bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(−)‐Epigallocatechin gallate alleviates chronic unpredictable mild stress‐induced depressive symptoms in mice by regulating the mTOR autophagy pathway and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Zhang Yulin , Wu Hongxian , Xu Chaozhi , Li Shanqian , Hu Yue , Zhang Zongyi , Wu Guixian , Liu Yuling , Yang Lin , Huang Yue , Lu Wenjun , Hu Lina
Published: October 2023

Depression is a global public health issue that is widely studied due to the large number of people it affects and its serious consequences. Clinical studies have shown that regular tea consumption may reduce depression risk. (−)‐Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the main tea polyphenol, was observed to alleviate depression, but the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to induce depression‐like behavior in mice, and behavioral tests, such as sucrose preference test and forced swim test, were performed. Then, ELISA, western blot and QT‐PCR tests were used to assess the expression of the key components of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream inflammatory effectors (e.g., IL‐1β, IL‐18), autophagy markers (Beclin‐1, LC3, P62) and apoptosis markers (Bax, Bcl‐2) in mouse brain tissues. Changes in serum lipid levels were also assessed. EGCG alleviated CUMS‐induced depression‐like behavioral changes in mice, reduced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, inhibited the mTOR signaling pathway, restored autophagy levels, reduced apoptosis marker expression and attenuated abnormal changes in blood lipid levels. Our study demonstrates that EGCG exerts antidepressive effects through multiple mechanisms, providing new insight into the pathological mechanism of depression and laying the foundation for the development of new therapeutic measures.
Quality and antioxidant activity of dandelion root infusions as affected by cold plasma pretreatment
Authors: Elcik Berfin Eda , Kirkin Celale
Published: October 2023

Ground and unground dandelion roots were subjected to dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (DBDCP) at 40 kV for 0 (control), 10, or 20 min. Then, infusions of the pretreated dandelion roots in water were prepared, and the changes in color, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and sensory properties were investigated. The 20‐min pretreatment increased the b* value, TPC, antioxidant activity, and sage odor of the ground dandelion root infusions compared with the control, whereas decreases in the TPC, antioxidant activity, and sage odor were noted in the 10‐min pretreated infusions of the unground roots. DBDCP pretreatment did not affect the overall likeliness of infusions of ground and unground roots. In addition, the TPC, antioxidant activity, and overall likeliness of infusions of the ground dandelion roots were higher than those of the unground samples. In conclusion, it can be said that the DBDCP pretreatment can be utilized to improve the TPC and antioxidant activity of ground dandelion roots.
Preparedness of Iranian nurses against COVID‐19: An analytical study
Authors: Ahmadi Marzaleh Milad , Peyravi Mahmoudreza , Shokrpour Nasrin , Khaledi Firouz , Shaikhy Rahimali , Saadatmand Vahid , Khaledi Hassan
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

The reasons for the unfavorable performance of hospitals in providing care to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients include the lack of preparation, knowledge, and relevant skills, making it necessary to evaluate the preparedness of nurses to respond to COVID‐19. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the preparedness of hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2022.

Methods

In this analytical study, data were collected from 350 randomly selected nurses who worked in three hospitals affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences; demographic information tools and the preparation of nurses for COVID‐19 patients were used to collect the data. We analyzed the data using SPSS software version 26.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of the total preparation score was 118.85 ± 0.98. The lowest (6.80 ± 0.18) and highest (23.35 ± 0.19) average values belonged to risk assessment and management and COVID‐19, respectively. The score of nurses' preparedness to deal with COVID‐19 was not statistically correlated with age, work experience, and so on. The average preparation score was significantly different in different treatment departments (operating room and COVID‐19).

Conclusion

The preparation of nurses was low in dealing with COVID‐19. Thus, managers of nursing services should design and implement educational programs to strengthen the nurses' weaknesses and ultimately increase their awareness and skills in dealing with disasters.
Three‐dimensional multicellular biomaterial platforms for biomedical application
Authors: Hao Jianxin , Qin Chen , Wu Chengtie
Published: October 2023

The three‐dimensional (3D) multicellular platforms prepared by cells or biomaterials have been widely applied in biomedical fields for the regeneration of complex tissues, the exploration of cell crosstalk, and the establishment of tissue physiological and pathological models. Compared with the traditional 2D culture methods, the 3D multicellular platforms are easier to adjust the components and structures of extracellular matrix (ECM) because of the synthesis of ECM by cells and the use of biomaterials. Moreover, the 3D multicellular platforms also can customize the cell distribution and precisely design micro and macro structures of the systems. Based on these typical advantages of 3D multicellular platforms and their increasingly important position in the biomedical field, this review summarizes the present 3D multicellular platforms. Herein, current 3D multicellular platforms are divided into two major types: scaffold‐free and scaffold‐based 3D multicellular platforms. The specific characteristics and applications of different types of 3D multicellular platforms are thoroughly introduced to help readers understand how different models affect and regulate cell behaviors and inspire researchers on how to select and design suitable 3D multicellular platforms according to different application scenarios.
Anisotropy, Anatomical Region, and Additional Variables Influence Young's Modulus of Bone: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kovács Krisztián , Váncsa Szilárd , Agócs Gergely , Harnos Andrea , Hegyi Péter , Weninger Viktor , Baross Katinka , Kovács Bence , Soós Gergely , Kocsis György
Published: October 2023

