bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overabundant deer and invasive plants drive widespread regeneration debt in eastern United States national parks
Authors: Miller Kathryn M. , Perles Stephanie J. , Schmit John Paul , Matthews Elizabeth R. , Weed Aaron S. , Comiskey James A. , Marshall Matthew R. , Nelson Peter , Fisichelli Nicholas A.
Published: March 2023

Advanced regeneration, in the form of tree seedlings and saplings, is critical for ensuring the long‐term viability and resilience of forest ecosystems in the eastern United States. Lack of regeneration and/or compositional mismatch between regeneration and canopy layers, called regeneration debt, can lead to shifts in forest composition, structure, and, in extreme cases, forest loss. In this study, we examined status and trends in regeneration across 39 national parks from Virginia to Maine, spanning 12 years to apply the regeneration debt concept. We further refined the concept by adding new metrics and classifying results into easily interpreted categories adapted from the literature: imminent failure, probable failure, insecure, and secure. We then used model selection to determine the potential drivers most influencing patterns of regeneration debt. Status and trends indicated widespread regeneration debt in eastern national parks, with 27 of 39 parks classified as imminent or probable failure. Deer browse impact was consistently the strongest predictor of regeneration abundance. The most pervasive component of regeneration debt observed across parks was a sapling bottleneck, characterized by critically low sapling density of native canopy species and significant declines in native canopy sapling basal area or density for most parks. Regeneration mismatches also threaten forest resilience in many parks, where native canopy seedlings and saplings were outnumbered by native subcanopy species, particularly species that are less palatable deer browse. The devastating impact of emerald ash borer eliminating ash as a native canopy tree also drove regeneration mismatches in many parks that contain abundant ash regeneration, demonstrating the vulnerability of forests that lack diverse understories to invasive pests and pathogens. These findings underscore the critical importance of an integrated forest management approach that promotes an abundant and diverse regeneration layer. In most cases, this can only be achieved through long‐term (i.e., multidecadal) management of white‐tailed deer and invasive plants. Small‐scale disturbances that increase structural complexity may also promote regeneration where stress from deer and invasive plants is minimal. Without immediate and sustained management intervention, the forest loss we are already observing may become a widespread pattern in eastern national parks and the broader region.
Adding insult to injury: Light competition and allelochemical weapons interact to facilitate grass invasion
Authors: Morrison Colin R. , Rhodes Aaron C. , Bowman Elizabeth A. , Plowes Robert M. , Sedio Brian E. , Gilbert Lawrence E.
Published: March 2023

Biological invasions are a leading ecological issue of the 21st century because of their worldwide contributions to biodiversity loss and degradation of ecosystem services. Answering general questions about the mechanisms facilitating the spread of successful invasives is key to understanding how to manage them moving forward. The success of introduced primary producers has often been attributed to superior competitive ability or to their release from natural enemies that constrained them in their native range. In contrast, nonnative primary producers can successfully invade and establish in new areas by releasing allelochemical compounds into the environment that are toxic to the native flora. The interactive effects of allelopathy and competition remain underexplored. Here, we evaluated the mechanism of invasion by Guinea grass, a globally distributed tallgrass from tropical and subtropical Africa with known allelopathic effects associated with 2‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (2HPAA). We asked if allelopathy and light availability interact to give Guinea grass a competitive advantage during seedling establishment in its introduced range. We used a fully factorial greenhouse experiment in which allelochemical concentrations and light availability treatments were based on empirical measurements of these variables at an invaded site in South Texas. Seedling recruitment and growth were assessed for three native species and for Guinea grass itself. We also described the metabolome (the complete set of small molecules) of an invasive grass for the first time to facilitate a comparison of the effect of the known allelochemical 2HPAA with that of the whole‐plant chemical extract. Shading and allelochemistry each reduced recruitment and growth by themselves, and a significant interaction of these stressors exacerbated the negative effects in the shade, resulting in short plants, low biomass, and ultimately decreased seedling recruitment. The whole‐plant metabolomic extract had significantly stronger effects than pure 2HPAA, and these negative effects were intensified in the shade. Moreover, the mechanism showcased here demonstrated that resource competition and biochemical interference are not mutually exclusive mechanisms that facilitate the spread of a globally distributed invasive species.
Spatial and temporal sampling strategy connecting NEON Terrestrial Observation System protocols
Authors: Meier Courtney L. , Thibault Katherine M. , Barnett David T.
Published: March 2023

