bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Swallowing Function in Healthy Adults While Using High‐Flow Nasal Cannula
Authors: Graf Alexander E. , Mehl Alla , De Costa Amelia , Rosenfeld Richard M. , Abu‐Ghanem Sara
Published: February 2024

Objective

Despite widespread use of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for respiratory support, the effect of HFNC on swallowing physiology is poorly understood. Flow rates that permit safe swallowing have not been established. We aim to assess if healthy individuals have diminished swallowing function and safety at high flow rates.

Study Design

Repeated measures with planned data collection.

Setting

Outpatient dysphagia clinic.

Methods

Swallowing function in a cohort of healthy individuals was assessed using Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Participants' safety of swallowing was assessed with different textures under randomized rates of HFNC (0, 30, 40, 50, and 60 LPM). Swallowing trials included quantities of thin liquids, mildly‐thick liquids, and purees. Trials were scored using the Penetration‐Aspiration Scale (PAS). Pearson chi‐square tests were used to test for correlation between PAS result, flow rate, and consistency across each quantity of material.

Results

Twenty‐seven subjects were enrolled. Forty‐one percent were male with mean age of 34 years (11 standard deviation). Ninety‐nine percent (267/270), 97% (n = 263/270), and 99% (399/405) of 1 sip swallows, 3 sip swallows, and 5 mL swallows, respectively, were safe. There was no significant correlation between swallow safety and flow rate using Pearson Chi‐Square test across all consistencies and across all quantities of materials (P > 0.05). Of note, out of all subtrials, the thin liquid, 3 sips trial at 60 LPM, had the largest percent of unsafe swallows (14%).

Conclusion

Our results suggest rate of aspiration is not significantly affected by high flow nasal cannula in healthy individuals.
Influence of Social Vulnerability in Treatment and Prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue
Authors: Fei‐Zhang David J. , Park Asher C. , Chelius Daniel C. , Smith Stephanie S. , Samant Sandeep , Patel Urjeet A. , Sheyn Anthony M. , Rastatter Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the association of social determinants of health (SDoH) in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in the United States and to evaluate the real‐world contribution of specific disparities.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

United States.

Methods

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‐Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and National Cancer Institute‐Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database were used to study 62,103 adult tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients from 1975 to 2017. Regression analysis assessed trends in months of follow‐up and survival across social vulnerability and 4 subcategories of social vulnerability.

Results

As overall SVI score increases (increased social vulnerability), there is a significant decrease in the average length of follow‐up (22.95% decrease from 63.99 to 49.31 months; P < .001) across patients from the lowest and highest social vulnerability groups. As overall SVI score increases, there is a significant decrease in the average months of survival (28.00% decrease from 49.20 to 35.43 months; P < .001). There is also a significantly greater odds ratio (OR = 1.05; P < .001) of advanced cancer staging upon presentation at higher SVI scores. Patients with higher SVI scores have a lower OR (0.93; P < .001) of receiving surgery as their primary treatment when compared to patients with lower SVI scores. Patients with higher SVI scores also have a significantly greater OR (OR = 1.05; P < .001) of receiving chemotherapy as their primary treatment when compared to patients with lower SVI scores.

Conclusion

Increased social vulnerability is shown to have a detrimental impact on the treatment and prognosis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Empathy with nature promotes pro‐environmental attitudes in preschool children
Authors: Li Yun , Zhao Yajun , Huang Qun , Deng Jiyan , Deng Xueer , Li Jingguang
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to explore whether empathy with nature (i.e., the tendency to understand and share the emotional experience of the natural world) contributes to pro‐environmental attitudes in early childhood. In a correlational investigation (Study 1), 138 (Mage = 57.78 months) preschool children completed a battery of tasks to measure their pro‐environmental attitudes, empathy with nature, and empathy with humans. We found that empathy with nature positively predicts pro‐environmental attitudes, even beyond the predictive power of empathy with humans. In a quasi‐experimental investigation (Study 2), 46 children from two parallel classes in the same preschool were recruited as the intervention (n = 23, Mage = 66.74 months) and control (n = 23, Mage = 67.61 months) groups. An intervention session that aimed to induce empathy with nature was applied to the intervention group, whereas an active control teaching session was applied to the control group. After the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated greater pro‐environmental attitudes than did the control group. Together, our studies provide converging evidence that empathy with nature promotes pro‐environmental attitudes in early childhood, further implying the value of integrating empathy with nature in early childhood environmental education.
Exploring the factors affecting classification and reporting of uncertain prenatal microarray findings, using a “virtual fetus” model‐a pilot study
Authors: Michaelson‐Cohen Rachel , Salzer Liat Sheelo , Brabbing‐Goldstein Dana , Yaron Yuval , Reches Adi , Yonath Hagith , Regev Miriam , Shani Hagit , Altarescu Gheona , Segel Reeval , Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka , Daum Hagit , Harel Tamar , Meiner Vardiella , Basel‐Salmon Lina , Sagi‐Dain Lena , Maya Idit
Published: February 2024

Objective

Significant discrepancy exists between laboratories in classification and reporting of copy number variants (CNVs). Studies exploring factors affecting prenatal CNV management are rare. Our “virtual fetus” pilot study examines these factors.

