bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus Guidance for Genetic Counseling in GBA1 Variants: A Focus on Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Vieira Sophia R.L. , Mezabrovschi Roxana , Toffoli Marco , Del Pozo Sara Lucas , Menozzi Elisa , Mullin Stephen , Yalkic Selen , Limbachiya Naomi , Koletsi Sofia , Loefflad Nadine , Lopez Grisel J. , Gan‐Or Ziv , Alcalay Roy N. , Sidransky Ellen , Schapira Anthony H.V.
Published: September 2024

Glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) variants constitute numerically the most common known genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) and are distributed worldwide. Access to GBA1 genotyping varies across the world and even regionally within countries. Guidelines for GBA1 variant counseling are evolving. We review the current knowledge of the link between GBA1 and PD, and discuss the practicalities of GBA1 testing. Lastly, we provide a consensus for an approach to counseling people with GBA1 variants, notably the communication of PD risk. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The added value of diffusion tensor imaging with systematic bias correction for the assessment of liver morphology and physiology
Authors: Mazur‐Rosmus Weronika , Spees William M. , Krzyżak Artur T.
Published: September 2024

Diffusion‐weighted images of the human liver are prone to artifacts from bulk motions, poor SNR, non‐uniformity of magnetic field gradients, and non‐optimal choice of diffusion weightings. These factors markedly affect diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics such as mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA).

This work presents a simple preprocessing pipeline for enhanced magnetic field gradient non‐uniformity calibration and analysis of the systematic bias removal attained in each correction step.

Liver DTI scans were conducted in two isotropic phantoms and one healthy volunteer. Diffusion tensor was calculated for the original data and after denoising, B1 correction, rigid body registration, and magnetic field gradient non‐uniformity correction applying the B‐matrix spatial distribution (BSD) method and then, compared with the standard approach (sDTI). MD and FA were determined in three segments of the right lobe from DTI using four different combinations of b‐values from the set 0, 400, and 800 s/mm2.

Results showed that the proposed preprocessing and BSD methods have a significant impact on MD and FA values in off‐ and iso‐centered isotropic phantoms. The applied corrections applied to the human liver resulted in a 11% change in MD and a − 64% change in FA. By manipulating the b‐values used in the diffusion tensor calculation, DTI metrics that reflect only morphology or additional information about liver tissue physiology can be obtained.

Accurate quantification of the human liver by diffusion requires appropriate preprocessing and carefully chosen b‐value.

Noise, B1 inhomogeneity, mis‐registration, and non‐uniform magnetic field gradients significantly change distributions of DTI metrics in isotropic phantoms and the human liver. Basic preprocessing and the B‐matrix spatial distribution (BSD) method perform differently for off‐center and isocenter locations. In the human liver, they removed systematic bias of FA and MD by up to −63% and 11%, respectively. Visible variability of FA and MD among b‐value sets indicates the possibility of DTI sensitization to different liver compartments.
Description of the etiological factors behind acute moderate and severe malnutrition in children under 5 years hospitalized at two high‐complexity referral centers: Case series
Authors: Olarte‐Bernal Mónica , Guevara‐Santamaría Fabian Ricardo , Jacome‐Suarez Jennyfer Carolina , Palacios‐Ariza María Alejandra , Medina‐Parra Jorge , Merchán‐Chaverra Ricardo Alfonso , Cuellar‐Fernandez Yeny Marjorie
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute malnutrition in children <5 years of age has a direct relationship with medical complications and mortality. We aimed to describe the etiologic factors in children with moderate and severe non–illness‐related acute malnutrition who required hospitalization for treatment of malnutrition in two high‐complexity hospital centers in Bogotá, Colombia.

Methods

This is a multicenter case series (December 2016 to December 2020) including patients aged 1–59 months with a weight/height indicator less than −2 SD. Electronic health records were reviewed, and demographic (sex, age, city of origin, and socioeconomic status) and clinical data (gestational age at birth, edema, and nutrition status) were collected. Descriptive analysis of information was performed. An exploratory bivariate analysis by diagnostic categories of moderate and severe acute malnutrition vs days of hospitalization was also performed.

Results

Forty‐five patients were included, 62.2% of whom were male, with a median age of 14 months (Q1–Q3: 7–24). The main etiologic factors of malnutrition were related to problems with total food intake (33.3%), transition in consistency of feeding (31.1%), and breastfeeding technique (22.2%). Only 13.3% had problems related to food insecurity. There were no statistically significant differences between moderate (median: 7 days; Q1–Q3: 5–12) and severe (median: 8 days; Q1–Q3: 5–16) acute malnutrition when compared by days of hospitalization.

Conclusions

The main etiologic factors of malnutrition in our study population were related to problems in the amount of food provided and transition in consistency of complementary feeding.
A group prenatal care intervention reduces gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes in American Samoan women
Authors: Hawley Nicola L. , Faasalele‐Savusa Kima , Faiai Mata'uitafa , Suiaunoa‐Scanlan Lynette , Loia Miracle , Ickovics Jeannette R. , Kocher Erica , Piel Christopher , Mahoney Madison , Suss Rachel , Trocha Marcela , Rosen Rochelle K. , Muasau‐Howard Bethel T.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the preliminary effectiveness of an intervention to mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with pre‐pregnancy obesity in American Samoa.