The National Ecological Observatory Network Terrestrial Observation System (NEON TOS) produces open‐access data products that allow data users to investigate the impact of change drivers on key “sentinel” taxa and soils. The spatial and temporal sampling strategy that coordinates implementation of these protocols enables integration across TOS products and with products generated by NEON aquatic, remote sensing, and terrestrial instrument subsystems. Here, we illustrate the plots and sampling units that make up the physical foundation of a NEON TOS site, and we describe the scales (subplot, plot, airshed, and site) at which sampling is spatially colocated across protocols and subsystems. We also describe how moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer‐enhanced vegetation index (MODIS‐EVI) phenology data are used to temporally coordinate TOS sampling within and across years at the continental scale of the observatory. Individually, TOS protocols produce data products that provide insight into populations, communities, and ecosystem processes. Within the spatial and temporal framework that guides cross‐protocol implementation, the ability to draw inference across data products is enhanced. To illustrate this point, we develop an example using R software that links two TOS data products collected with different temporal frequencies at both plot and site spatial scales. A thorough understanding of how TOS protocols are integrated with each other in space and time, and with other NEON subsystems, is necessary to leverage NEON data products to maximum effect. For example, a researcher must understand the spatial and temporal scales at which soil biogeochemistry data, soil microbe biomass data, and plant litter production and chemistry data may be combined to quantify soil nutrient stocks and fluxes across NEON sites. We present clear links among TOS protocols and across NEON subsystems that will enhance the utility of NEON TOS data products for the data user community.
A win–win between farmers and an apex predator: investigating the relationship between bald eagles and dairy farms
Authors: Duvall Ethan S. , Schwabe Emily K. , Steensma Karen M. M.
Published: March 2023

Human–wildlife conflicts on farms and ranches are common and well‐documented, particularly with apex predators. Predation of livestock, for example, can result in serious economic burdens for farmers and can become threats to wildlife populations as farmers take action to eliminate or displace populations. Among apex predators, bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have received increased media attention in recent years due to conflicts with farmers across the United States. This raises challenges for both farmers and wildlife managers as eagle abundance continues to increase and natural prey resources decline. Interestingly, a recent study in northwestern Washington State reported high eagle activity on dairy farms in response to declines in salmon carcass availability, an important resource for wintering eagles across western North America. Despite the potential for human–wildlife conflict in these areas, little is known of the relationship between eagles and dairy farms. In this study, we investigated the extent of eagle activity on dairy farms and the relationship between eagles and dairy farmers using semistructured interviews with dairy farmers. We found that (1) eagles were attracted to dairy farms to feed primarily on cow afterbirth and calf carcasses, (2) responding farmers had no issue with the presence of eagles on their farms, and (3) many dairy farmers felt that eagles provided services to their farms. Of these services, the most recognized were scavenging of dairy farm byproducts and removal or deterrence of unwanted pest species. Increased eagle abundance on dairy farms and the subsidy of anthropogenic resources may also influence the ecological role of eagles as top predators in agroecosystems. Ultimately, farmers' decisions to provide anthropogenic resources have apparently mitigated human–eagle conflict while potentially reducing top–down pressures on other wild prey species. Farmers and wildlife managers may each benefit through cooperation in continuing to understand the intricacies of dairy farm–eagle relationships.
A Facile Li2TiO3 Surface Modification to Improve the Structure Stability and Electrochemical Performance of Full Concentration Gradient Li‐Rich Oxides
Authors: Hu Naifang , Yang Yuan , Li Lin , Zhang Yuhan , Hu Zhiwei , Zhang Lan , Ma Jun , Cui Guanglei
Published: March 2023

Full concentration gradient lithium‐rich layered oxides are catching lots of interest as the next generation cathode for lithium‐ion batteries due to their high discharge voltage, reduced voltage decay and enhanced rate performance, whereas the high lithium residues on its surface impairs the structure stability and long‐term cycle performance. Herein, a facile multifunctional surface modification method is implemented to eliminate surface lithium residues of full concentration gradient lithium‐rich layered oxides by a wet chemistry reaction with tetrabutyl titanate and the post‐annealing process. It realizes not only a stable Li2TiO3 coating layer with 3D diffusion channels for fast Li+ ions transfer, but also dopes partial Ti4+ ions into the sub‐surface region of full concentration gradient lithium‐rich layered oxides to further strengthen its crystal structure. Consequently, the modified full concentration gradient lithium‐rich layered oxides exhibit improved structure stability, elevated thermal stability with decomposition temperature from 289.57 °C to 321.72 °C, and enhanced cycle performance (205.1 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles) with slowed voltage drop (1.67 mV per cycle). This work proposes a facile and integrated modification method to enhance the comprehensive performance of full concentration gradient lithium‐rich layered oxides, which can facilitate its practical application for developing higher energy density lithium‐ion batteries.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Reaction ofN‐Hydroxyphthalimide Esters with Vinyl Boronic Pinacol Ester
Authors: Gkizis Petros L. , Triandafillidi Ierasia , Stini Naya A. , Batsika Charikleia S. , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: March 2023

A novel and easy‐to‐execute light‐driven protocol for the preparation of alkyl boronic acid pinacol esters from vinyl boronate usingN‐hydroxyphthalimide esters as the potential precursor is described. In this photochemical protocol, theN‐hydroxyphthalimide ester's fragmentation generates C‐centered radicals, which undergo a radical Michael addition to vinyl boronic pinacol ester furnishing the desired products. A good substrate scope having various functionalities is presented and good to high yields are obtained.
Precision management of post‐COVID pain: An evidence and clinical‐based approach
Authors: Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Nijs Jo , Giordano Rocco , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: March 2023

