bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of green innovation for business sustainability: Identifying the key role of green intellectual capital and green SCM
Authors: Suki Norazah Mohd , Suki Norbayah Mohd , Sharif Arshian , Afshan Sahar , Rexhepi Gadaf
Published: July 2022

Organizations, while transforming resources into products and services and then into financial gains, consecutively neglect the adverse effects that are being caused to the environment and society. Hence, organizations should not focus on the financial aspects only; rather, they need to strive for business sustainability (BS). For an organization to become more sustainable, they need to tap and excel into green innovation (GIN), followed by green intellectual capital (GIC), whereas the role of green supply chain management practices (GSCMP) in this objective cannot be ignored. To fill this gap, we have established a framework based on the natural resource‐based view theory and extant literature that offers a foundation for sculpturing the process by which GIN was observed to capture BS through GIC and GSCMP. Primary data were collected from the Malaysian manufacturing industries, and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) was applied to the sample of 243 respondents. The key findings reported that GIN has a positive and significant relationship with GIC, GSCMP, and BS. Further, GIC and GSCMP also positively and significantly affect BS. These findings have some certain recommendations for policymakers that the present study proposed. Mainly organizations need to develop their green and sustainable resources, which will help them develop according to the principles of BS and gain a competitive advantage in the long run. In the end, there are certain limitations of the present study on which the possibilities of future research are drawn.
Transient cortical blindness, a rare complication during cerebral digital subtraction angiography: A case report and literature review
Authors: Sarkodie Benjamin Dabo , Jimah Bashiru Babatunde , Anim Dorothea , Jackson Emmanuel , Brakohiapa Edmund , Anaglate Awo Yaa Oduro
Published: July 2022

Transient cortical blindness (TCB) is a rare consequence of cerebral angiography with no recognized cause. TCB was observed in a patient with a wide‐neck cavernous aneurysm during digital subtraction angiography. One hour after angiography, vision returned spontaneously, with no neurological damage. An MRI was performed three hours after the incident and revealed no abnormalities.
Lightsheet Microscopy
Authors: Dyer Laura , Parker Andrew , Paphiti Keanu , Sanderson Jeremy
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we review lightsheet (selective plane illumination) microscopy for mouse developmental biologists. There are different means of forming the illumination sheet, and we discuss these. We explain how we introduced the lightsheet microscope economically into our core facility and present our results on fixed and living samples. We also describe methods of clearing fixed samples for three‐dimensional imaging and discuss the various means of preparing samples with particular reference to mouse cilia, adipose spheroids, and cochleae. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Serum microRNAs are key predictors of long‐term heart failure and cardiovascular death after myocardial infarction
Authors: Rincón Luis M. , Rodríguez‐Serrano Macarena , Conde Elisa , Lanza Val F. , Sanmartín Marcelo , González‐Portilla Paz , Paz‐García Marta , Del Rey José Manuel , Menacho Miriam , García Bermejo María‐Laura , Zamorano José L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) are at high risk of upcoming events, in particular heart failure (HF), but reliable stratification methods are lacking. Our goal was to evaluate the potential role of circulating miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in patients presenting with MI.

Methods and results

We conducted a prospective study among 311 consecutive patients hospitalized with MI (65% ST‐segment elevation MI & median age of 55 years) with long‐term follow‐up. An initial screening was conducted to select candidate miRNAs, with subsequent study of 14 candidate miRNAs. The primary outcome was the composite of hospital admission for HF or cardiovascular death. During a mean follow‐up of 2.1 years miR‐21‐5p, miR‐23a‐3p, miR27b‐3p, miR‐122‐5p, miR210‐3p, and miR‐221‐3p reliably predicted the primary outcome. Multivariate Cox regression analyses highlighted that miR‐210‐3p [hazard ratio (HR) 2.65 per 1 SD increase, P < 0.001], miR‐23a‐3p (HR 2.11 per 1 SD increase, P < 0.001), and miR‐221‐3p (HR 2.03 per 1 SD increase, P < 0.001) were able to accurately predict the primary outcome, as well as cardiovascular death, HF hospitalizations, and long‐term New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. These three miRNAs clearly improved the performance of multivariate clinical models: ΔC‐statistic = 0.10 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.03–0.17], continuous net reclassification index = 34.8% (95%CI, 5.8–57.4%), and integrated discrimination improvement (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This is the largest study evaluating the prognostic value of circulating miRNAs for HF‐related events among patients with MI. We show that several miRNAs predict HF hospitalizations, cardiovascular mortality, and poor long‐term NYHA status and improve current risk prediction methods.
Materials design and system structures of solar steam evaporators
Authors: Xiao Bo , Zhou Wei , Yu Fang , Wang Junshi , Xiong Xin , Liu Gang , Xia Yue , Wang Xianbao
Published: July 2022