Methods

We enrolled n = 80 low‐risk pregnant women at <14 weeks' gestation. A complete case analysis was conducted with randomized group assignment (group prenatal care‐delivered intervention vs. one‐on‐one usual care) as the independent variable. Primary outcomes were gestational weight gain and postpartum weight change. Secondary outcomes included gestational diabetes screening and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks post partum. Other outcomes reported include gestational diabetes incidence, preterm birth, mode of birth, infant birth weight, and macrosomia.

Results

Gestational weight gain was lower among group versus usual care participants (mean [SD], 9.46 [7.24] kg vs. 14.40 [8.23] kg; p = 0.10); postpartum weight change did not differ between groups. Although the proportion of women who received adequate gestational diabetes screening (78.4% group; 65.6% usual care) was similar, there were clinically important between‐group differences in exclusive breastfeeding (44.4% group; 25% usual care), incidence of gestational diabetes (27.3% group; 40.0% usual care), and macrosomia (8.3% group; 29.0% usual care).

Conclusions

It may be possible to address multiple risk factors related to intergenerational transmission of obesity in this high‐risk setting using a group care‐delivered intervention.
Advancement of constant and progressive load multi‐cycle indentation method on surface properties characterization of polymers
Authors: Guru Soumya Ranjan , Sarangi Mihir
Published: September 2024

In recent years, polymers have been popular in industrial applications due to their lightweight, corrosion‐resistant, improved surface polish, ease of manufacturing, cost‐effectiveness, and so forth. Similarly, micro/nano‐indentation has gained popularity as a technique for assessing the surface mechanical characteristics of polymers. The present study conducted comprehensive experiments using cyclic micro‐indentation on engineering polymers, specifically poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(tetra‐fluoroethylene) (PTFE). An appropriate and optimal indentation method has been proposed after analyzing the behavior and significance of all the input parameters in evaluating the properties. Both constant load multi‐cycle (CLMC) and progressive load multi‐cycle (PLMC) were considered for this investigation. A comparative evaluation has been conducted to assess two multi‐cycle tests on these materials. From the analysis of the input parameters, including maximum loads, loading and unloading rates, and the number of cycles, the unloading rate and indentation cycle are crucial factors in determining hardness (H) and elastic modulus (E). Increasing the loading rates leads to an increase in H and a reduction in E for all three materials. This effect arises from the thermal effect, which is characterized by the creep modulus and a closed hysteresis loop. Employing the holding duration and multiple cycle data in constant load multi‐cycle can significantly influence the creep behavior and use of the hysteresis loop for fatigue behavior. Similarly, a progressive load multi‐cycle indentation with a force greater than 0.5 N and a minimum of five cycles is the most accurate approach for evaluating surface mechanical parameters.
Synergistic toughening effects of elastomer toughener and nucleating agent on mechanical properties and crystallization behaviors of polypropylene
Authors: Yin Ziwen , Wei Deyu , Lin Qing , Tian Hanlin , Yu Jinshuo , Li Yanbo , Deng Huiwen , Wang Zepeng , Pan Hongwei , Zhao Yan , Zhang Huiliang
Published: September 2024

A novel thermoplastic elastomer, kernel resin (KN), α‐nucleating agent (HPN), and β‐nucleating agent (DCHT), which acted as toughener and nucleating agents (NAs), were used to improve the mechanical properties and crystallization behaviors of isotactic polypropylene (PP). The impact strength of the PP/KN blends increased significantly with increase in KN concentration. Surprisingly, the impact strength of PP/KN/NA blends improved further upon addition of NA. The toughening effect of DCHT was stronger than that of HPN. The maximum impact strength of PP/KN/DCHT blend reached 69.2 kJ/m2 when the DCHT content was 0.05%, which was six times higher than that of neat PP. The SEM images of fractured surfaces of the blends showed a change from brittle fracture to ductile fracture. Moreover, the WAXD results showed that the incorporation of HPN promoted the formation of the α form of crystalline PP. Addition of DCHT induced the generation of α‐β crystal transition of PP. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry showed that the crystallizability and the overall crystallization rate of PP were enhanced by the addition of KN and NA. The half‐crystallization time of PP at 128°C decreased from 5.52 (neat PP) to 0.34 min (PP/KN/DCHT‐0.3).
Transcriptomic profiles of myxofibrosarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma correlate with clinical and genomic features
Authors: Mitra Shamik , Farswan Akanksha , Piccinelli Paul , Sydow Saskia , Hesla Asle , Tsagkozis Panagiotis , Vult von Steyern Fredrik , Almqvist Martin , Eriksson Mikael , Magnusson Linda , Nilsson Jenny , Pillay Nischalan , Mertens Fredrik
Published: September 2024