Background

Pain after a SARS‐CoV‐2 acute infection (post‐COVID pain) is becoming a new healthcare emergency but remains underestimated and most likely undertreated due to a lack of recognition of the phenomenon and knowledge of the underlying pain mechanisms. Evidence supporting any particular treatment approach for the management of post‐COVID pain is lacking. Large variability in the patient response to any standard pain treatments is clinically observed, which has led to calls for a personalized, tailored approach to treating patients with chronic post‐COVID pain (i.e. ‘precision pain medicine’). Applying the global concerted action towards precision medicine to post‐COVID pain could help guide clinical decision‐making and aid in more effective treatments.

Methods

The current position paper discusses factors to be considered by clinicians for managing post‐COVID pain ranging from identification of the pain phenotype to genetic consideration.

Results

The ability of clinicians to phenotype post‐COVID pain into nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic or mixed type is suggested as the first step to better planification of a treatment programme. Further, the consideration of other factors, such as gender, comorbidities, treatments received at the acute phase of infection for onset‐associated COVID‐19 symptoms, factors during hospitalization or the presence of emotional disturbances should be implemented into a treatment programme.

Conclusions

Accordingly, considering these factors, management of post‐COVID pain should include multimodal pharmacological and non‐pharmacological modalities targeting emotional/cognitive aspects (i.e. psychological and/or coping strategies), central sensitization‐associated mechanisms (i.e. pain neuroscience education), exercise programmes as well as lifestyle interventions (e.g. nutritional support and sleep management).

Significance

This position paper presents an evidence‐based clinical reasoning approach for precision management of post‐COVID pain.
Membrane inlet—ion mobility spectrometry with automatic spectra evaluation as online monitoring tool for the process control of microalgae cultivation
Authors: Cämmerer Malcolm , Mayer Thomas , Schott Carolin , Steingroewer Juliane , Petrich Ralf , Borsdorf Helko
Published: March 2023

The cultivation of algae either in open raceway ponds or in closed bioreactors could allow the renewable production of biomass for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or chemical industries. Optimal cultivation conditions are however required to ensure that the production of these compounds is both efficient and economical. Therefore, high‐frequency analytical measurements are required to allow timely process control and to detect possible disturbances during algae growth. Such analytical methods are only available to a limited extent. Therefore, we introduced a method for monitoring algae release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the headspace above a bioreactor in real time. This method is based on ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) in combination with a membrane inlet (MI). The unique feature of IMS is that complete spectra are detected in real time instead of sum signals. These spectral patterns produced in the ion mobility spectrum were evaluated automatically via principal component analysis (PCA). The detected peak patterns are characteristic for the respective algae culture; allow the assignment of the individual growth phases and reflect the influence of experimental parameters. These results allow for the first time a continuous monitoring of the algae cultivation and thus an early detection of possible disturbances in the biotechnological process.
General Construction of Ultrathick Sulfur Cathode for High‐Energy‐Density Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zhang Mingdao , Song Ning , Li Tianbao , Tu Feiyue , Zhang Bo , Jin Yachao , Song Li
Published: March 2023

Lithium–sulfur battery has high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) and specific capacity (1675 mAh g−1), which is the research hotspot of next‐generation high‐energy‐density energy storage systems. In order to make the actual energy density of the battery closer to the theoretical value, it is necessary to increase the proportion of active substances as much as possible, but this will lead to the increase of the thickness of the electrode and affect the transport of ions inside the electrode. A new NH4HCO3 template to help solve the above problem is proposed. A large number of efficient ion transport channels are generated in ultrathick cathodes. The discharge capacity of the primary button battery reaches 1500 mAh g−1 at the rate of 0.005C. Meanwhile, the actual gravimetric and volumetric energy density of the primary pouch cell are 645 Wh kg−1 and 952 Wh L−1. The special cathode structure makes it easier for the electrolyte to penetrate the thick cathode, and makes the ion transport faster, which is the reason for the excellent performance of the battery. The work provides an effective way to improve the performance of high‐loaded sulfur cathode, enabling the commercialization of high‐specific energy Li–S batteries.
Japanese attitudes toward risk control in seismic design in light of observation, prediction, and actual performance of building structures
Authors: Suzuki Akiko , Kusaka Akihiro , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: March 2023

