bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of foliar‐sprayed potassium dihydrogen phosphate on accumulation of flavonoids in Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Zhao Ting , Xie Sha , Zhang Zhenwen
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

In current vineyards, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) is a common foliar fertilizer with the lowest salt index. It is employed to improve the transportation and distribution of grape photosynthetic products, but the mechanism of its effect on fruit flavonoid synthesis is unclear.

RESULTS

This study investigated the effects of foliar spraying of KH2PO4 at different developmental stages (1 week before veraison; the end of veraison (EV)) on flavonoid metabolites and related gene expression of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grape for two consecutive vintages. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry technology was used to identify 6 flavan‐3‐ols, 11 flavonols, and 16 anthocyanins. KH2PO4 influenced anthocyanins content, especially when applied at the EV stage, the content of anthocyanins was significantly higher than that of the control. Further, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that KH2PO4 treatment applied at the EV stage can increase the expression of anthocyanin synthesis genes and accelerate anthocyanin synthesis. In particular, the expression of VviGST in EV treatment was significantly higher than that of the control during the development process.

CONCLUSION

These findings have enhanced our understanding of the effect of KH2PO4 treatment on grape flavonoids. Among them, EV treatment can significantly increase anthocyanins content. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of soluble soybean polysaccharides on the short‐ and long‐term retrogradation properties of instant rice
Authors: Wang Jian , He Yutang , Li Xuyang , Xie Yumei , Wang Xinran , Zhu Danshi , Liu He
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Rice starch retrogradation is prone to occur during instant rice storage, which contributes to reduced viscosity, poor sensory characteristics, and shortened shelf life. The purpose of this study was to explore the anti‐retrogradation effect of soybean soluble polysaccharides (SSPS) on instant rice and the possible interaction between SSPS and high‐moisture starch products.

RESULTS

We studied the effects of SSPS on the retrogradation of instant rice, using hardness as an index. The optimal amount of SSPS was 0.2%. Hardness, enthalpy, relative crystallinity, and full width at half maximum values were lower in the SSPS‐treated group than in the control group (no SSPS) during storage. The weight loss rate of instant rice had the following trend: SSPS‐treated group (0 day) < control group (0 day) < SSPS‐treated group (28 days) < control group (28 days). The lower the weight loss rate, the lower was the material loss. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the gaps between starch granules were less obvious in the control group than in the SSPS‐treated group during storage. The SSPS‐treated group presented a starch network with uniform chambers. SSPS might compete with starch molecules for water absorption, thereby improving water retention and limiting starch retrogradation.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that adding SSPS to instant rice could effectively inhibit starch retrogradation, because the interaction of SSPS and amylopectin side chains inhibited the crosslinking of starch molecules through hydrogen bonds, which hindered the formation of ordered structures. It was helpful to understand the anti‐retrogradation mechanism of SSPS during the storage of instant rice, and provided the basis for the industrial production of high‐water‐content starch foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
How many independent quantities can be extracted from ocean color?
Authors: Cael B. B. , Bisson Kelsey , Boss Emmanuel , Erickson Zachary K.
Published: March 2023

Products derived from remote sensing reflectances (), for example, chlorophyll, phytoplankton carbon, euphotic depth, or particle size, are widely used in oceanography. Problematically, may have fewer degrees of freedom (DoF) than measured wavebands or derived products. Here, we show that a global sea surface hyperspectral dataset has DoF = 4. MODIS‐like multispectral equivalent in situ data also have DoF = 4, while their SeaWiFS equivalent has DoF = 3. Both multispectral‐equivalent datasets predict individual hyperspectral wavelengths' within nominal uncertainties. Remotely sensed climatological multispectral have DoF = 2, as information is lost by atmospheric correction, shifting to larger spatiotemporal scales, and/or more open‐ocean measurements, but suites of ‐derived products have DoF = 1. These results suggest that remote sensing products based on existing satellites' are not independent and should not be treated as such, that existing measurements hold unutilized information, and that future multi‐ or especially hyper‐spectral algorithms must rigorously consider correlations between wavebands.
Achromatic Broadband Multi‐Layer Diffraction Mode Multiplexing
Authors: Kong A‐Ru , Lei Ting , Fang Jun‐Cheng , Xie You‐Peng , Hu Jing‐Bo , Yuan Xiao‐Cong
Published: March 2023

Efforts have been made in recent years to achieve broadband mode‐division multiplexing (MDM) for wavelength and mode hybrid multiplexing optical interconnect. However, most multiplexers are suffering from either strong chromatic aberration or material dispersion, like planar lightwave circuits, mode selective couplers, and single‐layer diffraction elements. The multi‐layer diffraction structure provides a method for achieving both mode conversion and broadband properties. However, the reported multi‐layer diffraction MDM can usually only achieve high efficiency working at a specific narrow bandwidth due to the monochromatic coherent light design. Here, a general achromatic broadband multi‐layer diffraction model is proposed to compensate the dispersion by wavefront matching of discrete multi‐wavelength optical fields. Using this model, an achromatic orbital angular momentum beam generator and an achromatic linearly polarized mode multiplexer for coarse wavelength‐division multiplexing (CWDM) optical interconnections are designed. Compared with the monochromatic designs, the generator exhibits lower wavelength dependence and the multiplexer doubles the bandwidth with mode purity exceeding 91%. Additionally, signal transmission over a 5‐km fiber is demonstrated experimentally in the CWDM‐MDM hybrid communication system. This work represents a solid step toward practical implementation of achromatic MDM and may find applications in the design of various achromatic devices.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)‐independent actions of capsaicin on cellular excitability and ion transport
Authors: Oz Murat , Lorke Dietrich E. , Howarth Frank C.
Published: March 2023

