bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban Color Plan: The case study of the Ledro Valley (Italy)
Authors: Gasparini Katia
Published: July 2024

This research delves into the development of the Urban Color Plan for Ledro Valley, in Italy. Urban color, encompassing both natural and built elements, plays a crucial role in spatial perception, impacting an individual's cognitive and sensory experiences. This study aims to address the complexity of color planning by an operational method grounded in scientific research. Through the analysis of existing color plans and the study of this specific case, the paper proposes a methodology which emphasizes scientific scrutiny by encompassing factors like historical context, social aspects, environmental influences and a chromatic and material facade survey. The research outlines the multifaceted scales of intervention, ranging from urban mapping to material quality considerations. The Ledro Valley case study exemplifies the application of this methodology, revealing the challenge in harmonizing the diverse historical‐political realities of this Valley. The results showcase a flexible color plan that unifies the territory while still preserving the distinct identities of individual previous municipalities, demonstrating the plan's adaptability and potential for enhancing the overall urban environment.
Whole Blood Aggregometry in Mice
Authors: Branfield Siobhan , Somani Yashieta , Washington A. Valance , Manfredi Barbara
Published: July 2024

Aggregometry plays a crucial role in both clinical diagnostics and research within hematology, serving as a fundamental tool for understanding platelet function and its implications in physiological and pathological processes. In research, aggregometry provides insights into platelet aggregation dynamics and aids in understanding the underlying mechanisms of hemostasis, thrombosis, and related disorders. Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and lumi‐aggregometry, as well as whole blood aggregometry, are commonly employed methods. While LTA and lumi‐aggregometry allow for specific platelet function assessment under controlled conditions, whole blood aggregometry provides a more physiologically relevant approach by evaluating platelet aggregation within the context of whole blood.

Although both methodologies offer unique advantages, whole blood aggregometry allows for preservation of the native cellular environment, simplicity, and potential for better clinical correlation. In a clinical setting, with human blood samples, protocols are established for both LTA and whole blood aggregometry as they are frequently used diagnostic tools. A protocol for LTA and lumi‐aggregometry in murine models has been described; however, to date, there is no standardized protocol for whole blood aggregometry in murine models accessible to hematology researchers. This article aims to outline a simple, basic protocol for murine whole blood aggregometry, offering an alternative method to the commonly used LTA aggregometry in research settings. Standardizing whole blood aggregometry protocols in murine models could enhance experimental reliability and facilitate translational research efforts in hematology. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Whole blood aggregometry in mice

Support Protocol: Phenylhydrazine‐induced anemia in wild‐type mice

Basic Protocol 2: Hematocrit percentage in mice
Genetic gain of Dekalb brand maize hybrids released during the first two decades of this century in the United States 95–115 relative maturity markets
Authors: Brandariz Sofía P. , Butruille David V.
Published: July 2024

Era studies are key to estimate the historic rate of genetic gain for commercial traits of a crop. We evaluated for the first time nearly all maize hybrids released (269) in five relative maturity markets (95, 100, 105, 110, and 115) from Bayer Crop Science Dekalb brand over the last 20 years. We focused on grain yield, plant height, moisture, and test weight. We then compared the predicted gains derived from the genome‐wide prediction models with the estimated ones. We found that genetic gain was positive and significant for grain yield across the five relative maturities, ranging from 0.077 to 0.147 Mg ha−1 year−1, while it was negative (desirable) and significant for plant height, with a decrease from −0.259 to −0.456 cm year−1. We did not find significant changes for grain harvest moisture and test weight. The genetic gain estimates were consistent with predictions using the company's genomic estimated breeding values. We concluded that breeding has delivered increased yield and decreased plant height over this period for Dekalb hybrids, and the company's genomewide prediction model can be used to predict the direction of future maize genetic gains. This era study includes a larger number of hybrids, broadens the range of relative maturities, and incorporates comparisons with genomewide predictions compared to previous era studies.
Design and optimization of 30 kW CLLLC resonant converter for vehicle‐to‐grid applications
Authors: Tian Donghao , Tang Yu , Shi Zhe
Published: July 2024

