bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expectations and beyond: The nexus of AI instrumentality and brand credibility in voice assistant retention using extended expectation‐confirmation model
Authors: Ghazali Ezlika , Mutum Dilip S. , Lun Na Kai
Published: August 2023

AI‐based voice assistants (AIVA) are capable of interpreting human speech and responding with useful information, aiding with tasks, and controlling other devices. The usage of these AIVAs has grown significantly worldwide. Despite this growth, studies on user behavior related to continued usage intention of AIVAs and effects on the long‐term commercial sustainability of brands, remain low. What is less understood is the potential of AI instrumentality attributes and brand credibility components in provoking shifts in post‐use behavior of AIVAs. This study proposes a model which expands on the Expectation‐Confirmation Model for user continuance behavior of AIVAs, by integrating user's technology related traits, AI instrumentality attributes and brand credibility. To verify the research hypotheses, the study employed partial least square—structural equation modelling, based on 281 validated responses of a survey. This study highlights the significance of Optimism, Innovativeness, and Discomfort for post‐adoption confirmation. Higher post‐adoption confirmation is strongly associated with perceived intelligence, anthropomorphism, information quality, and system quality. Anthropomorphism and information quality are key factors for brand expertise, while anthropomorphism and system quality are significant for brand trustworthiness. The study confirms that brand expertise and trustworthiness lead to post‐use satisfaction and use continuance intention. Understanding the antecedents of satisfaction and continuance intention extends the existing literature on AIVAs and provides valuable insights for academics and practitioners alike. Some implications for researchers and managers are discussed.
Citrus Honeys from Three Different Regions of Turkey: HPLC‐DAD Profiling and in Vitro Enzyme Inhibition, Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties with Chemometric Study
Authors: Tel‐Çayan Gülsen , Çiftçi Begüm Hazar , Taş‐Küçükaydın Meltem , Temel Yeşim , Çayan Fatih , Küçükaydın Selçuk , Duru Mehmet Emin
Published: August 2023

The objectives of the present study are to compare the phenolic profiles and biological activities of 15 citrus honey samples from three different locations in Turkey using a chemometric approach. The HPLC‐DAD analysis was used to determine phenolic profiles. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified. Gallic acid (107.14–717.04 μg/g) was recorded as the predominant compound. AF (Antalya‐Finike) had the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS⋅+ (IC50: 18.01±0.69 mg/mL), metal chelating (IC50: 6.20±0.19 mg/mL) and CUPRAC (A0.50: 12.05±0.68 mg/mL) assays, while it revealed the best anti‐inflammatory activity against COX‐2 (17.28±0.22 %) and COX‐1 (43.28±0.91 %). AM (Antalya‐Manavgat) was the most active in β‐carotene‐linoleic acid (IC50: 10.05±0.19 mg/mL), anti‐urease (38.90±0.69 %), anti‐quorum sensing and antimicrobial activities. AKO1 (Adana‐Kozan‐1) in DPPH⋅ (IC50: 34.25±0.81 mg/mL) assay, AKU1 (Antalya‐Kumluca‐1) in tyrosinase inhibition activity (37.73±0.38 %) assay, AKU2 (Antalya‐Kumluca‐2) in AChE (10.55±0.63 %) and BChE (9.18±0.45 %) inhibition activity assays showed the best activity. Chemometric tools were applied to the phenolic compositions and biological properties. PCA and HCA ensured that 15 citrus honey samples were grouped into 3 clusters. The results showed that myricetin, kaempferol, vanillin, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, rutin, vanillic acid, gallic acid, catechin and p‐hydroxyphenyl acetic acid are phenolic compounds that can be used in the classification of citrus honeys.
Nucleoside‐Driven Specificity of DNA Methyltransferase**
Authors: Gade Madhuri , Gardner Jasmine M. , Jain Prashant , Laurino Paola
Published: August 2023

We have studied the adenosine binding specificities of two bacterial DNA methyltransferases, Taq methyltransferase (M.TaqI), and HhaI methyltransferase (M.HhaI). While they have similar cofactor binding pocket interactions, experimental data showed different specificity for novel S‐nucleobase‐l‐methionine cofactors (SNMs; N=guanosyl, cytidyl, uridyl). Protein dynamics corroborate the experimental data on the cofactor specificities. For M.TaqI the specificity for S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM) is governed by the tight binding on the nucleoside part of the cofactor, while for M.HhaI the degree of freedom of the nucleoside chain allows the acceptance of other bases. The experimental data prove catalytically productive methylation by the M.HhaI binding pocket for all the SNMs. Our results suggest a new route for successful design of unnatural SNM analogues for methyltransferases as a tool for cofactor engineering.
A goal‐oriented hemodynamic approach to acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock—A single center experience
Authors: Siebert Vince , Goldstein Jake , Khan Rizwan , Lopez John , Darki Amir , Lewis Bruce , Steen Lowell , Doukas Demetrios
Published: August 2023

Background

Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMI‐CS) is the most common cause of mortality following AMI, and treatment algorithms vary widely. We report the results of an analysis using time‐sensitive, hemodynamic goals in the treatment of AMI‐CS in a single center study.