Capsaicin is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from chili pepper that is responsible for its hot pungent taste. Capsaicin is known to exert multiple pharmacological actions, including analgesia, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antiobesity, and antioxidant effects. The transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1) is the main receptor mediating the majority of the capsaicin effects. However, numerous studies suggest that the TRPV1 receptor is not the only target for capsaicin. An increasing number of studies indicates that capsaicin, at low to mid µM ranges, not only indirectly through TRPV1‐mediated Ca2+ increases, but also directly modulates the functions of voltage‐gated Na+, K+, and Ca2+ channels, as well as ligand‐gated ion channels and other ion transporters and enzymes involved in cellular excitability. These TRPV1‐independent effects are mediated by alterations of the biophysical properties of the lipid membrane and subsequent modulation of the functional properties of ion channels and by direct binding of capsaicin to the channels. The present study, for the first time, systematically categorizes this diverse range of non‐TRPV1 targets and discusses cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating TRPV1‐independent effects of capsaicin in excitable, as well as nonexcitable cells.
A new insight into linguistic pattern analysis based on multilayer hypergraphs for the automatic extraction of text summaries
Authors: Criado‐Alonso Ángeles , Aleja David , Romance Miguel , Criado Regino
Published: March 2023

Forensic linguistics and stylometry have in the exploration of linguistic patterns one of their fundamental tools. Mathematical structures such as complex multilayer networks and hypergraphs provide remarkable resources to represent and analyze texts. In this paper, we present a model that includes some specific mesoscopic relations between the different types of words in a corpus (lexical words, verbs, linking words, other words) according to the sentences or paragraphs in which they appear. This model is supported by various mathematical structures such as partial multiline graphs, multilayer hypergraphs, and their derivative graphs. The methodology proposed from this new point of view is of singular help to find meaningful sentences from any text to set up an automatic summary of the text and, eventually, to determine its linguistic level.
Traveling‐wave solutions for a nonlinear non‐Ohmic cardioelectrophysiological tissue conduction cable equation
Authors: Ghazanfar Sidra , Macías‐Díaz Jorge E. , Sajid Iqbal Muhammad , Ahmed Nauman
Published: March 2023

In this article, families of solitary waves solutions of a general third‐order nonlinear non‐Ohmic cable equation in cardio‐electro‐physiology are obtained using the ‐expansion method. In this equation, the unknown function represents the trans‐membrane current, and the exact soliton‐like solutions are thoroughly derived using this analytic technique, and illustrated through surface and contour plots. To support the analytical findings presented in this work, the existence of solution and their optimal regularity is proved rigorously using Shauder's fixed‐point theorem.
NMR spectroscopic discrimination of the enantiomer pairs of soman and bispinacolyl‐methylphosphonate and detailed analysis of the pinacolyl group 1H NMR resonances
Authors: Haapaniemi Esa
Published: March 2023

If a 1H NMR FID measured from oman is manipulated with Gaussian windowing before Fourier transformation, nine protons' signals of pinacolyl group can show some shape depending on the solvent and temperature. How could those signals shape and separate soman isomers as well as conformers information be combined, or could they fit somehow? Molecular modeling results together with accurate iterative spectral analysis were also extended to bispinacolyl‐methylphoshonate (BPMP), which have two pinacolyl groups. As far as we know, this is the first complete 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectral analysis of BPMP.
On‐site construction of a point‐of‐care low‐field MRI system in Africa
Authors: Obungoloch Johnes , Muhumuza Ivan , Teeuwisse Wouter , Harper Joshua , Etoku Ivan , Asiimwe Robert , Tusiime Patricia , Gombya George , Mugume Chris , Namutebi Mary Hellen , Nassejje Mary Anthony , Nayebare Maureen , Kavuma Joseph Mark , Bukyana Benedicto , Natukunda Faith , Ninsiima Patience , Muwanguzi Abraham , Omadi Phillip , van Gijzen Martin , Schiff Steven J. , Webb Andrew , O'Reilly Tom
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To describe the construction and testing of a portable point‐of‐care low‐field MRI system on site in Africa.

Methods

All of the components to assemble a 50 mT Halbach magnet‐based system, together with the necessary tools, were air‐freighted from the Netherlands to Uganda. The construction steps included individual magnet sorting, filling of each ring of the magnet assembly, fine‐tuning the inter‐ring separations of the 23‐ring magnet assembly, gradient coil construction, integration of gradient coils and magnet assembly, construction of the portable aluminum trolley and finally testing of the entire system with an open source MR spectrometer.

