bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial mechanical contraction and ambulatory atrioventricular synchrony: Predictors from the OPTIVALL study
Authors: Briongos‐Figuero Sem , Estévez Paniagua Álvaro , Sánchez Hernández Ana , Jiménez Loeches Silvia , Gómez Mariscal Eloy , Vaqueriza Cubillo David , Muñoz‐Aguilera Roberto
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The role that preprocedural factors have on atrioventricular synchrony (AVS) provided by leadless pacemakers requires investigation.

Methods and Results

We aimed to assess the correlation between mitral inflow echocardiographic parameters and p‐wave morphology with the accelerometer A4 signal amplitude. We also sought to identify clinical and echocardiographic predictors of optimal ambulatory AVS (≥85% of cardiac cycles).

Forty‐three patients undergoing Micra AV implant from June 2020 to March 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Baseline echocardiogram and 12‐lead resting ECG were performed. Device follow‐up was scheduled at 24 h, 1, 3, and 6 months and yearly after the implant. Ambulatory AVS was studied with a 24 h Holter monitor performed at 3 months follow‐up in 35 patients who remained in VDD mode.

A4 signal amplitude at 1 month correlated to peak A wave velocity (r = .376; p = .024) at echocardiogram, but no relationship was found with peak A' wave velocity, E/A, or E'/A' ratio. P‐wave amplitude in lead I and aVF correlated to A4 signal amplitude at 1‐ and 3‐months follow‐up, respectively.

Median AVS during 24 h of daily activities was 85.6 ± 7.6% and remained stable up to 100 bpm. Twenty‐three out of 35 patients (65.7%) reached optimal ambulatory AVS. There was no association between mitral inflow echocardiographic parameters and optimal AVS. Diabetes (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01−0.47; p = .009) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01−0.63; p = .019) strongly predicted ambulatory AVS <85%.

Conclusions

Diabetes and COPD should be considered when selecting candidates for Micra AV. Measurements of pulsed wave Doppler mitral inflow do not systematically reflect the behavior of the A4 signal amplitude.
Differences in the ultrastructure of neurons in the spinal ganglion and dorsal rootlet between rats treated with cisplatin only versus co‐administration with a sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 2 agonist in attenuating neuropathy and allodynia
Authors: Chayaburakul Kanokporn , Ong Wei Yi , Herr Deron R. , Kobutree Phetnarin , Chantra Kraisri
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent for many types of cancer. The neurotoxicity of cisplatin includes neuropathy and allodynia. We aimed to study structural changes by using CYM54‐78, attenuating cisplatin‐induced neuropathy and blocking the pathogenesis in neurons, and promoting axonal regeneration.

Methods

TEM (transmission electron microscopy) was used to distinguish ultrastructural changes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and dorsal rootlets (DR) between rats treated with cisplatin alone and rats co‐treated with cisplatin and sphingosine ‐1‐phosphate receptor2 (S1P2) agonist, CYM‐5478.

Results

In DRG of rats treated with cisplatin alone, TEM micrographs showed necrosis and apoptotic cells. Neuronal cytoplasm showed numerous vacuole (stage C) and swelling (stage B➔C) mitochondrial degeneration. Neurons in DRG from cisplatin+CYM‐5478 group showed a higher percentage of healthy mitochondria (from 5.3% to 75.6%) than those treated with cisplatin alone. DR of cisplatin only group showed abnormal axoplasm, axolemma, and focal detached myelin sheaths, especially in Aδ (fast pain) and Aβ (touch) fibers, and revealed collateral branches that sprouted from Aβ fibers, which is characteristic of allodynia. Moreover, vasoconstriction was observed in DRG and DR. Rats in cisplatin+CYM‐5478 group showed not only fewer abnormal structures than those in cisplatin only group, but also showed Bands of Büngner and onion bulb‐like structures, which are characteristic of nerve regeneration.

Interpretation

Together with our previous study, showed that CYM‐5478 attenuated neuropathy and allodynia in a rat model of cisplatin‐induced neuropathy, these results suggest S1P2 agonists as a potential approach the for treatment of cancer due to the reduction of side effects of cisplatin.
Impact of postnatal weight gain on brain white matter maturation in very preterm infants
Authors: Bobba Pratheek S. , Weber Clara F. , Higaki Adrian R. Acuna , Mukherjee Pratik , Scheinost Dustin , Constable R. Todd , Ment Laura , Taylor Sarah N. , Payabvash Seyedmehdi
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Very preterm infants (VPIs, <32 weeks gestational age at birth) are prone to long‐term neurological deficits. While the effects of birth weight and postnatal growth on VPIs’ neurological outcome are well established, the neurobiological mechanism behind these associations remains elusive. In this study, we utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to characterize how birth weight and postnatal weight gain influence VPIs’ white matter (WM) maturation.

Methods

We included VPIs with complete birth and postnatal weight data in their health record, and DTI scan as part of their predischarge Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). We conducted voxel‐wise general linear model and tract‐based regression analyses to explore the impact of birth weight and postnatal weight gain on WM maturation.

