bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High sensitivity tracking of free-moving targets in time-varying complex backgrounds
Authors: Xu Ming-Wei , Du Kang , Li Ke , Wang Fei-Xiang , Xiao Ti-Qiao ,   Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China,   Research Center for Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: May 2023

Tracking of low-visibility targets in complex backgrounds is an important research field, where existing methods struggle to image low-visibility targets with irregular changes in moving direction and speed. Move contrast imaging can greatly improve the sensitivity of target tracking, which has achieved important applications in the field of X-ray imaging, including high-resolution imaging to microvessels in living rats with the help of contrast agents, in-situ dynamic observation of ion migration and redox reactions during electrochemical reactions, and water refilling along vessels in willow branch without resorting to agents. However, all these applications are limited to imaging with fixed trajectories or monotonous backgrounds. In principle, move contrast imaging is based on the frequency spectral characteristics of the time-domain grayscale signal and is highly sensitive to moving components, which is wavelength-independent. This paper extends the move contrast imaging to the visible light waveband for tracking free-moving targets in time-varying complex backgrounds. To meet the need for tracking imaging of free-moving targets in complex backgrounds, we develop a move contrast imaging (MCI) method based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) with high discriminatory capability for non-stationary signals. Selecting birds in the sky and forest for the tracking imaging, the irregular grayscale changes caused by natural light intensity in the wild field and random swaying of tree leaves result in complex imaging backgrounds. The tracing results of low-visibility free-moving targets show that FT-MCI method, CWT-MCI method and HHT-MCI method can improve the target tracing imaging sensitivity by 179.9 times, 175.8 times and 214.6 times compared with temporal subtraction imaging, respectively. The results of tracking imaging of free-moving targets in complex backgrounds show that compared with the FT-MCI method and CWT-MCI method, the HHT-MCI method can further effectively suppress the influence of background noise on tracking imaging of targets of interest, thus achieving high sensitivity imaging of free-moving targets in time-varying complex backgrounds. Combining the phase diagram of FT-MCI and the imaging parameters, we can further show the motion direction, the motion speed or the distance from the observation point. Therefore, the HHT-MCI imaging method developed in this paper is expected to provide a novel method for tracking free-moving targets in time-varying complex backgrounds.
Analysis and optimization of acceleration model in coaxial plasma gun in pre-fill mode
Authors: Zhang Jin-Shuo , Sun Hui , Du Zhi-Jie , Zhang Xue-Hang , Xiao Qing-Mei , Fan Jin-Rui , Yan Hui-Jie , Song Jian ,   Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion, and Electron Beams, the Ministry of Education, School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China,   Space Environment Simulation Research Infrastructure, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150006, China,   Unit 63936 of the People’s Liberation Army, Beijing 102202, China
Published: May 2023

Snowplow model is the main method to describe the acceleration process of coaxial plasma gun in the pre-fill mode, which can directly give the analytical expression of plasma velocity versus time. So it has become an important reference in designing the device structures satisfying the requirements for different applications. Through measuring the current, magnetic and optical signals, the characteristics of current during the discharge and the motion of plasmoid are investigated. The variation of discharge current with time is close to the damping sine curve, which is an underdamping solution of RLC equivalent discharge circuit. The measured current in lieu of the sine one is used to calculate the theoretical velocity so as to eliminate the error of magnetic pressure. The variation of plasma velocity with discharge voltage and chamber pressure are consistent with those obtained by solving the equation of plasma motion under snow plough model, but the acceleration process is another story. At the initial stage of the discharge, owing to the low sweep efficiency, the plasma is accelerated to a higher velocity than the predicted one, the increase of voltage and the decrease of pressure further enhance the effect. With the extension of the acceleration distance, owing to the friction resistance between plasma and electrodes, the acceleration slows down and the velocity starts to fall below the predicated value, the saturation of plasma velocity at the nozzle is found. The friction resistance term is added to the equation of plasma motion. Compared with the deviation range of 26.8%–53.6% of the existing model, the differences between the theoretical speed and the measured speed under different voltages and pressures are in a range of 3.1%–8.4% after adding the friction resistance term into the equation of plasma motion. The optimization of snow plow model greatly improves the accuracy of velocity prediction, which can provide an effective reference for designing device structure and calculating energy efficiency.
RI-CDI-FDTD method and program implementation for electromagnetic characteristics simulation of lossy Debye dispersive medium
Authors: Xie Guo-Da , Hou Gui-Lin , Niu Kai-Kun , Feng Nai-Xing , Fang Ming , Li Ying-Song , Huang Zhi-Xiang ,   School of Electronic and Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China,   Key Laboratory of Intelligent Computing and Signal Processing, Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
Published: May 2023