Results

With four instructors and six untrained personnel, the complete project from delivery to first image took approximately 11 days.

Conclusions

An important step in translating scientific developments in the western world from high‐income industrialized countries to low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is to produce technology that can be assembled and ultimately constructed locally. Local assembly and construction are associated with skill development, low costs and jobs. Point‐of‐care systems have a large potential to increase the accessibility and sustainability of MRI in LMICs, and this work demonstrates that technology and knowledge transfer can be performed relatively seamlessly.
Addressing the unique needs and quality of life issues for adults receiving long‐term home enteral nutrition
Authors: Lord Linda M. , McGinnis Carol , Densmore Carly
Published: March 2023

Individuals who require home enteral nutrition (EN)—and, subsequently, their families—undergo major changes in family dynamics. They would benefit from an approach that provides ongoing nutrition, hydration, enteral access, and quality of life assessments from knowledgeable clinicians. Most individuals and families will be new to the enteral access device, handling and administration of the nutrition formula, medication delivery through feeding tubes, and troubleshooting associated complications. Educational sessions are typically given but may not be comprehensive enough to meet all needs, especially in the first weeks to months of home EN therapy. Quality of life assessments obtained in the early stages of EN support would help clinicians identify and focus on areas that need special attention for that individual and family. Ongoing clinical care is essential because over time, the nutrition prescription, delivery methods and schedules typically require alterations and feeding tubes need to be assessed and replaced. In addition to these important physical dimensions of care, attention should be placed on the psychological, cognitive, social, and ethical aspects of life for these individuals and their families.
Quantitative systematic review of the transformational leadership style as a driver of nurses' organisational commitment
Authors: Haoyan Xiong , Waters David , Jinling Huang , Qiongling Liu , Sien Lin
Published: March 2023

Aims

To explore the association between nurses' perceptions of their nurse manager's transformational leadership style and nurses' organisational commitment.

Design

Narrative systematic review.

Data Sources

The CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, PubMed, Business Source Complete, Cochrane Library, along with OpenGrey t were systematically searched for observational studies written in English, between January 2009 and December 2020.

Review Methods

This systematic review is based on the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook, and PRISMA‐P. Two reviewers independently selected studies. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool for Cross‐Sectional Studies.

Results

Seven cross‐sectional studies with 2885 participants were included. Six studies reported that the transformational leadership style was positively related to nurses' organisational commitment, and the remaining study reported a negative association.

Conclusions

Six studies were found that the transformational leadership style is a driver of nurses' organisational commitment. Only one study reported that transformational leadership style negatively associated with acute care nurses' organisational commitment. However, the negative finding is less valid, as the study data indicates that the nurse managers' ineffective transformational leadership style in the acute care unit or the culture influence, which may have influenced the results.

Impacts

It provides the guideline, recommendation, and important evidence to support nursing managers adopting the transformational leadership style to promote nurse retention helping to alleviate the nursing shortage. This is beneficial to the well‐being of the nurse. Meanwhile, this can help the health organisation reducing the cost of nurses' turnover and recruiting new nurses. It is also good for address future ageing population healthcare problem in the long term.
Opioid Sparing Multimodal Analgesia for Transoral Robotic Surgery: Improved Analgesia and Narcotic Use Reduction
Authors: Castellanos Carlos X. , Paoletti Marcus , Ulloa Ruben , Kim Celeste , Fong Michelle , Xepoleas Meredith , Sinha Uttam , Kokot Niels , Swanson Mark S.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To compare postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption in patients after transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

Study Design

Single institution retrospective cohort study.

Setting

TORS was performed at a single academic tertiary care center.

Methods

This study compared traditional opioid‐based and opioid‐sparing multimodal analgesia (MMA) regimens in patients with oropharyngeal and supraglottic malignancy after TORS. Data were obtained from the electronic health records from August 2016 to December 2021. The average postoperative pain scores and total opioid consumption in morphine milligram equivalents were calculated for postoperative days (PODs) 0 to 3. The secondary objectives were to quantify and characterize opioid prescriptions upon hospital discharge.

Results

A total of 114 patients were identified for this study, 58 patients in the non‐MMA cohort and 56 in the MMA cohort. Postoperative pain levels in the MMA cohort were statistically lower on POD 0 (p = 0.001), POD 1 (p = 0.001), and POD 3 (p = 0.004). Postoperative opioid consumption decreased significantly in the MMA cohort from 37.7 to 10.8 mg on POD 0 (p = 0.002), 65.9 to 19.9 mg on POD 1 (p < 0.001), 36.0 to 19.3 mg on POD 2 (p = 0.02), and 45.4 to 13.8 mg on POD 3 (p = 0.02). The number of patients discharged from the hospital with a prescription for narcotics was significantly lower in the MMA cohort (71.4%) compared with the non‐MMA cohort (98.3%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Implementation of our MMA pain protocol reduced pain levels and narcotic consumption in the immediate postoperative period.
Neural correlates of aftereffects induced by adaptations to single and average durations
Authors: Li Baolin , Xiao Lijuan , Yu Qinlin , Huang Xiting
Published: March 2023