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) are two common and aggressive subtypes of soft tissue sarcoma. The aim of this study was to assess potential transcriptomic differences between MFS and UPS tumours and to evaluate the extent to which differences in gene expression profiles were associated with genomic and clinical features. The study included 162 patients with tumours diagnosed as MFS (N = 62) or UPS (N = 100). The patients had been diagnosed and treated at two Swedish sarcoma centres during a 30‐year period. For gene expression profiling and gene fusion detection all tumours were analysed using RNA‐sequencing and could be compared with data on clinical outcome (N = 155), global copy number profiles (N = 145), and gene mutations (N = 128). Gene expression profiling revealed three transcriptomic clusters (TCs) without any clear separation of MFS and UPS. One TC was associated with longer metastasis‐free survival. These tumours had lower tumour mutation burden (TMB), were enriched for a copy number signature representative of focal LOH and chromosomal instability on a diploid background, and were relatively immune‐depleted. MFS and UPS showed extensive genomic overlap, with whole genome doubling occurring more frequently among the latter. The results support the idea that MFS and UPS tumours have largely overlapping genomic and transcriptomic features, with UPS tumours showing more aggressive behaviour and more complex genomes. Independently of the tumour type, clinically relevant subgroups were revealed by gene expression analysis, and the finding of multiple genomic subgroups strongly suggest the existence of subgroups of relevance to treatment stratification. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Construction of denser networks via functionalized aluminum oxide‐boron nitride hybrid fillers: Towards improved thermal conductivity of polycarbonate composites
Authors: Feng Fang , Luo Yongbiao , Yang Ruyi , Zhao Zhiheng
Published: September 2024

With the gradual acceleration of development in the modern electronics, there is a higher demand for insulating polymer composites with high thermal conductivity. Herein, the functionalized fillers were fabricated through first deposition of polydopamine (PDA) on boron nitride (BN) plates and then covalent modification of BN‐PDA and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) by γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), respectively. Hybridized filler‐filled polycarbonate (PC) composites were prepared by partially substituting Al2O3 for BN plates with constant filler content. The PC composite filled with 9 wt% Al2O3 and 21 wt% BN (PCA3B7) achieved a thermal conductivity of 0.734 W mk−1, which is 217% and 21% higher than that of pure PC (0.231 W mk−1) and PCB (0.605 W mk−1), respectively. Besides, the PC composites exhibit excellent electrical insulation properties (1013 Ω cm), relatively good mechanical properties, and enhanced thermal stability. This PC composite, characterized by its superior comprehensive performance, holds significant promise as a thermal management material in electrical and electronic device applications.

Highlights

Functionalized fillers were fabricated via covalent and non‐covalent methods.

The appropriate proportion of hybridized fillers showed synergistic effects.

The composite's thermal conductivity was 217% higher than pure PC.

The composite exhibited desirable electrical insulating characteristics and thermal stability.

The composite could act as a thermal management material.
Effect of shear rate on orientation of cellulosic nanofibers and nanocrystals in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) based composites
Authors: Keskes Mariam , Desse Melinda , Carrot Christian , Jaziri Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) with or without thermoplastic starch is often used as a biodegradable matrix in composites reinforced with 5 and 10 wt% of either microfibrillated cellulose or cellulose nanocrystals. If dispersion of the fillers is well studied, their orientation in melt blended composites requires further understanding. In this study, the effect of a controlled shear rate on the orientation of the filler was investigated to understand how shear rate affects orientation and how orientation affects mechanical properties of the composites. To this end, composites prepared by melt mixing and then compressed were taken as a reference state of low orientation. On the contrary, to orient the fillers, extrusion through a slit die with a determined shear rate was carried out. Results of tensile tests, microscopic observations, atomic force microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis in the melt showed that orientation of fillers in the flow axis was possible for shear rates higher than 13 s−1. The orientated samples presented enhanced mechanical properties in the elastic domain as opposed to unoriented samples. In general, orientation of fillers leads to uniaxial stiffness at lower filler content with much better ductility. However, this was observed only on samples for which the percolation of the filler was not obtained in the unoriented state, otherwise, orientation proved to be detrimental to the elastic mechanical properties because of the rupture in the formed network.

Highlights

Orientation can be controlled during processing.

Sufficient shear rate is required.

Orientation improves mechanical properties.

Orientation might have a negative effect on rigidity in case of existing network.
A review on the ductility design method of fiber‐reinforced polymer bar and future prospects
Authors: Xu Yunbo , Zhang Yu , Zhu Haitang , Gao Danying , Qin Daotian , Zhao Liangping
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the ductility design methods of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) bars were reviewed. It was observed that the graded fracture theory was typically used as the ductility design method of hybrid fiber‐reinforced polymer (HFRP) bar. However, the ductile HFRP bar designed based on the graded fracture theory had the inherent defects of low modulus of elasticity, high yield strain, and post‐yielded sudden drop in stress, which prevented its large‐scale application in civil engineering. In order to eliminate these deficiencies, the authors proposed a novel design concept for a single‐type FRP bar. This novel single‐type FRP bar consisted of highly aligned discontinuous fiber and continuous fiber. The failure mode of this discontinuous/continuous single‐type FRP bar was different from that of the ductile HFRP bar designed based on the graded fracture theory of composite. The tensile ductility of discontinuous/continuous single‐type FRP bar originated from the debonding and stable pull‐out of the discontinuous fiber layer under increasing load. As a result, the post‐yielded sudden drop in stress can be removed for the ductile HFRP bar designed based on the graded fracture theory of composite. In addition, the yield strain can be controlled by adjusting the length of discontinuous fiber layer. In addition, the design configuration, innovative production process, and corresponding theoretical calculations of this novel single‐type FRP bar will be presented in the future.