Methods

Consecutive patients with AMI‐CS from November 2016 through December 2021 were included in our retrospective analysis. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed using the electronic medical records. We identified 63 total patients who were admitted to our center with AMI‐CS, and we excluded patients who did not have clear timing of AMI onset or CS onset. We evaluated the rate of survival to hospital discharge based on the quantity of certain time‐sensitive hemodynamic goals were met.

Results

We identified 63 patients who met criteria for AMI‐CS, 39 (62%) of whom survived to hospital discharge. Odds of survival were closely related to the achievement of four time‐dependent goals: cardiac power output (CPO) >0.6 Watts (W), pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) >1, lactate <4 mmol/L, and <2 vasopressors required. Of the 63 total patients, 36 (57%) received intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) and 18 (29%) received an Impella CP (Abiomed) as an initial mechanical circulatory support strategy. Six patients were escalated from IABP to Impella CP for additional hemodynamic support. Nine patients were treated with vasopressors/inotropes alone. Regarding the 39 patients who survived to hospital discharge, 75% of patients met 3 or 4 goals at 24 h, whereas only 16% of deceased patients met 3 or 4 goals at 24 h. Of the 24 patients who did not survive to hospital discharge, 18 (75%) met either 0–1 goal at 24 h. There was no effect of the initial treatment strategy on achieving 3–4 goals at 24 h.

Conclusion

Our study evaluated the association of meeting 4 time‐sensitive goals (CPO >0.6 W, PAPi >1, <2 vasopressors, and lactate <4 mmol/L) at 24 h after treatment for AMI‐CS with in‐hospital mortality. Our data show, in line with previous data, that the higher number of goals met at 24 h was associated with improved in‐hospital mortality regardless of treatment strategy.
Renal denervation in hypertension: An updated meta‐analysis of the randomized controlled trials
Authors: Singh Sahib , Rout Amit , Garg Aakash
Published: August 2023

Background

Radiofrequency or ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) has shown conflicting results when used as an adjunctive option for hypertension management in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We searched Pubmed, MEDLINE, and other online databases for RCTs comparing RDN versus sham‐control procedures in patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. The endpoints of interest were 24‐h ambulatory (AMB) blood pressure (BP), daytime AMB BP, and office BP. We performed a random‐effects meta‐analysis using the inverse variance method to estimate mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Nine studies with 1643 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean follow‐up was 5 months. As compared with the sham‐controlled group, RDN was associated with a significant decrease in 24‐h AMB BP (systolic [MD −4.20; 95% CI −5.36 to −3.03; p < 0.00001], diastolic [−2.38; −3.42 to −1.35]), and daytime AMB BP (systolic: −5.11; −6.75 to −3.47, diastolic: −2.88; −3.91 to −1.85). Similarly, office BP was reduced with RDN (systolic: −5.46; −7.12 to −3.81; diastolic: −3.17; −4.23 to −2.12) when compared with placebo.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis shows that RDN is associated with a significant reduction in the 24‐h AMB BP, daytime AMB BP, and office BP.
Abscess after cardiac pacemaker implantation: A case report
Authors: Rybak‐d'obyrn Joanna , Machoń Natalia Joanna , Lewandowska Julia Alicja , Owczarczyk‐Saczonek Agnieszka , Placek Waldemar
Published: August 2023

This is a report of one of the most serious complications of the cardiac pacemaker implantation ‐ infection of the implanted system. We present the case, which was misdiagnosed at the beginning and after cardiological consultation it was decided to immediately remove the peacemaker and transfer the patient to the Cardiological Department.
Subcapsular renal transplant hematoma mimicking acute tubular necrosis
Authors: Rhea Akel , Elias Haddad , Kamal Hachem
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end‐stage renal disease. However, it is associated with serious potential complications, one of which is the subcapsular renal transplant hematoma. Ultrasound is the major imaging tools in the evaluation of early graft complications. We discuss the case of a patient who underwent a living‐donor kidney transplantation, complicated of acute kidney injury documented on serial blood tests with an elevation of creatinine levels and oliguria. Ultrasonography showed the presence of a subcapsular renal hematoma, associated with the same spectral characterizations of an acute tubular necrosis with a high resistive index on Color Doppler Ultrasonography Study of renal arteries. The patient underwent an emergent surgical evacuation of the subcapsular renal hematoma. A repeat ultrasonography showed the complete resolution of the subcapsular renal hematoma with normal resistive index. During the following days, diuresis was back to normal and serial blood tests showed normal levels of creatinine. This case report highlights the importance of Ultrasonography in detecting subcapsular hematomas that could be a reversible cause of acute kidney injury and acute tubular necrosis in the setting of renal transplant.
An atypical presentation of giant cell arteritis: Fatigable signs to anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and choroidal infarction
Authors: Shinbashi Meagan , Hakim Summer , Mechel Elzbieta , Mehta Mitul C. , Crow Robert W.
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of GCA are crucial to preserve vision. Because of this, new‐onset ptosis or diplopia in elderly patients should warrant consideration of GCA, even in the absence of “classic” features, systemic symptoms or elevated inflammatory markers.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vision‐threatening, ophthalmic emergency that classically presents with new‐onset headaches, scalp tenderness, systemic symptoms, visual disturbances, and elevated inflammatory markers. We describe an atypical presentation of GCA in an 87‐year‐old patient with fatigable ptosis and diplopia, with subsequent anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and choroidal infarction.
In chronic spontaneous urticaria, IgE and C‐reactive protein are linked to distinct microRNAs and interleukin‐31
Authors: Karstarli Bakay Ozge Sevil , Demir Betül , Cicek Demet , Erol Deniz , Aşçı Toraman Zulal , Gural Yunus , Maurer Marcus
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common and disabling disease. Assessments of IgE and C‐reactive protein (CRP) are recommended in the diagnostic work‐up, but the role and clinical relevance of these biomarkers are not well characterized. Moreover, it remains unknown if elevated levels of IgE or CRP are linked to CSU microRNA (miRNA) signatures or interleukin 31 (IL‐31).