Results

We included 91 VPIs in our analysis. After controlling for gestational age at birth and time between birth and scan, higher birth weight Z‐scores were associated with DTI markers of more mature WM tracts, most prominently in the corpus callosum and sagittal striatum. The postnatal weight Z‐score changes over the first 4 weeks of life were also associated with increased maturity in these WM tracts, when controlling for gestational age at birth, birth weight Z‐score, and time between birth and scan.

Conclusions

In VPIs, birth weight and post‐natal weight gain are associated with markers of brain WM maturation, particularly in the corpus callosum, which can be captured on discharge MRI. These neuroimaging metrics can serve as potential biomarkers for the early effects of nutritional interventions on VPIs’ brain development.
The Slut‐Shaming Instrument: Preliminary validation, correlates, and links with psychological distress among adolescent girls
Authors: Martin‐Storey Alexa , Dirks Melanie , Paquette Geneviève , Boutin Stéphanie , Dryburgh Nicole S. J. , Leduc Karissa , Bolduc Marie‐Louise , Temcheff Caroline
Published: July 2023

Despite social awareness of the problem of slut‐shaming for adolescent girls, no existing measure captures this construct. Using data from a sample of 202 girls from Québec, Canada (ages 14–17; 68% White), preliminary validation is provided for the Slut‐Shaming Instrument, a seven‐item measure of negative peer experiences related to being perceived as too sexually active, sexualized, or flirtatious. The measure showed strong psychometric properties including good reliability and factor structure, expected associations with daily experiences of slut‐related victimization and sexual harassment, and links with number of sexual partners and other forms of peer victimization. Slut‐shaming was associated with distress accounting for these other forms of victimization (including sexual harassment), suggesting the pertinence of addressing this type of gender‐based victimization.
Disordered alcohol and substance use in Irish farmers: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: O'Connor Siobhán , Malone Sandra M. , Firnhaber Joseph , O’ Shaughnessy Branagh R. , McNamara John G. , O'Hagan Donnla
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Farming is a high‐pressure occupation. Populations of farmers face significant health risks, including injury, mental illness, and in some cases, heavy alcohol use. However, there is little research on farmers’ use of substances beyond alcohol. This study examines factors relating to Irish farmers’ disordered alcohol and substance use.

Methods

In accordance with STROBE guidelines for cross‐sectional research and reporting, we examined disordered alcohol and substance use in 351 Irish farmers using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Tool (AUDIT) and Drug Use Disorders Identification Tool (DUDIT).

Findings

While 28% of farmers did not drink, 40% of those who did drink exceeded the AUDIT threshold for disordered use. Similarly, while 95% of farmers did not use substances, 78% of farmers who did use substances exceeded the DUDIT threshold for disordered use. Age was the most important risk factor for disordered alcohol and substance use and correlated with other main risk factors: lower income, no children, part‐time farmer, and full‐time off‐farm roles. Disordered drinking was highest in farmers engaged in full‐time education.

Conclusions

This population of Irish farmers report broadly healthy alcohol and substance use behaviors. Irish farmers may serve as a model group whose strengths can be utilized in interventions within and beyond the Irish farming community. Our results confirm the importance of analyzing demographic factors in farmers’ drinking and identify younger farmers as especially at‐risk for harmful alcohol and substance use.
Bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements of the Winchcombe meteorite using the Visible Oxford Space Environment Goniometer
Authors: Curtis R. J. , Bates H. C. , Warren T. J. , Shirley K. A. , Brown E. C. , King A. J. , Bowles N. E.
Published: July 2023

A laboratory study was performed using the Visible Oxford Space Environment Goniometer in which the broadband (350–1250 nm) bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of the Winchcombe meteorite was measured, across a range of viewing angles—reflectance: 0°–70°, in steps of 5°; incidence: 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°; and azimuthal: 0°, 90°, and 180°. The BRDF dataset was fitted using the Hapke BRDF model to (1) provide a method of comparison to other meteorites and asteroids, and (2) to produce Hapke parameter values that can be used to extrapolate the BRDF to all angles. The study deduced the following Hapke parameters for Winchcombe: w = 0.152 ± 0.030, b = 0.633 ± 0.064, and hS = 0.016 ± 0.008, demonstrating that it has a similar w value to Tagish Lake (0.157 ± 0.020) and a similar b value to Orgueil (0.671 ± 0.090). Importantly, the surface profile of the sample was characterized using an Alicona 3D® instrument, allowing two of the free parameters within the Hapke model φ and , which represent porosity and surface roughness, respectively, to be constrained as φ = 0.649 ± 0.023 and  = 16.113° (at 500 μm size scale). This work serves as part of the characterization process for Winchcombe and provides a reference photometry dataset for current and future asteroid missions.
Ectopic expression of neuronal adenosine kinase, a biomarker in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy without hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Guo Mengyi , Wang Jing , Xiong Zhonghua , Wang Xiongfei , Yang Yujiao , Zhang Yifan , Tang Chongyang , Zhang Jing , Guan Yuguang , Chen Fan , Yao Kun , Teng Pengfei , Zhou Jian , Zhai Feng , Boison Detlev , Luan Guoming , Li Tianfu
Published: July 2023

Aims

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy without hippocampal sclerosis (no‐HS MTLE) refers to those MTLE patients who have neither magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions nor definite pathological evidence of hippocampal sclerosis. They usually have resistance to antiepileptic drugs, difficulties in precise seizure location and poor surgical outcomes. Adenosine is a neuroprotective neuromodulator that acts as a seizure terminator in the brain. The role of adenosine in no‐HS MTLE is still unclear. Further research to explore the aetiology and pathogenesis of no‐HS MTLE may help to find new therapeutic targets.