Duration perception can be heavily distorted owing to repetitive exposure to a relatively long or short sensory event, often causing a duration aftereffect. Here, we used a novel procedure to show that adaptations to both single and average durations produced the duration aftereffect. Participants completed a duration reproduction task (Experiment 1) or a duration category rating task (Experiment 2) after long‐term adaptations to a stimulus of medium duration and to stimuli of averagely medium duration. We found that adaptations to both single and average durations resulted in duration aftereffects. The simultaneously recorded functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data revealed that the reduction in neural activity due to long‐term adaptation to single duration was observed in the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) of the parietal lobe, while adaptation to average duration resulted in fMRI adaptations in the left postcentral gyrus (PCG) and middle cingulate gyrus (MCG). At the individual level, the magnitude of the behavioral aftereffect was positively correlated with the magnitude of fMRI adaptation in the right SMG after adaptation to single duration, while there were no significantly positive correlations between the behavioral aftereffect and fMRI adaptations in the left PCG and MCG. These results suggest that there are different neural mechanisms for aftereffects caused by adaptations to single and average durations.
MAHOMES II: A webserver for predicting if a metal binding site is enzymatic
Authors: Feehan Ryan , Copeland Matthew , Franklin Meghan W. , Slusky Joanna S. G.
Published: March 2023

Recent advances have enabled high‐quality computationally generated structures for proteins with no solved crystal structures. However, protein function data remains largely limited to experimental methods and homology mapping. Since structure determines function, it is natural that methods capable of using computationally generated structures for functional annotations need to be advanced. Our laboratory recently developed a method to distinguish between metalloenzyme and nonenzyme sites. Here we report improvements to this method by upgrading our physicochemical features to alleviate the need for structures with sub‐angstrom precision and using machine learning to reduce training data labeling error. Our improved classifier identifies protein bound metal sites as enzymatic or nonenzymatic with 94% precision and 92% recall. We demonstrate that both adjustments increased predictive performance and reliability on sites with sub‐angstrom variations. We constructed a set of predicted metalloprotein structures with no solved crystal structures and no detectable homology to our training data. Our model had an accuracy of 90%–97.5% depending on the quality of the predicted structures included in our test. Finally, we found the physicochemical trends that drove this model's successful performance were local protein density, second shell ionizable residue burial, and the pocket's accessibility to the site. We anticipate that our model's ability to correctly identify catalytic metal sites could enable identification of new enzymatic mechanisms and improve de novo metalloenzyme design success rates.
Exploring structural features and potential lipid interactions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type three secretion effector PemB by spectroscopic and calorimetric experiments
Authors: Choudhury Arkaprabha , Saha Saumen , Maiti Nakul Chandra , Datta Saumen
Published: March 2023

Type Three Secretion System (T3SS) is a sophisticated nano‐scale weapon utilized by several gram negative bacteria under stringent spatio‐temporal regulation to manipulate and evade host immune systems in order to cause infection. To the best of our knowledge, this present study is the first report where we embark upon characterizing inherent features of native type three secretion effector protein PemB through biophysical techniques. Herein, first, we demonstrate binding affinity of PemB for phosphoinositides through isothermal calorimetric titrations. Second, we shed light on its strong homo‐oligomerization propensity in aqueous solution through multiple biophysical methods. Third, we also employ several spectroscopic techniques to delineate its disordered and helical conformation. Lastly, we perform a phylogenetic analysis of this new effector to elucidate evolutionary relationship with other organisms. Taken together, our results shall surely contribute to our existing knowledge of Pseudomonas aeruginosa secretome.
Virtual special issue: Internal migration in times of COVID‐19
Authors: Rowe Francisco , González‐Leonardo Miguel , Champion Tony
Published: March 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has potentially altered the system of population movement around the world. As COVID‐19 hit cities the hardest in the wake of the pandemic, apocalyptic headlines anticipated the ‘death of cities’. Yet, little was known about the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cities and the ways it has shaped the patterns of internal population movement in and out of cities. This virtual special issue aims to consolidate our knowledge of the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on internal migration, discuss key lessons we have learnt so far, and identify areas for future enquiry. It brings together evidence from six different countries: Australia, Germany, Japan, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, covering the pandemic in varying temporal lengths. Systematic patterns emerge. A first commonality is an overall reduction of internal migration rates during the early days of the pandemic but to a lesser degree than expected. Second, the impacts of COVID‐19 leading to out‐migration from cities seem to have been temporary, though evidence from Spain and Britain points to scarring effects with persistent losses in highly dense areas. Third, changes in internal migration generated small impacts on the population structure of cities but large‐scale changes in small, rural and low‐density areas.
Stability and electronic properties of hydrogenated C3B structure
Authors: Liu Tong , Fang Dong , Ma Jie , Fan Qun Chao
Published: March 2023