The importance of finite element analysis (FEA) is growing in orthopedic research, especially in implant design. However, Young's modulus (E) values, one of the most fundamental parameters, can range across a wide scale. Therefore, our study aimed to identify factors influencing E values in human bone specimens. We report our systematic review and meta‐analysis based on the recommendation of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guideline. We conducted the analysis on November 21, 2021. We included studies investigating healthy human bone specimens and reported on E values regarding demographic data, specimen characteristics, and measurement specifics. In addition, we included study types reporting individual specimen measurements. From the acquired data, we created a cohort in which we performed an exploratory data analysis that included the explanatory variables selected by random forest and regression trees methods, and the comparison of groups using independent samples Welch's t test. A total of 756 entries were included from 48 articles. Eleven different bones of the human body were included in these articles. The range of E values is between 0.008 and 33.7 GPa. The E values were most heavily influenced by the cortical or cancellous type of bone tested. Measuring method (compression, tension, bending, and nanoindentation), the anatomical region within a bone, the position of the bone within the skeleton, and the bone specimen size had a decreasing impact on the E values. Bone anisotropy, specimen condition, patient age, and sex were selected as important variables considering the value of E. On the basis of our results, E values of a bone change with bone characteristics, measurement techniques, and demographic variables. Therefore, the evaluation of FEA should be performed after the standardization of in vitro measurement protocol. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osmoregulatory and immunological role of new canceled cells: Mitochondrial rich cells and its future perspective: A concise review
Authors: Ali Waseem , Chen Yan , Hassan Mohammad Farooque , Wang Tao , Khatyan Uzma , Sun Jian , Liu Zongping , Zou Hui
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial‐rich cells (MRCs) are one of the most significant canceled type of epithelial cells. Morphologically these cells are totally different from other epithelial cells. These cells primarily implicated in sea‐water and fresh‐water adaptation, and acid–base regulation. However, in this review paper, we explored some of the most intriguing biological and immune‐related functional developmental networks of MRCs. The main pinpoint, MRCs perform a dynamic osmoregulatory and immunological functional role in the gut and male reproductive system. The Na+/K+_ATPase (NKA) and Na+/K+/2Cl cotransporter (NKCC) are key acidifying proteins of MRCs for the ion‐transporting function for intestinal homeostasis and maintenance of acidifying the luminal microenvironment in the male reproductive system. Further more importantly, MRCs play a novel immunological role through the exocrine secretion of nano‐scale exosomes and multivesicular bodies (MVBs) pathway, which is very essential for sperm maturation, motility, acrosome reaction, and male sex hormones, and these an essential events to produce male gametes with optimal fertilizing ability. This effort is expected to promote the novel immunological role of MRCs, which might be essential for nano‐scale exosome secretion.
From electrospray ionization to cold‐spray ionization: How to evaluate the cooling effect on the gaseous ions?
Authors: Bertrand Emilie , Rondeau David , Delhaye Thomas , Castel Xavier , Himdi Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Two methods of survival yields (SY) measurement treatment of thermometer ions whose fragmentation is activated by in‐source collision induced dissociation have been investigated for evaluating the mean internal () and thermal () energies of gaseous ions produced by electrospray ionization and cold‐spray ionization (CSI). One of the methods is based on the use of the internal energy distributions (P (Eint)) as sigmoid derivatives connecting the experimental survival yields of different substituted benzylpyridinium cations. The  values are therefore converted in a thermal‐like parameter called vibrational temperature (Tvib) then obtained at each value of the voltage of the desolvation area. The second method is based on the modelling of ion behavior by the MassKinetics software where the value of the characteristic temperature parameter (Tchar) is used for fitting theoretical survival yields (SYtheo) with experimental data (SYexp) calculated at several activation energy. A linear correlation is evidenced between the values of internal or thermal energy and the voltage of the orifice 1 at the origin of the ion activation in the desolvation area. The extrapolation at zero voltage of the thermal‐like parameters (Tvib and Tchar) indicates that, in agreement with the literature data, the ions are relatively hot in ESI (~650 K). But the use of a CSI source lowers this temperature down to ~300 K. In addition, with cold‐spray ionization, this cooling effect is more important when methanol is used instead of acetonitrile although these two solvents have no influence on the gaseous ion temperature in electrospray ionization.
Interactions of CyMe4‐BTBP ligand with lanthanides and actinides: Insights from ESI‐MS and DFT calculations
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Qi , Liu Yang , Tan Shu‐Ping , Chen Yan , Gao Jie , Liang Xin‐Yue , Shi Wei‐Qun , Zhao Yong‐Gang
Published: October 2023

Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI‐MS) technique and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were combined to study the formation of the complexes of lanthanides (Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Yb) and actinides (UO22+, Th4+) with CyMe4‐BTBP (6,6′‐bis(5,5,8,8‐tetramethyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐benzo‐[1,2,4‐]triazin‐3‐yl)‐[2,2′]bipyridine) to understand the mechanisms during the extraction process. Mass spectrometry titrations showed the formation of the complexation in acetonitrile. For lanthanides, only 1:2 complexes ([Ln(L)2]3+, [Ln(L)2(CH3CN)]3+), [Ln(L)2(NO3)]2+) were found at low [Ln]/[L] concentration ratios, whereas the 1:1 complexes ([Ln(L)(NO3)2]+) were observed when the [Ln]/[L] concentration ratio reached 1.0. For uranyl complexes, 1:1 complex ([UO2L(NO3)]+) was the only species within the measuring range. Th4+ complexes had two compositions: 1:1 and 1:2, in which 1:2 species was the dominant complex. Collision‐induced dissociation (CID) was employed to characterize the fragmentation process. The fragmentation process was unfolded sequentially on both sides of CyMe4‐BTBP ligand with the loss of alkyl groups and cleavage of triazinyl rings. The CID results of CyMe4‐BTBP complexes revealed a slight difference depending on the metal center. The DFT calculations showed that the stable complexes formed in acetonitrile solution were consistent with the ESI‐MS results.
Soil structure shifts with earthworms under different organic fertilization in salt‐affected soils
Authors: Kou Xinchang , Chen Jie , Tao Yan , Tao Jun
Published: October 2023

Earthworm incubation combined with organic fertilization is promoted as an amended measure to improve soil properties in the ecological restoration of various degraded soils. However, the impacts of earthworms on the soil aggregate size under different organic fertilization in salt‐affected soils have not yet been fully revealed. This hinders our ability to develop policies by which to alleviate soil salinization. In this study, under mesocosm experiments, we investigate the effects of earthworm (Aporrectodea trapezoides) and organic fertilization on the soil aggregate size after 16 weeks of incubation. The soil treated with clover residues showed lower earthworm survival rates and biomass compared to that treated with sheep manure. However, the soil macropores and large macroaggregate were higher in the soils treated with clover residue when earthworms were present. In addition, earthworm burrowing activities form pathways toward food patches improve the characteristics of soil macropores, and the properties of the residue itself play a decisive role. Moreover, whether earthworms are present or not significantly influences the soil macroporosity, macropore number, and soil electrical conductivity. This demonstrates that earthworms exhibit a key feature of soil physical functioning in salt‐affected soil. In conclusion, we propose that the application of earthworms with organic residues in salt‐affected soils is a priority in producing and maintaining favorable soil structure.
Explaining the urban–rural gradient in later fertility in Europe
Authors: Riederer Bernhard , Beaujouan Éva
Published: October 2023

Demographic research shows that, in Europe, fertility takes place later and is lower in cities than in rural areas. One might expect fertility to be delayed in urban areas because of longer periods in education and enhanced career opportunities. We, therefore, examine how prevalent later fertility (35+ and 40+) is along the urban–rural axis, and whether differences can be explained by economic, cultural and compositional factors. We estimate multilevel random coefficient models, employing aggregated Eurostat data of 1328 Nomenclature des unités territoriales statistiques (NUTS) 3 and 270 NUTS 2 regions from 28 European countries. The urban–rural gradient in later fertility considerably diminishes once factors describing the economic environment, family and gender norms as well as population composition are accounted for. The higher prevalence of later fertility in cities is particularly associated with higher female education, greater wealth and a higher share of employment in high‐technology sectors.
Enhancement of Critical Current Density of Nb3Al Superconductors by B Doping
Authors: Li Xinhua , He Yaqi , Tan Jing , Zhao Li , Du Zunfeng , Chen Songhua , Ma Zongqing
Published: October 2023

Boron (B)‐doped Nb3Al superconductors are prepared by mechanical alloying and subsequent sintering process in this work. Then, the critical current density (Jc) of Nb3Al with different amounts of B doping is studied. In the results, it is shown that Jc performance of Nb3Al is improved obviously after B doping. The best Jc value obtained in this work is 2.2 × 104 A cm−2 (4.2 K, 5 T) for Nb3(Al0.9B0.1) sample. Furthermore, the mechanism of enhanced Jc performance for Nb3(Al0.9B0.1) sample is comprehensively explored. It is found that B doping can significantly enhance the grain connectivity of Nb3Al superconductor, and the active cross‐sectional area fraction values increase from 0.11 for the undoped sample to 0.34 for Nb3(Al0.9B0.1) sample. In addition, the lattice distortion caused by the interstitially dissolved B may also serve as flux pinning centers, which strengthens the flux pinning force of Nb3(Al0.9B0.1).
Primary benign intratracheal schwannoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Rafieian Shahab , Ershadi Reza , Amini Hesam , Samimiat Alireza , Gholinataj Jelodar Mohsen , Vahedi Matin
Published: October 2023