Dispersive media refer to a class of natural substances, including living organisms, composite materials, plasma and water, with diverse applications in areas such as biomedicine, microwave sensing, electromagnetic protection, and stealth technology. In the pursuit of investigating the electromagnetic properties of these media, time-domain numerical methods, including finite difference in time domain (FDTD), finite element method, and time domain boundary integral equation method, have been widely utilized. Time-domain numerical methods are preferred to their frequency-domain counterparts owing to their ability to handle nonlinear and wideband problems, as well as various material properties. The FDTD method, in particular, is a highly adaptable, robust, and easy-to-use numerical method that directly solves the Maxwell equations while also simulating the reflection, transmission, and scattering of electromagnetic waves in complex dispersion media. Nonetheless, the traditional FDTD method suffers low computational efficiency arising from the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) stability condition. To solve the problem of low computational efficiency, a new method, the complying divergence implicit finite-difference time-domain (CDI-FDTD) method with a one-step leapfrog scheme, is introduced for lossy Debye dispersive media. The Maxwell equations in the frequency domain form a starting point, and the Fourier transform is utilized to transform the electromagnetic field components from the frequency domain to the time domain. To approximate the integral terms arising from the frequency-to-time domain transformation, a recursive integration (RI) method is employed. Subsequently, the time-domain Maxwell equations and auxiliary variables are discretized with a one-step leapfrog implicit scheme. The iterative formula of the RI-CDI-FDTD algorithm for lossy Debye dispersive media is then derived. The RI-CDI-FDTD method does not change the formulas of the traditional CDI-FDTD method while only requiring to add auxiliary variables for updating field components to the dispersive medium region. The numerical implementation is straightforward, and the electromagnetic modeling is flexible. Moreover, the unconditional stability of the RI-CDI-FDTD algorithm is proven by using the von Neumann method. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method. In conclusion, our work contributes a crucial numerical simulation tool to accurately modeling complex dispersive media while providing a systemic stability analysis method for time-domain numerical methods.
Single molecule magnetic tweezers for unfolding dynamics of Acyl-CoA binding protein
Authors: Zhang Yu-Hang , Xue Zhen-Yong , Sun Hao , Zhang Zhu-Wei , Chen Hu ,   Fujian Provincial Key Lab for Soft Functional Materials Research, Research Institute for Biomimetics and Soft Matter, Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China,   Center of Biomedical Physics, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
Published: May 2023

There are significant differences in mechanical stability and unfolding dynamics among proteins with different structural compositions. Compared with proteins with β-sheets and subjected to shearing forces, proteins that are composed entirely of α-helices often undergo rapid unfolding under low stretching forces, thus requiring quantitative studies by using experimental tools that can precisely control forces on a pico-Newton scale. Magnetic tweezers with intrinsic force-control capability and great stability for long-time continuous measurement are suitable to measure force-induced conformation transitions of protein subjected to low forces of several pico-Newton. Acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is a model protein used to study the folding/unfolding kinetics of complete α-helices protein. It is composed of 86 amino acid residues, forming a helical bundle of four α-helices. When its N- and C-terminal are stretched, the first and last α-helix are subjected to shear force in parallel. Previous biochemical studies showed that ACBP folding and unfolding in a two-state manner. In this paper, we use magnetic tweezers to stretch ACBP from its N- and C-end and obtain the distribution of the unfolding force at different loading rates ranging from 0.25 pN/s to 4 pN/s. The most probable unfolding forces are all less than 10 pN, which confirms that ACBP is not mechanically stable. At a constant loading rate, the unfolding force distribution and the most probable unfolding force as a function of loading rate have well-defined analytical formulas based on Bell’s model. Therefore, the experimental results of unfolding force can be fitted directly to obtain the important kinetic parameter of unfolding distance which is defined as the difference in extension between the native state and the transition state. Data analysis shows that ACBP has an extraordinarily long unfolding distance of 7.8 nm. Steered molecular dynamics simulations of ACBP stretching gives the transition state with N-terminal α-helix fully unfolded and C-terminal α-helix partially unfolded, which is consistent with the long unfolding distance obtained in the experiment on magnetic tweezers. According to the simulation results, the unfolding of α-helices is less cooperative than that of β-sheet structures. This characteristic makes α-helix proteins sensitive to mechanical forces, rendering them suitable as force sensors in cells. This study shows that single-molecule stretching experiment combined with molecular dynamics simulations is a reliable method to reveal the molecular mechanism of protein conformationtransitions under stretching forces.
IL-6 SIGNALING EXACERBATES HALLMARKS OF CHRONIC TENDON DISEASE BY STIMULATING PROGENITOR PROLIFERATION & MIGRATION TO DAMAGE
Authors: Stauber Tino , Moschini Greta , Hussien Amro A. , Jaeger Patrick K. , De Bock Katrien , Snedeker Jess G.
Published: May 2023

Tendinopathies are debilitating diseases currently increasing in prevalence and associated costs. There is a need to deepen our understanding of the underlying cell signaling pathways to unlock effective treatments. In this work, we screen cell signaling pathways in human tendinopathies and find enriched IL-6/JAK/STAT signaling alongside signatures of cell populations typically activated by IL-6 in other tissues. To dissect the underlying causalities, we combine IL-6 knock-out mice with an explant-based assembloid model of tendon damage to successfully connect IL-6 signaling to fibroblast progenitor activation and recruitment. Vice versa, we show that these fibroblast progenitors promote the development of tendinopathy hallmarks in the damaged explant upon IL-6 activation. Finally, we present in vivo data confirming diminished migration of progenitors to acute Achilles tendon lesions in IL-6 knock-out mice. We conclude that IL-6 activates tendon tissues to initiate normal healing processes that can deteriorate into tendinopathy hallmarks.
Integrative species delimitation helps to find the hidden diversity of the leaf-litter frog Ischnocnema manezinho (Garcia, 1996) (Anura, Brachycephalidae), endemic to the southern Atlantic Forest
Authors: Oswald Caroline Batistim , Magalhães Rafael Félix de , Garcia Paulo C.A. , Santos Fabrício R. , Neckel-Oliveira Selvino
Published: May 2023

