bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatology and trends of cloudiness in a productive rice and vegetable region of South‐Eastern South America
Authors: Nadia Testani , Robledo Federico A. , Díaz Leandro B.
Published: February 2024

Clouds are a key element of the climate system. They play a crucial role in modulating solar radiative flux reaching the Earth's surface and influencing environmental conditions. In particular, total cloud cover (TCC) has both direct and indirect influence on agricultural production. Through dialogues with vegetable and rice producers of Northeastern Argentina (NEA), an important productive region in South‐Eastern South America, the key role of cloud cover on crop yields was brought to the forefront. In this study, we present the climatology and observed long‐term changes in TCC in NEA. The analyses are performed based on two independent datasets: TCC ground‐based (GB) observations and satellite‐based estimates from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP). The datasets cover a common period, from December 1983 to November 2016 (Satellite Period), while GB TCC observations extend further, from March 1961 to February 2021 (GB Period). To facilitate a more comprehensive examination of GB TCC, we introduce a novel Cloud Index, expressed in a familiar unit (%), which allows  the study of its temporal variations. TCC exhibits a distinct annual cycle and substantial spatial variability over NEA, consistently evident in both satellite and GB datasets. Over the Satellite Period (GB Period), we observed a decrease in NEA's TCC in both datasets (GB dataset), with seasonal variations and spatial heterogeneity. We ensured the reliability of our results by comparing the two datasets, which showed similar temporal variability, although the ISCCP Cloud Amount values were larger than the GB TCC. The described TCC climatology and observed changes have considerable implications for NEA's agricultural production and provide a robust foundation for future research. This article generates robust methodological basis for the analysis of this complex variable, a necessary step to explore the forcing of climate variability that modulates cloudiness in future research, and that could facilitate future studies in other regions of South America and the world.
Last‐minute coordination: Adapting to demand to support last‐mile operations
Authors: Chen Kedong , Su Hung‐Chung , Linderman Kevin , Li William
Published: February 2024

In the highly competitive e‐commerce industry, customer‐facing warehouses are crucial as the “order penetration points” for e‐commerce last‐mile operations. This research examines how warehouses use last‐minute coordination, an unstructured mechanism, to ensure sufficient inventory at the order penetration points. Previous research has focused on structured mechanisms like contracts and inventory management systems to enhance warehouse performance. However, these mechanisms can be ineffective when faced with unforeseen local contingencies. To adjust inventory and adapt to changes in supply and/or demand, warehouses need to engage in unstructured, last‐minute coordination with other warehouses. Using coordination and loose coupling theories, we find that coordinating with many warehouses (i.e., large coordination scope) reduces the operational efficiency of individual warehouses. At the network level, we find that a centralized coordination structure improves the operational efficiency of the entire network. We also show that demand uncertainty reinforces the existing last‐minute coordination patterns, using the Separable Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model (ST‐ERGM). This research highlights the importance of last‐minute coordination and reveals its effects on both individual warehouses and the overall network.
Vectorial‐Optics‐Enabled Multi‐View Non‐Line‐Of‐Sight Imaging with High Signal‐To‐Noise Ratio
Authors: Wang Zewei , Li Xiaoyin , Pu Mingbo , Chen Lianwei , Zhang Fei , Zhang Qi , Zhao Zhibin , Yang Longfei , Guo Yinghui , Luo Xiangang
Published: February 2024

Non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) imaging enables the reconstruction of targets beyond the direct line of sight, which has extensive applications across various fields. However, it remains unclear how and to what extent the vectorial nature of light, which plays a critical role in optical imaging and object recognition, can enhance the imaging performance of active NLOS imaging. Here, this work proposes a method that utilizes vector optical fields (VOFs) with arbitrarily designed polarization distributions to realize NLOS imaging in challenging conditions with low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). A generalized VOF reflection model is established at the relay surface for active NLOS imaging to determine the optimal illumination angle and polarization as well as the received polarization. Based on this model, the feasibility of multi‐view NLOS imaging is demonstrated with enhanced SNR of echo signals under proper VOF modulation, surpassing the limitations of conventional single‐view NLOS imaging. Simulations and experiments validate the superior performance of the proposed approach to realize accurate reconstruction and recognition of hidden objects.
Controlled Generation of High‐Purity Scalar Orbital Angular Momentum States from a High‐Power Single‐Crystal Fiber Laser
Authors: Zhao Yongguang , Chen Bin , Zheng Changsheng , Jia Daiwen , Dong Jifei , Guo Jun , Wang Zhanxin , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin
Published: February 2024

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, which is associated with the rotation of the phase structure, gives rise to numerous novel physical phenomena inlight–matter interactions. However, the direct generation of scalar OAM lasers with power‐handling capability and controllable states at the source remains challenging owing to mode degeneracy, handedness selection, and nonlinear thermal effects, which can even lead to topological charge splitting. This paper proposes a novel approach that allows spatial mode‐conversion‐controlled laser oscillation in a high‐gain OAM laser cavity with an integrated spiral‐face output coupler (SFOC). By adapting position‐dependent resonant modes, scalar optical vortices with a record power level (>60 W), high purity (>90%), and controllable OAM states (ħ or −8ħ) are demonstrated. Further, the dynamic process of OAM generation and evolution in the cavity is revealed. The concept presented herein opens a new route for the generation of OAM laser sources toward high power levels and holds promise for advancing classical and quantum optics, particularly in the area of light–matter interactions.
Time‐resolved fluorescence and diffuse reflectance for lung squamous carcinoma margin detection
Authors: Costa Sarah , Fang Qiyin , Farrell Thomas , Dao Erica , Farquharson Michael
Published: February 2024

Objectives

A major challenge in non‐small cell lung cancer surgery is the occurrence of positive tumor margins. This may lead to the need for additional surgeries and has been linked to poor patient prognosis. This study aims to develop an in vivo surgical tool that can differentiate cancerous from noncancerous lung tissue at the margin.

