bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking gaze position from EEG: Exploring the possibility of an EEG‐based virtual eye‐tracker
Authors: Sun Rui , Cheng Andy S. K. , Chan Cynthia , Hsiao Janet , Privitera Adam J. , Gao Junling , Fong Ching‐hang , Ding Ruoxi , Tang Akaysha C.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Ocular artifact has long been viewed as an impediment to the interpretation of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in basic and applied research. Today, the use of blind source separation (BSS) methods, including independent component analysis (ICA) and second‐order blind identification (SOBI), is considered an essential step in improving the quality of neural signals. Recently, we introduced a method consisting of SOBI and a discriminant and similarity (DANS)‐based identification method, capable of identifying and extracting eye movement–related components. These recovered components can be localized within ocular structures with a high goodness of fit (>95%). This raised the possibility that such EEG‐derived SOBI components may be used to build predictive models for tracking gaze position.

Methods

As proof of this new concept, we designed an EEG‐based virtual eye‐tracker (EEG‐VET) for tracking eye movement from EEG alone. The EEG‐VET is composed of a SOBI algorithm for separating EEG signals into different components, a DANS algorithm for automatically identifying ocular components, and a linear model to transfer ocular components into gaze positions.

Results

The prototype of EEG‐VET achieved an accuracy of 0.920° and precision of 1.510° of a visual angle in the best participant, whereas an average accuracy of 1.008° ± 0.357° and a precision of 2.348° ± 0.580° of a visual angle across all participants (N = 18).

Conclusion

This work offers a novel approach that readily co‐registers eye movement and neural signals from a single‐EEG recording, thus increasing the ease of studying neural mechanisms underlying natural cognition in the context of free eye movement.
Metabolomic Diversity in Microbial Mats Under Different Environmental Conditions: A Tool to Test Microbial Ecosystem Chemical Change
Authors: Buenrostro‐Muñoz Jhoselinne , Jarmusch Scott A. , Souza Valeria , Martínez‐Cárdenas Anahí , Fajardo‐Hernández Carlos A. , Yeverino Itzel R. , Eguiarte Luis E. , Figueroa Mario
Published: September 2023

Microbial mats are microbial communities capable of recycling the essential elements of life and considered to be the oldest evidence of microbial communities on Earth. Due to their uniqueness and limited sampling material, analyzing their metabolomic profile in different seasons or conditions is challenging. In this study, microbial mats from a small pond in the Cuatro Cienegas Basin in Coahuila, Mexico, were collected in wet and dry seasons. In addition to these samples, mesocosm experiments from the wet samples were set. These mats are elastic and rise after heavy rainfall by forming gas domes structures known as “Archean domes”, by the outgassing of methanogenic bacteria, archaea, and sulfur bacteria. Extracts from all mats and mesocosms were subjected to untargeted mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics and molecular networking analysis. Interestingly, each mat showed high chemical diversity that may be explained by the temporal dynamic processes in which they were sampled.
Functionalized Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles Based AIE Enabling Effectively Targeting Cancer Cell Imaging
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Jiaqi , Niu Chengyan , Wu Qiulan , Tan Jingjing , Jing Ning , Wen Ying
Published: September 2023

We report a fluorescent dye TM by incorporating the tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and cholesterol components into perylene bisimides (PBI) derivative. Fluorescence emission spectrum shows that the dye has stable red emission and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics. The incorporation of cholesterol components triggers TM to show induced chirality through supramolecular self‐assembly. The cRGD‐functionalized nanoparticles were prepared by encapsulating fluorescent dyes with amphiphilic polymer matrix. The functionalized fluorescent organic nanoparticles exhibit excellent biocompatibility, large Stokes’ shift and good photostability, which make them effective fluorescent probes for targeting cancer cells with high fluorescence contrast.
Heterogeneous Fe‐Doped Ni(OH)2 Grown on Nickel Mesh by Electrodeposition for Efficient Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Mao Fangxin , Zhang Junshan , Wang Hai Feng , Liu Peng Fei , Yang Hua Gui
Published: September 2023

Designing highly excellent and stable catalysts for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is gradually pivotal for clean energy development. In this work, a heterogeneous Fe‐doped Ni(OH)2 (Ni/Fe‐0.1) was developed via simple one‐step electrodeposition onto nickel mesh. The heterogeneous interface structure generates sufficient active sites, significantly improving OER performance with an overpotential of 174 mV at 10 mA cm−2 (η10), while Tafel slope is only 43.0 mV dec−1. In particular, Ni/Fe‐0.1 is still able to operate stably at a current density of 1 A cm−2 for 100 h without obvious potential decay. The oxidation of Ni2+ to Ni3+ was detected by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, proving that the heterogeneous catalyst could stabilize the high‐valence state of nickel as active sites to its superior OER performance. This work provides a convenient synthetic strategy for forming heterogeneous catalysts toward efficient water electrolysis.
Partial and Complete Replacement of the Phenyl Group(s) of 1,1,3,3‐Tetraphenyl‐2,2,4,4‐tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)cyclotetrasilane by Chlorine Atom(s)
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Ishii Yosuke , Fukasawa Tetsuya , Kyushin Soichiro
Published: September 2023