Background

The delimitation of cryptic species is a challenge for biodiversity conservation. Anurans show high cryptic diversity levels, and molecular species delimitation methods could help identify putative new species. Additionally, species delimitation approaches can provide important results for cryptic species conservation, with integrative methods adding robustness to results. Ischnocnema manezinho was described from Santa Catarina Island (SCI), southern Brazil. More recently, some inventories indicated continental populations supposedly similar in morphology to it. If these records are confirmed as I. manezinho, it would likely change its endangered status on National Red List, removing the species from conservation agendas. We investigated the threatened frog Ischnocnema manezinho, to evaluate if the continental populations belong to this species or if they form an undescribed species complex.

Methods

We used coalescent, distance, and allele-sharing-based species delimitation methods and integrative analyses of morphometric and bioacoustics traits to test evolutionary independence between I. manezinho from SCI, Arvoredo Island, and continental populations.

Results

Ischnocnema manezinho is restricted to Santa Catarina Island, while the five remaining lineages should be further investigated through a taxonomic review. Our results point to a small geographic range of Ischnocnema manezinho. Additionally, the species occurs in isolated fragments of forest in SCI surrounded by expanding urban areas, confirming its status as Endangered. Thus, the protection and monitoring of I. manezinho and the taxonomic description of the continental and Arvoredo Island candidate species should be priorities.
Detection of Occult Anal Sphincter Injuries in Primipara by 2D Transperineal Ultrasound and its Clinical Association: A Cohort Study
Authors: Tanwar Sakshi , Jain Sandhya , Rajaram Shalini , Tandon Anupama , Gupta Bindiya , Kalra Kanika
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Endoanal Ultrasound (EAUS), the gold standard for the detection of occult Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI) has limited clinical application due to its intrusiveness and need for specialised equipment and personnel. A 2D Transperineal Ultrasound (TPU) is simple, non invasive and shows a high degree of agreement with EAUS. Few studies have evaluated the use of 2D TPU in determining the incidence and clinical outcomes of occult OASI in primigravida. Aim: To study the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcome of occult obstetric anal sphincter injury using 2D TPU in primigravida. Materials and Methods: The present cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with the Department of Radiology at Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India, from November 2018 to April 2020. A total of 200 low risk primigravida ≥36 weeks period of gestation underwent baseline TPU of the anal sphincter complex antenatally and on day 2 postpartum. On the basis of difference between pre and postdelivery measurements, they were divided into group I (n=91): women with occult OASI (diagnosed as thinning of the internal and External Anal Sphincter (EAS), interruption in the anal sphincter, alteration in mucosa and half-moon sign) and group II (n=109): no OASI. Group I was followed at two and six weeks postpartum with TPU and clinical tests were applied at 6 weeks to assess clinical outcomes of sphincter injury. Data was analysed using Chi-square test/Fisher’s-exact test for qualitative parameters, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for comparison of predelivery and postpartum measurements; and multiple logistic regression for determining sphincter injury determinants. Results: Incidence of occult OASI was 91/200 (45.5%). Significant risk factors for OASI were lower baseline thickness of anal sphincter, position of baby (p=0.028), longer duration of second stage of labour (p<0.001), greater length and angle of episiotomy (p<0.001) and greater baby weight (p=0.042). Group I had significantly lower pelvic floor muscle strength testing score (p<0.001), Digital Rectal Examination Scoring System (DRESS) resting (p=0.013) and squeeze scores (p=0.008), weaker muscle contraction (p<0.001), reduced anal sphincter tone, and was more clinically symptomatic at six weeks postpartum. Conclusion: The technique of 2D TPU is simple and feasible to detect OASI. Women, who sustain OASI, can be followed up in perineal clinic more meticulously, using TPU for pelvic floor rehabilitation.
Cyberbullying Victimisation and Psychological Well-being: A Cross-sectional Study among Medical Students in Western India
Authors: Savani Chintan D , Jani Mihir P , Patel Anu H , Modi Parth R , Odedara Veji K
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Cyberbullying is the voluntary and repetitious abuse that is inflicted through computers/mobile phones/other electronic devices, using language that can defame, threaten, harass, bully, exclude, discriminate, demean, humiliate, stalk, disclose personal information or contain offensive, vulgar comments. Within the last decade, cyber bullying has received a high level of attention from researchers worldwide. The reason is the continuous advancements of technological tools and their link with mental health issues. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cyber bullying victimisation and its effect on the psychological wellbeing of medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 502 medical students studying at Medical College Baroda, Gujarat in western India from January 2022 to June 2022. Medical students were assessed for cyberbullying victimisation using Cyber-Victimisation Scale (CYBVICS). The impact of cyberbullying on psychological well-being was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) for screening of depression and anxiety, respectively. Data were analysed with epi info. Qualitative variables like socio-demographics and clinical parameters were summarised in frequency and percentages. The Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the association between categorical variables. The p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Among 502 medical students, 71 (14.14%) were victims of mild cyberbullying, whereas 90 (17.93%) and 103 (20.52%) had experienced moderate and severe cyberbullying victimisation, respectively. Among all participants, 20 (4%) (Chisquare=39.329, p=<0.0001) and 16 (3.19%) (Chi-square=21.686, p=<0.0001) screened positive for depression and anxiety, respectively. Conclusion: The cyberbullying victimisation was much more prevalent among medical students and is having a strong negative impact on the psychological well-being of students, causing significant depressive and anxiety symptoms. The severity of impact was increasing with the increasing severity of cyberbullying victimisation. Such studies will help healthcare professionals and institutional interventions to protect those likely to fall victim of cyberbullying.
Clinical Evaluation of Non Resolving Dyspepsia by Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Diagnostic Perspective
Authors: Wani Abdul Ahad , Mehraj Shariq , Ashraf Tahir , Shafi Aamir
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Dyspepsia is a common problem in regular outpatient clinical practice. In Kashmir province of North India little research has been done on studying clinically important endoscopic findings in non resolving dyspeptic patients of different ages and ethnicities. The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (UGIE) in patients with non resolving dyspepsia who had not undergone endoscopic evaluation previously. Aim: To determine the diagnostic value of endoscopy in patients with non resolving dyspepsia and to correlate the endoscopic findings with clinical perspective of patients with or without alarming symptoms and signs. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional, single-centre study was done in the Department of General Medicine, SKIMS Medical College and Hospital (tertiary care hospital), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, from July 2017 to June 2022. Study involved 1600 patients who presented with non resolving dyspepsia and underwent endoscopic evaluation. Non resolving dyspepsia was defined as persistent upper abdominal discomfort associated with heart burn or bloating after three to six weeks of adequate proton pump inhibitor therapy. Data was gathered and analysis was done based on demographics, clinical symptoms with or without alarming features by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0. Results: A total of 1600 patients were incorporated in the study. The mean±Standard Deviation (SD) age of the study group was 52±10 years, and 63% of the patients were males. Epigastric pain was the predominant symptom (61%) followed by heartburn (22%). Abnormal endoscopic findings were noted in 47.75% of the patients involved in this study. Gastritis (19.4%) was the most common finding observed. Gastric carcinoma was the least common diagnosis, seen in 2.93% subjects mostly in the elderly age group. Conclusion: In the present study, patients with dyspepsia frequently had normal or clinically insignificant upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings regardless of age. Based on the present study conducted in a large number of patients invasive procedure like UGIE should be reserved for patients having definite alarming features as majority of patients don’t have clinically significant findings and should be treated adequately on Functional Dyspepsia (FD) protocol before a definitive investigative procedure is performed. The present study strongly indicates overuse of UGIE especially in the absence of alarming features.
Bone Mineral Density in Epileptic Children Getting Long Term Anti-epileptic Drugs
Authors: Kabir Enamul , Bodruddoza Shah Mohammad , After Masuma
Published: May 2023

