bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Materials Nanoarchitectonics: Collaboration between Chem, Nano and Mat
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: April 2023

Nanoarchitectonics is the methodology for production of functional materials from nano‐units. In nanoarchitectonics, the conversion of molecules (chemistry, Chem), the control of nanostructures (nanotechnology, Nano), and the production of materials (materials science, Mat) are essential elements. In order to explain the contribution of Chem, Nano, and Mat to nanoarchitectonics, this review article is described according to two major sections, Chem & Nano and Nano to Mat. In Chem & Nano section, the integration of chemistry and nanotechnology is overviewed, and the next section, Nano to Mat, illustrates how molecules and nanomaterials are architecturally transformed into functional materials. These include supramolecular polymers and functional metal‐organic frameworks, which have attracted widespread attention, as well as emerging areas such as organic reactions by nanotechnology, chemical synthesis in nanospace, and material creation by dynamic motions at interfaces. It is emphasized that Chem+Nano+Mat is essential for nanoarchitectonics.
Agro‐morphological characterization and diversity analysis of Coffea arabica germplasm collection from INIA, Peru
Authors: Paredes‐Espinosa Richard , Gutiérrez‐Reynoso Dina L. , Atoche‐Garay Diego , Mansilla‐Córdova Pedro Javier , Abad‐Romaní Yudi , Girón‐Aguilar Carolina , Flores‐Torres Itala , Montañez‐Artica Ana Gabriela , Arbizu Carlos I. , Guerra Carlos A. Amasifuen , Quintana Jorge L. Maicelo , Poemape Carlos , Guerrero‐Abad Juan Carlos
Published: April 2023

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plays a major role in the economy of Peru and the world. The present study aims to elucidate the agro‐morphological variability of coffee genotypes maintained in the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) germplasm collection. Therefore, 20 vegetative, reproductive, and phytosanitary traits of 162 coffee accessions of INIA's germplasm collection were evaluated and analyzed. Correlation results indicate that a simultaneous selection of characters, such as number of branches per plant, number of nodes per branch, leaf area, and weight of a hundred fruits, can contribute to increase coffee yields. Additionally, coffee yield was negatively correlated with the incidence and severity of coffee leaf rust, and interestingly the occurrence of small and compact coffee plants with high resistance to the disease was also found. The analysis of Tocher and Mahalanobis D2 determined the formation of 10 groups of divergent coffee accessions; where clusters 1 (accession codes 20, 29, 38, 54, 67, 71, 117, 24, 26, and 27), 5 (accession codes 46 and 53), 9 (accession code 159), and 10 (accession code 203) group promising accessions that can be used in breeding programs. Principal component analysis showed that at least five of its principal components managed to explain 70.01% of the total variation in the collection. Finally, the high coefficients obtained for the phenotypic, genotypic, and heritability variation confirm the existence of additive genes in the evaluated population, that would ensure the success of coffee breeding programs based on the selection of traits of agronomic importance.
Combining FD‐UAV and NOMA technologies in IoT sensor network with millimeter‐wave communications
Authors: Thi Tam Dinh , Cao Nguyen Ba , Manh Hoang Tran , The Dung Le , Vinh Nguyen Van , Kim Taejoon , Lee Wonseok
Published: April 2023

In this article, we exploit the huge advantages of full‐duplex (FD) transmission, nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and millimeter‐wave (mmWave) communications in an Internet of things (IoT) sensor network. Specifically, the UAV operates as a FD amplify‐and‐forward (AF) relay to aid communications between an IoT sensor and multiple NOMA users. Moreover, the FD‐UAV (FDU) adopts both fixed and variable gains. We obtain exact expressions of outage probability (OP) and throughput of IoT‐FDU‐NOMA‐mmWave network with fixed and variable gains at FDU over Nakagami‐ fading channels. Numerical illustrations clearly show that the OP and throughput performance of the IoT‐FDU‐NOMA‐mmWave network with variable gain are considerably higher than those with fixed gain. Since mmWave bands are used, the OP and throughput of the IoT‐FDU‐NOMA‐mmWave network are greatly affected by carrier frequency and communication distances. Consequently, when the carrier frequency or/and the distances between the IoT sensor and the users increase, the transmit power of the IoT sensor and the FDU should be increased to maintain the network performance. On the other hand, the effects of residual loop interference (LI) induced by FD transmission are remarkable. Thus, more efforts to reduce the residual LI power have to be continuously performed. Moreover, the specific impacts of the key parameters such as fading order , the positions of the FDU, and data rates are clarified. More importantly, in practice, according to the fixed gain or the variable gain that is used, we can locate the position of FDU to achieve the best performance for the IoT‐FDU‐NOMA‐mmWave network.
Study on the decomposition characteristics of ammonium bisulfate and fly ash blend deposition during the heating process
Authors: Ni Yuguo , Rong Yan , Yu Xinfeng , Huang Shengyao , Xue Xue , Zhou Hao
Published: April 2023