The CLLLC resonant converter is a promising technology for electric vehicles and microgrids due to its ability to operate bidirectionally. This article presents a design of a bidirectional CLLLC resonant converter that is applied in the vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G). The battery side of the converter uses a two‐channel parallel structure to enhance its efficiency and reliability. In contrast, the DC‐bus side uses a transformer series structure to obtain the benefits of passive current sharing on the secondary side and reduce the transformer turns ratio. By utilizing the proposed design method, the converter can achieve a wide input and output voltage range, high efficiency, and high power density. The article analyzes the working principle of the converter and explains the design process, which includes the transformer turns ratio, magnetizing inductance, and resonance parameters. Finally, an experimental prototype is produced to verify the theory's validity and the design's feasibility. The prototype has a DC‐bus side voltage of 660–860 V, a battery side voltage of 250–500 V, and a maximum power output of 30 kW. The peak efficiency of the prototype is 98.2%, and its power density can reach up to 8 kW/L.
Validation of the Interpersonal Relationships in Eating Disorders (IR‐ED) Scale in an Eating Disorder Sample
Authors: Lego Sophia R. , Raykos Bronwyn C. , Tonta Kate E. , Erceg‐Hurn David M. , Waller Glenn , McEvoy Peter M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Interpersonal problems have been identified as a plausible mechanism underlying the onset and maintenance of eating disorders. The Interpersonal Relationships in Eating Disorders (IR‐ED) scale is the first eating disorders‐specific measure of interpersonal problems, which was developed in a nonclinical sample. The aims of the current study were to (a) confirm the factor structure of the IR‐ED within a large clinical sample, (b) investigate measurement invariance of the IR‐ED across nonclinical and clinical samples, (c) examine the convergent validity of the IR‐ED using a generic measure of interpersonal problems, and (d) investigate the incremental clinical utility of the IR‐ED in uniquely predicting eating disorder symptomatology.

Method

Treatment‐seeking individuals (N = 437) completed the IR‐ED at their initial assessment appointment at a specialist eating disorder outpatient service.

Results

A multiple‐group confirmatory factor analysis supported an invariant bifactor structure comprising a general interpersonal problems factor and two group factors—Avoidance of Body Evaluation and Food‐Related Interpersonal Tension. Convergent validity was demonstrated by a large, statistically significant correlation with a generic measure of interpersonal problems (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). A series of structural equation models further revealed unique incremental predictive utility of the IR‐ED for eating disorder symptomatology.

Discussion

The IR‐ED has strong psychometric properties and may prove beneficial in the assessment, formulation, and treatment of eating‐specific interpersonal problems among patients with eating disorders.
Snowmelt and subsurface heterogeneity control tree water sources in a subalpine forest
Authors: Brighenti Stefano , Obojes Nikolaus , Bertoldi Giacomo , Zuecco Giulia , Censini Matteo , Cassiani Giorgio , Penna Daniele , Comiti Francesco
Published: July 2024

In high mountain areas, snowmelt water is a key—yet fading—hydrological resource, but its importance for soil recharge and tree root water uptake is understudied. In these environments, heterogeneous terrains enhance a highly variable availability of soil and groundwater resources that can be accessed by plants. We conducted a tracer‐based study on a subalpine forest in the Italian Alps. We investigated the isotopic composition (2H and 18O) of snowmelt, precipitation, spring water, soil water—at different locations and depths—and xylem water of twigs taken from alpine larch, Swiss stone pine and alpenrose plants during bi‐weekly field campaigns (growing seasons of 2020 and 2021). Mixing models based on δ18O revealed a large contribution of snowmelt to soil and xylem water, particularly during early summer. We investigated the contribution of water from different soil depths to xylem water, using the sap flow records to date back the end‐member signatures. We found a flexible use of shallow and deeper soil water by the investigated plants, with groundwater more likely used by larger trees and during the late summer. Results based on isotopic data were combined with geophysical observations of the subsurface structure to develop a conceptual model about the different exploitation of water by plants depending on their location (shallow soil on a slope vs. a saturated area). Our study highlights the relevance of snowmelt in high‐elevation terrestrial ecosystems, where heterogeneous substrates shape the water availability at different depths and, in turn, water uptake by plants.
Functional Fc receptors are crucial in antibody‐mediated protection against cytomegalovirus
Authors: Bootz Anna , Reuter Nina , Nimmerjahn Falk , Britt William J. , Mach Michael , Winkler Thomas H.
Published: July 2024

Human cytomegalovirus is a medically important pathogen. Previously, using murine CMV (MCMV), we provided evidence that both neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibodies can confer protection from viral infection in vivo. In this study, we report that serum derived from infected animals had a greater protective capacity in MCMV‐infected RAG−/− mice than serum from animals immunized with purified virus. The protective activity of immune serum was strictly dependent on functional Fcγ receptors (FcγR). Deletion of individual FcγRs or combined deletion of FcγRI and FcγRIV had little impact on the protection afforded by serum. Adoptive transfer of CD115‐positive cells from noninfected donors demonstrated that monocytes represent important cellular mediators of the protective activity provided by immune serum. Our studies suggest that Fc–FcγR interactions and monocytic cells are critical for antibody‐mediated protection against MCMV infection in vivo. These findings may provide new avenues for the development of novel strategies for more effective CMV vaccines or antiviral immunotherapies.
Synthesis, Structure and Properties of Core‐Modified Calixporphyrinoids
Authors: Grover Vratta , Tiwari Shubham , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: July 2024