Background: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder with more than half of cases beginning in childhood. Most patients require long-term, and sometimes life-long, therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). AEDs are associated with significant side effects including radiological evidence of rickets, decreased bone mineral density (BMD), altered bone turnover, and increased risk of fracture.

Aim of the Study: To assess the bone mineral density in epileptic children getting long term anti-epileptic drugs.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Saleh Child Development and Disability Management Center (SCDDMC), of the Institute of Child and Mother Health (ICMH) Matuail, Dhaka. A total of 31 childrens age ranged 5-15 years diagnosed as epilepsy on the basis of both clinical examination and investigation (EEG) receiving antiepileptic drugs (AEDS) for at least two years were recruited in this study.

Results: Almost two third (61.3%) children age group were in 5 to 10 years and 12(38.7%) in 10 to 15 years. Around three fourth (74.2%) children were male and 8(25.8%) were female. More than two third (67.7%) children had adequate sun exposure and more than three fourth (77.4%) children got adequate calcium and vit.D rich food. Majority (83.9%) of the patients got phenobarbitone (PB) followed by 17(54.8%) got combination, 13(41.9%) got valproic acid (VPA), 11(35.5%) got Nitrazipum (NTZ). More than one third (38.7%) children got mono therapy, 19(61.3%) got polytherapy. Majority of the children (96.8%) had serum calcium normal. The mean serum calcium was 9.22±0.78 mg/dl. The mean BMD of spine was 0.66±0.14. The mean BMD of neck left femur was 0.66±0.15. The mean BMD of neck right femur 0.66±0.15. More than two third (67.7%) children had low (<-1SD) BMD Z score. Almost two third (60.0%) children had mono therapy showed BMD Z score normal (>-1SD) and 6(28.6%) had BMD Z score low (<-1SD).  Almost three fourth (71.4%) children got poly therapy showed low BMD and 4(20.0%) got poly therapy showed normal BMD Z score. No significant association was found between BMD score and type and duration of therapy.

