bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 121‐ka record of Western Andean fluvial response to suborbital climate cycles recorded by rhythmic grain size variations of the Lima fluvial fan
Authors: Viveen Willem , Sanjurjo‐Sanchez Jorge , Bravo‐Lembcke Gustavo , Uribe‐Ventura Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

A complete, fluvial stratigraphic record for the last glacial period of the Western Andes in Peru is not available due to preservation issues and spatial variability in sedimentation. Deposits are typically restricted to incomplete records of fluvial terraces or localised occurrences of alluvial fans and landslides. These landforms are thought to have formed under a regime of climate cyclicity controlling increases in precipitation. Because of the fragmented preservation of these deposits, as well as dating uncertainties, it remains unclear if orbital climate cycles, such as the precession cycle, or suborbital cycles, such as the wet Heinrich events, are driving Andean sedimentation. In this paper, we try to answer this question through a sedimentological–stratigraphical analysis of a much more complete sedimentary sequence than usually found in the region. We present the results of a grain size analysis of 5000 clasts and 13 new luminescence ages of a 52‐m‐long, stratigraphic section of the Lima fluvial fan in Peru. Bayesian age–depth modelling resulted in a robust chronostratigraphic framework and derived sedimentation rates. The stratigraphic record registered sedimentation from 121.7 ± 4 to
ka. Three major sedimentation periods occurred between 121.7 to
, 87 ± 1 to
, and
to
 ka. These periods registered various unconformities and coarsening–fining upward sequences which chronologically correlate to suborbital pluvial periods, recognised from speleothems and lake records, that drove fluvial deposition. They also correlate with the timing of other recognised sedimentation events throughout the Western Andes. Marine regression resulted in fan progradation and not in incision. The Lima fan stratigraphy represents therefore the most complete, last glacial fluvial record for the Peruvian Western Andes to date and it highlights the potential of fluvial fans as recorders of suborbital climate variability.
Chemical compatibility of solid oxide fuel cell air electrode Pr4Ni3O10±δ with commercial electrolytes
Authors: Tagarelli V. E. , Vega‐Castillo J. , Montenegro‐Hernández A.
Published: April 2024

The chemical reactivity between Pr4Ni3O10±δ (3‐PNO) electrodes and Y0.08Zr0.92O1.96 (YSZ), Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (GDC), and La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 (LSGM) electrolytes was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. 3‐PNO powders were synthesized by two different chemical routes, one of them uses hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as a complexing agent (route A) while the other citrates (route B). The samples observed by scanning electron microscopy presented different microstructures; route A powders present small submicronic grains with an open microstructure while route B powders are formed by larger well‐connected grains. The polarization resistance (RP) values for 3‐PNO/YSZ cells are one order of magnitude higher than those of 3‐PNO/GDC and 3‐PNO/LSGM cells. The RP for both cells 3‐PNO/GDC and 3‐PNO/LSGM and its evolution in time suggest that chemical reactivity takes place during the adhesion treatment and electrochemical measurements. The microstructure plays a crucial role in RP and the degradation rate; 3‐PNO obtained by route A (3‐PNO‐HMTA) exhibits the best electrochemical performance since these powders present a well‐loose morphology and a large exposed area. However, this fact makes them active chemically, so the increase of RP with time is slower for 3‐PNO electrodes prepared by route B (3‐PNO‐Cit), since the rate of chemical reactivity with the electrolyte is slower.
Why all clinical guideline recommendations are ‘Conditional’
Authors: Wyer Peter C. , Gabbay John , Suh Edward H.
Published: April 2024

Highlights

The impact of clinical guidelines on practitioner behaviour and clinical care remains in doubt.

The acceptability of a 5‐ or 10‐year delay in producing a ‘strong’ clinically important recommendation is unlikely to hold.

Practitioners think holistically, in contrast to the analytical thinking that characterizes clinical research.

Rapidly accessible, flexible, ‘knowledge‐in‐practice‐in‐context’ cannot be simply replaced by a focused piece of new research or guideline.
Evaluation of liquefaction‐induced lateral spread displacement based on ensemble learning
Authors: Chen Zhixiong , Tan Chao , Wang Chenglong , Chen Yuhui , Chen Jian , Wang Yonghong
Published: April 2024