Highlights

The ductility design methods of fiber‐reinforced polymer bars were reviewed.

Deficiencies of ductile HFRP bar composed of continuous fibers were reported.

A novel discontinuous/continuous single‐type FRP bar was foreseen.
Compression molding of ethylene–octene copolymer‐toughened polypropylene/graphene surfaces with actively controlled shape‐morphing microarchitectures induced by friction and wear
Authors: He Jiayi , Wu Weiting , Xu Jinhua , Ding Sha , Zhang Xin , Zhang Jingjing , Lei Caihong , Chen Anfu , Huang Lijia
Published: September 2024

Superhydrophobic microarchitectured polyolefin surfaces are currently used intensively in various industrial applications. However, the deployment of products made of these materials into practical application is typically constrained by their inferior dry sliding behaviors, which stem from their limited strength and toughness. To obtain reinforced and toughened superhydrophobic microstructured surfaces that can be easy to demold and overcome friction in the workplace, elastomeric ethylene–octene copolymer (POE) and rigid graphene (GP) were introduced into the polypropylene (PP) matrix to prepare microstructured PP/POE/GP surfaces by compression molding. The elongation at break is significantly improved by 2000% and reached up to 520.33%. The contact angle (CA) of the microstructured PP/POE/GP surface increases to 154.4°. They exhibit superhydrophobic and low adhesion characteristic, that is, lotus effect. The enhanced toughness of PP/POE/GP composites reduces wear debris and damage to microarchitecture during the abrasion process. Even after the microstructured PP/POE/GP surfaces were worn after a distance length of 3000 mm, they still exhibited superhydrophobic, but high adhesion characteristic, that is, petal effect. The controlled shape‐morphing microarchitectures formed on the microstructured PP/POE/GP surface abraded after 1000 mm, possessing wetting stability during droplet impacting.

Highlights

The elongation at break of composites was improved by 2000% through adding POE.

The composite microstructure deforms to consume energy during abrasion and POE reinforces this energy dissipation process.

POE improves fracture toughness and wetting stability of composites.
Compatibility of Linehan's biosocial theory and the DSM‐5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorders for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Livingston Nicholas R. , Stanton Kasey
Published: September 2024

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by affective, interpersonal, and identity instability, as well as marked impulsivity. There is evidence that BPD may be best operationalized dimensionally using models such as the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) described in Section III of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM). Moreover, biosocial theory is a well‐known etiological theory of BPD emphasizing emotion dysregulation, inherited impulsivity, and development within invalidating contexts as key etiological mechanisms. Given that current research and clinical efforts for BPD are informed by both nosology and etiology, this narrative review examined how well biosocial theory (a) aligns with AMPD conceptualizations, (b) accounts for psychiatric comorbidity, and (c) accounts for heterogeneity in BPD presentation. Findings suggested that tenets of biosocial theory align well with Criteria A and B of the AMPD; however, biosocial theory focuses narrowly on roles of emotion dysregulation, impulsivity, and invalidating contexts, and empirical support is lacking in some ways for several etiological explanations proposed by biosocial theory. Additionally, although biosocial theory captures empirically supported features of BPD and emphasizes high‐risk subgroups, the theory may not account for lower‐risk subgroups. Finally, the theory accounts for diagnostic co‐occurrence via the central role of emotion dysregulation, but biosocial theory may not be specific to BPD and may broadly apply to a range of psychopathology. Based on the literature reviewed, implications for future research and clinical efforts are highlighted.
High‐strength antifreezing flexible conductive polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sensors co‐reinforced with silk porous mesh fabric and silk nanofibers
Authors: Zhuge Chengyao , Wang Yaping , Qian Qian , Li Shunyang , Lu Wangyang , Li Nan
Published: September 2024

Hydrogel‐based flexible strain sensors have an enormous potential for applications in wearable electronics, but currently, realizing excellent mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of sensors is difficult. In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels were augmented with positively charged silk nanofibers (PCSNF) and PEDOT:PSS, and the resultant PVA‐PEDOT:PSS‐PCSNF hydrogel fabric showed remarkable mechanical properties (4.38 MPa) and elevated electrical conductivity. The presence of ethylene glycol (EG) in the hydrogel fabric imparts antifreezing properties and sustains electrical conductivity even at frigid temperatures (−18°C). In addition, EG contributes to the improvement of the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS. This PVA‐PEDOT:PSS‐PCSNF hydrogel fabric can be used as a precise and reliable strain sensor for detecting diverse human motions and facial expressions. Significantly, the PVA‐PEDOT:PSS‐PCSNF hydrogel fabric strain sensor exhibits a gauge factor of 1.02 and exceptional durability, withstanding 400 elbow bends. This study introduces an innovative method for creating high‐performance and resilient hydrogel‐based flexible sensors.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Buczkowski Grzegorz
Published: September 2024

Front Cover: The cover image is based on the article Catch and release: controlling eastern yellowjacket Vespula maculifrons colonies using horizontal insecticide transfer by Grzegorz Buczkowski et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8198.