Conclusion: AEDs decreased bone mineral density due to long term use as mono-therapy or polytherapy. The assessment of BMD among children with epilepsy receiving long term AEDs is essential.
Analysis of Association of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels and Blood Pressure Variability
Authors: Nachid Mohammed , Benhar Ismail , Mounaouir Karim , El-Jazouli Ali , Ghali Bennouna , Salim Arous , Drighil Abdenasser , Habbal Rachida
Published: May 2023

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and blood pressure variability among hypertensive patients aged over 40 years.

Methods: The study recruited 120 patients from a cardiology outpatient clinic who had been diagnosed with hypertension and taking antihypertensive medication for at least 6 months. Demographic and clinical information, blood pressure measurements, and blood samples were collected to measure BNP levels. The standard deviation of the mean arterial pressure over 24 hours was calculated as a measure of blood pressure variability. Linear regression was used to examine the association between BNP levels and blood pressure variability while controlling for age, sex, BMI, and medication history.

Results: The study found a significant positive association between BNP levels and blood pressure variability (β=0.31, p=0.002), even after controlling for other variables. The linear regression model explained 20% of the variance in blood pressure variability (R2=0.20, F=9.52, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that higher BNP levels are associated with increased blood pressure variability among hypertensive patients. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and the potential implications of this association.
Studies on the Effect of Different Packaging and Coating Treatment on Shelf Life of Papaya (Carica papaya L.)
Authors: Charan Kali , Mishra Saket , Ekka Shashi Kant , Manikpuri Sunil
Published: May 2023

During the academic years, 2023-2024, a study was carried out at the Post Harvest Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.). The experiment used a Completely Randomized Design with 9 treatments and three replications of different materials such as Honey, Paraffin wax, LDPE Polythene Wrap and KMnO4. The main objective of the experiment was to evaluate the influence of different coating materials on its physical, quality & organoleptic attributes on its shelf-life. According to the results of the current study, Treatment T8 [KMnO4 (0.1%) + LDPE Polythene Wrap] had the best effects on physical attributes like [0.45 (3 days), 1.25 (6 days), 8.86 (9 days) and 12.12 (12 days)] % physiological weight loss %, [6.45 (3 days), 4.98 (6 days), 3.39 (9 days) and 2.41 (12 days)] kg/cm2 fruit firmness with peel, [5.84 (3 days), 3.8 (6 days), 2.73 (9 days) and 1.5 (12 days)] kg/cm2 fruit firmness without peel, [0.00 (3 days), 0.00 (6 days), 4.94 (9 days) and 23.46 (12 days)] % spoilage and 12.1 days shelf life. It also had significant effects on quality attributes like [7.45 (3 days), 9.12 (6 days), 11.15 (9 days) and 12 (12 days)] ºBrix TSS, [2.25 (3 days), 3.12 (6 days), 4.44 (9 days) and 5.34 (12 days)] pH, [4.46 (3 days), 3.56 (6 days), 2.27 (9 days) and 1.17 (12 days)] % acidity, [4.35 (3 days), 5.85 (6 days), 7.45 (9 days) and 8.27 (12 days)] % Reducing Sugar %, [0.50 (3 days), 1.22 (6 days), 2.12 (9 days) and 2.45 (12 days)] % non-Reducing Sugar %, [4.88 (3 days), 7.13 (6 days), 9.68 (9 days) and 10.85 (12 days)] % Total Sugar %, [34.26 (3 days), 48.12 (6 days), 58.22 (9 days) and 67.41 (12 days)] mg/100g ascorbic acid. Organoleptic attributes like [8.63 (3 days), 9.00 (6 days), 8.66 (9 days) and 7.29 (12 days)] colour and appearance, [9.00 (3 days), 8.85 (6 days), 8.00 (9 days) and 7.25 (12 days)] taste and flavour, [9.00 (3 days), 8.70 (6 days), 8.16 (9 days) and 7.75 (12 days)] aroma and [9.00 (3 days), 9.00 (6 days), 8.67 (9 days) and 7.57 (12 days)] texture were also found best under Treatment T8 [KMnO4 (0.1%) + LDPE Polythene Wrap].
Influence of CWSI-Based Irrigation Scheduling on Agronomic Traits (Zea mays L.) and Sustainable Water Use in Maize
Authors: R. Alex Immanual Jeyasingh , Murugan Silambarasan , Devakumari M. Suguna , Manuel R. Isaac
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to optimize irrigation scheduling for maize (Zea mays L.) using the crop water stress index (CWSI) to improve water use efficiency and yield. The study was conducted in the South farm of the School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2022.
A randomized block design was used with seven treatments, including a control T1 no irrigation). Irrigation at all critical stages (T2) and other five irrigation treatments (T3 to T7) based on different CWSI values ranging from 0.2 to 1.0. Infrared thermometry was used to measure canopy temperatures for estimating the CWSI.
The results showed that irrigation at 0.2 CWSI (T3) had a significant positive effect on kernel and stover yield when compared with all the other treatments during both the seasons, with the highest kernel yield of 7138.83 Kg ha-1 and 8014.8 Kg ha-1, stover yield of 11134 Kg ha-1 and 12765 Kg ha-1, respectively and lowest kernel yield of 2267 Kg ha-1 and 2325 Kg ha-1, stover yield of 8156 Kg ha-1 and 6491 Kg ha-1, respectively. The other treatments had intermediate values and did not show any consistent pattern. Irrigation at 0.2 CWSI resulted in the highest water use efficiency (WUE) of 14.7 Kg ha-cm-1 and 17.6 Kg ha-cm-1, and irrigation usage of 31.73% and 22.26% during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2022, respectively and the lowest water use efficiency (WUE) of 7.72 Kg ha-cm-1 and 17.6 Kg ha-cm-1 was found in T7 during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2022, respectively.
The results suggest that irrigation at 0.2 CWSI could be a promising option for achieving higher kernel and stover yields with minimal water use and maximum WUE and IUE.
Assessment of Patients Receiving Short-Interval Botulinum Toxin Chemodenervation Treatment for Laryngeal Dystonia and Essential Tremor of the Vocal Tract
Authors: Lagos-Villaseca Antonia , Bhatt Neel K. , Abdolhosseini Parirash , Quinonez Leonel , Paoletti Marcus F. , Gochman Grant , Johns Michael M. , Rosen Clark A. , Kao Tzu-Cheg , Meyer Tanya K.
Published: May 2023

