk. Md. , Roy Debi , Ghosh Manas
Published: February 2023

This work scrutinizes thetime‐average excitation rate(TAER) among theGaAs quantum dot(QD) eigenstates under the aegis ofGaussian white noise(GWN) and theparityof theanharmonic potential(odd/even). GWN connects with the system byadditiveormultiplicativemode. The said excitation of the ground state population has been triggered by an external field which may be apolychromatic radiation field(PRF), orpulsed field(PF) orchirped pulsed field(CPF). The study reveals the subtle nuances of the interplay between noise (additive or multiplicative), anharmonicity (odd or even) and the external field (PRF, PF or CPF) that finally govern the attributes of the TAER diagrams. The TAER profiles exhibit persistent growth, persistent decline, maximization (important in view of production of prominentnonlinear optical properties), minimization and saturation (relevant tothe dynamic freezing). The findings appear useful for regulating the TAER among theGaAsQD eigenstates which have substantial technological relevance.
Population Transfer Among the Quantum Dot Eigenstates Driven by Time‐dependent Anharmonic Potential: Role of Noise
Authors: Datta Swarnab , Arif Sk. Md. , Roy Debi , Ghosh Manas
Published: February 2023

The study meticulously inspects thetime‐average excitation rate (TAER)of lowest energy state electronic probability ofGaAs quantum dot (QD)to the higher energy states. The excitation occurs as theanharmonic potential(a part of QD confinement) starts varying with time eitherperiodicallyorrandomly. The anharmonic potential is characterized by eitherevenoroddparity.Gaussian white noise (GWN)has also been introduced to the QD either viaadditiveormultiplicativemode. The study announces that the coupled impact of the given physical quantity, the symmetry of the anharmonicity, presence/absence of noise, the route of entrance of noise, and the nature of time progress of anharmonicity constant, ultimately regulates and fine‐tunes the attributes of the TAER diagrams. The TAER diagrams comprise of regular rise, regular fall, maximization (pertinent to production of high value ofnonlinear optical (NLO) properties), minimization and saturation (pertinent todynamic freezing). The outcomes of the study seem to be recognizable in various applications of devices containing QD.
Ultra‐Fast Benzene Gas (C6H6) Detection Characteristics of Cobalt‐Doped Aluminum Oxide Sensors
Authors: Venkatraman Manikandan , Kadian Ankit , Choudhary Siddharth , Subramanian Annapoorni , Singh Ajeet , Sikarwar Samiksha
Published: February 2023

In this study, undoped and Cobalt‐doped Al2O3 were synthesized though a precipitation method followed by microwave irradiation for benzene gas sensing studies. The Co‐doped Al2O3 nanoparticles are offering lattice disorder that facilitate imperfection/defects. An XPS survey scan has been used to confirm the presence of the relevant elements and to calculate their amounts, respectively. Moreover, the doped nanoparticles face shape and size revision which warrants the device application. After characterization, the samples were used for fabrication of gas sensors. Benzene gas sensing studies revealed that the sensor with higher amount of Co‐doping had a high response to this gas. The optimized gas sensor showed a fast response time of 1.5 s and a recovery time of 2 s. The doped sensor has effectively sensed the lower concentration of 5 ppm gas. Sensor surface is readily active for grabbing oxygen from air and then release electrons at very fast in‐contact of benzene. Furthermore, it showed high stability and good selectivity. Improved performance for the optimized gas sensor was related to decrease of particle size as a result of doping, generation of oxygen vacancies due to the presence of Co‐dopant and also catalytic activity of Co. The ageing‐test of the sensor had reproduced the ∼98 % results which affirms the long‐term stability. The result of this study can be used for further exploration of role of Co in the gas response of different sensing materials.