Solar energy, as a low‐cost, abundant and clean energy, has enormous potential to alleviate water shortages. Solar steam generation (SSG) is a promising solar‐to‐thermal conversion technology that has been effectively applied for clean water production, desalination and sewage treatment. In this review, the recent developments of photothermal materials from a light absorption capacity and structural design have been summarized. Based on thermal management and transporting water, the advantages and disadvantages of volume systems, surface system and isolation system to get the optimal solar evaporator structure have been presented. This work aims to provide a pointer for rational design of photothermal evaporators for clean water production and a direction to large engineering systems for realizing commercialization of SSG.
Aminophosphate precursors for the synthesis of near‐unity emitting InP quantum dots and their application in liver cancer diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Yanbin , Lv Yanbing , Li Lin‐Song , Zhao Xue‐Jie , Zhao Mei‐Xia , Shen Huaibin
Published: July 2022

InP quantum dots (QDs) are a promising and environment‐friendly alternative to Cd‐based QDs for in vitro diagnostics and bioimaging applications. However, their poor fluorescence and stability severely limit their biological applications. Herein, we synthesize bright (∼100%) and stable InP‐based core/shell QDs by using cost‐effective and low‐toxic phosphorus source, and then aqueous InP QDs are prepared with quantum yield over 80% by shell engineering. The immunoassay of alpha‐fetoprotein can be detected in the widest analytical range of 1–1000 ng ml−1 and the limit of detection of 0.58 ng ml−1 by using those InP QDs‐based fluorescent probes, making it the best‐performing heavy metal‐free detection reported so far, comparable to state‐of‐the‐art Cd‐QDs‐based probes. Furthermore, the high‐quality aqueous InP QDs exhibit excellent performance in specific labeling of liver cancer cells and in vivo tumor‐targeted imaging of live mice. Overall, the present work demonstrates the great potential of novel high‐quality Cd‐free InP QDs in cancer diagnosis and image‐guided surgery.
Forecasting chlorophyll‐a concentration using empirical wavelet transform and support vector regression
Authors: Yu Jin‐Won , Kim Ju‐Song , Jong Yun‐Chol , Li Xia , Ryang Gwang‐Il
Published: July 2022

Accurate forecast of chlorophyll‐a concentration of water bodies is important for aquatic management because it can support management decisions with future information. In this regard, this paper proposes a new chlorophyll‐a forecast method that combines empirical wavelet transform, support vector regression, and sine cosine algorithm. Chlorophyll‐a concentration data are decomposed by empirical wavelet transform, and then, support vector regression is employed to predict decomposed components, and finally, forecast value is obtained by reconstructing the predicted values for the decomposed components. Hyperparameters of support vector regression models are optimized by sine cosine algorithm. Our model is evaluated by chlorophyll‐a concentration data of Lake Kasumigaura, Japan. For the purpose of comparison, several other models are also developed. Result indicates that our method shows better forecast performance than other competitor models. This study demonstrates that data processing by empirical wavelet transform can significantly improve forecast accuracy and our method is a promising new forecast method for lake chlorophyll‐a concentration.
Effect of roasting and frying treatments on aflatoxins and capsaicinoids content and nutritional profile of green chilies (Capsicum annumL.)
Authors: Bashir Omar , Sharma Vasudha , Hussain Syed Zameer , Naseer Bazila , Amin Tawheed , Ameer Kashif , Bhat Shakeel Ahmad , Manzoor Sobiya , Mohamed Ahmed Isam A.
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to assess the effect of two thermal treatments, viz. roasting and pan frying (deep frying), on nutritional profile, aflatoxin, and capsaicin content in green chilies. Green chilies were subjected to roasting and frying to reduce the aflatoxin contamination, besides retaining their pungency and nutritional profile. Reversed‐phase HPLC was employed to determine the levels of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in thermally treated and control samples. The proximate compositions of roasted and fried chili samples were significantly (p ≤ .05) different from raw chili (control), except ash content. Vitamin A levels decreased significantly (p ≤ .05) during roasting and were undetected in fried chili samples. Likewise, vitamin C was undetected in both roasted and fried chili samples. Significantly decreasing (p ≤ .05) trends were noticed in capsaicinoids viz. capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin contents including Scoville Heat Units (SHU) during roasting and frying. However, retention of capsaicinoids was higher in roasted chilies (730.00 ± 4.90 mg/kg) than fried samples (502.56 ± 5.10 mg/kg). The levels of all the four major aflatoxins (AFs)‐ AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 recorded in control were much higher than the limits prescribed by the European Union for spices. Both thermal treatments (roasting and frying) employed proved to be effective in reducing aflatoxins like AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 in chilies to below the prescribed limits, while as the level of AFB1 was reduced below the limits by only the frying method. This study therefore indicated the substantial impact of frying on aflatoxins.
Recombinant collagen hydrogels induced by disulfide bonds
Authors: Wang Jie , Hu Jinyuan , Yuan Xuan , Li Yingnan , Song Lijun , Xu Fei
Published: July 2022