Calix[n]porphyrinoids containing both sp2 and sp3 meso‐carbons can bind metals like porphyrinoids and anions like calix[n]pyrroles. Thus, calix[n]porphyrinoids are hybrid macrocycles of porphyrinoids and calix[n]pyrroles. The core‐modified calix[n]porphyrinoids resulted by replacing one or more pyrroles of calix[n]porphyrinoids with different heterocycles or carbacycles that possesses very attractive structural, spectral, and coordination properties. For the past two decades, several different types of core‐modified calix[n]porphyrinoids in which one or more pyrroles were replaced with other heterocycles such as thiophene, selenophene, tellurophene, silole, phosphole, pyridine, etc and carbacycles such as m/p‐phenylene have been synthesized and explored their structure, metal coordination and anion sensing properties. This review describes different synthetic strategies used for the synthesis of various types of core‐modified calix[4]phyrins and expanded calix[n]phyrins and discusses their key structural aspects, properties, coordination chemistry and applications.
Conjugated cobalt‐based metal complex nanosheet for fabricating high‐performance supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Liu Qian , Guo Zengqi , Xu Zhiwei , Wang Cong , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: July 2024

In order to cope with the increasingly serious problem of energy shortage, supercapacitors have been developed as a clean and renewable energy source, and the supercapacitors with excellent energy density and long cycle life are imperative. Here, by employing a facile liquid–liquid (L‐L) interfacial method at room temperature (RT), a set of two‐dimensional (2D) metal complex nanosheets N1‐N3 have been synthesized by the facile coordination between Co2+ ion and 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexaiminotriphenylene (HITP). Given the layered superstructure with well‐ordered nanopores, the N1‐N3 electrodes displayed excellent capacities of 4751.9, 5770.9 and 6075.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and a good cyclic stability with 92.1% capacity retention after 1000 cycles for the N3 electrode. The asymmetric supercapacitor device with N3 as the positive electrode delivers a maximum energy density of 238.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1610.1 W kg−1 and an excellent cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 109.1% after 5000 cycles. This is the best electroactive bottom‐up metal complex nanosheet reported so far for use in supercapacitor, which greatly expands the applicability of this 2D nanomaterial in energy device applications.

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Distribution of phthalate esters and their metabolites in peanut plant during the entire growth period and their dietary risk assessment of peanuts in China
Authors: Fan Lixia , Guo Changying , Zhang Bingchun , Ning Mingxiao , Ren Xianfeng
Published: July 2024

To understand the remediation potential of peanut plants to phthalate esters (PAEs) contamination, the absorption and accumulation patterns of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), bis (2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and diisononyl ortho‐phthalate (DINP), as well as their metabolites—monoalkyl phthalate esters (MPEs), monobutyl phthalate (MBP), monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and monoisononyl phthalate (MINP), were examined in peanut plant during the entire growth period. It was found that the amounts of DBP and MBP in peanut plants correlated positively, when the DBP content is high, the MBP content is also high, as well as DEHP and MEHP. Additionally, the root contained the highest overall concentrations of DBP, DEHP, DINP, MBP, and MEHP over the course of the growth cycle. To evaluate PAEs contamination and dietary risk of peanuts in China, 18 PAEs and seven MPEs in 490 peanut samples collected from 17 provinces of China were detected by UPLC‐MS/MS, the detection rate of 18 selected PAE in peanut was 100%. The dietary risk assessment suggested that the general population and high consuming population are not at risk of non‐carcinogenic from the PAEs and MPEs found in peanuts of China. There is no need for the general consumption group to take any precautions against the carcinogenic risk of DEHP, and the high consumption group's carcinogenic risk is also within an acceptable range.
Hydroxytyrosol isolation, comparison of synthetic routes and potential biological activities
Authors: Wang Enhui , Jiang Yanfei , Zhao Chunyue
Published: July 2024

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a polyphenol found in the olive plant (Olea europaea) that has garnered attention from the food, feed, supplement, and pharmaceutical industries. HT has evolved from basic separation and extraction to chemical and biocatalytic synthesis. The yield of HT can reach 1.93 g/L/h through chemical synthesis and 7.7 g/L/h through biocatalysis; however, both methods are subject to inherent limitations. Furthermore, the potential health benefits associated with HT have been highlighted, including its ability to act as an antioxidant, reduce inflammation, combat cancer and obesity, and exert antibacterial and antiviral effects. Its neuroprotective effects, skin protection, and wound healing capabilities are also discussed. Given these remarkable biological properties, HT stands out as one of the most extensively investigated natural phenols. This review highlights future methods and pathways for the synthesis of HT, providing insights based on its bioactivity characteristics, health benefits, and potential future applications.
Assessing the Environmental Benefits of Extending the Service Lifetime of Solar Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Paç Ahmed Burak , Gok Abdulkerim
Published: July 2024