Importance

The gold-standard treatment for laryngeal dystonia (LD) and essential tremor of the vocal tract (ETVT) is botulinum toxin (BoNT) chemodenervation. Although safe and effective, it is not curative, and periodic injections are required. Some medical insurance companies only cover injections at a 3-month interval, though some patients benefit from injections more frequently.

Objective

To determine the proportion and characteristics of patients who receive BoNT chemodenervation treatment in intervals shorter than 90 days.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study across 3 quaternary care neurolaryngology specialty practices in Washington and California recruited patients who underwent at least 4 consecutive laryngeal BoNT injections for LD and/or ETVT in the past 5 years. Data were collected from March through June 2022 and analyzed from June through December 2022.

Exposure

Laryngeal BoNT treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Biodemographic and clinical variables, injection characteristics, evolution during the 3 interinjection intervals, and lifetime laryngeal BoNT treatment data were collected from patient medical records. Logistic regression was used to assess association to the short-interval outcome, defined as an average injection interval shorter than 90 days.

Results

Of 255 patients included from the 3 institutions, 189 (74.1%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 62.7 (14.3) years. The predominant diagnosis was adductor LD (n = 199 [78.0%]), followed by adductor dystonic voice tremor (n = 26 [10.2%]) and ETVT (n = 13 [5.1%]). Seventy patients (27.5%) received short-interval injections (<90 days). The short-interval group was younger than the long-interval group (≥90 days), with a mean (SD) age of 58.6 (15.5) years and 64.2 (13.5) years, respectively, and a mean difference of −5.7 years (95% CI, −9.6 to −1.8 years). There were no patient-related differences between the short- and long-interval groups in terms of sex, employment status, or diagnosis.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study demonstrated that while insurance companies often mandate a 3-month or greater interval for BoNT chemodenervation financial coverage, there is a considerable subset of patients with LD and ETVT who receive short-interval treatment to optimize their vocal function. Short-interval chemodenervation injections demonstrate a similar adverse effect profile and do not appear to predispose to resistance through antibody formation.
A Practical Introduction to Growth Mindsets in Surgical Training
Authors: Mitchell Margaret , Gray Stacey T. , Chen Jenny X.
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint summarizes the research behind psychological mindsets and their possible applications to surgical training and introduces some practical recommendations to harness growth mindsets for optimizing the learning of otolaryngology residents.
Bayesian Analysis of Big Data via Subsampling Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Quiroz Matias , Tran Minh‐Ngoc
Published: May 2023

Subsampling Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) has emerged as an approach to speed up Bayesian inference in the presence of large datasets. This article gives a brief and gentle introduction to subsampling MCMC. A Jupyter notebook that illustrates the implementation complements the article.
Doksum, Kjell A.
Authors: Nair Vijayan N.
Published: May 2023

Kjell Andreas Doksum was a distinguished Norwegian‐American statistician. This article summarizes his life, contributions, and accomplishments.
Generalizability and Interpretability with Industry 4.0 Implications
Authors: Kenett Ron S.
Published: May 2023

In this article, we focus on the process of moving from numbers to data, information, and insights. This is called “generalizability” in the information quality framework and is related to “interpretability.”
A Photo‐Therapeutic Nanocomposite with Bio‐Responsive Oxygen Self‐Supplying Combats Biofilm Infections and Inflammation from Drug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Yuan Zhang , Wu Jianshuang , Xiao Yao , Yang Huan , Meng Siyu , Dai Liangliang , Li Peng , Cai Kaiyong
Published: May 2023