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Exploring edible bird nest's potential in mitigating Wi‐Fi's impact on male reproductive health
Authors: Maluin Sofwatul Mokhtarah , Jaffar Farah Hanan Fathihah , Osman Khairul , Zulkefli Aini Farzana , Mat Ros Mohd Farisyam , Ibrahim Siti Fatimah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of edible bird nest (EBN) against the detrimental impact of Wi‐Fi on male reproductive health. Specifically, it examines whether EBN can mitigate Wi‐Fi‐induced changes in male reproductive hormones, estrogen receptors (ER), spermatogenesis, and sperm parameters.

Methods

Thirty‐six adult male rats were divided into six groups (n = 6): Control, Control EBN, Control E2, Wi‐Fi, Wi‐Fi+EBN, and Wi‐Fi+E2. Control EBN and Wi‐Fi+EBN groups received 250 mg/kg/day EBN, while Control E2 and Wi‐Fi+E2 groups received 12 μg/kg/day E2 for 10 days. Wi‐Fi exposure and EBN supplementation lasted eight weeks. Assessments included organ weight, hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone, and E2), ERα/ERβ mRNA and protein expression, spermatogenic markers (c‐KIT and SCF), and sperm quality.

Results

Wi‐Fi exposure led to decreased FSH, testosterone, ERα mRNA, and sperm quality (concentration, motility, and viability). EBN supplementation restored serum FSH and testosterone levels, increased serum LH levels, and the testosterone/E2 ratio, and normalized mRNA ERα expression. Additionally, EBN increased sperm concentration in Wi‐Fi‐exposed rats without affecting motility or viability.

Conclusions

EBN plays a crucial role in regulating male reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis, leading to improved sperm concentration. This could notably benefit men experiencing oligospermia due to excessive Wi‐Fi exposure.
Data transformations cause altered edaphic‐climatic controls and reduced predictability on soil carbon decomposition rates
Authors: Xiang Daifeng , Wang Gangsheng , Lv Zehao , Li Wanyu , Tian Jing
Published: September 2024

Data transformation of the reference soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition rates (kref), often derived as turnover times or in alternative formats, is commonly used to develop ecological models for projecting the persistence of SOM. However, the effects of reciprocal or logarithmic transformation of kref on model performance and edaphic‐climatic patterns remain uncertain. Here, we convert published kref values into reciprocal or logarithmic formats and establish machine learning models between the transformed kref and edaphic‐climatic predictors. We show that models trained with the transformed kref exhibit a 11.6%−68.4% reduction in performance upon re‐conversion to kref compared to those trained with the original kref. The variable importance analysis identifies distinct key predictors governing the original kref and its transformed counterparts. This suggests that data transformation alters the relative significance of predictors without necessarily improving kref prediction performance. Consequently, our study underscores the importance of directly focusing on the original values rather than alternative representations when dissecting a given variable's patterns and mechanisms in ecological modeling.
International collaborative study on measuring protein solubility index for legumes, oilseeds, cereals, and related products
Authors: Liu Keshun , Seegers Susan , Hojilla‐Evangelista Mila P. , Pallares Pallares Andrea , Wu Xin
Published: September 2024

Protein quality affects nutritional value and functional properties of protein products. It is important to assess protein quality accurately and cost‐effectively. Recently, a new indicator for protein quality, protein solubility index (PSI), was developed (JAOCS, 2022; 99, 855–871). The new method, featuring 5 mM NaOH extraction with magnetic stirring and simultaneous running of multiple samples, was proposed as AOCS method Ba 15‐2023. As part of the AOCS method approval process, a collaborative study was conducted to evaluate its performance. It involved 16 laboratories from 10 countries to measure PSI of the 12 selected samples plus a blind duplicate, including soybeans, pulses, cereals, and their processed products (flours, concentrates and isolates). After rigorous statistical analysis to remove a few outliers, several precision parameters were calculated. Repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) ranged 0.6%–11.4%, with 10 samples having RSDr ≤ 5%. Reproducibility RSDR ranged 2.6%–15.7%. The five samples with RSDR ≥ 10% corresponded to protein isolates or those with the lowest N content or the lowest PSI. The study demonstrated robust performance of the proposed AOCS method. A few collaborators carried out additional experiments to address some aspects of the method, leading to further improvement. The results of the present study were presented to the AOCS Uniform Methods Committee for evaluation. Once the method is adopted as the Official Method for measuring PSI in various protein products, it is poised to serve as a unified index for protein quality with respect to both nutritional value and functional properties.
Cocatalyst Embedded Ce‐BDC‐CeO2 S‐Scheme Heterojunction Hollowed‐Out Octahedrons With Rich Defects for Efficient CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Li Wenpeng , Chen Yajie , Zhang Jiajia , Zeng Fanze , Bao Jinyu , Liu Lu , Tian Guohui
Published: September 2024