Experimental and theoretical studies show that two‐dimensional (2D) materials have great potential applications in the fields of optoelectronics, semiconductors and spintronic devices. Based on the first principles, the stability, band structure, electronic properties and optical properties of hydrogenated C3B, a new graphene like 2D material, are studied in this paper. The results show that: first, with the increase of hydrogenation degree, the sp2 orbital hybridization in C3B structure gradually transits to a more stable sp3 mode, and the valence band energy near the Fermi level decreases. Second, adsorbed H atoms can regulate the bandgap of C3B. When the number of adsorbed H is even, C3B structure behaves as a semiconductor, and meanwhile the bandgap increases. When H atoms is odd, C3B is easy to show metallicity. Finally, the main absorption peak of the optical absorption spectrum decreases first and then increases with the increase of H concentration. The law of the secondary absorption peak is opposite to the main peak. When the ratio of hydrogenation is 50%, an obvious secondary absorption peak appears. This study confirms that hydrogenation is an effective way to regulate the electronic properties of materials, which can expand the application of 2D material C3B in optoelectronic devices.
Bias estimation in the certification of steroid reference materials for carbon isotope delta measurements via elemental analyser and gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Merrick Jeffrey P. , Liu Fong‐Ha , Lewin Mark , Iavetz Raluca
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Two new certified reference materials (CRMs) have been prepared providing three steroids certified for stable carbon isotope delta values, δ(13C) ‰. These materials have been designed to assist anti‐doping laboratories in validating their calibration method or to be employed as calibrant for stable carbon isotope measurements of Boldenone, Boldenone Metabolite 1 and Formestane. These CRMs will allow for accurate and traceable analysis in compliance with World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) Technical Document TD2021IRMS.

Methods

Certification was performed using an elemental analyser‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA‐IRMS) primary reference method on the bulk carbon isotope ratios of nominally pure steroid starting materials. EA‐IRMS analyses were carried out on a Flash EA Isolink CN coupled via a Conflo IV to a Delta V plus mass spectrometer. Confirmation analysis was performed by gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) using a Trace 1310 GC coupled to a Delta V plus mass spectrometer via GC Isolink II.

Results

Based on the EA‐IRMS analysis, the materials were certified with δ(13C) values of −30.38‰ (Boldenone), −29.71‰ (Boldenone Metabolite 1) and 30.71‰ (Formestane). Noting that the assumption of 100% purity in the starting materials has the potential to introduce bias, this was investigated using GC‐C‐IRMS analysis and theoretical modelling based on purity assessment data.

Conclusions

Careful application of this theoretical model was shown to provide reasonable estimates of uncertainty while avoiding the introduction of errors associated with analyte‐specific fractionation during GC‐C‐IRMS analysis.
Detection of abused drugs in human exhaled breath using mass spectrometry: A review
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Zhang Ying , Xu Chunhua , Huang Zhengxu , Hu Bin
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Human breath analysis has been attracting increasing interest in the detection of abused drugs in forensic and clinical applications because of its noninvasive sampling and distinctive molecular information. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based approaches have been proven to be powerful tools for accurately analyzing exhaled abused drugs. The major advantages of MS‐based approaches include high sensitivity, high specificity, and versatile couplings with various breath sampling methods.

Methods

Recent advances in the methodological development of MS analysis of exhaled abused drugs are discussed. Breath collection and sample pretreatment methods for MS analysis are also introduced.

Results

Recent advances in technical aspects of breath sampling methods are summarized, highlighting active and passive sampling. MS methods for detecting different exhaled abused drugs are reviewed, emphasizing their features, advantages, and limitations. The future trends and challenges in MS‐based breath analysis of exhaled abused drugs are also discussed.

Conclusions

The coupling of breath sampling methods with MS approaches has been proven to be a powerful tool for the detection of exhaled abused drugs, offering highly attractive results in forensic investigations. MS‐based detection of exhaled abused drugs in exhaled breath is a relatively new field and is still in the early stages of methodological development. New MS technologies promise a substantial benefit for future forensic analysis.
Soil CO2 efflux dynamics in an integrated crop–livestock system
Authors: Aukema Kacey D. , Wallau Marcelo O. , Faust Derek R. , Archer David W. , Hendrickson John R. , Kronberg Scott L. , Liebig Mark A.
Published: March 2023

