bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing fisheries for blue carbon management: Why size matters
Authors: Falciani Jonathan E. , Grigoratou Maria , Pershing Andrew J.
Published: November 2022

Fish contribute to the export of carbon out of the euphotic zone. They ingest organic carbon fixed by phytoplankton, store it in their tissues for their lifetime, and contribute to long‐term sequestration by producing sinking fecal pellets, respiring at depth, or via their own sinking carcasses. While the flux of carbon through fish is small relative to the export flux by plankton, humans have a direct influence on fish communities and thus on the magnitude of carbon storage and flux. We use a size spectrum model to examine the combined effect of fishing and trophic dynamics on the total carbon stored as biomass of a simulated community of fish. By sampling 10,500 possible fishing strategies that randomize fishing mortality and size‐selectivity, we consider optimal strategies that balance several UN Sustainable Development Goals addressing (1) food security, (2) climate action, and (3) marine conservation. The model shows that fishery management strategies that preferentially conserve large species increase overall carbon stored in the fish community. This study presents a perspective for considering carbon storage and sequestration in fisheries management alongside alternative objectives such as food production and biodiversity conservation. Our study focused on the state (total carbon in the living community). Incorporating rate processes like fecal pellet flux, vertical migration, and natural mortality would build toward a more holistic carbon approach to fisheries management.
Integrated Chalcogenide Photonics for Microresonator Soliton Combs
Authors: Xia Di , Yang Zelin , Zeng Pingyang , Zhang Bin , Wu Jiayue , Wang Zifu , Zhao Jiaxin , Huang Jianteng , Luo Liyang , Liu Dong , Yang Shuixian , Guo Hairun , Li Zhaohui
Published: November 2022

Integrated nonlinear photonics, combined nonlinear optics with state‐of‐the‐art photonic integration, play a crucial role in chip‐integrated technologies including optical frequency combs, molecular spectroscopy, and quantum optics. Optical materials with favorable properties are the foundation to promote integrated photonic devices with bandwidth, efficiency, and flexibility in high‐volume chip‐scale fabrication. In this work, a newly developed chalcogenide glass‐Ge25Sb10S65 (GeSbS) is presented for nonlinear photonic integration and for dissipative soliton microcomb generation. The GeSbS features wide transparency (0.5–10 µm), strong nonlinearity (1.3 × 10−18 m2 W−1), and low thermo‐refractive coefficient (3.1 × 10−5 K−1), and is complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible in fabrication. In this platform, chip‐integrated optical microresonators with an average intrinsic quality (Q) factor of ≈1.97 × 106 are implemented, and lithographically controlled dispersion engineering is carried out. In particular, both a bright soliton‐based microcomb with bandwidth of 240 nm (≈1440–1680 nm) and a dark‐pulse comb with bandwidth of 80 nm (≈1510–1590 nm) are generated in a single microresonator in its separated fundamental polarized mode families.The ten‐milliwatt level of soliton microcomb operation power facilitates the monolithically integrated photonic circuits.  The results provide a potential material platform for integrated nonlinear photonics for highly compact and high‐intensity nonlinear interactions in visible and infrared regions.
Stability for localized integral operators on weighted spaces of homogeneous type
Authors: Fang Qiquan , Shin Chang Eon , Tao Xiangxing
Published: November 2022

Linear operators with off‐diagonal decay appear in many areas of mathematics including harmonic and numerical analysis, and their stability is one of the basic assumptions. In this paper, we consider a family of localized integral operators in the Beurling algebra with kernels having mild singularity near the diagonal and certain Hölder continuity property, and prove that their weighted stabilities for different exponents and Muckenhoupt weights are equivalent to each other on a space of homogeneous type with Ahlfors regular measure.
Corrosion of rebars in recycled glass concrete under tropical marine environment
Authors: Hoil‐Canul E. , Maldonado‐López L. , Díaz‐Ballote L. , Casanova‐Calam G.
Published: November 2022

This study demonstrates the potential use of recycled powder glass as cement replacement to prepare durable concrete and avoid infrastructure corrosion in tropical marine environments using limestone as fine and coarse aggregates. Samples for corrosion measurements were prepared with #3 (∼9.5 mm) bars and without reinforcement for carbonation, chloride penetration, and mechanical strength tests. Powder glass was used as partial cement replacement by 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % (weight percent). Over two years, the corrosion behavior of rebars was recorded through corrosion potential measurements and linear polarization resistance. In addition, carbonation depth and chloride penetration were analyzed from samples that were not reinforced. Results showed that replacing cement with glass does not change the mechanical strength at 28 days, but after 90 days of curing showed an increment as a function of time and recycled glass powder amount. The chloride penetration and the carbonation front are reduced substantially. Consequently, a moderate corrosion level was observed when the corrosion onset was established. Excellent corrosion protection was identified for a 0.70 water to cement ratio and 5 % cement replacement.
Study on characterization methods of the deformation properties of soft material polydimethylsiloxane using the indentation test
Authors: Tang Q. , Qian S. , Zhou S. , Ni Z. , Bian D.
Published: November 2022

