bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and structural changes of myofibrillar proteins in muscle foods during thawing: Occurrence, consequences, evidence, and implications
Authors: Zhang Yuanlv , Liu Guishan , Xie Qiwen , Wang Yanyao , Yu Jia , Ma Xiaoju
Published: June 2023

Myofibrillar protein (MP) endows muscle foods with texture and important functional properties, such as water‐holding capacity (WHC) and emulsifying and gel‐forming abilities. However, thawing deteriorates the physicochemical and structural properties of MPs, significantly affecting the WHC, texture, flavor, and nutritional value of muscle foods. Thawing‐induced physicochemical and structural changes in MPs need further investigation and consideration in the scientific development of muscle foods. In this study, we reviewed the literature for the thawing effects on the physicochemical and structural characters of MPs to identify potential associations between MPs and the quality of muscle‐based foods. Physicochemical and structural changes of MPs in muscle foods occur because of physical changes during thawing and microenvironmental changes, including heat transfer and phase transformation, moisture activation and migration, microbial activation, and alterations in pH and ionic strength. These changes are not only essential inducements for changes in spatial conformation, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, Ca2+‐ATPase activity, intermolecular interaction, gel properties, and emulsifying properties of MPs but also factors causing MP oxidation, characterized by thiols, carbonyl compounds, free amino groups, dityrosine content, cross‐linking, and MP aggregates. Additionally, the WHC, texture, flavor, and nutritional value of muscle foods are closely related to MPs. This review encourages additional work to explore the potential of tempering techniques, as well as the synergistic effects of traditional and innovative thawing technologies, in reducing the oxidation and denaturation of MPs and maintaining the quality of muscle foods.
Piercing the surface: A mechanical analysis of stabbing with household tools
Authors: Heckmann Veronika , Engum Vilde , Simon Gabor , Poór Viktor Soma , Tóth Denes , Molnar Tamás F.
Published: June 2023

Estimating the applied power during a stabbing incident, or estimating the minimal force necessary to penetrate the body with a certain weapon is a challenging task in forensic practice. A thorough forensic evaluation of stabbing forces needs objective numerical experimental data. Stabbing tests of 12 different weapons – including knives, a pair of scissors, a fork, screwdrivers, a rasp, a corkscrew, and a utility knife blade – were performed with a Mecmesin MultiTest‐dV material tester on pork loin and ballistic gel to estimate the stabbing forces and dynamics. Penetration force (Fp) and maximal force (Fmax) were recorded, and the registered force curves were analyzed. Fmax was 159.8–212.07 Newton (N), 30.56–30.58 N, 168.9–185.48 N for various knives; 171.39–190.43 N for the pair of scissors, 233.6 N for the fork; 532.65–562.65 N, 370.31–367.19 N and 314.51–432.89 N for various screwdrivers, 44.14–56.62 N for utility knife during pork loin stabbing. The butter knife, corkscrew and rasp were not able to penetrate the pork loin, and the curved fork bent during stabbing. The results prove that weapon characteristics greatly influence the force necessary for penetration. Maximal stabbing force depends mostly on tip sharpness, and the force sharply decreases after penetration occurs, which indicates that edge sharpness is not as important as tip characteristics during stabbing perpendicular to skin surface. The penetration force during stabbing with a pair of scissors is comparable to the penetration force of knives. Stabbing with screwdrivers generally needs larger force than average knives but depends greatly on screwdriver size.
Effect of oestrogen modulation on semen parameters in men with secondary hypogonadism: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Silva Nipun Lakshitha , Dissanayake Harsha , Suarez Camila , Wickramarachchi Ranga Eshaka , Ramasamy Ranjith , Dhillo Waljit S. , Minhas Suks , Corona Giovanni , Jayasena Channa N.
Published: June 2023

Background

Selective oestrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors stimulate endogenous gonadotrophins and testosterone in men with hypogonadism. There are no systematic reviews/meta‐analyses assessing the effects of selective oestrogen receptor modulators/aromatase inhibitors on semen parameters in men with secondary hypogonadism.

Objectives

To assess the effect of monotherapy or a combination of selective oestrogen receptor modulators/aromatase inhibitors on sperm parameters and/or fertility in men with secondary hypogonadism.

Materials and methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two reviewers independently. Randomised controlled trials and non‐randomised studies of interventions reporting effects of selective oestrogen receptor modulators and/or aromatase inhibitors on semen parameters or fertility in men with low testosterone with low/normal gonadotrophins were selected. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB‐2 and ROBINS‐I tools. The results of randomised controlled trials were summarised using vote counting while summarising effect estimates where available. Non‐randomised studies of intervention meta‐analysis were conducted using the random‐effect model. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.