Constructing heterojunction photocatalysts with optimized architecture and components is an effective strategy for enhancing CO2 photoreduction by promoting photogenerated carrier separation, visible light absorption, and CO2 adsorption. Herein, defect‐rich photocatalysts (Ni2P@Ce‐BDC‐CeO2 HOOs) with S‐scheme heterojunction and hollowed‐out octahedral architecture are prepared by decomposing Ce‐BDC octahedrons embedded with Ni2P nanoparticles and subsequent lactic acid etching for CO2 photoreduction. The hollowed‐out octahedral architecture with multistage pores (micropores, mesopores, and macropores) and oxygen vacancy defects are simultaneously produced during the preparation process. The S‐scheme heterojunction boosts the quick transfer and separation of photoinduced charges. The formed hollowed‐out multi‐stage pore structure is favorable for the adsorption and diffusion of CO2 molecules and gaseous products. As expected, the optimized photocatalyst exhibits excellent performance, producing CO with a yield of 61.6 µmol h−1 g−1, which is four times higher than that of the original Ce‐BDC octahedrons. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning Kelvin probe, and electron spin resonance spectroscopy characterizations confirm the S‐schematic charge‐transfer route. The key intermediate species during the CO2 photoreduction process are detected by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to support the proposed mechanism for CO2 photoreduction. This work presents a synthetic strategy for excellent catalysts with potential prospects in photocatalytic applications.
A New Class of Mechano‐Responsive Polyurethane Via Anthracene ‐TAD Diels‐Alder (DA) Click Chemistry
Authors: Chakraborty Swadhin , Choudhury Soumyadip , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: September 2024

Smart or stimuli‐responsive polymers have garnered significant interest in the scientific community due to their response to different stimuli like pH, temperature, light, mechanical force, etc. Mechanophoric polymer is an intriguing class of smart polymers that respond to external mechanical force by producing fluorescent moieties and can be utilized for damage detection and stress‐sensing assessment. In recent reports on mechanophoric polymers, different mechanophoric motifs such as spiropyran, rhodamine, coumarin, etc. are explored. This investigation reports a new kind of mechanophoric polyurethane (PU) adduct based on Diels‐Alder (DA) click chemistry. Here, an anthracene(An)‐end capped tri‐armed urethane system is synthesized, followed by a DA reaction using bis‐(1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione) (bis‐TAD) derivative. The incorporation of bis‐TAD in the urethane system renders the anthracene inactive (“turn‐off”) by dismantling its conjugation as a result of a successful DA reaction. The soft PU translated into a harder material through bis‐TAD linkages between polymer chains as evident from nanoindentation (NINT) analysis. The resulting material reverts back to its fluorescent “turned‐on” mode owing to a force‐accelerated retro‐Diels‐Alder (r‐DA) reaction. Besides the mechanophoric attributes, the material demonstrates self‐healing behavior examined by microscopic investigations. This innovative approach can be a potential route to design responsive polymers with dynamic functionalities for advanced material applications.
Quantum‐Sized Co Nanoparticles with Rich Vacancies Enabled the Uniform Deposition of Lithium Metal and Fast Polysulfide Conversion
Authors: Rong Jinsheng , Zhang Jiangjiang , Wang Wenxin , Miao Junqian , Chen Lanli , Cui Shiqiang
Published: September 2024

The notorious polysulfide shuttling and uncontrollable Li‐dendrite growth are the main obstacles to the marketization of Li‐S batteries. Herein, a dual‐functional material consisting of vacancy‐rich quantum‐sized Co nanodots anchored on a mesoporous carbon layer (v‐Co/meso‐C) is proposed. This material exposes more active sites to improve its reaction performance and simultaneously realizes excellent lithiophilicity and sulfiphilicity characteristics in Li‐S electrochemistry. As Li metal deposition hosts, v‐Co/meso‐C shows small nucleation overpotential, low polarization, and ultra‐long cycling stability in both half and symmetric cells, as confirmed by experimental studies. On the S cathode side, experimental and theoretical calculations demonstrate that v‐Co/meso‐C enhances the adsorption of polysulfides and boosts their catalytic conversion rate. This, in turn, suppresses the shuttle effect of polysulfides and improves sulfur utilization efficiency. Finally, a shuttle‐free and dendrite‐free v‐Co/meso‐C@Li//v‐Co/meso‐C@S full cell is fabricated, exhibiting excellent rate performance (739 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C) and good cyclability (capacity decay rate is 0.033% and 0.035% per cycle at 2.0 and 5.0 C, respectively). Even a pouch cell with high sulfur loading (5.5 mg cm−2) and lean electrolyte/sulfur (4.8 µL mg−1) can still work 50 cycles with 80% capacity retention rate. This study shows far‐reaching implications in the design of dendrite‐free, shuttle‐free Li‐S batteries.
The fourth industrial revolution and the future of work: Reasons to worry and policies to consider
Authors: Goldsmith Arthur H. , Casey James F.
Published: September 2024

A striking feature of the contemporary U.S. economy is the widespread adoption of technologies associated with the 4th Industrial Revolution (IR) including sensors, industrial robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Empirical work investigating the labor market impacts of 4th IR technological advances reveals they are skill‐biased, primarily advancing job opportunities for those with high levels of formal of education, unlike prior industrial revolutions that were skill neutral. This paper explains how the 4th IR has fostered job polarization, greater technological unemployment, and increasing wage inequality. Moreover, we delineate why these developments are worrisome and likely to expand over time. We assert that policy intervention to promote reinstatement of technologically unemployed persons is warranted, because displacement of labor caused by automation creates negative externalities. Consequently, we provide an example of how tax policies could be used to curtail technological unemployment—without creating hurdles for the adoption of 4th IR innovations. We advance and describe a new, innovative way, for fiscal policy to foster employment opportunities for those at greatest risk of job loss through automation. The initiative entails government subsidies to promote the provision and acquisition of skill certificates that employers view as complementary with 4th Industrial Revolution Technologies.
Prediction of wind pressures on supertall buildings based on proper orthogonal decomposition and machine learning
Authors: Huang Jia‐Xing , Li Qiu‐Sheng , Han Xu‐Liang
Published: September 2024