Liquefaction‐induced lateral spread is a kind of ground deformation caused by soil liquefaction, which is a danger to houses, roads and other infrastructures. In order to systematically investigate the influence law of different parameters on lateral displacement, this paper establishes a numerical model of the seismic responses of gently sloping grounds through the open‐source finite element software OpenSees and carries out a large number of calculations considering various working conditions. Based on the calculation results, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and random forest (RF) regression are used to build the proxy models for lateral spread displacement prediction. The finite element model was verified by using the multiple VELACS No. 2 centrifuge experiments. Finally, the model was interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) method. The results of the model training showed that both models were able to achieve a good fit to the numerical calculation results, with the RF model having a smaller prediction error for the centrifuge experiments. The model interpretation results showed that the modified cumulative absolute velocity (CAV5) was the most important input variable in the model, and the importance of ground slope (S), relative density (Dr) and thickness of liquefiable soil layer (HL) was relatively high. In addition, the influence of each parameter on the lateral displacement is consistent with the actual situation, reflecting the rationality of the model prediction process. In addition, the results showed that there is a threshold for the modified cumulative absolute velocity (CAV5) and Arias intensity (Ia) that leads to a significant increase in lateral displacement. The thresholds of CAV5 and Ia are 1.3 g s and 1.0 m/s, respectively. These thresholds are in good agreement with the thresholds for triggering the overall initial liquefaction of the soil layer determined by related studies, which provides a reference for the evaluation of liquefaction‐induced lateral displacement.
The Late Cenozoic crustal deformation in the northeastern periphery of the Qaidam Basin, northwest China
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Shi Wei , Zhong Chang , Hu Junjie
Published: April 2024

The northeastern periphery of the Qaidam Basin is a crucial region for comprehending the northeastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau, as it documents Late Cenozoic crustal deformation that elucidates the plateau's growth process. In this study, we reconstruct three stages of crustal deformation in the northeastern periphery of the Qaidam Basin during the Late Cenozoic based on interpretation of growth strata from five seismic profiles, structural mapping of the typical superimposed folds and detailed detrital zircon analysis within the study area. (1) During the Early Miocene to Late Miocene period (23–8.6 Ma), there was NW–SE extensional deformation in the northeast margin of the Qaidam Basin, which exerted control over the deposition of the Youshashan Formation. (2) The NW–SE shortening occurred during the Late Miocene period (8.6–8.1 Ma), subsequent to the deposition of the Youshashan Formation and preceding the deposition of the Shizigou Formation, resulting in a parallel unconformity between these two geological units. (3) The intense shortening of the NE–SW direction occurred during the Late Miocene and Pliocene epochs (8.1–2.5 Ma). The timing of this deformation aligns with the sedimentary age of the Shizigou Formation, suggesting that the initial deformation age may represent the onset of NE extrusion from the Tibetan Plateau towards the northeast margin of the Qaidam Basin. The present study not only delineates a Late Cenozoic structural dome resulting from two‐stage crustal shortening in the northeastern periphery of the Tibetan Plateau, but also provides a crucial evidence for reconstructing the Late Cenozoic intracontinental deformation process in this region.
Risk factors for nonresponse to 2 years of denosumab administration in patients with osteoporosis: A retrospective single‐center cohorts study
Authors: Yamamoto Akiko , Nagao Masashi , Nishizaki Yuji , Maeda Eri , Ishijima Muneaki
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

To investigate the factors associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and the incidence of fractures in osteoporotic patients treated with denosumab.

Methods

This retrospective study included 162 osteoporotic patients treated with denosumab for 24 months between 2013 and 2019. Patients were divided according to the changes in BMD as nonresponders (NL group: <3% increase in lumbar spine BMD [LBMD], NH group: <0% increase in femoral neck BMD [FNBMD]) or responders (RL group: ≥3% increase in LBMD, RH group: ≥0% increase in FNBMD).

Results

The respective changes in the LBMD and FNBMD after 24 months of denosumab treatment were 9.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.1–10.6) and 3.3% (95% CI: 2.1–4.5). Twenty‐eight (17.3%) patients were in the NL group, and 134 (82.7%) were in the RL group. A history of bisphosphonate treatment was a risk factor for being in the NL group (odds ratio [OR]: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.38–10.71, p = 0.007; adjusted OR: 3.21, 95% CI: 1.01–10.19, p = 0.048). Although the NH (n = 48; 30.8%) and RH (n = 108; 69.2%) groups had similar baseline characteristics, the NH group had a significantly higher baseline FNBMD than the RH group (p = 0.003). The change in FNBMD was negatively associated with the FNBMD at baseline (r = −0.34, p < 0.001). No new osteoporotic fractures occurred in either group during follow‐up.

Conclusion

In osteoporotic patients receiving denosumab treatment, a history of bisphosphonate treatment was a risk factor for a lack of increase in LBMD, and a higher FNBMD at baseline was negatively associated with the change in FNBMD.
Construction and experimental validation of a novel ferroptosis‐related gene signature for myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Zhu Yidong , He Jun , Wei Rong , Liu Jun
Published: April 2024

Background

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic disorders characterized by morphological abnormalities and peripheral blood cytopenias, carrying a risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Although ferroptosis is a promising target for MDS treatment, the specific roles of ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) in MDS diagnosis have not been elucidated.