The four phenyl groups of 1,1,3,3‐tetraphenyl‐2,2,4,4‐tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)cyclotetrasilane were partially replaced by chlorine atom(s) by successive treatment with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and lithium chloride. The replacement of all phenyl groups was carried out with hydrogen chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride. The structural features of the resulting mono‐, di‐, and tetrachlorocyclotetrasilanes were compared by X‐ray crystallography.
Enzymatic Resolution and Decarboxylative Functionalization of α‐Sulfinyl Esters
Authors: Gahalawat Suraksha , Addepalli Yesu , Fink Stephen P. , Kasturi Lakshmi , Markowitz Sanford D. , Ready Joseph M.
Published: September 2023

α‐Sulfinyl esters can be readily prepared through thiol substitution of α‐bromo esters followed by oxidation to the sulfoxide. Enzymatic resolution with lipoprotein lipase provides both the unreacted esters and corresponding α‐sulfinyl carboxylic acids in high yields and enantiomeric ratios. Subsequent decarboxylative halogenation, dihalogenation, trihalogenation and cross‐coupling gives rise to functionalized sulfoxides. The method has been applied to the asymmetric synthesis of a potent inhibitor of 15‐prostaglandin dehydrogenase.
Enantiomerization and enantioselective bioaccumulation of diclofop‐methyl in tubifex worms
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Duan Xinhong
Published: September 2023

In this study, the hydrolysis of diclofop‐methyl (DM) in aqueous system and the bioaccumulation of its main metabolite, Diclofop (DA), in the tubifex worms were investigated using enantioselective high‐performance liquid chromatography. With the addition of tubifex, rapid hydrolysis was observed for DM. It is revealed that the hydrolysis of DM in the water and the accumulation of DA in the worms were both enantioselective. Meanwhile, either the hydrolysis amount or the levels of enantioselectivity were influenced by the tubifex. After incubated for 24 h, about 94.6% of the DM was hydrolyzed and the enantiomer fraction of metabolite (DA) deviated from 0.5 with R‐DA significantly higher than S‐DA. The enantiopure S‐DM and R‐DM and S‐DA and R‐DA were incubated, and enantiomerizations were detected between the two DM enantiomers with S‐form inversing into R‐form and vice versa. It was found that the S‐DM exhibited a higher tendency to invert than the R‐DM.
Pseudocapacitive Properties of Isostructural Oxides Sr2LaBMnO7 (B=Co, Fe)
Authors: Kananke‐Gamage Chandana C. W. , Alom Md. Sofiul , Ramezanipour Farshid
Published: September 2023

Pseudocapacitors promise to fill the gap between traditional capacitors and batteries by delivering reasonable energy densities and power densities. In this work, pseudocapacitive charge storage properties are demonstrated for two isostructural oxides, Sr2LaFeMnO7 and Sr2LaCoMnO7. These materials comprise spatially separated bilayer stacks of corner sharing BO6 units (B=Fe, Co or Mn). The spaces between stacks accommodate the lanthanum and strontium ions, and the remaining empty spaces are available for oxide ion intercalation, leading to pseudocapacitive charge storage. Iodometric titrations indicate that these materials do not have oxygen‐vacancies. Therefore, the oxide ion intercalation becomes possible due to their structural features and the availability of interstitial sites between the octahedral stacks. Electrochemical studies reveal that both materials show promising energy density and power density values. Further experiments through fabrication of a symmetric two‐electrode cell indicate that these materials retain their pseudocapacitive performance over hundreds of galvanostatic charge‐discharge cycles, with little degradation even after 1000 cycles.
Developing Amphetamine Certified Reference Materials: From Batch and Continuous‐Flow Synthesis to Certification Protocol
Authors: Silva Thais G. , de Souza Rodrigo O. M. A. , Garrido Bruno C. , do Rego Eliane C. P. , Wollinger Wagner , Finelli Fernanda G.
Published: September 2023

Certified reference materials (CRM) of amphetamine derivatives were produced through a simple, rapid and efficient synthesis in both batch and continuous‐flow conditions, accompanied by the development of a comprehensive certification protocol for this class of substances. Our chemistry enabled the synthesis of MDA, MDMA, PMA and PMMA in two steps from safrole and estragole with overall yields of 38–61 % in 48 hours under batch conditions and 61–65 % in 65 minutes under continuous‐flow conditions, followed by the development of a certification protocol for these materials through identity checking, homogeneity, stability, and characterization studies. Furthermore, as result of this work, a very pure CRM of MDA.HCl with 99.1±1.4 g/100 g of certified characterization value was produced. Considering the importance of supplying amphetamine calibrants for public security efforts in Forensic Chemistry, the potential therapeutical applications, and responding to the rising demand for the synthesis of CRM, this work presents a pioneering approach for the production of amphetamine and related compounds.
Measuring board diversity: A systematic literature review of data sources, constructs, pitfalls, and suggestions for future research
Authors: Behlau Hendrik , Wobst Janice , Lueg Rainer
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the methods used to measure board diversity. We develop a framework to structure empirical studies and develop an agenda for future research. We selected 61 empirical articles from an initial sample of 1035. This study discusses the different data collection methods. We group director and board attributes into the constructs of structural, demographic, and cognitive diversity. We identify four different approaches to combining and measuring diversity: non‐index, single‐index, cross‐indices, and inter‐indices. We find that measuring board diversity requires a mixture of archival and primary research, as well as various methods such as applying indices, constructing heterogeneity scores, and using machine learning approaches to infer directors' attributes. We contribute to research by providing a framework that structures measuring techniques for board diversity, a future research agenda, and insights on potential window‐dressing.
Sodium‐Selenium Batteries with Outstanding Rate Capability by Introducing Cubic Mn2O3 Electrocatalyst**
Authors: Erdol Zeynep , Ata Ali , Demir‐Cakan Rezan
Published: September 2023