Shwannomas are rare benign tumours especially in tracheal. A 16‐year‐old male presented with a chronic cough, and a thoracic CT scan revealed a pedunculated tumour measuring approximately 11 × 13 mm in size, located 22 mm away from the main carina. Tissue sample was obtained via rigid bronchoscopy and cryobiopsy, and the pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a benign nerve sheath tumour consistent with schwannoma. The patient subsequently underwent resection of the tumour and tracheal anastomosis. Schwannomas are uncommon pulmonary tumours that typically occur in adults, with a higher incidence among females. The presenting symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the tumour. Treatment options include therapeutic bronchoscopy or surgical resection, with the choice of approach based on tumour characteristics (pedunculated or sessile), preoperative surgical risk, and risk of recurrence. The prognosis is generally favourable, with a low risk of recurrence and excellent outcomes.
The programed death‐1/programed death ligand‐1 axis and its potential as a therapeutic target for virus‐associated tumours
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Yan , Luo Bing
Published: October 2023

As an important and serious condition impacting human health, the diagnosis, and treatment of tumours is clinically vital because tumour cell immune escape sustains tumour development. Programed death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) on tumour cell surfaces binds to the programed death‐1 (PD‐1), inhibits T cell activation, and induces apoptosis, and incapacitates cells. This allows tumour cells to evade recognition and clearance by the immune system, thereby permitting tumour occurrence, and development and poor prognosis outcomes in patients with tumours. Currently, anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy has become pivotal in tumour treatment. Pathogens, especially viruses, are important factors which induce many tumours. In this article, we examine associations between Epstein‐Barr virus, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1‐related tumours and PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis.
Assessing plant trait diversity as an indicators of species α‐ and β‐diversity in a subalpine grassland of the Italian Alps
Authors: Imran Hafiz Ali , Sakowska Karolina , Gianelle Damiano , Rocchini Duccio , Dalponte Michele , Scotton Michele , Vescovo Loris
Published: October 2023

As the need for ecosystem biodiversity assessment increases within the climate crisis framework, more and more studies using spectral variation hypothesis (SVH) are proposed to assess biodiversity at various scales. The SVH implies optical diversity (also called spectral diversity) is driven by light absorption dynamics associated with plant traits (PTs) variability (which is an indicator of functional diversity) which is, in turn, determined by biodiversity. In this study, we examined the relationship between PTs variability, optical diversity and α‐ and β‐diversity at different taxonomic ranks at the Monte Bondone grasslands, Trentino province, Italy. The results of the study showed that the PTs variability, at the α scale, was not correlated with biodiversity. On the other hand, the results observed at the community scale (β‐diversity) showed that the variation of some of the investigated biochemical and biophysical PTs was associated with the β‐diversity. We used the Mantel test to analyse the relationship between the PTs variability and species β‐diversity. The results showed a correlation coefficient of up to 0.50 between PTs variability and species β‐diversity. For higher taxonomic ranks such as family and functional groups, a slightly higher Spearman's correlation coefficient of up to 0.64 and 0.61 was observed, respectively. The SVH approach was also tested to estimate β‐diversity and we found that spectral diversity calculated by Spectral Angle Mapper showed to be a better proxy of biodiversity in the same ecosystem where the spectral diversity approach failed to estimate α‐diversity. These findings suggest that optical and PTs diversity approaches can be used to predict species diversity in the grasslands ecosystem where the species turnover is high.
Dual‐Anion Regulation for Reversible and Energetic Aqueous Zn–CO2 Batteries
Authors: Wang Herui , Aslam Muhammad Kashif , Nie Zhihao , Yang Kang , Li Xinran , Chen Sheng , Li Qiang , Chao Dongliang , Duan Jingjing
Published: October 2023

Aqueous Zn–CO2 batteries can not only convert CO2 into high‐value chemicals but also store/output electric energy for external use. However, their performance is limited by sluggish and complicated CO2 electroreduction at the cathode. Herein, a dual‐anion regulated Bi electrocatalyst is developed to selectively reduce CO2 to formate with a Faradaic efficiency of up to 97% at a large current density of 250 mA cm−2. With O and/or F, the rate‐determine step of CO2 electroreduction has been manipulated (from the first hydrogenation to *HCOOH desorption step) with a reduced energy barrier. Significantly, the fabricated Zn–CO2 battery exhibits a high discharge voltage of 1.2 V, optimal power density of 4.51 mW cm−2, remarkable energy density of 802 Wh kg−1, and energy‐conversion efficiency of 70.74%, stability up to 200 cycles and 68 h. This study provides possible strategies to fabricate reversible and energetic aqueous Zn–CO2 batteries by addressing cathodic problems.
Transparent Photovoltaics for Self‐Powered Devices and Memories
Authors: Bhatnagar Priyanka , Patel Malkeshkumar , Kim Sangho , Nguyen Thanh Tai , Ghosh Shuvaraj , Kim Hong-Sik , Kumar Naveen , Lee Junsik , Lee Kibum , Lee Junghyun , Choi Chanhyuk , Kim Joondong
Published: October 2023