Methods

In surgically resected hippocampal specimens, we examined the maladaptive changes of the adenosine system of patients with no‐HS MTLE. In order to better understand the dysregulation of the adenosine pathway in no‐HS MTLE, we developed a rat model based on the induction of focal cortical lesions through a prenatal freeze injury.

Results

We first examined the adenosine system in no‐HS MTLE patients who lack hippocampal neuronal loss and found ectopic expression of the astrocytic adenosine metabolising enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK) in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, as well as downregulation of neuronal A1 receptors (A1Rs) in the hippocampus. In the no‐HS MTLE model rats, the transition of ADK from neuronal expression to an adult pattern of glial expression in the hippocampus was significantly delayed.

Conclusions

Ectopic expression of neuronal ADK might be a pathological hallmark of no‐HS MTLE. Maladaptive changes in adenosine metabolism might be a novel target for therapeutic intervention in no‐HS MTLE.
Absence of canopy temperature variation despite stomatal adjustment in Pinus sylvestris under multidecadal soil moisture manipulation
Authors: Gauthey Alice , Bachofen Christoph , Deluigi Janisse , Didion‐Gency Margaux , D'Odorico Petra , Gisler Jonas , Mas Eugénie , Schaub Marcus , Schuler Philipp , Still Christopher J. , Tunas Alex , Grossiord Charlotte
Published: July 2023

Global warming and droughts push forests closer to their thermal limits, altering tree carbon uptake and growth. To prevent critical overheating, trees can adjust their thermotolerance (Tcrit), temperature and photosynthetic optima (Topt and Aopt), and canopy temperature (Tcan) to stay below damaging thresholds. However, we lack an understanding of how soil droughts affect photosynthetic thermal plasticity and Tcan regulation.

In this study, we measured the effect of soil moisture on the seasonal and diurnal dynamics of net photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and Tcan, as well as the thermal plasticity of photosynthesis (Tcrit, Topt, and Aopt), over the course of 1 yr using a long‐term irrigation experiment in a drought‐prone Pinus sylvestris forest in Switzerland.

Irrigation resulted in higher needle‐level A, gs, Topt, and Aopt compared with naturally drought‐exposed trees. No daily or seasonal differences in Tcan were observed between treatments. Trees operated below their thermal thresholds (Tcrit), independently of soil moisture content.

Despite strong Tcan and Tair coupling, we provide evidence that drought reduces trees' temperature optimum due to a substantial reduction of gs during warm and dry periods of the year. These findings provide important insights regarding the effects of soil drought on the thermal tolerance of P. sylvestris.
Neural binocular summation and the effect of defocus on the pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials for different pupil sizes
Authors: Martino Francesco , Amorim‐de‐Sousa Ana , Fernandes Paulo , Castro‐Torres José Juan , González‐Méijome José Manuel
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of defocus and pupil size on subjective (visual acuity [VA]) and objective (electrophysiology) descriptors of human vision and their effect on binocular visual performance by means of neural binocular summation (BS).

Methods

Fifteen healthy young subjects were recruited in this crossover study. Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) were measured under two levels of positive (+1.5 and +3.0 D) spherical and astigmatic defocus (axis 90°). Pupil size was controlled to reduce the inter‐individual variability factor.

Results

Low‐ and high‐contrast VA showed poorer visual performance in the monocular versus the binocular condition. Positive BS (for VA) was higher with greater pupil size and higher levels of defocus. In the visual electrophysiology tests (i.e., VEP and PERG), peak time and amplitude were affected by pupil size and defocus. The increase in peak time was larger and the reduction in amplitude was more significant with greater levels of defocus and smaller pupil sizes. For the VEP, positive BS was found in all conditions, being stronger with larger amounts of defocus and pupil size (for the P100 amplitude). Significant negative correlations were observed between the P100 amplitude and VA BSs.

Conclusion

Smaller pupil size and levels of defocus produced greater changes in cortical activity as evidenced by both the PERG and VEP. Considering these changes and the obtained positive BS, the mechanism could be initiated as early as the retinal processing stage, then being modulated and enhanced along the visual pathway and within the visual cortex.
Utilization of 3D mapping systems in interventional electrophysiology and its impact on procedure time and fluoroscopy—Insights from the “Go for Zero Fluoroscopy” project
Authors: Zormpas Christos , Hillmann Henrike Aenne Katrin , Hohmann Stephan , Müller‐Leisse Johanna , Eiringhaus Jörg , Veltmann Christian , Potter Tom De , Garcia Rodrigue , Kosiuk Jedrzej , Duncker David
Published: July 2023

Aim

The implementation of 3D mapping systems plays an important role in interventional electrophysiology (EP) in recent years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate use of 3D mapping systems regarding fluoroscopy and procedure duration.