Ammonium bisulfate (ABS; NH4HSO4) and ash blend deposition endanger the boiler's safety by blocking and corroding air preheater in coal‐fired power plants. In this work, a self‐heating probe was used to investigate the decomposition characteristics of ABS and fly ash blend deposition after heating at 365°C for 5, 15, and 30 min. The results showed that after heating for 15 min, ash deposition was peeled off from the probe surface. When it came to 30 min, the metal surface of the probe could be seen. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that extending the heating time could alleviate the agglomeration of ash particles. After the deposition stage, the stable relative heat flux density was about 0.868, and it increased after heating. When the heating time was 5, 15, and 30 min, it was 0.954, 0.978, and 0.989, respectively. According to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results, the main minerals in the deposition were quartz, mullite, tschermigite (NH4Al(SO4)2·12H2O), CaSO4, ammonium sulfate (AS; (NH4)2SO4), ABS, (NH4)3Al(SO4)3, and godovikovite (NH4Al(SO4)2). The thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) results indicated that after heating, the total content of ABS and AS in cases 1 ~ 4 was 2.03%, 1.33%, 0.75%, and 0.70%, respectively. This work can assist in air preheater design and ash deposition removal.
A discrete‐element approach accounting for P‐Delta effects
Authors: Cusmano Valeria , Pantò Bartolomeo , Rapicavoli Davide , Caliò Ivo
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a discrete macro‐element accounting for P‐Delta effects to describe the rocking response of masonry walls subjected to out‐of‐plane (OOP) loadings. Both constitutive and geometric nonlinearities are considered within the discrete macro‐element method (DMEM), which is a modeling approach characterized by a very low computational cost compared to traditional distinct element method (DEM) and detailed finite element (FEM) strategies. OOP failure mechanisms are the main cause of severe damage for unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings, subjected to seismic actions. These mechanisms are generally activated by low seismic excitation and displacements. However, after their activation, they can evolve towards large displacements related to rigid‐block‐like kinematics that strongly affects the nonlinear mechanical response. Therefore, geometric nonlinearities, often ignored, should be included in the analyses. A new simplified, still accurate P‐Delta formulation is presented, according to which the global equilibrium is imposed by referring to the undeformed system configuration, avoiding assembling the geometric stiffness matrix. Namely, the system load vector is updated at each step of the analysis, accounting for the additional moments generated by the in‐plane compression forces acting on the macro‐elements in the deformed configuration. The proposed model is validated against closed‐form analytical solutions of rigid‐block benchmarks in large displacements and the results of experimental tests already available in the literature. In addition, extensive parametric analyses are performed to investigate the role of different mechanical and geometric parameters characterizing the ultimate non‐linear response of masonry walls subjected to horizontal forces. The results show how the proposed model, including P‐Delta effects, accurately predicts the non‐linear rocking response of masonry walls until the attainment of the unstable configuration.
Impact of Organism Allocations on Potency Estimates from Ceriodaphnia dubia Reproduction Tests
Authors: Zhang Jing , Bailer A. John
Published: April 2023

In aquatic toxicology experiments, organisms are randomly assigned to an exposure group that receives a particular concentration level of a toxicant (including a control group with no exposure), and their survival, growth, or reproduction outcomes are recorded. Standard experiments use equal numbers of organisms in each exposure group. In the present study, we explored the potential benefits of modifying the current design of aquatic toxicology experiments when it is of interest to estimate the concentration associated with a specific level of decrease from control reproduction responses. A function of the parameter estimates from fitting a generalized linear regression model used to describe the relationship between individual responses and the toxicant concentration provides an estimate of the potency of the toxicant. After comparing different allocations of organisms to concentration groups, we observed that a reallocation of organisms among these concentration groups could provide more precise estimates of toxicity endpoints than the standard experimental design that uses equal number of organisms in each concentration group; this provides greater precision without the added cost of conducting the experiment. More specifically, assigning more observations to the control zero-concentration condition may result in more precise interval estimates of potency. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1614–1623. © 2023 SETAC
A hybrid forecasting model based on deep learning feature extraction and statistical arbitrage methods for stock trading strategies
Authors: Zhang Weiqian , Li Songsong , Guo Zhichang , Yang Yizhe
Published: April 2023

The time series data of financial markets are nonlinear, owing to rapid data accumulation. Thus, research on stock price prediction has always been a challenge. This study proposes a quantitative trading strategy that combines basic quantitative trading rules and deep learning methods to help investors realize arbitrage. We combine basic quantitative trading arbitrage with deep learning frameworks to fully extract market characteristics and develop trading strategies for investors. The hybrid forecasting model is a new signal‐trading system that uses a genetic algorithm to obtain optimal parameters for the technical indicator timing method of the moving average price. The deep learning structure of the CNN‐Bi‐LSTM, with the attention mechanism and modified loss function, optimizes the trading signal to achieve local optimization. Its core concept is to determine the trading signal through the local trend of price fluctuations and then correct the trading signal through the prediction results. A‐shares in the Chinese market trading data are used as the statistical arbitrage analysis process to output actual trading signals and verify the effectiveness of the system. The results demonstrate that an arbitrage strategy based only on moving average trading rules is ineffective. With the optimization of the deep learning CNN‐Bi‐LSTM framework, the arbitrage ability improves significantly. The optimized strategy can increase the final profit by 1.6042 to the greatest extent. The annualized revenue increased by 35.16%, and the winning rate increased by 15.22%. In addition, we consider the transaction costs during the simulated transaction process. An optimized trading strategy can effectively seize arbitrage opportunities; hence, its profitability and stability are significantly improved.
Upcycling flavanol‐rich Chardonnay and Pinot noir grape thinned clusters as potentially functional food ingredients in cocoa‐based products
Authors: Li Xueqi , Wang Selina C.
Published: April 2023