In the quest of exploring ecofriendly energy solutions, transparent photovoltaics (TPVs) have emerged as a promising innovation. TPVs harness sunlight to generate electricity while maintaining transparency, which makes them highly suitable for modern architectures. These TPVs represent a promising solution that bridges the gap between the growing demand for renewable energy and the modern societal expectations. This comprehensive review aims to emphasize the significance and potential of TPVs in pursuit of creating a greener and more sustainable future. The review is divided into three sections, each addressing specific facets of TPV technology, providing both a roadmap and a vision. It emphasizes the urgent need for environmentally acceptable energy sources in the rapidly changing world and provides readers with a thorough understanding of the current state of TPVs and their numerous applications. The challenges associated with TPV technology and its potentials are investigated, while its complexities are also explored. This highlights the critical role that TPVs play in shared commitment to a sustainable green future.
Evaluation of transpiration in different almond production systems with two-source energy balance models from UAV thermal and multispectral imagery
Authors: Quintanilla-Albornoz Manuel , Miarnau Xavier , Pelechá Ana , Casadesús Jaume , García-Tejera Omar , Bellvert Joaquim
Published: October 2023

A growing number of intensive irrigated production systems of the almond crop have been established in recent years. However, there is little information regarding the crop water requirements. Remote sensing-based models such as the two-source energy balance (TSEB) have proven to be reliable ways to accurately estimate actual crop evapotranspiration. However, few efforts have been made to validate the transpiration with sap flow measurements in woody row crops with different production systems and water status. In this study, the TSEB Priestley-Taylor (TSEB-PT) and contextual approach (TSEB-2T) models were assessed to estimate canopy transpiration. In addition, the effect of applying a basic clumping index for heterogeneous randomly placed clumped canopies and a rectangular hedgerow clumping index on the TSEB transpiration estimation was assessed. The TSEB inputs were obtained from high resolution multispectral and thermal imagery using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The leaf area index (LAI), stem water potential (Ψstem) and fractional intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (fIPAR) were also measured. Significant differences were observed in transpiration between production systems and irrigation treatments. The combined use of the TSEB-2T with the C&N-R transmittance model gave the best transpiration estimations for all production systems and irrigation treatments. The use of in situ PAR transmittance in the TSEB-2T model significantly improved the root mean squared error. Thus, the better agreement observed with the TSEB when using the C&N-R model and in situ PAR transmittance highlights the importance of improving radiative transfer models for shortwave canopy transmittance, especially in woody row crops.
Properties of dispersions and films made of copolymers obtained from acrylic, methacrylic and vinyl monomers
Authors: Makarewicz Edwin , Tworek Magdalena , Zalewska Anna , Tomaszewska Jolanta
Published: October 2023

The following paper presents a study of water dispersion obtained by emulsion co-polymerization of acrylic, methacrylic and vinyl monomers with the use of surfactants. Water dispersions of copolymers used in the production of paints intended for painting surfaces of steel metals and aluminum and its alloys were selected. They were synthesized by ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid amide, 2-hydroxyethylacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate and 1-ethyl-1-ethylpropylcarbamate (VeoVa 10). The investigated dispersion properties were considered in three groups. It turned out that the dispersions in which the copolymer had the lowest crystallinity temperature and were built of units having hydroxyl, carboxyl or amide groups were characterized by the most favorable properties. The hardness and weight of the membranes changed the least in the case of copolymers consisting of many units with functional groups.

Graphical abstract
Synchronous observation of information loss generating among ions in a long-range Paul trap chain
Authors: Homid A. H. , Mohamed A.-B. A. , Abdel-Aty M.
Published: October 2023

A one-dimensional chain of long-range vibrational trapped ions at low phonon temperatures is employed to simulate the arising and robustness of the information of nonlocal correlations among correlated and uncorrelated sites. We demonstrate that the direction of the acting global magnetic field in Paul’s trap controls the dynamics of correlations and entanglement between ions. Also, we analyze the robustness of the nonlocal correlations in the trap under the impact of ions vibrating and the interaction strength of ions by considering the distance between them. The criteria of concurrence entanglement, Bell inequality, and uncertainty-induced nonlocality are studied to detect the nonlocal correlations among ions that decide the fundamental resources of information in the chain. Furthermore, the analytical solution describing the decoherence equation under the ionic vibration in Paul’s trap is found to track encoded information in the chain.
Serum uric acid predicts therapeutic response to midodrine hydrochloride in children with vasovagal syncope: a pilot study
Authors: Du Xiaojuan , Li Xueying , Zhang Chunyu , Liu Ping , Wang Yuli , Zhang Qingyou , Du Junbao , Liao Ying , Jin Hongfang
Published: October 2023

