bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual pubic bone morphology in A.L. 288‐1 (Australopithecus afarensis) and MH2 (Australopithecus sediba)
Authors: Eyre Jennifer , DeSilva Jeremy M. , Semaw Sileshi , Williams Scott A.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

We describe a novel pelvic feature, the “ventral sulcus,” located on the pubic bone ventrolateral to the pubic symphysis, which is present in A.L. 288‐1 (Australopithecus afarensis) and MH2 (Australopithecus sediba). We determine how widespread the appearance of the ventral sulcus is in fossil hominins, modern humans, and other extant hominoids.

Materials and Methods

We examine all known hominin fossils that preserve the medial portion of the pubic bone, including A.L. 288‐1 and MH2. We also study 217 humans derived from global osteological collections and all genera of extant apes.

Results

We illustrate, describe, and define the ventral sulcus and distinguish it from age‐ and sex‐related morphologies that are sometimes present in extant humans. We do not find evidence for the ventral sulcus in our comparative human and ape samples, but find equivocal evidence for its presence in the fossils Sts 14 (Australopithecus africanus) and StW 573 (A. africanus/Australopithecus prometheus).

Discussion

Ventral sulci are potentially present in all four known adult Australopithecus fossils that preserve the medial portion of the pubic bone, but not present in MH1, a subadult Australopithecus sediba. This raises questions about whether ventral sulci are widespread in Australopithecus, confined to adults, or, as A.L. 288‐1, MH2, StW 573, and Sts 14 have all been estimated as female, whether it is a sex‐associated trait. Alternatively, ventral sulci could be taphonomic artifacts or idiosyncratic pathologies. Further research is needed to determine if ventral sulci are functional in origin and how widespread they are in the genus Australopithecus.
Estimating prevalence of early Alzheimer's disease in the United States, accounting for racial and ethnic diversity
Authors: Gillis Cai , Montenigro Philip , Nejati Mina , Maserejian Nancy
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Updated estimates of the US Alzheimer's disease (AD) population, including under‐represented populations, are needed to improve clinical trial diversity.

Methods

A step‐wise approach calculating prevalent numbers from clinical syndrome to biomarker‐positive mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD and mild AD was developed, using age‐and‐race/ethnicity‐stratified data where available.

Results

The estimated percentage of Americans aged ≥ 65 years with MCI due to AD was 9.2% of non‐Hispanic Whites, 13.6% of non‐Hispanic Blacks, 11.1% Hispanics, and 9.7% other race/ethnicities. The estimated percentage of Americans aged ≥ 65 years with mild dementia due to AD among non‐Hispanic Whites was 3.7%, non‐Hispanic Blacks 7.0%, Hispanics 5.3%, and 3.9% other race/ethnicities. Of these early‐stage AD cases, few are likely diagnosed, ranging from 13% of prevalent non‐Hispanic Black cases to 27% of non‐Hispanic White cases.

Discussion

Under‐representation in clinical trials may be improved by setting recruitment goals reflecting the diversity of the AD patient population and supporting efforts toward timely diagnosis.
Synaptic Loss in Frontotemporal Dementia Revealed by [11C]UCB‐J Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Malpetti Maura , Jones P. Simon , Cope Thomas E. , Holland Negin , Naessens Michelle , Rouse Matthew A. , Rittman Timothy , Savulich George , Whiteside David J. , Street Duncan , Fryer Tim D. , Hong Young T. , Milicevic Sephton Selena , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , O′Brien John T. , Rowe James B.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Synaptic loss is an early feature of neurodegenerative disease models, and is severe in post mortem clinical studies, including frontotemporal dementia. Positron emission tomography (PET) with radiotracers that bind to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A enables quantification of synaptic density in vivo. This study used [11C]UCB‐J PET in participants with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), testing the hypothesis that synaptic loss is severe and related to clinical severity.

Methods

Eleven participants with clinically probable bvFTD and 25 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included. Participants underwent dynamic [11C]UCB‐J PET, structural magnetic resonance imaging, and a neuropsychological battery, including the revised Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination, and INECO frontal screening. General linear models compared [11C]UCB‐J binding potential maps and gray matter volume between groups, and assessed associations between synaptic density and clinical severity in patients. Analyses were also performed using partial volume corrected [11C]UCB‐J binding potential from regions of interest (ROIs).

Results

Patients with bvFTD showed severe synaptic loss compared to controls. [11C]UCB‐J binding was reduced bilaterally in medial and dorsolateral frontal regions, inferior frontal gyri, anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus, insular cortex, and medial temporal lobe. Synaptic loss in the frontal and cingulate regions correlated significantly with cognitive impairments. Synaptic loss was more severe than atrophy. Results from ROI‐based analyses mirrored the voxelwise results.