Detailed wind pressure information plays a critical role in the accurate estimation of wind loads on high‐rise buildings, especially for complex‐shaped supertall buildings. However, owing to the limited internal space of a scaled building model and the capacity of data‐acquisition devices, it is often difficult to acquire the wind pressures at all positions of interest on the entire model in wind tunnel testing. To this end, a novel approach that combines the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and machine learning (ML) is presented in this paper for the prediction of wind pressure time series (WPTS) on supertall building models in wind tunnel testing. In this approach, the prediction of WPTS is converted into the estimation of several main eigenmodes and mean wind pressures by combining the POD with ML. This strategy can effectively reduce the computational effort compared to the direct prediction of WPTS. A combined ML model consisting of the Gaussian process regression (GPR), decision tree regression (DTR), and random forest (RF) (i.e., POD‐GPR‐DTR‐RF model) is utilized for the prediction of eigenmodes and mean wind pressures. Wind pressure records from a wind tunnel experiment of a 600‐m‐high building are employed to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the presented approach. The results show that the combined ML model (i.e., POD‐GPR‐DTR‐RF model) developed based on the proposed approach performs satisfactorily in the prediction of WPTS and outperforms the conventional method that combines POD with backpropagation neural network model (i.e., POD‐BPNN model), demonstrating that the proposed approach is an effective tool for prediction of WPTS on supertall buildings.
Genomic prediction for potato (Solanum tuberosum) quality traits improved through image analysis
Authors: Yusuf Muyideen , Miller Michael D. , Stefaniak Thomas R. , Haagenson Darrin , Endelman Jeffrey B. , Thompson Asunta L. , Shannon Laura M.
Published: September 2024

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the most widely grown vegetable in the world. Consumers and processors evaluate potatoes based on quality traits such as shape and skin color, making these traits important targets for breeders. Achieving and evaluating genetic gain is facilitated by precise and accurate trait measures. Historically, quality traits have been measured using visual rating scales, which are subject to human error and necessarily lump individuals with distinct characteristics into categories. Image analysis offers a method of generating quantitative measures of quality traits. In this study, we use TubAR, an image‐analysis R package, to generate quantitative measures of shape and skin color traits for use in genomic prediction. We developed and compared different genomic models based on additive and additive plus non‐additive relationship matrices for two aspects of skin color, redness, and lightness, and two aspects of shape, roundness, and length‐to‐width ratio for fresh market red and yellow potatoes grown in Minnesota between 2020 and 2022. Similarly, we used the much larger chipping potato population grown during the same time to develop a multi‐trait selection index including roundness, specific gravity, and yield. Traits ranged in heritability with shape traits falling between 0.23 and 0.85, and color traits falling between 0.34 and 0.91. Genetic effects were primarily additive with color traits showing the strongest effect (0.47), while shape traits varied based on market class. Modeling non‐additive effects did not significantly improve prediction models for quality traits. The combination of image analysis and genomic prediction presents a promising avenue for improving potato quality traits.
Craniofacial malformations in a stillborn mixed‐breed dog as a cause for dystocia
Authors: Bernard Megan E. , Coffin Hannah R. , Taylor Ryan P. , Donnelly Callum G.
Published: September 2024

This case report describes the findings of craniofacial anomalies associated with dystocia in a mixed‐breed bitch. A bitch in labour was presented for evaluation of dystocia, and an emergency caesarean section was performed. Two pups with craniofacial abnormalities were delivered by hysterotomy. One pup was stillborn, with congenital anomalies including palatoschisis (cleft palate), cheiloschisis (cleft lip), an open fontanelle, and a narrow teardrop‐shaped skull. The second pup was delivered alive and had cheiloschisis. Craniofacial malformations are a reported cause of dystocia in the dog, usually due to obstruction. However, dystocia in the reported case is presumed to have developed because the pup's craniofacial malformations prevented stimulation of uterine contractions. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report to describe craniofacial abnormalities affecting 100% of the litter and is the first known report to describe the relationship between craniofacial abnormalities and presumptive primary uterine inertia.
Influence of Complex Surface Structures on the Aerodynamic Loss Behaviour of Blades
Authors: Seehausen Hendrik , Seume Joerg R.
Published: September 2024