Requiring no fuel for generation and negligible material/energy for operation and maintenance, photovoltaic (PV) systems have environmental impacts mostly due to the production of modules and the commissioning of power plants. Thus, extending the service lifetime of these systems from 30 to 40 years through an enhanced lamination process for module production potentially reduces environmental impacts per unit energy generated. Life cycle assessment is employed to evaluate the environmental impacts under scenarios for resource utilizations for the new lamination process, operation and maintenance requirements in the extended service lifetime, and degradation rates of the devised modules. Extending the service lifetime significantly reduces environmental impacts across categories, with a 21–27% reduction in global warming potential on the pessimistic and optimistic ends. At least 20% impact reduction is achieved in most impact categories, even under a pessimistic scenario. Considering uncertainty models in the life cycle inventories, samples are generated for scenarios via Monte Carlo simulation, and with significant improvements with large effects in most environmental impact categories, deterministic impact comparisons are supported by ANOVA and Tukey tests. Production strategies for more durable and reliable PV modules have a significant potential in contributing to global sustainability efforts.
Seismic‐electromagnetic signals from two monitoring stations in Southern Italy: Electromagnetic time series release
Authors: Ventola Ivana , Balasco Marianna , De Girolamo Michele , Falco Luigi , Filippucci Marilena , Hillmann Laura , Romano Gerardo , Serlenga Vincenzo , Stabile Tony Alfredo , Strollo Angelo , Tallarico Andrea , Tripaldi Simona , Zieke Thomas , Siniscalchi Agata
Published: July 2024

The seismic‐electromagnetic phenomenon entails the generation of transient electromagnetic signals, which can be observed both simultaneously (co‐seismic) and preceding (pre‐seismic) a seismic wave arrival. Following the most accredited hypothesis, these signals are mainly due to electrokinetic effects, generated on microscopic scale in porous media containing electrolytic fluids. Thus, the seismic‐electromagnetic signals are expected to be suitable for the detection and tracking of crustal fluids. Despite the growing interest in this phenomenon, there is a lack of freely available observational database of earthquake‐related electromagnetic signals recorded at co‐located seismic and magnetotelluric stations. To fill this gap, we set up two multicomponent monitoring stations in two seismically active areas of Southern Italy: the Gargano Promontory and the High Agri Valley. This work is both aimed to systematically analyse earthquake‐generated seismic‐electromagnetic recordings and to make the collected database accessible to the scientific community.
Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease has become the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in Sweden: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Vaz Juan , Jepsen Peter , Strömberg Ulf , Midlöv Patrik , Eriksson Berne , Buchebner David , Hagström Hannes
Published: July 2024

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally, and can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer‐related death. We aimed to determine the extent to which MASLD is an increasing cause of HCC in Sweden and to determine clinical characteristics associated with underlying MASLD. Using the Swedish quality registry for liver cancer (SweLiv), we identified all adults with a diagnosis of HCC in Sweden between 2012 and 2018. Baseline data were retrieved from SweLiv and other nationwide registers. Totally, 3494 patients with HCC were identified. Of them, 757 patients (22%) had MASLD‐HCC. The proportion with MASLD‐HCC increased from 19% in 2012 to 25% in 2018 (ptrend = 0.012), and MASLD was since 2017 the leading cause of HCC, surpassing hepatitis C. MASLD was the fastest growing cause of HCC with a 33% increment during the study period. Compared to other patients with HCC, those with MASLD‐HCC were older (75 vs. 67 years, p < .001), less commonly had cirrhosis (61% vs. 82%, p < .001), had larger tumours (median 5.5 vs. 4.3 cm, p < .001), and more often extrahepatic metastasis (22% vs. 16%, p < .001). Patients with HCC caused by MASLD or by other causes were equally likely to be diagnosed in an early stage (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer 0–A, 27% vs. 30%, p = .129). MASLD is now the leading cause of HCC in Sweden.
The association of umbilical cord blood oxidative stress with maternal iron deficiency anemia: A tertiary center experience
Authors: Farisoğullari Nihat , Tanaçan Atakan , Sakcak Bedri , Denizli Ramazan , Özdemir Eda Üreyen , Elmas Burak , Canpolat Fuat Emre , Neşelioğlu Salim , Erel Özcan , Şahin Dilek
Published: July 2024

Objective

To compare the levels of oxidative stress markers in the umbilical cord blood between pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and low‐risk controls.

Methods

The sample consisted of 131 patients, including 55 pregnant women with IDA and 76 controls with similar demographic characteristics. Participants were selected from patients delivered at ≥37 weeks. We compared the two groups in terms of the native thiol, total thiol, disulfide, and ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) levels measured in pregnant women's umbilical cord venous blood.

Results

The native thiol and total thiol values were statistically significantly lower in the anemia group, and the disulfide and IMA values were statistically significantly higher in the IDA group (P < 0.001). Perinatal outcomes were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

In the present study, pregnant women with IDA had lower native and total thiol values and higher disulfide and IMA values in umbilical cord blood. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy may be a potential cause of increased oxidative stress.
Autonomous self‐healing 3D micro‐suction adhesives for multi‐layered amphibious soft skin electronics
Authors: Lim Dohyun , Jeong Min Woo , Min Hyeongho , Lee Yeon Soo , Hwang Gui Won , Jeon Seung Hwan , Jung Kyu Ho , Vo Ngoc Thanh Phuong , Kim Min‐Seok , Kim Da Wan , Oh Jin Young , Pang Changhyun
Published: July 2024