Results

Five non‐randomised studies of interventions (n = 105) of selective oestrogen receptor modulators showed an increase in sperm concentration (pooled mean difference 6.64 million/mL; 95% confidence interval 1.54, 11.74, I2 = 0%) and three non‐randomised studies of interventions (n = 83) of selective oestrogen receptor modulators showed an increase in total motile sperm count (pooled mean difference 10.52; 95% confidence interval 1.46–19.59, I2 = 0%), with very low certainty of evidence. The mean body mass index of participants was >30 kg/m2. Four randomised controlled trials (n = 591) comparing selective oestrogen receptor modulators to placebo showed a heterogeneous effect on sperm concentration. Three included men with overweight or obesity. The results were of very low certainty of evidence. Limited pregnancy or live birth data were available. No studies comparing aromatase inhibitors with placebo or testosterone were found.

Discussion and conclusion

Current studies are of limited size and quality but suggest that selective oestrogen receptor modulators may improve semen parameters in those patients, particularly when associated with obesity.
Inflammatory reaction in eyes with late in‐the‐bag intraocular lens dislocation
Authors: Medin Helle , Kure Ingeborg Slørdahl Hjort , Dalby Marius , Kristianslund Olav , Drolsum Liv
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate the inflammatory reaction in eyes with late in‐the‐bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation.

Methods

This prospective clinical study with fellow‐eye comparison consists of 76 of the patients (76 eyes) with late in‐the‐bag IOL dislocation enrolled in the LION trial. The main outcome measure was anterior chamber flare before surgery measured with a laser flare meter in photon counts per millisecond (pc/ms). The dislocation was graded as 1 (small: optic still covering the visual axis), 2 (optic equator close to the visual axis) or 3 (optic decentred beyond the visual axis, but the IOL–capsule complex partly visible in the pupillary area). The secondary aim was to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) before surgery.

Results

Flare levels before surgery were significantly higher in the dislocation eyes than in the fellow eyes with a median flare of 21.5 (range 5.4–135.7) pc/ms versus 14.1 (2.0–42.9) pc/ms, respectively (p ˂ 0.001). A regression analysis of log‐transformed flare values showed that the dislocation eyes had a non‐significant tendency towards higher flare in dislocation grade 1 with a median flare of 24.6 (5.4–135.7) pc/ms compared to grade 2; 19.6 (6.5–41.5) pc/ms (p = 0.06), and no significant difference compared to grade 3; 19.4 (10.2–53.5) pc/ms (p = 0.47). The IOP was significantly higher in the dislocation eyes than in the fellow eyes (p ˂ 0.001).

Conclusions

Eyes with late in‐the‐bag IOL dislocation had increased flare levels compared to their fellow eyes. This suggests that inflammation is part of the clinical picture of late in‐the‐bag IOL dislocation.
Letter: Post‐COVID‐19 disorders of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI)—Just post‐infectious or a multi‐faceted entity?
Authors: Siah Kewin T. H. , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: June 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Marasco et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17513 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17561
Letter: Post‐COVID‐19 functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome—Authors' reply
Authors: Marasco Giovanni , Maida Marcello , Cremon Cesare , Barbaro Maria Raffaella , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Barbara Giovanni
Published: June 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Marasco et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17513 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17539
Editorial: The US burden of HRS‐AKI—Putting numbers to the problem: Authors' reply
Authors: Verma Nipun , Singal Ashwani K.
Published: June 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Singal et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17232 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17541
iFUNDit: Visual Profiling of Fund Investment Styles
Authors: Zhang R. , Ku B. K. , Wang Y. , Yue X. , Liu S. , Li K. , Qu H.
Published: June 2023

Mutual funds are becoming increasingly popular with the emergence of Internet finance. Clear profiling of a fund's investment style is crucial for fund managers to evaluate their investment strategies, and for investors to understand their investment. However, it is challenging to profile a fund's investment style as it requires a comprehensive analysis of complex multi‐dimensional temporal data. In addition, different fund managers and investors have different focuses when analysing a fund's investment style. To address the issue, we proposeiFUNDit, an interactive visual analytic system for fund investment style analysis. The system decomposes a fund's critical features into performance attributes and investment style factors, and visualizes them in a set of coupled views: a fund and manager view, to delineate the distribution of funds' and managers' critical attributes on the market; a cluster view, to show the similarity of investment styles between different funds; and a detail view, to analyse the evolution of fund investment style. The system provides a holistic overview of fund data and facilitates a streamlined analysis of investment style at both the fund and the manager level. The effectiveness and usability of the system are demonstrated through domain expert interviews and case studies by using a real mutual fund dataset.
Inhibition of ANXA2 activity attenuates epileptic susceptibility and GluA1 phosphorylation
Authors: Ma Limin , Wu Qingyuan , Yuan Jinxian , Wang You , Zhang Peng , Liu Qiankun , Tan Dandan , Liang Minxue , Chen Yangmei
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Annexin A2 (ANXA2) participates in the pathology of a variety of diseases. Nevertheless, the impact of ANXA2 on epilepsy remains to be clarified.

Aims

Hence, the study aimed at investigating the underlying role of ANXA2 in epilepsy through behavioral, electrophysiological, and pathological analyses.

