bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does nitrogen fertilization rate, timing, and splitting affect sunflower yield and grain quality?
Authors: Tovar Hernandez Sergio , Carciochi Walter D. , Diovisalvi Natalia V. , Izquierdo Natalia , Wyngaard Nicolas , Barbieri Pablo , Calvo Nahuel I. Reussi
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen (N) deficiency could have a negative effect on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield and grain quality. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the optimum rate, timing, and frequency of N fertilization to improve sunflower crop nutrition. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of N fertilization rate, timing, and splitting on grain yield, and grain and oil quality. Twelve field experiments were carried out between 2016 and 2020. Treatments consisted of at least three N rates ranging from 0 to 200 kg N ha−1 applied at V2. Moreover, the 80 kg N ha−1 rate was applied at V14 (80NV14) or split between V2 and V14 (80Nsplit). Treatments were evaluated in two sunflower genotypes, high oleic (HO) and conventional (CONV). A significant grain yield response to N fertilization was observed in six out of twelve experiments, generally at rates greater than 80 kg ha−1. The mean response to fertilization was 369 kg ha−1. Fertilization increased grain protein concentration (PG) (+1.5%) at experiments E1–E3 and E9–E12 and decreased oil concentration (OG) (−2%) at experiments E1, E4, E9, E11, and E12. The maximum N rate, increased oleic and stearic acid concentration (+3%–4%), depending on the genotype (AO and CONV). Neither fertilizer timing nor splitting affected grain yield or OG. Late N fertilization (V14) increased oleic acid (+2.4%), whereas it decreased linoleic acid (+2.2%). Based on our results, N fertilization can increase yield without negatively affecting commercial grain quality (OG and fatty acids concentration), regardless of fertilization timing and frequency.
Chemical Surface Grafting of Pt Nanocatalysts for Reconciling Methanol Tolerance with Methanol Oxidation Activity
Authors: Lenne Quentin , Mattiuzzi Alice , Jabin Ivan , Troian‐Gautier Ludovic , Hamon Jonathan , Leroux Yann R. , Lagrost Corinne
Published: February 2023

A conceptual challenge toward more versatile direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is the design of a single material electrocatalyst with high activity and durability for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). This requires to conciliate methanol tolerance not to hinder ORR at the cathode with a good MOR activity at the anode. This is especially incompatible with Pt materials. We tackled this challenge by deriving a supramolecular concept where surface‐grafted molecular ligands regulate the Pt‐catalyst reactivity. ORR and MOR activities of newly reported Pt‐calix[4]arenes nanocatalysts (Pt
NPs/C) are compared to commercial benchmark PtNPs/C. Pt
NPs/C exhibit a remarkable methanol tolerance without losing the MOR reactivity along with outstanding durability and chemical stability. Beyond designing single‐catalyst material, operable in DMFC cathodic and anodic compartments, the results highlight a promising strategy for tuning interfacial properties.
An experimental, behavioral, and chemical analysis of food limitations in mutualistic Crematogaster ant symbionts inhabiting Macaranga host plants
Authors: Houadria Mickal Y. I. , Barone Giulio , Fayle Tom M. , Schmitt Thomas , Konik Petr , Feldhaar Heike
Published: February 2023

Obligate mutualistic plant–ants are often constrained by their plant partner's capacity to provide resources. However, despite this limitation, some ant partners actively reject potential prey items and instead drop them from the plant rather than consuming them, leaving the ants entirely reliant on host plant‐provided food, including that provided indirectly by the symbiotic scale insects that ants tend inside the plants. This dependency potentially increases the efficiency of these ants in defending their host. We hypothesize that if this ant behavior was beneficial to the symbiosis, prey rejection by ants would be observed across multiple plant host species. We also hypothesize that plant‐provided food items and symbiotic scale insects from other ant plants should be rejected. We address these hypotheses in the Crematogaster ant–Macaranga plant system, in which plants provide living space and food, while ants protect plants from herbivory. We observed food acceptance and rejection behavior across five ant species and three plant host species. Ants were offered three types of food: termites as a surrogate herbivore, symbiotic scale insects, and nutritious food bodies (FB) produced by different host plant species. The unique ant species living in M. winkleri was the most likely to reject food items not provided by the plant species, followed by ants in M. glandibracteolata, while ants in M. pearsonii accepted most items offered to them. Using stable isotopes, chemical cues, and proteomic analyses, we demonstrate that this behavior was not related to differences between plant species in nutritional quality or composition of FB. Isotopic signatures revealed that certain species are primary consumers but other ant species can be secondary consumers even where surrogate herbivores are rejected, although these values varied depending on the ant developmental stage and plant species. Macaranga pearsonii and M. glandibracteolata, the two most closely related plant species, had most similar surface chemical cues of FB. However, M. glandibracteolata had strongest differences in food body nutritional content, isotopic signatures, and protein composition from either of the other two plant species studied. Taken together we believe our results point toward potential host coercion of symbiont ants by plants in the genus Macaranga Thouars (Euphorbiaceae).
A test of local adaptation to drought in germination and seedling traits in populations of two alpine forbs across a 2000 mm/year precipitation gradient
Authors: Gya Ragnhild , Geange Sonya Rita , Lynn Joshua Scott , Töpper Joachim Paul , Wallevik Øystein , Zernichow Camilla , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: February 2023