Soft materials are widely used in biomedical and flexible electronics fields, while their deformation properties are affected by many factors. It is difficult to obtain accurate characteristic parameters using common test methods. In this work, polydimethylsiloxane is used as the tested object, and the samples with different mass ratios of curing agent/base and thicknesses are prepared. The deformation properties of polydimethylsiloxane under the conditions of different loads and two indenters are investigated using the experiment and finite element analysis, and the factors affecting its deformation properties are discussed. The results demonstrate that the elastic modulus of polydimethylsiloxane is positively correlated with the content of curing agent, and the load has no significant role in its deformation properties. The correlation coefficients between the indentation tests and finite element results are in excess of 0.92. The difference between the modulus of the spherical indentation mode and the elastic modulus of the standard tensile test is lower than 3 %, while the flat‐ended indentation mode is more applicable to characterizing deformation properties of soft materials with variable thickness. These results will provide a new insight into the deformation characterization of soft materials.
Analysis of NRD guide devices using rigorous two‐dimensional full‐vectorial FDTD method
Authors: Bashir Tahir , Morimoto Keita , Iguchi Akito , Tsuji Yasuhide , Kashiwa Tatsuya
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a rigorous two‐dimensional full‐vectorial finite difference time domain (2D‐FVFDTD) method is developed for an efficient analysis of nonradiative dielectric waveguide (NRD guide) devices with three‐dimensional structure. A Convolutional perfectly matched layer is employed as an absorbing boundary condition. Furthermore, we have established a rigorous formulation for estimating the modal power of each and mode. We confirmed the validity of the proposed method through the analysis of NRD crossing and T‐branch guide devices. Excellent accuracy is achieved by the cross comparison of 2D‐FVFDTD results with recently developed two‐dimensional full vectorial finite element method.
Designing a quality assurance process for quality control of nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics studies of human blood
Authors: Muti Isabella H. , Gonzalez Sanchez‐Dahl Matteo , Zhong Anya B. , Weng JianXiang , Füzesi Mark V. , Kivisäkk Pia , Hyman Bradley T. , Arnold Steven E. , Feldman Adam S. , Mercaldo Nathaniel D. , Cheng Leo L.
Published: November 2022

High‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics has demonstrated its utility in studies of biofluids for various diseases. HRMAS NMR spectroscopy is uniquely well suited for analyzing human blood samples because of the small quantity of samples and minimal preparation required. To develop this methodology into standardized clinical protocols, establishment of the method's quality assurance (QA) and evaluations of its quality control (QC) are critical. This study aims to assess the QA/QC measured from human blood specimens in the form of serum and plasma through within‐subject and between‐subject comparisons, as well as stability and consistency comparisons over several freezing–thawing cycles of sample storage conditions, and most importantly, the agreement of pooled control samples against individual samples.
Tri(3‐alkoxyl‐3‐oxopropyl) phosphine oxides derived from PH3 tail gas as a novel phosphorus‐containing plasticizer for polylactide
Authors: Liu Qing‐Wen , Hong Yu‐Lin , Wang Chang , Liu Yun , Liu Cheng‐Mei
Published: November 2022

Preparing a polylactide (PLA)/plasticizer system has been regarded as an effective solution to improve the ductility of brittle PLA. In this reach, a novel type of alkyl phosphine oxides consisting of three aliphatic ester substituents was prepared from PH3 tail gas, and its potential to be employed as a PLA plasticizer was studied. Differential scanning calorimeter tests confirmed that the newly‐prepared plasticizer decreased the Tg of PLA (28 wt% plasticizer) from 52°C (neat PLA) to 11°C, and increased the elongation at break from 11% (neat PLA) to 271% (plasticized PLA). X‐ray diffraction results showed that the crystallization degree of PLA (28 wt% plasticizer) increased from 0.12% of neat PLA to 14.04%, while Young's modulus of PLA remained as high as 121.3 MPa, which was much higher than that of the PLA/citrate ester systems with same plasticizer content. These novel phosphorus‐containing plasticizers exhibited excellent thermal stability and a weight‐loss of the system no more than 2.5% at 180°C; therefore, no unpleasant volatiles were released during processing. In contrast, the weight loss of the PLA/citrate system was as high as 10.8% at 180°C, forming heavy fog with an unpleasant smell during thermal mixing. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the microstructure of the PLA/plasticizer systems, which indicated that the carboxylic butyl ester‐containing phosphine oxides was compatible with PLA matrix.
Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of graphene nanoplatelets‐reinforced polyamide11/poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites
Authors: Ucpinar Durmaz Bedriye , Aytac Ayse
Published: November 2022

The present paper aims to obtain a sustainable nanocomposite by using bio‐based polyamide 11 and biodegradable poly (lactic acid) blend as matrix and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) as nanofiller. GNP was incorporated in the PA11/PLA blend matrix in the ratio of 0.5‐1‐3‐5‐10 wt% through the twin‐screw extruder. The crystallinity of PA11 in the blend, which was 12.9%, increased with the inclusion of GNP, and the highest crystallinity value was observed at 20% for the 1GNP sample. The crystallinity of PLA in the blend, which was 2.3%, increased to 4.6% with 5 wt% GNP addition. The inclusion of GNP to PA11/PLA improved the thermal degradation temperatures and increase the char residue. Also, increments were observed for storage modulus, loss modulus, and glass transition temperature of the matrix with the inclusion of GNP. The addition of GNP caused the tensile strength of the matrix to increase first and then decrease at higher amounts due to the agglomerations. 0.5–1 wt% GNP increased tensile strength by 10% and 5%, respectively. Increasing the amount of GNP to 10 wt% led to a sharp decrease in tensile strength by 24%. Overall, GNP is a suitable nanofiller to enhance the thermal and mechanical features of the PA11/PLA blend.
Thermal history of the permafrost zone in the vicinity of the deep Tyumen SG‐6 well, West Siberian Basin
Authors: Galushkin Yu. I.
Published: November 2022