Methods

A time‐resolved fluorescence and diffuse reflectance bimodal device was used to measure the lifetime, spectra, and intensities of endogenous fluorophores as well as optical properties of lung tissue. The tumor and fibrotic tissue data, each containing 36 samples, was obtained from patients who underwent surgical removal of lung tissue after being diagnosed with squamous carcinoma but before any other treatment was administered. The normal lung tissue data were obtained from nine normal tissue samples.

Results

The results show a statistically significant difference between cancerous and noncancerous tissue. The results also show a difference in metabolic related optical properties between fibrotic and normal lung tissue samples.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates the feasibility of a device that can differentiate cancerous and noncancerous lung tissue for patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.
Polypyrrole Modified Granular Activated Carbon Nanocomposite for Treatment of Wastewater Containing Highly Toxic Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: Setshedi Katlego Z. , Kalombo Lonji , Nomadolo Nomvuyo , Hlekelele Lerato , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Maity Arjun
Published: February 2024

This study explored the fabrication of Polypyrrole (PPy) and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) composites (PPy‐GAC) for effective removal of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions. Two synthesis methods are employed: (1) electrostatic deposition of PPy onto pre‐charged GAC paper and (2) in‐situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole monomer with GAC particles. Batch adsorption experiments investigated the impact of various operational parameters on Cr(VI) removal. Compared to pristine GAC (54.64 mg g−1), the PPy‐GAC composite exhibited a remarkable 3‐fold increase in equilibrium adsorption capacity, reaching 175.44 mg g−1. Pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (R2 > 0.999) accurately described the adsorption kinetics, while the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.99) provided a good fit for the equilibrium data. Maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) increased with temperature, reaching 204.08, 243.90, and 270.27 mg g−1 at 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively. Furthermore, a fixed‐bed column experiment examined the composite's effectiveness in continuous Cr(VI) removal, demonstrating its suitability for practical applications. Notably, the PPy‐GAC composite successfully removed Cr(VI) from a real wastewater sample containing 68 µg L−1 Cr(VI) obtained from a ferrochrome industry, highlighting its potential for real‐world remediation.
Super‐Elastic and Dimensionally Stable Polyether Block Amide Foams Fabricated by Microcellular Foaming with CO2&N2 as Co‐Blowing Agents
Authors: Yang Haoqing , Dong Guiwei , Wang Guilong , Zhao Jinchuan , Zhao Guoqun
Published: February 2024

Polyether block amide (PEBA) is an important thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE) owing to its low density and high resilience. Microcellular foaming can endow PEBA with significant potential in sports, medical, and industrial applications. However, with the current microcellular foaming technology, it remains challenging to obtain PEBA foams with stable shapes, which are critical for their mechanical properties. Therefore, microcellular foaming with CO2 and N2 as co‐blowing agents is utilized in this study to achieve mechanically robust PEBA foams by reducing the dimensional shrinkage. The introduction of N2 can effectively slow the diffusion rate of blowing agents into the air, providing support for the foam to resist external atmospheric pressure and effectively reducing the dimensional shrinkage of PEBA foams. Consequently, a stable foam shape is achieved with an expansion ratio of 7.9. Finally, the PEBA foams with excellent shrinkage resistance and mechanical properties are prepared, and the cell shrinkage mechanism is analyzed to study the effects of blowing agents and foaming methods on the structural evolution of TPE foams. This promising outcome paves way for their practical industrial applications.
GNAO1 Mutations Affecting the N‐Terminal α‐Helix of Gαo Lead to Parkinsonism
Authors: Solis Gonzalo P. , Larasati Yonika A. , Thiel Moritz , Koval Alexey , Koy Anne , Katanaev Vladimir L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients carrying pathogenic variants in GNAO1 present a phenotypic spectrum ranging from severe early‐onset epileptic encephalopathy and developmental delay to mild adolescent/adult‐onset dystonia. Genotype–phenotype correlation and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease remain understudied.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical course of a child carrying the novel GNAO1 mutation c.38T>C;p.Leu13Pro, and structural, biochemical, and cellular properties of the corresponding mutant Gαo—GNAO1‐encoded protein—alongside the related mutation c.68T>C;p.Leu23Pro.

Results

The main clinical feature was parkinsonism with bradykinesia and rigidity, unlike the hyperkinetic movement disorder commonly associated with GNAO1 mutations. The Leu ➔ Pro substitutions have no impact on enzymatic activity or overall folding of Gαo but uniquely destabilize the N‐terminal α‐helix, blocking formation of the heterotrimeric G‐protein and disabling activation by G‐protein‐coupled receptors.