With their high volumetric capacity and electronic conductivity, sodium‐selenium (Na−Se) batteries have attracted attention for advanced battery systems. However, the irreversible deposition of sodium selenide (Na2Se) results in rapid capacity degradation and poor Coulombic efficiency. To address these issues, cubic α‐Mn2O3 is introduced herein as an electrocatalyst to effectively catalyze Na2Se conversion and improve the utilization of active materials. The results show that the addition of 10 wt% Mn2O3 in the selenium/Ketjen black (Se/KB) composite enhances the conversion from Na2Se to Se by lowering activation energy barrier and leads to fast sodium‐ion kinetics and low internal resistance. Consequently, the Mn2O3‐based composite delivers a high specific capacity of 635 mAh ⋅ g−1 at 675 mA ⋅ g−1 after 250 cycles as well as excellent cycling stability for 800 cycles with a high specific capacity of 317 mAh ⋅ g−1 even at the high current density of 3375 mA ⋅ g−1. Due to the cubic Mn2O3 electrocatalyst, the performance of the composites is superior to existing state‐of‐the‐art Na−Se batteries reported in the literature.
Coulomb effects in electronic transport
Authors: Narozhny Boris N.
Published: September 2023

Charge transport in metals and semiconductors is often dominated by electron‐impurity and electron–phonon scattering. Coulomb effects could be found in small corrections to the leading behavior, drag effects in specially fabricated samples, compensated semimetals, and hydrodynamic phenomena in ultra‐pure materials. In contrast, electrical resistivity in strongly correlated systems is poorly understood. Understanding the fate of electron–phonon scattering in these materials may offer a route towards future advancements.
Evaluating the use of non‐invasive hair sampling and ddRAD to characterize populations of endangered species: Application to a peripheral population of the European mink
Authors: Balmori‐de la Puente Alfonso , Escoda Lídia , Fernández‐González Ángel , Menéndez‐Pérez Daniel , González‐Esteban Jorge , Castresana Jose
Published: September 2023

The application of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to non‐invasive samples is one of the most promising methods in conservation genomics, but these types of samples present significant challenges for NGS. The European mink (Mustela lutreola) is critically endangered throughout its range. However, important aspects such as census size and inbreeding remain still unknown in many populations, so it is crucial to develop new methods to monitor this species. In this work, we placed hair tubes along riverbanks in a border area of the Iberian population, which allowed the genetic identification of 76 European mink hair samples. We then applied a reduced representation genomic sequencing (ddRAD) technique to a subset of these samples to test whether we could extract sufficient genomic information from them. We show that several problems with the DNA, including contamination, fragmentation, oxidation, and possibly sample mixing, affected the samples. Using various bioinformatic techniques to reduce these problems, we were able to unambiguously genotype 19 hair samples belonging to six individuals. This small number of individuals showed that the demographic status of the species in this peripheral population is worse than expected. The data obtained also allowed us to perform preliminary analyses of relatedness and inbreeding. Although further improvements in sampling and analysis are needed, the application of the ddRAD technique to non‐invasively obtained hairs represents a significant advance in the genomic study of endangered species.
Ecohydrology of two northern Wisconsin bogs
Authors: Watras Carl J. , Hanson Paul C.
Published: September 2023

The dynamics of water and solutes were investigated in two northern bog ponds using sensor networks and discrete water samples. Embedded sensors monitored water level (S), precipitation (P), evaporation (E), water temperature (T) and specific conductivity (SC) in the peatlands and encircled ponds at 30 min time intervals from 2009 to 2015. Pond water chemistry was monitored seasonally from 2000 to 2020. Daily hydrographs and water budgets indicated that both bogs are ombrotrophic systems, perched above the local water table. Although the predominant flowpath for liquid water was precipitation → pond → peatland → underlying glacial deposits, evaporation accounted for 70% to 90% of water losses. High dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the ponds resulted from transient reversals of flowpath and from molecular diffusion across the peatland/pond interface (a tea bag effect). DOM of peatland origin dominated pond water chemistry, regulating the concentration of important metals, major nutrients and the acid–base status of both bog ponds. Elevated concentrations of Fe, Hg and MeHg in the ponds reflected ligand binding by DOM. The formation of DOM‐Fe‐PO4 complexes likely accounted for >3‐fold higher P concentration relative to nearby clearwater lakes. Linear regression of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) against the anion deficit indicated that DOM contributed up to 6.6 mEq of strong acid per gramme carbon in pond waters. Winter maxima in the seasonal cycles of DOC, Ca, Mg, N, P, Hg and MeHg in both bog ponds were attributable, in large part, to salting out during ice formation. We conclude that multiple methods are needed to understand the dynamics of water and solutes in bog ecosystems.
Enhancing distribution generator impact mitigation using an adaptive protection scheme based on modified pelican optimization algorithm and active database management system
Authors: Abdelhamid Mohamed , Kamel Salah , Zeinoddini‐Meymand Hamed
Published: September 2023