Method

Ten prenatally diagnosed CNVs of uncertain significance (VUS) > 1Mb, encompassing OMIM‐morbid genes, inherited from healthy parents, were classified by 15 MD geneticists from laboratory, prenatal, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) units. Geneticists addressed factors affecting classification, obligation to report, and recommendation for invasive testing or PGT.

Results

CNVs were classified likely benign (10.7%), VUS (74.7%), likely pathogenic (8.7%), or pathogenic (6.0%). Classification discrepancy was higher for losses versus gains. Classifying pathogenic/likely pathogenic was more common for losses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 10.9, 95% CI 1.55–76.9), and geneticists specializing in gynecology (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.03–23.3). 84.0% of respondents would report CNVs, depending on classification and family phenotype. Invasive testing in pregnancies was recommended for 29.3% of CNVs, depending on the classification and geneticist's specialization. PGT was recommended for 32.4%, depending on classification, experience years, and family's phenotype (38.0% for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization irrespectively, 26.7% otherwise).

Conclusion

Factors affecting CNV classification/reporting are mainly dosage, family phenotype, geneticist specialization and experience. Understanding factors from our pilot study may facilitate developing an algorithm for clinical consensus and optimal management.
The maize striate leaves2 (sr2) gene encodes a conserved DUF3732 domain and is homologous to the rice yss1 gene
Authors: Brady Meghan J. , Cheam Maya , Gent Jonathan I. , Dawe R. Kelly
Published: February 2024

Maize striate leaves2 (sr2) is a mutant that causes white stripes on leaves that has been used in mapping studies for decades though the underlying gene has not been identified. The sr2 locus has been previously mapped to small regions of normal chromosome 10 (N10) and a rearranged variant called abnormal chromosome 10 (Ab10). A comparison of assembled genomes carrying N10 and Ab10 revealed only five candidate sr2 genes. Analysis of a stock carrying the sr2 reference allele (sr2‐ref) showed that one of the five genes has a transposon insertion that disrupts its protein sequence and has a severe reduction in mRNA. An independent Mutator transposon insertion in the gene (sr2‐Mu) failed to complement the sr2‐ref mutation, and plants homozygous for sr2‐Mu showed white striped leaf margins. The sr2 gene encodes a DUF3732 protein with strong homology to a rice gene with a similar mutant phenotype called young seedling stripe1 (yss1). These and other published data suggest that sr2 may have a function in plastid gene expression.
Regulation of non‐canonical proteins from diverse origins through the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay pathway
Authors: Periasamy Parthiban , Joseph Craig , Campos Adrian , Rajandran Sureka , Batho Christopher , Hudson James E. , Sivakumaran Haran , Kore Hitesh , Datta Keshava , Yeong Joe , Gowda Harsha
Published: February 2024

Immunotherapy harnesses neoantigens encoded within the human genome, but their therapeutic potential is hampered by low expression, which may be controlled by the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway. This study investigates the impact of UPF1‐knockdown on the expression of non‐canonical/mutant proteins, employing proteogenomic to explore UPF1 role within the NMD pathway. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive pan‐cancer analysis of UPF1 expression and evaluated UPF1 expression in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) tissue in‐vivo. Our findings reveal that UPF1‐knockdown leads to increased translation of non‐canonical/mutant proteins, particularly those originating from retained‐introns, pseudogenes, long non‐coding RNAs, and unannotated transcript biotypes. Moreover, our analysis demonstrates elevated UPF1 expression in various cancer types, with notably heightened protein levels in patient‐derived TNBC tumors compared to adjacent tissues. This study elucidates UPF1 role in mitigating transcriptional noise by degrading transcripts encoding non‐canonical/mutant proteins. Targeting this mechanism may reveal a new spectrum of neoantigens accessible to the antigen presentation pathway. Our novel findings provide a strong foundation for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting UPF1 or modulating the NMD pathway.
Amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation: a case report
Authors: Al‐Sibai Ahmad , Tom Jason
Published: February 2024

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation (CAARI) represents a rare, more aggressive, yet clinically and radiologically distinct manifestation of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Here, the authors describe a case of a patient in their 80s with dementia who presented with a loss of consciousness event likely related to a seizure. The MRI of the brain showed amyloid angiopathy with surrounding inflammation. This case illuminates CAARI as a distinct pathology, how to approach it as a differential diagnosis, and crucially, how to treat it.
Flow‐resistive loading and diaphragmatic muscle function in term and preterm infants
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Vervenioti Aggeliki , Tsintoni Asimina , Fouzas Sotirios , Karatza Ageliki A. , Dimitriou Gabriel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

We aimed to assess diaphragmatic function in term and preterm infants with and without history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), before and after the application of inspiratory flow resistive loading.