Conclusions

Our study defines a parkinsonism phenotype within the spectrum of GNAO1 disorders and suggests a genotype–phenotype correlation by GNAO1 mutations targeting the N‐terminal α‐helix of Gαo. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Contrasting trends of carbon emission from savanna and boreal forest fires during 1999–2022
Authors: Liu Yunfan , Ding Aijun
Published: February 2024

Biomass burning (BB) as an important atmospheric carbon source has significant environmental and climatic influence. The frequent extreme BB cases in recent years have raised extensive concerns, yet the latest changes in BB emission on a global scale are not fully understood. Here, we systematically quantify the changes in BB carbon emission for 1999–2022 by fire types and on different scales based on the Global Fire Emissions Database with small fires (GFED4s) dataset. We find contrasting trends of savanna and boreal forest fires persistent over the study period, shaping the variation of global total BB carbon emission. The receding savanna fire drives a declining global BB carbon emission at −8 Tg C year−1 (−0.4% year−1) for 1999–2022, while an upturn of global carbon emission (5 Tg C year−1, 0.3% year−1) occurs in the recent decadal period (2008–2022) due to intensified boreal forest fires. The burned area decouples from carbon emission in terms of the changing tendency, as exhibited by the decreasing global burned area after 2008. Regionally, the fire carbon emission enhancement over the past 15 years (2008–2022) mainly comes from the boreal forests in northwestern North America, northeastern Siberia, and parts of the savanna area, all of which coincide with local climate change toward higher fire proneness. This study reveals a climate‐driven aggravation of the BB carbon emission, especially in high‐latitude boreal forests, and calls for attention to its potential impacts and effective fire management strategies.
On constrained Kaczmarz algorithm with momentum for image reconstruction
Authors: Yin Susu , Ouyang Zigen
Published: February 2024

The Kaczmarz algorithm is widely used in image reconstruction. In this paper, we propose an enhanced version of the Kaczmarz algorithm by integrating Nesterov momentum into the Kaczmarz algorithm, denoted as the Kaczmarz algorithm with momentum. Our innovation offers a novel approach to accelerate the convergence rate of the Kaczmarz algorithm significantly. Based on greedy rules for selecting work row, we prove that the Kaczmarz method with momentum can achieve global linear convergence rates. Furthermore, we extend a constrained version of the Kaczmarz algorithm with Nesterov momentum for improved image reconstruction and prove its convergence. Numerical experiments show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the original Kaczmarz algorithm in terms of efficiency for image reconstruction.
Blow‐up and decay of solutions for a viscoelastic Kirchhoff‐type equation with distributed delay and variable exponents
Authors: Choucha Abdelbaki , Boulaaras Salah , Jan Rashid , Alharbi Rabab
Published: February 2024

In this article, we focussed on a nonlinear viscoelastic Kirchhoff‐type equation with distributed delay and variable‐exponents. The blow‐up solutions of the problem are proved under suitable hypothesis, and by using an integral inequality due to Komornik, the general decay outcome is obtained in the case
.
Abundant interaction solutions of the integrable (1 + 1)‐dimensional coupled KdV system
Authors: Hu Hengchun , Yang Chengcheng
Published: February 2024

Based on the Hirota bilinear method and the consistent tanh expansion method, we study different interaction excitations of the integrable
‐dimensional coupled KdV system, which is a typical and essential water wave model in the two‐layer fluid. Abundant new interaction solutions including lumps, lump–kink solution, breathers, two‐kink solution, resonant soliton, and soliton–cnoidal solution are obtained. All these exact solutions are shown both analytically and graphically with proper constant selection.
Syringaresinol Alleviates Early Diabetic Retinopathy by Downregulating HIF‐1α/VEGF via Activating Nrf2 Antioxidant Pathway
Authors: Liu Chang , Cheng Tianwei , Wang Yufei , Li Guangru , Wang Yachen , Tian Wencong , Feng Lifeng , Zhang Shengzheng , Xu Yang , Gao Yang , Li Jing , Liu Jie , Cui Jianlin , Yan Jie , Cao Lei , Pan Zhongjie , Qi Zhi , Yang Liang
Published: February 2024

Scope

Early diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by chronic inflammation, excessive oxidative stress, and retinal microvascular damage. Syringaresinol (SYR), as a natural polyphenolic compound, has been proved to inhibit many disease progression due to its antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study focuses on exploring the effect of SYR on hyperglycemia‐induced early DR as well as the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

Wild‐type (WT) and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐knockout C57BL/6 mice of type 1 diabetes and high glucose (HG)‐induced RF/6A cells are used as in vivo and in vitro models, respectively. This study finds that SYR protects the retinal structure and function in diabetic mice and reduces the permeability and apoptosis of HG‐treated RF/6A cells. Meanwhile, SYR distinctly mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and vitro. The retinal microvascular damages are suppressed by SYR via downregulating hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Whereas, SYR‐provided protective effects are diminished in Nrf2‐knockout mice, indicating that SYR improves DR progression by activating Nrf2. Similarly, SYR cannot exert protective effects against HG‐induced oxidative stress and endothelial injury in small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐Nrf2‐transfected RF/6A cells.