Method

In the “Go for Zero Fluoroscopy” project 25 European centers provided data of consecutive EP procedures. Data on use of 3D mapping systems as well as utilization of contact force catheters and multipolar mapping catheters were associated with fluoroscopy time, dose area product (DAP), and procedure duration.

Result

A 3D mapping system was used in 966 (54%) cases. Use of 3D mapping for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time (p < 0.001), DAP (p = 0.04) but increased procedure time (p = 0.029). Moreover, fluoroscopy time (p < 0.001) and DAP (p = 0.005) were significantly lower in the 3D mapping group in ablation of typical atrial flutter. However, the procedure time (p < 0.001) increased. Use of 3D mapping in the ablation of accessory pathway (AP) was associated with reduced fluoroscopy time (p < 0.001) and DAP (p < 0.001) with no significant increase in procedure time (p = 0.066). In the case of atrial fibrillation, a 3D mapping system was used in 485 patients (75.8%). Additional use of a contact force catheter was associated with lower fluoroscopy time (p < 0.001) and DAP (p < 0.001). Use of a multipolar mapping catheter was associated with lower fluoroscopy time (p = 0.002). The implementation of 3D mapping systems in the ablation of ventricular tachycardias resulted in a significant increase in the procedure time (p = 0.001) without significant differences regarding the DAP (p = 0.773) and fluoroscopy time (p = 0.249).

Conclusion

Use of 3D mapping systems in ablation of supraventricular tachycardias is associated with lower radiation exposure. Nevertheless, the procedure time often increases, except in the case of ablation for AP. Use of contact force catheters and multipolar mapping catheters is associated with yet lower radiation exposure values. Prospective randomized studies are needed to further elucidate potential benefit of these technological tools.
A new approach to Fourier transform Raman: Identification of haploids in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Rosa Jocimar Costa , Uhdre Renan Santos , Faria Marcos Ventura , Barth Pinto Ronald José , Rossi Robson Marcelo , Medina Neto Antonio , Scapim Carlos Alberto
Published: July 2023

The objective of this work was to adapt the FT Raman spectroscopy analysis in the differentiation of haploid and diploid kernels in maize, developing a new efficient, agile, precise, and nondestructive methodology. The main difference observed in FT Raman readings was a peak in the region between 1600 and 1700 cm−1 in possibly haploid kernels. It was possible to correlate the characteristics of the kernels with the presence of the R1‐nj gene and the readings obtained in the Raman spectrometry technique. Most of the kernels previously classified as haploid showed positive values for principal component analysis (PCAs), indicating a correlation in the identification of haploids by the techniques adopted. The identification of haploids by R‐Navajo was superior to FT Raman. However, FT Raman spectroscopy is an agile analysis technique that enables the development of non‐invasive and non‐destructive analytical methods in maize kernels, in addition to providing relevant information about the chemical structures present in the composition of the samples.
Quantitative versus qualitative emotion regulation goals: Differential effects on emotional responses
Authors: Kreibig Sylvia D. , Brown Alan S. , Gross James J.
Published: July 2023

Emotion regulation (ER) involves both a goal (e.g., to feel less emotion) and a strategy (e.g., reappraisal). To clarify the impact of ER goals on emotional responding, we conducted a within‐participant study (N = 156) in which we held the strategy constant (reappraisal) to isolate the impact of regulation goals. We compared the impact of a quantitative goal (changing emotion quantity/intensity) with that of a qualitative goal (changing emotion quality/type) on emotional responses to negative and positive pictures. We manipulated ER goals by cuing participants to continue viewing the picture (unregulated/no ER goal) or to reappraise it to decrease its predominant affective impact (quantitative goal) or increase its opposite‐valence impact (qualitative goal). We assessed emotional responses through self‐reported feelings and facial expressions (corrugator supercilii and zygomaticus major electromyography). Our findings suggest that the type of regulation goal has a differential effect on emotional responses, with qualitative goals being more effective in modulating both negative and positive emotions. For negative stimuli, attempts to use a quantitative goal decreased negative but not positive emotional responses (uncoupled negative deactivation). Conversely, attempts to use a qualitative goal decreased negative and increased positive emotional responses (reciprocal positive activation). For positive stimuli, the quantitative goal generated uncoupled positive deactivation, while the qualitative goal produced reciprocal negative activation. Results highlight the importance of considering specific regulation goals in shaping emotional responses. Future research in the field of ER may benefit from identifying and manipulating different goals and strategies to understand how to effectively regulate emotions.
Risk modelling of ESG (environmental, social, and governance), healthcare, and financial sectors
Authors: Chaudhry Sajid M. , Chen Xihui Haviour , Ahmed Rizwan , Nasir Muhammad Ali
Published: July 2023

Climate change poses enormous ecological, socio‐economic, health, and financial challenges. A novel extreme value theory is employed in this study to model the risk to environmental, social, and governance (ESG), healthcare, and financial sectors and assess their downside risk, extreme systemic risk, and extreme spillover risk. We use a rich set of global daily data of exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2022 in the case of healthcare and financial sectors and from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2022 in the case of ESG sector. We find that the financial sector is the riskiest when we consider the tail index, tail quantile, and tail expected shortfall. However, the ESG sector exhibits the highest tail risk in the extreme environment when we consider a shock in the form of an ETF drop of 25% or 50%. The ESG sector poses the highest extreme systemic risk when a shock comes from China. Finally, we find that ESG and healthcare sectors have lower extreme spillover risk (contagion risk) compared to the financial sector. Our study seeks to provide valuable insights for developing sustainable economic, business, and financial strategies. To achieve this, we conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the ESG, healthcare, and financial sectors, employing an innovative approach to risk modelling in response to ecological challenges.
Caffeine intoxication treated with hemodialysis
Authors: Khan Saad , Babu Kavita , Sidhu Rohan , Niemi Matthew
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Caffeine overdose, while uncommon, can be life threatening with hemodynamic and neurological complications and often requires intensive monitoring and critical management.