With the characteristics of low toxicity and biodegradability, recombinant collagen‐like proteins have been chemically and genetically engineered as a scaffold for cell adhesion and proliferation. However, most of the existing hydrogels crosslinked with peptides or polymers are not pure collagen, limiting their utility as biomaterials. A major roadblock in the development of biomaterials is the need for high purity collagen that can self‐assemble into hydrogels under mild conditions. In this work, we designed a recombinant protein, S‐VCL‐S, by introducing cysteine residues into the Streptococcus pyogenes collagen‐like protein at both the N‐and C‐termini of the collagen with a trimerization domain (V) and a collagen domain (CL). The S‐VCL‐S protein was properly folded in complete triple helices and formed self‐supporting hydrogels without polymer modifications. In addition, the introduction of cysteines was found to play a key role in the properties of the hydrogels, including their microstructure, pore size, mechanical properties, and drug release capability. Moreover, two/three‐dimensional cell‐culture assays showed that the hydrogels are noncytotoxic and can promote long‐term cell viability. This study explored a crosslinking collagen hydrogel based on disulfide bonds and provides a design strategy for collagen‐based biomaterials.
Collagen X Biomarker (CXM), Linear Growth, and Bone Development in a Vitamin D Intervention Study in Infants
Authors: Hauta-alus Helena H , Holmlund-Suila Elisa M , Valkama Saara M , Enlund-Cerullo Maria , Rosendahl Jenni , Coghlan Ryan F , Andersson Sture , Mäkitie Outi
Published: July 2022

Collagen X biomarker (CXM) is suggested to be a biomarker of linear growth velocity. However, early childhood data are limited. This study examines the relationship of CXM to the linear growth rate and bone development, including the possible modifying effects of vitamin D supplementation. We analyzed a cohort of 276 term-born children participating in the Vitamin D Intervention in Infants (VIDI) study. Infants received 10 μg/d (group-10) or 30 μg/d (group-30) vitamin D3 supplementation for the first 2 years of life. CXM and length were measured at 12 and 24 months of age. Tibial bone mineral content (BMC), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), cross-sectional area (CSA), polar moment of inertia (PMI), and periosteal circumference (PsC) were measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) at 12 and 24 months. We calculated linear growth as length velocity (cm/year) and the growth rate in length (SD unit). The mean (SD) CXM values were 40.2 (17.4) ng/mL at 12 months and 38.1 (12.0) ng/mL at 24 months of age (p = 0.12). CXM associated with linear growth during the 2-year follow-up (p = 0.041) but not with bone (p = 0.53). Infants in group-30 in the highest tertile of CXM exhibited an accelerated mean growth rate in length compared with the intermediate tertile (mean difference [95% CI] −0.50 [−0.98, −0.01] SD unit, p = 0.044) but not in the group-10 (p = 0.062) at 12 months. Linear association of CXM and growth rate until 12 months was weak, but at 24 months CXM associated with both length velocity (B for 1 increment of √CXM [95% CI] 0.32 [0.12, 0.52] cm/yr, p = 0.002) and growth rate in length (0.20 [0.08, 0.32] SD unit, p = 0.002). To conclude, CXM may not reliably reflect linear growth from birth to 12 months of age, but its correlation with growth velocity improves during the second year of life. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Triphlorethol‐A attenuates U251 human glioma cancer cell proliferation and ameliorates apoptosis through JAK2/STAT3 and p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathways
Authors: Yuan Zhihai , Yang Zhen , Li Weiqin , Wu Aimei , Su Zhixiang , Jiang Bin , Ganesan Sakthivigneswari
Published: July 2022

Glioma is the foremost recurrent type of brain tumor in humans; in particular, glioblastoma (GBM) is the main form of brain tumor (GBM) that is highly proliferative and impervious to apoptosis. Triphlorethol‐A (TA), a phlorotannin isolated from Ecklonia cava, exhibited cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. However, the exact molecular action of TA in the U251 human GBM cells remains unknown. This may be the first report on the antiproliferative and apoptotic mechanisms of TA on GBM. The cytotoxicity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and cell apoptosis activity of TA have been evaluated by the MTT assay and by DCFH‐DA, Rh‐123, AO/EB, and western blot analysis. The results obtained showed that TA abridged the viability of U251 cells, while MMP increased apoptosis by increasing the ROS levels in a time‐dependent manner. The results showed that a reduction in U251 cell proliferation was associated with the regulation of JAK2/STAT3 and p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. TA was found to suppress pJAK, pSTAT3, p38 MAPK, and pERK phosphorylation, thereby causing Bax/Bcl‐2 imbalance, activating the caspase cascade and cytochrome c, and inducing apoptosis. Our findings showed that the suppression of JAK2/STAT3 and p38 MAPK/ERK signaling by TA results in cell growth arrest and stimulation of apoptosis in GBM cells. These studies justify the protective remedy of TA against GBM.
Protective activity of purpurin against d‐galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide‐induced hepatorenal injury by upregulation of heme oxygenase‐1 in the RBC degradation cycle
Authors: Rakshit Samrat , Sahu Nisha , Nirala Satendra Kumar , Bhadauria Monika
Published: July 2022