Interpretation

In accordance with preclinical models, and human postmortem evidence, there is widespread frontotemporal loss of synapses in symptomatic bvFTD, in proportion to severity. [11C]UCB‐J PET could support translational studies and experimental medicine strategies for new disease‐modifying treatments for neurodegeneration. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:142–154
Identification of the Active Sites on Metallic MoO2−xNano‐Sea‐Urchin for Atmospheric CO2Photoreduction Under UV, Visible, and Near‐Infrared Light Illumination
Authors: Wu Xi , Zhang Wenlei , Li Jun , Xiang Quanjun , Liu Zhongyi , Liu Bin
Published: November 2022

We report an oxygen vacancy (Vo)‐rich metallic MoO2−xnano‐sea‐urchin with partially occupied band, which exhibits super CO2(even directly from the air) photoreduction performance under UV, visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light illumination. The Vo‐rich MoO2−xnano‐sea‐urchin displays a CH4evolution rate of 12.2 and 5.8 μmol gcatalyst−1 h−1under full spectrum and NIR light illumination in concentrated CO2, which is ca. 7‐ and 10‐fold higher than the Vo‐poor MoO2−x, respectively. More interestingly, the as‐developed Vo‐rich MoO2−xnano‐sea‐urchin can even reduce CO2directly from the air with a CO evolution rate of 6.5 μmol gcatalyst−1 h−1under NIR light illumination. Experiments together with theoretical calculations demonstrate that the oxygen vacancy in MoO2−xcan facilitate CO2adsorption/activation to generate *COOH as well as the subsequent protonation of *CO towards the formation of CH4because of the formation of a highly stable Mo−C−O−Mo intermediate.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Butadiene‐Mediated Crotylation and Oxazaborolidine‐Catalyzed Vinylogous Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction for The Synthesis of C1–C19 and C23–C35 of Neaumycin B
Authors: Liang Xinting , Yoo Minjin , Schempp Tabitha , Maejima Saki , Krische Michael J.
Published: November 2022

Neaumycin B is a femtomolar inhibitor of U87 human glioblastoma. Using a newly developed anti‐diastereoselective ruthenium‐catalyzed butadiene‐mediated crotylation of primary alcohol proelectrophiles via hydrogen auto‐transfer, as well as a novel variant of the catalytic asymmetric vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol (VMA) reaction applicable to linear aliphatic aldehydes and terminally methylated dienyl ketene acetals, preparation of the key C1–C19 and C23–C35 substructures of neaumycin B is achieved in 12 and 7 steps (LLS), respectively.
Catalytic degradation of methyl orange using beta cyclodextrin modified polyvinylidene fluoride mixed matrix membranes imbedded with in‐situ generated palladium nanoparticles
Authors: Ndlovu Lloyd N. , Malatjie Kgolofelo I. , Donga Cabangani , Mishra Ajay K. , Nxumalo Edward N. , Mishra Shivani B.
Published: November 2022

Azo dyes effluent can cause severe and chronic effects to living organisms since they are toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic. They color water, reduce dissolved oxygen, block light penetration, decrease the rate of photosynthesis and adversely affect the whole aquatic biota. Catalysis is one of the methods used in degrading azo dyes to less harmful species. Catalytic palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) are effective in the degradation of azo dyes owing to their large surface area and unique electronic properties. However, they are costly, unstable and easily aggregate; hence, a substrate is necessary to enhance their stability, reusability, durability, catalytic efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Herein, Pd NPs were in‐situ synthesized and immobilized in beta cyclodextrin (β‐CD) modified polyvinylidene‐fluoride (PVDF) membranes. The fabricated membranes were characterized using different techniques. Pd NPs slightly improved the properties and performance of the membranes. A complete catalytic degradation of methyl orange azo dye was carried out within 20 min in the presence of sodium borohydride and the increase in Pd NP content increased the rate of degradation. The membranes were recycled and reused five times with no considerable loss of catalytic performance. Therefore, PVDF/β‐CD‐Pd membranes proved to be self‐cleaning, reusable, and efficient in removal of methyl orange from water.
Natural fibers and zinc hydroxystannate 3D microspheres based composite paper sheets for modern bendable energy storage application
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Kainat Fatima , Manzoor Sadaf , Liaquat Hamza , Waheed Arslan , Akhtar Sultan , Rafiq Imran , Jafri S. Hassan M. , Li Hu , Razaq Aamir
Published: November 2022

For modern high‐tech flexible energy storage devices, it becomes important to synthesize micro‐/nanostructures as per the required shape and morphology with superior physical and electro‐active characteristics. This work shares the fabrication and characterization of ZnSn(OH)6 (Zinc hydroxystannate [ZHS]) prepared by facile microwave‐assisted technique and furthermore converted into flexible sheets by employing lignocelluloses (LC) known as natural fibers, collected from Carica papaya leaf petiole as a substrate to provide the flexible matrix. X‐ray diffraction measurements confirm the successful crystalline structure of ZHS. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed the solid spherical structure of ZHS microspheres. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the composite formation of ZHS and LC‐based composite sheets (ZHS/LC sheets). Electrochemical measurements that is, cyclic voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic charge/discharge, and electrochemical impedance (EIS) spectroscopy revealed the electroactive behavior of ZHS/LC paper sheets as working electrode for energy storage applications. CV measurements revealed the specific capacitance of 100 F/g and EIS measurements confirmed the decrease in the resistance of LC fiber after the growth of ZHS microspheres. Presented flexible ZHS based paper sheets will be highly feasible for the modern bendable/flexible/disposable energy storage applications.
Molecular dynamics simulation of α‐ZrP/UHMWPE blend composites containing compatibilizer and its tribological behavior under seawater lubrication
Authors: Cai Tun , Zhan Shengpeng , Yang Tian , Jia Dan , Cheng Bingxue , Tu Jiesong , Li Jian , Duan Haitao
Published: November 2022