In California, over 3.4 million tons of wine grapes were crushed in 2020 while every year roughly 20% of the grape mass goes unused. Grape cluster thinning at veraison, a common agricultural practice to ensure color homogeneity in wine grapes, adds to the production costs and generates substantial on‐farm loss during grapevine cultivation in which the health‐promoting values of thinned clusters (unripe grapes) are usually overlooked. In particular, the health‐promoting properties of flavanol monomers, specifically (+)‐catechin and (−)‐epicatechin, and their oligomeric procyanidins, have been extensively studied in cocoa and chocolate but not so much in grape thinned clusters in recent epidemiology studies. As part of the important agricultural by‐products upcycling effort, the current study compared thinned clusters from Chardonnay and Pinot noir, two premium wine grape varieties cultivated in California, to a traditionally Dutch (alkalized) cocoa powder that has been widely used in food applications. Thinned cluster fractions from Chardonnay and Pinot noir grapes grown in the North Coast of California showed much higher concentrations of flavanol monomers and procyanidins, with 208.8–763.5 times more (+)‐catechin, 3.4–19.4 times more (−)‐epicatechin, and 3.8–12.3 times more procyanidins (by degree of polymerization DP 1–7) than those in the traditionally Dutch cocoa powder. These flavanol‐rich thinned clusters that are also considered as plant‐based natural products suggested great potential to be functional ingredients in cocoa‐based products—which have been ubiquitously perceived as flavanol‐rich products by consumers—to enhance their overall dietary flavanol content.
Delivery of tobacco control programs by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in New South Wales, Australia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Bryant Jamie , Noble Natasha , Eades Sandra , Sanson‐Fisher Rob
Published: April 2023

Issue Addressed

To describe the characteristics of tobacco control programs (TCPs) delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

A key informant from each ACCHS in NSW completed a 30‐item online survey. For each TCP, ACCHSs were asked to provide: the target population group, program aims and activities, funding source, and whether the program had been monitored or evaluated and reflected principles of community control and engagement.

Results

Twenty‐five of 38 eligible ACCHSs completed the survey (66% response rate). Overall, 64% of services reported currently delivering at least one TCP, almost all of which aimed to promote quitting (95%). Programs involved brief intervention for tobacco cessation (71%), referral to quit services (67%), or use of printed resources (67%). Funding sources included Local Health Districts (52% of programs), the Commonwealth Government (48%) and NSW Ministry of Health (43%). Most programs were aimed at all Aboriginal people who smoke (76%); 19% targeted women or families during pregnancy/birth. Many TCPs used culturally tailored resources (86%) and employed Aboriginal staff (86%), and 48% had been evaluated.

Conclusions

A third of participating ACCHS did not have a specific TCP to address smoking among Aboriginal people, and delivery of programs was characterised by an uncoordinated approach across the state. Aboriginal staff and culturally tailored messages were a focus of existing TCP programs.

So What?

Findings highlight the need for more investment in TCPs for Aboriginal people to ensure all ACCHSs can deliver evidence‐based programs.
Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with systemic inflammation and metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Li Wenzhen , Chen Dajie , Peng Ying , Lu Zuxun , Wang Dongming
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components and to explore the potential mechanism.

Methods

Participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2001–2016) were included.

Results

A total of 6532 adults and 1237 adolescents were included in the present analysis. For adults, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for each one‐unit increase in the log‐transformed level of 1‐hydroxynaphthalene (1‐OHNa), 2‐hydroxynaphthalene (2‐OHNa), 3‐hydroxyfluorene (3‐OHFlu), 2‐hydroxyfluorene (2‐OHFlu), 1‐hydroxyphenanthrene (1‐OHPh), 1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐OHP), 2‐ and 3‐hydroxyphenanthrene (2&3‐OHPh), and total urinary PAH metabolites (∑OH‐PAHs) with MetS were 1.11 (1.03–1.20), 1.18 (1.07–1.29), 1.10 (1.01–1.12), 1.18 (1.07–1.30), 1.17 (1.03–1.33), 1.09 (1.01–1.22), 1.24 (1.09–1.40), and 1.17 (1.06–1.29), respectively. They were 1.61 (1.21–2.14) for 2‐OHNa, 1.27 (1.01–1.60) for 2‐OHFlu, 1.53 (1.15–2.03) for 1‐OHPh, and 1.61 (1.20–2.15) for ∑OH‐PAHs among adolescents. C‐reactive protein was not only positively associated with urinary PAH metabolites, but also positively related to MetS, and it mediated 10.23% to 20.21% for urinary PAH metabolites and MetS among adults.