A new software package, ICE2020 of the GALO basin modeling system, is used here to model the thermal evolution of permafrost zones in a sedimentary section of the Tyumen SG‐6 well in the Koltogor–Urengoy graben of the West Siberia Basin. Reconstruction of permafrost evolution during the last 3.5 Ma is considered as the final stage of the modeling procedure of the basin, the history of which began with continental rifting in the Late Permian. The modeling uses a real sedimentary section of the basin with the correct lithological composition of its rocks. Application of the ICE2020 package made it possible to evaluate the influence of sedimentation on the formation of permafrost zones. The calculations showed that climate variations during the Late Pliocene–Holocene led to a reduction in rock temperatures by 15–20°C in the upper 1,500 m of the sedimentary section of the SG‐6 well and by 5–10°C in the deeper layers of the section. At the same time, the results of calculations with a climate curve limited to the last 50,000 and 100,000 years differ markedly from simulations with a climate curve of the last 3.5 Ma.
Predicting the correct dose in children: Role of computational Pediatric Physiological‐based pharmacokinetics modeling tools
Authors: Zhou Xu , Dun Jiening , Chen Xiao , Xiang Bai , Dang Yunjie , Cao Deying
Published: November 2022

The pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety of medications in particular groups can be predicted using the physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Using the PBPK model may enable safe pediatric clinical trials and speed up the process of new drug research and development, especially for children, a population in which it is relatively difficult to conduct clinical trials. This review summarizes the role of pediatric PBPK (P‐PBPK) modeling software in dose prediction over the past 6 years and briefly introduces the process of general P‐PBPK modeling. We summarized the theories and applications of this software and discussed the application trends and future perspectives in the area. The modeling software's extensive use will undoubtedly make it easier to predict dose prediction for young patients.
Influence of Air Annealing on Optical and Scintillation Properties of YAG:Pr,Ca
Authors: Derdzyan Marina V. , Hovhannesyan Karine L. , Santos Sabrina N. C. , Dujardin Christophe , Petrosyan Ashot G.
Published: November 2022

Single crystals of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) with Pr3+ and Ca2+ ions grown by the vertical Bridgman method are submitted to air anneal. The influence of this process on optical absorption, photo‐, and radioluminescence is investigated in a set of samples with different concentrations of Pr and Ca. Absorption induced by the heat treatment in the 300–600 nm range in YAG:Pr,Ca is discussed, in comparison with that in YAG:Ca crystals. Photo‐ and radioluminescence spectra in as‐grown and air‐annealed samples recorded at room temperature are discussed. The features of emission decrease at 5d–4f and 4f–4f transitions of Pr3+ ions after heat treatment are considered.
Renal transporter OAT1 and PPAR‐α pathway co‐contribute to icaritin‐induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Wang Dalong , Liu Jing , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Jing , Zhao Tingting , Du Jie , Wang Changyuan , Meng Qiang , Sun Huijun , Wang Fangjun , Liu Kexin , Wu Jingjing
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the potential nephrotoxicity of icaritin and the underlying mechanism by in vitro–in vivo experiment technology combined with proteomics technology. First, icaritin showed a significant cytotoxic effect on HK‐2 cells, which was accompanied by increased LDH and TNF‐α in the supernatant, decreased protein expressions of Bcl‐2 and increased Bax and enhanced apoptosis of HK‐2 cells as measured by TUNEL staining. Moreover, icaritin induced obvious tubular damage and up‐regulation of BUN and CRE levels in plasma in mice. Second, intracellular uptake of icaritin was considerably higher in hOAT1‐HEK293 cells than in mock‐HEK293 cells, suggesting that icaritin might accumulate in renal cells via OAT1 uptake. Importantly, icaritin caused significant changes in the PPAR signaling pathway in HK2 cells through proteomic analysis. Then, in vitro and in vivo results verified that icaritin significantly downregulated the protein expression of PPAR‐α as well as downregulated APOB, ACSL3, ACSL4, and upregulated 5/12/15‐HETE, implying that a lipid metabolism disorder was involved in the icaritin‐induced nephrotoxicity. Finally, icaritin was found to increase the accumulation of iron and LPO levels while reducing the activity of GPX4, suggesting that ferroptosis was involved in the nephrotoxicity induced by icaritin.
Bayesian analysis of designed reliability improvement experiments with application to adaptive termination
Authors: Wang Guodong , Shao Mengying , Li Jing , Lv Shanshan , Kong Xiangfen , Zhou Yan
Published: November 2022