In this work, blended composites with ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as matrix polymer, α‐zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) as filler, and sodium polyacrylate (PAANa) as compatibilizer were prepared. The interfacial interaction between PAANa as a compatibilizer and the components of α‐ZrP/UHMWPE was studied by molecular dynamics simulation. The friction and wear behavior of the GCr15 ball/composite friction pair under seawater lubrication under different loads were explored, and the friction and wear mechanism were analyzed. The results show that PAANa as a compatibilizer can effectively improve the interfacial interaction force between components of PAANa/α‐ZrP/UHMWPE composites. The composites exhibited different trends regarding the relationship between tribological properties and α‐ZrP content under various loads. The wear mechanism of composites under low load is mainly represented by extrusion deformation. With the increase of load, the wear mechanism of composites gradually changed into adhesive wear and abrasive wear (depending on the content of α‐ZrP). This work provides a theoretical basis for preparing and applying other α‐ZrP/polymer blend composites.
Ovalbumin has unusually good wood adhesive strength and water resistance
Authors: Lorenz Linda F. , Frihart Charles R.
Published: November 2022

The interest in non‐formaldehyde adhesives has reinvigorated studies using proteins from plant and animal sources, with an emphasis on plant‐based sources, especially the oilseed plants such as soybean. Although animal‐based sources have received much less attention, and ovalbumin from egg whites has not been studied at all, it provides a surprising low viscosity and high wet strength as a wood adhesive. Of the animal and plant proteins used in the past, egg protein has been used for centuries as a binder in tempera, for book illumination, and for gilding, but not as a water‐resistant wood adhesive. The isolated ovalbumin is the best, but dried egg whites and whole egg have good adhesive strength. The parameters for ovalbumin wood bonding are examined with thin veneers using ASTM D 7998 and plywood tests using D 906. Sodium metabisulfite, sodium periodate, urea, and polyamidoamine‐epichlorohydrin (PAE) improve the wet bond strength, but the surfactants CTAB and SDS at low concentrations do not. Although the high protein content of the ovalbumin is important for good strength, the low viscosity of the protein adhesive provides further insight into protein–protein interactions.
Yeast‐derived vacuoles as a novel carrier with enhanced hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer penetration
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc‐Han Thi , Nguyen Ngoc‐Tu , Kim Yang Hoon , Min Jiho
Published: November 2022

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a brain protection structure that restricts drug delivery from the blood to the central nervous system. Thus, we developed a novel drug carrier using yeast vacuoles to overcome this problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the drug transportability of yeast vacuoles using a human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3) cell monolayer. Here, we used daunorubicin (DNR) as a microtubule‐targeting agent with the ability to disaggregate pre‐formed fibrils and prevent Tau fibrillization. An in vitro model was developed by culturing hCMEC/D3 cells on Transwell inserts in EBM‐2 endothelial basal medium until the cells formed a monolayer. Next, nano‐sized yeast vacuoles were loaded with DNR, and the signals inside and outside the hMEC/D3 cell monolayer were detected using the GloMax® Explorer fluorometer. DNR penetrated the cell monolayer and was regulated by endocytosis via receptor‐mediated macropinocytosis on the surface of the cell. Confocal imaging showed a significant increase in intracellular DNR fluorescence when the cells were treated with the vacuole‐encapsulated drug. These results indicate that the drug penetrated the hCMEC/D3 cell monolayer via encapsulation into the vacuoles. Overall, yeast‐derived vacuoles are promising candidates as drug carriers to the brain.
Enhanced production of 3,4‐dihydroxybutyrate from xylose by engineered yeast via xylonate re‐assimilation under alkaline condition
Authors: Yukawa Takahiro , Bamba Takahiro , Matsuda Mami , Yoshida Takanobu , Inokuma Kentaro , Kim Jungyeon , Won Lee Jae , Jin Yong‐Su , Kondo Akihiko , Hasunuma Tomohisa
Published: November 2022

To realize lignocellulose‐based bioeconomy, efficient conversion of xylose into valuable chemicals by microbes is necessary. Xylose oxidative pathways that oxidize xylose into xylonate can be more advantageous than conventional xylose assimilation pathways because of fewer reaction steps without loss of carbon and ATP. Moreover, commodity chemicals like 3,4‐dihydroxybutyrate and 3‐hydroxybutyrolactone can be produced from the intermediates of xylose oxidative pathway. However, successful implementations of xylose oxidative pathway in yeast have been hindered because of the secretion and accumulation of xylonate which is a key intermediate of the pathway, leading to low yield of target product. Here, high‐yield production of 3,4‐dihydroxybutyrate from xylose by engineered yeast was achieved through genetic and environmental perturbations. Specifically, 3,4‐dihydroxybutyrate biosynthetic pathway was established in yeast through deletion of ADH6 and overexpression of yneI. Also, inspired by the mismatch of pH between host strain and key enzyme of XylD, alkaline fermentations (pH ≥ 7.0) were performed to minimize xylonate accumulation. Under the alkaline conditions, xylonate was re‐assimilated by engineered yeast and combined product yields of 3,4‐dihydroxybutyrate and 3‐hydroxybutyrolactone resulted in 0.791 mol/mol‐xylose, which is highest compared with previous study. These results shed light on the utility of the xylose oxidative pathway in yeast.
A configural model of analytics capabilities, ambidexterity, co‐opetition, and firm performance in the supply chain context
Authors: Shamout Mohamed Dawood
Published: November 2022