Conclusions

PAH exposure is associated with a higher prevalence of MetS or MetS components among adults and adolescents. Systemic inflammation partly mediated the association among adults.
RSV causes more severe respiratory illness than influenza in admitted children under 2‐years‐old
Authors: Tang Katherine M. , Hametz Patricia , Southern William
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Both respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza‐associated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) cause serious respiratory infections in infants and toddlers. We aimed to assess the frequency of complex hospital courses among patients admitted with influenza versus RSV LRTI.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on admissions of children <2 years who were admitted for LRTI and tested positive for influenza or RSV from 2016 to 2019. The primary outcome, complex hospital course, was a composite including: intensive care unit admission, respiratory support, nasogastric tube feeds, prolonged length of stay, and death. Secondary outcomes included 7‐day readmission and time to respiratory support. Differences between RSV and influenza groups were assessed and unadjusted and adjusted regression models and competing risks time to event models were developed.

Results

There were 1094 (89%) RSV admissions and 134 (11%) influenza admissions. Children admitted for influenza were significantly older (336 vs. 165 days, p < 0.001), more likely to present with an abnormal heart rate for age (84.3% vs. 73.5%, p < 0.01) and a fever (27.6% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.02). Admissions with RSV were significantly more likely to experience a complex hospital course (ORadj = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.2–5.6). In time to event analysis, RSV admissions had a significantly higher rate of respiratory support (HRadj = 3.2, 95% CI: 2.0, 5.2). Readmission rates were similar.

Conclusions

RSV admissions were associated with a higher risk for a complex hospital course and required higher rates of respiratory support than influenza admissions. This information may help in evaluating hospital resources and admissions.
The outcome of COVID‐19 in children with chronic lung disease: Systematic review and meta‐analyses
Authors: Sallih Aimi Suhaili Mohd , Wee Mae Wae , Zaki Rafdzah A. , Hng Shih Ying , Eg Kah Peng , Nathan Anna M. , de Bruyne Jessie A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Few studies have examined the impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection on children with chronic lung disease (CLD).

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the prevalence, risk factors for contracting COVID‐19, and complications of COVID‐19, in children with CLD.

Methods

This systematic review was based on articles published between January 1, 2020 and July 25, 2022. Children under 18 years old, with any CLD and infected with COVID‐19 were included.

Results

Ten articles involving children with asthma and four involving children with cystic fibrosis (CF) were included in the analyses. The prevalence of COVID‐19 in children with asthma varied between 0.14% and 19.1%. The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) was associated with reduced risk for COVID‐19 (risk ratio [RR]: 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–0.90). Uncontrolled asthma, younger age, AND moderate–severe asthma were not significant risk factors for contracting COVID‐19. Children with asthma had an increased risk for hospitalization (RR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.07–2.45) but were not more likely to require assisted ventilation (RR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.14–1.90). The risk of COVID‐19 infection among children with CF was <1%. Posttransplant and cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes mellitus (CFRDM) patients were at an increased risk for hospitalization and intensive care treatment.

Conclusion

Hospitalizations were higher in children with asthma with COVID‐19 infection. However, using ICS reduced the risk of COVID‐19 infection. As for CF, postlung transplantation and CFRDM were risk factors for severe disease.
Assessing the simulation of snowfall at Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica, during the YOPP‐SH special observing campaign
Authors: Roussel Marie‐Laure , Wiener Valentin , Genthon Christophe , Vignon Etienne , Bazile Eric , Agosta Cécile , Berne Alexis , Durán‐Alarcón Claudio , Dufresne Jean‐Louis , Claud Chantal
Published: April 2023

The performance of a set of atmospheric models and meteorological reanalyses in the representation of precipitation days in Antarctica is assessed using ground‐based observations such as a precipitation gauge and a Micro Rain Radar during the Year Of Polar Prediction Special Observing Period at Dumont d'Urville (November 2018–February 2019), East Antarctic coast. The occurrence of precipitation is overall well predicted, but the number of days and intensity with snowfall are overestimated by the models. This is reflected by high values of bias, probability of detection, and false alarm ratios, in particular for reanalyses, due to too frequent simulated precipitating days. The Heidke skill score shows the overall great contribution of the models in the forecasting of precipitating days, and the best performances are achieved by numerical weather prediction models. The chronology is better represented when the models benefit from the data assimilation of in‐situ observations, such as in reanalysis or weather forecasting models. Precipitation amounts at the surface are overestimated by most of the models. In addition, data from a ground‐based radar make it possible to evaluate the representation of the vertical profiles of snowfall rate. We can show that an excessive sublimation in the atmospheric boundary layer can compensate for overly strong precipitation flux in the mid and low troposphere. Therefore, the need to expand the measurement of precipitation across the atmospheric column using radars is highlighted, in particular in Antarctica where the cold cloud microphysics is poorly known and observations are particularly rare.
On the Comparison between the Reliability of Units Produced by Different Production Lines
Authors: Mansour Mahmoud M. M. , EL‐Sagheer Rashad M. , Mahmoud Mohamed A. W. , Aboshady Mohamed S.
Published: April 2023