In reliability improvement experiments, engineers are very interested in which factors affect the reliability of products. Furthermore, they hope to terminate experiment early without affecting the identified results. In this article, we assume the shape and scale parameters of Weibull distributions vary with experimental factors, and construct a Bayesian framework to identify important factors. We model the relationships between the parameters of Weibull distributions and experimental factors, and determine important factors based on Bayesian credibility intervals. Because the proposed method can analyze lifetime data with heavy censoring, we adaptive terminate experiment through estimating and comparing model coefficients under different experiment times. The results show that experiment time is shortened while the important factors are not changed.
Patient‐derived pancreatic tumour organoid implantation establishes novel pre‐cachexia mouse models
Authors: Aberle Merel R. , Vaes Rianne D.W. , van de Worp Wouter R.P.H. , Dubois Ludwig J. , Lieuwes Natasja G. , Biemans Rianne , Langen Ramon C.J. , van Schooten Frederik‐Jan , van Dam Ronald M. , Damink Steven W.M. Olde , Rensen Sander S.
Published: November 2022

Background

The poor survival of pancreatic cancer patients is largely attributable to cachexia, a syndrome of severe weight and muscle loss. To investigate the aetiology of cancer cachexia, preclinical models that closely recapitulate the human disease process are essential. Patient derived tumour organoids are promising novel cancer models, but their ability to induce cachexia in mice has not been investigated. We developed two pancreatic tumour organoid‐based mouse models and demonstrate their potential for cancer cachexia research.

Methods

Two patients with pancreatic cancer, from whom tumour organoid cultures were previously established, were selected based on their cachexia phenotype. Patient 09 was characterized as cachectic according to the international consensus definition of cancer cachexia, whereas patient 12 was classified as non‐cachectic. Organoid cultures PANCO‐09b and PANCO‐12a in basement membrane extract (BME) were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of 9‐weeks old NMRI‐Foxn1nu mice (n = 8/group). A control group was injected with BME only (n = 4). Body weight was monitored every 2–3 days for 38 days. Hind limb muscle wet and dry weights were measured. Adipocyte size in inguinal white adipose tissue was measured using haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections. Expression of genes associated with cancer cachexia in muscle and liver tissue was analysed using qPCR.

Results

Engraftment of tumour organoids was successful in 87.5% of PANCO‐09b implanted mice and in 50% of PANCO‐12a mice, with similar average tumour weights at endpoint (34.4 ± 25.1 mg vs. 32.8 ± 40.2 mg, respectively, P = 0.450). All groups initially gained weight, but PANCO‐12a implanted mice progressively lost an average body weight of 1.7 ± 0.8 g from day 28 onwards. PANCO‐12a‐implanted mice gained significantly less weight from baseline than controls (0.7 ± 0.6 g, P = 0.027). Overall body weight gain of PANCO‐09b mice was also lower but not significantly different from controls (2.0 ± 1.2 g vs. 2.9 ± 1.6 g, P = 0.961). Wet weights of hind leg muscles were negatively correlated with tumour weight but did not differ between groups. Adipocytes of PANCO‐12a implanted mice were smaller compared to SHAM as well as PANCO09b mice (P < 0.0001), indicative of white adipose tissue wasting.

Conclusions

Implantation of human pancreatic tumour organoids into mice negatively affects their body weight, but does not recapitulate body weight loss of donor patients. The reduced adipocyte size and inverse correlation between tumour weights and muscle weights in these mice are consistent with early‐stage cachexia or pre‐cachexia. This study shows that implantation of tumour organoids into mice provides a valuable model to investigate the processes underlying the heterogeneous presentation of cancer cachexia.
Compositional nutrient diagnosis and associated yield predictions in maize: A case study in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria
Authors: Shehu Bello Muhammad , Garba Ismail Ibrahim , Jibrin Jibrin Mohammed , Kamara Alpha Yaya , Adam Adam Muhammad , Craufurd Peter , Aliyu Kamaluddin Tijjani , Rurinda Jairos , Merckx Roel
Published: November 2022

Developing optimal strategies for nutrient management of soils and crops at a larger scale requires an understanding of nutrient limitations and imbalances. The availability of extensive data (n = 1,781) from 2‐yr nutrient omission trials in the most suitable agroecological zone for maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria (i.e., the northern Guinea savanna) provides an opportunity to assess nutrient limitations and imbalances using the concept of multi‐ratio compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND). We also compared and contrasted the use of linear regression models and bootstrap forest machine learning to predict maize yield based on nutrient concentration in ear leaves. The results showed that 35% of the experimental plots had low yields due to nutrient imbalances (hereafter referred to as low yield imbalanced [LYI]). These experimental plots were dominated by control plots (without any nutrients applied), plots without N fertilization, and plots without P fertilization. Using the control plot as the ultimate indicator of nutrient imbalance, the significantly limiting nutrients in order of decreasing frequency of deficiency were N, P, S, Ca > Cu, and B. Both linear regression and bootstrap forest machine learning models fairly predicted maize grain yield based on nutrient concentration in ear leaves only in the LYI group and when examining all data with an independent validation dataset. These results suggest that nutrient management strategies, especially through the site‐specific management approach, should consider S, Ca, Cu, and B in addition to the existing nutrients N, P, and K to improve nutrient balance and maize yield in the study area.
Synthesis, Self‐Aggregation, Interfacial Behavior and Interaction Studies of Non‐ Cytotoxic Caffeinium‐Based Surface Active Ionic Liquids with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Authors: Arif Rabia , Nadeem Masood , Rizvi M. Moshahid Alam , Shaheen Arifa
Published: November 2022