Methods

We measured IgE and CRP serum levels in 47 CSU patients (and 45 healthy controls) and determined CSU disease activity using the urticaria activity score (UAS7). Expression levels of miR‐155 and miR‐221 were assessed by RT‐PCR, and IL‐31 levels were determined by ELISA.

Results

Total IgE and CRP levels were independently increased in CSU patients. IgE and CRP levels were highest and lowest in patients with high and mild disease activity. IgE levels correlated with miR‐155 levels, whereas CRP levels correlated with miR‐221 levels. miR‐155 and miR‐221 were significantly overexpressed in CSU patients. ROC analyses linked miRNA‐155 and CSU with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 87%, and miRNA‐221 and CSU with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 91%. High CRP and miR‐221 expression levels were linked to elevated levels of IgG anti‐TPO and IL‐31.

Conclusion

IgE and CRP are useful biomarkers for disease activity in CSU, with distinct miRNA profiles. High CRP and miR‐221 levels may point to autoimmune CSU and a role for IL‐31.
DL‐DC: Deep learning‐based deadline constrained load balancing technique
Authors: Champla Dharavath , Dhandapani Sivakumar , Velmurugan Nagarajan
Published: August 2023

Load balancing is a crucial feature of cloud computing that evenly distributes workload between servers, network interfaces, and hard drives. Because of dynamic computing over the internet, cloud computing suffers from request overloading. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a new deep learning‐based deadline constrained (DL‐DC) load balancing technique. The proposed DL‐DC technique will improve resource utilization, reduce cost, latency, and response time, as well as balance load between servers and improve reliability. The proposed DL‐DC technique will direct traffic to a load balancer, which will forward the load with a deadline to a deep Inception ResNet. This network considers some parameters, such as sticky session, content‐based and instance health check and efficiently predicts the schedule for the task. Finally, a predicted task schedule has been derived using the DL‐DC model which is used to distribute the task to the virtual machine. The proposed DL‐DC load balancing algorithm is compared with other existing algorithms such as QMPSO, DQTS, and ACSO in terms of cost, makespan, response time, transmission time and task migration. The proposed method achieves up to 21.08% low response time, 27.3% decrease in make span, 25.5% decrease in task migration, and 38.9% decrease in cost respectively.
A scalable parallel algorithm for global sequence alignment with customizable scoring scheme
Authors: Sadiq Muhammad Umair , Yousaf Muhammad Murtaza
Published: August 2023

Sequence alignment is a critical computational problem in various domains, including genomics, proteomics, and natural language processing. The Needleman‐Wunsch (NW) algorithm is a classical dynamic programming approach for finding the optimal global alignment between two sequences. However, its quadratic time and space complexity make it impractical for aligning large‐scale sequences, which are increasingly common in modern applications. In this article, we propose a parallel variation of the NW algorithm that enables scalable global sequence alignment with customizable scoring schemes. Our approach re‐formulates the dependencies in the NW algorithm to enable parallel execution, thereby leveraging the computational power of modern parallel architectures, such as graphics processing unit (GPU). Furthermore, our algorithm supports arbitrary linear scoring schemes, which allows us to use domain‐specific knowledge to improve alignment accuracy. We establish the correctness of our algorithm and evaluate its performance using real DNA and user trajectory sequences on GPUs. Our parallel algorithm has shown impressive results in our experiments, with a peak performance of 27.99 GCUPS (giga cell updates per second) and a maximum speedup of 48.18 times compared to the traditional sequential implementation. Additionally, our algorithm demonstrates remarkable scalability, enabling the alignment of sequences of any length while ensuring balanced work distribution and optimal utilization of resources. Our primary objective is to harness the computational capabilities of a single GPU and fully utilize the processing power of multi‐core CPUs.
Raman Spectroscopy of Formamidinium‐Based Lead Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Bulk Crystals
Authors: Ghosh Supriya , Rana Debkumar , Pradhan Bapi , Donfack Patrice , Hofkens Johan , Materny Arnulf
Published: August 2023