Results

It was found that ANXA2 was markedly upregulated in the cortical tissues of temporal lobe epilepsy patients (TLE), kainic acid (KA)‐induced epilepsy mice, and in a seizure‐like model in vitro. ANXA2 silencing in mice suppressed first seizure latency, number of seizures, and seizure duration in behavioral analysis. In addition, abnormal brain discharges were less frequent and shorter in the hippocampal local field potential (LFP) record. Furthermore, the results showed that the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents was decreased in ANXA2 knockdown mice, indicating that the excitatory synaptic transmission is reduced. Co‐immunoprecipitation (COIP) experiments demonstrated that ANXA2 interacted with the α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluA1. Moreover, ANXA2 knockdown decreased GluA1 expression on the cell surface and its phosphorylation onserine 831 and serine 845, related to the decreased phosphorylation levels mediated by protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC).

Conclusions

This study covers a previously unknown and key function of ANXA2 in epilepsy. These findings indicate that ANXA2 can regulate excitatory synaptic activity mediated by AMPAR subunit GluA1 to improve seizure activity, which can provide novel insights for the treatment and prevention of epilepsy.
Eye Movements, Pupil Dilation, and Conflict Detection in Reasoning: Exploring the Evidence for Intuitive Logic
Authors: Purcell Zoe A. , Roberts Andrew J. , Handley Simon J. , Howarth Stephanie
Published: June 2023

A controversial claim in recent dual process accounts of reasoning is that intuitive processes not only lead to bias but are also sensitive to the logical status of an argument. The intuitive logic hypothesis draws upon evidence that reasoners take longer and are less confident on belief–logic conflict problems, irrespective of whether they give the correct logical response. In this paper, we examine conflict detection under conditions in which participants are asked to either judge the logical validity or believability of a presented conclusion, accompanied by measures of eye movement and pupil dilation. The findings show an effect of conflict, under both types of instruction, on accuracy, latency, gaze shifts, and pupil dilation. Importantly, these effects extend to conflict trials in which participants give a belief‐based response (incorrectly under logic instructions or correctly under belief instructions) demonstrating both behavioral and physiological evidence in support of the logical intuition hypothesis.
Heart transplant in a Sars‐CoV‐2 positive recipient: Management protocol of the world's first case
Authors: Giovannico Lorenzo , Ramirez Antonio D'Errico , Parigino Domenico , Fischetti Giuseppe , Losito Concetta , Lenoci Sergio , Fiore Giuseppe , Civita Antonio , Bavaro Davide F. , Saracino Annalisa , Grasso Salvatore , Bottio Tomaso , Milano Aldo Domenico
Published: June 2023

The advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in China at the end of 2019 has developed into a global outbreak, and COVID‐ 19 is an ongoing major public health issue. During the pandemic, transplant programs had to devise strategies to deal with the possibility of COVID‐19‐positive donors and recipients. We describe the case of a heart transplant recipient who tested positive with the SARS‐ CoV2 swab upon admission to our Unit of Cardiac Surgery when a suitable donor became available. Given his clinical status of end‐stage heart failure and the absence of imaging and clinical signs suggestive of COVID‐19, and his having been vaccinated with three doses, we decided to proceed with the transplant.
Selective perforant‐pathway atrophy in Huntington disease: MRI analysis of hippocampal subfields
Authors: Wibawa Pierre , Walterfang Mark , Malpas Charles B. , Glikmann‐Johnston Yifat , Poudel Govinda , Razi Adeel , Hannan Anthony J. , Velakoulis Dennis , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

While individuals with Huntington disease (HD) show memory impairment that indicates hippocampal dysfunction, the available literature does not consistently identify structural evidence for involvement of the whole hippocampus but rather suggests that hippocampal atrophy may be confined to certain hippocampal subregions.

Methods

We processed T1‐weighted MRI from IMAGE‐HD study using FreeSurfer 7.0 and compared the volumes of the hippocampal subfields among 36 early motor symptomatic (symp‐HD), 40 pre‐symptomatic (pre‐HD), and 36 healthy control individuals across three timepoints over 36 months.

Results

Mixed‐model analyses revealed significantly lower subfield volumes in symp‐HD, compared with pre‐HD and control groups, in the subicular regions of the perforant‐pathway: presubiculum, subiculum, dentate gyrus, tail, and right molecular layer. These adjoining subfields aggregated into a single principal component, which demonstrated an accelerated rate of atrophy in the symp‐HD. Volumes between pre‐HD and controls did not show any significant difference. In the combined HD groups, CAG repeat length and disease burden score were associated with presubiculum, molecular layer, tail, and perforant‐pathway subfield volumes. Hippocampal left tail and perforant‐pathway subfields were associated with motor onset in the pre‐HD group.