This paper addresses the challenge of protecting electrical networks in the presence of distribution generators (DGs). The use of DGs affects fault currents, leading to miscoordination between protection relays and causing constraints on network reliability. To tackle this issue, the authors propose an adaptive protection scheme (APS) based on a modified pelican optimization algorithm (MPOA) and active database management system (ADBMS). The APS coordinates directional overcurrent relays and distance relays, while the MPOA simulates a pelican mating strategy and includes a modified internal equation. The proposed APS is further upgraded with ADBMS to save system resources by storing relay settings in the database and calling them when the state of DGs changes without running optimization algorithms. The effectiveness of the proposed APS is validated on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) eight‐bus test system and the IEEE 14‐bus distribution network. Results indicate that the APS can effectively protect electrical networks in the presence of DGs, while the ADBMS upgrade saves system resources.
Digitizing weather observations from World War II US naval ship logbooks
Authors: Teleti Praveen , Hawkins Ed , Wood Kevin R.
Published: September 2023

The number and coverage of weather observations over the oceans were considerably reduced during World War II (WW2) due to disruptions to normal trade routes. The observations that do exist for this period are often unavailable to science as they are still only available as paper records or scanned images. We have rescued the detailed hourly weather observations contained in more than 28,000 logbook images of the US Navy Pacific Fleet stationed at Hawai'i during 1941–1945 to produce a dataset of more than 630,000 records. Each record contains the date and time, positional information and several meteorological measurements, totalling more than 3 million individual observations. The data rescue process consisted of a citizen science project asking volunteers to transcribe the observations from the available images, followed by additional quality control processes. This dataset not only contains hourly weather observations of air temperature, sea surface temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and wind direction, mainly in the Pacific Ocean but also includes some observations from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The new observations are found to be of good quality by inter‐comparing independent measurements taken on ships travelling in convoy and by comparing with the 20th‐Century Reanalysis. This dataset provides invaluable instrumental weather observations at times and places during WW2, which fill gaps in existing reconstructions.
Deep learning for COVID‐19 contamination analysis and prediction using ECG images on Raspberry Pi 4
Authors: Mhamdi Lotfi , Dammak Oussama , Cottin François , Ben Dhaou Imed
Published: September 2023

This paper's primary goal is to diagnose COVID‐19 contamination based on the artificial intelligence approach automatically. We used convolutional neural network deep learning algorithm for analyzing the ECG images to detect cardiac abnormalities, consequent of the contamination by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, responsible for the COVID‐19 epidemic. We designed, trained, and evaluated the performance of two deep learning models (MobileNetV2 and VGG16) in detecting and distinguishing between two different classes (healthy subjects and COVID‐19 positive cases). Indeed, this virus attacks the human respiratory system, which could affect the heart system. Thus, developing a deep learning model could help for a quick and efficient diagnosis, prediction, and physician decision‐making. The performed deep learning model will be used for predicting abnormal cardiac activities consequent to the contamination by the virus. The overall classification rate achieved by the models was 99.34% and 99.67% for MobileNetV2 and VGG16, respectively. Therefore, this approach can efficiently contribute to the diagnosis of COVID‐19 contamination.
Field evaluation of haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) response to supplemental irrigation in Arba Minch area: Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Otoro Gezimu Gelu , Hatiye Samuel Dagalo
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to determine the impact of supplemental irrigation (SI) on the water use efficiency and yield of haricot beans during the growing seasons from 2020 to 2022. Six treatments were tested, including rain‐fed/no irrigation (T1), full irrigation throughout the season (T2), SI at vegetative, flowering and pod formation (T3), SI at emergence, vegetative and pod formation (T4), SI at emergence, flowering and grain filling (T5) and SI at emergence, pod formation and grain filling (T6), with three replications arranged in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that T2 significantly affected all growth and yield parameters except pod length and harvest index. However, T3 provided better water use efficiency and more acceptable yield reduction than T2. Thus, applying SI during the vegetative, flowering and pod formation phases proves to be more efficient for the production of haricot beans in the area under study as it leads to better economic returns and water productivity. In summary, irrigating the crop during the critical growth stages would result in water conservation and improved water productivity. Further research is recommended on SI to improve water use efficiency across different locations and seasons.
Syntaxin 18 Defects in Human and Zebrafish Unravel Key Roles in Early Cartilage and Bone Development
Authors: Guillemyn Brecht , De Saffel Hanna , Bek Jan Willem , Tapaneeyaphan Piyanoot , De Clercq Adelbert , Jarayseh Tamara , Debaenst Sophie , Willaert Andy , De Rycke Riet , Byers Peter H , Rosseel Toon , Coucke Paul , Blaumeiser Bettina , Syx Delfien , Malfait Fransiska , Symoens Sofie
Published: September 2023

