bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of excitation‐emission fluorescence spectroscopy in tandem with chemometrics for quantitation of trans‐resveratrol in vine‐shoot ethanolic extracts
Authors: Caputi Antonio F , Squeo Giacomo , Sikorska Ewa , Silletti Roccangelo , Noviello Mirella , Pasqualone Antonella , Summo Carmine , Caponio Francesco
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

trans‐Resveratrol (TR) is a well‐known phytochemical compound with important biological properties. It can be recovered from agri‐food by‐products or wastes, such as vine shoots. Once recovered, its concentration should be measured, possibly in a green, non‐destructive, and efficient manner. With these premises, this work aimed to explore the feasibility of excitation‐emission fluorescence spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for the analysis of TR in raw extracts obtained from vine shoots. A total of 75 extracts were produced and analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography method with diode array detection (UPLC‐DAD) and spectrofluorimetry. Then, the feasibility of two calibration strategies for TR quantitation was assessed – a parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC)‐based calibration and the N‐way partial least squares (NPLS) regression.

RESULTS

The extracts showed variable TR content, the excitation/emission maxima of which were at around 305/390 nm, respectively. The best PARAFAC‐based calibration allowed a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 22.57 mg L−1, and a relative prediction deviation (RPD) of 2.91 to be obtained but a large number of PARAFAC components should be considered to improve the predictions. The results of the NPLS regression were slightly better, with a RMSEP of 19.47 mg L−1, and an RPD of 3.33 in the best case.

CONCLUSION

Fluorescence could be an alternative analytical technique to measure TR in complex samples. Chemometric tools allowed the identification of the TR signal in the fluorescence landscapes, which could be further used for its non‐destructive quantitation. The need for a more accurate criterion for optimal PARAFAC complexity emerged. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Profiling flavor characteristics of cold brew coffee withGC‐MS, electronic nose and tongue: effect of roasting degrees and freeze‐drying
Authors: Zhang Donghao , Gao Min , Cai Yanpei , Wu Jihong , Lao Fei
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Roasting is an important process in the formation of coffee flavor characteristics, which determines the quality of coffee and consumer acceptance. However, the influence of roasting degree on the flavor characteristics of cold brew coffee has not been fully described.

RESULTS

In the present study, the flavor characteristics of cold brew coffee with different roasting degrees were compared in detail by using chromatographic and electronic sensory approaches, and the flavor changes induced by freeze‐drying were investigated. Pyrazine and heterocyclic compounds were the main aroma compounds in coffee, and gradually dominated with the increase of roasting. Pyridine was consistently present in cold brew coffees of different roasting degrees and showed significant gradient of quantity accumulation. Aroma compounds such as pyrazine, linalool and furfuryl acetate were the main contributors to coffee roasting, floral and fruity flavor. Freeze‐drying preserved the fruity and floral aromas of medium‐roasted cold brew coffee, whereas reducing the bitterness, astringency and acidity properties that are off‐putting to consumers.

CONCLUSION

The higher consumer acceptance and enjoyment in medium roast cold brew coffee may be related to its stronger floral and fruity aroma. The aroma profile qualities of freeze‐drying processed medium roasted cold brewed coffee were more dominant and more suitable for freeze‐drying processing than medium dark roasting. Application of freeze‐drying for cold brew coffee will promote the convenience of drinking. The present study provides valuable technical guidance in improving the flavor and quality of cold brew coffee, and also promotes its commercialization process. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Does road construction have beneficial effects on vegetation biodiversity and tree regeneration in arid woodlands?
Authors: Behmanesh Soodabeh , Moradi Mostafa , Pourrezaei Javad , Basiri Reza
Published: March 2024