Despite recent international efforts toward a risk‐conscious approach to advancing seismic design, Japan, a country very prone to earthquakes, remains conservative regarding the consideration of risk‐based seismic hazards in developing seismic designs. This article attempts to interpret the reasons. First, the evolution of Japanese seismic design codes and specifications is introduced, noting that the design seismic loads have remained essentially the same since the revisions implemented in 1981. Second, Japanese efforts in providing and renewing seismic hazard maps are briefly introduced and discussed. The maps have been developed using the data recorded by Japanese strong motion networks. Some unique challenges in preparing seismic hazard maps for the territory of Japan are presented, in light of the observations of actual earthquakes in the past three decades. On many occasions, the damage disclosed in modern buildings remained limited even when the recorded ground motions significantly exceeded the design earthquake level. An inherent conservatism is embedded in the performance criteria imposed on structural systems and elements. Third, political‐legal and sociocultural aspects are discussed. Centralized operation is commonly exercised in Japan for post‐disaster relief efforts, and the general public also values “equality” for such support. The factors naturally encourage cautiousness for the revision of relevant seismic codes and specifications.
Energy consumption calculation of campus buildings based on the law of personnel flow
Authors: Ming‐ming Zhao , Zi‐qiang Lv
Published: March 2023

For a certain functional building group, the coupling relationship between the load of a single unit and entire building groups lies in the spatial and temporal patterns personnel distribution. Using the DeST (Designer's Simulation Toolkit) method, the personnel flow trajectory in a university campus in Shanghai was analyzed and the established energy consumption calculation model based on personnel flow trajectory of university buildings. It is proposed that personnel mobility should be included in the application of DeST to predict the total load of building groups. The results show that after the people flow trajectory was included, the total annual accumulated load decreased from 27.01 to 19.39  GWh, reducing by 28.20%; the hourly load fluctuation became more stable, the daily peak load decreased by 22.57%, and the daily peak valley difference decreased by 43.74%. The results suggest that the prediction for the air conditioning load of building complexes would be better when the trajectory of human flow is considered, minimizing unnecessary system scale and investments. Under the “double carbon” policy, the personnel flow trajectory model can effectively reduce waste in air conditioning energy consumption in campus buildings.
Time–frequency signal analysis of flow pulsation in siphon outlet conduit based on HHT considering the pump‐conduit interaction
Authors: Yang Fan , Lin Zhikang , Ding Ping , Jin Xiaoyu , Tang Fangping , Yuan Yao
Published: March 2023

The unsteady three‐dimensional numerical simulation calculation of the vertical axial flow pump device is performed based on CFD to examine the pressure pulsation and energy distribution features of the water flow within the siphon outlet conduit (SOC) under the hydraulic coupling of the pump and the flow conduit. The pressure pulsation signals (PPS) of monitoring points are decomposed using the Hilbert–Huang approach via empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and Hilbert spectrum analysis. The results show that the PPS of monitoring points of the SOC has no obvious periodicity. The low‐frequency range below 20 Hz serves as the primary frequency, and the energy ratio of the high‐frequency signal above 700 Hz is less than 1%. Under the condition of a small flow rate 0.3Qbep, there is obvious high‐frequency pulsation above 500 Hz at the inlet of the upstream section of the SOC, and there are periodic components distributed around 200 Hz. The energy of the pressure pulsation is primarily focused in the low‐frequency range below 40 Hz at the SOC outlet section. The PPS at the top and bottom monitoring points of the hump section are consistent, and the pressure pulsation energy (PPE) is mainly concentrated in the low frequency below 40 Hz. In both the big flow condition (1.2Qbep) and the optimal flow condition (1.0Qbep), the PPE of the monitoring points at the top of the hump section is distributed in the middle and low‐frequency band below 40 Hz, and the energy of monitoring points at the bottom of the hump section is concentrated in the low‐frequency band below 20 Hz, accounting for more than 70%. When the flow rate increases from 0.3Qbep to 1.2Qbep, the peak value of the pressure pulsation coefficient at the main frequency of each monitoring point at the top of the hump section changes little, and the peak value of the pressure pulsation coefficient at the main frequency of each monitoring point at the bottom increases first and then decreases. From the upstream section to the hump section of the SOC, the average frequency of each intrinsic mode function (IMF) of the PPS under different flow conditions shows an overall increasing trend. From the hump section of the SOC to its outlet, the average frequency of each IMF of the PPS decreases under the conditions of 1.0Qbep and 1.2Qbep, and there is no obvious change under the condition of 0.3Qbep.
Optimal sizing of RES and BESS in networked microgrids based on proportional peer‐to‐peer and peer‐to‐grid energy trading
Authors: Lokesh Vankudoth , Badar Altaf Q. H.
Published: March 2023

Networked microgrids emerged from the growing deployment of microgrids in the distribution network. The coordinated operation of networked microgrids offers technical and economical benefits to microgrid owners, customers, grid/utility, and other stakeholders. The optimal capacity sizing of renewable energy sources and battery energy storage systems allows microgrids to minimize costs and maximize reliability. A multi‐objective optimization problem is developed for optimal sizing in a networked microgrid consisting of four different microgrids. The annual energy costs and loss of power supply probability index are taken as objectives. Peer‐to‐peer and peer‐to‐grid energy trading approaches are employed. The peer‐to‐peer energy trading among microgrids employs the proposed “proportional trading method” via a networked microgrid manager or aggregator. The multi‐objective optimization problem formulated is solved using Multi‐Objective Particle Swarm Optimization. The individual objective optimization results for annual energy cost and loss of power supply probability are also analyzed. The proposed method decreases the interaction between the grid and the MGs, and the usage of renewable energy sources is enhanced. The capacity of battery energy storage systems is lowered by 96%, 53.2%, 48.86%, 21% for respective microgrids in networked microgrids. The results of proportional peer‐to‐peer energy trading‐based multi‐objective optimization show that trading energy among microgrids minimizes annual energy cost by 0.75% while maintaining system reliability.
A Hybrid Model for Orthogonal Regression
Authors: Kane Michael
Published: March 2023