Methods

MDS‐related microarray data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A comprehensive analysis of FRG expression levels in patients with MDS and controls was conducted, followed by the use of multiple machine learning methods to establish prediction models. The predictive ability of the optimal model was evaluated using nomogram analysis and an external data set. Functional analysis was applied to explore the underlying mechanisms. The mRNA levels of the model genes were verified in MDS clinical samples by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

The extreme gradient boosting model demonstrated the best performance, leading to the identification of a panel of six signature genes: SREBF1, PTPN6, PARP9, MAP3K11, MDM4, and EZH2. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that the model exhibited high accuracy in predicting MDS diagnosis, with area under the curve values of 0.989 and 0.962 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Functional analysis revealed significant associations between these genes and the infiltrating immune cells. The expression levels of these genes were successfully verified in MDS clinical samples.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to identify a novel model using FRGs to predict the risk of developing MDS. FRGs may be implicated in MDS pathogenesis through immune‐related pathways. These findings highlight the intricate correlation between ferroptosis and MDS, offering insights that may aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets for this debilitating disorder.
Effect of IL‐17 on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Shi Tian‐Yan , Wen Xiao‐Hong , Meng Juan , Lu Yue‐Wu
Published: April 2024

Objective

To explore the role of interleukin (IL)‐17 in connective tissue disease‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD‐PAH) and to investigate its possible mechanism on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).

Methods

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to compare levels of serum IL‐17 in patients with CTD‐PAH and healthy controls (HCs). After treatment for 3 months, the serum IL‐17 levels were tested in CTD‐PAH. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to compare levels of serum IL‐17 and numbers of pulmonary artery IL‐17+ cells, respectively, in a rat model of monocrotaline‐induced PAH and untreated rats. Proliferation, migration, and inflammatory factors expression of PASMCs were assessed after stimulation with different concentrations of IL‐17 for various time periods. Proteins in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were examined by western blot.

Results

Levels of IL‐17 were upregulated in patients with CTD‐PAH compared to HCs. After 3 months of treatment, serum IL‐17 levels were downregulated with pulmonary artery pressure amelioration. Moreover, serum IL‐17 levels and numbers of IL‐17+ cells infiltrating lung arterioles were increased in PAH model rats. IL‐17 could dose‐ and time‐dependently promote proliferation and migration of PASMCs as well as time‐dependently induce IL‐6 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression. The levels of MKK6 increased after IL‐17 treatment. Inhibition of MAPK decreased proliferation of PASMCs.

Conclusion

Levels of IL‐17 may increase in CTD‐PAH, and IL‐17 promotes proliferation, migration, and secretion of IL‐6 and ICAM in PASMCs, respectively, which likely involves the p‐38 MAPK pathway.
Antibodies against high‐risk human papillomavirus proteins as markers for noncervical HPV‐related cancers in a Black South African population, according to HIV status
Authors: Singini Mwiza Gideon , Muchengeti Mazvita , Sitas Freddy , Chen Wenlong Carl , Combes Jean‐Damien , Waterboer Tim , Clifford Gary M.
Published: April 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) proteins may elicit antibody responses in the process toward HPV‐related malignancy. However, HPV seroepidemiology in noncervical HPV‐related cancers remains poorly understood, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Using a glutathione S‐transferase‐based multiplex serology assay, antibodies against E6, E7 and L1 proteins of HPV16 and HPV18 were measured in sera of 535 cases of noncervical HPV‐related cancers (anal (n = 104), vulval (n = 211), vaginal (n = 49), penile (n = 37) and oropharyngeal (n = 134)) and 6651 non‐infection‐related cancer controls, from the Johannesburg Cancer Study that recruited Black South African with newly diagnosed cancer between 1995 and 2016. Logistic and Poisson regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in cases versus controls. HPV16 E6 was more strongly associated with noncervical HPV‐related cancers than HPV16 L1 or E7, or HPV18 proteins: anal (females (HPV16 E6 aOR = 11.50;95%CI:6.0–22.2), males (aOR = 10.12;95%CI:4.9–20.8), vulval (aOR = 11.69;95%CI:7.9–17.2), vaginal (aOR = 10.26;95%CI:5.0–21), penile (aOR = 18.95;95%CI:8.9–40), and oropharyngeal (females (aOR = 8.95;95%CI:2.9–27.5), males (aOR = 3.49;95%CI:1.8–7.0)) cancers. HPV16‐E6 seropositivity ranged from 24.0% to 35.1% in anal, vulval, vaginal and penile cancer but was significantly lower (11.2%) in oropharyngeal cancer. After adjustment for HIV, prevalence of which increased from 22.2% in 1995–2005 to 54.1% in 2010–2016, HPV16 E6 seropositivity increased by period of diagnosis (aPR for 2010–2016 vs. 1995–2006 = 1.84;95%CI:1.1–3.0). Assuming HPV16 E6 seroprevalence reflects HPV attributable fraction, the proportion of certain noncervical‐HPV‐related cancers caused by HPV is increasing over time in South Africa. This is expected to be driven by the increasing influence of HIV.
An extensive upgrading of contact diffuse CorrelationTomography system
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Ding Ting , Shang Yu , Gui Zhiguo
Published: April 2024