Caffeinium‐based surface‐active ionic liquids (SAILs), (1‐(2‐alkanoyl oxy) ethylcaffeinium bromide), [CnEcaf]Br with variable chain length (n=12, 14, 16) were synthesized and their molecular structures were explored by multiple spectral techniques. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of pure SAILs and their mixtures with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SAIL‐DS) in aqueous solution was determined by employing various techniques at 298 K. The tensiometry and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques have been employed to gain insight about the interfacial behavior and aggregate size of cat‐anionic mixtures in aqueous solution. Interestingly, the interaction parameters (
) showed strong synergism between these two oppositely charged molecules. Further, it was found that SAIL‐DS cat‐anionic mixtures exhibit excellent adsorption efficacy and are more effective in lowering the surface tension of water as compared to pure SAILs. The DLS results showed the formation of mixed‐size aggregates in SAIL‐DS systems. The contact angle and wetting properties of pure SAILs over the parafilm surface were also determined using a static sessile drop method. Further, MTT assay was used to determine the biocompatibility of SAILs on Human embryonic kidney (HEK‐293) cell line and in‐vitro anti‐cancer activity on Lung cancer cells (A549). These SAILs displayed substantial cytotoxicity against cancerous cells, indicating that they could be useful in a variety of biological applications.
Transition Metal CatalysedC‐SCross‐Coupling Reactions at Room Temperature.
Authors: Behera Pradyota Kumar , Choudhury Prabhupada , Behera Papita , Swain Amlan , Pradhan Amit Kumar , Rout Laxmidhar
Published: November 2022

Transition metal catalysed formation ofCsp2‐Sbond through cross‐coupling reaction stands important and powerful tools in synthetic organic chemistry. The reaction constitutes an important strategy for the synthesis of thioethers that possess diverse biological activities in medicine and agriculture. Nonetheless, maintaining reaction temperature duringCsp2‐Scross‐coupling reaction decides fate of desired product along with possibility of by‐product and disulfides. The economy of process, safety and environmental issue demands thioether synthesis at mild condition and room temperature. Only very few reactions were successful under mild condition using Pd, Cu, Ni, Ni−Ir and Ir catalyst. The current prospective summarizes the best protocols used for efficientCsp2‐Scross‐coupling reactions by transition metal catalyst under mild condition.
Super‐Large‐Scale Hierarchically Porous Films Based on Self‐Assembled Eye‐Like Air Pores for High‐Performance Daytime Radiative Cooling
Authors: Tian Qing , Tu Xitao , Yang Liu , Liu Haibo , Zhou Yubo , Xing Yuxin , Chen Zhe , Fan Shanhui , Evans Julian , He Sailing
Published: November 2022

Metal‐free polymer daytime radiative cooling coatings with hierarchical eye‐like air pores are proposed and fabricated with a super‐large‐scale film‐stretching method. The hierarchically porous film (HPF) can be further coated with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) micro‐hemispheres, forming coated HPF (cHPF), which do not dramatically change the optical or thermal properties. The cHPF is slightly better with a lower solar absorptivity (2.4%) and a higher thermal emissivity over the atmospheric transparency window (90.1%). The low solar absorptivity is due to the strong scattering of the hierarchical eye‐like air pores, while the molecular vibrations and the focusing effect of the PMMA micro‐hemispheres contribute to the high emissivity. An average mid‐day temperature reduction of 7.92 °C is achieved relative to the air temperature, and the average cooling power reaches 116.0 W m−2, which are much better than the cooling performances of the commercial cooling cushion. During the day, the cHPF‐covered simulated building is up to 6.47 and 4.84 °C cooler than the ambient and the white painted counterpart, respectively. The film is durable and resistant to chemical etching, and very promising to use globally, especially in warm and tropical regions.
Iron Single Atoms‐Assisted Cobalt Nitride Nanoparticles to Strengthen the Cycle Life of Rechargeable Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yu Peng , Xing Gengyu , Xie Ying , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Guangying , Sun Fanfei , Wang Lei
Published: November 2022

The development of nonprecious metal catalysts with both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR/OER) is very important for Zn–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a Co5.47N particles and Fe single atoms co‐doped hollow carbon nanofiber self‐supporting membrane (H‐CoFe@NCNF) is synthesized by a coaxial electrospinning strategy combined with pyrolysis. X‐ray absorption fine spectroscopy analyses confirm the state of the cobalt nitride and Fe single atoms. As a result, H‐CoFe@NCNF exhibits a superior bifunctional performance of Eonset = 0.96 V for ORR, and Ej = 10 = 1.68 V for OER. Density functional theory calculations show that H‐CoFe@NCNF has a moderate binding strength to oxygen due to the coexistence of nanoparticle and single atoms. Meanwhile, the Co site is more favorable to the OER, while the Fe site facilitates the ORR, and the proton and charge transfer between N and metal atoms further lower the reaction barriers. The liquid ZAB composed of H‐CoFe@NCNF has a charge–discharge performance of ≈1100 h and a peak power density of 205 mW cm−2. The quasi‐solid‐state ZAB assembled by the self‐supporting membrane of H‐CoFe@NCNF is proven to operate stably in any bending condition.
Fascinating Electrical Transport Behavior of Topological Insulator Bi2Te3 Nanorods: Toward Electrically Responsive Smart Materials
Authors: Hou Zhi‐Ling , Ma Xiaomei , Zhang Junying , Li Chuanjian , Wang Yilin , Cao Maosheng
Published: November 2022