The use of non‐antibiotic strategies to combat refractory drug‐resistant bacterial infections, especially biofilms and accompanying inflammation, has recently aroused widespread interest. Herein, a photo‐therapeutic nanocomposite with bio‐responsive oxygen (O2) self‐supplying is introduced by integrating manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanozymes onto photosensitizer (indocyanine green, ICG)‐loaded mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (MPDA), namely MI‐MPDA NPs. MI‐MPDA can activate O2 generation in the infection microenvironment, thereby effectively alleviating biofilm hypoxia. Under near‐infrared light (NIR) irradiation, continuous O2 supplying further boosts the level of singlet oxygen (1O2), enabling robust biofilm elimination through O2‐potentiated photodynamic/photothermal therapy. Interestingly, MI‐MPDA down‐regulates the factor expression of inflammatory signaling pathways through MnO2‐mediated reactive oxygen species scavenging, which ameliorates the inflammatory condition. Meanwhile, O2 supplying prevents the M1‐phenotype switch of macrophages from the overexpression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), thereby prompting macrophage reprogramming toward pro‐regenerative M2‐phenotype. In the mouse models of subcutaneous implant‐associated infection caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms and burn infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, NIR‐irradiated MI‐MPDA not only effectively eliminates the formed biofilms, but also alleviates the oxidative stress and accompanying inflammation, and drives the cascade reaction of immunomodulation‐wound healing. Overall, this O2‐potentiated photo‐therapeutic strategy provides a reliable tool for combating biofilm infections and inflammation from drug‐resistant bacteria.
Advanced Characterization and Optimization of NiOx:Cu‐SAM Hole‐Transporting Bi‐Layer for 23.4% Efficient Monolithic Cu(In,Ga)Se2‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Kafedjiska Ivona , Levine Igal , Musiienko Artem , Maticiuc Natalia , Bertram Tobias , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Kaufmann Christian A. , Albrecht Steve , Schlatmann Rutger , Lauermann Iver
Published: May 2023

The performance of five hole‐transporting layers (HTLs) is investigated in both single‐junction perovskite and Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGSe)‐perovskite tandem solar cells: nickel oxide (NiOx,), copper‐doped nickel oxide (NiOx:Cu), NiOx+SAM, NiOx:Cu+SAM, and SAM, where SAM is the [2‐(3,‐6Dimethoxy‐9H‐carbazol‐9yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (MeO‐2PACz) self‐assembled monolayer. The performance of the devices is correlated to the charge‐carrier dynamics at the HTL/perovskite interface and the limiting factors of these HTLs are analyzed by performing time‐resolved and absolute photoluminescence ((Tr)PL), transient surface photovoltage (tr‐SPV), and X‐ray/UV photoemission spectroscopy (XPS/UPS) measurements on indium tin oxide (ITO)/HTL/perovskite and CIGSe/HTL/perovskite stacks. A high quasi‐Fermi level splitting to open‐circuit (QFLS‐Voc) deficit is detected for the NiOx‐based devices, attributed to electron trapping and poor hole extraction at the NiOx‐perovskite interface and a low carrier effective lifetime in the bulk of the perovskite. Simultaneously, doping the NiOx with 2% Cu and passivating its surface with MeO‐2PACz suppresses the electron trapping, enhances the holes extraction, reduces the non‐radiative interfacial recombination, and improves the band alignment. Due to this superior interfacial charge‐carrier dynamics, NiOx:Cu+SAM is found to be the most suitable HTL for the monolithic CIGSe‐perovskite tandem devices, enabling a power‐conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.4%, Voc of 1.72V, and a fill factor (FF) of 71%, while the remaining four HTLs suffer from prominent Voc and FF losses.
Polymer Films with Metal‐Like Thermal Conductivity, Excellent Stability, and Flame Retardancy
Authors: Liu Yong , Zou Weizhi , Yang Meng , Luo Heng , Yang Shijia , Xu Jian , Zhao Ning
Published: May 2023

Polymers often have thermal conductivities that are too low to be used directly in thermal management applications. In this study, a poly(p‐phenylene‐2,6‐benzobisoxazole) (PBO) film is prepared through a sol–gel‐film conversion and annealing method that utilizes PBO nanofibers as building blocks. The polymer film shows an in‐plane thermal conductivity of 36.7 W mK−1, which is two orders of magnitude higher than those of most polymers (<0.5 W mK−1) and 2.4 times that of 304‐stainless steel. The high thermal conductivity is attributed to the highly oriented 3D interconnected nanofiber network resulting from the fine‐tuning sol‐gel‐film conversion, and the annealing that further enhances the ordering of the PBO chains and the interactions between the nanofibers. Moreover, the PBO films exhibit excellent mechanical strength, thermal/chemical stability, electrical insulation, flame retardance, and improved UV resistance. The lightweight, robust, and easily processed PBO film with a metal‐like thermal conductivity has promising potential thermal management applications.
A Laser‐Driven Microrobot for Thermal Stimulation of Single Cells
Authors: Harder Philipp , İyisan Nergishan , Wang Chen , Kohler Fabian , Neb Irina , Lahm Harald , Dreßen Martina , Krane Markus , Dietz Hendrik , Özkale Berna
Published: May 2023