Logistics and supply chain excellence has become increasingly important as a source of competitive differentiation. Firms' efforts to achieve supply chain excellence include developing supply chain ambidexterity, co‐opetition relationships, and analytical capabilities. This study draws on the co‐opetition theory to investigate the combined role of supply chain co‐opetition, ambidexterity, and analytical abilities in determining higher firm performance. Using field data from individuals occupying managerial positions in United Arab Emirates businesses (n = 151), we applied structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy sets techniques to assess the research proposition. The SEM results suggest that (1) supply chain co‐opetition and analytical capabilities have significant effects on firm performance, but supply chain ambidexterity does not. Through fuzzy sets, we found that (2) supply chain co‐opetition, ambidexterity, and analytical capabilities are necessary causal conditions for high firm performance. We also discovered that (3) supply chain co‐opetition all by itself, and (4), supply chain ambidexterity and analytical capabilities are sufficient causal conditions for high firm performance. This study provides a novel comprehension of the benefits of supply chain co‐opetition and analytical capabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic, offering several theoretical and managerial implications.
Biomimetic cell membrane‐coated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: Jan Nasrullah , Madni Asadullah , Khan Safiullah , Shah Hassan , Akram Faizan , Khan Arshad , Ertas Derya , Bostanudin Mohammad F. , Contag Christopher H. , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Ertas Yavuz Nuri
Published: November 2022

Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly used for drug delivery because of their favored biocompatibility and suitability for sustained and controlled drug release. To prolong NP circulation time, enable target‐specific drug delivery and overcome physiological barriers, NPs camouflaged in cell membranes have been developed and evaluated to improve drug delivery. Here, we discuss recent advances in cell membrane‐coated PLGA NPs, their preparation methods, and their application to cancer therapy, management of inflammation, treatment of cardiovascular disease and control of infection. We address the current challenges and highlight future research directions needed for effective use of cell membrane‐camouflaged NPs.
A shared‐transportation mobile app continuance model: The moderating effects of brand awareness
Authors: Park Jungkun , Le Hoang Tran Phuoc Mai
Published: November 2022

In light of the increasing development of technological innovation and information and communication technologies, features of mobile apps functions are also increasingly developed to meet people's needs and wants. Amongst the variety, shared transportation apps (STA) have emerged to optimize people's daily transportation needs. This study modified the expectation‐confirmation theory and the post‐acceptance model of information system continuance to examine the effects of customers' perceived STA performance (service performance, content provision, and system performance) and benefits (function, money worthiness, pleasure, and social interaction) on customer satisfaction with the usage of STA, which is expected to have a positive effect on customer retention on STA in a new theoretical framework, called the performance‐benefit of the STA continuance model (PBCM). Moreover, brand awareness was expected to be an essential moderator on the effect of perceived performance and perceived benefits on customer satisfaction. 397 respondents were recruited online through a convenient sampling technique in the Vietnam market. Results show that service performance, money worthiness, pleasure, and social interaction are four important determinants of customer satisfaction with STA. Moreover, brand awareness significantly moderates the effects of service performance, system performance, money worthiness, and social interaction on customer satisfaction. Findings also contribute rational strategies for e‐commerce managers in general and STA managers in particular.
Establishment of sand bluestem with the aid of pre‐emergence‐applied herbicides
Authors: Boerman Nicholas A. , Gillen Robert L. , Masters Robert A.
Published: November 2022

Controlling competition with weeds is critical to successful native perennial grass establishment. Our objective was to determine the potential of several pre‐emergence‐applied herbicides to control annual weeds and aid sand bluestem (Andropogon hallii Hack.) establishment. Sand bluestem was seeded at one site in two adjacent areas during the end of March 2002 and 2003 in Woodward, OK, and at one site during the end of March 2004 near Fort Supply, OK, at 14.4 lb pure live seed acre−1 each year. Herbicides were applied within a few days of seeding and were watered in with ∼0.75 inch irrigation water within 1 wk of application at the Woodward sites whereas no irrigation water was supplied at the site near Fort Supply. Response variables measured were sand bluestem stand frequency 13 mo after seeding and forage production 16 mo after seeding. Thiazopyr prevented germination of sand bluestem in all plots, and atrazine + acetochlor produced stands significantly lower than the untreated controls in both locations. Imazapic produced stands of sand bluestem that were significantly greater than the untreated plots in both locations. Forage production of sand bluestem was significantly greater when imazapic was applied within 7 d after seeding than in untreated plots at both locations. Over all three sites, sand bluestem forage production averaged 3,202 lb acre−1 where imazapic was applied compared with only 1,663 lb acre−1 in plots not treated with herbicide. Sand bluestem forage production was consistently increased where imazapic was applied shortly after planting.
Red Shift in Optical Excitations on Layered Copper Perovskites under Pressure: Role of the Orthorhombic Instability
Authors: Carrasco‐Busturia David , Sánchez‐Movellán Inés , Tygesen Alexander Sougaard , Bhowmik Arghya , García‐Lastra Juan María , Aramburu José Antonio , Moreno Miguel
Published: November 2022