Methods

Forty infants of a median (range) gestational age of 34 (25–40) weeks were studied. BPD was defined as supplemental oxygen requirement for >28 days of life. Seventeen infants were term, 17 preterm without history of BPD, and six preterm with a history of BPD. The diaphragmatic pressure–time index (PTIdi) was calculated as the mean to maximum trans‐diaphragmatic pressure ratio times the inspiratory duty cycle. The PTIdi was calculated before and after the application of an inspiratory‐flow resistance for 120 s. Airflow was measured by a pneumotachograph and the transdiaphragmatic pressure by a dual pressure catheter.

Results

The median (interquartile range [IQR]) pre‐resistance PTIdi was higher in preterm infants without BPD (0.064 [0.050–0.077]) compared with term infants (0.052 [0.044–0.062], p = .029) and was higher in preterm infants with BPD (0.119 [0.086–0.132]) compared with a subgroup of preterm infants without BPD (0.062 [0.056–0.072], p = .004). The median (IQR) postresistance PTIdi was higher in preterm infants without BPD (0.101 [0.084–0.132]) compared with term infants (0.067 [0.055–0.083], p < .001) and was higher in preterm infants with BPD [0.201(0.172‐0.272)] compared with the preterm subgroup without BPD (0.091 [0.081–0.108],p = .004). The median (IQR) percentage change of the PTIdi after the application of the resistance was higher in preterm infants without BPD (65 [51–92] %) compared with term infants (34 [20–39] %, p < .001).

Conclusions

Preterm infants, especially those recovering from BPD, are at increased risk of diaphragmatic muscle fatigue under conditions of increased inspiratory loading.
Monitoring of physiologic features and treatment aspects of children on home invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Chawla Jasneek , Tan Hui‐leng
Published: February 2024

Pediatric home invasive mechanical ventilation patients are a small but resource‐intensive cohort, requiring close monitoring and multidisciplinary care. Patients are often dependent on their ventilator for life support, with any significant complications such as equipment failure, tracheostomy blockage, or accidental decannulation becoming potentially life‐threatening if not identified quickly. This review discusses the indications and variations in practice worldwide, in terms of models of care, including home care provision, choice of equipment, and monitoring. With advances in technology, optimal monitoring strategies for home, continue to be debated: In‐built ventilator alarms are often inadequately sensitive for pediatric patients, necessitating additional external monitoring devices to minimize risk. Pulse oximetry has been the preferred monitoring modality at home, though in some special circumstances such as congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, home carbon dioxide monitoring may be important to consider. Children should be under regular follow‐up at specialist respiratory centers where clinical evaluation, nocturnal oximetry, and capnography monitoring and/or poly(somno)graphy and analysis of ventilator download data can be performed regularly to monitor progress. Recent exciting advances in technology, particularly in telemonitoring, which have potential to hugely benefit this complex group of patients are also discussed.
Improvement in quality of life with continuous positive airway pressure outweighs the treatment burden in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Nisbet Lauren C. , Ellis Kirsten , Mihai Rebecca , Croft Emma , Davey Margot J. , Nixon Gillian M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may pose a significant burden on families. We assessed the impact of CPAP for children on quality of life (QOL) and caregiver treatment burden.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of children commencing outpatient CPAP in a specialist sleep centre 2020−2022. Questionnaires regarding sleep‐related symptoms (PROMIS Pediatric Sleep Disturbance and Sleep‐Related Impairment), QOL (OSA‐18, QI‐Disability), caregiver burden (Caregiver Strain Questionnaire) and overall health impact (Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory) were completed by caregivers at CPAP commencement and 6 weeks later.

Results

Twenty‐six patients completed follow‐up (7 female; median age 11.4 year, baseline obstructive apnea hypopnea index 10.3/h; 77% overweight or obese, 73% comorbidity other than obesity). OSA‐related QOL (OSA‐18) significantly improved at follow‐up (p < 0.01), as did child general QOL (p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (p < 0.01) and sleep‐related impairment (p < 0.001). Caregivers mostly rated CPAP as beneficial to their child's health but 19% rated CPAP as harmful or having no effect. Caregiver strain reduced at follow‐up (p < 0.001) and benefit outweighed inconvenience (p < 0.0001) in 81%. CPAP adherence was correlated with overall health impact (r = 0.67, p < 0.01) but not with caregiver rating of inconvenience.

Conclusions

CPAP resulted in improvements in QOL and sleep‐related symptoms, and reduced caregiver strain. Perceived benefits outweighed the burden of treatment for most but not all families. CPAP adherence was moderately correlated with family‐reported measures of benefit but not related to perceived inconvenience. This study provides reassuring evidence regarding the benefits and impacts of CPAP for children, many of whom already have complex health care needs.
Epidemiological shifts in bronchiolitis patterns and impact of the COVID‐19: A two‐season comparative study
Authors: Presti Santiago , Manti Sara , Gammeri Carmela , Parisi Giuseppe F. , Papale Maria , Leonardi Salvatore
Published: February 2024

Background

Bronchiolitis is a common lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) affecting infants and young children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has historically been the primary causative agent, but other viruses also contribute to the LRTI epidemiology. Recent changes in epidemiology and clinical patterns due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic have raised concerns. This study aims to analyze the impact of the pandemic on bronchiolitis epidemiology and severity.