The paper discusses how to evaluate the reliability of units produced by different production lines. The procedure is based on selecting independent random samples of units produced by different production lines and then evaluating reliability functions for each group of units. The comparison between these reliability functions at a given time allows manufacturing experts to evaluate the effectiveness of production lines. A statistical methodology has been taken based on the assumption that the lifetime of units produced by each product line has a Weibull Gamma distribution. Then, real‐world data are used to illustrate the study's contribution to reliability theory applications.
Epigenetic regulation of photoperiodic flowering in plants
Authors: Liu Shuangrong , He Milan , Lin Xiaoya , Kong Fanjiang
Published: April 2023

In response to changeable season, plants precisely control the initiation of flowering in appropriate time of the year to ensure reproductive success. Day length (photoperiod) acts as the most important external cue to determine flowering time. Epigenetics regulates many major developmental stages in plant life, and emerging molecular genetics and genomics researches reveal their essential roles in floral transition. Here, we summarize the recent advances in epigenetic regulation of photoperiod‐mediated flowering in Arabidopsis and rice, and discuss the potential of epigenetic regulation in crops improvement, and give the brief prospect for future study trends.
Conscious awareness and memory systems in the brain
Authors: Hannula Deborah E. , Minor Greta N. , Slabbekoorn Dana
Published: April 2023

The term “memory” typically refers to conscious retrieval of events and experiences from our past, but experience can also change our behaviour without corresponding awareness of the learning process or the associated outcome. Based primarily on early neuropsychological work, theoretical perspectives have distinguished between conscious memory, said to depend critically on structures in the medial temporal lobe (MTL), and a collection of performance‐based memories that do not. The most influential of these memory systems perspectives, the declarative memory theory, continues to be a mainstay of scientific work today despite mounting evidence suggesting that contributions of MTL structures go beyond the kinds or types of memory that can be explicitly reported. Consistent with these reports, more recent perspectives have focused increasingly on the processing operations supported by particular brain regions and the qualities or characteristics of resulting representations whether memory is expressed with or without awareness. These alternatives to the standard model generally converge on two key points. First, the hippocampus is critical for relational memory binding and representation even without awareness and, second, there may be little difference between some types of priming and explicit, familiarity‐based recognition. Here, we examine the evolution of memory systems perspectives and critically evaluate scientific evidence that has challenged the status quo. Along the way, we highlight some of the challenges that researchers encounter in the context of this work, which can be contentious, and describe innovative methods that have been used to examine unconscious memory in the lab.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Memory

Psychology > Theory and Methods

Philosophy > Consciousness
Recent methods on short text stream clustering: A survey study
Authors: Maden Engin , Karagoz Pinar
Published: April 2023

The volume and the velocity of data in social media are increasing and the social media has become a very useful environment to detect and track the real‐world events. However, to fulfill this, it is crucial to group‐related texts according to their topics and clustering takes an essential role at this point since we have no prior knowledge about the topics and their evolution in social media. In this survey, we review the current approaches and techniques proposed for short text stream clustering in recent years. The reviewed techniques are grouped according to their methodology and discussed in detail. Also, the datasets utilized to evaluate the performance of the proposed methods and the results are summarized together with the clustering quality measures used for these evaluations. Furthermore, current challenges about short‐text stream clustering are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Data: Types and Structure > Streaming Data
On the time momentum representation of hadronic vacuum polarization and gμ − 2
Authors: Greynat David , de Rafael Eduardo
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We propose a new set of model independent approximants adapted to the time momentum representation (TMR) of hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) and its contribution to gμ– 2. They provide a way to extrapolate lattice QCD (LQCD) results obtained in an optimal time-region, to the full range required for an evaluation of the HVP contribution to gμ– 2. They offer as well a new way to confront LQCD results in restricted TMR regions, with the full contribution obtained from data driven determinations.
Mapping Buried Fault Zones in a Granitic Pluton Using Aeromagnetic Data
Authors: Frey Matthis , Bossennec Claire , Sass Ingo
Published: April 2023

Globally, the largest geothermal resources are linked to the crystalline basement, which could be exploited using Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The planned underground laboratory GeoLaB aims to facilitate the large-scale application of EGS technologies by performing in-situ high-flowrate experiments on fault zones. The Tromm Granite at the northwestern margin of the Upper Rhine Graben was preselected as one of two potential sites for GeoLaB. To improve the understanding of the natural fault network in the target area, a drone-based aeromagnetic survey was conducted in March 2022, covering an area of about 13.3 km2 in the center of the pluton. A selection of eight filters to enhance the signal was tested against each other using a synthetic model. Based on this comparison, the tilt derivative appears to be the most reliable method for mapping and characterizing natural fault zones. The filtered aeromagnetic dataset reveals a network of linear anomalies interpreted as altered fault zones. The relative abundance of magnetic lineaments correlates broadly with slip tendency in the current stress field. Thus, the aeromagnetic may provide insights into the reactivation potential and deformation history of fault zones, which significantly influence the hydraulic properties. However, additional geophysical surveys or exploration wells are needed to validate the results.
Length and associated characteristics of short-term detentions: an analysis of detentions under the Mental Health Act in Scotland, 2006–2018
Authors: Connolly Moira , Schölin Lisa , Robertson Gail S. , Chopra Arun
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The Mental Health Act in Scotland is under review. Previous iterations increased patients’ rights but the maximum time for short-term detentions remains unchanged, despite evolving psychiatric treatment models. We explored length, mode of ending and factors of influence on the application of short-term detention certificates (STDCs), which can last up to 28 days, across Scotland between 2006 and 2018.