Autonomously self‐healing, reversible, and soft adhesive microarchitectures and structured electric elements could be important features in stable and versatile bioelectronic devices adhere to complex surfaces of the human body (rough, dry, wet, and vulnerable). In this study, we propose an autonomous self‐healing multi‐layered adhesive patch inspired by the octopus, which possess self‐healing and robust adhesion properties in dry/underwater conditions. To implement autonomously self‐healing octopus‐inspired architectures, a dynamic polymer reflow model based on structural and material design suggests criteria for three‐dimensional patterning self‐healing elastomers. In addition, self‐healing multi‐layered microstructures with different moduli endows efficient self‐healing ability, human‐friendly reversible bio‐adhesion, and stable mechanical deformability. Through programmed molecular behavior of microlevel hybrid multiscale architectures, the bioinspired adhesive patch exhibited robust adhesion against rough skin surface under both dry and underwater conditions while enabling autonomous adhesion restoring performance after damaged (over 95% healing efficiency under both conditions for 24 h at 30°C). Finally, we developed a self‐healing skin‐mountable adhesive electronics with repeated attachment and minimal skin irritation by laminating thin gold electrodes on octopus‐like structures. Based on the robust adhesion and intimate contact with skin, we successfully obtained reliable measurements during dynamic motion under dry, wet, and damaged conditions.

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Component leaching of water oxidation electrocatalysts
Authors: Chen Gao , Zhu Yanping , She Sixuan , Lin Zezhou , Sun Hainan , Huang Haitao
Published: July 2024

Most electrocatalysts are known to experience structural change during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process. Considerable endeavors have been dedicated thus far to comprehending the catalytic process and uncovering the underlying mechanism. During the dynamic evolution of catalyst structure, component leaching of electrocatalysts is the most common phenomenon. This article offers a concise overview of recent findings and developments related to the leaching phenomena in the OER process in terms of fundamental understanding of leaching, advanced characterization techniques used to investigate leaching, leaching of inactive components, and leaching of active components. Leaching behaviors and the induced effects in various kinds of OER catalysts are discussed, progress in manipulating leaching amount/degree toward a tunable surface evolution is spotlighted, and finally, three representative types of structure transformations induced by leaching metastable species in OER condition are proposed. By understanding the process of component leaching in the OER, it will provide more guidance for the rational design of superior electrocatalysts.

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Seepage rate and uniformity of the stalk composite pipe for subsurface irrigation
Authors: Zai Songmei , Wei Huanyu , Liu Xuemei , Wu Feng , Liu Linbao , Liu Danting , Li Xin , Liu Weiye , Li Zaiyu
Published: July 2024

An orthogonal experiment with three factors and three levels was conducted to study the seepage rate and uniformity of stalk composite pipe (SCP) under subsurface SCP irrigation (SSI). Furthermore, to determine the best application mode for SSI, the pipeline length, irrigation volume and inner–outer diameter of the SCP were considered at a 0.4 m working pressure. The three levels corresponding to each factor were 20, 40 and 60 m; 30, 45 and 60 L m⁻¹; and 28–60, 40–80 and 50–100 mm, respectively. The results indicated that the seepage rate gradually decreased with increasing pipeline length. The pattern of the change in the seepage rate with irrigation volume was not obvious. There was a positive correlation between the seepage rate and the inner–outer diameter of the SCP. The irrigation uniformity coefficient, which was calculated based on the width of the surface wetting front, gradually decreased with increasing pipeline length. The impact patterns of irrigation volume and inner–outer diameter on irrigation uniformity were ambiguous. The seepage rate reached its maximum at the pipeline length, irrigation volume and inner–outer diameter, which were 20 m, 30 L m⁻¹ and 50–100 mm, respectively. There was the highest irrigation uniformity, with a pipeline length, irrigation volume and inner–outer diameter of the SCP of 20 m, 60 L m⁻¹ and 40–80 mm, respectively.
Delineation of gastrointestinal tumors biopsies using a fluorescence lifetime imaging optical fiber probe
Authors: Suraci D. , Baria E. , Tirloni L. , Lagarto J. L. , Buccianti S. , Agostini C. , Pillozzi S. , Antonuzzo L. , Taddei A. , Cicchi R.
Published: July 2024

Autofluorescence spectroscopy has emerged in recent years as a powerful tool to report label‐free contrast between normal and diseased tissues, both in vivo and ex‐vivo. We report the application of an instrument employing an optical fiber probe and capable of performing real‐time autofluorescence lifetime imaging at a macroscopic scale, under bright background conditions. We validate and demonstrate the practicality of this technology to discriminate healthy against neoplastic tissue in freshly excised tumor biopsies. The capability of delineating tumor margins through processing the fluorescence decays in the phasors domain was demonstrated on four different types of cancer, highlighting the broad range of potential clinical applications for the proposed approach. The presented results suggest that our autofluorescence lifetime imaging probe, together with phasor analysis, can offer a real‐time tool to observe lifetime contrast on tissues and, thus, is a suitable candidate for improving in situ tissue diagnostics during surgery.
Firms’ financing and debt maturity choices: An empirical analysis from the perspective of asset value dynamics
Authors: Fu Richard , Wedge Lei
Published: July 2024