Seed regeneration is a critical stage in the life histories of plants, affecting species' abilities to maintain local populations, evolve, and disperse to new sites. In this study, we test for local adaptations to drought in germination and seedling growth of two alpine forbs with contrasting habitat preferences: the alpine generalist Veronica alpina and the snowbed specialist Sibbaldia procumbens. We sampled seeds of each species from four populations spanning a precipitation gradient from 1200 to 3400 mm/year in western Norway. In a growth chamber experiment, we germinated seeds from each population at 10 different water potentials under controlled light and temperature conditions. Drought led to lower germination percentage in both species, and additionally, slower germination, and more investment in roots for V. alpina. These responses varied along the precipitation gradient. Seeds from the driest populations had higher germination percentage, shorter time to germination, and higher investments in the roots under drought conditions than the seeds from the wettest populations – suggesting local adaption to drought. The snowbed specialist, S. procumbens, had lower germination percentages under drought, but otherwise did not respond to drought in ways that indicate physiological or morphological adaptions to drought. S. procumbens germination also did not vary systematically with precipitation of the source site, but heavier‐seeded populations germinated to higher rates and tolerated drought better. Our study is the first to test drought effects on seed regeneration in alpine plants populations from high‐precipitation regions. We found evidence that germination and seedling traits may show adaptation to drought even in populations from wet habitats. Our results also indicate that alpine generalists might be more adapted to drought and show more local adaptations in drought responses than snowbed specialists.
Real‐time supply‐demand schedule update and operation for generators and battery energy storage system based on forecasted and actual photovoltaic power outputs
Authors: Yoshioka Taisei , Nishio Koji , Takahashi Kohei , Masuta Taisuke , Udawalpola Rajitha , Ohtake Hideaki
Published: February 2023

The photovoltaic (PV) power output might be frequently curtailed to maintain electricity supply‐demand balance in future power systems. In our previous study, we proposed a new method for updating the battery energy storage system (BESS) charge/discharge and the generator unit commitment (UC) schedules based on the forecasted and actual PV power outputs. The forecast dataset was updated every 3 h (eight times a day). Although the simulation results showed that the proposed method could reduce the supply‐demand imbalances, it was not clear whether the forecasted or actual values made contributions. Therefore, in this study, we propose and evaluate a real‐time scheduling and operation method using the forecasted and actual PV power outputs assuming that the forecasted dataset is updated only once a day. Numerical simulations of supply‐demand operations are conducted on the power system model of the Kanto area of Japan for one year. The results show that the previous study method has a slight advantage over proposed method in terms of curtailed PV energy and operational cost of thermal generators reduction, but the difference is very small, indicating that the contribution of the actual PV power outputs is greater than that of the forecasted PV power outputs.
Forecasting the exchange rate with the Taylor rule model during times of alternative monetary policies
Authors: Wang Rudan , Morley Bruce
Published: February 2023

This study aims to incorporate the effects of recently used alternative monetary policies, such as quantitative easing into standard Taylor rule exchange rate models. Using out‐of‐sample forecasting, we determine whether including long‐term government bond yields and shadow interest rates improves on these model's performance. Using data from the Eurozone, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States, we perform out‐of‐sample forecasts using a rolling window; the results suggest that the model with government bond returns performs best against the random walk, although the results vary across countries, particularly when we compare the forecasts with those produced by a version of uncovered interest parity (UIP).
Formation and evolution of multistage hydrothermal fluids in the Baishitouwa quartz–wolframite vein‐type deposit in the southern Great Xing'an Range tungsten belt, NE China: Constraints from individual fluid inclusion LA‐ICP‐MS analysis
Authors: Xie Wei , Zeng Qing‐Dong , Huang Liang‐Liang , Zhou Ling‐Li , Fan Hong‐Rui , Wu Jin‐Jian , Wang Rui‐Liang , Zhu He‐Ping
Published: February 2023