Serum uric acid (UA) level has been proven to be related to several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In the present study, we examined if baseline serum UA level could predict the therapeutic efficacy of midodrine hydrochloride on vasovagal syncope (VVS) in children. The pediatric VVS patients who received midodrine hydrochloride from November 2008 to October 2022 were enrolled. After a median treatment duration of 3 months, the therapeutic effect was evaluated. According to the patients’ responses to midodrine hydrochloride, which was determined by the recurrence of syncope, they were divided into effective and ineffective groups. The baseline variables were explored using univariable and multivariate logistic analysis. The predictive efficacy was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), precision-recall curve (PR), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Totally, 53 participants were included in the study. Among the 51 patients who were successfully followed up, 29 (56.9%) responded to midodrine hydrochloride (effective group), and the other 22 (43.1%) failed to respond to midodrine hydrochloride (ineffective group). The participants in effective group had lower baseline serum UA level than those in ineffective group (276.5 ± 73 μmol/L vs. 332.7 ± 56 μmol/L, p = 0.004). Multivariable logistic analysis showed that serum UA was associated with the therapeutic response (odds ratio (OR): 0.985, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.974–0.997, p = 0.01). ROC analysis indicated that using baseline serum UA < 299 μmol/L as a threshold value yielded a sensitivity of 77.3% and a specificity of 79.3% in predicting the treatment response to midodrine hydrochloride. The area under the PR curve was 0.833. Hosmer–Lemeshow test yielded a p value of 0.58, and calibration plot indicated that the model was well-fitted. DCA demonstrated that treatment decision depending on the baseline serum UA level resulted in a favorable net benefit.

  Conclusion: This pilot study suggested that the baseline serum UA level could be taken as a predictor of therapeutic effect of midodrine hydrochloride on VVS in children.

What is Known:• Empirical and unselected use of midodrine hydrochloride has an unfavorable therapeutic effect on VVS in children. Serum uric acid (UA) is closely linked to cardiovascular events.

What is New:• A low baseline serum UA level successfully predicts the therapeutic effectiveness of midodrine hydrochloride on VVS in children.
ESD with elastic ring traction is more effective and safer than conventional ESD in large proximal colon neoplastic lesions: a retrospective cohort study (with video)
Authors: Yinhe Sikong , Yang Jiao , Aijun Zhang , Ruyuan Li
Published: October 2023

Background and aims

Colorectal endoscopic submucosal resection (ESD), especially ESD in proximal colon, has always been challenging. We invented a novel elastic ring as a traction method to facilitate ESD. Our study aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of ESD with in vivo traction and conventional ESD without traction in the treatment of large proximal colon neoplastic lesions.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with large (≥ 20 mm in their maximal diameter) proximal colon neoplastic lesions who underwent ESD with in vivo elastic ring traction or conventional ESD without traction in our endoscopy center between June 2018 and April 2022 by one experienced endoscopist.

Results

The ESD with traction group has lower overall complication rate and lower perforation rate than those in the conventional ESD group (0% vs 14.71%, P = 0.021; 0% vs 11.76%, P = 0.048, respectively), and the differences are statistically significant. Although there are no significant differences in the rates of en bloc resection and R0 resection and bleeding rate, ESD with traction group still had higher en bloc resection and R0 resection rates and lower bleeding rate than conventional ESD group without traction (100% vs 94.12%, P = 0.226; 94.59% vs 85.29%, P = 0.189, 8.82% vs 2.70%, P = 0.276, respectively).

Conclusion

ESD with elastic ring traction is potentially more effective and safer than conventional ESD in the treatment of large proximal colon neoplastic lesions. Further large, prospective controlled studies are needed to fully evaluate this novel method.
A systematic comparison of different machine learning models for the spatial estimation of air pollution
Authors: Cerezuela-Escudero Elena , Montes-Sanchez Juan Manuel , Dominguez-Morales Juan Pedro , Duran-Lopez Lourdes , Jimenez-Moreno Gabriel
Published: October 2023

Air pollutants harm human health and the environment. Nowadays, deploying an air pollution monitoring network in many urban areas could provide real-time air quality assessment. However, these networks are usually sparsely distributed and the sensor calibration problems that may appear over time lead to missing and wrong measurements. There is an increasing interest in developing air quality modelling methods to minimize measurement errors, predict spatial and temporal air quality, and support more spatially-resolved health effect analysis. This research aims to evaluate the ability of three feed-forward neural network architectures for the spatial prediction of air pollutant concentrations using the measures of an air quality monitoring network. In addition to these architectures, Support Vector Machines and geostatistical methods (Inverse Distance Weighting and Ordinary Kriging) were also implemented to compare the performance of neural network models. The evaluation of the methods was performed using the historical values of seven air pollutants (Nitrogen monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, Carbon monoxide, Ozone, and particulate matters with size less than or equal to 2.5 $$\upmu $$
μ
m and to 10 $$\upmu $$
μ
m) from an urban air quality monitoring network located at the metropolitan area of Madrid (Spain). To assess and compare the predictive ability of the models, three estimation accuracy indicators were calculated: the Root Mean Squared Error, the Mean Absolute Error, and the coefficient of determination. FFNN-based models are superior to geostatistical methods and slightly better than Support Vector Machines for fitting the spatial correlation of air pollutant measurements.