Electrical conductivity and dielectric parameters are general inherent features of materials. Controlling these characteristics through applied bias will add a new dimension to regulate the dynamic response of smart materials. Here, a fascinating electrical transport behavior is observed in topological insulator (TI) Bi2Te3 nanorods, which will play a vital role in intelligent materials or devices as a unit for information reception, processing or feedback. The Bi2Te3 nanorod aggregates exhibit a monotonic resistance response to voltage, with observed four‐fold change of electrical conductivity in a small range electric field of 1 V mm−1. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of Bi2Te3 nanorod composites also show strong dependences on bias voltage due to the unique electrical transport characteristics. The unique voltage‐controlled electrical responses are attributed to the change of Fermi levels within the band structure of disordered TI nanorods, which are non‐parallel to the applied electric field. The excellent controllable inherent characteristics through electric field endows Bi2Te3 nanomaterials bright prospects for applications in smart devices and resistive random access memories.
Surveying dog owners' use and understanding of, and communication with veterinarians about, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine
Authors: Keller Pia , Vanwesenbeeck Ini , Decloedt Annelies
Published: November 2022

Background

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) seems to be gaining acceptance by pet owners. Client–veterinarian communication about CAVM is important to explore client perceptions and facilitate open exchange of ideas between owners and veterinarians.

Methods

This study includes an online, cross‐sectional survey of dog owners to evaluate CAVM use and client–veterinarian communication about CAVM. Based on the extended theory of planned behaviour, factors influencing the intention to use CAVM were evaluated.

Results

Past CAVM use was reported by 45.3% clients based on 1000 valid surveys. The attitude towards CAVM was generally positive. Perceived knowledge about CAVM positively predicted perceived behavioural control and attitude towards CAVM. Both were the strongest predictors of future CAVM use. Around 45.7% of clients had already talked to their veterinarian about CAVM. This conversation was mainly initiated by the owner (66.3%). Owners expected the veterinarian to have knowledge about CAVM (91.5%) and offer referral (71.5%).

Limitations

The limitation is difficulty in classifying and defining CAVM modalities.

Conclusions

Owners' perceived behavioural control and attitude towards CAVM predict CAVM use. Failure to engage in a conversation about CAVM hampers clients to partner with veterinarians to discuss the treatment approach and maximise patient outcome. The veterinarian plays an essential role in providing objective accurate information about CAVM.
Calls grow for global avian flu jabs
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: November 2022

Amid an unprecedented epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza sweeping the Northern hemisphere, experts from around the world gathered in Paris for a two‐day meeting to discuss whether – and how – to vaccinate poultry in Europe and North America. Josh Loeb was there to witness an extraordinary global gathering of animal health leaders.
Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms is a Valid Alternative to Open Repair also in Patients Treated Outside of Instructions for Use Criteria
Authors: Protto Sara , Hahl Tilda , Koskinen Kalle J. A. , Järvenpää Valtteri , Uurto Ilkka , Väärämäki Suvi , Suominen Velipekka
Published: November 2022

Purpose

It remains unclear whether endovascular aneurysm repair, in the long term, is less effective than open surgery due to need for reinterventions and close monitoring. We aimed to evaluate this matter in a real-life cohort.

Methods

We collected consecutive patients treated with EVAR or OSR between January 2005 and December 2013. Primary outcomes were 30-day, 90-day and long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day reintervention rate and reintervention-free survival. We evaluated also a subpopulation who did not adhere to IFU.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 416 patients. 258 (62%) received EVAR, while 158 (38%) underwent OSR. The 30- or 90-day mortality was similar between groups (p = 0.272 and p = 0.346), as ARM (p = 0.652). The 30-day reintervention rate was higher in the OSR group (p < 0.001), but during follow-up, it was significantly higher in the EVAR group (log-rank: 0.026).

There were 114 (44.2%) non-IFU patients in the EVAR group, and we compared them with OSR group. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality at 30 or 90 days, nor in the long term (p = 1; p = 1 and p = 0.062). ARM was not affected by the procedure technique (p = 0.136). The short-term reintervention rate was higher in the OSR group (p = 0.003), while in the long-term EVAR, patients experienced more reinterventions (log-rank = 0.0.43).