Revealing hydrothermal evolution from the early oxide to late carbonate stages for quartz–wolframite vein‐type deposits is essential for understanding the ore‐forming process. In this study, we choose the Baishitouwa tungsten polymetallic deposit located in the southern Great Xing'an Range tungsten belt as a case study, and present detailed deposit geology and in situ fluid inclusion (FI) analyses including microthermometry, laser Raman spectra, and LA‐ICP‐MS microanalysis to address this issue. Four stages of hydrothermal activity were identified: (1) quartz–wolframite (I), (2) quartz–wolframite (II)–pyrite–chalcopyrite, (3) quartz–polymetallic sulphides, and (4) quartz–carbonate. Four types of FIs were recognized: CO2‐rich, CO2‐bearing, liquid‐rich, and brine inclusions. Microthermometric data showed that the homogenization temperatures and salinities from the early to late stages are 380–460°C, 7.4–17.3, and 29.3–43.2 wt% NaCl equiv., 300–390°C and 7.1–17.0 wt% NaCl equiv., 220–320°C and 2.7–8.1 wt% NaCl equiv., and 150–250°C and 0.5–4.8 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively, suggesting a decreasing trend. Geochemically, all stage fluids contained high Rb and Mn concentrations, high Rb/Na, Cs/Na, Li/Na, K/Na, Rb/Sr, low K/Rb, and consistent Cs/Rb and Cs/(Na + K) ratios, indicating that the mineralizing fluids originated from a common source—an underlying, geochemically uniform, and highly fractionated granitic magma. Fluid immiscibility and cooling are the main mechanisms for wolframite precipitation, whereas greisenization is subordinate; the incursion of meteoric water into the hydrothermal system initiated at the sulphide stage, and fluid mixing is the dominant mechanism for sulphide precipitation.
Numerical study of Williamson fluid flow and heat transfer over a permeable stretching cylinder with the effects of Joule heating and heat generation/absorption
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Yadav Rajendra Singh , Makinde O. D.
Published: February 2023

The present study aims to discuss the Williamson fluid flow and heat transfer across a permeable stretching cylinder with heat generation/absorption effects. The effects of viscous dissipation, Joule heating, and magnetic field are also taken into account. The BVP‐4C numerical solver in MATLAB is adopted for all the numerical simulations in the present study. For this, the modeled partial differential equations are translated into dimensionless ordinary differential equations using some well‐developed similarity transformations. A good agreement between the numerical results of the present study and existing literature is exhibited. The dimensionless physical parameters being investigated are Reynolds number, magnetic field parameter, suction parameter, heat source/sink parameter, Williamson fluid parameter, and mixed convection parameter. The numerical calculations are also performed for the skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number to get an understanding of the shear stress rate and heat transfer rate, respectively. Furthermore, the impact of all these physical parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles is investigated and represented throughout the literature.
Reflectional quantitative differential phase microscopy using polarized wavefront phase modulation
Authors: Ma Ying , Dai Taiqiang , Yu Lan , Ma Lin , An Sha , Wang Yang , Liu Min , Zheng Juanjuan , Kong Liang , Zuo Chao , Gao Peng
Published: February 2023

Quantitative phase microscopy (QPM), as a label‐free and nondestructive technique, has been playing an indispensable tool in biomedical imaging and industrial inspection. Herein, we introduce a reflectional quantitative differential phase microscopy (termed RQDPM) based on polarized wavefront phase modulation and partially coherent full‐aperture illumination, which has high spatial resolution and spatio‐temporal phase sensitivity and is applicable to opaque surfaces and turbid biological specimens. RQDPM does not require additional polarized devices and can be easily switched from reflectional mode to transmission mode. In addition, RQDPM inherits the characteristic of high axial resolution of differential interference contrast microscope, thereby providing topography for opaque surfaces. We experimentally demonstrate the reflectional phase imaging ability of RQDPM with several samples: semiconductor wafer, thick biological tissues, red blood cells, and Hela cells. Furthermore, we dynamically monitor the flow state of microspheres in a self‐built microfluidic channel by using RQDPM converted into the transmission mode.
In vitro and in vivo degradation correlations for polyurethane foams with tunable degradation rates
Authors: Vakil Anand Utpal , Petryk Natalie Marie , Du Changling , Howes Bryanna , Stinfort Darnelle , Serinelli Serenella , Gitto Lorenzo , Ramezani Maryam , Beaman Henry T. , Monroe Mary Beth Browning
Published: February 2023

Polyurethane foams present a tunable biomaterial platform with potential for use in a range of regenerative medicine applications. Achieving a balance between scaffold degradation rates and tissue ingrowth is vital for successful wound healing, and significant in vivo testing is required to understand these processes. Vigorous in vitro testing can minimize the number of animals that are required to gather reliable data; however, it is difficult to accurately select in vitro degradation conditions that can effectively mimic in vivo results. To that end, we performed a comprehensive in vitro assessment of the degradation of porous shape memory polyurethane foams with tunable degradation rates using varying concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to identify the medium that closely mimics measured in vivo degradation rates. Material degradation was studied over 12 weeks in vitro in 1%, 2%, or 3% hydrogen peroxide and in vivo in subcutaneous pockets in Sprague Dawley rats. We found that the in vitro degradation conditions that best predicted in vivo degradation rates varied based on the number of mechanisms by which the polymer degraded and the polymer hydrophilicity. Namely, more hydrophilic materials that degrade by both hydrolysis and oxidation require lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (1%) to mimic in vivo rates, while more hydrophobic scaffolds that degrade by oxidation alone require higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (3%) to model in vivo degradation. This information can be used to rationally select in vitro degradation conditions that accurately identify in vivo degradation rates prior to characterization in an animal model.
Role of governance in the nexus between financial development and sustainable development
Authors: Dutta Kumar Debasis , Saha Mallika
Published: February 2023