We examine empirically the relationship between the dynamics of firm value and their financing and debt maturity choices. Theoretical studies show that the actual drift of firm value is a key determinant of firms’ leverage and debt maturity by incorporating the conflicts between undiversified insiders (managers) and well‐diversified outside investors. We empirically analyze firms’ incremental leverage and debt maturity choice important determinants of firms’ leverage and debt maturity, we find that the drift, or the expected return of total assets, does affect the firms’ choices of incremental leverage and debt maturity, as predicted by theoretical studies. Our results provide the evidence that the divergence of interests between undiversified managers and well‐diversified shareholders has significant impact on firms’ financing policies that are generally controlled by managers, and the resulting leverage and maturity choices may deviate from maximizing shareholders’ value.
Limited correlation between physical performance and patient‐reported outcomes at 1‐year follow‐up after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Nielsen Torsten Grønbech , Dalgas Ulrik , Lind Martin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The majority of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr) patients wish to return to sport. Clinical evaluations after ACLr often do not include physical testing, making it difficult to determine the patient's readiness to return to sport. Thus, it would be helpful to identify easily assessable factors associated with physical function in ACLr patients that could inform planning of patients' return to sport. This study sought to evaluate the associations between physical test performance in ACLr patients and known ACL injury risk factors, knee laxity and patient‐reported outcomes at 1‐year follow‐up.

Methods

The cohort included isolated primary ACLr patients operated between 2009 and 2014. Patients were invited to a 1‐year visit to clarify their readiness to return to sport. A test battery was performed, including clinical evaluation, patient‐reported outcomes and three physical tests, from which the Leg Symmetry Index (LSI) was calculated. Multivariate regression analyses were performed for each of the physical tests, including known risk factors, clinical outcomes and patient‐reported outcomes. Laxity <3 mm, pivot shift = 0, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) sport >75, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) >75.9, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) >92.7 were applied as cut‐off values for good versus poor status.

Results

A total of 480 ACLr patients were included in the study. Laxity <3 mm had a negative impact on the single‐hop LSI, whereas a pivot shift = 0 or IKDC >75.9 had a positive impact on the single‐hop LSI. Age <20, a pivot shift grade of 0 and KOOSsport >75 were positively associated with the triple‐hop LSI. Finally, age <20 and IKDC >75.9 were positively associated with the leg extension strength LSI.

Conclusions

Age, sagittal laxity, pivot shift and patient‐reported outcomes were associated with physical test performance 1 year after ACLr. However, the associations were not completely uniform and strong, so information on age, sagittal laxity, pivot shift and patient‐reported outcomes cannot replace a return‐to‐sport functional test battery in determining when it is safe to return to sport after ACLr.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Vitality at Play: Unraveling the Fundamental Link between Curiosity and Creativity
Authors: Ma Jie (Yonas) , Zhang Haoran , Tong Zhaohui
Published: July 2024

Past research holds that curiosity motivates creativity via two primary mechanisms—exploration and absorption. We propose that vitality is a more fundamental mechanism integrating them. According to the self‐determination theory, curiosity fuels vitality as it aligns with the natural inclination toward autonomy, competence, and relatedness. It is through enhanced vitality that curiosity further leads to exploration and absorption, which altogether lead to higher creativity. Considering that curiosity varies daily, we adopted a daily diary design over 10 consecutive workdays and tested the proposed effects at the within‐person level. The results confirmed that daily curiosity promotes creativity through elevated daily vitality and daily exploration and absorption. More importantly, when accounting for the effect of daily vitality, the mediating effect of exploration and absorption was no longer significant. The findings thus highlight vitality as a more fundamental mechanism responsible for the positive effect of curiosity on creativity, providing a refined understanding of how curiosity fuels creativity.
Kinetics and mechanisms of thermal deterioration in silver carp (Hypophthalmichtys molitrix) surimi gel quality under high‐temperature sterilization
Authors: Wu Wenmin , Gao Pei , Jiang Qixing , Yang Fang , Yu Dawei , Yu Peipei , Xia Wenshui , Yu Dongxing
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The gelation properties of surimi gel under various high temperatures (115, 118, and 121 °C) and sterilization intensities (F0 values of 3–7 min) were systematically investigated. A kinetic model detailed quality changes during heat treatment through mathematical analysis, elucidating mechanisms for gel quality degradation.