Graphical abstract
3DWS: reliable segmentation on intelligent welding systems with 3D convolutions
Authors: Fernández J. , Valerieva D. , Higuero L. , Sahelices B.
Published: October 2023

Automated industrial welding processes depend on a large number of factors interacting with high complexity resulting in some sporadic and random variability of the manufactured product that may affect its quality. It is therefore very important to have an accurate and stable quality control. In this work, a deep learning (DL) model is developed for semantic segmentation of weld seams using 3D stereo images of the seam. The objective is to correctly identify the shape and volume of the weld seam as this is the basic problem of quality control. To achieve this, a model called UNet$${\mathcal {L}}$$
L
++ has been developed, based on the UNet and UNet++ architectures, with a more complex topology and a simple encoder to achieve a good adaptation to the specific characteristics of the 3D data. The proposed model receives as input a voxelized 3D point cloud of the freshly welded part where noise is abundantly visible, and generates as output another 3D voxel grid where each voxel is semantically labeled. The experiments performed with parts built by a real weld line show a correct identification of the weld seams, obtaining values between 0.935 and 0.941 for the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). As far as the authors are aware, this is the first 3D analysis proposal capable of generating shape and volume information of weld seams with almost perfect noise filtering.
Graph similarity learning for change-point detection in dynamic networks
Authors: Sulem Déborah , Kenlay Henry , Cucuringu Mihai , Dong Xiaowen
Published: October 2023

Dynamic networks are ubiquitous for modelling sequential graph-structured data, e.g., brain connectivity, population migrations, and social networks. In this work, we consider the discrete-time framework of dynamic networks and aim at detecting change-points, i.e., abrupt changes in the structure or attributes of the graph snapshots. This task is often termed network change-point detection and has numerous applications, such as market phase discovery, fraud detection, and activity monitoring. In this work, we propose a data-driven method that can adapt to the specific network domain, and be used to detect distribution changes with no delay and in an online setting. Our algorithm is based on a siamese graph neural network, designed to learn a graph similarity function on the graph snapshots from the temporal network sequence. Without any prior knowledge on the network generative distribution and the type of change-points, our learnt similarity function allows to more effectively compare the current graph and its recent history, compared to standard graph distances or kernels. Moreover, our method can be applied to a large variety of network data, e.g., networks with edge weights or node attributes. We test our method on synthetic and real-world dynamic network data, and demonstrate that it is able to perform online network change-point detection in diverse settings. Besides, we show that it requires a shorter data history to detect changes than most existing state-of-the-art baselines.
Multi-modal Affect Detection Using Thermal and Optical Imaging in a Gamified Robotic Exercise
Authors: Mohamed Youssef , Güneysu Arzu , Lemaignan Séverin , Leite Iolanda
Published: October 2023

Affect recognition, or the ability to detect and interpret emotional states, has the potential to be a valuable tool in the field of healthcare. In particular, it can be useful in gamified therapy, which involves using gaming techniques to motivate and keep the engagement of patients in therapeutic activities. This study aims to examine the accuracy of machine learning models using thermal imaging and action unit data for affect classification in a gamified robot therapy scenario. A self-report survey and three machine learning models were used to assess emotions including frustration, boredom, and enjoyment in participants during different phases of the game. The results showed that the multimodal approach with the combination of thermal imaging and action units with LSTM model had the highest accuracy of 77% for emotion classification over a 7-s sliding window, while thermal imaging had the lowest standard deviation among participants. The results suggest that thermal imaging and action units can be effective in detecting affective states and might have the potential to be used in healthcare applications, such as gamified therapy, as a promising non-intrusive method for recognizing internal states.
Grim up North? Exploring the diet of urban populations in post-medieval Greater Manchester, England, using stable isotope analysis
Authors: Chidimuro Blessing , Holst Malin , Newman Sophie , Keefe Katie , Collins Matthew J. , Alexander Michelle
Published: October 2023

Historical evidence suggests that social status played a major role in all aspects of society in eighteenth–nineteenth century England. We present an insight into how socioeconomic status affected the dietary habits of two post-medieval urban populations from Greater Manchester, northwest England. Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios were measured in humans from Cross Street Unitarian Chapel (middle class:n = 90) in Manchester city centre and Chapel Street, Hazel Grove (lower status with few middle-class individuals:n = 34). A large sample of 111 faunal remains from Cross Street (n = 37) and Norton Priory, Cheshire (n = 74), provide an animal baseline, dramatically expanding the post-medieval animal isotopic dataset for England. Sheep from Norton Priory show high δ15N isotope values indicative of saltmarsh grazing. Results for human populations revealed a mixed diet of plant and animal protein from C3terrestrial environments with some potential contribution of aquatic protein. Significant differences revealed between the two populations indicate unequal access to food by status. Intra-population variation at Hazel Grove suggests dietary distinctions by age and sex. Non-adults consumed diets poor in high trophic level protein, whereas adult males consumed greater amounts of animal products. Conversely, the data suggests that at the wealthier Cross Street, there was greater access to high trophic level protein by all. Comparisons between the Manchester populations and those from similar socioeconomic classes from the Midlands and southern England, including London, reveal a bioarchaeological picture of dietary diversity and differential access to resources which impact significantly on well-being during this tumultuous period of industrial England.
Heart Rate Variability, Autonomic Reactivity, and Emotion Regulation during Sadness Induction in Somatic Symptom Disorder
Authors: Krempel Laura , Stricker Johannes , Martin Alexandra
Published: October 2023

Background

Preliminary evidence suggests altered heart rate variability (HRV) and impaired emotion regulation (ER) in somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Moreover, HRV can be considered an index of ER. Yet, to date, research on HRV and emotional reactivity in SSD is scarce and findings are inconsistent. Thus, this study aimed to examine ER differences, HRV at rest, and in response to emotion induction in persons with SSD compared to controls.