SNARE proteins comprise a conserved protein family responsible for catalyzing membrane fusion during vesicle traffic. Syntaxin18 (STX18) is a poorly characterized endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident t-SNARE. Recently, together with TANGO1 and SLY1, its involvement was shown in ER to Golgi transport of collagen II during chondrogenesis. We report a fetus with a severe osteochondrodysplasia in whom we identified a homozygous substitution of the highly conserved p.Arg10 to Pro of STX18. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Stx18 deficiency in zebrafish reveals a crucial role for Stx18 in cartilage and bone development. Furthermore, increased expression of multiple components of the Stx18 SNARE complex and of COPI and COPII proteins suggests that Stx18 deficiency impairs antero- and retrograde vesicular transport in the crispant stx18 zebrafish. Taken together, our studies highlight a new candidate gene for a recessive form of osteochondrodysplasia, thereby possibly broadening the SNAREopathy phenotypic spectrum and opening new doors toward future research avenues. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Analysis of cortical cell polarity by imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Jespersen Jesper H. , Harazin Andras , Bohn Anja B. , Christensen Anni , Lorentzen Esben , Lorentzen Anna
Published: September 2023

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer‐related death and therapies specifically targeting metastasis are highly needed. Cortical cell polarity (CCP) is a prometastatic property of circulating tumor cells affecting their ability to exit blood vessels and form new metastases that constitute a promising point of attack to prevent metastasis. However, conventional fluorescence microscopy on single cells and manual quantification of CCP are time‐consuming and unsuitable for screening regulators. In this study, we developed an imaging flow cytometry‐based method for high‐throughput screening of factors affecting CCP in melanoma cells. The artificial intelligence‐supported analysis method we developed is highly reproducible, accurate, and orders of magnitude faster than manual quantification. Additionally, this method is flexible and can be adapted to include additional cellular parameters. In a small‐scale pilot experiment using polarity‐, cytoskeleton‐, or membrane‐affecting drugs, we demonstrate that our workflow provides a straightforward and efficient approach for screening factors affecting CCP in cells in suspension and provide insights into the specific function of these drugs in this cellular system. The method and workflow presented here will facilitate large‐scale studies to reveal novel cell‐intrinsic as well as systemic factors controlling CCP during metastasis.
Solubilization and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl antiradical activity of butylated hydroxyanisole in aqueous surfactant micelles
Authors: Shafi Soliyah , Andrabi Syed Jasirah , Kumar Gajendra , Bhat Parvaiz Ahmad , Dar Aijaz Ahmad , Chat Oyais Ahmad
Published: September 2023

The solubilization of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in aqueous surfactant solutions of different architectures (anionic, cationic, and nonionic) has been investigated to improve its aqueous solubility and assess the effect of surfactant‐based multiphase environments on its antiradical activity against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Herein, we report that the micellar encapsulation and DDPH antiradical activity of BHA are highly dependent on the structure and amount of surfactant used. Radical scavenging activity (RSA) and solubilization were efficient in nonionics compared to ionics. DPPH reduction kinetics in micellar media is essential to uncover the behavior of BHA in multiphase environments commonly encountered in different food systems simulated by aqueous micelles. The study is important to identify the optimal medium for improving the solubility and antioxidant capacity of compounds like BHA, and to anticipate the effect of different micro‐heterogeneous/multiphase environments on BHA's antioxidant capability.
Post‐harvest ultraviolet irradiation induces changes in physical–chemical properties and levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and gene expression in mulberry fruit
Authors: Ghafari Hajar , Hassanpour Hamid , Motafakkerazad Rouhollah
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Earlier studies reported that post‐harvest ultraviolet (UV) irradiation could increase the health‐promoting compounds in fruit but the effects of UV irradiation on the reduction of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content in mulberries remain less known. Black mulberry fruit were exposed to two UV illumination dosages (3.5 and 7 kJ m−2) and were stored for 4, 8, and 12 days.

RESULTS

Mulberries treated in this way displayed higher antioxidant enzyme activity and phenolic compound content in comparison with a control condition. The transcription factors (TFs) MdoMYB121, MdoMYB155, MdbZIP2, and MdbZIP48 were strongly expressed in two UV illumination dosages (about 45–95% higher than the control). The fluorine (Flu) and naphthalene (Nap) content in treated fruit decreased by 21–85% in comparison with the control condition.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that UV irradiation can be considered as a promising technique to remove some PAHs in black mulberries, to increase their health‐promoting potential, and indirectly to improve their aesthetic quality due to the resulting desirable color parameters. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Secondary succession of soil, plants, and bacteria following the recovery of abandoned croplands in two semi‐arid steppes
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Feng , Wang Xiaolei , Chen Daling , Tian Yongqi , Wang Yiyang , Zheng Jiahua , Li Shaoyu , Li Zhiguo , Han Guodong , Zhao Mengli
Published: September 2023