Acute liver failure, associated with oxidative stress and sustained inflammation is the major clinical manifestation of liver diseases with a high mortality rate due to limited therapeutic options. Purpurin is a bioactive compound of Rubia cordifolia that has been used in textile staining, as a food additive, and as a treatment of multiple chronic and metabolic diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. The present work aimed to investigate the protective efficacy of purpurin against hepatorenal damage. Thirty‐six female albino rats were equally assigned into six groups. Purpurin was administered orally once a day for 6 days at doses of 05, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively. Intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/kg) was administered to the animals on 6th day evening, 1 h after
d‐galactosamine (300 mg/kg) administration to induce hepatorenal injury. The results revealed that purpurin alleviated alterations in serological and hematological parameters as well as restored histoarchitectural and cellular integrity of the liver and kidney. Purpurin restored superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione content in hepatorenal tissues. Accompanied by the diminution of increased bilirubin and biliverdin, purpurin also diminished total cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipid peroxidation in hepatorenal tissues. Purpurin markedly attenuated the elevation of CYP2E1, restored glutathione‐S‐transferase, and prevented DNA damage in hepatorenal tissues. Purpurin reduced iron overload by reducing heme depletion and recycling of ferritin and hemosiderin. It also reinforced biliverdin reductase, heme oxygenase‐1 to employ hepatorenal protection by regulating antioxidant enzymes and other pathways that produced NADPH. Thus, it may be concluded that purpurin has protective potential against acute hepatorenal injury.
Relationship between activeHelicobacter pyloriinfection and anemia, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia: A cross‐sectional study in asub‐Saharansetting
Authors: Eyoum Bille Bertrand B , Kouitcheu Mabeku Laure B
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

There have been contradictory reports about the association betweenHelicobacter pyloriinfection and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Based on the high frequency ofH. pyloriinfection in Cameroon, we have evaluated the frequency ofH. pyloriinfection as the cause of anemia, and IDA among dyspeptic patients in Cameroon.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 842 dyspeptic patients (472 women and 370 men) in two reference hospitals in Douala‐Cameroon. Each participant gave a written consent, and the study was approved by the National Ethical Committee. Erythroid‐related indices and markers of iron deficiency (ID) measurement were done for each participant as well asH. pyloridetection. Data were analyzed using SSPS statistical package.

Results

The prevalence of anemia, ID, IDA, andH. pyloriinfection was 65.08%, 31.47%, 25.65%, and 80.88%, respectively.H. pyloriinfected individuals had a significantly lower mean value of hemoglobin (P = 0.01), hematocrit (P = 0.04), ferritin (P = 0.03) and coefficient of transferrin saturation (CTS) levels (P = 0.04) and a significantly higher mean value of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P = 0.02). Compared withH. pylorinon‐infected participants,H. pyloriinfected patients were 1.2938 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9087–1.8421), 1.1851 (95% CI: 0.8122–1.7292), and 1.5636 (95% CI: 1.0206–2.3953) times at higher risk to develop anemia, ID, and IDA, respectively. A significant relationship was found betweenH. pyloriinfection and IDA (P = 0.04 and 0.04 for crude and age/sex‐adjusted, respectively).

Conclusion

H. pyloriinfection seems to be associated with anemia, and IDA among dyspeptic patients in our milieu.
Physiologic roles of P2 receptors in leukocytes
Authors: Alberto Anael Viana Pinto , da Silva Ferreira Natiele Carla , Bonavita André Gustavo Calvano , Nihei Oscar Kenji , de Farias Fernando Pires , da Cunha Bisaggio Rodrigo , de Albuquerque Cristóvão , Savino Wilson , Coutinho-Silva Robson , Persechini Pedro Muanis , Alves Luiz Anastacio
Published: July 2022

Since their discovery in the 1970s, purinergic receptors have been shown to play key roles in a wide variety of biologic systems and cell types. In the immune system, purinergic receptors participate in innate immunity and in the modulation of the adaptive immune response. In particular, P2 receptors, which respond to extracellular nucleotides, are widely expressed on leukocytes, causing the release of cytokines and chemokines and the formation of inflammatory mediators, and inducing phagocytosis, degranulation, and cell death. The activity of these receptors is regulated by ectonucleotidases—expressed in these same cell types—which regulate the availability of nucleotides in the extracellular environment. In this article, we review the characteristics of the main purinergic receptor subtypes present in the immune system, focusing on the P2 family. In addition, we describe the physiologic roles of the P2 receptors already identified in leukocytes and how they can positively or negatively modulate the development of infectious diseases, inflammation, and pain.
Intraocular Water Movement Visualization Using 1H‐MRI With Eye Drops of O‐17‐Labeled Saline: First‐in‐Human Study
Authors: Tomiyasu Moyoko , Sahara Yasuka , Mitsui Etsuko , Tsuchiya Hiroki , Maeda Takamasa , Tomoyori Nobuhiro , Kawashima Makoto , Nogawa Toshifumi , Kishimoto Riwa , Takado Yuhei , Higashi Tatsuya , Mizota Atsushi , Kudo Kohsuke , Obata Takayuki
Published: July 2022

Background

Visualization of aqueous humor flow in MR contrast images using gadolinium is challenging because of the delayed contrast effects associated with the blood‐retinal and blood‐aqueous humor barriers. However, oxygen‐17 water (H217O) might be used as an ocular contrast agent.

Purpose

To observe the distribution of H217O in the human eye, and its flow in and out of the anterior chamber, using dynamic T2‐weighted MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Six ophthalmologically normal volunteers (20–37 years, six females).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T/dynamic T2‐weighted MRI.

Assessment

H217O eye drops were administered to the right eye. Time‐series images were created by subtracting the image before the eye drops from each of the images obtained after the eye drops. The normalized signal intensity of the right anterior chamber (nAC) was obtained by dividing the signal intensity of the right anterior chamber region by that of the left. The inflow and outflow constants of H217O and H217O concentration were calculated from the nAC.