Conclusion

In summary, SYR suppresses oxidative stress via activating Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, which ameliorates retinal microvascular damage by downregulating HIF‐1α/VEGF, thereby alleviating early DR progression.
Chicken Muscle‐Derived ACE2‐Upregulating Peptide VVHPKESF Reduces Blood Pressure Associated with the ACE2/Ang (1‐7)/MasR Axis in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Fan Hongbing , Shang Nan , Davidge Sandra T. , Wu Jianping
Published: February 2024

Scope

This study aims to investigate the antihypertensive effect of four chicken muscle‐derived angiotensin (Ang)‐converting enzymes (ACE)‐regulating peptides: Val‐Arg‐Pro (VRP, ACE inhibition), Leu‐Lys‐Tyr and Val‐Arg‐Tyr (LKY and VRY, ACE inhibition and ACE2 upregulation), and Val‐Val‐His‐Pro‐Lys‐Glu‐Ser‐Phe (VVHPKESF [V‐F], ACE2 upregulation) in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Methods and results

Rats (12–14 weeks old) are grouped: 1) untreated, 2) VRP, 3) LKY, 4) VRY, and 5) V‐F. Blood pressure (BP) is monitored using implantable telemetry technology. Over 18‐day oral administration of 15 mg kg−1 body weight (BW) per day, only peptide V‐F significantly (p < 0.05) reduces BP, decreases circulating Ang II, and increases ACE2 and Ang (1‐7) levels, and enhances aortic expressions of ACE2 and Mas receptor (MasR). Peptide V‐F also attenuates vascular inflammation (TNFα, MCP‐1, IL‐1α, IL‐15, and cyclooxygenase 2 [COX2]) and vascular oxidative stress (nitrotyrosine). The gastrointestinal (GI)‐degraded fragment of peptide V‐F, Val‐Val‐His‐Pro‐Lys (VVHPK), is also an ACE2‐upregulating peptide. Peptides VRP, LKY, and VRY do not reduce BP, possibly due to low bioavailability or other unknown reasons.

Conclusions

Peptide V‐F is the first ACE2‐upregulating peptide, purified and fractionated from food proteins based on in vitro ACE2 upregulation, that reduces BP associated with the activation of ACE2/Ang (1‐7)/MasR axis; the N‐terminal moiety VVHPK may be responsible for the antihypertensive effect of V‐F.
Optically transparent and angularly stable broad‐stopband frequency selective surface for millimeter wave electromagnetic interference mitigation
Authors: Tang Li , Wang Chengrong , Yan Liping , Gao Richard Xian‐Ke , Zhao Xiang , Liu Changjun
Published: February 2024

An optically transparent and angularly stable frequency selective surface (FSS) with a broad stopband is introduced for addressing millimeter wave (mmW) electromagnetic interference. The unique FSS unit cell pattern incorporates a cross patch with Y‐shaped branches, effectively broadening the bandwidth and enhancing the angular stability. Utilizing transparent conductive indium tin oxide deposited on both sides of a glass substrate enables the FSS to reflect and absorb electromagnetic waves. Consequently, the proposed FSS exhibits an exceptionally wide stopband ranging from 18.7 to 40.2 GHz, featuring an insertion loss of 14 dB and maintaining stable angular response up to 60° for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations. Moreover, an equivalent circuit model is developed to characterize the stopband behavior of the FSS. Finally, measurements conducted on a physical prototype of the proposed FSS validate its effectiveness, showing good agreement with the simulation results.
Mutual coupling reduction in antenna arrays using the novel mushroom electromagnetic band gap and defected ground structure
Authors: Chang Wenchi , Chen Shuli , Chen Ke , Yu Pengfei , Liu Qing Huo
Published: February 2024

The multi‐input and multi‐output antennas have been developed to increase the communication capacity in many applications, but they also bring coupling problems between array elements, which will seriously affect their performance. Therefore, it is of great significance to reduce mutual coupling between array elements. In this article, a novel mushroom electromagnetic band gap (EBG) and defected ground structure (DGS) are introduced to reduce mutual coupling between array elements. Simulation results show that the EBG with metal vias placed between the array elements can improve the port isolation by 36 dB, and the introduced DGS can further suppress the coupling and achieve the decoupling effect of 47 dB. The measured results demonstrate the performance of the proposed structure for suppressing mutual coupling.
Semi‐analytical solution for double‐layered elliptical cylindrical foundation model improved by prefabricated vertical drains
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Guo Nanning , Cao Wenzhao , Gong Wenhui , Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

This work proposes a semi‐analytical solution for a double‐layered elliptical cylindrical soft foundation improved by prefabricated vertical drains. The governing equations, continuity conditions are boundary conditions in the elliptical cylindrical system are introduced first. The Laplace transform is employed to convert the time variable t in partial differential equations into the Laplace complex argument s. Based on the boundary condition and continuity condition, the solution in the frequency domain is derived. By using Abate's fixed Euler Algorithm, the solutions in the time domain are obtained. A finite element analysis is performed to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed solution. Then, parametric studies reveal that soil permeability and soil compressibility have great influences on the second layer of soil in the elliptical cylindrical system, but relatively small effects on the first layer. Neglecting differences in the hydraulic conductivity and the coefficient of volume compressibility of multi‐layered soil in the elliptical cylindrical system could not predict the excess pore pressure in the second layer correctly.
Motion‐compensated image reconstruction for improved kidney function assessment using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Ariyurek Cemre , Koçanaoğulları Aziz , Afacan Onur , Kurugol Sila
Published: February 2024