Linear functional relationships are intended to be symmetric and therefore cannot generally be accurately estimated using ordinary least squares regression equations. Orthogonal regression (OR) models allow for errors in both Y and X and therefore can provide symmetric estimates of these relationships. The most well‐established OR model, the errors‐in‐variables (EIV) model, assumes that the observed scatter around the line is due entirely to errors of measurement in Y and X and that the ratio of the error variances is known. If most of the variance around the line is known to be due to the errors of measurement in Y and X, the EIV model can provide an unbiased maximum likelihood estimate for a functional relationship. However, if a substantial part of the variability around the line is due to natural variability, which is not attributable to errors of measurement in Y or X, the ratio of the measurement error variances is not well defined and the EIV model is not directly applicable. The main contribution of this report is the development of a hybrid model that provides plausible estimates for linear functional relationships in cases with substantial natural variability and substantial errors of measurement. An analysis of female and male differential test functioning between an essay test and an objective test used as parts of a licensure examination provides an illustration of the use of the hybrid model.
Functional roles and novel tools for improving‐oxidative stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids: A comprehensive review
Authors: Islam Fakhar , Imran Ali , Nosheen Farhana , Fatima Maleeha , Arshad Muhammad Umair , Afzaal Muhammad , Ijaz Nosheen , Noreen Rabia , Mehta Shilpa , Biswas Sunanda , Rasool Izza Faiz Ul , Aslam Muhammad Arslan , Usman Ifrah , Zahra Syeda Mahvish , Segueni Narimane , Amer Ali Yuosra
Published: March 2023

Polyunsaturated fatty acids may be derived from a variety of sources and could be incorporated into a balanced diet. They protect against a wide range of illnesses, including cancer osteoarthritis and autoimmune problems. The PUFAs, ω‐6, and ω‐3 fatty acids, which are found in both the marine and terrestrial environments, are given special attention. The primary goal is to evaluate the significant research papers in relation to the human health risks and benefits of ω‐6 and ω‐3 fatty acid dietary resources. This review article highlights the types of fatty acids, factors affecting the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids, methods used for the mitigation of oxidative stability, health benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and future perspectives in detail.
Development of a paper strip test for colorimetric detection of urea in raw materials for animal feed
Authors: Chanawanno Chuthamart , Sompen Chetbodin , Satarpai Thiphol
Published: March 2023

Aiming at developing an easily implementable method for on‐site analysis to detect urea adulteration in feed ingredients, a simple and inexpensive paper strip for urea detection via colorimetric assay is herein presented. The paper strip can be simply fabricated by immobilizing urease with bromothymol blue (BTB) as a pH indicator on cellulose fiber. Upon dipping the paper strip into the target sample, the release of ammonia during the reaction between urea in the sample and urease on the paper strip causes a pH change that results in the development of a blue color, thus indicating the presence of urea. A semiquantitative detection method was developed on the basis of the color change on the paper strip, which can be detected by naked eyes and compared with a color chart made by spiking urea at concentrations varying from 0.10% to 1.0% (w/w) in animal protein and fishmeal samples. Moreover, quantitative data were obtained by taking a picture with a smartphone camera and measuring the color intensity using ImageJ software. A comparison between BTB and phenol red as pH indicators revealed that the former afforded better results in terms of resolution. Under optimal conditions, good linear responses of blue intensity were obtained in a concentration range of 0.10%–1.0% (w/w). The recovery was determined to range between 98.1% and 118.3% with a relative standard deviation of <5%. The developed paper strip assay was applied to determine urea in animal protein and fishmeal, finding good agreement with the official AOAC method (No. 967.07). The present paper strip is rapid and requires neither sophisticated devices nor skilled personnel, allowing its use by quality controllers for the routine on‐site detection of the urea adulteration of raw materials.
Improvement in the stability and bioavailability of pumpkin lutein using β‐cyclodextrin microcapsules
Authors: Shi Zhenxia , Kong Gaoyuan , Wang Fangfang , Gao Hui , Wei Anran , Ren Sizhu , Yan Xunyou
Published: March 2023