Financial development (FD), by supporting financial inclusion, economic growth and green innovation, kindles sustainable development (SD), though unbridled FD without governance can fuel unsustainable activities. Therefore, we aim to estimate the role of governance (CG) in the FD–SD nexus for a panel of 128 countries covering the period 1995–2017 using advanced econometric methods. Results infer that FD beyond certain level may hamper SD, while governance always encourages SD. Besides, their confluence has substitutive effects, especially in high‐income countries, yet it is crucial for sustainability. These insights are useful for policymakers to develop appropriate FD, governance and SD strategies.
Local economic development in Thailand
Authors: Kamnuansilpa Peerasit , Timofeev Andrey , Lowatcharin Grichawat , Laochankham Sirisak , Zumitzavan Vissanu , Ronghanam Panpun , Prachumrasee Krisada , Mahasirikul Narongdet
Published: February 2023

Thailand has witnessed very uneven spatial outcomes of economic policies pursued in the country since the 1970s. This partially resulted from top‐down, place‐based approaches favoring the already prosperous regions. Therefore, in order to bridge the territorial economic divide in the country, an alternative policy framework is needed to promote bottom‐up, place‐based initiatives led by local governments. As a starting point, we surveyed a stratified sample of local governments in Thailand to document and classify their economic development activities using the taxonomy of similar practices found in other countries. We examined how these practices are shaped by local conditions found in various localities.
Complex coacervation and freeze drying using whey protein concentrate, soy protein isolate and arabic gum to improve the oxidative stability of chia oil
Authors: Bordón María Gabriela , Barrera Gabriela Noel , González Agustín , Ribotta Pablo Daniel , Martínez Marcela Lilian
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Chia oil (CO) is popular for being the richest vegetable source of α‐linolenic acid (60–66%). However, this content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) limits the incorporation of bulk CO in food products due to its high probability of oxidation. This justifies the study of alternative wall materials for microencapsulation. No reports regarding the use of dairy protein/vegetable protein/polysaccharide blends as wall material for the microencapsulation of CO have been published. Therefore, this work analyzed the behavior of a whey protein concentrate (WPC)/soy protein isolate (SPI)/arabic gum (AG) blend as wall material. The complex coacervation (CC) process was studied: pH, 4.0; total solid content, 30% w/v; WPC/SPI/AG ratio, 8:1:1 w/w/w; stirring speed, 600 rpm; time, 30 min; room temperature.

RESULTS

The oxidative stability index (OSI) of CO (3.25 ± 0.16 h) was significantly increased after microencapsulation (around four times higher). Furthermore, the well‐known matrix‐forming ability of AG and WPC helped increase the OSI of microencapsulated oils. Meanwhile, SPI contributed to the increase of the encapsulation efficiency due to its high viscosity. Enhanced properties were observed with CC: encapsulation efficiency (up to 79.88%), OSIs (from 11.25 to 12.52 h) and thermal stability of microcapsules given by the denaturation peak temperatures of WPC (from 77.12 to 86.00 °C). No significant differences were observed in the fatty acid composition of bulk and microencapsulated oils.

CONCLUSION

Microcapsules developed from complex coacervates based on the ternary blend represent promising omega‐3‐rich carriers for being incorporated into functional foods.
Who takes part in film tourism? The analysis of determinants of visiting film locations
Authors: Moritz Peter , Hrivnák Michal , Mazúchová Ľudmila , Sándorová Zuzana
Published: February 2023

Film tourism is one of the fastest developing sub‐segments of creative tourism in the 21st century. Many studies investigated tourists' motivation and behavior towards film tourism in the context of psychological and emotional motives and their involvement and experience. However, we still know very little about the structure of visitors of film sites. Utilizing primary data collected in Slovakia and adopting the econometric approach, the aim of this empirical study is to estimate the relationship between preferred trip parameters and the decision to include a visit to a film location in the travel plan. The results suggest that visits to film sites occur to a significant extent by chance, film tourism is additional, mainly to other segments of tourism, characterized as adventurous and explorative experiences. Visits to film locations occur mainly as trips by younger age groups and longer stays, mostly as self‐organized trips, regardless of budget, frequency of travel, or gender.
Exploring non‐immersive virtual reality experiences in tourism: Empirical evidence from a world heritage site
Authors: Zhu Chris , Wu Don Chi Wai , Hall Colin Michael , Fong Lawrence Hoc Nang , Koupaei Sara Naderi , Lin Feifei
Published: February 2023

With the popularization of the concept of the metaverse, non‐immersive virtual reality (VR) has become a focus of tourism destination marketing. Drawing upon telepresence theory, this study identifies the antecedents and consequences of telepresence to help interpret tourist behavior in the context of non‐immersive VR experience. Results revealed that mental imagery and vividness positively predict tourist telepresence and satisfaction; Telepresence positively predicts satisfaction and intention during non‐immersive VR experiences. Our work enriches telepresence theory by identifying the antecedents and consequences of telepresence in the context of non‐immersive VR, and provides meaningful practical insights for similar attractions that adopt the technology.
The Semicrystalline Morphology of Polybutylene Succinate Supports a General Scheme Based on Intracrystalline Dynamics
Authors: Yu Qiang , Anuar Afiq , Petzold Albrecht , Balko Jens , Saalwächter Kay , Thurn‐Albrecht Thomas
Published: February 2023