Accurately measuring renal function is crucial for pediatric patients with kidney conditions. Traditional methods have limitations, but dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) provides a safe and efficient approach for detailed anatomical evaluation and renal function assessment. However, motion artifacts during DCE‐MRI can degrade image quality and introduce misalignments, leading to unreliable results. This study introduces a motion‐compensated reconstruction technique for DCE‐MRI data acquired using golden‐angle radial sampling. Our proposed method achieves three key objectives: (1) identifying and removing corrupted data (outliers) using a Gaussian process model fitting with a
‐space center navigator, (2) efficiently clustering the data into motion phases and performing interphase registration, and (3) utilizing a novel formulation of motion‐compensated radial reconstruction. We applied the proposed motion correction (MoCo) method to DCE‐MRI data affected by varying degrees of motion, including both respiratory and bulk motion. We compared the outcomes with those obtained from the conventional radial reconstruction. Our evaluation encompassed assessing the quality of images, concentration curves, and tracer kinetic model fitting, and estimating renal function. The proposed MoCo reconstruction improved the temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio for all subjects, with a 21.8% increase on average, while total variation values of the aorta, right, and left kidney concentration were improved for each subject, with 32.5%, 41.3%, and 42.9% increases on average, respectively. Furthermore, evaluation of tracer kinetic model fitting indicated that the median standard deviation of the estimated filtration rate (
), mean normalized root‐mean‐squared error (nRMSE), and chi‐square goodness‐of‐fit of tracer kinetic model fit were decreased from 0.10 to 0.04, 0.27 to 0.24, and, 0.43 to 0.27, respectively. The proposed MoCo technique enabled more reliable renal function assessment and improved image quality for detailed anatomical evaluation in the case of bulk and respiratory motion during the acquisition of DCE‐MRI.
A family‐based and mobile‐assisted intervention for lifestyle behaviors in youths: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tsai Shao‐Yu , Tung Yi‐Ching , Huang Chuen‐Min , Lee Chien‐Chang
Published: February 2024

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a family‐based and mobile‐assisted lifestyle intervention in reducing weight gain among school‐age children with overweight and obesity. A total of 164 school‐age children with overweight or obesity and their parents were randomized to the treatment intervention (n = 82) or an attention‐control group (n = 82). The treatment intervention included three face‐to‐face education sessions, augmented by monthly text messages sent to parents on their mobile devices. The primary outcome was child BMI‐for‐age z‐score. Secondary outcomes included child BMI, percent body fat, and actigraphy‐assessed sleep as well as parental sleep quality. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after the intervention, with treatment effects analyzed using general linear models for repeated measures. Our results showed that children in the treatment intervention group had significantly lower BMI‐for‐age z score, BMI, and percent body fat than did those in the control group, with an adjusted mean difference of 0.31 units (95% CI: −0.59 to −0.03; p = 0.03), 1.34 kg/m² (95% CI, −2.42 to −0.26; p = 0.01), and 3.12% (95% CI, −5.93 to −0.30; p = 0.03), respectively. No treatment effects were observed for child and parental sleep. Our findings suggest that family‐based and mobile‐assisted lifestyle intervention results in significant and sustained benefits to enhanced weight management for school‐age children with overweight and obesity. Nurses planning and delivering childhood overweight and obesity treatment interventions should consider a family‐based approach with the assistance of mobile devices.
Preliminary observations on the associations between sensory processing abnormalities and event‐related potentials in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mizui Ryo , Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Okazaki Kosuke , Uratani Mitsuhiro , Kashida Natsuko , Ishida Rio , Makinodan Manabu
Published: February 2024

Aim

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is thought to involve a variety of neurophysiological characteristics. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) reflect cognitive functions in the brain's cognitive processing. In this study, we investigated differences in P300 and N100 of ERPs between ASD and typically developing groups and focused on the relationship between the components of ERPs and measures of autistic traits and sensory processing characteristics.

Methods

ERPs were measured in 96 subjects in the ASD group and 62 subjects in the age‐ and sex‐adjusted typically developing group. Correlations between each component and the scores of the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient Japanese version (AQ‐J) and the Adolescent and Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) were also evaluated.

Results

The ASD group showed a significant decrease in the amplitude of N100 at C3. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between lower amplitude at C3 of N100 and low registered sensory scores in both groups.