In many parts of the world, former agricultural sites have been abandoned particularly when productivity is marginal or policies are implemented to develop ecosystem recovery. Understanding the recovery trajectory of soil, plants, and microbes is critical for developing restoration plans and the most effective policies. Here, we evaluated the changes in soil properties, plants, and the bacterial community along a chronosequence of agricultural abandonment (5, 15, and 20 years) in two different types of steppes (desert and typical steppes), respectively, in Inner Mongolia, China. Active farmland and natural grassland were selected as reference sites. In both study sites, soil water content and soil organic carbon content increased, while bulk density and nitrogen decreased across the chronosequence, all becoming comparable to that of natural grassland. Plant diversity, above‐ and below‐ground biomass increased, while perennial graminoids and forbs replaced annuals as the dominant functional groups with the elongation of abandonment. Bacterial diversity increased along the chronosequence in the drier desert steppe, but not in the wetter typical steppe. Over the chronosequence, Acidobacteria, a phyla tending to live in lower carbon conditions, were replaced by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, which favor abundant carbon environments. Redundancy analysis shows that soil organic carbon, below‐ground plant biomass, and nitrate were the main factors that driving bacterial community composition. Our results demonstrated that spontaneous recovery without any human disturbance was an effective way for the restoration of arid and semi‐arid grassland ecosystems in Inner Mongolia, and emphasized the importance of soil and plant restoration for the recovery of bacterial community.
Gadolinium as a contrast agent for infusion sialograms in patients with iodine allergy
Authors: Sabotin Ryan P. , Thorpe Ryan , Maley Joan E. , Policeni Bruno , Hoffman Henry T.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To assess the adequacy of gadolinium in sialography as an alternative contrast agent for patients with iodine allergies. To directly compare images taken with gadolinium versus iodine‐based contrast agents using the Iowa Sialography Classification System.

Methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing sialography between February 2008 and July 2022. Patients with sialograms obtained with gadolinium were identified and matched to similar sialograms obtained with iodine‐based contrast agent. Patients were matched based on duct location, duct side, and initial radiology findings. Blinded reevaluation of sialograms was performed first independently and then by consensus by two head and neck radiologists to evaluate overall image adequacy and grade using the Iowa Sialography Classification System.

Results

Four patients with six sialograms (one bilateral parotid and one parotid + submandibular) obtained with gadolinium were identified and reevaluated. Five patients with six sialograms (one bilateral parotid) obtained with iodine‐based were matched to the gadolinium sialograms. The overall adequacy of images for gadolinium sialograms was graded at an average of 4.25 (4 = good and 5 = excellent); whereas, the overall adequacy of iodine‐based sialograms was graded at an average of 5. Inter‐observer variability was observed in three sialograms obtained with gadolinium (50%), while no interobserver variability was observed in sialograms obtained with iodine‐based contrast agent.

Conclusion

Gadolinium is an adequate alternative to use in sialography for patients with iodine allergies undergoing contemporary digital infusion sialography. Adverse reactions to iodine contrast agents are rare in sialography; however, the precautionary use of gadolinium is acceptable for the diagnostic and therapeutic benefits in sialography.

Level of Evidence: IV
Numerical investigation of wheel‐rail adhesion using a simplified three‐dimensional model considering surface roughness and temperature
Authors: Huang Jiaqing , Wu Bing , Xiao Guangwen , Shen Quan
Published: September 2023

Wheel‐rail adhesion is important to the traction and braking of railway vehicles. This paper develops a three‐dimensional numerical model considering surface roughness and temperature to investigate water‐contaminated adhesion characteristics. A simplified elastohydrodynamic lubrication model considering the thermal effect is developed to obtain the normal load carried by liquid film and asperities. Meanwhile, a third body layer (3BL) model, which considers the effects of pressure and temperature on 3BL, is used to calculate the tangential stress and friction coefficient of asperity contact. To verify the numerical model, firstly, the results are compared with the existing experimental results at low and high speeds. In addition, the effects of surface roughness and temperature on adhesion coefficient are investigated. Furthermore, the elastoplastic behaviour of the tangential stress and the adhesion characteristics for large creepages are studied. The obtained adhesion‐creepage curve can represent the decreasing trend after reaching saturation because of temperature.
Institutional investor shareholding and the quality of corporate innovation: Moderating effects based on internal and external environment
Authors: Liu Bei , Wang Jinmin , Tong Xinle , Zhou Zhihua , Qiu Zhaoxuan
Published: September 2023

Improving the quality of enterprise innovation is a key path to implementing the innovation‐driven development strategy and thus promoting high‐quality economic development. Using a sample of Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2011 to 2019, this paper empirically examines the impact of institutional investor shareholding (IIS) on corporate innovation quality. The study finds that (1) IIS has a significant effect on the quality of corporate innovation, and it can also improve the quality of corporate innovation by increasing corporate financial support and promoting the efficiency of corporate management. (2) Heterogeneous IISs have different impacts, with pressure‐defensive IIS contributing more significantly to the quality of corporate innovations than pressure‐sensitive IIS. (3) The internal and external environments play an important moderating role. External market competition incentives and supervision means play a positive moderating role; internal financing constraints and business risks play a negative moderating role.
Ultrahigh sensitivity terahertz refractive index sensor based on four‐inscribed hole defect photonic crystal structure
Authors: Wen Jin , Sun Wei , Liang Bozhi , He Chenyao , Xiong Keyu , Wu Zhengwei , Zhang Hui , Yu Huimin , Wang Qian
Published: September 2023