Operating airfoils under mechanical stress in combination with oxidation and corrosion, abrasion wear, and subsequent regeneration results in complex surface structures that influence the performance of aircraft engines. For predicting this impact on performance the authors propose a reduced order model capable of assessing the effect of surface roughness as a basis for making decisions before or during the regeneration process. The accuracy of this model is increased by using improved roughness sensitive transition and turbulence models created for Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. Experimental studies are carried out to determine the local and integral effect of complex surface structures on blades and on a flat plate. Direct numerical simulations are also performed to study the effect of complex surface structures on a turbulent boundary layer and contribute to improving the accuracy of prediction, which is achieved by using re-calibrating models and taking into account the effect of skewness and anisotropy of complex surface structures on turbine blade losses.
The Civil Service and Public Employment
Authors: Shimada-Logie Hiroko , Konishi Atsushi
Published: September 2024

In Japan, ethos of small government was a consistent principle from the 1960s, while people’s expectations of administration and bureaucracy have been traditionally high. The coexistence of these two conflicting objectives has been barely maintained, with the rapid increase in administrative demands, by excessive amounts of overwork of regular employees who are faithful to their own ministry and the surge in the number of non-regular employees under inferior working conditions. The civil service reform in the 2000s, aiming at eliminating wastes caused by the pursuit of ministry-specific interests, introduced the Prime Minister’s control of executive personnel, but this resulted in further exhaustion and demoralization of employees. The fragility of administration system in times of crisis, which relies on the commitment of civil servants in charge, has been also exposed.

As the civil service has come to be obviously avoided by young competent people, discussion of “staffing according to workload” and attempts to improve working conditions of non-regular employees have been started as late as recent years.
Möglichkeiten und Grenzen politischer Steuerung in der Verkehrspolitik
Authors: Sack Detlef , Straßheim Holger , Zimmermann Karsten
Published: September 2024

Wir diskutieren in dem Beitrag die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen politischer Steuerung in der Verkehrspolitik. Dabei wird betont, dass sich diese nicht allein aus den Eigenschaften des Politikfeldes und aus den programmatischen Präferenzen konfligierender Akteure ergeben, sondern auch aus den normativen wie auch wissenschaftlichen Perspektiven, mit denen Verkehrspolitik untersucht wird. Das Politikfeld Verkehr ist wesentlich durch seinen Zweck bestimmt, die Mobilität und Logistik von Personen und Gütern zu organisieren bzw. die entsprechenden technischen und regulativen Voraussetzungen zu schaffen. Das Politikfeld ist durch die eminente Bedeutung von raumbezogenen Infrastrukturen, eine allgemeine gesellschaftliche, gleichwohl sozial differenzierte Betroffenheit ebenso geprägt wie durch seine institutionelle Mehrebenen-Struktur. Kompetenzen und Ressourcen verteilen sich auf die Europäische Union, den Bund, die Länder und die Kommunen. Zudem ist das Politikfeld durch eine Vielzahl von Behörden und die Notwendigkeit gekennzeichnet, mit angrenzenden Politikfeldern zu interagieren. Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die Akteure in der Verkehrspolitik und ihre programmatischen Überzeugungen. Er stellt ein Set an Push- und Pull-Maßnahmen in der Verkehrspolitik vor. Inhaltlich wird das Politikfeld mit seinen Möglichkeiten strukturiert. Programmatisch plädieren die Autoren für eine empirisch-analytische und auch strategische, gegenstandsbezogene Reflexion und Untersuchung der Möglichkeiten und Restriktion in der Verkehrspolitik.
Basis for non-factorizable superamplitudes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 supersymmetry
Authors: Delgado Antonio , Martin Adam , Wang Runqing
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this paper we develop a semi-standard Young tableau (SSYT) approach to construct a basis of non-factorizable superamplitudes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 massless supersymmetry. This amplitude basis can be directly translated to a basis for higher dimensional supersymmetric operators, yielding both the number of independent operators and their form. We deal with distinguishable (massless) chiral/vector superfields at first, then generalize the result to the indistinguishable case. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to the previously studied Hilbert series approach.
Patientenbezogene Ergebnisindikatoren (PROMs) bei erwachsenen Cochleaimplantatpatienten
Authors: Weder Stefan , Caversaccio Marco D. , Mantokoudis Georgios
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Cochleaimplantate (CI) bieten Personen mit schwerer sensorineuraler Hörschädigung die Möglichkeit einer artifiziellen Hörwahrnehmung. Die standardisierte Erhebung von Sprachverständlichkeitstests ist weit verbreitet, während die systematische Erfassung von patientenbezogenen Ergebnisindikatoren (PROMs) noch uneinheitlich ist.

Methodik

Für die Thematik relevante PROMs-Instrumente wurden basierend auf den Kriterien Verbreitung, Klarheit und Relevanz evaluiert und ausgewählt, in den klinischen Alltag integriert und an longitudinalen Zeitpunkten getestet.

Ergebnisse

Drei PROMs-Instrumente wurden ausgewählt und erfolgreich in die klinische Routine integriert. Der Vergleich von 2 Messzeitpunkten von 25 Individuen zeigten Verbesserungen im subjektiven Sprachverstehen und der Tinnitus-Wahrnehmung.

Schlussfolgerung

Unsere Studie zeigt die klinische Umsetzung und Integration von PROMs bei erwachsenen CI-Kandidaten und -Patienten. PROMs sind ein vielversprechendes Instrument zur Unterstützung in verschiedenen Behandlungsphasen, sowohl als Entscheidungshilfe für potenzielle CI-Kandidaten als auch zur Überwachung nach der Implantation.