Diffuse correlation tomography (DCT) is an emerging tissue blood flow index (BFI) imaging technique that typically requires a large number of source‐detector pairs, resulting in high instrumentation costs. We developed a low‐cost paradigm for upgrading the DCT system with time‐sharing hardware sensors via optical switches, wherein the S‐D configuration was spatially optimized and combined with a novelty Nth‐order linear algorithm for image reconstruction. We verified this system through the phantom experiment and the lower limb skeletal muscle cuff occlusion test. The reconstructed BFI images exhibit the excellent performance of the upgraded DCT system in retrieval of the target location, outline, and anomaly contrast. For the deepest quasi‐solid anomaly, location accuracy was 90% with the αDB‐contrast of 0.75. While, for the deepest liquid tube anomaly, a good linear relationship was achieved between contrast and pump speed, with the αDB‐contrast of 3.29 at 600 mL/h. For human experiments, it was found that the BFI in the relaxed state was ten times higher than in the cuff occlusion state. This study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed upgraded low‐cost DCT system for diagnosing various diseases associated with local perfusion abnormalities.
Improving undergraduate students' email etiquette with computer‐based instruction
Authors: Farnsworth Thomas G. , Thompson Rachel H.
Published: April 2024

Email etiquette is an important skill, especially in professional settings. Research demonstrates that undergraduate students follow email rules when given written instructions plus an example. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of computer‐based email instruction on undergraduate students' email etiquette and to assess the social validity of that instruction. The email instruction package was delivered through an online learning management system and consisted of written instructions plus a model, a quiz, and quiz feedback. We measured email etiquette by scoring emails from course assignments using a checklist. The instruction package produced a replicated increase in mean email checklist scores across two sections of introductory psychology, and checklist scores were elevated when participants sent emails in a novel context. The results of the social‐validity assessments suggest that the goals were important, the procedures were acceptable, and there were meaningful improvements in email etiquette for some participants.
Exploring experiences that foster recognition in engineering across race and gender
Authors: McIntyre Brianna Benedict , Scalaro Kelsey , Godwin Allison , Kirn Adam , Verdín Dina
Published: April 2024

Background

Students' recognition beliefs have emerged as one of the most important components of engineering role identity development for early‐career undergraduate students. Recognition beliefs are students' perceptions of how meaningful others, such as peers, instructors, and family, see them as engineers. However, little work has investigated the experiences that facilitate recognition beliefs, particularly across the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender. Investigation of these experiences provides ways to understand how recognition may be supported in engineering environments and how White and masculine norms in engineering can shape marginalized students' experiences.

Purpose

We examined how specific experiences theorized to promote recognition are related to recognition beliefs for students at the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender. Based on self‐reported demographics, we created 10 groups, including Asian, Black, Latino and Hispanic, Indigenous, and White cisgender men and Asian, Black, Latinè/x/a/o and Hispanic, Indigenous, and White ciswomen, trans, and non‐binary individuals. This article describes the patterns within each intersectional group rather than drawing comparisons across the groups, which can perpetuate raced and gendered stereotypes.

Methods

The data came from a survey distributed in Fall 2017 (n = 2316). Ten multiple regression models were used to understand the recognition experiences that influenced students' recognition beliefs by intersectional group.

Results

There is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach to developing students' recognition beliefs. For example, family members referring to the student as an engineer are positively related to recognition beliefs for Asian, Black, Latino and Hispanic, and White cisgender men. Friends seeing Asian and White marginalized gender students as an engineer is predictive of recognition beliefs. Other recognition experiences, such as receiving compliments from an engineering instructor or peer about their engineering design and contributions to the team, do not influence the recognition beliefs of these early‐career engineering students.

Conclusion

This article emphasizes the need to draw on multiple experiences to support the equitable development of early‐career engineers across race, ethnicity, and gender, and reveals patterns for recognition that may support future scholarship on effective classroom practices for recognition.
Effect of poultry litter soil amendment on antibiotic‐resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Agga Getahun E. , Durso Lisa M. , Sistani Karamat R.
Published: April 2024

Given the high cost and non‐renewability of mineral‐based fertilizers, there is increasing interest in the innovative use of manure‐based materials, such as poultry litter (PL). However, manure‐based fertilizers add both nutrients and microbes to the soil, including antibiotic‐resistant Escherichia coli (AREc). PL soil amendment impact on AREc in corn fields was evaluated in a randomized field experiment (May–October 2017). Two winter cropping systems (fallow and cover crop) were assigned to whole plots, with three spring‐applied fertilizer treatments (untreated control [UC], PL, and commercial fertilizer [CF]) assigned to subplots. Soil was collected from 0 to 15 cm on days 0, 7, 28, 70, 98, and 172 post‐treatment applications. Samples were cultured for the enumeration and prevalence of generic, tetracycline‐resistant (TETr), third‐generation cephalosporin‐resistant (3GCr) E. coli isolates, and extended spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae. PL soil amendment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of generic E. coli, TETr E. coli, and 3GCr E. coli on days 7 and 28 compared to UC or CF. Beyond day 28, AREc did not significantly (p > 0.05) differ by fertilizer treatment and returned to baseline on day 70. ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae were detected from 16 samples, mostly on day 70. Cover crop significantly decreased TETr E. coli concentration on day 28, with no significant effects on the prevalence of 3GCr E. coli and ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae compared to no cover crop. All ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae and 79% of the 3GCr E. coli isolates were positive for blaCTX‐M gene by polymerase chain reaction. Results show that PL soil amendment transiently increases the levels of AREc compared to mineral fertilizer.
A decade of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia therapy in Germany: Real‐world treatment patterns and outcomes (2010–2022)
Authors: Wartmann Hannes , Kabilka Anna , Deiters Barthold , Schmitz Norbert , Volmer Timm
Published: April 2024