Methods

Two consecutive bronchiolitis seasons (October 2021 to March 2022 and October 2022 to March 2023) were compared. Data on viral agents, hospitalization duration, clinical severity, and respiratory support requirements were collected from pediatric patients at San Marco Hospital, University of Catania.

Results

In the 2021–2022 season, RSV was the predominant virus (40%), followed by other viruses, with mild clinical outcomes. In the 2022–2023 season, RSV remained prevalent (58.7%), but other viruses, including rhinovirus (RV) and influenza, showed a significant increase (p < .05) in bronchiolitis cases and severity. Notably, RSV‐related bronchiolitis did not exhibit greater severity compared to non‐RSV cases in the 2022–2023 season, contrary to the previous year.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic appears to have shifted the epidemiological landscape of bronchiolitis, with a peak incidence in November instead of January/February. Non‐RSV viruses (RV, influenza A and B, as well as metapneumovirus) have gained prominence, possibly due to viral competition and reduced pandemic‐related restrictions. Traditionally, RSV has been the primary pathogen responsible for most bronchiolitis cases. Nonetheless, the findings of this study indicate a shifting landscape in bronchiolitis etiology, with RSV gradually diminishing in its role. Contrary to the previous year, RSV‐related bronchiolitis did not exhibit greater severity compared to non‐RSV cases in the 2022–2023 season.
Are the ladybugs Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and Exochomus quadripustulatus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) candidate predators of Toumeyella parvicornis (Hemiptera: Coccidae)?
Authors: Di Sora Nicolò , Rossini Luca , Contarini Mario , Virla Eduardo Gabriel , Speranza Stefano
Published: February 2024

Background

Toumeyella parvicornis is an alien pest of recent introduction in Italy that infests stone pines (Pinus pinea L.), its main host plant in Europe. Infestations are currently controlled through endotherapic treatments, but the high costs and the long‐term inefficacy highlight the need for alternative control strategies applicable in natural systems as well. An analysis of the effectiveness of autochthonous and naturalized predators is the first step to achieve this goal. This work focused on two candidate predators, Exochomus quadripustulatus and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), that may potentially control T. parvicornis. The analysis was carried out under laboratory‐controlled and semi‐field conditions.

Results

Laboratory tests were carried out to assess: (i) the predation rate of the ladybugs over different densities of pest preimaginal stages, and (ii) the effect of the presence of heterospecific and conspecific predators on the attractiveness of prey colonies. Semi‐field experimentations were carried out by wrapping infested stone pine twigs with net sleeves and applying one of three treatments: (i) Exochomus quadripustulatus, (ii) Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, and (iii) control containing only the pest population. Both the ladybugs were attracted by T. parvicornis, offered as prey. Exochomus quadripustulatus was more attracted to conspecific and heterospecific ladybugs than Cryptolaemus montrouzieri and responded to prey more quickly.

Conclusions

The results obtained could be useful for planning further experimentations to explore the potential use of these predators in biological control programs that may be applied in infested areas. Besides the use in an urban context, where pesticide use is strongly limited, the release of natural enemies may help safeguard stone pine forests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Structural color‐based physical unclonable function
Authors: Lin Xiaofeng , Shi Daxiang , Yi Guobin , Yu Dingshan
Published: February 2024

Commodity fraud poses significant economic and public health risks while jeopardizing market stability. A promising avenue for addressing this issue involves the incorporation of physical unclonable function (PUF) in anti‐counterfeiting labels for commodity authentication purposes. PUFs are a large number of unbreakable security labels generated through a random process, which exhibit unique physical pattern responses that are impervious to replication. In particular, a novel kind of a PUF model, called structural color‐based PUFs, combing the structural color characteristics of angle‐dependent stability and brightness with unclonable property, offers unassailable encryption capabilities and serves as a formidable safeguard against forgery. This review undertakes a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in PUF technology leveraging structural color materials. Moreover, it provides a systematic description of the recognition and authentication technology employed in optical structural color PUFs. Finally, a prospective summary and outlook is proposed to explain existing challenges, and highlight potential developments in anti‐counterfeiting technology incorporating structural color PUF labels.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of BiOBr/Kaolinite Composite
Authors: Tian Yunhui , Li Shilin , Zhang Guangxin
Published: February 2024

Bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) nanoflowers were anchored onto kaolinite nanosheets via a calcination method. Assisted by characterization methods including XRD, SEM, and XPS, the microstructures of photocatalysts were comparatively investigated. The findings revealed a close integration of BiOBr nanoflowers with kaolinite, resulting in a gradual phase transition and augmented surface oxygen. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance was assessed by investigating the degradation of organic dyes under visible light irradiation. Notably, the experimental results demonstrated that the degradation efficiencies of BiOBr/kaolinite composites were higher than that of pure BiOBr. The ⋅O2− was proven to be the major active radical in the photocatalytic process. This study presents a straightforward approach for fabricating BiOBr‐based photocatalysts, showcasing their enhanced performance in organic dye degradation under visible light.
Investigating Baxdrostat and Its Derivatives as Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitors for Resistant Hypertension: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Labiba Atiqa , Al Abbad Sanaa S. , Rahman Shofiur , Alodhayb Abdullah , Poirier Raymond A. , Uddin Kabir M.
Published: February 2024

Resistant hypertension, a severe condition affecting about 10 % of people with high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, and kidney issues. This study investigates the potential of baxdrostat and its derivatives (1–22) as aldosterone synthase inhibitors for resistant hypertension using in silico methods. The study employed various computational methods, including molecular dynamics simulation (MD), molecular docking, frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis, and global chemical descriptors, to evaluate the interactions between the compounds and the target proteins. The docking results showed that compounds 2, 5, 7, and baxdrostat had binding affinities of −7.8 kcal/mol, −10.9 kcal/mol, −10.6 kcal/mol, and −9.3 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that ligands 2, 5, and baxdrostat formed the most stable protein‐ligand complexes with aldosterone synthase. The complex of the 4FDH‐baxdrostat remained highly stable across all tested temperatures (300 K, 305 K, 310 K, and 320 K), consistently displaying low RMSD values, with the minimum observed at 305 K. Baxdrostat emerges as the most promising candidate among the compounds examined, showcasing notable potential when considering a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and now in silico data. While baxdrostat remains the primary candidate based on comprehensive in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies, further analysis using FMO theory suggests that ligands 2 and 5 have promising potential due to their smaller Egap. To validate these findings, further clinical investigations are warranted.
Sonochemical‐Promoted Multicomponent Synthesis of a New Amidoalkyl Naphthol Derivative Catalyzed by [(Msim)Cl] Ionic Liquid and Assessment of Its Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Muala Dhumad Adil , Hassan Qusay M. A. , Jassem Ahmed Majeed , Sultan H. A. , Jasim Ibrahim Majeed , Emshary C. A.
Published: February 2024

The sonochemical‐assisted multicomponent reaction catalyzed by ionic liquid, solvent‐free synthesis, improving chemical structure, computational calculations, and nonlinear optical properties (NLO) assessment of a new amidoalkyl naphthol derivative 4, that is, [N‐((2‐hydroxynaphthalen‐1‐yl)(4‐nitrophenyl)methyl)‐2‐phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (C24H20N4O3S), are introduced. The corrected structure of the synthesized derivative 4 is confirmed by different spectroscopic techniques viz., (1H and 13C) NMR, Infrared radiation (IR), Mass spectra, and UV‐vis. spectra. To obtain geometrical structure and confirm the experimental findings, DFT‐assisted B3LYP/6‐31G* method is used. The NLO properties of the synthesized derivative are studied using two visible laser beams where its nonlinear refraction index (NLRI) at 473 nm cw laser beam is obtained using diffraction patterns (DPs) and the Z‐scan techniques. As high as 5.312×10−11 m2/W of NLRI is obtained. The all‐optical switching (AOS) which is usually carried out utilizing two laser beams, the controlling and controlled, is generalized by the use of three laser beams, controlling, 473 nm beam and two controlled 532 nm and 635 nm beams.
Amplifying Sensing Capabilities: Combining Plasmonic Resonances and Fresnel Reflections through Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Etxebarria‐Elezgarai Jaione , Bergamini Luca , Lopez Eneko , Morant‐Miñana Maria Carmen , Adam Jost , Zabala Nerea , Aizpurua Javier , Seifert Andreas
Published: February 2024

Multivariate analysis applied in biosensing greatly improves analytical performance by extracting relevant information or bypassing confounding factors such as nonlinear responses or experimental errors and noise. Plasmonic sensors based on various light coupling mechanisms have shown impressive performance in biosensing by detecting dielectric changes with high sensitivity. In this study, gold nanodiscs are used as metasurface in a Kretschmann setup, and a variety of features from the reflectance curve are used by machine learning to improve sensing performance. The nanostructures of the metasurface generate new plasmonic features, apart from the typical resonance that occurs in the classical Kretschmann mode of a gold thin film, related to the evanescent field beyond total internal reflection. When the engineered metasurface is integrated into a microfluidic chamber, the device provides additional spectral features generated by Fresnel reflections at all dielectric interfaces. The increased number of features results in greatly improved detection. Here, multivariate analysis enhances analytical sensitivity and sensor resolution by 200% and more than 20%, respectively, and reduces prediction errors by almost 40% compared to a standard plasmonic sensor. The combination of plasmonic metasurfaces and Fresnel reflections thus offers the possibility of improving sensing capabilities even in commonly available setups.
Dialogue System for Casual and Continuous Word Learning
Authors: Seki Yosuke
Published: February 2024