Conclusion

Our findings imply that the N100 amplitude at C3 could be a potential indicator for examining the neurophysiological traits of ASD; however, these results should be interpreted with caution due to their preliminary nature. These tentative insights into sensory processing anomalies may be discernible in specific subsets of the ASD population, providing a foundation for future investigative pathways.
Identifying high‐risk medications and error types in Danish patient safety database using disproportionality analysis
Authors: Tchijevitch Olga , Birkeland Søren F. , Bogh Søren B. , Hallas Jesper
Published: February 2024

Background

Medication error (ME) surveillance in Danish healthcare relies on the mandatory national incident reporting system, the Danish Patient Safety Database (DPSD). Individual case reviews and descriptive statistics with frequency counts are the most often used approaches when analyzing MEs in incident reporting systems, including the DPSD. However, incident reporting systems often generate a large number of reports and may suffer from underreporting; consequently, additional approaches are needed to overcome these challenges. Disproportionality analysis (DPA) is a statistical tool used for signal detection of adverse drug reactions in pharmacovigilance reports, but the evidence for using DPA on ME analysis in safety reporting systems is limited.

Objectives

We aimed to test the feasibility of DPA by analysing harmful MEs reported to DPSD 2014–2018.

Methods

We utilized proportional reporting ratios (PRR) to identify signals of diproportionality.

Results

We identified well‐known high‐risk medicines, including anticoagulants, opioids, insulins, antiepileptic, and antipsychotic drugs, and their association with several ME types and stages in a medication process.

Conclusion

DPA might be suggested as an additional tool for screening MEs and identifying priority areas for further investigation in safety reporting systems.
Using machine learning to predict the bleeding risk for patients with cardiac valve replacement treated with warfarin in hospitalized
Authors: Hu Yixing , Zhang Xuemeng , Wei Meng , Yang Tongtong , Chen Jinjin , Wu Xia , Zhu Yifan , Chen Xin , Lou Sheng , Zhu Junrong
Published: February 2024

Background

Distinguishing warfarin‐related bleeding risk at the bedside remains challenging. Studies indicate that warfarin therapy should be suspended when international normalized ratio (INR) ≥ 4.5, or it may sharply increase the risk of bleeding. We aim to develop and validate a model to predict the high bleeding risk in valve replacement patients during hospitalization.

Method

Cardiac valve replacement patients from January 2016 to December 2021 across Nanjing First Hospital were collected. Five different machine‐learning (ML) models were used to establish the prediction model. High bleeding risk was an INR ≥4.5. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used for evaluating the prediction performance of different models. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used for interpreting the model. We also compared ML with ATRIA score and ORBIT score.

Results

A total of 2376 patients were finally enrolled in this model, 131 (5.5%) of whom experienced the high bleeding risk after anticoagulation therapy of warfarin during hospitalization. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) exhibited the best overall prediction performance (AUC: 0.882, confidence interval [CI] 0.817–0.946, Brier score, 0.158) compared to other prediction models. It also shows superior performance compared with ATRIA score and ORBIT score. The top 5 most influential features in XGBoost model were platelet, thyroid stimulation hormone, body surface area, serum creatinine and white blood cell.

Conclusion

A model for predicting high bleeding risk in valve replacement patients who treated with warfarin during hospitalization was successfully developed by using machine learning, which may well assist clinicians to identify patients at high risk of bleeding and allow timely adjust therapeutic strategies in evaluating individual patient.
Pain‐related hospitalization and emergency room visit following initial analgesic prescription after outpatient surgery
Authors: Nair Abhishek A. , Placencia Jennifer L. , Farber Harold J. , Aparasu Rajender R. , Johnson Michael , Chen Hua
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Our study examined the association between outpatient postsurgical analgesic prescription and risk of insufficiently managed pain characterized by pain‐associated hospital admission and emergency room (ER) visit.

Methods

Eligible individuals were children 1–17 years of age who filled an incident analgesic following an outpatient surgery during 2013–2018. Pain‐associated hospital admission or ER visit were measured within 30 days following the outpatient surgical procedure. A hierarchical multivariable logistic regression model with patients nested under prescribers was fitted to test the association between incident analgesic prescription and risk of having pain‐associated hospital admission or ER visit.

Results

Of 14 277 children meeting the inclusion criteria, 6224 (43.6%) received an incident opioid and 8053 (56.4%) received an incident non‐opioid analgesic prescription respectively. There were a total of 523 (3.7%) children undergoing surgical procedures that had pain‐related hospital admissions or ER visits with 5.1% initiated on non‐opioid analgesics and 1.8% on opioid analgesics. The multilevel model indicated that initial opioid analgesic recipients were 32% less likely of having a pain‐associated hospital admission or ER visit [aOR: 0.68 (95% CI: 0.3–0.8)].

Conclusion

Majority of postsurgical patients do not require additional pain management strategies. In the 3.7% of patients requiring additional pain management strategies, those initiated on non‐opioid analgesics are more likely to have a pain‐associated hospital admission or ER visit compared with their opioid recipient counterparts.
Exploratory analysis of the economically justifiable price of nirsevimab for healthy late‐preterm and term infants in Colombia
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Acuña‐Cordero Ranniery , Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus infection is the leading cause of lower respiratory infection globally. Recently, nirsevimab has been approved to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. This study explores the economically justifiable price of nirsevimab for preventing RSV infection in Colombia's children under 1 year of age.

Materials and Methods

A static model was developed using the decision tree microsimulation to estimate the quality‐adjusted costs and life years of two interventions: a single intramuscular dose of nirsevimab versus not applying nirsevimab. This analysis was made during a time horizon of 1 year and from a societal perspective.