Pharmacotherapy options for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) have expanded significantly in recent years. These options include chemotherapy, chemoimmunotherapy and signalling pathway inhibitors. A notable shift in the treatment landscape began with the widespread adoption of ibrutinib in 2016. This analysis of claims data focuses on understanding how the use of novel therapies has evolved in clinical practice over the past decade in Germany. Anonymized claims data (2010–2022) from German statutory health insurance was used, covering patient demographics, treatments, and prescriptions. The study population included patients with two confirmed CLL diagnoses. Treatment patterns were analysed, and survival outcomes were compared using time‐to‐event analyses. In the analysed cohort of 2983 incident CLL patients, 1041 started first‐line therapy between 2011 and 2022, with a median duration of 18 months from diagnosis to the first prescription. Chemoimmunotherapy, the predominant 1L therapy until 2019, decreased significantly, while targeted therapy usage increased from 3% in 2015 to 77% in 2022. Targeted therapies became dominant in patients receiving treatment for relapsed or refractory disease after 2016. Median treatment durations were: 122 days for chemo, 176 days for chemo‐immuno, and 373 days for targeted therapy. The overall survival for patients diagnosed in or after 2016 was significantly better (hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval, 0.44–0.69)). The adoption of targeted therapies like ibrutinib and venetoclax has transformed CLL treatment in Germany, leading to improved patient outcomes. Additionally, we demonstrate successful adherence to evolving clinical guidelines.
Biosynthesis of vitamin B3 and NAD+: incubating HepG2 cells with the alkaloid myosmine
Authors: Zwickenpflug Wolfgang , Hornung Florian , Hollaus Alexandra , Oswald Michaela S. , Chioato Zoé , Gudermann Thomas , Högg Christof
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

In the kynurenine pathway, it is reported that the essential amino acid tryptophan forms nicotinic acid (NA, vitamin B3) in biological systems. This pathway is part of the de novo pathway to perform nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis. Additionally, biosynthesis of NAD+ via the Preiss–Handler pathway involves NA and its analogue nicotinamide, both designated as niacin. Previous attempts were successful in converting myosmine (MYO) by organic synthesis to NA, and the assumption was that the alkaloid MYO, which is taken in from food, can be converted into NA by biological oxidation.

RESULT

Incubation of HepG2 cells with MYO yielded NA. Moreover, a significant increase of NAD+ compared with the control has been found.

CONCLUSION

Hence, MYO could be assumed to be the hitherto unknown origin of an alternative NA biosynthesis additionally influencing NAD+ biosynthesis positively. This novel MYO pathway may open new perspectives to improve knowledge and relevance of NA and NAD+ biosynthesis and bioactivation in cells and, moreover, in food staples, food, and diet. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sub‐high amylose maize starch: an ideal substrate to generate starch with lower digestibility by fermentation of Qu
Authors: Wu Wenhao , Tian Wenjing , Li Yiheng , Zhao Qiqi , Liu Na , Huang Chenggang , Zhu Liangjia , Guo Dongwei
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The fermentation of Qu (FQ) is a novel method to modify the properties of starch to expand its application and especially to increase the resistant starch (RS) content. Using waxy maize starch (WMS) as a fermentation substrate can increase the RS content significantly but it may be time consuming and not cost effective due to the almost negligible RS content of WMS. To solve this problem, we hypothesized that sub‐high amylose starch (s‐HAMS), with an amylose content close to 50% could be an ideal substrate for FQ.

RESULTS

The results showed that FQ did not change the shape and the particle size of starch granules, the gelatinization peak (Tp), or the conclusion temperature (Tc), but the slowly digested starch content declined. Rapidly digested starch content fluctuated during FQ and the amylose content decreased within 36 h and then increased. Within 24h, FQ significanlty increased these values: the RS content, relative crystallinity (RC), the ratio of FTIR absorbances at 1047/1022cm‐1, the diffraction peak at 19.8° in X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and the gelatinization onset temperature (To) increased significantly, within 24 h of FQ. However, after 24 h of fermentation, the RS content, RC, the ratio of FTIR absorbances at 1047/1022 cm−1, and gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH) decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Sub‐high amylose starch is more suitable for FQ to produce low digestibility starch, and the increase in RS may be due to the formation of ‘amylose‐lipid’ complexes (RS5). © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Deep learning of estuary salinity dynamics is physically accurate at a fraction of hydrodynamic model computational cost
Authors: Gorski Galen , Cook Salme , Snyder Amelia , Appling Alison P. , Thompson Theodore , Smith Jared D. , Warner John C. , Topp Simon N.
Published: April 2024