In recent years, there has been an impressively fast technological progress in the development of highly efficient lead halide perovskite solar cells. Nonetheless, the stability of perovskite films and associated solar cells remains a source of uncertainty and necessitates sophisticated characterization techniques. Here, we report low‐ to mid‐frequency resonant Raman spectra of formamidinium‐based lead mixed‐halide perovskites. The assignment of the different Raman lines in the measured spectra is assisted by DFT simulations of the Raman spectra of suitable periodic model systems. An important result of this work is that both experiment and theory point to an increase of the stability of the perovskite structure with increasing chloride doping concentration. In the Raman spectra, this is reflected by the appearance of new lines due to the formation of hydrogen bonds. Thus, higher chloride doping results in less torsional motion and lower asymmetric bending contributing to higher stability. This study yields a solid basis for the interpretation of the Raman spectra of formamidinium‐based mixed‐halide perovskites, furthering the understanding of the properties of these materials, which is essential for their full exploitation in solar cells.
Green Additives in Chitosan‐Based Bioplastic Films: Physical, Mechanical, and Chemical Properties
Authors: Schnabl Kordula B. , Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Nierop Klaas G. J. , Deen Olivier V. B. , Eefting Desmond D. , Vollmer Ina , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: August 2023

To switch to alternatives for fossil‐fuel‐based polymer materials, renewable raw materials from green resources should be utilized. Chitosan is such a material that is a strong, but workable derivative from chitin, obtained from crustaceans. However, various applications ask for specific plastic properties, such as certain flexibility, hardness and transparency. With different additives, also obtainable from green resources, chitosan‐based composites in the form of self‐supporting films, ranging from very hard and brittle to soft and flexible were successfully produced. The additives turned out to belong to one of three categories, namely linear, non‐linear, or crosslinking additives. The non‐linear additives could only be taken up to a certain relative amount, whereas the uptake of linear additives was not limited within the range of our experiments. Additives with multiple functional groups tend to crosslink chitosan even at room temperature in an acidic medium. Finally, it was shown that dissolving the chitosan in acetic acid and subsequently drying the matrix as a film results in reacetylation compared to the starting chitosan source, resulting in a harder material. With these findings, it is possible to tune the properties of chitosan‐based polymer materials, making a big step towards application of this renewable polymer within consumer goods.
Study and implementation of fluxgate current sensor with wireless connectivity for finger exoskeleton rehabilitation
Authors: Lin Wei‐Cheng , Wu Ching‐Yi , Liao Chien‐Hung , Hsieh Chun‐Ting , Zeng Ren‐Jie , Hsieh Yun‐Yu , Hou Peng‐Ru
Published: August 2023

A fully integrated fluxgate magnetometer has been developed to monitor motor current in a finger exoskeleton device. The use of a fluxgate sensor can provide more accurate and natural movement of the fingers, as well as reducing the weight and complexity of the exoskeleton design. The sensor we developed incorporates several advanced features that provide enhanced sensitivity and accuracy compared to existing state‐of‐the‐art sensors. These features include a fluxgate frontend readout circuit with chopping stabilization technology, which achieves a gain of 14.3 V/T, a low noise density of 4.5 nT/√Hz, and a wide measurement range of ±1.5 mT. The gain variation of the sensor is only 1.5% at an 850 kHz bandwidth, and it has a wide dynamic current range from 0.005 mA to 100 A. The sensor also features an integrated 2.4 GHz wireless circuit for easy data transmission. The use of a fluxgate sensor in monitoring motor torque in the proximal interphalangeal joint can provide more precise and natural finger movement and reduce the weight and complexity of the exoskeleton design.
Design and implementation of analog tracking filter for ac signal acquisition
Authors: Hu Hongjun , Shen Haikuo
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an analog tracking bandpass filter that is intended to be applied in ac signal acquisition circuits to reduce measurement noise. A fast and accurate frequency tuning technique is developed based on the phase control loop. A complete derivation process is provided to build the mathematical model describing the control loop for the tracking filter. Accordingly, a zero‐crossing detector is designed to accurately extract signal phases in the proposed loop. As a closed‐loop control system, the loop dynamics such as stability, transient response, and steady‐state error are analyzed using the derived model. From both the simulations and measurements, the developed filter is found to provide excellent performance in frequency tracking, noise reduction, and linearity compared to existing work. The maximum and minimum Q value reaches 42.2 and 14, respectively, in the frequency tuning range of 34 to 107 kHz, while the frequency tracking error is less than 1.18% at 100 kHz.
Preliminary study of finger temperature recovery in patients with diabetes mellitus following cold stimulation
Authors: Zhang Wen‐zheng , Jiang Bi‐yao , Ye Chen , Xue Hui‐zhong , Yang Yi‐meng , Zhang Hua , Wang Guang‐lei , Luo Wen‐xuan , Xiao Yong‐hua , Mi Bao‐hong
Published: August 2023

Objective

To explore the difference in temperature recovery following cold stimulation between participants with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and Methods

The participants without (control group; n = 25) and with (DM group; n = 26) DM were subjected to local cold stimulation (10º C for 90 s). The thermal images of their hands were continuously captured using a thermal camera within 7 min following cold stimulation, and the highest temperature of each fingertip was calculated. According to the temperature values at different timepoints, the temperature recovery curves were drawn, and the baseline temperature (T‐base), initial temperature after cooling (T0), temperature decline amplitude (T‐range), and area under the temperature recovery curve > T0 (S) were calculated. Finally, symmetry differences between the two groups were analysed.