Results

The annual savings in Colombia associated with this cost per dose ranged from U$ 2.5 to 4.1 million. Based on thresholds of U$ 4828, U$ 5128, and U$ 19 992 per QALY evaluated in this study, we established economically justifiable drug acquisition prices of U$ 21.88, U$ 25.04, and U$ 44.02 per dose of nirsevimab.

Conclusion

the economically justifiable cost for nirsevimab in Colombia is between U$ 21 to U$ 44 per dose, depending on the willingness to pay used to decide its implementation. This result should encourage more studies in the region that optimize decision‐making processes when incorporating this drug into the health plans of each country.
Protein ensemble modeling and analysis with MMMx
Authors: Jeschke Gunnar
Published: February 2024

Proteins, especially of eukaryotes, often have disordered domains and may contain multiple folded domains whose relative spatial arrangement is distributed. The MMMx ensemble modeling and analysis toolbox (https://github.com/gjeschke/MMMx) can support the design of experiments to characterize the distributed structure of such proteins, starting from AlphaFold2 predictions or folded domain structures. Weak order can be analyzed with reference to a random coil model or to peptide chains that match the residue‐specific Ramachandran angle distribution of the loop regions and are otherwise unrestrained. The deviation of the mean square end‐to‐end distance of chain sections from their average over sections of the same sequence length reveals localized compaction or expansion of the chain. The shape sampled by disordered chains is visualized by superposition in the principal axes frame of their inertia tensor. Ensembles of different sizes and with weighted conformers can be compared based on a similarity parameter that abstracts from the ensemble width.
Protective roles of highly conserved motif 1 in tardigrade cytosolic‐abundant heat soluble protein in extreme environments
Authors: Kang Donguk , Yang Min June , Kim Hwan , Park Chin‐Ju
Published: February 2024

Tardigrades are remarkable microscopic animals that survive harsh conditions such as desiccation and extreme temperatures. Tardigrade‐specific intrinsically disordered proteins (TDPs) play an essential role in the survival of tardigrades in extreme environments. Cytosolic‐abundant heat soluble (CAHS) protein, a key TDP, is known to increase desiccation tolerance and to protect the activity of several enzymes under dehydrated conditions. However, the function and properties of each CAHS domain have not yet been elucidated in detail. Here, we aimed to elucidate the protective role of highly conserved motif 1 of CAHS in extreme environmental conditions. To examine CAHS domains, three protein constructs, CAHS Full (1–229), CAHS ∆Core (1–120_184–229), and CAHS Core (121–183), were engineered. The highly conserved CAHS motif 1 (124–142) in the CAHS Core formed an amphiphilic α helix, reducing the aggregate formation and protecting lactate dehydrogenase activity during dehydration–rehydration and freeze–thaw treatments, indicating that CAHS motif 1 in the CAHS Core was essential for maintaining protein solubility and stability. Aggregation assays and confocal microscopy revealed that the intrinsically disordered N‐ and C‐terminal domains were more prone to aggregation under our experimental conditions. By explicating the functions of each domain in CAHS, our study proposes the possibility of using engineered proteins or peptides derived from CAHS as a potential candidate for biological applications in extreme environmental stress responses.
Insecticide mixtures—uses, benefits and considerations
Authors: Sparks Thomas C
Published: February 2024

Insecticides remain an important tool for the control of many insect pests. There has long been an interest in insecticide mixtures (in‐can and tank‐mix) as a means to provide the needed efficacy and/or spectrum to control many insect public health, crop pests or crop pest complexes. This aspect has become more important since insecticides developed in the last 30 years tend to be narrower in spectrum with many primarily focused on either sap‐feeding or chewing insect pests. Insecticide mixtures are also seen as an important approach to insect resistance management (IRM) with certain requirements for optimal implementation. Additionally, insecticide mixtures can also address certain agronomic, commercial and intellectual property needs and opportunities. This perspective will review some of the drivers and considerations for insecticide mixtures and their potential uses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Seasonal efficacy and risks from a sodium nitrite toxic bait for wild pigs
Authors: Snow Nathan P. , Glow Michael P. , Foster Justin A. , VerCauteren Kurt C.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive and destructive species throughout many regions of the world. A sodium nitrite (SN) toxic bait is currently used in Australia and being developed for use in the US and other countries to combat the increasing populations of wild pigs. In the US, efforts to modify the Australian SN‐toxic bait and baiting strategy have focused on reducing issues with non‐target animals accessing the SN‐toxic bait spilled outside of bait stations by wild pigs. We tested and compared modifications for efficacy (with wild pigs) and hazards (with non‐targets) in north‐central Texas, US during summer (July 2021) and winter (March 2023) seasons.

RESULTS

During both seasons we found that visitation to the bait sites declined 94–99% after deploying the SN‐toxic bait, and we found a total of 106 dead wild pigs, indicating considerable lethality for the local population. Prior to deploying the SN‐toxic bait, Global Positioning System (GPS)‐collared wild pigs were more likely to cease visiting bait sites during summer when foraging resources were abundant. Farrowing decreased visitation to bait sites during the winter. We observed no dead non‐targets during summer; winter results showed an average of 5.2 dead migrating birds per bait site (primarily Dark‐eye juncos [Junco hyemalis]) from consuming SN‐toxic bait spilled by wild pigs. The presence and winter‐foraging behaviors of migrating birds appeared to increase hazards for those species.