Based on a limited set of model samples it has been recently shown that semicrystalline polymers exhibit different morphological characteristics depending on the existence and timescale of intracrystalline chain diffusion (ICD) relative to the kinetics of crystal growth. Here, the generality of these reports for the case of so‐called crystal‐fixed polymers without or very slow ICD is tested by providing a detailed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biodegradable polyester. By using a combination of NMR techniques covering different timescales it is shown that there is no intracrystalline dynamics on a time scale faster than 1 s, that is, PBS is crystal‐fixed. An expected crystallinity below 50% and the typical morphology consisting of lamellar crystals with a well‐defined crystal thickness and a broad thickness distribution of the amorphous interlayers are confirmed. By combining these results with differential scanning calorimetry measurements, a more precise value could be provided for the enthalpy of melting than previously available. The mechanical properties at room temperature are furthermore influenced by additional insertion crystallization taking place during cooling, which leads to an increase of the mechanical modulus by a factor of ≈2.5 as compared to the state at the end of isothermal crystallization.
Dermal Real‐Time Quaking‐Induced Conversion Is a Sensitive Marker to Confirm Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder as an Early α‐Synucleinopathy
Authors: Kuzkina Anastasia , Panzer Celine , Seger Aline , Schmitt Daniela , Rößle Jonas , Schreglmann Sebastian R. , Knacke Henrike , Salabasidou Elena , Kohl Antonia , Sittig Elisabeth , Barbe Michael , Berg Daniela , Volkmann Jens , Sommer Claudia , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Schaeffer Eva , Sommerauer Michael , Janzen Annette , Doppler Kathrin
Published: February 2023

Background

Skin biopsy is a potential tool for the premortem confirmation of an α‐synucleinopathy.

Objective

The aim was to assess the aggregation assay real‐time quaking‐induced conversion (RT‐QuIC) of skin biopsy lysates to confirm isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) as an α‐synucleinopathy.

Methods

Skin biopsies of patients with iRBD, Parkinson's disease (PD), and controls were analyzed using RT‐QuIC and immunohistochemical detection of phospho‐α‐synuclein.

Results

α‐Synuclein aggregation was detected in 97.4% of iRBD patients (78.4% of iRBD biopsies), 87.2% of PD patients (70% of PD biopsies), and 13% of controls (7.9% of control biopsies), with a higher seeding activity in iRBD compared to PD. RT‐QuIC was more sensitive but less specific than immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions

Dermal RT‐QuIC is a sensitive method to detect α‐synuclein aggregation in iRBD, and high seeding activity may indicate a strong involvement of dermal nerve fibers in these patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Antiangiogenic therapy for ocular diseases: Current status and challenges
Authors: Chen Rongyuan , Zhu Juanhua , Hu Jiaxin , Li Xuri
Published: February 2023

Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel growth from pre‐existing ones involving vascular endothelial cell activation, proliferation, migration, and tube formation. The vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) is known to be a key factor that promotes angiogenesis. Pathological angiogenesis is a key and common feature of numerous ocular neovascular diseases, such as wet age‐related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, retinal vein occlusion, and corneal neovascularization. Although anti‐VEGF treatment has been a great success for the treatment of such ocular neovascular diseases, many challenges exist, such as limited efficacy, unresponsiveness in many patients, drug resistance, treatment burden due to repeated intravitreous injection, all of which incent much effort and enthusiasm to find new and better treatment for ocular neovascular diseases. In recent years, new antiangiogenic drug, targets and drug delivery methods have been developed. This perspective discusses the status of currently available therapies, challenges, opportunities, and potential new directions toward better therapies for ocular neovascular diseases.
Stabilization in a two‐dimensional fractional chemotaxis‐Navier–Stokes system with logistic source
Authors: Lei Yuzhu , Liu Zuhan , Zhou Ling
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates a chemotaxis‐Navier–Stokes system with logistic source and a fractional diffusion of order

on the two‐dimensional periodic torus
. It is proved that if
and the initial data
satisfy some regular conditions, the considered problem admits a global classical solution. Through constructing a new Lyapunov functional different from the previous literature, we can obtain the following asymptotic stabilization:

If
, the solution components
and
satisfy

If
and
, where
is a constant determined in (6.24), the solution components
and
satisfy

In either case, the solution component
satisfies
Improving working volume and total scattering cross section using polarization convertor stirrer in a reverberation chamber
Authors: Lin Weihao , Kong Xiangkun , Xu Qian , Fang Feng , Xia Wenjun , Qi Wenjun
Published: February 2023