Conclusions

Hippocampal subfields atrophy in early symptomatic HD affects key regions of the perforant‐pathway, which may implicate the distinctive memory impairment at this stage of illness. Their volumetric associations with genetic and clinical markers suggest the selective susceptibility of these subfields to mutant Huntingtin and disease progression.
Gender inequality in academic leadership: Bangladesh, China and Finland
Authors: Kohtamäki Vuokko , Zheng Gaoming , Jinia Nasrin
Published: June 2023

The importance of gender equality in academic leadership has been widely recognised, yet this issue has been underexplored outside the Anglo‐Saxon countries. In this systematic review, we analysed 62 academic articles on women's academic leadership in Bangladesh (15), China (17) and Finland (30), published between 2000 and 2021. Our study revealed that research on gender‐related academic leadership is still underdeveloped across the three countries, particularly in Bangladesh. Most studies have focussed on the barriers that hinder women from attaining academic leaders' roles. Our review results highlight the role of societal and cultural factors that contribute to the differences in the levels of gender equality in university leadership across the three countries. However, the men‐dominated structure and culture in higher education pose the major obstacle for women in reaching leaders' positions in all three countries.
The impact of climate change on country and community and the role of mental health professionals working with Aboriginal communities in recovery and promoting resilience
Authors: Upward K. , Usher K. , Saunders V.
Published: June 2023

This paper emerged from discussions between the authors about our shared and different perspectives of climate change and its impact on the social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal Peoples and mental health services in a rural region, heavily impacted in recent years by bushfires and floods. Here we discuss, from the lead authors personal perspective as a Gamilaraay Woman, the experience of Solastalgia as a critical impact of climate change on wellbeing. Specifically, we discuss the relationship of a connection to country from a Gamilaraay, first person perspective through a series of diary entries from the lead author. Authors are researchers from different cultural backgrounds, connected through a medical research futures fund research project, to promote resilience within Aboriginal communities and the health services sector in the New England, North West region. The lead author has cultural connections to some of the communities we work with and our work is informed by these connections. While this paper was written to express an Aboriginal perspective on climate change and wellbeing, it reflects our shared perspectives of how disasters such as bushfires impact the wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples. We also explore the connection between the impact of localised, recurring natural disasters and the increasing demands on mental health services in regional and rural areas and discuss what this means with Aboriginal and non‐Indigenous mental health nurses and researchers working in regional and rural areas where access to mental health services often poses considerable challenges. From our perspective, mental health research and nursing play an important role in walking alongside Aboriginal Peoples as we explore, respond and create resilience to the ever‐present influence that climate change is having on our lives, communities, country and workplaces.
One‐pot hydrothermal synthesis of Cu2Te/NiTe nanocomposite materials: A structural, morphological, and optical study
Authors: Supriya Swikruti , Das Subhashree , Senapati Subrata , Naik Ramakanta
Published: June 2023

Due to various structural and optical properties, metal chalcogenide nanomaterials are favorable candidates for different optoelectronic applications. In the current report, Cu2Te/NiTe nanocomposites were synthesized via the facile hydrothermal method. With the variation of concentration of Cu and Ni, various materials had been prepared along with pure Cu2Te and NiTe. The observed several vibrational modes in the material through the Raman spectroscopy are well agreed with the appearing phases. The morphological study confirmed the nanostructures are combination of nanoparticles with sheets. The size of nanoparticles varied in the range of 66–34 nm. The absorbance spectra of the nanocomposite exhibit a blueshift and support the enhancement in the optical bandgap. The value of bandgap energy of the composite samples has been noted in the range of 1.8–2.2 eV. This bandgap range enables the material for various optoelectronic applications such as solar cell and other photovoltaic devices. Thermal analysis of the material demonstrates the presences of several endothermic and exothermic peaks. Thus, several studies on the material prevail its various applicability as optoelectronics as well as other thermal application.
Limitations on the sintering of graded particle systems
Authors: Delia Daniel J. , Carty William M.
Published: June 2023

Improvement of compact density is commonly achieved by blending coarse and fine particles, but these compacts will not densify without the presence of a significant amount of liquid phase. It was proposed that two step sintering (TSS) could be applied to sinter the fine particle matrix, potentially accommodating the presence of inclusions of large particles. This hypothesis was false. Compacts were prepared with similar green density but with different ratios of coarse, medium, and fine particles and then subjected to TSS. The results indicated that constrained sintering limits densification on both ends of the particle packing spectrum: A fine particle matrix containing large particles fails to densify because the matrix cannot shrink around the inclusion; the densification of fine particle pockets in a skeletal network composed of large particles does not allow sufficient shrinkage in the pockets of small particles.
Multiple myeloma patients undergoing chemotherapy: Which symptom clusters impact quality of life?
Authors: Zeng Lihong , Huang Hui , Qirong Chen , Ruan Chunhong , Liu Yaqi , An Wenhong , Guo Qinqin , Zhou Jiandang
Published: June 2023

Aims and Objectives

To identify symptom clusters and examine their association with health‐related quality of life.