Methods

Data on age, gender, ethnicity, date of commencement and ending of the STDC and detention site from all 42,493 STDCs issued to 30,464 patients over 12 years were extracted from the national repository for detentions under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and analysed using mixed models.

Results

One in five STDCs lapsed on day 28. Two in five were revoked and the remainder extended to a treatment order. STDCs that were not extended averaged 19 days, and revoked STDCs 14 days. The probability of a detention lapsing varied across hospitals and increased with patient age. The odds of a detention lapsing on day 28 were 62% lower and revoked detentions 10% shorter in 2018 relative to 2006. The odds of a detention extending decreased significantly from 2012 to 2018. Extended STDCs were associated with increased patient age, male gender, and ethnicity other than White Scottish. There was little initiation of or active revocation of STDCs on weekend days.

Conclusion

The length of STDCs reduced over time, fewer detentions lapsed, and weekday patterning was evident in each year. These data can inform legislative and service reviews.
Liver PDFF estimation using a multi-decoder water-fat separation neural network with a reduced number of echoes
Authors: Meneses Juan Pablo , Arrieta Cristobal , della Maggiora Gabriel , Besa Cecilia , Urbina Jesús , Arrese Marco , Gana Juan Cristóbal , Galgani Jose E. , Tejos Cristian , Uribe Sergio
Published: April 2023

Objective

To accurately estimate liver PDFF from chemical shift-encoded (CSE) MRI using a deep learning (DL)-based Multi-Decoder Water-Fat separation Network (MDWF-Net), that operates over complex-valued CSE-MR images with only 3 echoes.

Methods

The proposed MDWF-Net and a U-Net model were independently trained using the first 3 echoes of MRI data from 134 subjects, acquired with conventional 6-echoes abdomen protocol at 1.5 T. Resulting models were then evaluated using unseen CSE-MR images obtained from 14 subjects that were acquired with a 3-echoes CSE-MR pulse sequence with a shorter duration compared to the standard protocol. Resulting PDFF maps were qualitatively assessed by two radiologists, and quantitatively assessed at two corresponding liver ROIs, using Bland Altman and regression analysis for mean values, and ANOVA testing for standard deviation (STD) (significance level: .05). A 6-echo graph cut was considered ground truth.

Results

Assessment of radiologists demonstrated that, unlike U-Net, MDWF-Net had a similar quality to the ground truth, despite it considered half of the information. Regarding PDFF mean values at ROIs, MDWF-Net showed a better agreement with ground truth (regression slope = 0.94, R2 = 0.97) than U-Net (regression slope = 0.86, R2 = 0.93). Moreover, ANOVA post hoc analysis of STDs showed a statistical difference between graph cuts and U-Net (p < .05), unlike MDWF-Net (p = .53).

Conclusion

MDWF-Net showed a liver PDFF accuracy comparable to the reference graph cut method, using only 3 echoes and thus allowing a reduction in the acquisition times.

Clinical relevance statement

We have prospectively validated that the use of a multi-decoder convolutional neural network to estimate liver proton density fat fraction allows a significant reduction in MR scan time by reducing the number of echoes required by 50%.

Key Points

• Novel water-fat separation neural network allows for liver PDFF estimation by using multi-echo MR images with a reduced number of echoes.

• Prospective single-center validation demonstrated that echo reduction leads to a significant shortening of the scan time, compared to standard 6-echo acquisition.

• Qualitative and quantitative performance of the proposed method showed no significant differences in PDFF estimation with respect to the reference technique.
Thermoresponsive and co-nonsolvency behavior of poly(N-vinyl isobutyramide) and poly(N-isopropyl methacrylamide) as poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) analogs in aqueous media
Authors: Henschel Cristiane , Schanzenbach Dirk , Laschewsky André , Ko Chia-Hsin , Papadakis Christine M. , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: April 2023

Sets of the nonionic polymers poly(N-vinyl isobutyramide) (pNVIBAm) and poly(N-isopropyl methacrylamide) (pNIPMAm) are synthesized by radical polymerization covering the molar mass range from about 20,000 to 150,000 kg mol−1, and their thermoresponsive and solvent-responsive behaviors in aqueous solution are studied. Both polymers feature a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) apparently of the rare so-called type II, as characteristic for their well-studied analogue poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAm). Moreover, in analogy to pNIPAm, both polymers exhibit co-nonsolvency behavior in mixtures of water with several co-solvents, including short-chain alcohols as well as a range of polar aprotic solvents. While the cloud points of the aqueous solutions are a few degrees higher than those for pNIPAm and increase in the order pNIPAm < pNVIBAm < pNIPMAm, the co-nonsolvency behavior becomes less pronounced in the order pNIPAm > pNVIBAm > pNIPMAm. Exceptionally, pNIPMAm does not show co-nonsolvency in mixtures of water and N,N-dimethylformamide.