In our paper, a stirrer made of a polarization converter for a reverberation chamber (RC) is proposed. A cylindrical polarization converter (PC) stirrer with two unit structures arranged alternatively is placed in RC to take the place of a traditional metallic stirrer. Because of the scattering property of the PC stirrer, it is possible to enlarge the working volume and improve the scattering performance of the stirrer in the RC while maintaining the field uniformity and field anisotropy coefficient to meet the testing standard of the International Electrotechnical Commission 61000‐4‐21. Metallic stirrer and PC stirrer are both placed in the RC simultaneously to make a measurement for guaranteeing the same testing environment. Some parameters of the RC stirred by the PC stirrer or metallic stirrer have been measured and analyzed, such as field uniformity, field anisotropy, coefficient independent sample number and total scattering cross‐section (TSCS), and so on. Testing results verify that the RC stirred by a PC stirrer outperforms the classic RC stirred by a conventional metallic stirrer in terms of some performance, indicating that the proposal has a significant impact on RC testing technology that requires a larger working volume and better TSCS.
Assisted annotation in Deep LOGISMOS: Simultaneous multi‐compartment 3D MRI segmentation of calf muscles
Authors: Zhang Lichun , Guo Zhihui , Zhang Honghai , van der Plas Ellen , Koscik Timothy R. , Nopoulos Peggy C. , Sonka Milan
Published: February 2023

Background

Automated segmentation of individual calf muscle compartments in 3D MR images is gaining importance in diagnosing muscle disease, monitoring its progression, and prediction of the disease course. Although deep convolutional neural networks have ushered in a revolution in medical image segmentation, achieving clinically acceptable results is a challenging task and the availability of sufficiently large annotated datasets still limits their applicability.

Purpose

In this paper, we present a novel approach combing deep learning and graph optimization in the paradigm of assisted annotation for solving general segmentation problems in 3D, 4D, and generally n‐D with limited annotation cost.

Methods

Deep LOGISMOS combines deep‐learning‐based pre‐segmentation of objects of interest provided by our convolutional neural network, FilterNet+, and our 3D multi‐objects LOGISMOS framework (layered optimal graph image segmentation of multiple objects and surfaces) that uses newly designed trainable machine‐learned cost functions. In the paradigm of assisted annotation, multi‐object JEI for efficient editing of automated Deep LOGISMOS segmentation was employed to form a new larger training set with significant decrease of manual tracing effort.

Results

We have evaluated our method on 350 lower leg (left/right) T1‐weighted MR images from 93 subjects (47 healthy, 46 patients with muscular morbidity) by fourfold cross‐validation. Compared with the fully manual annotation approach, the annotation cost with assisted annotation is reduced by 95%, from 8 h to 25 min in this study. The experimental results showed average Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of and average absolute surface positioning error of 0.63 pixels (0.44 mm) for the five 3D muscle compartments for each leg. These results significantly improve our previously reported method and outperform the state‐of‐the‐art nnUNet method.

Conclusions

Our proposed approach can not only dramatically reduce the expert's annotation efforts but also significantly improve the segmentation performance compared to the state‐of‐the‐art nnUNet method. The notable performance improvements suggest the clinical‐use potential of our new fully automated simultaneous segmentation of calf muscle compartments.
Crucial interactions of functional pyrenes with graphite in electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Bauer Marina , Konnerth Philipp , Radinger Hannes , Pfeifer Kristina , Joshi Yug , Bauer Felix , Ehrenberg Helmut , Scheiba Frieder
Published: February 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as pyrenes, are a well‐known material class for non‐covalent modification of carbon surfaces in many applications. In electrochemical energy storage, pyrenes are mostly used in large polymeric structures. This work addresses the use of carboxy‐ and amino‐functionalized pyrenes for graphite electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Pyrenes are explored as adsorbed species on graphite prior to electrode fabrication and as additives to the electrode composition. Thereby, 1‐pyrenecarboxylic acid, 1‐pyrenebutyric acid, 1‐aminopyrene, and 1‐pyrenebutylamine were under investigation. As additives, pyrenes do not influence the cycling performance of the electrode at low current but deteriorate the performance at high current, regardless of the functional group. However, when the pyrenes are adsorbed to the graphite surface, the influence of the different functional groups becomes clearly visible, revealing that an additional butyl group has a positive impact on the cycling performance and lithium‐ion transport of the electrodes. Electrodes with 1‐pyrenebutyric acid even enhanced the performance compared to the pristine electrode.
Characteristic association of symbol coding test score with occupational function in Japanese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Watanabe Yukako , Kanata Sho , Suga Motomu , Inagaki Akiko , Sato Sayaka , Hayashi Naoki , Kunugi Hiroshi , Ikebuchi Emi
Published: February 2023

Aim

Studies showed that cognitive function affects occupational function in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to determine the effects of cognitive function on occupational function in Japanese patients with schizophrenia using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).