Background

Multiple myeloma patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from disease symptoms and adverse effects during the course of the disease. However, single symptom management has little effect, and symptom management for these patients remains challenging. Symptom clusters open a new perspective and provide important clues for symptom management.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Method

Participants were invited to complete the Chinese version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and Quality of Life Questionnaire‐core 30. Appropriate indicators were used for descriptive statistics. Principal component analysis was used to identify symptom clusters. Associations between symptom clusters and quality of life were examined with Pearson correlation coefficients, Pearson correlation matrix and multiple linear regression. This study was reported following the STROBE checklist.

Results

A total of 177 participants were recruited from seven hospitals in this study. We identified self‐image disorder, psychological, gastrointestinal, neurological, somatic and pain symptom clusters in multiple myeloma patients with chemotherapy. Approximately 97.65% of patients suffer from multiple symptom clusters. The pain, psychological and gastrointestinal symptom clusters have negatively influence on health‐related quality of life. The strongest association was found with the pain symptom cluster.

Conclusion

Most of multiple myeloma patients suffer from multiple symptom clusters. When improving the multiple myeloma patients' health‐related quality of life, the clinical staff should prioritise relieving the pain symptom cluster.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

When multiple myeloma patients undergoing chemotherapy suffer from multiple symptom clusters, nurses should prioritise relieving the pain symptom cluster to improve their health‐related quality of life. When drawing up and providing interventions, nurses should focus on the correlation among symptoms rather than single symptom. By relieving one symptom in a given cluster, other symptoms within the same symptom cluster may also be relieved.
Comparison of the impact of two key fungal signalling pathways on Zymoseptoria tritici infection reveals divergent contribution to invasive growth through distinct regulation of infection‐associated genes
Authors: Child Harry T. , Deeks Michael J. , Rudd Jason J. , Bates Steven
Published: June 2023

The lifecycle of Zymoseptoria tritici requires a carefully regulated asymptomatic phase within the wheat leaf following penetration of the mesophyll via stomata. Here we compare the roles in this process of two key fungal signalling pathways, mutants of which were identified through forward genetics due to their avirulence on wheat. Whole‐genome resequencing of avirulent Z. tritici T‐DNA transformants identified disruptive mutations in ZtBCK1 from the kinase cascade of the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway, and the adenylate cyclase gene ZtCYR1. Targeted deletion of these genes abolished the pathogenicity of the fungus and led to similar in vitro phenotypes to those associated with disruption of putative downstream kinases, both supporting previous studies and confirming the importance of these pathways in virulence. RNA sequencing was used to investigate the effect of ZtBCK1 and ZtCYR1 deletion on gene expression in both the pathogen and host during infection. ZtBCK1 was found to be required for the adaptation to the host environment, controlling expression of infection‐associated secreted proteins, including known virulence factors. Meanwhile, ZtCYR1 is implicated in controlling the switch to necrotrophy, regulating expression of effectors associated with this transition. This represents the first study to compare the influence of CWI and cAMP signalling on in planta transcription of a fungal plant pathogen, providing insights into their differential regulation of candidate effectors during invasive growth.
ZmSPL13andZmSPL29act together to promote vegetative and reproductive transition in maize
Authors: Yang Juan , Wei Hongbin , Hou Mei , Chen Lihong , Zou Ting , Ding Hui , Jing Yifeng , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhao Yongping , Liu Qing , Heng Yueqin , Wu Hong , Wang Baobao , Kong Dexin , Wang Haiyang
Published: June 2023

Flowering time is a key agronomic trait determining environmental adaptation and yield potential of crops. The regulatory mechanisms of flowering in maize still remain rudimentary.

In this study, we combine expressional, genetic, and molecular studies to identify two homologousSQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE(SPL) transcription factorsZmSPL13andZmSPL29as positive regulators of juvenile‐to‐adult vegetative transition and floral transition in maize.

We show that bothZmSPL13andZmSPL29are preferentially expressed in leaf phloem, vegetative and reproductive meristem. We show that vegetative phase change and flowering time are moderately delayed in theZmspl13andZmspl29single knockout mutants and more significantly delayed in theZmspl13/29double mutants. Consistently, theZmSPL29overexpression plants display precocious vegetative phase transition and floral transition, thus early flowering. We demonstrate thatZmSPL13andZmSPL29directly upregulate the expression ofZmMIR172CandZCN8in the leaf, and ofZMM3andZMM4in the shoot apical meristem, to induce juvenile‐to‐adult vegetative transition and floral transition.