We proposed and investigated an ultrahigh sensitivity terahertz (THz) refractive index sensor based on four‐inscribed hole defect photonic crystal structure. Due to the formation of resonant modes, the sensing properties can be obtained by shifting the sharp resonance in the transmission spectrum as changing of the analyte refractive index. In addition, the influence of structure parameters on the sensing performance is explored and demonstrated numerically. The numerical results illustrate that the Q‐factor and figure of merit reach 323.71 and 167.188 can be obtained under the optimized structural parameters. In particular, an ultrahigh sensitivity of 198.8 μm/RIU can be realized in the frequency range of 0.777–0.779 THz. The proposed sensor may find significant applications in biochemical sensing systems.
Modelling seasonal landslide motion: Does it only depend on fluctuations in normal effective stress?
Authors: Rollo Fabio , Buscarnera Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Landslide motion is often simulated with interface‐like laws able to capture changes in frictional strength caused by the growth of the pore water pressure and the consequent reduction of the effective stress normal to the plane of sliding. Here it is argued that, although often neglected, the evolution of all the 3D stress components within the basal shear zone of landslides also contributes to changes in frictional strength and must be accounted for to predict changes in seasonal velocity. For this purpose, an augmented sliding‐consolidation model is proposed which allows for the computation of excess pore pressure development and downslope sliding with any constitutive law with 3D stress evolution. Simulations of idealised infinite slope models subjected to hydrologic forcing are used to study the role of in‐situ stress conditions and stress rate multiaxiality. Specifically, a Drucker‐Prager perfectly plastic model is used to replicate frictional failure and shear deformation at the base of landslides. The model reveals that conditions amenable to the shearing of a frictional interface are met only after numerous rainfall cycles, that is, when multiaxial stress rates are suppressed. In this case, the landslide is predicted to move through a seasonal ratcheting controlled only by the effective stress component normal to the plane of sliding. By contrast, in newly formed landslides, the multiaxial stress evolution is found to produce further regimes of motion, from plastic shakedown to cyclic failure, neither of which can be captured by interface‐like frictional laws. Notably, the model suggests that a transition across these regimes can emerge in response to an aggravation of the magnitude of forcing, implying that (i) fluctuations in climate may alter the seasonal trends of motion observed today; (ii) our ability to quantify landslide‐induced risks is impaired unless proper geomechanical models are used to examine their long‐term dynamics.
Correlation between obesity‐related measurements and initial and initial resting intravesical and abdominal pressures in urodynamic study using air‐filled catheter system
Authors: Shen Si‐hong , Zeng Xiao , Zhang Jie , Shen Hong , Luo De‐yi
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To establish the initial (before pressure equilibrium) and initial resting intravesical and abdominal pressure in the sitting position using air‐filled catheters, to assess the correlation between these pressures and obesity‐related measurements, and to estimate if obesity‐related measurements can be a guide to interpret initial and initial resting pressures in urodynamic testing.

Methods

Patients with non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms referred for urodynamic testing in our center were consecutively enrolled in a prospective study from August 2022 to October 2022. The correlation between the initial and initial resting pressures (before and after pressure equilibrium) and obesity‐related measurements were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Ninety‐eight patients aged 56 ± 16 were studied. The 95% range of the initial intravesical and abdominal pressure were 18–42 cmH2O and 21–60 cmH2O, respectively. The initial resting intravesical, abdominal, and detrusor pressure in the 95% range were 17–41, 16–42, and −5 to 4 cmH2O, respectively. Over the multiple analysis, abdominal fat thickness, and body mass index (BMI) correlated independently with initial intravesical pressure, and only visceral fat grade correlated with initial abdominal pressure. BMI correlated independently with initial resting intravesical pressure.

Conclusions

Our results determined the ranges of values of both initial and initial resting pressures in the air‐charged system. Meanwhile, the present study indicated the obesity‐related measurements may be used as a guide to interpret the initial and initial resting pressures in urodynamic testing, and may provide a reference for the quality control of these pressures.
Evaluation of gadolinium deposition in cortical bone using three‐dimensional ultrashort echo time quantitative susceptibility mapping: A preliminary study
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Zhou Beibei , Chen Yanjun , Cai Zhenyu , Guo Yihao , Wei Zhao , Li Shisi , Feng Yanqiu , Sedaghat Sam , Jang Hyungseok
Published: September 2023