Methods

Participants were 198 outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (66 females; mean age 34.5 ± 6.8 years). Occupational function was assessed using the work subscale of the Life Assessment Scale for Mental Ill (LASMI‐w). Multiple regression analysis was performed using the BACS as the independent variable and LASMI‐w as the dependent variable. Furthermore, we divided the LASMI‐w score into three groups, <11, 11–20, and >21, and performed a multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results

Multiple regression analysis revealed that LASMI‐w score was negatively associated with BACS composite score (β = −0.20, p < 0.01). Among the sub‐items of the BACS, only the symbol‐coding score showed a significant negative association (β = −0.19, p < 0.05). Multinomial logistic analysis showed that the better the composite and symbol coding scores, the smaller the impairment of the occupational function (composite score: β = 2.39 between mild and moderate occupational impairments, p < 0.05; symbol coding score: β = 2.44 between mild and severe impairments, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The occupational function of patients with schizophrenia was associated with overall cognitive function (composite score). In particular, the symbol coding score of the BACS was suggested to be related to work ability. These results might be useful in the assessment and training of cognitive rehabilitation aimed at employment support.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(1,2,3‐triazole)s with inherent high sulfur content for optical applications
Authors: Mazumder Kajari , Komber Hartmut , Bittrich Eva , Voit Brigitte , Banerjee Susanta
Published: February 2023

The synthesis of solution‐processable sulfur‐containing polytriazoles for optoelectronic applications is a relatively less explored domain in polymer research. The synthesis of novel bifunctional (DA) and trifunctional (TA) azido‐monomers with inherent high sulfur content and of organo‐soluble high refractive index poly(1,2,3‐triazole)s using the azido‐monomers via Cu(I) assisted click polymerization reactions are reported in this work. The azido‐monomers were synthesized by the conversion of previously reported amine‐functionalized compounds to azides using azidotrimethylsilane in a polar aprotic solvent. Dialkyne monomers were also synthesized and reacted with the azides to prepare a series of five linear and two hyperbranched poly(1,2,3‐triazole)s. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the synthesized polymers. It was also demonstrated that the use of the trifunctional azide in optimized conditions resulted in increased solubility of an otherwise insoluble linear poly(1,2,3‐triazole). The optical characterization of the polymers was carried out on thin polymer films with thickness in the nanometer range, which were successfully prepared by spin‐coating on silicon wafers. It was found that the increase in the sulfur and aromatic content in the polymer backbone successfully increased the refractive index of the polymers up to 1.743 at 589 nm.
Physical activity levels, pulmonary function, and MRI in children born extremely preterm: A comparison between children with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Roeper Rhiana , Blinder Henrietta , Hayawi Lamia , Barrowman Nicholas , Luu Thuy Mai , Moraes Theo J. , Tse Sze Man , Parraga Grace , Santyr Giles , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Momoli Franco , Thébaud Bernard , Abdeen Nishard , Deschenes Sylvain , Couch Marcus J. , Nuyt Anne‐Monique , Fadel Nadya B. , Katz Sherri L.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Children with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may have lower physical activity levels, but evidence to date is mixed. This study compared physical activity levels between children born extremely preterm with and without history of BPD, and examined their associations with pulmonary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pulmonary function test (PFT) indices.

Methods

This multicentre cross‐sectional study included children aged 7–9 years born extremely preterm, with and without BPD. Children wore a pedometer for 1 week, then completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ), pulmonary MRI, and PFT. Spearman correlations and multivariable linear regression modeling were performed.

Results

Of 45 children, 28 had a history of moderate‐severe BPD. There were no differences in any physical activity outcomes by BPD status. Higher average daily step count and higher average daily moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were each correlated with greater forced vital capacity (r = 0.41 and 0.58), greater MRI lung proton density at full expiration (r = 0.42 and 0.49), and lower lung clearance index (r = −0.50 and −0.41). After adjusting for MRI total proton density and BPD status, a 5% increase in forced expiratory volume at 1 s was associated with 738 (95% CI: 208, 1268) more steps per day and 0.1 (0.0, 0.2) more hours of MVPA, respectively.

Conclusion

School‐aged children born extremely preterm have similar physical activity levels to their peers, regardless of history of BPD. MRI and PFT measures suggestive of gas trapping and/or airflow obstruction are associated with lower physical activity levels.
Large‐scale population survey of Leptosphaeria maculans in France highlights both on‐going breakdowns and potentially effective resistance genes in oilseed rape
Authors: Balesdent Marie‐Hélène , Laval Valérie , Noah Julie Marie , Bagot Patrick , Mousseau Arnaud , Rouxel Thierry
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Leptosphaeria maculans, the cause of stem canker of oilseed rape, develops gene‐for‐gene interactions with its host and shows a high evolutionary potential to ‘break down’ novel resistance genes (R, Rlm) deployed in cultivars over large areas. For optimal management of R genes, updated knowledge of the population structure of the pathogen is needed. In France, large‐scale surveys have been done at 10‐year intervals since 2000. Here we report the characterization of a large L. maculans population collected in France in 2019–2020.

RESULTS

A total of 844 isolates were collected from 11 sites in ten French departments and were phenotyped for their virulence against nine Brassica napus R genes. All isolates were virulent toward Rlm2 and Rlm9. Very few isolates were avirulent on Rlm1 (1.8%) and Rlm4 (0.6%). Avirulent isolates toward Rlm7 (‘AvrLm7’) varied from 67% to 11.3%, depending on the site sampled, illustrating the ongoing breakdown of Rlm7. The decrease of AvrLm7 isolates (29.2% at the national level) compared to the 2010 survey (96.5%) was accompanied by an increase of avirulent isolates on Rlm3 (0% in 2010; 54% in 2019–2020). However, virulent isolates on both Rlm3 and Rlm7, previously rarely detected, were found in all sites with a frequency of 17.3%. Finally, most or all isolates were avirulent on Rlm11 (96.1%), LepR2 (RlmS, 99.8%), and Rlm6 (100%), suggesting these three genes still effectively control the disease.