Growing concerns about food nutrition and food supplies have encouraged the development of effective constituents. Lutein is an important nutrient element, and its health benefits are gradually being recognized. Lutein, as a carotenoid antioxidant, can protect cells and organs from damage caused by free radicals. However, in processing, storage, and usage, lutein is unstable and often undergoes isomerization and oxidative decomposition, which limits its wide range of applications. β‐Cyclodextrin is an ideal substrate to prepare microcapsule structures, which are highly biocompatible and nontoxic. During the lutein encapsulation process, ideal β‐cyclodextrin microcapsules were used to form inclusion compounds. The results reveal that the encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules reached 53%. Moreover, using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction can easily and efficiently purify lutein. In addition, the capability of the β‐cyclodextrin composite shell can enhance the bioactive molecules' activity and stability.
Potential inhibitory effect of fish, maize, and whey protein hydrolysates on advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs)
Authors: Arasteh Faezeh , Barzegar Mohsen , Gavlighi Hassan Ahmadi
Published: March 2023

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are produced in the final stage of the Maillard reaction. AGEs formation may be inhibited by natural hydrolysates derived from plant or animal sources. The present study aimed to investigate the antiglycation potential of fish, maize, and whey protein hydrolysates. It was carried out in four model systems, Bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐Glucose, BSA‐Fructose, BSA‐Sorbitol, and BSA‐HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), by evaluation of fluorescent intensity of AGEs after seven days of reaction at 37°C. The results showed that the highest inhibitory effect belonged to 0.16% of FPH (fish protein hydrolysate, percent inhibition ~99.0%), whereas maize protein hydrolysate (MPH) had lower antiglycation activity in comparison with FPH. Among all hydrolysates, whey protein hydrolysate with the lowest degree of hydrolysis showed the weakest inhibitory activity. Overall, our results indicated that the investigated hydrolysates, particularly FPH, have promising antiglycation potential and can be recommended for the production of functional foods.
Trait profiling and genotype selection in oilseed rape using genotype by trait and genotype by yield*trait approaches
Authors: Bakhshi Behnam , Amiri Oghan Hassan , Rameeh Valiollah , Zeinalzadeh Tabrizi Hossein , Askari Abdolhossein , Faraji Abolfazl , Ghodrati Gholamreza , Fanaei Hamid Reza , Danaei Amir Khosro , Khatoon Kazerani Narjes , Payghamzadeh Kamal , Kiani Davood , Sadeghi Hossein , Shariati Farnaz , Dalili Alireza , Aghajani Nasab Afrouzi Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2023

Selection and breeding for high‐yielding in oilseed rape have always been one of the leading objectives for oilseed rape breeders. This process becomes more complicated when all quantitative traits are considered in selection in addition to grain yield. In the present study, 18 oilseed rape genotypes along with 2 check cultivars (RGS003 and Dalgan) were evaluated across 16 environments (a combination of 2 years and eight locations) in the tropical climate regions of Iran during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 cropping seasons. The experiments were conducted in a format of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The obtained multienvironmental trial data were utilized to conduct multivariate analysis, genotype by trait (GT) biplot, and genotype by yield*trait (GYT) biplot (Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, 1:2019). The GT and GYT biplot accounted for 55.5% and 93.6% of the total variation in the first two main components. Based on multivariate analysis and GT biplot, pod numbers in plant (PNP) and plant height (PH) were chosen as two key traits in spring oilseed rape genotypes for indirect selection due to high variation, strong positive correlation with grain yield (GY), and their high representatively and discriminability in genotype selection. The mean × stability GT biplot represented G10 (SRL‐96‐17) as the superior genotype. Based on the mean × stability GYT biplot, eight above‐average genotypes were identified that took high scores in stability, high‐yielding, and all evaluated quantitative traits at the same time. Based on the superiority index of GYT data, G10 (SRL‐96‐17) and G5 (SRL‐96‐11) indicated the best yield–trait combinations profile and ranked above check cultivars and then selected as superior genotypes. Similarly, cluster analysis using the WARD method also separated eight superior genotypes. Based on the result of the present study, GT ad GYT methodologies are recommended for trait profiling and genotype selection in oilseed rape breeding projects, respectively.
GeoDeepShovel: A platform for building scientific database from geoscience literature withAIassistance
Authors: Zhang Shao , Xu Hui , Jia Yuting , Wen Ying , Wang Dakuo , Fu Luoyi , Wang Xinbing , Zhou Chenghu
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of big data science, the research paradigm in the field of geosciences has also begun to shift to big data‐driven scientific discovery. Researchers need to read a huge amount of literature to locate, extract and aggregate relevant results and data that are published and stored in PDF format for building a scientific database to support the big data‐driven discovery. In this paper, based on the findings of a study about how geoscientists annotate literature and extract and aggregate data, we proposed GeoDeepShovel, a publicly available AI‐assisted data extraction system to support their needs. GeoDeepShovel leverages state‐of‐the‐art neural network models to support researcher(s) easily and accurately annotate papers (in the PDF format) and extract data from tables, figures, maps, etc., in a human–AI collaboration manner. As a part of the Deep‐Time Digital Earth (DDE) program, GeoDeepShovel has been deployed for 8 months, and there are already 400 users from 44 geoscience research teams within the DDE program using it to construct scientific databases on a daily basis, and more than 240 projects and 50,000 documents have been processed for building scientific databases.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the surface wettability of typical minerals in shale
Authors: Chen Junqing , Shi Kanyuan , Jiang Fujie , Yang Xiaobin , Wang Yuying , Li Bingyao
Published: March 2023