Results

No statistical differences in the T‐base, T0, and T‐range were observed between the DM and control groups. After drawing the rewarming curve according to the temperature of the fingertips of the patients following cold stimulation, the S in the DM group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the asymmetry of the base temperature of the hand was observed in the DM group.

Conclusions

Following cold stimulation, the patients with DM exhibited a different rewarming pattern than those without DM. Thus, cold stimulation tests under infrared thermography may contribute to the early screening of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in future.
Causal discovery analysis: A promising tool in advancing precision medicine for eating disorders
Authors: Anderson Lisa M. , Lim Kelvin O. , Kummerfeld Erich , Crosby Ross D. , Crow Scott J. , Engel Scott G. , Forrest Lauren , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Peterson Carol B.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Precision medicine (i.e., individually tailored treatments) represents an optimal goal for treating complex psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders. Within the eating disorders field, most treatment development efforts have been limited in their ability to identify individual‐level models of eating disorder psychopathology and to develop and apply an individually tailored treatment for a given individual's personalized model of psychopathology. In addition, research is still needed to identify causal relationships within a given individual's model of eating disorder psychopathology. Addressing this limitation of the current state of precision medicine‐related research in the field will allow us to progress toward advancing research and practice for eating disorders treatment.

Method

We present a novel set of analytic tools, causal discovery analysis (CDA) methods, which can facilitate increasingly fine‐grained, person‐specific models of causal relations among cognitive, behavioral, and affective symptoms.

Results

CDA can advance the identification of an individual's causal model that maintains that individuals' eating disorder psychopathology.

Discussion

In the current article, we (1) introduce CDA methods as a set of promising analytic tools for developing precision medicine methods for eating disorders including the potential strengths and weaknesses of CDA, (2) provide recommendations for future studies utilizing this approach, and (3) outline the potential clinical implications of using CDA to generate personalized models of eating disorder psychopathology.

Public Significance Statement

CDA provides a novel statistical approach for identifying causal relationships among variables of interest for a given individual. Person‐specific causal models may offer a promising approach to individualized treatment planning and inform future personalized treatment development efforts for eating disorders.
The effects of N‐addition on litter mixture effects depend on decomposition time: A case from mixed‐litter decomposition in the Gurbantunggut Desert
Authors: Zhao Hong‐Mei , Yang Wei‐Jun , Cheng Jun‐Hui , Huang Gang , Hu Yu‐Tong , Li Cong‐Juan , Sheng Jian‐Dong
Published: August 2023

Changes in nitrogen (N) deposition and litter mixtures have been shown to influence ecosystem processes such as litter decomposition. However, the interactive effects of litter mixing and N‐deposition on decomposition process in desert regions remain poorly identified. We assessed the simultaneous effects of both N addition and litter mixture on mass loss in a litterbag decomposition experiment using six native plants in single‐species samples with diverse quality and 14‐species combinations in the Gurbantunggut Desert under two N addition treatments (control and N addition). The N addition had no significant effect on decomposition rate of single‐species litter (expect Haloxylon ammodendron), whereas litter mass loss and decomposition rate differed significantly among species, with variations positively correlated with initial phosphorus concentration and negatively correlated with initial lignin concentration. After 18 months, the average mass loss across litter mixtures did not overall differ from those predicted from single species either in control or N addition treatments, that is, mixing of different species had no non‐additive effects on decomposition. The N addition, however, did modify the direction of mixture effects and interacted with incubation time. Added N transformed synergistic effects of litter mixtures to antagonistic effects on mass loss after 1 month of decomposition, while transforming neutral effects of litter mixture to synergistic effects after 6 months of decomposition. Our results demonstrated that initial chemical properties played an important role in litter decomposition, while no effects of litter mixture on decomposition process in this desert region. The N addition altered the litter mixture effects on mass loss with incubation time, implying that increased N deposition in the future may have profound effects on carbon turnover to a greater extent than previously thought in desert ecosystems.
RETRACTED: Female lizards (Eremias argus) reverse Bergmann's rule across altitude
Authors: Deme Gideon Gywa , Liang Xixi , Okoro Joseph Onyekwere , Bhattarai Prakash , Sun Baojun , Malann Yoila David , Martin Ryan A.
Published: August 2023