CONCLUSION

The current formulation of SN‐toxic bait was effective at removing wild pigs during both seasons, however it is clear that different baiting strategies may be required in winter when migrating birds are present. Baiting wild pigs prior to farrowing during the winter, and during drier summers, may further improve efficacy of the bait. Reducing hazards to non‐targets could be achieved by refining the SN‐toxic bait or modifying bait stations to decrease the potential for spillage, decreasing environmental persistence if spilled, or decreasing attractiveness to migrating birds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Metarhizium rileyi with broad‐spectrum insecticidal ability confers resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests as a phytoendophyte
Authors: Zhang Zhengkun , Sui Li , Tian Yifan , Lu Yang , Xia Xinyao , Liu Wende , Cheng Ke , Li Qiyun , Shi Wangpeng
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Entomophagous fungi (EPF) not only directly kill insect pests, but also colonize plants and improve their resistance against pests. However, most previous research has focused on Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, and there are few reports on whether other EPF can enhance resistance against pests via endogenous colonization. Herein, an EPF strain was isolated from diseased larvae of Spodoptera litura in a soybean field, and subjected to genome‐wide sequencing at the chromosomal level. The pathogenicity of the isolate toward various pest insects was evaluated, and the ability to colonize plants and induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests was tested.

RESULTS

The purified isolate was identified as M. rileyi and designated MrS1Gz1–1. Biological assays revealed its strong pathogenicity toward five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Furthermore, the strain inhibited the growth of soil‐borne plant disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro. It colonized plants as an endophyte via soil application, thereby inducing plant resistance‐related genes against phytopathogen infection, and it disrupted the feeding selectivity of S. litura larvae.

CONCLUSION

M. rileyi MrS1Gz1–1 has potential as a broad‐spectrum microbial control agent that can induce resistance against phytopathogens and insect pests feeding as an endotype. The complete genome provides a valuable resource for exploring host interactions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Involvement of a catalase gene in lignin catalysis and immune defense against pathogenic fungus in Coptotermes formosanus: a potential new target for termite control
Authors: Zeng Wenhui , Shen Danni , Wu Wenjing , Zhang Shijun , Li Zhiqiang , Zhang Dandan
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Detoxifying enzymes are likely involved in lignin feeding and immune defense mechanisms within termites, rendering them potential targets for biological control. However, investigations into the dual functionality of termite detoxification enzymes in vivo have not been documented.

RESULTS

In this study, the complete cDNA of the catalase gene (Cfcat) derived from Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was amplified. CFCAT comprises an open reading frame spanning 1527 bp, encoding a 508‐amino acid sequence. The highest expression was observed in the epidermal tissues (including the fat body and hemolymph) followed by the foregut/salivary gland. Furthermore, we confirmed the catalase activity of the recombinant Cfcat protein. Using RNA interference (RNAi) technology, the importance of Cfcat in the lignin‐feeding of C. formosanus was demonstrated, and the role of Cfcat in innate immunity was investigated. Survival assays showed that Cfcat RNAi significantly increased the susceptibility of C. formosanus to Metarhizium anisopliae. Irrespective of the infection status, Cfcat inhibition had a significant impact on multiple factors of humoral and intestinal immunity in C. formosanus. Notably, Cfcat RNAi exhibited a more pronounced immunosuppressive effect on humoral immunity than on intestinal immunity.

CONCLUSION

Cfcat plays an important role in the regulation of innate immunity and lignin feeding in C. formosanus. Cfcat RNAi can weaken the immune response of termites against M. anisopliae, which may aid the biocontrol efficiency of M. anisopliae against C. formosanus. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for the development of a novel biocontrol strategy targeting detoxifying enzymes of termites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Designing of Lightweight and Ultrathin III‐V/Ge Solar Cells for Flexible Space and Terrestrial Photovoltaic Blankets
Authors: Pakhanov Nikolay A. , Shvarts Maxim Z.
Published: February 2024

The method described in this article offers a simple and convenient way to obtain highly efficient, ultrathin, and flexible solar cells (SCs) based on III‐V/Ge heterostructures. This is achieved by thinning Ge to several tens, or even a few units of microns, which accounts for up to 95% of the total thickness and weight of a SC. The only low‐temperature thermal peelable tape REVALPHA as a temporary carrier supports and saves the heterostructure along the process route. The carrier is then easily and cleanly removed by heating without damaging the thinned SC. The temporary carrier provides a reliable transfer of the thinned SC with a developed low‐temperature (i.e., without annealing) indium back contact to an arbitrary light and flexible substrate (Kapton or carbon sheet). The possibility of creating highly efficient, ultrathin, and ultralight SCs on a flexible carrier is demonstrated using mass‐produced GaInP/Ga(In)As/Ge heterostructures. Based on the results obtained, a possible architecture and technology for assembling coupons from ultrathin solar cells based on any III‐V/Ge heterostructures on a Kapton or carbon carrier for space and terrestrial applications are proposed.