The aim of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of three‐dimensional ultrashort echo time quantitative susceptibility mapping (3D UTE‐QSM) for the assessment of gadolinium (Gd) deposition in cortical bone. To this end, 40 tibial bovine cortical bone specimens were divided into five groups then soaked in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) solutions with five different Gd concentrations of 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mmol/L for 48 h. Additionally, eight rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups, consisting of a normal‐dose macrocyclic gadolinium‐based contrast agent (GBCA) group (n = 3), a high‐dose macrocyclic GBCA group (n = 3), and a control group (n = 2). All bovine and rabbit tibial bone samples underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a 3‐T clinical MR system. A 3D UTE‐Cones sequence was utilized to acquire images with five different echo times (i.e., 0.032, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 ms). The UTE images were subsequently processed with the morphology‐enabled dipole inversion algorithm to yield a susceptibility map. The average susceptibility was calculated in three regions of interest in the middle of each specimen, and the Pearson's correlation between the estimated susceptibility and Gd concentration was calculated. The bone samples soaked in PBS with higher Gd concentrations exhibited elevated susceptibility values. A mean susceptibility value of −2.47 ± 0.23 ppm was observed for bovine bone soaked in regular PBS, while the mean QSM value increased to −1.75 ± 0.24 ppm for bone soaked in PBS with the highest Gd concentration of 1.6 mmol/L. A strong positive correlation was observed between Gd concentrations and QSM values. The mean susceptibility values of rabbit tibial specimens in the control group, normal‐dose GBCA group, and high‐dose GBCA group were −4.11 ± 1.52, −3.85 ± 1.33, and −3.39 ± 1.35 ppm, respectively. In conclusion, a significant linear correlation between Gd in cortical bone and QSM values was observed. The preliminary results suggest that 3D UTE‐QSM may provide sensitive noninvasive assessment of Gd deposition in cortical bone.
Human milk fortification and use of infant formulas to support growth in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Moreira Denise H. , Gregory Sarah B. , Younge Noelle E.
Published: September 2023

Newborn infants require adequate nutrition to achieve full potential growth and development. Early life nutrition and health impacts long‐term outcomes through adulthood. Human milk is the optimal source of nutrition during the first 6 months of life. However, infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) often have comorbidities that create more or different nutrition demands than healthy newborns. There are different strategies to meet the nutrition needs of sick newborns, including use of parenteral nutrition, human milk fortifiers (HMFs), and infant formulas. Multinutrient HMFs are frequently used to achieve the higher nutrition demands of preterm infants. They are available in various presentations, such as human milk– or cow milk–derived, liquid or powder, and acidified or nonacidified, each of which has different risks and benefits associated with its use. Infant formulas are available to meet a demand when mother's own milk or donor breast milk is not available or sufficient, and there are also specialty formulas for infants with certain diseases that present unique nutrition needs. This review is focused on the use of HMFs to support the unique nutrition requirements of preterm infants for healthy growth, as well as the indications for the use of formulas among infants in the NICU.
Determining energy and protein needs in critically ill pediatric patients: A scoping review
Authors: Jotterand Chaparro Corinne , Pabion Céline , Tume Lyvonne , Mehta Nilesh M. , Valla Frédéric V. , Moullet Clémence
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In critically ill pediatric patients, optimal energy and protein intakes are associated with a decreased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, the determination of energy and protein needs is complex. The objective of this scoping review was to understand the extent and type of evidence related to the methods used to determine energy and protein needs in critically ill pediatric patients.

Methods

An international expert group composed of dietitians, pediatric intensivists, a nurse, and a methodologist conducted the review, based on the Johanna Briggs Institute methodology. Two researchers searched for studies published between 2008 and 2023 in two electronic databases, screened abstracts and relevant full texts for eligibility, and extracted data.

Results

A total of 39 studies were included, mostly conducted in critically ill children undergoing ventilation, to assess the accuracy of predictive equations for estimating resting energy expenditure (REE) (n = 16, 41%) and the impact of clinical factors (n = 22, 56%). They confirmed the risk of underestimation or overestimation of REE when using predictive equations, of which the Schofield equation was the least inaccurate. Apart from weight and age, which were positively correlated with REE, the impact of other factors was not always consistent. No new indirect calorimeter method used to determine protein needs has been validated.

Conclusion

This scoping review highlights the need for scientific data on the methods used to measure energy expenditure and determine protein needs in critically ill children. Studies using a reference method are needed to validate an indirect calorimeter.
Fluid‐structure interaction with fully coupled mesh generation
Authors: Schwentner Teresa , Fries Thomas‐Peter
Published: September 2023

The modeling and simulation of fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) involve the two‐way coupling of a fluid flow and a deforming structure. The fluid exerts a load on the structure, the structure deforms, and, hence, the fluid flow changes, which leads to an altered loading on the structure. To accomplish this coupling, the fluid domain has to be updated after each time step, leading to a change in the fluid mesh. Various mesh update methods have been presented where an initial mesh is generated and then updated after each time step. Each method comes with different levels of complexity and has its own advantages and disadvantages. Herein, FSI simulations with fully integrated mesh generation, rather than updates, are proposed. Instead of updating the mesh at each time step, a new mesh for the fluid domain is generated based on the deformation of the solid domain. An advanced structured meshing algorithm, based on a block structure, enables this integrated mesh generation approach. An initial set of coarse‐scale conforming blocks is generated by the user, representing the topology and rough initial position of the solid and the fluid. Further information is the exact geometry at the boundary and the deformed position of the fluid‐structure interface, plus grading information to obtain a high‐quality fluid mesh. Transfinite maps are used to generate elements inside the blocks with any desired resolution and order.