Facilitating causal and continuous learning in individuals with low motivation presents a formidable challenge owing to the diverse methods and systems available for vocabulary acquisition. Therefore, this study developed a non‐task‐oriented dialogue system to facilitate casual and continuous word learning. Specifically, dialogue systems capable of processing text‐based inputs, encompassing words registered by learners, were formulated. Learners could engage in the acquisition of these words through informal conversation. The evaluation results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for fostering casual and continuous learning. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Whipsawed by Woori and Washington: South Korea's growing challenges in handling Middle Eastern affairs
Authors: Azad Shirzad
Published: February 2024

The history of the past two decades has proved that top Korean leaders can make a real difference in terms of their previous experiences and personal engagement in securing the Republic of Korea's (ROK) vested interests in the Middle East. For decades, South Korea had handed over its day‐to‐day interactions with Middle Eastern countries to the Korean bureaucracy led by the relevant departments and subaltern officials at the foreign ministry and other state institutions. This approach, however, seems rather dysfunctional today, requiring key Korean officials, especially the president, to get involved personally in the ROK's increasingly multifaceted relationships with Middle Eastern nations. This article reappraises the new Korean orientation by highlighting some of the major developments involving both sides during the past several years. The main argument is that the ROK is facing increasingly serious difficulties in sorting out its policy behaviors toward Middle Eastern countries as Korea is striving to strike a delicate balance between its own expanding commercial interests in the region and what the United States expects from South Korea with regard to the topsy‐turvy world of politics in the Middle East.
Single visits to active wolf dens do not impact wolf pup recruitment or pack size
Authors: Gable Thomas D. , Johnson‐Bice Sean M. , Homkes Austin T. , Bump Joseph K.
Published: February 2024

Evaluating methods used to capture and mark neonates is necessary for ensuring research methods are ethical, follow best practices, and do not have long‐term unintended impacts on neonates or populations. We used a quasi‐experimental approach (reference versus treatment) to determine whether visiting wolf dens and marking wolf Canis lupus pups affects important wolf population metrics. Specifically, we examined whether pup recruitment and pack size differed between packs where we visited dens and handled pups (‘disturbed packs' = treatment group) and those where we did not visit dens (‘undisturbed packs' = reference group). During 2019–2023, we studied 43 wolf packs and litters, 19 of which were disturbed packs and 24 of which were undisturbed. We found no difference in recruitment or pack size between disturbed and undisturbed wolf packs. However, we did observe substantial annual variation in recruitment and pack size, which indicated that other ecological factors (e.g. prey abundance) were likely responsible for annual changes in recruitment and pack size. Our findings are consistent with several other studies, and together this research indicates that wolf dens can be visited once and wolf pups handled briefly for research purposes without having a measurable effect on recruitment and pack size.
Efficacy of remote sensing technologies for burrow count estimates of a rare kangaroo rat
Authors: Stuhler John D. , Portillo‐Quintero Carlos , Goetze Jim R. , Stevens Richard D.
Published: February 2024

Effective management of rare species requires an understanding of spatial variation in abundance, which is challenging to estimate. We tested the efficacy of high‐resolution imagery to detect burrows of the Texas kangaroo rat (TKR; Dipodomys elator) as a means of estimating abundance across its geographic range. Specifically, we estimated burrow counts using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to collect data from very high‐resolution Red–Green–Blue (RGB) imagery and estimate digital elevation (2.5‐mm pixel resolution) over active and inactive burrows located on mesquite mounds and anthropogenic features (roadsides, fences, etc.). In 2018, we identified 26 burrow locations on a private ranch in Wichita County, Texas, USA, and characterized burrows based on topography and vegetation density. We found that TKR burrows can only be identified with data of <5 cm pixel resolution, thus eliminating the possibility of using high‐resolution imagery data currently available for Texas. Alternatively, we propose that the use of National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery at 0.5‐ and 0.6‐m pixel resolution, in combination with resampled digital elevation data, can provide an effective means for identifying potential TKR burrow locations at the county level. We present 3 different approaches at the county and local scale that combine topographic and vegetation fractional cover information using a weighted overlay approach. The modeling approaches have strong predictive capabilities and can be integrated with UAS data for visual confirmation of active and inactive burrows. We concluded that very high‐resolution imagery and topographic information at pixel resolutions <5 cm collected by airborne systems can effectively help locate active TKR burrows. However, to remain cost effective, upscaling to the county level will require reducing the sampling area to the most suitable habitat. Modeling approaches, such as those proposed in this study, can help effectively locate these sampling areas.
Uncertainty Regulation in High-Risk Organizations: Harnessing the Benefits of Flexible Rules
Authors: Grote Gudela
Published: February 2024