Integrated crop–livestock (ICL) systems have shown potential to provide a variety of environmental benefits including soil carbon (C) increases relative to conventional row cropping systems. However, studies documenting C dynamics of ICL systems in the northern Great Plains are lacking relative to other agroecosystems. Soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux, crop biomass, and soil organic matter (SOM) pools were monitored over 3 years in an ICL rotation (corn [Zea mays L.]/soybean [Glycine max L.]–spring wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] + cover crop–cover crop) with fall grazing, a conventional cropping system rotation (corn–spring wheat–soybean) and fall grazed and ungrazed mixed‐grass pasture near Mandan, ND. Cropped treatments were under no‐till management. Annual aboveground crop residue biomass C was similar in the ICL and conventional systems, while less in the grazed pasture (4.18, 3.83, and 1.21 Mg C ha−1 year−1 respectively; p = 0.039). Annual soil CO2 efflux was greater in the ICL, grazed, and ungrazed pasture systems than the conventional system (8.05, 8.73, 8.25, and 5.81 Mg C ha−1 year−1, respectively; p < 0.001). Among crop phases in the ICL and conventional cropping systems, cover crops contributed to greater CO2 efflux in the spring and fall. SOM and C mineralization were greater at 0–5 cm in the ICL system compared to the conventional cropping system (6.6% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.028 and 248 vs. 184 mg CO2–C kg−1, p < 0.001, respectively). Interseeded cover crops in ICL systems can contribute increased root respiration and enhanced SOM pools relative to conventional cropping systems under semiarid conditions.
The complexity of the urban system: Profiles based on current literature and gaps with Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Ruan Fangli
Published: March 2023

The realization of sustainable development goals (SDGs) is not only the independent progress of each goal but, more importantly, to combat undesirable interactions, conflicts, and impacts, which can exactly reflect in system analysis. Cities, as the main body of development and policy implementation, the system perspectives of which provide an integrated way across the full extension. Narrowing the gaps between urban system research and SDGs helps ensure their realization with the lowest cost and highest efficiency. Therefore, this article first collects literature from the Web of Science Core Collection, eliminating out‐of‐scope articles and integrating citing and cited references. Then, this article profiles the final 59 urban system studies on three levels (coupling evaluation, internal element interactions, and dynamic system evolution). Finally, the gaps between the research and SDGs are discussed. Based on the results, the four aspects should be addressed to narrow the gaps: (1) Give full play to the advantages of system methods on the urban scale. (2) Give full play to the bridge role of research among various urban stakeholders. (3) Give full play to experience sharing toward sustainable urban development to avoid futile attempts. (4) Give full play to the language media role of data in policy goals, scientific research, urban needs, and other aspects.
Remarkable Electrical Conductivity Increase and Pure Metallic Properties from Semiconducting Colloidal Nanocrystals by Cation Exchange for Solution‐Processable Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Yoon Sang Eun , Kim Yongjin , Kim Hyeongjun , Kwon Hyo‐Geun , Kim Unjeong , Lee Sang Yeon , Park Ju Hyun , Seo Hyungtak , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kim Sang‐Wook , Kim Jong H.
Published: March 2023

The authors report a strategic approach to achieve metallic properties from semiconducting CuFeS colloidal nanocrystal (NC) solids through cation exchange method. An unprecedentedly high electrical conductivity is realized by the efficient generation of charge carriers onto a semiconducting CuS NC template via minimal Fe exchange. An electrical conductivity exceeding 10 500 S cm−1 (13 400 S cm−1 at 2 K) and a sheet resistance of 17 Ω/sq at room temperature, which are among the highest values for solution‐processable semiconducting NCs, are achieved successfully from bornite‐phase CuFeS NC films possessing 10% Fe atom. The temperature dependence of the corresponding films exhibits pure metallic characteristics. Highly conducting NCs are demonstrated for a thermoelectric layer exhibiting a high power factor over 1.2 mW m−1K−2 at room temperature, electrical wires for switching on light emitting diods (LEDs), and source–drain electrodes for p‐ and n‐type organic field‐effect transistors. Ambient stability, eco‐friendly composition, and solution‐processability further validate their sustainable and practical applicability. The present study provides a simple but very effective method for significantly increasing charge carrier concentrations in semiconducting colloidal NCs to achieve metallic properties, which is applicable to various optoelectronic devices.
Solid‐State Electrolytes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Latest Progresses and Prospects
Authors: Xian Chunxiang , Wang Qiyue , Xia Yang , Cao Feng , Shen Shenghui , Zhang Yongqi , Chen Minghua , Zhong Yu , Zhang Jun , He Xinping , Xia Xinhui , Zhang Wenkui , Tu Jiangping
Published: March 2023

Solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries (SSLSBs) have attracted tremendous research interest due to their large theoretical energy density and high safety, which are highly important indicators for the development of next‐generation energy storage devices. Particularly, safety and “shuttle effect” issues originating from volatile and flammable liquid organic electrolytes can be fully mitigated by switching to a solid‐state configuration. However, their road to thecommercial application is still plagued with numerous challenges, most notably the intrinsic electrochemical instability of solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) materials and their interfacial compatibility with electrodes and electrolytes. In this review, a critical discussion on the key issues and problems of different types of SSEs as well as the corresponding optimization strategies are first highlighted. Then, the state‐of‐the‐art preparation methods and properties of different kinds of SSE materials, and their manufacture, characterization and performance in SSLSBs are summarized in detail. Finally, a scientific outlook for the future development of SSEs and the avenue to commercial application of SSLSBs is also proposed.
A soft computing approach for software defect density prediction
Authors: Azzeh Mohammad , Alqasrawi Yousef , Elsheikh Yousef
Published: March 2023