Case Report

We report a case of a 23‐year‐old male who ingested approximately 24 g of caffeine in a suicidal attempt and developed cardiopulmonary complications. He was resuscitated, and hemodialysis was performed with successful recovery.

Conclusion

Hemodialysis appears to effectively remove caffeine from the blood system and can be lifesaving in severe caffeine overdose.
Dolomitic limestone was more effective than calcitic limestone in increasing soil pH in an untilled olive orchard
Authors: Arrobas Margarida , Conceição Nuno , Pereira Ermelinda , Martins Sandra , Raimundo Soraia , Brito Cátia , Correia Carlos Manuel , Rodrigues Manuel Ângelo
Published: July 2023

In acid soils, when no‐tillage farmers intend to apply lime, the question arises as to whether it should be incorporated into the soil or whether it can be left on the soil surface. In this study, two types of limestone, calcitic (Lcal) and dolomitic (Lmag), were tested in two olive groves of cv. Cobrançosa, with an initial pH of 4.9 (S. Pedro) and 5.5 (Raparigas). In S. Pedro, limestone was incorporated into the soil (Lburied) and in Raparigas, it was left on the floor (Lfloor). The use of limestone significantly increased soil pH in the 0–0.10 m layer in both experiments. In the 0.10–0.20 m soil layer, only Lmag increased significantly the soil pH in comparison with the control. Lmag was more effective than Lcal in increasing cation exchange capacity (CEC) and reducing exchangeable acidity (EA) and aluminium (Al3+) in the Lfloor experiment. Both limes increased leaf calcium (Ca) concentration, and Lmag increased the leaf levels of magnesium (Mg). In Lfloor experiment (higher soil pH), soil microbial carbon (C) decreased, and microbial nitrogen (N) increased with liming, which may indicate an increase in bacteria in the soil and a decrease in fungi. In Lburied experiment (initial pH of 4.9), liming significantly increased accumulated (2018–2021) olive yield (56 and more than 67 kg tree−1, respectively, in the control and liming treatments). In Lfloor experiment (initial pH of 5.5), the accumulated olive yields did not differ significantly between treatments (average values between 105 and 115 kg tree−1). The results of this study provide evidence that liming may increase olive yield in very acid soils and that dolomitic limestone should preferably be used by no‐tillage farmers, due its higher solubility and faster effect on soil and trees.
Investigation of the effect of pre‐analytical factors on particle concentration and size in cryoprecipitate using nanoparticle tracking analysis
Authors: Hwang Ji Hui , Tung John‐Paul , Harkin Damien G. , Flower Robert L. , Pecheniuk Natalie M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Cryoprecipitate is used primarily to replenish fibrinogen levels in patients. Little is known about the presence of micro‐ or nano‐sized particles in cryoprecipitate. Therefore, we aimed to quantify these particles and investigate some pre‐analytical considerations.

Materials and Methods

Particle concentration and size distribution were determined in 10 cryoprecipitate units by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The effects of freeze–thawing cryoprecipitate and 0.45 μm filtration with either regenerated cellulose (RC) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filters before sample analysis were examined.

Results

Neither the size nor concentration of particles were affected by two freeze/thaw cycles. PTFE filtration, but not RC filtration, significantly reduced particle mean and mode size compared to RC filtration and mode size compared to unfiltered cryoprecipitate. The 10 cryoprecipitate units had an average particle concentration of 2.50 × 1011 ± 1.10 × 1011 particles/mL, a mean particle size of 133.8 ± 7.5 nm and a mode particle size of 107.9 ± 11.1 nm.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that preanalytical filtration of cryoprecipitate units using RC filters was suitable for NTA. An additional freeze/thaw cycle did not impact NTA parameters, suggesting that aliquoting cryoprecipitate units prior to laboratory investigations is suitable for downstream analyses.
Confirmation of a five‐way herbicide‐resistant Amaranthus tuberculatus population in North Carolina
Authors: Jones Eric A. L. , Andres Ryan J. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Dunne Jeffrey C. , Contreras Diego J. , Cahoon Charles W. , Jennings Katherine M. , Leon Ramon G. , Everman Wesley J.
Published: July 2023