Nanoscale pores are an important storage space in shale petroleum reservoirs. Mineral surface wettability significantly affects the adsorption ability of a fluid, and it is of great significance for the efficient development of shale petroleum. Within a nanoscale pore, however, we cannot measure the contact angle through a conventional measuring method, so we used a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method. A nanoscale ‘oil–water–rock’ wettability model was used to study the wettability of reservoir minerals with micropores. In this study, by means of MD simulation, the wettability models of different minerals (calcite, quartz and illite) and different liquid hydrocarbons (n‐hexane, toluene and acetic acid) were established, and then the temperature and pressure were changed to study the influence of mineral type, liquid hydrocarbon type, temperature and pressure on wettability. The results show that calcite has the strongest wettability of water in n‐hexane, followed by illite and quartz, and toluene has the strongest wettability of water on the surface of calcite minerals, followed by n‐hexane and acetic acid. In the temperature range of 313–378 K, the higher the temperature, the stronger the water wettability. In the pressure range of 5–20 MPa, the higher the pressure, the water wettability is stronger. By comparing the MD simulation results with the previous experimental results, similar wetting characteristics were obtained, which verified the reliability of the simulation results. This MD simulation method provides a new idea for the study of shale mineral wettability, which is of great significance for shale petroleum exploration.
Magnetite‐fluorapatite geochemistry and monazite U–Pb geochronology of the Mohuldih uranium deposit, Singhbhum Shear Zone, eastern India
Authors: Patel Sarita , Upadhyay Dewashish , Ranjan Sameer , Mishra Biswajit
Published: March 2023

In this study, textural relations coupled with mineral chemistry of hydrothermal magnetite, fluorapatite, monazite and allanite from the Mohuldih uranium deposit in the Singhbhum Shear Zone (SSZ) is used to characterize the nature of the fluid during various events of alteration and uranium precipitation. These minerals have two distinct textural types, the earlier of which are coeval with the uraninite mineralization. The later type formed during subsequent hydrothermal overprint as a result of coupled dissolution‐reprecipitation of earlier fluorapatite and mobilization of light rare earth elements. Uranium‐lead dating of texturally‐constrained hydrothermal monazite grains yields two major concordant age clusters at 1855 ± 7 Ma and 963 ± 10 Ma and several discordant analyses. Two spot analyses furnish concordant ages of 1656 ± 33 Ma and 1438 ± 35 Ma that are identical within error of the 207Pb/206Pb ages (1628–1643 Ma and ca. 1392 Ma) of several discordant data points. Similar ages have been reported by other studies from the rocks of the SSZ and are therefore considered to be geologically meaningful. The oldest age of ca. 1855 Ma obtained from the texturally early core regions of monazite corresponds to the earliest stage of uraninite mineralization. The two main alteration types can be interpreted based on the known metamorphic events in the SSZ. A combination of high‐temperature calcic iron ± sodic and high‐temperature potassic iron alteration accompanied the M1 metamorphic event and the low‐temperature silicification/K‐Al alteration during the M2 metamorphic event. A comparative study between our data on magnetite and fluorapatite compositions with those from global iron oxide‐Cu‐gold (IOCG) and iron oxide‐apatite deposits classifies Mohuldih as an IOCG‐type deposit.
Acceptability and feasibility of plasma phosphorylated‐tau181 in two memory services
Authors: Hazan Jemma , Hall Simon , Pemberton Alex , Sherriffs Ian , Joels Suzanne , Heslegrave Amanda , Veleva Elena , Ghauri Mamoona , Laban Rhiannon , Abel Emily , Zetterberg Henrik , Fox Nick C. , Howard Robert
Published: March 2023

Background

Plasma phosphorylated‐tau181 (p‐tau181) represents a novel blood‐based biomarker of Alzheimer's disease pathology. We explored clinicians' experience of the utility of plasma p‐tau181 in Camden and Islington Memory Services.

Methods

Patients were identified by their clinician as appropriate for p‐tau181. Their p‐tau181 result was plotted on a reference range graph provided to clinicians. This was discussed with the patient at diagnostic feedback appointment.

Results

Twenty‐nine participants' plasma p‐tau181 samples were included (mean age 74 SD 8.5, 65% female). Nine clinicians participated in the study. Eighty‐six percent of clinicians found the p‐tau181 result to be helpful and in 93% of cases it was clearly understandable. The p‐tau181 result was useful in making the diagnosis in 44% of cases.