Defect density is an essential software testing and maintenance aspect that determines the quality of software products. It is used as a management factor to distribute limited human resources successfully. The availability of public defect datasets facilitates building defect density prediction models using established static code metrics. Since the data gathered for software modules are often subject to uncertainty, it becomes difficult to deliver accurate and reliable predictions. To alleviate this issue, we propose a new prediction model that integrates gray system theory and fuzzy logic to handle the imprecision in software measurement. We propose a new similarity measure that combines the benefits of fuzzy logic and gray relational analysis. The proposed model was validated against defect density prediction models using public defect datasets. The defect density variable is frequently sparse because of the vast number of none‐defected modules in the datasets. Therefore, we also check our proposed model's performance against the sparsity level. The findings reveal that the developed model surpasses other defect density prediction models over the datasets with high and very high sparsity ratios. The ensemble learning techniques are competitive choices to the proposed model when the sparsity ratio is relatively small. On the other hand, the statistical regression models were the most inadequate methods for such problems and datasets. Finally, the proposed model was evaluated against different degrees of uncertainty using a sensitivity analysis procedure. The results showed that our model behaves stably under different degrees of uncertainty.
Performance assessment of recycled aggregate concrete and its variability
Authors: Gaurav Govind , Kotoky Needhi , Jittin V. , Bahurudeen A.
Published: March 2023

The use of recycled aggregate improves waste management and is a crucial step toward the sustainable development of the concrete industry. Hence, this paper presents the experimental investigation to determine the mechanical properties of concrete with recycled concrete aggregates as the selective substitution for natural aggregates. The slump was observed to decrease by replacing natural coarse aggregates with recycled concrete aggregates. Compressive strength of about 40 MPa was achieved after 56 days of curing with the utilization of 100% recycled concrete aggregates. Besides, a reduction in the splitting tensile strength of 14% was observed due to the incorporation of recycled concrete aggregates. The statistical techniques use various probability distribution models such as Gamma, Lognormal, Weibull, and Normal distributions. Amongst the considered functions, lognormal and Weibull distributions best represent the experimentally obtained compressive strength of concrete with 100% natural aggregates and 50% recycled concrete aggregates, respectively. However, for concrete with 100% recycled aggregates, Weibull distribution represent compressive strength after 28 days of curing, and lognormal distribution is given the best fit for the compressive after 56 days of curing. In the case of split tensile strength, lognormal distribution provided the best representation after 56 days of curing for all specimens.
Doctors are leaving!
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: March 2023

In this editorial, Professor Roger Kirby, Editor‐in‐Chief of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, reflects on the reasons for and consequences of increasing numbers of doctors leaving the NHS.
Olfactory identification, cognition, depressive symptoms, and 5-year mortality in patients with subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Pusswald Gisela , Dapić Blaz , Bum Carina , Schernhammer Eva , Stögmann Elisabeth , Lehrner Johann
Published: March 2023

Objective

An association between odor and cognitive impairment has been shown in many studies. The objective of the present hospital-based, single-center retrospective study was to assess the impact of odor impairment on the mortality of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Odor function was measured by Sniffin Sticks (Burghart Messtechnik, Holm, Germany) and the assessment of self-reported olfactory functioning and olfaction-related quality of life (ASOF) test. Cognitive performance was assessed by an extensive neuropsychological test battery, symptoms of depression were diagnosed with the Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS). The influence of demographic factors such as gender, age, and education were examined.

Results

Although the univariate analyses and pairwise post hoc comparison showed significant differences for some of the olfactory performance tests/subtests, the multivariate models showed no association between olfactory test performance and mortality among patients with cognitive impairment. “Attention,” a domain of the Neuropsychological Test Battery Vienna (NTBV), as well as depressive symptoms, gender, and age, showed a significant influence on the mortality of the patient group.

Conclusion

Lower olfactory performance showed no impact on mortality. However, decreased cognitive function of “Attention” can be considered as an influential predictor for mortality.
Agreements, Behaviour, and Change: Sex Outside the Relationship in Male HIV-negative Partners in HIV Serodiscordant Relationships in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand
Authors: Gray James , Prestage Garrett , Jin Fengyi , Phanuphak Nittaya , Friedman Ruth K. , Fairley Christopher K , Kelleher Anthony , Templeton David J , Zablotska-Manos Iryna , Hoy Jennifer , McNulty Anna , Baker David , Brown Graham , Grulich Andrew , Bavinton Benjamin ,   for the Opposites Attract study group
Published: March 2023

Male HIV serodiscordant couples have diverse relationship agreements regarding sex outside the relationship. We examined the relationship agreements as described by 343 male HIV-negative partners in HIV serodiscordant relationships in Australia, Brazil and Thailand participating in a multi-year cohort study. At baseline, 125 (34.1%) HIV-negative partners reported no agreement, 115 (33.5%) had a monogamous agreement, and 103 (37.9%) had an open agreement allowing sex outside the relationship. Relationship agreements were largely stable over time, with 76% of HIV-negative men reporting the same agreement across follow up, while changes were predominantly towards having an open agreement. Behaviour largely matched relationship agreements, and the predictors of breaking an agreement by having condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) with an outside partner were CLAI within the relationship (OR = 3.17, 95%CI: 1.64–6.14, p < 0.001) and PrEP use in the last three months (OR = 3.42, 95%CI: 1.48–7.92, p = 0.004). When considering HIV transmission risk for HIV-negative men in serodiscordant relationships, greater focus needs to be placed on sex that is occurring outside the relationship and the agreements that facilitate this.
Permafrost Monitoring from Space
Authors: Bartsch Annett , Strozzi Tazio , Nitze Ingmar
Published: March 2023