The evolution of body size within and among species is predicted to be influenced by multifarious environmental factors. However, the specific drivers of body size variation have remained difficult to understand because of the wide range of proximate factors that covary with ectotherm body sizes across populations with varying local environmental conditions. Here, we used female Eremias argus lizards collected from different populations across their wide range in China, and constructed linear mixed models to assess how climatic conditions and/or available resources at different altitudes shape the geographical patterns of lizard body size across altitude. Lizard populations showed significant differences in body size across altitudes. Furthermore, we found that climatic and seasonal changes along the altitudinal gradient also explained variations in body size among populations. Specifically, body size decreased with colder and drier environmental conditions at high altitudes, reversing Bergmann's rule. Limited resources at high altitudes, measured by the low vegetative index, may also constrain body size. Therefore, our study demonstrates that multifarious environmental factors could strongly influence the intraspecific variation in organisms' body size.
Comparison of the effects of oven‐ and microwave‐roasting on the physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of tomato seeds and oils
Authors: Aksoylu Özbek Zeynep , Yıldız Kıvılcım , Günç Ergönül Pelin , İyilikeden Elif , Uzlaşır Türkan
Published: August 2023

The tomato processing industry generates a significant amount of a by‐product (pomace), which is a mixture of peels and seeds. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of conventional oven‐roasting (at 120°C, 150°C, and 180°C for 25 min) and innovative microwave‐roasting (at 240, 388, and 536 W for 3 min) pretreatments on the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, bioactive contents, and aroma profiles of tomato seeds and their hexane‐extracted oils. The total flavonoids contents (TFCs) of the seeds decreased from 258.40 to 141.20 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) per kg after roasting. All roasting treatments improved the extractability of both α‐ and γ‐tocopherols. The amounts of total tocopherols in the seeds increased from 917.61 to 1256.25 mg kg–1 after pretreatment. Luteolin was found to be the most abundant phenolic in seed oils, increasing from 10.68 to 91.72 mg kg–1, followed by quercetin, ferulic acid, and catechin. Within each roasting technique, the ones treated at 150°C and 338 W yielded the oils with the highest concentrations of aroma compounds, 418 and 92 mg kg–1, respectively. The detrimental effect of microwave‐roasting on these compounds was more pronounced. In conclusion, microwave‐roasting at shorter times than conventional roasting produced tomato seed oils with well‐preserved bioactive components and few unfavorable changes.

Industrial relevance: Conventional oven‐roasting has been widely applied to oilseeds to improve oil yield as well as to obtain desirable sensory characteristics of extracted oils for years. However, longer roasting times may also cause detrimental changes in the properties of oils. On the other side, microwave‐assisted applications as an emerging technology provide homogenous and well‐controlled heat distribution, shorter treatment times, and considerable energy savings for the processing of various foods. Microwave technology has been easily scaled up and is currently employed for sterilization, drying, pasteurization, precooking, and extraction by the food and chemistry industries. Therefore, the present research suggests the use of microwaves for comparatively short roasting times to produce edible oils with enhanced physicochemical attributes and bioactives contents, and well‐maintained sensory properties. This promising innovative technology has the potential to be industrialized for a cost‐effective seed roasting process.
Interlaboratory study on lipid oxidation during accelerated storage trials with rapeseed and sunflower oil analyzed by conjugated dienes as primary oxidation products
Authors: Amft Jonas , Meissner Philipp M. , Steffen‐Heins Anja , Hasler Mario , Stöckmann Heiko , Meynier Anne , Birault Lucie , Velasco Joaquín , Vermoesen Ann , Perez‐Portabella Ines , Prió Blanca , Porcellana Tito , Forte Emanuele , Yesiltas Betül , Merkx Donny , Hennebelle Marie , Wang Jianli , van Duynhoven John , Losada‐Barreiro Sonia , Bravo‐Diaz Carlos , Bernal Claudio , Abramovič Helena , Manzanos María J. , Martínez‐Yusta Andrea , Nieva‐Echevarría Bárbara , Guillén María D. , Frühwirth Sarah , Pignitter Marc , Wołosiak Rafał , Derewiaka Dorota , Costa Marlene , Paiva‐Martins Fátima , Jacobsen Charlotte , Schwarz Karin
Published: August 2023

Accelerated storage tests are frequently used to assess the oxidative stability of foods and related systems due to its reproducibility. Various methods and experimental conditions are used to measure lipid oxidation. Differences between laboratories make it necessary to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of oxidation tests performed under the same conditions. The objective of the present interlaboratory study was to evaluate the outcome of a storage test for two different bulk oils, sunflower oil (SFO) and rapeseed oil (RSO), during a period of 9 weeks at 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, and 60°C. Sixteen laboratories were provided with bottled oils and conducted the storage tests according to a detailed protocol. Lipid oxidation was monitored by the formation of conjugated dienes (CD) and the activation energy (Ea) was determined for comparative purposes and statistically evaluated. An increase in CD formation was observed for both oils when the storage temperature was increased in all laboratories. The Ea,1 ranged from 47.9 to 73.3 kJ mol−1 in RSO and from 27.8 to 62.6 kJ mol−1 in SFO, with average values of 58.2 and 46.8 kJ mol−1, respectively. The reproducibility coefficients were 10.9% and 18.2% for RSO and SFO, respectively.