The red shift under pressure in optical transitions of layered compounds with CuCl64− units is explored through first‐principles calculations and the analysis of available experimental data. The results on Cu2+‐doped (C2H5NH3)2CdCl4, that is taken as a guide, show the existence of a highly anisotropic response to pressure related to a structural instability, driven by a negative force constant, that leads to an orthorhombic geometry of CuCl64− units but with a hole displaying a dominant 3z2‐r2 character (z being the direction perpendicular to the layer plane). As a result of such an instability, a pressure of only 3 GPa reduces by 0.21 Å the longest Cu2+‐Cl− distance, lying in the layer plane, while leaving unmodified the two other metal‐ligand distances. Owing to this fact, it is shown that the lowest d‐d transition would experience a red shift of 0.34 eV while the first allowed charge transfer transition is also found to be red shifted but only by 0.11 eV that reasonably concurs with the experimental value. The parallel study on Jahn‐Teller systems CdCl2:Cu2+ and NaCl:Cu2+ involving tetragonal elongated CuCl64− units shows that the reduction of the long axis by a pressure of 3 GPa is three times smaller than that for the layered (C2H5NH3)2CdCl4:Cu2+ compound. Accordingly, the optical transitions of such systems, which involve a positive force constant, are much less sensitive to pressure than in layered compounds. The origin of the red shift under pressure undergone by the lowest d‐d and charge transfer transitions of (C2H5NH3)2CdCl4:Cu2+ is discussed in detail.
Comparation of quality of life in Chinese patients undergoing leadless versus conventional pacemaker implantation
Authors: Yu Miao , Li Yue P. , Shi Dong M. , Zhou Yu J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Leadless pacemakers are widely used, but the quality of life assessment of patients with leadless pacemakers is still unclear.

Hypothesis

Assume that leadless pacemakers can improve the patients' quality of life.

Methods

Total of 119 patients who received pacemaker implantation at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2020 to March 2022 were selected, including 35 leadless pacemakers and 84 conventional pacemakers. The SF‐36 questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life at baseline, 1 month and 3 months after surgery. We also used a questionnaire consisted of 4 specific questions related to the implant procedure to assess the surgery.

Results

There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups, except for age and oral anticoagulant treatment. There was no difference in baseline SF‐36 scores. At the 3‐month follow‐up, patients in leadless pacemakers group were significantly better at physical function (63.63 vs 47.50,p= .000), role physical (60.20 vs 40.23,p= .000), bodily pain (65.57 vs. 61.69,p= .042), physical component summary (61.25 vs. 50.57,p= .000), vitality (56.26 vs 49.57,p= .001), social function (80.14 vs 74.70,p= .004), role emotional (76.14 vs. 71.42,p= .015), mental health (75.46 vs. 68.18,p= .000), mental component summary (72.00 vs. 65.97,p= .000), even after adjusting for clinical baseline and SF‐36 baseline. Pacemaker‐related discomfort and mobility limitations were significantly reduced in leadless pacemakers group.

Conclusions

Leadless pacemakers is associated with better quality of life with less activity limitations due to surgical discomfort and less emotional distress. However, current use of leadless pacemakers in China is limited due to the high cost.
Treatment of Integrated Steel Plant Wastewater Using Conventional and Advanced Techniques
Authors: Kumar Manukonda Suresh , Gopinath Ashitha , Ranjith Nenthramkunnath , Ummar Safar , Nidheesh Puthiya Veetil
Published: November 2022

The integrated steel industry is considered as one of the important industrial sectors, and its outputs are inputs for other sectors including construction, engineering, medical and scientific equipment, and defence. Massive production, consumption, and export of steel signify a country's economic index. This review outlines the World's steel production quantities, the processes involved, and wastewater generation from the industry and its treatment. Wastewater generated from steel plants is highly complex and requires intensive treatment before discharge into natural water bodies. Technologies adopted for treating wastewater generated from steel industries are deliberated, focusing on coking wastewater treatment. Microbial mediated processes provide an effective means of degrading the contaminants, but the toxicity of certain compounds during higher pollutant load inhibits its further treatment. However, these processes can be integrated with either electrochemical technologies or advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which can reduce the toxicity level. Hence, when a highly concentrated and complex mixture of contaminants is considered, an integrated approach is a resourceful option in terms of cost‐effectiveness and treatment efficiency.
Continuous self‐adaptation of control policies in automatic cloud management
Authors: Funika Włodzimierz , Koperek Paweł , Kitowski Jacek
Published: November 2022