Amaranthus tuberculatus (waterhemp) is a pervasive weed of the Mid‐west and ‐south United States and is not native to North Carolina but infestations in crop fields have been reported recently. Amaranthus tuberculatus has evolved resistance to seven herbicide groups and multiple herbicide‐resistant populations are common where the species is native. The reported A. tuberculatus infestations in North Carolina have not been controlled with herbicides but no formal herbicide resistance characterisation has been conducted to date. Glasshouse dose–response experiments were conducted to determine the susceptibility of a population collected from Surry County, North Carolina to commonly applied postemergence herbicides compared to a herbicide‐susceptible population collected from Story County, Iowa. The Surry County population survived labelled rates of imazethapyr, atrazine, glyphosate, fomesafen, and mesotrione; the Story County population was controlled with these herbicides. Further, 2,4‐D, dicamba, and glufosinate effectively controlled the Surry and Story County populations. Molecular sequencing assays were subsequently conducted to determine if altered target sites facilitated resistance in the acetolactate synthase (ALS), 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS), photosystem II (psbA), and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPX2) genes. The Surry County population carried a Trp574Leu and ∆Gly210 mutations in the ALS and PPX2 gene, respectively. No mutations that would confer resistance were found in the EPSPS or psbA gene for either population. The results of both experiments provide evidence that a five‐way herbicide‐resistant A. tuberculatus population has encroached North Carolina. More research is needed to determine the mechanisms of resistance to atrazine, glyphosate, and mesotrione.
Smooth Q$\mathbb {Q}$‐homology planes satisfying the negativity conjecture
Authors: Pełka Tomasz
Published: July 2023

A complex algebraic surface is a ‐homology plane if for . The Negativity Conjecture of Palka asserts that , where is a log smooth completion of . We give a complete description of smooth ‐homology planes satisfying the Negativity Conjecture. We restrict our attention to those of log general type, as otherwise their geometry is well‐understood. We show that, as conjectured by tom Dieck and Petrie, they can be arranged in finitely many discrete series, each obtained in a uniform way from an arrangement of lines and conics on . We infer that these surfaces satisfy the Rigidity Conjecture of Flenner and Zaidenberg; and a conjecture of Koras, which asserts that .
Predicting sound-localization performance with hearing-protection devices using computational auditory models
Authors: Calamia Paul , Smalt Christopher , Davis Shakti K. , Hess Austin
Published: July 2023

Evaluation of the effect of hearing-protection devices (HPDs) on auditory tasks such as detection, localization, and speech intelligibility typically is done with human-subject testing. However, such data collections can be impractical due to the time-consuming processes of subject recruitment and the testing itself, particularly when multiple tasks and HPDs are included. An alternative, objective testing protocol involves the use of a binaural mannequin (a.k.a an acoustic test fixture) and computational models of the auditory system. For example, data collected at the eardrums of such a mannequin outfitted with an HPD can be fed into a binaural localization model. If the performance of the model with such input can be shown to be similar to that of human subjects, the model-based assessment may be sufficient to characterize the hearing protector and inform further design decisions. In this presentation we will describe the preliminary results of an effort to replicate human-subject localization performance for 5 HPDs and the open ear using an acoustic test fixture and three auditory localization models. The task involved localizing the direction of a gun-cocking sound from the center of a 24-loudspeaker ring. Variations among the models, as well as a comparison to the human-subject data will be discussed. [Work sponsored by US Army NSRDEC.]
Elliptic flow of identified hadrons in Au+Au collisions at $$E_{lab} = 35~\text {A}~\text {GeV}$$ using the PHSD model
Authors: Towseef B. , Farooq M. , Bairathi V. , Waseem B. , Kabana S. , Ahmad S.
Published: July 2023

We present predictions of elliptic flow $$(v_2)$$

(

v
2

)

of identified hadrons at mid-rapidity $$(|y| < 1.0)$$

(
|
y
|
<
1.0
)

in Au+Au collisions at $$E_{lab} = 35~\text {A}~\text {GeV}$$

E

lab

=
35

A

GeV

using the Parton Hadron String Dynamics (PHSD) model. The transverse momentum ($$p_{\textrm{T}}$$

p
T

) dependence of identified hadron $$v_2$$

v
2

in minimum bias (0–80%) and three different centrality intervals (0–10%, 10–40%, and 40–80%) are presented. A clear centrality dependence of $$v_2(p_{\textrm{T}})$$

v
2

(

p
T

)

is observed for particles and anti-particles. We also present the $$p_{\textrm{T}}$$

p
T

dependence of $$v_2$$

v
2

difference $$({\Delta } v_2)$$

(
Δ

v
2

)

between particles and corresponding anti-particles. A significant difference in $$v_2$$

v
2

values for baryons and anti-baryons is observed. Constituent quark scaling (NCQ) of $$v_{2}$$

v
2

is investigated in Au+Au collisions. We also present a $$v_2(p_{\textrm{T}})$$

v
2

(

p
T

)

ratio between the HSD and PHSD modes to explore the effect of hadronic and partonic interactions in the medium. These predictions are useful for interpreting the data measured in the Beam Energy Scan (BES) program at RHIC. They will also be useful for the future Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) and Multi-Purpose Detector (MPD) at the Nuclotron-based Ion Collider facility (NICA).
Charlotte: Reformulating Blockchains into a Web of Composable Attested Data Structures for Cross-Domain Applications
Authors: Sheff Isaac , Wang Xinwen , Babel Kushal , Ni Haobin , van Renesse Robbert , Myers Andrew C.
Published: July 2023

Cross-domain applications are rapidly adopting blockchain techniques for immutability, availability, integrity, and interoperability. However, for most applications, global consensus is unnecessary and may not even provide sufficient guarantees.