Practical applications: In order to compare results on oxidative stability of foods derived from different studies, the reproducibility of storage tests and methods employed to evaluate the oxidation level should be considered. This study provides fundamental data on the reproducibility of lipid oxidation under accelerated storage conditions and defines important parameters to be considered for the conduction of experiments.
Unified throughout‐pore microstructure enables ultrahigh separator porosity for robust high‐flux lithium batteries
Authors: Chen Dongjiang , Liu Yuanpeng , Feng Chao , He Yuhui , Zhou Shengyu , Yuan Botao , Dong Yunfa , Xie Haodong , Zeng Guangfeng , Han Jiecai , He Weidong
Published: August 2023

With small thickness, commercial polyolefin separators own low porosity to ensure sufficient thermomechanical properties, resulting in tortuous and enlarged Li+ diffusion pathways that induce large overpotentials and detrimental dendrite growth. As a dilemma, the exploration of highly porous separators has been challenged by their large thickness, impairing the applicability of such pursuits. Herein, an ultraporous architecture is designed to shorten Li+ transfer pathways by impregnating electrolyte‐affinitive poly (vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) into ultralight ∼3 μm 3D‐polytetrafluoroethylene scaffold (abbreviated as UP3D). The UP3D separator with a porosity of 74% gives rise to 70% enhancement in Li+ transference and 77% reduction in Li+ transfer resistance (2.67 mΩ mm−1) and thus enables an ultrahigh Li+ flux of 22.7 mA cm−2, effectively alleviating Li+ concentration gradient across the separator. With the separator, the LiFePO4 half cell delivers a capacity of 118 mAh g−1 with an unparalleled capacity retention of 90% after 1000 cycles at 2 C, and a graphite || LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 pouch full cell delivers an areal energy density of 6.8 mWh cm−2 at 8.848 mA (1.4 mA cm−2) with a high cathode loading of 134.9 mg. Such results, together with the scalable production of the separator, reflect its promising potential in high‐flux battery applications of separators that require both ultrahigh porosity and reliability.
A novel QLattice‐based whitening machine learning model of landslide susceptibility mapping
Authors: Sun Deliang , Ding Yuekai , Wen Haijia , Zhang Fengtai
Published: August 2023

Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) enables the prediction of landslide occurrences, thereby offering a scientific foundation for disaster prevention and control. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on LSM using machine learning techniques. However, the majority of machine learning models is considered “black box” models due to their lack of transparent explanations. In contrast, the QLattice model serves as a white box model, as it can elucidate the decision‐making mechanism while representing a novel approach to whitening machine learning models. QLattice possesses the capability to automatically select and scale data features. In this study, Fengjie County in China was selected as the research area, with slope units serving as evaluation units. A geospatial database was constructed using 12 conditioning factors, including elevation, slope, and annual average rainfall. LSM models were conducted using both the QLattice and random forest (RF) algorithms. The findings demonstrate that the QLattice model achieved an area under curve value of 0.868, while the RF model attained an area under curve value of 0.849 for the test datasets. These results highlight the superior predictive ability and stability of the QLattice model compared with RF. Furthermore, QLattice can explicate and clarify the change processes of conditioning factors, thereby revealing the internal decision‐making mechanism and causes behind the LSM model's decisions. The innovative QLattice‐based model provides new ideas and methodologies for LSM research.
Taxonomic, nomenclatural, and conservation notes to the Algerian‐Tunisian endemic Thymus numidicus (Nepetoideae, Lamiaceae)
Authors: El Mokni Ridha , Domina Gianniantonio , Barone Giulio
Published: August 2023

Thymus numidicus Poir. (Lamiaceae) is a species endemic to an extended area of the northern African coast, in Algeria and Tunisia, named “Kabylia‐Numidia‐Kroumiria.” This taxon was formerly regarded as restricted to siliceous substrata until the finding of a population on marly limestone from the “Mejarda Valley's region” in north‐western Tunisia. Due to the differentiation of several morphological characters including mainly leaf color, shape and size, calyx, and corolla color and size, the collected material is illustrated and a subspecies new to science is here presented, Thymus numidicus subsp. vagaensis El Mokni & Domina. Discrimination of the new subspecies with T. numidicus subsp. numidicus is discussed; the ranges of variation in size and color of leaves, calyx, and corolla of the two subspecies are illustrated. Habitat, ecology, chromatographic profiles, and conservation issues are also considered. The lectotypes of the names Thymus numidicus Poir. and T. lanceolatus subsp. kabylicus Batt. are here designated and T. lanceolatus subsp. kabylicus is included among the synonyms of T. numidicus.
Oyster‐derived dipeptides RI, IR, and VR promote testosterone synthesis by reducing oxidative stress in TM3 cells
Authors: Yan Yongqiu , Li Mingliang , Wei Ying , Jia Fuhuai , Zheng Yanying , Tao Gang , Xiong Feifei
Published: August 2023