Graphical Abstract
Fluorescence-based super-resolution-microscopy strategies for chromatin studies
Authors: Burgers Thomas C. Q. , Vlijm Rifka
Published: April 2023

Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) is a prime tool to study chromatin organisation at near biomolecular resolution in the native cellular environment. With fluorescent labels DNA, chromatin-associated proteins and specific epigenetic states can be identified with high molecular specificity. The aim of this review is to introduce the field of diffraction-unlimited SRM to enable an informed selection of the most suitable SRM method for a specific chromatin-related research question. We will explain both diffraction-unlimited approaches (coordinate-targeted and stochastic-localisation-based) and list their characteristic spatio-temporal resolutions, live-cell compatibility, image-processing, and ability for multi-colour imaging. As the increase in resolution, compared to, e.g. confocal microscopy, leads to a central role of the sample quality, important considerations for sample preparation and concrete examples of labelling strategies applicable to chromatin research are discussed. To illustrate how SRM-based methods can significantly improve our understanding of chromatin functioning, and to serve as an inspiring starting point for future work, we conclude with examples of recent applications of SRM in chromatin research.
Atrial cardiomyopathy and incident ischemic stroke risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Jiahuan , Wang Dandan , Jia Jiaokun , Zhang Jia , Peng Fei , Lu Jingjing , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Yanfang
Published: April 2023

Background and purpose

Growing evidence suggests that atrial cardiomyopathy may play an essential role in thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the values of cardiomyopathy markers for predicting ischemic stroke risk.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for longitudinal cohort studies evaluating the association between cardiomyopathy markers and incident ischemic stroke risk.

Results

We included 25 cohort studies examining electrocardiographic, structural, functional, and serum biomarkers of atrial cardiomyopathy involving 262,504 individuals. P-terminal force in the precordial lead V1 (PTFV1) was found to be an independent predictor of ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.29, CI 1.06–1.57) and a continuous variable (HR 1.14, CI 1.00–1.30). Increased maximum P-wave area (HR 1.14, CI 1.06–1.21) and mean P-wave area (HR 1.12, CI 1.04–1.21) were also associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Left atrial (LA) diameter was independently associated with ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.39, CI 1.06–1.82) and a continuous variable (HR 1.20, CI 1.06–1.35). LA reservoir strain independently predicted the risk of incident ischemic stroke (HR 0.88, CI 0.84–0.93). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was also associated with incident ischemic stroke risk, both as a categorical variable (HR 2.37, CI 1.61–3.50) and continuous variable (HR 1.42, CI 1.19–1.70).

Conclusion

Atrial cardiomyopathy markers, including electrocardiographic markers, serum markers, LA structural and functional markers, can be used to stratify the risk of incident ischemic stroke.
General bilinear forms in the Jacobi symbol over hyperbolic regions
Authors: Wilson Cameron
Published: April 2023

We study averages involving the Jacobi quadratic symbol $$(\frac{n}{m})$$

(

n
m

)

in regions where the product mn is bounded by a large parameter. We show that these averages exhibit cancellation whenever the summation is restricted to square-free integers bounded away from the axes.
Evaluation of an artificial intelligence–based algorithm for automated localization of craniofacial landmarks
Authors: Blum Friederike Maria Sophie , Möhlhenrich Stephan Christian , Raith Stefan , Pankert Tobias , Peters Florian , Wolf Michael , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Due to advancing digitalisation, it is of interest to develop standardised and reproducible fully automated analysis methods of cranial structures in order to reduce the workload in diagnosis and treatment planning and to generate objectifiable data. The aim of this study was to train and evaluate an algorithm based on deep learning methods for fully automated detection of craniofacial landmarks in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in terms of accuracy, speed, and reproducibility.

Materials and methods

A total of 931 CBCTs were used to train the algorithm. To test the algorithm, 35 landmarks were located manually by three experts and automatically by the algorithm in 114 CBCTs. The time and distance between the measured values and the ground truth previously determined by an orthodontist were analyzed. Intraindividual variations in manual localization of landmarks were determined using 50 CBCTs analyzed twice.

Results

The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two measurement methods. Overall, with a mean error of 2.73 mm, the AI was 2.12% better and 95% faster than the experts. In the area of bilateral cranial structures, the AI was able to achieve better results than the experts on average.

Conclusion

The achieved accuracy of automatic landmark detection was in a clinically acceptable range, is comparable in precision to manual landmark determination, and requires less time.