These findings establish a consecutive signaling cascade of the maize aging pathway by linking the miR156‐SPL and the miR172‐Gl15 regulatory modules and provide new targets for genetic improvement of flowering time in maize cultivars.
Root relative water content is a potential signal for impending mortality of a subtropical conifer during extreme drought stress
Authors: Duan Honglang , Shao Changchang , Luo Xianying , Resco de Dios Víctor , Tissue David T. , Ding Guijie
Published: June 2023

Adaptation to future climates characterized by more frequent severe droughts requires enhanced mechanistic understanding of tree mortality. However, our knowledge of the physiological limits to withstand extreme drought, and how the coordination between water and carbon traits enhances survival, is still limited. Potted seedlings of Pinus massoniana were dehydrated to three target droughts (percentage loss of stem hydraulic conductivity of ca. 50%, 85%, and 100%; PLC50, PLC85 and PLC100) and then relieved from these target droughts by fully rewatering. Predawn and midday water potentials (Ψ), relative water content (RWC), PLC and nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) were monitored. During drought, Ψ and RWC declined as PLC increased. Root RWC declined more rapidly than other organ RWCs, particularly after PLC50 stress. All organ NSC concentrations were above predrought values. During rewatering, water trait recovery declined as drought increased, with no mortality at PLC50 but 75% mortality at PLC85. The observed stem hydraulic recovery at PLC50 following rewatering was not correlated to NSC dynamics. Collectively, our results highlighted the primary role of hydraulic failure in Pinus massoniana seedling mortality by assessing mortality threshold and links among water status and water supply. Root RWC can be considered as a potential warning signal of P. massoniana mortality.
Inverse scattering transform for the two‐component Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation with nonzero boundary conditions: Dark‐dark solitons
Authors: Ma Xinxin , Zhu Junyi
Published: June 2023

The two‐component Gerdjikov–Ivanov equation with nonzero boundary conditions is studied by the inverse scattering transform. A fundamental set of analytic eigenfunctions is obtained with the aid of the associated adjoint problem. Three symmetry conditions are discussed to curb the scattering data. The behavior of the Jost functions and the scattering matrix at the branch points is discussed. The inverse scattering problem is formulated by a matrix Riemann–Hilbert problem. The trace formula in terms of the scattering data and the so‐called asymptotic phase difference for the potential are obtained. The solitons classification is described in detail. When the discrete eigenvalues lie on the circle, the dark‐dark soliton is obtained for the first time in this work. And the discrete eigenvalues off the circle generate the dark‐bright, bright‐bright, breather‐breather, M(‐type)‐W(‐type) solitons, and their interactions.
Protest, race and grievability: What does it mean for lives to matter?
Authors: Kilby Laura
Published: June 2023

In this article I bring the political philosophy of Judith Butler to bear on contemporary and inter‐related arguments about race and (in)equality. Focusing most directly on the UK context and taking account of recent changes in UK law, I further address the role of social protest in the pursuit of equality and social justice. Starting with a seemingly simple question which echoes the language of contemporary social protest, I ask ‘what does it mean for lives to matter’. In responding to this I pursue the following aims: (i) develop an awareness of human mattering which moves beyond the lens of neoliberal individualism; (ii) generate an understanding of protest as an intensely human and ethical endeavour; (iii) engage Butler's philosophical arguments in a manner that is accessible to those unfamiliar with their work. I begin with an overview of contemporary social protests and outline recent developments in UK law before introducing key concepts from Butler's work. I then apply Butler's arguments to explore the construct and the language of mattering, before expanding on what it means to matter and the role of social protest in the pursuit of grievable lives.
Self-perception and Gender Change in Pakistan. Who Else?
Authors: Iftikhar Hamza , Salleh Siti Hasliah
Published: June 2023

The constitution of Pakistan, an Islamic democracy, upholds the legal rights of its citizens. However, globalization and liberalization have led the nation to recognize the presence of the third gender, also known as transgender. According to the Transgender (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, Pakistani people are permitted to change their gender from male to female, female to male, or male/female to transgender. The person's perspective of themselves may play a role in the choice to change gender. By all rights, Pakistan is not the first country to use self-perception as a method for decision-making in order to effect gender change. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate which other nations are using self-perception as a method for gender change. The study is conducted using quantitative content analysis. The contents of transgender-related acts enacted by numerous nations, including Pakistan will be analyzed using manifest analysis. It is anticipated that the study will provide some insight into how self-perception for gender change is being implemented in Pakistan. Recommendations for future studies are also suggested.
Ethical Issues of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Healthcare
Authors: Baihakki Mohd Azri , Mohamed Saleh Ba Qutayan Shadiya
Published: June 2023

The idea of integrating ethics into artificial intelligence (AI) increased globally, and it became an important policy objective in many countries. The ethics of AI has seen significant press coverage in recent years, which supports related research, but also may end up undermining it.  The issues under discussion were just predictions of what future technology will bring, and we already know what would be most ethical and how to achieve that. This paper is a literature review in nature; it analyzes previous studies related to implementation of ethics in AI. The literature results indicate that between 2010 and 2021, there were 150 AI ethical incidents; including data privacy and security risks, safety concerns, bias diagnosis, the possibility of hostile entities taking control of AI, a lack of interpersonal communication or a humanistic perspective, wealth concentration around an AI business and job losses. The findings obtained from this literature review can help to propose method for AI; it's, indeed, an avenue for researchers to understand ethics needed in AI. Thus, this is crucial to provide suitable suggestions on planning the next course of action on how to integrate ethics in AI in the future.
Unsupervised Domain Deep Transfer Learning Approach for Rolling Bearing Remaining Useful Life Estimation
Authors: Rathore Maan Singh , Harsha S. P.
Published: June 2023