Conclusion

No significant difference in survival was found between EVAR and OSR, independent of adherence to IFU. EVAR may be considered for surgical candidates.
Clinical and paraclinical features of small fiber neuropathy in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Seeliger Tabea , Dreyer Henrike Neelke , Siemer Janna Margaretha , Bönig Lena , Gingele Stefan , Dohrn Maike Franziska , Prenzler Nils , Ernst Diana , Witte Torsten , Skripuletz Thomas
Published: November 2022

Sjögren’s syndrome is a potentially treatable cause of Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)—a condition that severely affects patients’ quality of life. We therefore aimed to characterize patients with SFN and Sjögren’s syndrome to raise awareness of this disease and facilitate its early recognition as an essential step for appropriate treatment. In 97 SFN patients (median age 48 years, 77% female), we studied the clinical features associated with Sjögren’s syndrome compared to the idiopathic SFN subtype. According to the current ACR/EULAR classification criteria (Shiboski et al., Ann Rheum Dis 76:9–16, 2017), 24/97 individuals (25%, median age 48.5 years, 75% female) were diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome. We did not observe any differences in SFN-defining sensory plus symptoms. Furthermore, intraepidermal nerve fiber densities (IENFD) were significantly lower in patients with SFN and Sjögren’s syndrome (mean 2.6 ± 1.2/mm) compared to patients with idiopathic SFN (mean 3.2 ± 1.5/mm; p = 0.048). There were no significant group differences when analyzing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters. We conclude that Sjögren’s syndrome-associated SFN is difficult to distinguish from idiopathic forms based on initial clinical symptoms and CSF results. However, lower IENFD values in patients with Sjögren's syndrome-associated SFN might indicate a distinct different pathomechanism in this entity compared to idiopathic SFN.
Tectonic controls on the origin and segmentation of the Cascade Arc, USA
Authors: Humphreys Eugene D. , Grunder Anita L.
Published: November 2022

The magmatic response above subducting ocean lithosphere can range from weak to vigorous and from a narrow zone to widely distributed. The small and young Cascade Arc, riding on the margin of the tectonically active North American plate, has expressed nearly this entire range of volcanic activity. This allows an unusually good examination of arc initiation and early growth. We review the tectonic controls of Cascade-related magmatism from its inception to the present, with new considerations on the influences of tectonic stress and strain on volcanic activity. The Cascade Arc was created after accretion of the Siletzia oceanic plateau at ~ 50 Ma ended a period of flat-slab subduction. This (1) initiated dipping-slab subduction beneath most of the northern arc (beneath Washington and Oregon) and (2) enabled the more southerly subducting flat slab (beneath Nevada) to roll back toward California. As the abandoned flat slab fragmented and foundered beneath Oregon and Washington, vigorous extension and volcanism ensued throughout the northwest USA; in Nevada the subducting flat slab rolled back toward California. Early signs of the Cascade Arc were evident by ~ 45 Ma and the ancestral Cascade Arc was well established by ~ 35 Ma. Thus, from ~ 55–35 Ma subduction-related magmatism evolved from nearly amagmatic to regional flare-up to a clearly established volcanic arc in two different tectonic settings. The modern Cascades structure initiated ~ 7 Ma when a change in Pacific plate motion caused partial entrainment of the Sierra Nevada/Klamath block. This block pushes north and west on the Oregon Coast Ranges block, breaking the arc into three segments: a southern extensional arc, a central transitional arc, and a northern compressional arc. Extension enhances mafic volcanism in the southern arc, promoting basalt decompression melts from depleted mantle (low-K tholeiites) that are subequal in volume to subduction fluxed calcalkaline basalts. Compression restricts volcanic activity in the north; volcanism is dominantly silicic and intra-plate-like basalts cluster close to the main arc volcanoes. The transitional central arc accommodates dextral shear deformation, resulting in a wide volcanic arc with distributed basaltic vents of diverse affinities and no clear arc axis.
Combinatorial Generation via Permutation Languages. III. Rectangulations
Authors: Merino Arturo , Mütze Torsten
Published: November 2022

A generic rectangulation is a partition of a rectangle into finitely many interior-disjoint rectangles, such that no four rectangles meet in a point. In this work we present a versatile algorithmic framework for exhaustively generating a large variety of different classes of generic rectangulations. Our algorithms work under very mild assumptions, and apply to a large number of rectangulation classes known from the literature, such as generic rectangulations, diagonal rectangulations, 1-sided/area-universal, block-aligned rectangulations, and their guillotine variants, including aspect-ratio-universal rectangulations. They also apply to classes of rectangulations that are characterized by avoiding certain patterns, and in this work we initiate a systematic investigation of pattern avoidance in rectangulations. Our generation algorithms are efficient, in some cases even loopless or constant amortized time, i.e., each new rectangulation is generated in constant time in the worst case or on average, respectively. Moreover, the Gray codes we obtain are cyclic, and sometimes provably optimal, in the sense that they correspond to a Hamilton cycle on the skeleton of an underlying polytope. These results are obtained by encoding rectangulations as permutations, and by applying our recently developed permutation language framework.
The Dirichlet problem for the Monge–Ampère equation on Hermitian manifolds with boundary
Authors: Kołodziej Sławomir , Nguyen Ngoc Cuong
Published: November 2022

We study weak quasi-plurisubharmonic solutions to the Dirichlet problem for the complex Monge–Ampère equation on a general Hermitian manifold with non-empty boundary. We prove optimal subsolution theorems: for bounded and Hölder continuous quasi-plurisubharmonic functions. The continuity of the solution is proved for measures that are well dominated by capacity, for example measures with$$L^p$$Lp,$$p>1$$p>1densities, or moderate measures in the sense of Dinh–Nguyen–Sibony.
Pet ownership and survival of European older adults
Authors: Christopoulos Konstantinos , Benetou Vasiliki , Riza Elena , Pantazis Nikos
Published: November 2022