Short peptides have gained widespread utilization as functional constituents in the development of functional foods due to their remarkable biological activity. Previous investigations have established the positive influence of oysters on testosterone biosynthesis, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to assess the impact of three dipeptides derived from oysters on the oxidative stress state of TM3 cells induced by AAPH while concurrently examining alterations in cellular testosterone biosynthesis capacity. The investigation encompasses an analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, antioxidant enzyme activity, apoptotic status, and expression levels of crucial enzymes involved in the testosterone synthesis pathway within TM3 cells, thus evaluating the physiological activity of the three dipeptides. Additionally, molecular docking was employed to investigate the inhibitory activity of the three dipeptides against ACE. The outcomes of this study imply that the oxidative stress state of cells impedes the synthesis of testosterone by inhibiting the expression of essential proteins in the testosterone synthesis pathway. These three dipeptides derived from oysters ameliorate cellular oxidative stress by directly scavenging excess ROS or reducing ROS production rather than enhancing cellular antioxidant capacity through modulation of antioxidant enzyme activity. These findings introduce a novel avenue for developing and utilizing antioxidant peptides derived from food sources.
Whose growth in whose planetary boundaries? Decolonising planetary justice in the Anthropocene
Authors: Sultana Farhana
Published: August 2023

This critical analysis examines the geopolitics of planetary environmental injustice and the imperative for systems change to address the intertwined crises of climate breakdown and unsustainable economic growth. Climate breakdown has heightened attention to uneven anthropogenic use and abuse of the planet's biosphere and common pool resources. Recent arguments by climate scholars suggest that various planetary boundaries have already been breached, resulting in dramatic and harmful socio‐ecological consequences. These trends raise crucial questions of equity and justice, especially concerning responsibilities and impacts. By centring Global South perspectives, prevailing ideologies promoting hyperconsumption, overproduction and waste are interrogated. The incommensurability of socioecological justice with ongoing unsustainable extractive and exploitative economic growth paradigms, which contribute to further transgressions of planetary boundaries, underscore the urgency of decolonising underlying colonial‐capitalist ideologies and practices. This entails a fundamental reformulation of paradigms to envision a more just and sustainable future, one that dismantles oppressive systems and advances justice‐oriented praxis.
Hypoconnectivity within the cingulo‐opercular network in patients with mild cognitive impairment in Chinese communities
Authors: Yang Huan , Zhao Xiaoyu , Wang Tenglong , Zhou Zhenhe , Cheng Zaohuo , Zhao Xingfu , Cao Yuping
Published: August 2023

Introduction

At rest, the brain's higher cognitive systems engage in correlated activity patterns, forming networks. With mild cognitive impairment (MCI), it is essential to understand how functional connectivity within and between resting‐state networks changes. This study used resting‐state functional connectivity to identify significant differences within and between the cingulo‐opercular network (CON) and default mode network (DMN).

Methods

We assessed cognitive function in patients using the Chinese version of the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale‐Cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog). A group of MCI subjects (ages 60–83 years, n = 45) was compared to age‐matched healthy controls (n = 70). Resting‐state functional connectivity was used to determine functional connectivity strength within and between the CON and DMN.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, the MCI group showed significantly lower functional connectivity within the CON (F = 10.76, df = 1, p = 0.001, FDR adjusted p = 0.003). Additionally, the MCI group displayed no distinct differences in functional connectivity within DMN (F = 0.162, df = 1, p = 0.688, FDR adjusted p = 0.688) and between CON and DMN (F = 2.270, df = 1, p = 0.135, FDR adjusted p = 0.262). Moreover, we found no correlation between ADAS‐Cog and within‐ or between‐connectivity metrics among subjects with MCI.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that specific patterns of hypoconnectivity within CON circuitry may characterize MCI relative to healthy controls. This work improves our understanding of network dysfunction underlying MCI and could inform more targeted treatment.
Global Efforts to Protect Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Fisher Jill A.
Published: August 2023

Clinical trials on healthy volunteers generate unique ethical challenges both because participants accept potential physical risks without the possibility of direct medical benefit and because participants’ financial motivations to enroll in trials could lead to their exploitation. Despite the large volume of published empirical studies and ethical analyses of healthy volunteer research, there has been little concerted effort to change how healthy‐volunteer research is overseen or regulated. A new collaborative effort to do so is the VolREthics (Volunteers in Research and Ethics) Initiative. Launched in 2022, this initiative brings together an international community to engage questions about how healthy volunteers could best be protected from the risks of harm and exploitation while the validity of clinical trials is optimized.
Risk‐Sensitive Assessment of Decision‐Making Capacity: A Comprehensive Defense
Authors: Kim Scott Y. H. , Berens Noah C.
Published: August 2023

Should the assessment of decision‐making capacity (DMC) be risk sensitive, that is, should the threshold for DMC vary with risk? The debate over this question is now nearly five decades old. To many, the idea that DMC assessments should be risk sensitive is intuitive and commonsense. To others, the idea is paternalistic or incoherent, or both; they argue that the riskiness of a given decision should increase the epistemic scrutiny in the evaluation of DMC, not increase the threshold for DMC. We respond to the critics’ main concerns by providing a comprehensive account of how risk‐sensitive DMC is coherent, avoids paternalism, and best fulfills the epistemic goal of DMC evaluations.
Love Is Good, but Does It Have Teeth?
Authors: Johnson D. Brendan
Published: August 2023

This letter responds to the article “Love Your Patient as Yourself: On Reviving the Broken Heart of American Medical Ethics,” by Tyler Tate and Joseph Clair, in the March‐April 2023 issue of the Hastings Center Report.