Accurate estimation of remaining useful life (RUL) becomes a crucial task when bearing operates under dynamic working conditions. The environmental noise, different operating conditions, and multiple fault modes result in the existence of considerable distribution and feature shifts between different domains. To address these issues, a novel framework TSBiLSTM is proposed that utilizes 1DCNN, SBiLSTM, and attention mechanism (AM) synergically to extract highly abstract feature representation, and domain adaptation is realized using the MK-MMD (multi-kernel maximum mean discrepancy) metric and domain confusion layer. One-dimensional CNN (1DCNN) and stacked bidirectional LSTM (SBiLSTM) are utilized to take advantage of spatiotemporal features with attention mechanism (AM) to selectively process the influential degradation information. MK-MMD provides effective kernel selection along with a domain confusion layer to effectively extract domain-invariant features. Both experimentation and comparison studies are conducted to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed TSBiLSTM model. The generalized performance is demonstrated using IEEE PHM data sets based on root mean squared error, mean absolute error, absolute percent mean error, and percentage mean error. The promising RUL prediction results validate the superiority and usability of the proposed TSBiLSTM model as a promising prognostic tool for dynamic operating conditions.
Frost Damage in a Spherical Orange
Authors: Atesmen M. Kemal
Published: June 2023

In this chapter, we will investigate how frost damage penetrates a spherical and ripe orange. We assume that there is a sudden change in outside temperature at night with convection heat transfer at the surface of the orange. Also, there is a cloudy sky so there is minimal radiation heat loss to the night sky. The temperature change in the spherical orange occurs only in the radial direction. So, orange’s temperature is only functions of radius, R, and time, θ, as given in Equation 13-1 in spherical coordinates. Inside the orange, there are no temperature gradients in polar and azimuthal directions.
Heat Transfer in A Semi-Infinite Stainless-Steel When Applying Constant Heat Flux On X = 0 Surface
Authors: Atesmen M. Kemal
Published: June 2023

We will investigate in this chapter the heat transfer in a semi-infinite stainless-steel when its surface at X = 0 is suddenly exposed to a constant heat flux from ceramic heat treatment pads. One-dimensional transient conduction heat transfer in a semi-infinite solid which is suddenly exposed to a constant heat flux at X = 0 will be treated. There is suddenly a constant surface flux, qX = 0, which is applied at X = 0 surface as shown in Figure 17-1. Applicable partial differential equation and initial and boundary conditions are given in Equations 17-1.
Transient Heat Transfer with Little or No Temperature Gradient within Special Solids
Authors: Atesmen M. Kemal
Published: June 2023

Some solids such as spherical metal bearings with small radii, metal plates with small thicknesses and cylindrical shaped metals with small radii can lose or gain thermal energy through their surfaces with respect to time with little or no internal temperature gradients. Internal thermal energies of these special solids change with respect to time by heat gain or loss through their surfaces as given in Equation 2-1.
ROBOTIC ORTHOSIS BASED ON BEND SENSORS FOR OCCUPATIONAL MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER PREVENTION
Authors: Cheng Jinsai , Zhao Wenbing , Shen Tao
Published: June 2023

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are generated, preceded, or aggravated by repeated or continuous use of certain parts of the body. Orthoses have been developed to help people prevent or treat these kinds of disorders. In this paper, we developed a novel flexible orthosis based on bend sensors to count the times of the repetitive movements and remind the worker to take adequate rest after a period of repetitive movements, thus, to reduce the possibility of developing musculoskeletal disorders. A novel movement detection method is developed to count the times of the repeating movement by using the trends/slopes of the rotation angles. Experiments have been conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the novel movement detection method. The results demonstrate that the movement detection method can accurately count the times of the wrist movement with varying rotation angles and speed and issue reminders for rest.
DESIGN OF FABRIC-REINFORCED POLYURETHANE COMPOSITES FOR AORTIC AND OTHER CARDIAC CONSTRUCTS
Authors: Nieves Charmaine , Edward Sandra , Kulkarni Mayura , Golecki Holly
Published: June 2023

When patients experience heart failure, medical devices can support lost cardiac function. However, compliance mismatch between biological tissues and devices present challenges for long term integration. For example, silicone, a common polymer used in soft robotic medical devices, has negative side effects when implanted in vivo. This paper explores biomimetic properties of alternative materials by testing mechanical properties of polyurethane composites. Testing reveals similarities between our composites and native tissues in the heart and aorta. When built into fabric reinforced elastomeric enclosures (fabREEs), our composite actuators behave similar to native aortic tissue. By analyzing hoop and longitudinal stresses in actuators, we present candidate materials for building aortic models for use in transplantations or benchtop testing. We show that these materials can serve to mimic a range of cardiac tissues and that future of medical device design will benefit from considering these soft material composites in new devices.
AI BASED GLAND DETECTION IN BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY DEVICE
Authors: Lee Jieun , Modi Vaishnavi K. , Redij Renisha , Gadam Srikanth , Gopalakrishnan Keerthy , Rajagopal Anjali , Leggett Cadman L. , Arunachalam Shivaram P.
Published: June 2023