Clinical relevance

Further enlargement of the database and continued development and optimization of the algorithm may lead to ubiquitous fully automated localization and analysis of CBCT datasets in future routine clinical practice.
Synergies and trade-offs in drought resilience within a multi-level UK food supply chain
Authors: Vicario Dolores Rey , Holman Ian , Sutcliffe Chloe , Hess Tim
Published: April 2023

Weather extremes are the biggest challenge for supply chains worldwide, with food supply chains particularly exposed due to agriculture’s sensitivity to weather conditions. Whilst attention has been paid to farm-level impacts from, and adaptation to, weather extremes, there remains a need to better understand how different actors along the supply chain suffer, react and adapt to these natural hazards and how their resilience-building strategies affect other actors’ and the whole system’s resilience. Taking the UK potato supply chain as a case study, this paper analyses the synergies and trade-offs in drought resilience in a multi-level food supply chain. Data from an online survey (87) and interviews with key informants (27) representing potato supply-chain actors (growers, packers, processors, retailers) were used to analyse drought risk perceptions, impacts and coping strategies, long-term resilience measures and further actions to build system resilience. Results suggest that the potato supply chain has increased its resilience to weather extremes due to retailers and packers having a wider geographical spread of supply, an increasing reliance on forward contracts and favouring growers with water security. However, a conceptual framework of resilience-building strategies adopted by supply chain actors shows that these measures are largely designed to reduce their own risk without considering implications for other parts of the chain and the system as a whole. A more integrated approach to promote drought resilience in complex food supply chains that enables improved vertical collaboration and trust between actors is therefore needed.
Which is the Digital Competence of Each Member of Educational Community to Use the Computer? Which Predictors Have a Greater Influence?
Authors: Guillén-Gámez Francisco D. , Colomo-Magaña Ernesto , Cívico-Ariza Andrea , Linde-Valenzuela Teresa
Published: April 2023

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of digital resources and virtual platforms is even more essential to continue the educational process, either in person or online, affecting all the members involved in the teaching–learning process of the students. Therefore, this study is aimed: (1) to know and compare the digital competence of the agents that are the main integrators of the educational community (parents, teachers, students) about the use of the computers, according to gender and educational stage (Pre-school, Primary and Secondary Education stages); and (2) to identify significant predictors that affect the acquisition of this competence. An ex-post-facto design was used with a sample of 786 participants from Andalusia (Spain). Research methods such as contrasts of means and multiple linear regression analysis were used. The results showed high average levels of basic digital competences for all the agents involved. A gender gap was found between mothers and fathers of students, with higher scores for the latter group. In addition, the use of videogames, the parents' academic background and the use of digital tablets or Google+ are the most significant predictors that affect the acquisition of this competence.
NRF2 and STAT3: friends or foes in carcinogenesis?
Authors: Arena Andrea , Romeo Maria Anele , Benedetti Rossella , Gilardini Montani Maria Saveria , Santarelli Roberta , Gonnella Roberta , D’Orazi Gabriella , Cirone Mara
Published: April 2023

NRF2 is a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, also through the interaction with several pro-survival pathways. NRF2 controls the transcription of detoxification enzymes and a variety of other molecules impinging in several key biological processes. This perspective will focus on the complex interplay of NRF2 with STAT3, another transcription factor often aberrantly activated in cancer and driving tumorigenesis as well as immune suppression. Both NRF2 and STAT3 can be regulated by ER stress/UPR activation and their cross-talk influences and is influenced by autophagy and cytokines, contributing to shape the microenvironment, and both control the execution of DDR, also by regulating the expression of HSPs. Given the importance of these transcription factors, more investigations aimed at better elucidating the outcome of their networking could help to discover new and more efficacious strategies to fight cancer.
Potential applicability of Jatropha curcas leaves in bioethanol production and their composites with polymer in wastewater treatment
Authors: Madian Hekmat R. , Abdelhamid Ahmed E. , Hassan H. M. , Labena Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Among the biggest issues facing the world now are fuel shortages and water contamination. Therefore, the goal of the current study was directed to produce bioethanol from Jatropha curcas leaves and use the residual wastes in the form of composite sheets for crystal violet (CV) removal. The leaves were collected from Jatropha curcas, irrigated by various irrigation sources; sewage-water (A), sewage-water-sludge (B), and tap water (C). The acid hydrolysis (4% H2SO4) of these leaves demonstrated that the hydrolysis of the Jatropha curcas leaves (A) produced higher values of total reducing sugars (≈ 21 g/l) than other leaves (B &C). Moreover, the bioethanol concentrations obtained from the fermentation of this hydrolysate (A) at the bioreactor scale using Candida tropicalis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (≈10 and 7 ml/l, respectively) were relatively increased compared to the flask level (≈7 and 5 ml/l, respectively). Afterwards, the unhydrolyzed wastes were dried, grinded, and embedded in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer forming sheets. The sheets were characterized using FT-IR, SEM, swelling, and porosity. The highest CV removal percent of 95.39%, after optimization, was achieved at 100 ppm crystal violet concentration using 2.5 g/l from PVC-A composite sheet after 180-min contact time.