There is increasing awareness that uncertainty cannot be “managed away” to ensure safety. However, how uncertainties can be handled more effectively is still a debated question. In this chapter, I offer a new approach to uncertainty regulation in organizations, which includes opening and closing behaviors aimed at reducing and increasing uncertainty respectively in an attempt to align stability and flexibility requirements for effective and safe performance. I then apply this approach to decisions on rules and operating standards as one of the most fundamental tasks of risk and safety management. By proposing the use of flexible rules and participatory processes for writing, implementing, and monitoring rules, I aim to answer two fundamental questions that have plagued effective rule management: How can rules successfully guide behavior even if substantial amounts of uncertainty about the right course of action in any given situation remain? How can rules instigate autonomous motivation for rule compliance? I close by suggesting steps that organizations can take to explore and implement the proposed new approach to uncertainty.
Non-local computation and the black hole interior
Authors: May Alex , Xu Michelle
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In a two sided black hole, systems falling in from opposite asymptotic regions can meet inside the black hole and interact. This is the case even while the two CFTs describing each asymptotic region are non-interacting. Here, we relate these behind the horizon interactions to non-local quantum computations. This gives a quantum circuit perspective on these interactions, which applies whenever the interaction occurs in the past of a certain extremal surface that sits inside the black hole and in arbitrary dimension. Whenever our perspective applies, we obtain a boundary signature for these interior collisions which is stated in terms of the mutual information. We further revisit the connection discussed earlier between bulk interactions in one sided AdS geometries and non-local computation, and recycle some of our techniques to offer a new perspective on making that connection precise.
Convergence of Dynamics on Inductive Systems of Banach Spaces
Authors: van Luijk Lauritz , Stottmeister Alexander , Werner Reinhard F.
Published: February 2024

Many features of physical systems, both qualitative and quantitative, become sharply defined or tractable only in some limiting situation. Examples are phase transitions in the thermodynamic limit, the emergence of classical mechanics from quantum theory at large action, and continuum quantum field theory arising from renormalization group fixed points. It would seem that few methods can be useful in such diverse applications. However, we here present a flexible modeling tool for the limit of theories, soft inductive limits, constituting a generalization of inductive limits of Banach spaces. In this context, general criteria for the convergence of dynamics will be formulated, and these criteria will be shown to apply in the situations mentioned and more.
Nonlinear acoustic equations of fractional higher order at the singular limit
Authors: Nikolić Vanja
Published: February 2024

When high-frequency sound waves travel through media with anomalous diffusion, such as biological tissues, their motion can be described by nonlinear acoustic equations of fractional higher order. In this work, we relate them to the classical second-order acoustic equations and, in this sense, justify them as their approximations for small relaxation times. To this end, we perform a singular limit analysis and determine their behavior as the relaxation time tends to zero. We show that, depending on the nonlinearities and assumptions on the data, these models can be seen as approximations of the Westervelt, Blackstock, or Kuznetsov wave equations in nonlinear acoustics. We furthermore establish the convergence rates and thus determine the error one makes when exchanging local and nonlocal models. The analysis rests upon the uniform bounds for the solutions of the acoustic equations with fractional higher-order derivatives, obtained through a testing procedure tailored to the coercivity property of the involved (weakly) singular memory kernel.
Life in a Central European warm-temperate to subtropical open forest: Paleoecology of the rhinocerotids from Ulm-Westtangente (Aquitanian, Early Miocene, Germany)
Authors: Hullot Manon , Martin Céline , Blondel Cécile , Rössner Gertrud E.
Published: February 2024

The Ulm-Westtangente locality has yielded the most abundant vertebrate fauna from the Aquitanian stage in Germany. Its dating to the Mammal Neogene Zone 2a, a turnover in Cenozoic climate, makes it a crucial source for the understanding of faunal, paleoecological and paleoenvironmental specifics of the European Aquitanian. However, while most taxa from Ulm-Westtangente have been studied, little to no research has been conducted on the large herbivores, particularly on the two rhinocerotids Mesaceratherium paulhiacense and Protaceratherium minutum. Here, we used a multi-proxy approach to investigate the paleoecology of these two species. The remains of the smaller species P. minutum (438 to 685 kg) are twice as abundant as those of the larger M. paulhiacense (1389 to 2327 kg), but both display a similar age structure (~ 10% of juveniles, 20% of subadults and 70% of adults), mortality curves, and mild prevalence of hypoplasia (~ 17%). Results from dental mesowear, microwear, and carbon isotopes indicate different feeding preferences: both were C3 feeders but M. paulhiacense had a more abrasive diet and was probably a mixed feeder. Our study on rhinocerotids also yielded new paleoenvironmental insights, such as the mean annual temperature (15.8 °C) and precipitation (317 mm/year) suggesting rather warm and dry conditions.
Biochemical Response of the Endogeic Earthworm (Balanteodrilus extremus) Exposed to Tropical Soils
Authors: Sánchez-del Cid E. Lucero , Osten Jaime Rendón-von , Dzul-Caamal Ricardo , González-Chávez Ma. del Carmen Ángeles , Torres-Dosal Arturo , Huerta-Lwanga Esperanza
Published: February 2024