Statistical Tests

A paired t‐test was used to compare the flow‐related values and temporal changes in signal intensity. P‐values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Significantly decreased signal intensity was observed in the right anterior chamber but not the right vitreous body (P = 0.39). The nAC signal intensity decreased significantly and then recovered. The inflow and outflow constants were 0.36–0.94 min−1 and 0.023–0.13 min−1, respectively. The maximum H217O concentration was 0.078%–0.24%.

Data Conclusion

H217O were distributed in the anterior chamber. The H217O inflow into the anterior chamber was significantly faster than that of the outflow.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Effects of lemon (Citrus Limon L.), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oils against of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum
Authors: Kgang Itumeleng E. , Mathabe Patricia M. K. , Klein Ashwil , Kalombo Lonji , Belay Zinash A. , Caleb Oluwafemi James
Published: July 2022

Background

Postharvest pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum causes significant postharvest deterioration of fresh fruit, resulting in economic losses globally. Essential oils (EOs) are safe fungal biodeterioration alternatives compared to chemical fungicides. The aim of this study was to characterise and evaluate the additive and/or synergetic effects of lemon (Le‐), lemongrass (Lg‐), and peppermint (P‐EOs) against mycelial growth and spore germination of B. cinerea and P. expansum.

Results

GC–MS analysis depicted 7, 10 and 10 compounds being the major component for Le‐, Lg‐ and P‐EOs, respectively. Most abundant compound being δ‐limonene (71%), α‐citral (50.1%), and menthyl acetate (48%) in Le‐, Lg‐ and P‐EOs, respectively. In vitro investigation showed significant inhibition against mycelial growth and spore germination of B. cinerea and P. expansum with a MIC of 5 and 10 mg/L, respectively. P. expansum was more susceptible to the EOs compared to B. cinerea. The concentrations causing 50% reduction (EC50) in mycelial growth for P. expansum were 4, and 9 mg/L for P‐EO and Le‐EO, respectively. At the lowest concentration (0.62 mg/L), volatile phase treatment for P‐ and Lg‐EOs showed 100% inhibitory effects against all fungal mycelial growth compared to contact phase with ≈30% and 60% inhibitory effects, respectively, against P. expansum.

Conclusions

Combination of essential oils showed stronger antifungal efficacy compared to individuals. EOs were more effective in volatile phase than direct contact at low concentrations. This shows the potential of using EOs in fogging treatments.
Pupil diameter variation related to visual comfort of hue‐asymmetric stereoscopic images
Authors: Zhang Kaihong , Chen Zaiqing , Chen Jianbing , Huang Xiaoqiao , Yun Lijun , Tai Yonghang
Published: July 2022

Color asymmetry of the left and right views is a common phenomenon in the stereoscopic three‐dimensional (S3D) display, which can lead to visual discomfort. Due to visual discomfort is a subjective sensation, we hypothesize that variations of pupil diameter while viewing S3D images are related to experienced visual comfort. To test this hypothesis, we conducted eye‐tracking experiments on humans viewing hue‐asymmetric stereoscopic images while simultaneously collecting their judgment scores of experienced visual discomfort. From the collected eye‐tracking data, pupil diameter variations were extracted by a normalization formula. Results show that change in hue asymmetry levels causes a significant change in pupil diameter variations. There was a strong negative correlation between the pupil diameter variation and the visual comfort assessment (VCA) score, and the Pearson's r = −0.8936. We conclude that as the hue asymmetric level of stereoscopic image increases, the pupil diameter of the participant becomes smaller and the visual comfort decreases. A visual comfort predication model was fitted well using pupil diameter variation. It predicts that when the pupil diameter variation exceeds 20.57%, the brain feels visual discomfort.
A fast, single column high‐performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection method for the determination of saccharides in atmospheric aerosol samples
Authors: Patil Sachin , Rohrer Jeffrey
Published: July 2022

Saccharides, especially anhydro sugars present in atmospheric aerosols, can be used as tracers to track sources of atmospheric aerosols. High‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection is a commonly used technique for determining these saccharides, but the reported methods suffer from three drawbacks. First, to achieve separation of the complete set of atmospheric saccharides, run times are very long, typically longer than 60 minutes. Second, some methods require two columns to achieve the desired separation. Finally, in an era when electrolytic eluent preparation allows for excellent precision and accuracy, these methods require manually prepared eluents, which can lead to separation inconsistency for closely eluting analytes. These drawbacks make existing methods difficult to automate. To address this issue, we developed a fast method that uses only a single column for separation and electrolytically generated eluent that resolves 12 key atmospheric aerosol saccharides in 20 minutes. The resolved saccharides include anhydro sugars (levoglucosan, galactosan, and mannosan), sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol, and mannitol), and mono‐/disaccharides (arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, fructose, and sucrose). To our knowledge, this report is the first instance of achieving such a significant reduction in run time with good resolution for this set of saccharides.
Decision analysis and coordination of dual supply chain with retailer's offline return service and online reviews
Authors: Guo Xue‐ge , Liu Yong , Xia Zhen‐juan
Published: July 2022