Deep reinforcement learning has been recently a very active field of research. The policies generated with the use of this class of training algorithms are flexible and thus have many practical applications. In this article we present the results of our attempt to use the recent advancements in reinforcement learning to automate the management of resources in a compute cloud environment. We describe a new approach to self‐adaptation of autonomous management, which uses a digital clone of the managed infrastructure to continuously update the control policy. We present the architecture of our system and discuss the results of evaluation which includes autonomous management of a sample application deployed to Amazon Web Services cloud. We also provide the details of the training of the management policy using the Proximal Policy Optimization algorithm. Finally, we discuss the feasibility to extend the presented approach to further scenarios.
A novel framework approach for intrusion detection based on improved critical feature selection in Internet of Things networks
Authors: Siddharthan Hariprasad , Thangavel Deepa
Published: November 2022

With the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and artificial intelligence, the number of security violations and disturbances on IoT devices and networks has increased. Traditional intrusion detection systems (IDS) are inadequate to handle and detect attacks. This article proposes an improved critical feature selection (ICFS) algorithm with an ensemble learning (EL) for IDS in IoT‐Message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) network. The proposed framework includes four major parts: (i) The RPIMQTTSET dataset is created using three raspberry pi devices for generating the regular and attack features. (ii) An ICFS algorithm is proposed to select the optimized features from the original dataset, and the optimized features have been validated with the help of the Tanimoto coefficient. (iii) SMOTETomek is applied for balancing the dataset to improve the detection rate of attacks. (iv) Generation of a K‐fold cross‐validated attack detection model utilizing an EL method such as K‐nearest neighbor, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and random forest. Experimental results show less computational complexity in selecting features, training, and testing the dataset in the proposed network. The proposed model has training accuracy over 99% and testing accuracy over 92%, and it uses fewer redundant features than previous state‐of‐the‐art methodologies.
Learning successful implementation of Chatbots in businesses from B2B customer experience perspective
Authors: Kaushal Vaishali , Yadav Rajan
Published: November 2022

Artificial intelligence empowered Chatbots are altering the nature of service interfaces which has further resulted in raised expectations from Chatbots to understand customer's social interactions and respond them within the turnaround time. To close this research gap, we conduct an exploratory study in two phases‐industry's perspective and B2B customer's perspective and analyze results with the help of NVIVO 12 plus and Leximancer. The findings reveal perceived risk with respect to Chatbots is high, complex pricing structure along with nonavailability of testing options makes the pre purchase more complex. Moreover, interactive speed, customization especially with respect to language issues, integration with other platforms is some of the major themes which influence customer experience. Advancements in AI, natural language processing and more testing at all phases will bring efficiency, automation first strategies. Further, our findings suggest Chatbots must provide more personalization, scalability and omni channel engagement and focus on delivering more enhanced customer experience. Chatbots must offer a grievance management dashboard where the customer can see live queries, resolved queries, present queries status and so on to get transparency. Chatbots streamline the lead qualification process, greatly improve, and speed up the data collection therefore, enhancing customer experience.
An online workflow scheduling algorithm considering license limitation in heterogeneous environment
Authors: Qiao Qihang , Chen Lan , Cai Hong , Zhang He , Yao Zhenjie
Published: November 2022

With the development of the IC industry, electronic design automation (EDA) tools are also developing. Currently, EDA tools have been migrating to high‐performance computing clusters (HPC) or the cloud to meet increasing computing and storage requirements. EDA tasks are scientific workflows, whose scheduling is a well‐known NP‐hard problem. In this paper, we propose a novel workflow scheduling algorithm HEWS, which achieves better performance through a novel hierarchical sorting method. We conducted a series of simulation experiments in different environments, and the experimental results show that our HEWS scheduling algorithm achieves better scheduling performance compared to several conventional scheduling methods, the waiting time and makespan of workflow are significantly reduced.
Local Ancestry‐Informed Candidate Pathway Analysis of Warfarin Stable Dose in Latino Populations
Authors: Steiner Heidi E. , Carrion Kelvin Carrasquillo , Giles Jason B. , Lima Abiel Roche , Yee Kevin , Sun Xiaoxiao , Cavallari Larisa H. , Perera Minoli A. , Duconge Jorge , Karnes Jason H.
Published: November 2022

Accuracy of warfarin dose prediction algorithms may be improved by including data from diverse populations in genetic studies of dose variability. Here, we surveyed single nucleotide polymorphisms in vitamin K‐related genetic pathways for association with warfarin dose requirements in two admixed Latino populations in standard‐principal component adjusted and contemporary‐local ancestry adjusted regression models. A total of five variants from vitamin K‐related genes/pathways were associated with warfarin dose in both cohorts (P < 0.0125) in standard models. Local ancestry‐adjusted analysis unveiled 35 associated variants with absolute effects ranging from β = 9.04 ( ±2.23) to 39.18 ( ±10.89) per ancestral allele in the discovery cohort and β = 6.47 (± 2.02) to 17.82 (± 6.83) in the replication cohort. Importantly, we demonstrate the technical validity of the Tractor model in cohorts with admixed ancestry from three founder populations and bring attention to the technical hurdles obstructing the inclusion of diverse, especially admixed, populations in pharmacogenomic research.
Heptazine‐Based Ordered‐Distorted Copolymers with Enhanced Visible‐Light Absorption for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ye Gui , Zhang Chao , Pan Zhiming , Wang Sibo , Zhang Guigang , Wang Xinchen
Published: November 2022

Poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), one of the attractive allotropes of polymeric carbon nitride, has recently received extensive attention in photocatalysis due to its extended conjugation for fast separation and transfer of the charges. However, pristine PHI bears an intrinsic optical absorption band edge at 460 nm, which largely restrains the visible light utilization. Herein, the narrow‐bandgap PHI (N‐PHI) with an ordered‐distorted interface was fabricated from polycondensation of the mixture of NaSCN, cyanuric chloride, and LiCl. Results revealed that the enhanced optical absorption and the promoted separation and transfer of the charge carriers at the interface greatly improved the photocatalytic performance, which endowed N‐PHI with an apparent quantum yield of 20 % for hydrogen production at 450 nm.
Transformer differential protection scheme based on self‐adaptive biased characteristic curve and considering cross‐country faults
Authors: Shahbazi Nassim , Bagheri Sajad , Gharehpetian Gevork B.
Published: November 2022

The differential protection of transformers sometimes does not have reliable performance facing some faults and events such as saturation of current transformers (CTs) during internal and external faults, inrush currents, and cross‐country faults (CCFs). In this paper, a new transformer differential protection scheme based on the self‐adaptive biased characteristic curve and considering CCFs and various disturbances are used. First, the maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) was used to extract the superior characteristics of sampled differential current of the transformer at different levels. Then, by calculating the duty cycle (D) values of energy coefficients extracted in each periodicity by MATLAB software, a new self‐adaptive biased characteristic curve will be obtained in different operating conditions. Finally, the percentage differential protection operation is adjusted based on the new adaptive characteristic curve zones. Differential current sampling under different operating conditions was performed on a real three‐phase transformer in EMTP software. The simulation results show that the proposed adaptive differential protection scheme can accurately detect various faults and events occurring in the transformer and increase system reliability.
Scrub encroachment promotes biodiversity in temperate European wetlands under eutrophic conditions
Authors: Brunbjerg Ane Kirstine , Fløjgaard Camilla , Frøslev Tobias Guldberg , Andersen Dagmar Kappel , Bruun Hans Henrik , Dalby Lars , Goldberg Irina , Lehmann Louise Juhl , Moeslund Jesper Erenskjold , Ejrnæs Rasmus
Published: November 2022

Wetlands are important habitats, often threatened by drainage, eutrophication, and suppression of grazing. In many countries, considerable resources are spent combatting scrub encroachment. Here, we hypothesize that encroachment may benefit biodiversity—especially under eutrophic conditions where asymmetric competition among plants compromises conservation targets. We studied the effects of scrub cover, nutrient levels, and soil moisture on the richness of vascular plants, bryophytes, soil fungi, and microbes in open and overgrown wetlands. We also tested the effect of encroachment, eutrophication, and soil moisture on indicators of conservation value (red‐listed species, indicator species, and uniqueness). Plant and bryophyte species richness peaked at low soil fertility, whereas soil fertility promoted soil microbes. Soil fungi responded negatively to increasing soil moisture. Lidar‐derived variables reflecting the degree of scrub cover had predominantly positive effects on species richness measures. Conservation value indicators had a negative relationship to soil fertility and a positive to encroachment. For plant indicator species, the negative effect of high nutrient levels was offset by encroachment, supporting our hypothesis of competitive release under shade. The positive effect of soil moisture on indicator species was strong in open habitats only. Nutrient‐poor mires and meadows host many rare species and require conservation management by grazing and natural hydrology. On former agricultural lands, where restoration of infertile conditions is unfeasible, we recommend rewilding with opportunities for encroachment toward semi‐open willow scrub and swamp forest, with the prospect of high species richness in bryophytes, fungi, and soil microbes and competitive release in the herb layer.
Environmental stress influences Malesian Lamiaceae distributions
Authors: Trethowan Liam A. , Arvidsson Camilla , Bramley Gemma L. C.
Published: November 2022

Dual effects of spatial distance and environment shape archipelagic floras. In Malesia, there are multiple environmental stressors associated with increasing uplands, drought, and metal‐rich ultramafic soils. Here, we examine the contrasting impacts of multifactorial environmental stress and spatial distance upon Lamiaceae species distributions. We used a phylogenetic generalized mixed effects model of species occurrence across Malesia's taxonomic database working group areas from Peninsular Malaysia to New Guinea. Predictor variables were environmental stress, spatial distance between areas and two trait principal component axes responsible for increasing fruit and leaf size and a negative correlation between flower size and plant height. We found that Lamiaceae species with smaller fruits and leaves are more likely to tolerate environmental stress and become widely distributed across megadiverse Malesian islands. How global species distribution and diversification are shaped by multifactorial environmental stress requires further examination.
The potential of Jellytoring 2.0 smart tool as a global jellyfish monitoring platform
Authors: Ruiz‐Frau Ana , Martin‐Abadal Miguel , Jennings Charlotte L. , Gonzalez‐Cid Yolanda , Hinz Hilmar
Published: November 2022