Salinity dynamics in the Delaware Bay estuary are a critical water quality concern as elevated salinity can damage infrastructure and threaten drinking water supplies. Current state‐of‐the‐art modeling approaches use hydrodynamic models, which can produce accurate results but are limited by significant computational costs. We developed a machine learning (ML) model to predict the 250 mg L−1 Cl− isochlor, also known as the “salt front,” using daily river discharge, meteorological drivers, and tidal water level data. We use the ML model to predict the location of the salt front, measured in river miles (RM) along the Delaware River, during the period 2001–2020, and we compare predictions of the ML model to the hydrodynamic Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere‐Wave‐Sediment Transport (COAWST) model. The ML model predicts the location of the salt front with greater accuracy (root mean squared error [RMSE] = 2.52 RM) than the COAWST model does (RMSE = 5.36); however, the ML model struggles to predict extreme events. Furthermore, we use functional performance and expected gradients, tools from information theory and explainable artificial intelligence, to show that the ML model learns physically realistic relationships between the salt front location and drivers (particularly discharge and tidal water level). These results demonstrate how an ML modeling approach can provide predictive and functional accuracy at a significantly reduced computational cost compared to process‐based models. In addition, these results provide support for using ML models in operational forecasting, scenario testing, management decisions, hindcasting, and resulting opportunities to understand past behavior and develop hypotheses.
Evolutionary adaptation to steady or changing environments affects competitive outcomes in marine phytoplankton
Authors: Hochfeld Isabell , Hinners Jana
Published: April 2024

The interplay of phytoplankton competition and adaptation affects how phytoplankton, and ultimately marine ecosystems, respond to global warming. However, current ecosystem models that are run under global warming scenarios do not include both processes simultaneously. To fill this gap, we developed an innovative ecosystem model for the Baltic Sea that simulates competition between three phytoplankton functional groups and allows for adaptation to changing temperatures. As adaptation can be affected by the resuspension of dormant resting cells from the sediment, we explicitly implemented this mechanism. We found that resuspension tends to slow down adaptation, and that competition and adaptation influence each other. The outcome of the competition‐adaptation interplay depends on environmental conditions. In a steady environment, competition drives adaptation to individual temperature niches to reduce competition pressure. In a changing environment, adaptation allows inferior competitors to mitigate the dominance of preadapted superior competitors. Our results demonstrate that by neglecting adaptation, models can systematically overestimate warming‐related changes in taxa dominance. Ecosystem models should include both competition and adaptation to accurately simulate phytoplankton responses to global warming. Our model is ideally suited to integrate emerging evolutionary data based on long‐term data series (e.g., from sediment archives) to further improve projections of future ecosystem change.
Evaluating Mentorship in the Aquatic Sciences in the Context of a Global Pandemic (COVID‐19)
Authors: Cagle Sierra E. , Fadum Jemma M. , Jansen Lara S. , Burnet Sarah H. , Pace Michael L.
Published: April 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic drastically altered human social systems. To better understand ramifications of the pandemic for aquatic scientists, we assessed perceptions of mentorship within the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, focusing on impacts felt during the pandemic. We also evaluated current preferences and practices (e.g., valued traits, network composition, communication tools) related to mentoring, as a way of gauging change within the community and informing ongoing or future resilience and recovery efforts. In surveying this group, we found the largest pandemic related professional development gaps to be lost opportunities for mentoring, the absence of in‐person meetings, and missed collegial/collaborative interactions. We also assessed which mentorship characteristics were highly valued and found that, “communicative” was the most consistently valued characteristic. Finally, we assessed mentor network composition and code of conduct use. Findings show a limited range of disciplines within most mentees' networks, suggesting lack of access to mentors in outside fields or disciplines, and widespread valuation of codes of conduct but limited implementation. We advocate for mentoring practices that foster personal connections, expand networks, and develop clear plans for mentoring relationships, as a path toward general improvement and resilience within mentoring networks in the face of disruption.
Widespread warming of Earth's estuaries
Authors: Prum Punwath , Harris Lora , Gardner John
Published: April 2024

Water temperature responses to climate change may vary across Earth's estuaries. To understand how climate change influences estuarine surface water temperature, we need global, long‐term records of estuarine temperature. Here, we generated surface water temperature data over 1060 estuaries globally using Landsat 5, 7, and 8 from 1985 to 2022 and compared water warming rates with local air temperature warming rates. Forty‐seven percent of Earth's estuaries are warming, with a global average warming rate of 0.070 ± 0.004°C yr−1 (median = 0.060°C yr−1). Estuaries at higher latitudes showed rapid warming. A 1°C increase in air temperature could lead to a 0.81°C increase in estuarine surface water warming and 1.3°C increase in estuaries above 60.5°N. We inferred the potential influences over estuarine warming based on distinct global spatial patterns in water and air warming and discussed the effects of warming water temperature on estuarine metabolism and water quality.
Injectable Hydrogels: A Paradigm Tailored with Design, Characterization, and Multifaceted Approaches
Authors: Singhal Rishika , Sarangi Manoj Kumar , Rath Goutam
Published: April 2024