Based on the centralized and decentralized decision‐making cases, this study constructs a dual‐channel supply chain game model that considers offline return service and online reviews, and explores the pricing decisions and benefits of supply chains under the dual influence of return service level and online reviews. The impact of return rate, return service level and perceived quality of online reviews on optimal supply chain decisions and profits are further analyzed. Finally, considering the phenomenon of double marginalization in the supply chain, this study coordinates the supply chain based on the benefit‐sharing contract coordination model to achieve Pareto improvement. The research shows that: The manufacturer's optimal wholesale price, the optimal online selling price and the retailer's optimal offline price are positively correlated with the perceived quality of online reviews and the level of return service. Compared with the return service level, the perceived quality of online reviews has a greater impact on the overall profit of the supply chain. Under the dual influence of the perceived quality of online reviews and the level of return service, the supply chain profit in the centralized model is better than that in the decentralized model. The coordination model can effectively coordinate the supply chain. Moreover, when the sharing ratio of manufacturers is obviously lower than that of retailers, the coordination effect is better at this time.
The influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination on post‐operative outcomes in microsurgery patients
Authors: Taghioff Susan M. , Slavin Benjamin R. , Narasimman Manish , Samaha Georges , Samaha Mario , Holton Tripp , Singh Devinder
Published: July 2022

Background

The healthcare industry's efforts to immunize the global community against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) have been unprecedented. Given the fast‐tracking of the novel vaccine, its short‐ and long‐term medical implications remain largely to‐be‐determined in most patient populations. This study aims to analyze 90‐day post‐operative outcomes in microsurgical patients, who have received or not received SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccination, using a continuously updated federated electronic medical record network (TriNetX Inc, Cambridge, MA).

Methods

After screening 70 million de‐identified records, 16,799 microsurgery patients aged 18–99 meeting medical coding criteria were allocated into two cohorts. Cohort One received SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccination prior to undergoing microsurgery whereas Cohort Two did not. Two equally sized cohorts, totaling 818 patients were created after propensity score matching for characteristics including: age, race, ethnicity, smoking, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and history of SARS‐CoV‐2 exposure. Postoperative outcomes within 30‐, 60‐, and 90‐days of microsurgery were analyzed.

Results

Patients who were SARS‐CoV‐2‐immunized experienced significantly lower (p < .01) surgical site infections (Absolute Risk Reduction (ARR)[95%CI]) = (3.79%–5.36% [0.84–8.54]) ICU admission (9.47%–9.82%[5.45–13.88]), generalized infections (7.68%–9.92%[3.15–14.64]), and hospitalizations (28.48%–32.57%[20.99–40.13]) within 30‐, 60‐, and 90‐days of microsurgery. Additionally, SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccinated patients also experienced significantly less flap failure (2.49%[0.97–4.02]) and death (2.46%[0.96–3.97]) within 30‐ and 60‐days post‐operatively.

Conclusion

Our analysis examines the potential protective effect of SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccination in microsurgical patients. Limitations include the retrospective nature of this analysis and the inherent reliance on medical coding. Future prospective studies are warranted to better understand if in fact pre‐operative SARS‐CoV‐2‐vaccination has the potential to protect against post‐operative microsurgery outcomes.
Effects of Temperature on Growth of Juvenile Speckled Peacock Bass Cichla temensis
Authors: Coffill-Rivera Manuel E. , Neal Jason Wesley , Allen Peter J.
Published: July 2022

The Speckled Peacock Bass Cichla temensis is a popular sport and food fish with potential for aquaculture. The species is reported to be sensitive to temperature extremes and low dissolved oxygen, but the growth response to these variables has not been evaluated. This study examined temperature (25, 30, and 35°C) effects on growth of juveniles (TL [mean ± SE] = 139 ± 1 mm; wet weight = 29.73 ± 0.64 g) during an 8-week period. Length and weight gains were similar for fish acclimated to 25°C (25 ± 1 mm; 20.03 ± 1.65 g) and 30°C (26 ± 2 mm; 19.17 ± 1.90 g), whereas fish that were held at 35°C had reduced growth (7 ± 1 mm; 0.79 ± 0.55 g). Specific growth rate (SGR; % of wet body weight [BW]/d) and Fulton's condition factor at the end of the experiment (Kf) were similar for fish acclimated to 25°C (0.87 ± 0.05% BW/d; 1.10 ± 0.02) and 30°C (0.85 ± 0.06% BW/d; 1.08 ± 0.02), while those acclimated to 35°C displayed lower SGR and Kf (0.04 ± 0.03% BW/d; 0.97 ± 0.02). Survival was over 90% among all treatments. These results indicate that 25–30°C is preferable to 35°C for rearing juvenile Speckled Peacock Bass and that higher temperatures should be avoided.
Capacity provisioning for evacuation on path networks
Authors: Benkoczi Robert , Lijoka Oluwaseun F.
Published: July 2022