Permafrost is a sub-ground phenomenon and therefore cannot be directly observed from space. It is an Essential Climate Variable and associated with climate tipping points. Multi-annual time series of permafrost ground temperatures can be, however, derived through modelling of the heat transfer between atmosphere and ground using landsurface temperature, snow- and landcover observations from space. Results show that the northern hemisphere permafrost ground temperatures have increased on average by about one degree Celsius since 2000. This is in line with trends of permafrost proxies observable from space: surface water extent has been decreasing across the Arctic; the landsurface is subsiding continuously in some regions indicating ground ice melt; hot summers triggered increased subsidence as well as thaw slumps; rock glaciers are accelerating in some mountain regions. The applicability of satellite data for permafrost proxy monitoring has been demonstrated mostly on a local to regional scale only. There is still a lack of consistency of acquisitions and of very high spatial resolution observations. Both are needed for implementation of circumpolar monitoring of lowland permafrost. In order to quantify the impacts of permafrost thaw on the carbon cycle, advancement in wetland and atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration monitoring from space is needed.
Optimization of magnetic fluid hyperthermia protocols for the elimination of breast cancer cells MCF7 using Mn-Zn ferrite ferrofluid
Authors: Bhardwaj Anand , Parekh Kinnari , Jain Neeraj
Published: March 2023

The present study aimed to optimize magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) protocols by standardizing MF incubation time, hyperthermic duration, magnetic field, and MFH sessions to achieve a better hyperthermic response for the profuse killing of human breast cancer cell cells MCF7. Magnetic nanoparticles and MF were characterized using XRD, VSM, and DLS. Induction heating was performed for 30 min at field strengths of 12.5 and 13.3 kA/m at a fixed frequency of 330 kHz with varying concentrations and incubation duration on MCF7 cells. Single and multiple sessions hyperthermia protocols were used to kill MCF7 cells and the cytotoxicity effect was analyzed using MTT assay. Single and multiple sessions MFH protocols were established to kill breast cancer cells utilizing 0.2 mg/mL MF at 13.3 kA/m field and 330 kHz frequency and maintaining the hyperthermic temperature of 43–45 °C for 30 min. The single session MFH revealed severe toxicity of MF leading to more than 75% of cell death after 24 h of MF incubation. Multiple sessions hyperthermia resulted in more than 90% killing of MCF7 cells after two consequent 3 h MF incubation with 3 h gap. Each 3 h of MF incubation was followed by 30 min of induction heating. Multiple sessions hyperthermia was effective in killing a larger cell population compared to the single session protocol. The results may help in optimizing protocols for the profuse killing of cancer cells of multiple origins, and aid in deciding futuristic in vivo MFH-based therapeutic strategies against breast cancer.

Graphical Abstract
The discontinuum of river networks: the importance of geomorphic boundaries
Authors: Scown Murray W. , Thoms Martin C.
Published: March 2023

Context

Rivers are heterogeneous landscapes characterised by distinct patches separated by boundaries. The significance of tributaries as dominant geomorphic boundaries in determining the character of the river discontinuum is a prevailing, yet largely unscrutinised, paradigm of river science.

Objectives

This study examines the spatial organisation and strength of geomorphic boundaries within the river network of 10 drainage basins in the Kimberley region of NW Australia. The possible drivers of the spatial organisation of boundaries throughout the river networks are also identified.

Methods

Using a suite of GIS tools and statistical analyses, distinct rivers zones or functional process zones (FPZs) and the strength of geomorphic boundaries between these FPZs were empirically determined for > 35,700 km of river network. The spatial distribution of boundary strengths throughout the river network was analysed against a set of environmental variables hypothesised to influence the location of boundaries, specifically: lithology, slope, elevation, and tributary confluences.

Results

1410 boundaries were identified in the river network of the Kimberley region, an average of one boundary every 25 km of river. Only 32% of these occurred at river confluences. Transitions between different FPZs – large scale river patches, present in the river network were the dominant geomorphic boundary. Although a range of boundary strengths occurred, some river confluences represented the strongest geomorphic boundaries. The location of geomorphic boundaries was significantly associated with the boundary between different types of lithologies.

Conclusion

Our analysis shows that the river network of the Kimberley region is naturally highly fragmented, and that tributary confluences are not the dominant control on discontinuities in the river network. We suggest that the character of river network fragmentation depends not only on dams, waterfalls, and confluences, but also on the strength and spatial organisation of geomorphic boundaries between FPZs.