We propose a new distributed data structure: Attested Data Structures  (ADS), which generalize not only blockchains but also many other structures used by distributed applications. As in blockchains, data in ADSs is immutable and self-authenticating. ADSs go further by supporting application-defined proofs (
attestations
). Attestations enable applications to plug in their own mechanisms to ensure availability and integrity.

We present
Charlotte
, a framework for composable ADSs. Charlotte deconstructs conventional blockchains into more primitive mechanisms. Charlotte can be used to construct blockchains but does not impose the usual global-ordering overhead. Charlotte offers a flexible foundation for interacting applications that define their own policies for availability and integrity. Unlike traditional distributed systems, Charlotte supports heterogeneous trust: different observers have their own beliefs about who might fail, and how. Nevertheless, each observer has a consistent, available view of data.

Charlotte’s data structures are interoperable and
composable
: applications and data structures can operate fully independently or can share data when desired. Charlotte defines a language-independent format for data blocks and a network API for servers.

To demonstrate Charlotte’s flexibility, we implement several integrity mechanisms, including consensus and proof of work. We explore the power of disentangling availability and integrity mechanisms in prototype applications. The results suggest that Charlotte can be used to build flexible, fast, composable applications with strong guarantees.
Nothing Like Compilation: How Professional Digital Fabrication Workflows Go Beyond Extruding, Milling, and Machines
Authors: Hirsch Mare , Benabdallah Gabrielle , Jacobs Jennifer , Peek Nadya
Published: July 2023

Understanding how professionals use digital fabrication in production workflows is critical for future research in digital fabrication technologies. We interviewed thirteen professionals who use digital fabrication for the low-volume manufacturing of commercial products. From these interviews, we describe the workflows used for nine products created with a variety of materials and manufacturing methods. We show how digital fabrication professionals use software development to support physical production, how they rely on multiple partial representations in development, how they develop manufacturing processes, and how machine control is its own design space. We build from these findings to argue that future digital fabrication systems should support the exploration of material and machine behavior alongside geometry, that simulation is insufficient for understanding the design space, and that material constraints and resource management are meaningful design dimensions to support. By observing how professionals learn, we suggest ways digital fabrication systems can scaffold the mastery of new fabrication techniques.
A Novel Switching Algorithm to the Preferred Clock Skew Estimator Applicable for the PTP Case in the Fractional Gaussian Noise Environment
Authors: Avraham Yehonatan , Pinchas Monika
Published: July 2023

Recently, the same authors provided a switching algorithm for the preferred clock skew estimator appropriate for the precision time protocol (PTP) scenario. The algorithm chooses the one‐way delay (OWD) clock skew estimator for the Forward path or the Reverse path or the two‐way delay (TWD) clock skew estimator that has the best performance in the mean square error (MSE) perspective. However, the switching algorithm applies only to the Gaussian scenario. In a real system, the packet delay variation (PDV) can be characterized as an fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) process where the Hurst exponent parameter can also have values higher than 0.5. Thus, the Gaussian case‐switching algorithm may not apply in a real system where after a small set of PTP measurements, the switching algorithm should be able to switch effectively to the preferred clock skew estimator with the best performance in the MSE perspective. In this paper, the PDV is characterized as an fGn process where the Hurst exponent (H) is in the range of 0.5 ≤ H < 1. We estimate the unknown PDV variances and the Hurst exponent parameters of the Forward and Reverse paths. These estimated parameters are used for switching to the preferred clock skew estimator from the MSE perspective, even in the presence of asymmetry in the PDV or in the Hurst exponent parameters. We also detect and alarm for the unexpected load, cyber‐attack, or clock skew deviation that can occur in a real system.
Data Anomaly Detection through Semisupervised Learning Aided by Customised Data Augmentation Techniques
Authors: Wang Xiaoyou , Du Yao , Zhou Xiaoqing , Xia Yong
Published: July 2023

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems may suffer from multiple patterns of data anomalies. Anomaly detection is an essential preprocessing step prior to the use of monitoring data for structural condition assessment or other decision making. Deep learning techniques have been extensively used for automatic category classification by training the network with labelled data. However, because the SHM data are usually large in quantity, manually labelling these abnormal data is time consuming and labour intensive. This study develops a semisupervised learning-based data anomaly detection method using a small set of labelled data and massive unlabelled data. The MixMatch technique, which could mix labelled and unlabelled data using MixUp, is adopted to enhance the generalisation and robustness of the model. A unified loss function is defined to combine information from labelled and unlabelled data by incorporating consistency regularisation, entropy minimisation, and regular model regularisation items. In addition, customised data augmentation strategies for time series are investigated to further improve the model performance. The proposed method is applied to the SHM data from a real bridge for anomaly detection. Results demonstrate the superior performance of the developed method with very limited labelled data, greatly reducing the time and cost of labelling efforts compared with the traditional supervised learning methods.
High Output Direct-Current Nanogenerators Based on Charge Redistribution at Wet Cellulose/Metal Contact Interfaces
Authors: Nguyen Quang-Tan , Le Chau-Duy , Vu Duy-Linh , Nguyen Thanh-Ha , Ahn Kyoung Kwan
Published: July 2023