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an advanced imaging modality to detect Barrett’s esophagus (BE) dysplasia, providing widefield, cross-sectional imaging and microscopic resolution. BE dysplasia is characterized under OCT by the presence and number of glandular structures with atypical morphology. Accurate detection and interpretation of BE glands under OCT is essential to detect dysplastic lesions. Object Detection using deep learning has the potential to identify glands from OCT images. We developed a YOLO model to identify the presence of glands in BE tissue. The YOLOv4 object detector was trained on a custom BE dataset of 30 patients with confirmed BE who underwent OCT imaging, of which 222 OCT images included at least one gland. Our model identified glands with a high average precision of 88.79% on the test dataset. We showed that the developed model is robust to rotation, brightness, and blur in images. We have implemented an object detection model to identify glands from OCT images with promising results accurately. This model has the potential to improve the diagnosis and surveillance of BE by eliminating human error and missed dysplastic lesions adaptable for capsule endoscopy applications.
DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF A MULTIFUNCTION GASTRIC FEEDING TUBE CAPABLE OF VITAL SIGN MONITORING
Authors: Salafian Iman , Englert Angie , Morris Allissa , Groves Alan , Rylander Christopher G.
Published: June 2023

Infants born extremely prematurely present significant clinical and population health challenges. Advances in clinical monitoring can potentially drive improvements in survival and long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population. In this study, a multi-function catheter with ECG, pressure, and temperature sensors is developed and the performance and ideal lead location are tested in a rat model. The ECG signals, transdiaphragmatic pressure, and core body temperature of the rat were recorded from a modified multi-electrode gastric feeding tube with one pressure sensor at the tip and another pressure sensor and temperature sensor at 6 cm from the trip.

The ECG signals were obtained from esophageal electrodes in multiple locations and eventually, optimal electrode locations were identified at 4 and 6 cm from the tip of the feeding tube. Reliable pressure signals at a pressure range of 0-0.2psi (0-14 cm H2O) were obtained from pressure sensors placed above and below the diaphragm. A core temperature of ~41°C was recorded from the temperature sensor which was elevated relative to the rectal temperature measurements due to the experimental setup used.

Our multifunction catheter proved to provide a reliable, strong, high resolution and low noise ECG signal from the esophageal electrodes in an animal model equivalent in size to the preterm infant. In addition, continuous pressure and temperature recordings can simultaneously be extracted, with all 3 sensors contained within a less than 3 mm diameter tube as is routinely used in this population. Integration of these multiple components into a feeding tube, which is already universally used in this population purely for nutrition, will provide significant advances in vital sign monitoring while reducing risk to vulnerable preterm infants.
TOWARDS ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATING SMA-BASED COMPRESSION KNITS
Authors: Golgouneh Alireza , Pettys-Baker Robert , Dunne Lucy E. , Holschuh Brad
Published: June 2023

Compression devices are widely used in fields such as astronautics, cosmetics, and medical therapy for treatment of various diseases such as Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and Orthostatic Hypotension (OH). Unlike traditional compression devices that apply static pressure on the body, there have been some efforts to integrate smart materials such as shape memory alloys (SMAs) to make compression garments active and controllable. SMA-based compression systems can be made in tourniquet (band) and knit (larger area) forms. SMA Knits are typically activated through direct heating approaches that may not be accessible in real-life applications. Unlike other forms of SMA actuators, due to the complexity of SMA wire interconnections in the knit, Joule heating has not been investigated yet. Hence, this paper presents an experimental protocol to electrically activate the SMA-knits through Joule heating. The designed protocol, include measurement of generated force, electrical properties, and temperature in a displacement control condition. The results of this study indicate that connecting the power leads to the middle of a knitted SMA sample along the course direction, can contribute to a better wide-reaching electrical pathway, and subsequently achieves better force generation through Joule heating.
LAPAROSCOPIC TROCAR INSERTION FORCE SIMULATION
Authors: Galvin Samson , Scarpinella Samantha , Safford Dr. Shawn , Miller Dr. Scarlett , Moore Dr. Jason
Published: June 2023

Laparoscopic surgery is a common minimally invasive procedure that is performed through small ports in the abdominal wall. The ports are created with tools called trocars that are used to inflate the abdominal cavity and are used as gateways for surgical tools. There is limited training on trocar insertion for novice surgeons and it is a crucial step in the laparoscopic procedure. There are several challenges associated with placing and inserting trocars in the abdominal area. In this paper, experimental data is used to create a mathematical model for the expected trocar force, which had an average error of 3.67%. A novel trocar training system is proposed to effectively simulate the haptic feeling of inserting a trocar into the abdomen.