Biomaterials denoting self‐healing and versatile structural integrity are highly curious in the biomedicine segment. The injectable and/or printable 3D printing technology is explored in a few decades back, which can alter their dimensions temporarily under shear stress, showing potential healing/recovery tendency with patient‐specific intervention toward the development of personalized medicine. Thus, self‐healing injectable hydrogels (IHs) are stunning toward developing a paradigm for tissue regeneration. This review comprises the designing of IHs, rheological characterization and stability, several benchmark consequences for self‐healing IHs, their translation into tissue regeneration of specific types, applications of IHs in biomedical such as anticancer and immunomodulation, wound healing and tissue/bone regeneration, antimicrobial potentials, drugs, gene and vaccine delivery, ocular delivery, 3D printing, cosmeceuticals, and photothermal therapy as well as in other allied avenues like agriculture, aerospace, electronic/electrical industries, coating approaches, patents associated with therapeutic/nontherapeutic avenues, and numerous futuristic challenges and solutions.
Effect of gap size on flange face corrosion
Authors: Hakimian Soroosh , Bouzid Abdel‐Hakim , Hof Lucas A.
Published: April 2024

Bolted flanged joints play a critical role in offshore wind turbine tower structures, serving as integral components that connect various sections of the tower. This research study employs electrochemical techniques to investigate the effect of gap dimensions, which determine the crevice gap thickness and crevice depth, on corrosion behavior of 321 stainless steel flange sample plates in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 50°C. Gaskets are used in this study to create gaps between two flange surfaces. A novel fixture is utilized to simulate the applied stress on the gasket, fluid flow within the fixture, and the geometric aspects of the gasket and flange. The findings reveal that increasing the gap thickness from 1.58 to 6.35 mm results in a rise in the general corrosion rate of the flange surface from 0.09 to 1.03 mm y−1, and crevice corrosion initiation time increases from 0.23 to 3.12 h. Furthermore, reducing the crevice depth (d) from 7.49 to 0 mm leads to a decrease in the general corrosion rate from 0.09 mm y−1 to 0.04 µm y−1, and cases with d = 3.81 and d = 0 mm show no observable crevice corrosion after potentiostatic tests.
Effects of Operating Mechanical Conditions and Polymer Networks of Nematic Elastomers on Photo‐Induced Mechanical Performances
Authors: Ohzono Takuya , Koyama Emiko
Published: April 2024

Photoresponsive liquid‐crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are promising candidates for light‐controlled soft actuators. Photoinduced stress/strain originates from the changes in mechanical properties after light irradiation. However, the correlation between the photoinduced mechanical performance and in‐use conditions such as stress/strain states and polymer network properties (such as effective crosslink density and dangling chain density) remains unexplored for practical applications. Here, isometric photo‐induced stress or isotonic strain is investigated at different operating strains or stresses, respectively, on LCEs with polymer network variations, produced by different amounts of solvent during polymerization. As the solvent volume increases, the moduli and photoinduced stresses decrease. However, the photo‐induced strain, fracture strain, fracture stress, and viscosity increase. The optical response performance initially increases with the operating strain/stress, peaks at a higher actuation strain/stress, and then, decreases depending on the polymer network. The maximum work densities, which also depend on the operating stress, are in the range of ≈200–300 kJm−3. These findings, highlighting the significant variations in the mechanical performance with the operating stress/strain ranges and amount of solvent used in the synthesis, are critical for designing LCE‐based mechanical devices.
Molecular Imaging in CANVAS: A Contribution for Differential Diagnosis?
Authors: Horowitz Tatiana , Guedj Eric , Eusebio Alexandre , Fluchère Frédérique , Azulay Jean‐Philippe , Delmont Emilien , Grimaldi Stephan
Published: April 2024

Background

Phenotypes of CANVAS are increasingly diversified, including bradykinesia and dysautonomia, so that its primary differential diagnoses are multiple system atrophy‐cerebellar type (MSA‐c), and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). This case series aims to highlight key molecular imaging findings in CANVAS.

Cases

We report a case series of six patients with CANVAS who underwent nuclear medicine examinations in our center and 13 patients from the literature. These include 18F‐FDG brain positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of dopamine transporter (DaT) activity, and 123I‐MIBG cardiac scintigraphy of noradrenergic transmission.