Despite the recent recognition of jellyfish as an important component of marine ecosystems and existing concerns on their potential population increase, they are rarely monitored at the appropriate spatial and temporal scales. Traditional jellyfish monitoring techniques are costly and generally restrict the spatial–temporal resolution limiting the quantity and quality of monitoring data. We introduce Jellytoring 2.0, an automatic recognition tool for jellyfish species based on convolutional neural networks (CNN). We trained Jellytoring 2.0 to identify 15 jellyfish species with a global distribution. Our aim is to offer Jellytoring 2.0 as an open‐access tool to serve as the backbone for a system that promotes the creation of large‐scale and long‐term jellyfish monitoring data. Results reveal that Jellytoring 2.0 performed well in the identification of the 15 species with average precision values ranging between 90% and 99% for most of the species. Four of the species presented slightly lower values (75%–80%). Our system was trained on a relatively small dataset, implying that additional integration of image data will further improve the performance of the CNN. We show how the application of CNNs to image data can deliver a tool that will enable the cost‐effective collection of jellyfish data on larger spatial and temporal scales. For Jellytoring 2.0 to become a truly global automatic identification system, we ask scientists and nonscientists to actively contribute with jellyfish image data to extend the number of species it can identify.
Coordinated evaporative demand and precipitation maximize rainfed maize and soybean crop yields in the USA
Authors: Luan Xiangyu , Bommarco Riccardo , Vico Giulia
Published: November 2022

To understand how climate change affects crop yields, we need to identify the climatic indices that best predict yields. Grain yields are most often predicted using precipitation and temperature in statistical models, assuming linear dependences. However, soil water availability is more influential for plant growth than precipitation and temperature, and there is ecophysiological evidence of intermediate yield maximizing conditions. Using rainfed maize and soybean yields for 1970–2010 across the USA, we tested whether the aridity index, that is, the ratio of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration seasonal totals and a proxy of soil water availability, better predicts yield than growing season precipitation total, average temperature and their interaction. We also tested for non‐monotonic responses allowing for intermediate yield‐maximizing conditions. The aridity index alone explained 77% and 72% of maize and soybean yield variability, compared with 78% and 73% explained by temperature, precipitation and their interaction. Yield responses were non‐monotonic, with yields maximized at intermediate precipitation and temperature as well as at intermediate aridity index of 0.79 for maize and 0.98 for soybean. The yield maximizing precipitation also increased with growing season average temperature, faster in maize than soybean. The intermediate yield maximizing conditions show that rainfed maize and soybean yields could both increase and decrease depending on whether climatic conditions come closer to or deviate from the yield maximizing conditions in the future. In most counties, during 1970–2010, the precipitation and aridity index were lower and temperature higher compared with those maximizing yields, suggesting that climate change will reduce yields.
Toward quantitative metabarcoding
Authors: Shelton Andrew Olaf , Gold Zachary J. , Jensen Alexander J. , D′Agnese Erin , Andruszkiewicz Allan Elizabeth , Van Cise Amy , Gallego Ramón , Ramón‐Laca Ana , Garber‐Yonts Maya , Parsons Kim , Kelly Ryan P.
Published: November 2022

Amplicon‐sequence data from environmental DNA (eDNA) and microbiome studies provide important information for ecology, conservation, management, and health. At present, amplicon‐sequencing studies—known also as metabarcoding studies, in which the primary data consist of targeted, amplified fragments of DNA sequenced from many taxa in a mixture—struggle to link genetic observations to the underlying biology in a quantitative way, but many applications require quantitative information about the taxa or systems under scrutiny. As metabarcoding studies proliferate in ecology, it becomes more important to develop ways to make them quantitative to ensure that their conclusions are adequately supported. Here we link previously disparate sets of techniques for making such data quantitative, showing that the underlying polymerase chain reaction mechanism explains the observed patterns of amplicon data in a general way. By modeling the process through which amplicon‐sequence data arise, rather than transforming the data post hoc, we show how to estimate the starting DNA proportions from a mixture of many taxa. We illustrate how to calibrate the model using mock communities and apply the approach to simulated data and a series of empirical examples. Our approach opens the door to improve the use of metabarcoding data in a wide range of applications in ecology, public health, and related fields.
Conducting Polymer‐Based e‐Refinery for Sustainable Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Wu Zhixing , Ding Penghui , Gueskine Viktor , Boyd Robert , Głowacki Eric Daniel , Odén Magnus , Crispin Xavier , Berggren Magnus , Björk Emma M. , Vagin Mikhail
Published: November 2022

Electrocatalysis enables the industrial transition to sustainable production of chemicals using abundant precursors and electricity from renewable sources. De‐centralized production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from water and oxygen of air is highly desirable for daily life and industry. We report an effective electrochemical refinery (e‐refinery) for H2O2 by means of electrocatalysis‐controlled comproportionation reaction (), feeding pure water and oxygen only. Mesoporous nickel (II) oxide (NiO) was used as electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), producing oxygen at the anode. Conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) drove the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), forming H2O2 on the cathode. The reactions were evaluated in both half‐cell and device configurations. The performance of the H2O2 e‐refinery, assembled on anion‐exchange solid electrolyte and fed with pure water, was limited by the unbalanced ionic transport. Optimization of the operation conditions allowed a conversion efficiency of 80%.