Conclusions

Plasma p‐tau181 is a feasible test for use in memory services and acceptable to clinicians. Clinician feedback on utility in dementia diagnoses was mixed. Further work is required to provide education and training in understanding and interpreting ambiguity in biomarker results.
The value of arterial spin labelling perfusion MRI in brain age prediction
Authors: Dijsselhof Mathijs B. J. , Barboure Michelle , Stritt Michael , Nordhøy Wibeke , Wink Alle Meije , Beck Dani , Westlye Lars T. , Cole James H. , Barkhof Frederik , Mutsaerts Henk J. M. M. , Petr Jan
Published: March 2023

Current structural MRI‐based brain age estimates and their difference from chronological age—the brain age gap (BAG)—are limited to late‐stage pathological brain‐tissue changes. The addition of physiological MRI features may detect early‐stage pathological brain alterations and improve brain age prediction. This study investigated the optimal combination of structural and physiological arterial spin labelling (ASL) image features and algorithms. Healthy participants (n = 341, age 59.7 ± 14.8 years) were scanned at baseline and after 1.7 ± 0.5 years follow‐up (n = 248, mean age 62.4 ± 13.3 years). From 3 T MRI, structural (T1w and FLAIR) volumetric ROI and physiological (ASL) cerebral blood flow (CBF) and spatial coefficient of variation ROI features were constructed. Multiple combinations of features and machine learning algorithms were evaluated using the Mean Absolute Error (MAE). From the best model, longitudinal BAG repeatability and feature importance were assessed. The ElasticNetCV algorithm using T1w + FLAIR+ASL performed best (MAE = 5.0 ± 0.3 years), and better compared with using T1w + FLAIR (MAE = 6.0 ± 0.4 years, p < .01). The three most important features were, in descending order, GM CBF, GM/ICV, and WM CBF. Average baseline and follow‐up BAGs were similar (−1.5 ± 6.3 and − 1.1 ± 6.4 years respectively, ICC = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.8–0.9, p = .16). The addition of ASL features to structural brain age, combined with the ElasticNetCV algorithm, improved brain age prediction the most, and performed best in a cross‐sectional and repeatability comparison. These findings encourage future studies to explore the value of ASL in brain age in various pathologies.
Resting‐state functional alterations in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations involving language areas
Authors: Deng Xiaofeng , Wang Meng , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo , Cao Yong , Chen Xiaolin , Zong Fangrong , Wang Bo , Liu Bing , Zhao Jizong
Published: March 2023

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may involve language areas but usually do not lead to aphasia. This study evaluated resting‐state functional alterations and investigated the language reorganization mechanism in AVM patients. Thirty‐nine patients with AVMs involving language areas and 32 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were prospectively enrolled. The AVM patients were categorized into three subgroups according to lesion location: the frontal (15 patients), temporal (14 patients), and parietal subgroups (10 patients). All subjects underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI), and the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) approach was applied to analyze rs‐fMRI data. Language abilities were normal in all participants based on the Western Aphasia Battery. Compared with those of healthy subjects, ALFF values significantly increased (FDR corrected p < .01) in the anterior part of the right putamen in the frontal AVM subgroup, in the posterior part of the right inferior and middle temporal gyrus in the temporal AVM subgroup, and in the inferior lateral part of the left cerebellar hemisphere (lobule VIII) and the right inferior parietal lobule in the parietal AVM subgroup. Functional annotation using Neurosynth indicated that the ALFF t‐map was only significantly positively associated with the language‐related domain (FDR corrected p < .01). In patients with AVMs involving the language cortex, language network reorganization occurs to maintain normal language abilities. The brain areas recruited into the reorganized language network were located in the right cerebral and left cerebellar hemispheres, both of which are nondominant hemispheres. Differences in lesion location led to distinct reorganization patterns.
Functional hierarchy of the angular gyrus and its underlying genetic architecture
Authors: Song Yu , Wang Chunli , Cai Huanhuan , Chen Jingyao , Liu Siyu , Zhu Jiajia , Yu Yongqiang
Published: March 2023

The angular gyrus (AG), given its rich connectivity and its location where multisensory information converges, is a functionally and anatomically heterogeneous structure. Using the state‐of‐the‐art functional gradient approach and transcription‐neuroimaging association analysis, we sought to determine whether there is an overarching hierarchical organization of the AG and if so, how it is modulated by the underlying genetic architecture. Resting‐state functional MRI data of 793 healthy subjects were obtained from discovery and validation datasets. Functional gradients of the AG were calculated based on the voxel‐wise AG‐to‐cerebrum functional connectivity patterns. Combined with the Allen Human Brain Atlas, we examined the spatial correlations between the AG functional gradient and gene expression. The dominant gradient topography showed a dorsoanterior–ventroposterior hierarchical organization of the AG, which was related to its intrinsic geometry. Concurrently, AG functional subdivisions corresponding to canonical functional networks (behavioral domains) were distributed along the dominant gradient in a hierarchical manner, that is, from the default mode network (abstract cognition) at one extreme to the visual and sensorimotor networks (perception and action) at the other extreme. Remarkably, we established a link between the AG dominant gradient and gene expression, with two gene sets strongly contributing to this link but diverging on their functional annotation and specific expression. Our findings represent a significant conceptual advance in AG functional organization, and may introduce novel approaches and testable questions to the investigation of AG function and anatomy in health and disease.