In the present work, a wet cellulose sponge-based direct-current electric generator (WCS-DCEG) is proposed, which offers a new power generation methodology for harvesting mechanical energy through an extremely simple structure. The device consists of two electrodes located on the surface of a dielectric substrate to collect direct-current output from the sliding motion of a wet cellulose sponge. Here, mechanical energy is converted into electrostatic energy by the triboelectric effect, and then, electrical energy is obtained due to the charging effect between two electrodes with different work functions. This is different from the traditional triboelectric nanogenerators which generate electricity through the electrostatic induction process. A single WCS-DCEG is capable to produce a current density of 75 μA/cm2 and an induced voltage of approximately 0.48–0.90 V with direct-current characteristics. The voltage and current outputs can be increased by synchronizing the outputs of multiple units of WCS-DCEG connecting in series or parallel. Additionally, WCS-DCEG proves a great accuracy for measuring the ion concentration in an aqueous solution (

R

2

=
0.996

). These findings exhibit the great potential application of WCS-DCEG as an efficient strategy for harvesting mechanical energy and in the field of self-powered sensor fabrication.
The Well-Being of People with Dementia in Sweden and Hungary from the Perspective of Relatives: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Nilsson Jenny , Staller Judit , Gesar Berit , From Ingrid
Published: July 2023

Background. Dementia not only has a negative effect on a person’s well-being, but it also affects the well-being of their relatives. In this study, we examined how relatives perceive the well-being of people with dementia who live in nursing homes and how nursing staff contribute to the well-being of the residents they care for. Method. A qualitative study with a phenomenographic approach was applied. Ten individual semistructured interviews were conducted, five in Sweden and five in Hungary. In this study, the COREQ checklist for qualitative studies was followed. Results. The perceptions relatives had of what constituted well-being resulted in five categories of factors that could impact negatively or positively on a person’s well-being: “Nursing care is adapted to the needs of the person with dementia,” “Nursing is carried out by a sustainable care team,” “The social needs of the person with dementia are met,” “The person with dementia participates in meaningful activities,” and “The person with dementia shows signs of feeling well.” Conclusion. From relatives'’ perspective, well-being can be created for people with dementia if nursing is person-centred and managers allow staff more time to socialize with the person with dementia. Relatives are essential cooperative partners in person-centred dementia care. Relevance to clinical practice. Person-centred care is essential. Relatives, nurses, and managers are important partners in making it possible. Competence in dementia and knowledge of values and ethics are needed to provide autonomy and well-being. Patient or Public contribution. Ten relatives were selected through purposive sampling. In Hungary, the relatives were invited to take part in the study and given information about it by an operational manger. In Sweden, this process was carried out by a dementia nurse. Transcribed content of semistructured interviews was analyzed using a phenomenographic method.
Stability Analysis and Voltage Control in the Power System Based on the Hybrid Automata Model
Authors: Forouzesh Fariba , Eslami Mahdiyeh , Jafari Shahbazzadeh Mehdi
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a systematic method using the hybrid automata (HA) model for supervisory management design of power systems to increase stability. The HA model monitors the behavior of the power system and derives a model from which the system’s stability is evaluated. In the modeling framework, the hybrid system formalism regulates continuous dynamics and discrete switching behavior. The proposed method extracts a system’s control graph, state space, and transfer function, facilitating voltage stability evaluation. A discrete event system (DES) is employed to manage disturbances resulting from load surges, generator outages, capacitor banks, and under-load tap changer (ULTC) transformers. The ULTC transformer and the capacitor bank are utilized to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed supervisory controller design approach in the presence of distributed generation (DG). Simulation results showed the effectiveness of the HA-based supervisory controller in improving the control and voltage stability, as demonstrated by the generator rotor angle and bus voltage responses, power system eigenvalues, and the stability theorem of linear switching systems. The proposed method provides a promising solution for managing power system stability.
Effect of Phytohormone Kinetin on Cell Density, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Fatty Acid Composition of the Microalgae Tetraselmis suecica
Authors: Asghari Tahereh , Ahmadifard Nasrollah , Nikoo Mehdi
Published: July 2023

The effects of phytohormone Kinetin on cell density, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes, and fatty acids composition of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica were investigated. T. suecica was treated with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/L) of Kinetin at optimal growth conditions (salinity 28 g/L, temperature 25°C, and 24 hr photoperiod). Results indicated an increase in cell density in all treatments compared to the control; however, it was not significant, except for the treatment, 15 mg/L (

p
<
0.05

). The content of photosynthetic pigments and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, measured after 10 days, significantly increased in the presence of Kinetin (

p
<
0.05

). Total n-3 fatty acid was significantly higher at 25 mg/L of Kinetin. At 15 mg/L, arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were significantly higher compared to the control (

p
<
0.05

). Therefore, Kinetin could be useful for the production of the microalgae Tetraselmis suecica to increase growth, chemical composition, and antioxidant enzyme activity.