This work evaluated the biochemical responses of the endogeic earthworm Balanteodrilus extremus exposed for 14 and 48 days (d) to soils collected from two tropical agricultural systems: maize-sorghum (MS) and soybean-sorghum (SS). A soil without agricultural management (WAM) and the use of pesticides was selected as a reference. The presence of organochlorine (OC) and organophosphate (OP) pesticide residues was quantified in MS and SS soils. Biomarkers of detoxification [glutathione S transferase (GST)], neurotoxicity [acetylcholinesterase (AChE)] and oxidative stress [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipoperoxidation (LPO)] were evaluated in B. extremus. The concentration of OP pesticide residues was higher in SS than in MS. Activity of AChE in B. extremus exposed to SS soil for 14 d was significantly more inhibited (78%) than in MS soil (68%). B. extremus has been shown to be a good bioindicator of contaminated soils in tropical regions.
Surface topology modification using 3D printing techniques to enhance the interfacial bonding strength between polymer substrates and prepreg carbon fibre-reinforced polymers
Authors: Abdoli Hamed , Diegel Olaf , Bickerton Simon
Published: February 2024

Carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are increasingly utilised in combination with plastics and metals to manufacture hybrid components. Although hybrid components provide a combination of the advantages of the constituent materials, there are some challenges for the manufacture of high-quality hybrid components, including potentially weak interfacial bonding between the constituent materials. This paper presents a study focused on enhancing the interfacial strength of hybrid components by using additive manufacturing (AM) to manipulate the surface topology of a substrate component. Specifically, the study involved conducting experiments on a polyamide/CFRP hybrid component in which the PA12 substrates were manufactured with a controlled surface topology using polymer powder bed fusion. The mechanical testing study revealed several key findings, including an increase in bonding strength by modifying the substrate surface features, and significant improvements in out-of-plane interlaminar bonding strength by adding substrate surface features such as pins or fluorite lattices. It is shown that normal strength was enhanced by up to 53% between the substrate and pure epoxy, and by 126% between the substrate and a CFRP laminate. These results highlight the potential benefits of using AM technologies to enhance the interfacial strength of hybrid components and suggest directions for future research in this area.
A short guide on blue fluorescent proteins: limits and perspectives
Authors: Seo Pil-Won , Kim Geun-Joong , Kim Jeong-Sun
Published: February 2024

The advent of the so-called colorful biology era is in line with the discovery of fluorescent proteins (FPs), which can be widely used to detect the intracellular locations of macromolecules or to determine the abundance of metabolites in organelles. The application of multiple FPs that emit different spectra and colors could be implemented to precisely evaluate cellular events. FPs were initially established with the emergence of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from jellyfish. Red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) from marine anemones and several corals adopt fluorescent chromophores that are similar to GFP. Chromophores of GFP and GFP-like FPs are formed through the oxidative rearrangement of three chromophore-forming residues, thereby limiting their application to only oxidative environments. Alternatively, some proteins can be fluorescent upon their interaction with cellular prosthetic cofactors and, thus, work in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The modification of an NADPH-dependent blue fluorescent protein (BFP) also expanded its application to the quantization of NADPH in the cellular environment. However, cofactor-dependent BFPs have an intrinsic weakness of poor photostability with a high fluorescent background. This review explores GFP-derived and NADPH-dependent BFPs with a focus on NADPH-dependent BFPs, which might be technically feasible in the near future upon coupling with two-photon fluorescence microscopy or nucleic acid-mimickers.

Key points

• Oxidation-dependent GFP-like BFPs and redox-free NADPH-dependent BFPs

• GFPs of weak photostability and intensity with a high fluorescent background

• Real-time imaging using mBFP under two-photon fluorescence microscopy
Enzymatic upcycling of wild-simulated ginseng leaves for enhancing biological activities and compound K
Authors: Lim Juho , Kim Hayeong , Kim Gha-hyun J. , Kim Taeyoon , Kang Choon Gil , Kim Seung Wook , Kim Doman
Published: February 2024

Compound K (CK), a ginsenoside with high bioavailability, is present at low levels in wild-simulated ginseng leaves (WSGL). WSGL contains the CK precursors, Rd and F2, in amounts up to 26.4 ± 0.4 and 24.1 ± 1.9 mg/g extract, respectively. In this study, CK production in WGSL reached 25.9 ± 1.0 mg/g extract following treatment with Viscozyme, Celluclast 1.5 L, Pectinex Ultra SP-L, and their combination. The antioxidant activities indicated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and ABTS- and DPPH radical scavenging activity of enzyme-treated WSGL were enhanced 1.69-, 2.51-, 2.88-, and 1.80-fold, respectively, compared to non-treated WSGL. Furthermore, the CK-enriched WSGL demonstrated a 1.94-fold decrease in SA-β-galactosidase expression in human dermal fibroblasts and a 3.8-fold enhancement of inhibition of nitric oxide release in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells relative to non-treated WSGL. Consequently, WSGL subjected to enzymatic upcycling has potential as a functional material in the food and pharmaceutical industries.