RESULTS

Increased sterilization intensity significantly reduced the quality characteristics of surimi gel. Compared to the gel without sterilization treatment, when the sterilization intensity was increased to 7 min, the gel strength of the groups treated at 115 °C, 118 °C, and 121 °C decreased by 68.35%, 51.4%, and 51.71%, respectively, and the water‐holding capacity decreased by 24.87%, 16.85%, and 22.5%, respectively. The hardness, chewiness, and whiteness of the gel also significantly decreased, and the changes in these indicators all conformed to a first‐order kinetic model. Activation energy of 291.52 kJ mol−1 highlighted gel strength as the least heat‐resistant. At equivalent sterilization intensities, 115 °C exhibited the poorest gel quality, followed by 121 °C, with 118 °C showing relatively better gel quality. Increased T22 and decreased PT22 suggested heightened water mobility and transition of immobilized water within the gel into free water. Protein degradation, weakened disulfide bonds and hydrophobic interaction, and protein conformation changes collectively led to a rough and incoherent gel network structure with large fissures, as verified by the results of scanning electron microscopy. Correlation analysis indicated potential for precise control over surimi gel quality by modulating physicochemical attributes.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes may be beneficial to improve the production and quality control of ready‐to‐eat surimi‐based products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Association of Vestibular Disorders and Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Jiongke , Xu Xianpeng , Deng Xinxing , Li Sha , Guo Tao , Xie Hui
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to consolidate and condense the available evidence about the potential association between vestibular diseases and cognitive impairment.

Data Sources and Methods

A systematic search was conducted on four English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) from the time of library construction to March 2024. The study incorporated various keywords such as “vestibular disorders,” “vertigo,” “dizziness,” “Meniere's disease,” “benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,” “vestibular migraine,” “vestibular neuritis,” “labyrinthitis,” “bilateral vestibular disease,” as well as “cognitive function” and “cognitive dysfunction.” A qualitative review was conducted to look for and assess pertinent studies.

Results

A total of 45 publications were incorporated, encompassing prevalent vestibular disorders, mostly targeting individuals in the middle‐aged and older demographic. The findings indicate that individuals with vestibular disorders experience varying levels of cognitive impairment, which is evident in different aspects, with visuospatial cognitive deficits being more prominent. Furthermore, patients with chronic vestibular syndromes are more prone to cognitive dysfunction. Lastly, the hippocampus plays a crucial role in the intricate vestibular neural network.

Conclusion

The findings of this comprehensive review indicate that vestibular disorders can result in impairments across various aspects of cognitive functioning, particularly in visuospatial cognition. The underlying mechanism may be associated with a decrease in the size of the hippocampus. Individuals suffering from chronic vestibular dysfunction exhibit a higher likelihood of experiencing cognitive deficits.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4858–4872, 2024
Physics‐guided self‐supervised learning for retrospective T1 and T2 mapping from conventional weighted brain MRI: Technical developments and initial validation in glioblastoma
Authors: Qiu Shihan , Wang Lixia , Sati Pascal , Christodoulou Anthony G. , Xie Yibin , Li Debiao
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To develop a self‐supervised learning method to retrospectively estimate T1 and T2 values from clinical weighted MRI.

Methods

A self‐supervised learning approach was constructed to estimate T1, T2, and proton density maps from conventional T1‐ and T2‐weighted images. MR physics models were employed to regenerate the weighted images from the network outputs, and the network was optimized based on loss calculated between the synthesized and input weighted images, alongside additional constraints based on prior information. The method was evaluated on healthy volunteer data, with conventional mapping as references. The reproducibility was examined on two 3.0T scanners. Performance in tumor characterization was inspected by applying the method to a public glioblastoma dataset.

Results

For T1 and T2 estimation from three weighted images (T1 MPRAGE, T1 gradient echo sequences, and T2 turbo spin echo), the deep learning method achieved global voxel‐wise error ≤9% in brain parenchyma and regional error ≤12.2% in six types of brain tissues. The regional measurements obtained from two scanners showed mean differences ≤2.4% and correlation coefficients >0.98, demonstrating excellent reproducibility. In the 50 glioblastoma patients, the retrospective quantification results were in line with literature reports from prospective methods, and the T2 values were found to be higher in tumor regions, with sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.92 in a voxel‐wise classification task between normal and abnormal regions.

Conclusion

The self‐supervised learning method is promising for retrospective T1 and T2 quantification from clinical MR images, with the potential to improve the availability of quantitative MRI and facilitate brain tumor characterization.
On a fair and risk‐averse urban air mobility resource allocation problem under demand and capacity uncertainties
Authors: Sun Luying , Deng Haoyun , Wei Peng , Xie Weijun
Published: July 2024

Urban air mobility (UAM) is an emerging air transportation mode to alleviate the ground traffic burden and achieve zero direct aviation emissions. Due to the potential economic scaling effects, the UAM traffic flow is expected to increase dramatically once implemented, and its market can be substantially large. To be prepared for the era of UAM, we study the fair and risk‐averse urban air mobility resource allocation model (FairUAM) under passenger demand and airspace capacity uncertainties for fair, safe, and efficient aircraft operations. FairUAM is a two‐stage model, where the first stage is the aircraft resource allocation, and the second stage is to fairly and efficiently assign the ground and airspace delays to each aircraft provided the realization of random airspace capacities and passenger demand. We show that FairUAM is NP‐hard even when there is no delay assignment decision or no aircraft allocation decision. Thus, we recast FairUAM as a mixed‐integer linear program (MILP) and explore model properties and strengthen the model formulation by developing multiple families of valid inequalities. The stronger formulation allows us to develop a customized exact decomposition algorithm with both benders and L‐shaped cuts, which significantly outperforms the off‐the‐shelf solvers. Finally, we numerically demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and draw managerial insights when applying FairUAM to a real‐world network.
Approximation‐based implicit integration algorithm for the Simo‐Miehe model of finite‐strain inelasticity
Authors: Shutov A.V. , Ufimtsev K.P.
Published: July 2024