Conclusions

In CANVAS, 18F‐FDG brain PET mainly shows cerebellar hypometabolism, with preserved brainstem and striatum metabolism, contrasting with SCA3 and MSA‐c. Dopaminergic denervation on scintigraphy seems to be associated with clinical parkinsonism, ranging from normal to severely impaired DaT SPECT. Additionally, 123I‐MIBG cardiac scintigraphy might show denervation in CANVAS, similar to SCA3, but not in most MSA‐c patients.
Traveling waves of a generalized sixth‐order Boussinesq equation
Authors: Esfahani Amin , Levandosky Steven
Published: April 2024

We investigate the existence and stability of traveling waves for the sixth‐order Boussinesq equation, considering a broad class of nonlinearities adhering to power‐like scaling relations. Employing the Nehari manifold method, we establish the existence of traveling waves and derive variational criteria for assessing their stability or instability. Subsequently, we develop a numerical approach based on these variational principles to delineate regions of stability and instability. Finally, for homogeneous nonlinearities, we establish a sufficient condition for strong instability.
Detection of early pulmonary emphysema by multi‐contrast x‐ray Talbot‐Lau interferometer
Authors: Lin Qisi , Wu Zhao , Huang Meng , Dang Zheng , Tian Lijiao , Guan Yong , Liu Gang , Lu Yalin , Tian Yangchao
Published: April 2024

Background

Pulmonary emphysema is a part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is an irreversible chronic respiratory disease. In order to avoid further damage to lung tissue, early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary emphysema is essential.

Purpose

Early pulmonary emphysema diagnosis is difficult with conventional radiographic imaging. Recently, x‐ray phase contrast imaging has proved to be an effective and promising imaging strategy for soft tissue, due to its high sensitivity and multi‐contrast. The aim of this study is to diagnose pulmonary emphysema early utilizing an x‐ray Talbot‐Lau interferometer (TLI).

Methods

We successfully established the mouse model of emphysema by porcine pancreatic elastase treatment, and then used the established x‐ray TLI to perform imaging experiments on the mice with different treatment time. The traditional absorption CT and phase contrast CT were obtained simultaneously through TLI. The CT results and histopathology of mice lung in different treatment time were quantitatively analyzed.

Results

By imaging mice lungs, it can be found that phase contrast has higher sensitivity than absorption contrast in early pulmonary emphysema. The results show that the phase contrast signal could distinguish the pulmonary emphysema earlier than the conventional attenuation signal, which can be consistent with histological images. Through the quantitative analysis of pathological section and phase contrast CT, it can be found that there is a strong linear correlation.

Conclusions

In this study, we quantitatively analyze mean linear intercept of histological sections and CT values of mice. The results show that the phase contrast signal has higher imaging sensitivity than the attenuation signal. X‐ray TLI multi‐contrast imaging is proved as a potential diagnostic method for early pulmonary emphysema in mice.
Does self‐organizing policy network provide effective waste services? An empirical evaluation of institutional collective action and transaction cost dilemmas
Authors: Abreu Mônica Cavalcanti Sá de , da Silva Lucineide Alves , Consciência Silvestre Hugo , Emmendoerfer Magnus Luiz
Published: April 2024

This paper examines institutional collective action and transaction cost (TC) dilemmas in a self‐organizing policy network involving federal, state, and municipal agencies for waste services in a port and industrial park. A thematic analysis revealed dilemmas in: (a) vertical levels, which lack leadership in industrial waste management due to unclear responsibility delegation across government levels; (b) horizontal levels, reluctant to take responsibilities and define jurisdiction boundaries for efficient waste services; and (c) functional levels, which exhibit fragmented and unaligned action scopes. Transaction costs, stemming from a deficiency in expertise, infrastructure, and organized information regarding companies' waste management, hinder effective programs and policies. Without tackling these challenges and TCs through a governance framework that includes implementation strategies, monitoring, and institutional controls, the self‐organizing policy network is likely to remain stuck in collective institutional inertia.
An assessment of the role of nanosilica in thermal/thermo‐oxidative degradation mechanism of poly(lactic acid)/polybutylene adipate terephthalate blend nanocomposites
Authors: Khonakdar Hanieh , Khasraghi Samaneh Salkhi , Yazdanbakhsh Amir Hossein , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Ahmadi Shervin , Arabi Hasan , Nobre Marcos A. L. , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: April 2024

As a packaging materials candidate, based on a polylactic acid/ polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PLA/PBAT) blends (90/10 and 75/25 wt/wt) containing 1, 3, and 5 phr hydrophilic (HPL) and hydrophobic (HPB) nanosilica (NS) particles in the presence of a multifunctional epoxide compatibilizer were prepared by melt mixing, in a twin‐screw extruder. Scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed a matrix‐droplet morphology with finer dispersed domains at higher NS content. Energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping also indicated uniform dispersion of NS in blends, with some agglomerates at higher content of nanoparticles. Moreover, transmission electron microscope was applied to study the impact of nanofillers' localization on the systems' morphology. It was observed that NS particles localized at the PLA‐PBAT interface. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate thermal stability and thermal degradation kinetics. Data indicates that hydrophobic NS improved thermal stability. The activation energy of degradation was calculated using several techniques of data modeling, including Friedman, Flynn‐Ozawa‐Wall, and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose models. Among blend nanocomposites, 75/25 blend containing 5 phr HPB NS had the maximum degradation activation energy, suggesting that this sample had the most resistance to heat degradation. The intensity of the TGA/FTIR peaks of the evolved products was found to be correlated with the activation energy. The Criado's technique was also used to investigate the changes in the thermal degradation mechanism.