CONCLUSION

These data will help guide strategies for breeding and deploying resistant oilseed rape varieties against L. maculans in France. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A short oxazolidine‐2‐one containing peptide forms supramolecular hydrogels under controlled conditions
Authors: Ravarino Paolo , Giuri Demetra , Tomasini Claudia
Published: February 2023

Low‐molecular‐weight hydrogels are made of a small percentage of small organic molecules dispersed in an aqueous medium, which may aggregate in several manners using different methods. However, often the organic gelator in water has poor solubility, so the addition of a solubilising agent is required. In the case of acidic gelators, this mainly consists of the addition of a strong base, that is sodium hydroxide, that deprotonates the acidic moiety, so the gelator molecules become more soluble and tend to assemble into micelles, forming a dispersion. Some gelators, however, are sensitive to the harsh pH and get hydrolysed. This is the case of some molecules presenting carbamates in their features, like Fmoc‐protected or oxazolidinone‐containing peptides. In this paper, we present a valid alternative to sodium hydroxide, by dissolving a tripeptide containing an oxazolidinone moiety in a phosphate buffer (PB) medium at pH 7.4. The results obtained with the NaOH dissolution are compared with the ones with PB, as both methods present advantages and drawbacks. The use of NaOH produces transparent but weak hydrogels, as it exposes the gelator to harsh conditions that end up in its partial hydrolysis, which is more pronounced at high concentrations (≥10 mM). Using PB to dissolve the gelator, this problem is completely avoided as no hydrolysis product has been detected in the hydrogels, which are very stiff although more opaque. By tuning the preparation conditions, we can obtain a wide variety of hydrogels, with the properties required by the final application.
Ginkgo biloba extract protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy by restoring autophagy via adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase/mammalian target of the rapamycin pathway modulation
Authors: Yang Xueyao , Zhao Xin , Liu Yanfei , Liu Yue , Liu Libo , An Ziyu , Xing Haoran , Tian Jinfan , Song Xiantao
Published: February 2023

Studies demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) played a cardioprotective role in diabetic conditions. Impaired autophagy is one of the mechanisms underlying diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The effect of GBE on autophagy has been observed in several diseases; however, whether GBE can ameliorate DCM by regulating autophagy remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of GBE on DCM and the potential mechanisms regarding autophagy using a streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat model and a high‐glucose (HG)‐stimulated H9C2 cell model. We demonstrated that GBE attenuated metabolic disturbances, improved cardiac function, and reduced myocardial pathological changes in diabetic rats. Impaired autophagy as well as dysregulation of the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase/ mammalian target of the rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) signaling pathway were observed in diabetic hearts, as evidenced by the reduced conversion of LC3B‐I to LC3B‐II along with excessive p62 accumulation, decreased AMPK phosphorylation, and increased mTOR phosphorylation, which could be reversed by GBE treatment. In vitro, GBE reduced the apoptosis induced by HG in H9C2 cells by activating AMPK and inhibiting mTOR to restore autophagy. However, this effect was inhibited by the AMPK inhibitor Compound C. In conclusion, the ameliorative effect of GBE on DCM might be dependent on the restoration of autophagy through modulation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway.
The effect of oral capsule of Ocimum basilicum leaf extract on sleep quality and insomnia severity in menopausal women: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Karimi Fatemeh Zahra , Hosseini Hamideh , Mazlom Seyad Reza , Rakhshandeh Hassan , Asadpour Hadi
Published: February 2023

One of the complications of menopause is sleep disorders, which affect women's health. Ocimum basilicum contains compounds that may affect sleep. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an oral capsule of O. basilicum leaf extract on sleep quality and the severity of insomnia in menopausal women. This triple‐blind, randomized clinical trial study was performed on 60 Iranian menopausal women aged 40 to 65 years. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (each capsule containing 250 mg of O. basilicum extract and 250 mg Avicel) per day for 1 month and placebo. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality and Insomnia Intensity Index were used to assess sleep quality and severity of insomnia before, 2 weeks after and 1 month after the intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline variables between the intervention and placebo groups (p > .05). The total sleep quality scores in the two groups of intervention and placebo were 6.2 ± 0.3 versus 9.3 ± 0.3 (p < .001) and 3.7 ± 0.3 versus 9.1 ± 0.3 (p = .015) 2 weeks and 1 month after the intervention, respectively. The total insomnia severity scores in the two groups of intervention and placebo were 9.0 ± 0.3 versus 12.1 ± 0.3 (p < .001) and 5.6 ± 0.5 versus 11.0 ± 0.5 (p < .001) 2 weeks and 1 month after the intervention, respectively. Consumption of O. basilicum capsules improved sleep quality and insomnia in menopausal women. This study was approved (code IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC.1398.070) by the Ethic committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, with the No. IRCT20200104046001N1 in January 2020.