We propose a simple, efficient, and reliable procedure for implicit time stepping, regarding a special case of the viscoplasticity model proposed by Simo and Miehe (1992). The kinematics of this popular model is based on the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient tensor, allowing for a combination of Newtonian viscosity and arbitrary isotropic hyperelasticity. The algorithm is based on approximation of precomputed solutions. Both Lagrangian and Eulerian versions of the algorithm with equivalent properties are available. The proposed numerical scheme is non‐iterative, unconditionally stable, and first order accurate. Moreover, the integration algorithm strictly preserves the inelastic incompressibility constraint, symmetry, positive definiteness, and w‐invariance. The accuracy of stress calculations is verified in a series of numerical tests, including non‐proportional loading and large strain increments. In terms of stress calculation accuracy, the proposed algorithm is equivalent to the implicit Euler method with strict inelastic incompressibility. The algorithm is implemented into MSC.MARC and a demonstration initial‐boundary value problem is solved.
Relating caregiver experiences to personalized “push” content in mobile applications among caregivers of pediatric patients with oncology conditions
Authors: Zhong Jiaqiao , Zhang Zaiyu , Zhao Zhenzhen , Peng Liang , Zhang Yunlong , Zhang Bao , Zhai Xuan , Wu Yuxin
Published: July 2024

Objective

With the evolution of data algorithms and personalized push systems in mobile applications, patients who have searched for disease‐related information may repeatedly receive similar content on app homepages or through notifications. This study aims to assess the influence of health‐related content delivered through mobile applications on the anxiety and depression levels of caregivers of pediatric oncology patients.

Methods

A survey consisting of 16 questions was conducted among 91 caregivers of pediatric oncology patients at the Children's Hospital affiliated with Chongqing Medical University. The questionnaire was designed by oncologists and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the caregivers’ psychological states.

Results

The study found that 31.5% of caregivers exhibited borderline anxiety symptoms, while 20.2% displayed borderline depression symptoms. Caregivers who noticed changes in homepage recommendations reported higher levels of anxiety (p = .004) and depression (p = .034). Additionally, 50.6% occasionally felt anxious or uneasy due to personalized notifications and 19.1% frequently felt this way. Moreover, 53.9% of the caregivers reported a negative impact on their emotions or daily life.

Significance

Personalized push notifications related to disease information in mobile applications can impose a significant psychological burden on patients and their caregivers. Mobile application developers and healthcare providers must strengthen their support in the digital health domain to enhance the emotional well‐being of cancer patients and their caregivers.
Enhancing the electrochemical properties of biopolymer composites using starch‐graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Rahmat Noor Fadhilah , Sajab Mohd Shaiful , Afdzaluddin Atiqah Mohd , Chia Chin Hua , Ding Gongtao
Published: July 2024

The study presents the ideal distribution of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) within the thermoplastic starch (TPS) matrix significantly elevated the thermal and electrical conductivities, as well as the electrochemical efficiency of the biocomposites. Additionally, the incorporation of GNP resulted in an increased thermal stability for the TPS, as indicated by the elevated temperatures required for maximum degradation. The biocomposites exhibited a self‐aligned layered structure, creating conductive pathways and enhancing electron conduction. An electrical conductivity increased as the concentration of GNP increased, with the highest conductivity observed on the top and bottom surface with the value of 4.23 × 10−7 S/m and 3.92 × 10−6 S/m when 12 wt% of GNP was added. The presence of hydroxyl groups in TPS facilitated the formation of hydrogen bonds with GNP, preventing GNP from stacking and forming a more uniform conductive network within the film. The addition of 15 wt% GNP also improved the capacitive performance of the TPS matrix, as evidenced by higher current responses and larger quasi‐rectangular areas in the cyclic voltammetry curves compared to neat TPS. The Nyquist plots which are illustrated impedance data showed that the TPS film with 12 wt% GNP exhibits the smallest semicircle, indicating the highest conductivity which is suggested that GNP improves charge transfer compared to pure TPS.

Highlights

Optimal dispersion of GNP enhanced the biocomposite's properties.

The electrical conductivity increases with the GNP content until 12 wt%.

TPS/GNP self‐aligned layered improved conduction and capacitive behavior.

GNP improved thermal stability by restricting polymer chain movement.

Electrochemical impedance shows improved properties of TPS/GNP.