Designing an appropriate evacuation plan in the event of large scale disasters is extremely important. A considerable research effort has been invested in effective mathematical models and algorithms for the evacuation of densely populated areas. Dynamic networks and flows, and the closely related sink location and evacuation problems are research directions that are being actively pursued at the moment. In this work, we propose an extension of the sink location problem in dynamic networks that is suitable for planning the evacuation of remote and sparsely populated communities. We exploit the connection between the capacity of a transportation network and the amount of resources allocated to the rescue operation, and we introduce a new objective function for the problem of evacuation in a dynamic network. Given a network with known edge lengths and with a known number of evacuees located at the vertices, we would like to assign capacities to the edges of the network, from a fixed capacity budget, in such a way that the evacuation time of all evacuees to the set of fixed sink nodes in the network is minimized. We consider a simple path network with one fixed sink node and observe that the solution can be obtained numerically from a non‐linear program. However, by exploiting two useful properties of the optimal capacity allocation, we propose a combinatorial algorithm that returns a parametric solution, that is, a solution that depends on a single parameter, namely the capacity assigned to one edge of the path. Our algorithm runs in time where is the budgeted capacity, is the precision to which the solution is computed, and is the number of vertices occupied by evacuees in an ‐vertex path. This work is the first to consider the capacity allocation problem in the context of sink location problems.
Restructuring and integrity of molecular catalysts in electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Rooney Conor L. , Wu Yueshen , Gallagher David J. , Wang Hailiang
Published: July 2022

Electrocatalysts that start a reaction as molecules do not always end the reaction as molecules, and even when they do, they might not be molecules during catalysis. In this Perspective, we discuss knowledge learned from the study of Cu‐based molecularly structured electrocatalysts––including metal coordination complexes, metal‐organic frameworks, single‐atom catalysts, and polymeric materials––that restructure under electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions. Recent reports are summarized with an emphasis on the nature and significance of post‐mortem and in situ characterization for the proper identification of active sites. We demonstrate that molecular and material structures determine whether electrocatalysts restructure and how they restructure, that understanding of restructuring processes can help us identify active sites for catalysis, and that this knowledge can be leveraged to design precatalysts that generate highly active catalysts under reaction conditions. In addition, we provide recommended practices for studying the integrity of heterogeneous molecular catalysts during and after CO2 reduction reactions.

Key Points

Heterogeneous molecular Cu catalysts have been observed to restructure to metallic Cu clusters under reaction conditions.

Dynamic or reversible restructuring confounds identification of real active sites.

Both ex situ and in situ techniques are recommended for robust catalyst characterization.
Feeding on soybean crops changed gut bacteria diversity of the southern green stinkbug (Nezara viridula) and reduced negative effects of some associated bacteria
Authors: Medina Virginia , Rosso Bruno E. , Soria Marcelo , Gutkind Gabriel O. , Pagano Eduardo A. , Zavala Jorge A.
Published: July 2022

Background

The southern green stinkbug (Nezara viridula) is a mayor pest of soybean. However, the mechanism underlying stinkbug resistance to soybean defenses is yet ignored. Although gut bacteria could play an essential role in tolerating plant defenses, most studies testing questions related to insect‐plant–bacteria interactions have been performed in laboratory condition. Here we performed experiments in laboratory and field conditions with N. viridula and its gut bacteria, studying gut lipid peroxidaxion levels and cysteine activity in infected and unifected nymphs, testing the hypothesis that feeding on field‐grown soybean decreases bacterial abundance in stinkbugs.

Results

Gut bacterial abundance and infection ratio were higher in N. viridula adults reared in laboratory than in those collected from soybean crops, suggesting that stinkbugs in field conditions may modulate gut bacterial colonization. Manipulating gut microbiota by infecting stinkbugs with Yokenella sp. showed that these bacteria abundance decreased in field conditions, and negatively affected stinkbugs performance and were more aggressive in laboratory rearing than in field conditions. Infected nymphs that fed on soybean pods had lower mortality, higher mass and shorter development period than those reared in the laboratory, and suggested that field conditions helped nymphs to recover from Yokenella sp. infection, despite of increased lipid peroxidation and decreased cysteine proteases activity in nymphs' guts.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that feeding on field‐grown soybean reduced bacterial abundance and infection in guts of N. viridula and highlighted the importance to test functional activities or pathogenicity of microbes under realistic field conditions prior to establish conclusions on three trophic interactions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Electron Irradiation Effects on Single‐Layer MoS2 Obtained by Gold‐Assisted Exfoliation
Authors: Panasci Salvatore Ethan , Alessi Antonino , Buscarino Gianpiero , Cannas Marco , Gelardi Franco Mario , Schilirò Emanuela , Giannazzo Filippo , Agnello Simonpietro
Published: July 2022

Mechanical exfoliation assisted by gold is applied to obtain good quality large lateral size single‐layer MoS2. The effects of 2.5 MeV electron irradiation are investigated at room temperature on structural and electronic features by Raman and microluminescence spectroscopy. The exciton recombination emission in the direct bandgap of single‐layer MoS2 is affected during irradiation starting from the minimum explored dose of 1 kGy. At higher doses, Raman bands show no relevant modifications whereas the exciton emission is quenched, suggesting that irradiation‐induced point defects affect exciton dynamics.
Design of a Hybrid Structure for Controlling Infrared Characteristic Based on Photonic Crystals with Active Thermal Management
Authors: Song Kuilong , Xie Ming , Ai Qing
Published: July 2022