With pet ownership on the rise, millions of individuals are exposed to this environmental exposure. Although the subject has been largely studied, more evidence is needed to clarify the potential association of pet ownership with human health. The aim of this research is to study the potential association of pet exposure (any pet, cat, dog, bird, fish) with all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality of older ($$\ge$$
≥
 50 years) European residents. To this end, a total of 23,274 participants from the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were employed (median follow-up 119 months). All-cause mortality (5163 events), as well as cardiovascular (CVD) (1832 events), and cancer mortality (1346 events) were examined using Cox Proportional Hazards models for their relation with pet exposure at baseline. Stratified analyses were also performed by gender and for single or multi-person households. No significant association was observed for any of the pets with all-cause mortality on the whole sample and the fully adjusted models. In stratified analyses, bird exposure significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality in women [Hazard Ratio $$(\text {HR})=1.23$$

(
HR
)
=
1.23

; 95% CI 1.04–1.44] as well as women living alone $$(\text {HR}=1.38$$

(
HR
=
1.38

; 95% CI 1.02–1.85). Cause-specific models revealed an increased risk of death for women bird owners for causes other than cancer and CVD $$(\text {HR}=1.40$$

(
HR
=
1.40

; 95% CI 1.05–1.99). In conclusion, bird ownership may be negatively associated with survival of older women in Europe.
Comparison of computer vision models in application to pollen classification using light scattering
Authors: Daunys Gintautas , Šukienė Laura , Vaitkevičius Lukas , Valiulis Gediminas , Sofiev Mikhail , Šaulienė Ingrida
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the use of pollen elastically scattered light images for species identification. The aim was to identify the best recognition algorithms for pollen classification based on the scattering images. A series of laboratory experiments with a Rapid-E device of Plair S.A. was conducted collecting scattering images and fluorescence spectra from pollen of 15 plant genera. The collected scattering data were supplied to 32 different setups of 8 computer vision models based on deep neural networks. The models were trained to classify the pollen types, and their performance was compared for the test sub-samples withheld from the training. Evaluation showed that most of the tested computer vision models convincingly outperform the basic convolutional neural network used in our previous studies: the accuracy gain was approaching 10% for best setups. The models of the Weakly Supervised Object Detection approach turned out to be the most accurate, but also slow. However, even the best setups still did not provide sufficient recognition accuracy barely reaching 65%–70% in the repeated tests. They also showed many false positives when applied to real-life time series collected by Rapid-E. Similar to the previous studies, fusion of the new scattering models with the fluorescence-based identification demonstrated almost 15% higher skills than either of the approaches alone reaching 77–83% of the overall classification accuracy.
Flipped classroom with teams-based learning in emergency higher education: methodology and results
Authors: Antonis Konstantinos , Lampsas Petros , Katsenos Ioannis , Papadakis Spyros , Stamouli Stella-Maria
Published: November 2022

During the pandemic period, most of the universities shifted their curricula into fully distance learning models. Due to these Emergency Remote Education circumstances, we adopted the application of Flipped Classroom model combined with Team-based Learning pedagogical strategy in four Computer Engineering courses. Our approach was reinforced by employing LAMS Learning Activities Management System in conjunction with interactive video services. Results of the application of this approach reveal enhanced student engagement with learning resources and improved achievement when compared to the traditional, in-class, conduction of the same courses. Moreover, students report positive estimation of the adopted approach.
Brainstem tumors may increase the impairment of behavioral emotional cognition in children
Authors: Jia Heyuan , Zhang Peng , Gu Guocan , Li Tian , Jiang Zhuang , Wu Zhen , Wang Liang , Zhang Junting , Duan Yunyun , Liu Yaou , Yang Feng , Qin Shaozheng , Zhang Liwei
Published: November 2022

Purpose

It remains unclear as to whether patients with brainstem tumor experience complex neuropsychiatric problems. In this cohort study, we specifically investigated behavioral, emotional and cognitive symptoms in pediatric patients with brainstem glioma and healthy individuals.

Methods

A total of 146 patients with pediatric brainstem tumors (aged 4–18 years old) and 46 age-matched healthy children were recruited to assess their behaviors and emotions examined by the Child Behavior Checklist. A variety of clinical factors were also analyzed.

Results

There were significant differences in most behavioral and emotional symptoms between pediatric patients and healthy subjects. Moreover, patients with pons tumors exhibited significantly higher scores than patients with medulla oblongata tumors (p = 0.012), particularly in concerning the syndrome categories of Withdrawn (p = 0.043), Anxious/depressed symptoms (p = 0.046), Thought Problems (p = 0.004), Attention deficits (p = 0.008), Externalizing problems (p = 0.013), and Aggressive behavior (p = 0.004). A tumor body located in the pontine (p = 0.01, OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.4–14.059) or DIPG in the midbrain (p = 0.002, OR = 3.818, 95% CI = 1.629–8.948) appears to act as a risk factor that is associated with more problems in patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with brainstem tumors exhibit severe behavioral and emotional problems. Tumor invades the pontine and midbrain act a risk factor with more problems. It suggests that structural and functional abnormalities in the brainstem will cause prolonged behavioral problems and emotional-cognitive dysfunctions in young children.