Methods

The sample comprised 44 persons with SSD (DSM-5; 79.5% female,Mage= 45.7,SD = 14.7) and 41 persons without SSD (non-SSD; 78% female,Mage= 44.2,SD = 14.7). We assessed the participants’ somatic symptom severity, ER, and control variables (e.g., depressive symptoms). Frequency and time domain HRV by ECG and subjective emotional states were measured at rest, under sadness induction, and during recovery periods. We evaluated baseline between-group differences witht-tests, and HRV and emotional reactivity and recovery with repeated measures ANOVAs.

Results

We found no significant differences in resting state HRV between persons with and without SSD. Regarding reactivity and recovery, SSD group showed lower reactivity in SDNN (standard deviation of NN interval) than non-SSD group. Moreover, SSD group reported more maladaptive ER techniques (e.g. rumination) and a higher effort to regulate their emotions during the experiment than non-SSD group.

Conclusions

The study indicated impaired ER in persons with SSD. This finding showed more clearly in self-report than in HRV. Further research on HRV reactivity including tasks evoking other negative emotions in persons with SSD is required.
Economic Complexity and Renewable Energy Effects on Carbon Dioxide Emissions: a Panel Data Analysis of Middle East and North Africa Countries
Authors: Al-Ayouty Iman
Published: October 2023

With the rising economic complexity of the world economy, applied research has been focusing on the economic complexity-environmental quality nexus. Many of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries and Turkey show relatively low economic complexity with undiversified product spaces. The present study is thereby motivated to investigate the economic complexity-environmental quality relation for the MENA countries and Turkey. Using panel data for eighteen MENA countries and Turkey over the period 1990–2020, the fully modified ordinary least squares method of estimation is employed in two separate models, and Granger causality tests are performed. Each model includes the relation of economic complexity to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, one form of energy (renewable or non-renewable), population density and variables to validate the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. In model (1), a negative and statistically significant renewable energy consumption has a mitigating effect on CO2 emissions, though economic complexity and its interaction with renewable energy consumption are not statistically significant. In model (2), a positive and statistically significant non-renewable energy indicates that increased fossil fuel reliance increases CO2 emissions (deteriorating environmental quality), while a negative and statistically significant economic complexity and population density reduce CO2 emissions (improving environmental quality), respectively. The EKC hypothesis is validated for the MENA countries and Turkey in both models (1) and (2), and Granger causality test results are given. Among the key policy implications are that the MENA countries and Turkey must recognize that increasing GDP and industrialization must be coupled with moving from less- to more-knowledge-based structures.
Quantifying Multi-hazards and Impacts Over Different Growth Periods of Maize: A Study Based on Index Construction
Authors: Chen Dan , Guo Ying , Wang Rui , Zhao Yunmeng , Li Kaiwei , Zhang Jiquan , Liu Xingpeng , Tong Zhijun , Zhao Chunli
Published: October 2023

Owing to the complexity and variability of global climate, the study of extreme events to ensure food security is particularly critical. The standardized precipitation requirement index (SPRI) and chilling injury index (ICi) were introduced using data from agrometeorological stations on the Songliao Plain between 1981 and 2020 to identify the spatial and temporal variability of drought, waterlogging, and low-temperature cold damage during various maize growth periods. Compound drought and low-temperature cold damage events (CDLEs) and compound waterlogging and low-temperature cold damage events (CWLEs) were then identified. To measure the intensity of compound events, the compound drought and low-temperature cold damage magnitude index (CDLMI), and compound waterlogging and low-temperature cold damage magnitude index (CWLMI) were constructed by fitting marginal distributions. Finally, the effects of extreme events of various intensities on maize output were examined. The findings demonstrate that: (1) There were significant differences in the temporal trends of the SPRI and ICi during different maize growth periods. Drought predominated in the middle growth period (MP), waterlogging predominated in the early growth period (EP) and late growth period (LP), and both drought and waterlogging tended to increase in intensity and frequency. The frequency of low-temperature cold damage showed a decreasing trend in all periods. (2) The CDLMI and CWLMI can effectively determine the intensity of CDLEs and CWLEs in the study area; these CDLEs and CWLEs had higher intensity and frequency in the late growth period. (3) Compared to single events, maize relative meteorological yield had a more significant negative correlation with the CDLMI and CWLMI.