Control technology for infrared characteristic has been a hot topic for decades. Herein, a hybrid structure for controlling infrared characteristic combining a wavelength‐selective emitter, microchannel heat exchanger, and thermal barrier coatings (TBC) is proposed to tune the surface infrared signature. First, the optimization algorithm is used to optimize the design to realize the spectral selective emission of the surface. The optimized 1D photonic crystal (PC) has high emittance in the 5–8 μm nonatmospheric window (ε5−8 = 0.723) for radiative cooling and low emittance in the 3–5 and 8–14 μm atmospheric window (ε3−5 = 0.480 andε8−14 = 0.067) for infrared camouflage. Further control of surface temperature is achieved by combining the nanofluid‐cooled microchannel heat exchanger and TBCs. When the Reynolds number is 1000 and the wall heating temperature is 1473.15 K, the IR signal intensity can be reduced by 35.3 dB. This scheme may provide a new idea for infrared characteristic signal control.
Current Injection‐Induced Performance Enhancement in n‐Type Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Lei , He Qiyuan , Hu Zechen , Yu Xuegong , Yang Lifei , Yang Deren
Published: July 2022

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells have garnered significant attention recently due to their excellent performance, benefiting from the outstanding passivation quality of intrinsic/doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) bilayers. Herein, it is found that current injection at elevated temperatures can enhance the electrical performance of SHJ solar cells. The kinetics study clarifies that activation energy of 0.5 eV is obtained for this enhancement phenomenon. By using photoluminescence (PL) images, it is demonstrated that the performance enhancement can be mainly attributed to the reduction of electrically active defects. The underlying mechanism is focused on the diffusion and passivation effect of hydrogen, which could be valuable for understanding the kinetics of the current injection‐induced enhancement phenomenon in the SHJ cells. This approach serves as an alternative method of light soaking to reach the effect of performance enhancement of SHJ cells, making it more competitive in the photovoltaics industry.
Sparse event‐triggered control of linear systems
Authors: Banno Ikumi , Azuma Shun‐ichi , Ariizumi Ryo , Asai Toru
Published: July 2022

In event‐triggered control, a situation where the control input must be sparse often arises. Therefore, in this study, we proposesparse event‐triggered control, meaning that the control input is sparse and updated in an event‐triggered manner. First, we present a model‐based method for sparse event‐triggered control of linear systems, where the event condition is defined by a Lyapunov function. The resulting control input is proven to be sparse and the control system is confirmed to be asymptotically stable. Second, we extend it to a data‐driven version, where the event condition is adaptively updated from online data on the state trajectory. Finally, we discuss the possibility of extending our framework to two cases of disturbance and nonlinear dynamics.
Room‐Temperature Green Recyclable Epoxy Composites with Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties Cross‐Linked via B−O−C Bonds
Authors: Zhou Quan , Fang Chaoyu , Li Xin , You Liwen , Qi Yiqing , Liu Min , Xu Yuan , He Qiuyan , Lu Shiting , Zhou Yutong
Published: July 2022

Without any catalyst, a novel way for the preparation of epoxy (EDSPs) and their composites by cross‐link via dynamic B−O−C bonds was presented. The EDSPs with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 194 °C were resistant to various solvents and can be green degraded in ethanol at room temperature. The dynamic properties of EDSPs also give the composites excellent recyclability, as the expensive carbon and glass fibers can be recovered intact from the composites under mild conditions at room temperature. Mechanical performance tests showed that the carbon fiber composites (CF/EDSPs) can achieve a flexural strength of 849 MPa and an interlaminar shear strength of 58 MPa. Even after recycling and re‐preparation, 99 % of the original flexural strength and 93 % of the original interlaminar shear strength are still maintained. Scratch repair experiments shown that scratch self‐healing can be achieved in only 10 s at 200 °C.
Mesogenic Behavior of New Derivatives Containing Azo‐Ester‐Imine Links with Different Substituted Alkoxy Groups as Terminal Tails
Authors: Abdul Razzaq Al‐Obaidy Mazin M. , Abboud Hussein J. , Tomi Ivan Hameed R.
Published: July 2022

Two series of ten ester derivatives with four aromatic rings linked together by three different linkages (azo/ester/imine), 4‐((4‐substituted)diazenyl)phenyl 4‐((4‐alkoxybenzylidene)amino)benzoate (IVn X=OCH3 and Vn X=Br) were synthesized. These derivatives have an alkoxy chain in the para position of the phenyl ring with different lengths (n=3, 4, 6, 7, and 12) on one terminal side while the other side was substituted by methoxy and bromo groups linked to the p‐position of phenyl. The structures of all synthesized derivatives were proven by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR), elemental analysis (C,H,N), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The Mesophase textures of the final esters were observed by polarized optical microscopy (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Only the nematic texture was observed in the methoxy derivatives while nematic and smectic A textures were shown in the bromo mesogens. All the homologous showed mesogenic behavior with wide thermal stability. From the results, it was found that the liquid crystalline behaviors of these derivatives are dependent on the substituted group (‐X) and the length of the alkoxy chain. The mesogenic behavior of these compounds was compared with other mesogens that have similar structures.