Here, the study presents a thermally activated cell‐signal imaging (TACSI) microrobot, capable of photothermal actuation, sensing, and light‐driven locomotion. The plasmonic soft microrobot is specifically designed for thermal stimulation of mammalian cells to investigate cell behavior under heat active conditions. Due to the integrated thermosensitive fluorescence probe, Rhodamine B, the system allows dynamic measurement of induced temperature changes. TACSI microrobots show excellent biocompatibility over 72 h in vitro, and they are capable of thermally activating single cells to cell clusters. Locomotion in a 3D workspace is achieved by relying on thermophoretic convection, and the microrobot speed is controlled within a range of 5–65 µm s−1. In addition, light‐driven actuation enables spatiotemporal control of the microrobot temperature up to a maximum of 60 °C. Using TACSI microrobots, this study targets single cells within a large population, and demonstrates thermal cell stimulation using calcium signaling as a biological output. Initial studies with human embryonic kidney 293 cells indicate a dose dependent change in intracellular calcium content within the photothermally controlled temperature range of 37–57 °C.
Visualizing Interfacial Energy Offset and Defects in Efficient 2D/3D Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Yang Weichuang , Ding Bin , Lin Zedong , Sun Jingsong , Meng YuanYuan , Ding Yong , Sheng Jiang , Yang Zhenhai , Ye Jichun , Dyson Paul J. , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: May 2023

Currently, the full potential of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is limited by chargecarrier recombination owing to imperfect passivation methods. Here, the recombination loss mechanisms owing to the interfacial energy offset and defects are quantified. The results show that a favorable energy offset can reduce minority carriers and suppress interfacial recombination losses more effectively than chemical passivation. To obtain high‐efficiency PSCs, 2D perovskites are promising candidates, which offer powerful field effects and require only modest chemical passivation at the interface. The enhanced passivation and charge‐carrier extraction offered by the 2D/3D heterojunction PSCs has boosted their power conversion efficiency to 25.32% (certified 25.04%) for small‐size devices and to 21.48% for a large‐area module (with a designated area of 29.0 cm2). Ion migration is also suppressed by the 2D/3D heterojunction, such that the unencapsulated small‐size devices maintain 90% of their initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous operation at the maximum power point.
A Programmable Actuator as Synthetic Earthworm
Authors: Yang Zhaoxiang , An Yao , He Yonglin , Lian Xiaodong , Wang Yapei
Published: May 2023

Natural earthworm with the ability to loosen soils that favors sustainable agriculture has inspired worldwide interest in the design of intelligent actuators. Given the inability to carry heavy loads and uncontrolled deformation, the vast majority of actuators can only perform simple tasks by bending, contraction, or elongation. Herein, a degradable actuator with the ability to deform in desired ways is presented, which successfully mimics the burrowing activities of earthworms to loosen soils with increased soil porosity by digging, grabbing, and lifting the soil when it receives rains. Such a scarifying actuator is made of degradable cellulose acetate and uncrosslinked polyacrylamide via the swelling‐photopolymerizing method. The water absorption of polyacrylamide in moisture conditions causes rapid and remarkable bending. Such mechanical bending can be controlled in specific areas of the cellulose acetate film if polyacrylamide is polymerized in a patterned way, so as to generate complicated deformations of the whole cellulose acetate. Patterning polyacrylamide within cellulose acetate is achieved based on reversible surface protection by means of pen writing, rather than the traditional masking techniques. The water‐induced deformation of programmable cellulose‐based actuators is well preserved in soil, which is appropriate for promoting rain diffusion as well as root breath.
19 nm‐Thick Grafted‐To Polymer Brushes onto Optimized Poly(Dopamine)‐Coated Surfaces
Authors: Teunissen Lucas W. , Smulders Maarten M. J. , Zuilhof Han
Published: May 2023

Grafting‐to polymer coatings are typically easy to apply, but the thickness of such coatings is typically limited to a few nanometers, which may hamper applications. This paper presents a grafting‐to coating approach that yields polymer brushes up to an unprecedented thickness of 19 nm. To this aim, an easy‐to‐apply poly(dopamine) (PDA) primer layer is optimized. PDA is an easy‐to‐apply, but highly complex and chemically not well understood primer layer. In this study, PDA is deposited on silicon substrates using several deposition protocols (pH 4–7 in presence of NaIO4, and from Tris solution at pH 8.5). The modified surfaces are characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, static water contact angle measurements, and atomic force microscopy. Subsequently, block copolymers of poly(glycidyl methacrylate)20‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)n are attached onto the PDA films using a grafting‐to approach. The results indicate that the conditions of PDA deposition and the PDA film thickness strongly influence the stability and grafting efficiency of the block copolymers. PDA films deposited at pH 7 with NaIO4 are stable, and yield the most efficient grafting, with grafted polymer layers as thick as 19 nm. Polymer layers of such thickness are rarely achieved using grafting‐to procedures from solution.