The regeneration, plant diversity, and change of soil properties are the determining factors affecting the stability of natural forests. Road construction activities are considered among the most important contributing factors. This study was conducted to see if road construction has positive or negative effects on plant diversity, soil physicochemical properties, and tree regeneration in arid woodlands and fulfill the lack of information about road construction in arid woodlands. For this purpose, two roads were selected in the arid woodlands of Bushehr Province, Iran. Twenty‐four sampling plots with an area of 200 square meters were selected on the RE and in the forest interior around the studied roads. Plant species diversity, soil physiochemical properties, and tree regeneration were determined in the studied plots. Our result indicated 49 plant species belonging to 20 families in the studied sites. RE plots represented 37 species while plots in the forest interior represented 40 species. Ficus johannis, Ziziphus spina‐christ, Eryngium billardieri, Astragalus fasciculifolius, Medicago rigidula, Vicia peregrine, and Peganum harmala appeared only in the plots located at the RE. But Dicyclophora persica, Convolvulus acanthocladus, Capparis parviflora, Pulicaria aucheri, Senecio sp., Phlomis olivieri, Teucrium polium, Ziziphora tenuior, Salvia sp., Haplophyllum canaliculatum, Fumaria parviflora, and Scabiosa olivieri appeared only in the forest interior plots. Although no significant differences were observed for richness between the RE and forest interior plots, Shannon–Wiener diversity indices revealed significant differences between the studied groups. Therefore, the composition of the plant species was not the same in the RE and forest interior plots. M. rigidula and V. peregrine as nitrogen‐fixating and palatable plant species appeared in the RE plots but not in the interior plots. Moreover, medicinal plants like D. persica and C. acanthocladus, P. aucheri, H. canaliculatum, and P. olivieri were recorded in the interior plots. Besides, the tree regeneration and soil nutrients were significantly higher in the RE plots compared to the interior plots. Overall, road construction in arid woodlands results in plant and soil community changes. Nitrogen‐fixing species appeared by providing unfavorable environmental conditions for livestock grazing at the RE. Therefore, soil nitrogen and organic matter increased, and consequently, tree regeneration increased in the RE plots. In contrast, medicinal plants appeared in the interior plots, where grazing pressure was higher than in the RE plots. Medicinal plants probably produce some chemical components unfavorable for livestock grazing.
Major depressive disorder and the risk of irritable bowel syndrome: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Ruiming , Zhang Nan , Zhu He , Li Fudong , Xu Hong
Published: March 2024

Background

The association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been found in observational research; however, the causative relationship between MDD and IBS remains uncertain. Using the two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, we attempted to examine the causal effect of MDD on IBS.

Methods

Independent genetic variants for MDD identified by Howard et al. based on a genome‐wide meta‐analysis were selected for this study. Gene‐Outcome associations for IBS were gathered from UK Biobank and FinnGen databases. The MR analysis included inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR‐Egger regression, weighted median, weighted mode, and MR‐PRESSO sensitivity analyses.

Results

FinnGen database subjected to inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis revealed that MDD may be a risk factor for the development of IBS (OR = 1.356, 95% CI: 1.125–1.632, p = 0.0013). The same finding was reached in UK Biobank for IVW (OR = 1.011, 95% CI: 1.006–1.015, p = 3.18 × 10−7), MR‐Egger progression (OR = 1.030, 95% CI: 1.008–1.051, p = 0.007), and weighted median (OR = 1.011, 95% CI: 1.005–1.016, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our findings supported a causal relationship between MDD and IBS, which may have implications for the clinical management of IBS in individuals with MDD.
The effectiveness and tolerability of trauma‐focused psychotherapies for psychotic symptoms: A systematic review of trauma‐focused psychotherapies
Authors: Reid Jordan , Cole Charles , Malik Nabeela , Bell Vaughan , Bloomfield Michael
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Psychological trauma is an established risk factor for psychosis. Trauma‐focused psychotherapies (TFPT) have been suggested as a potential treatment for reducing psychotic symptoms in those who have experienced trauma. We therefore sought to investigate the effectiveness, tolerability, and acceptability of TFPT for psychotic symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies of any form of TFPT that measured psychotic symptoms across a broad range of diagnoses.

Results

From 2584 papers initially identified, 17 studies (857 participants) met eligibility criteria. TFPT were found to be well tolerated, with very few adverse events. Acceptability was also high, with a mean dropout rate of 20%.

Conclusions

Whilst the evidence of effectiveness for TFPT in reducing psychotic symptoms is weak, we found tentative evidence in favour of exposure‐based interventions. Methodologically rigorous trials investigating the efficacy of TFPT for the treatment of psychotic symptoms are needed to assess this promising intervention.
Effects of poor recruitment on riverine Smallmouth Bass population dynamics
Authors: Keplinger Brandon , Rota Christopher T.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Altered flow regimes pose significant risks to the stability of populations of riverine Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu. Periods of poor recruitment, due to early life stage mortality resulting from high-flow events, can cause size-structure and density alterations of populations. The aim of this study was to opportunistically test for changes in dynamic rates of a riverine Smallmouth Bass population using a long-term data set that spanned a period of poor recruitment.

Methods

Our study evaluated size-specific CPUE (fish/h), mortality, growth, and condition and tested for recruitment determinants of Smallmouth Bass through three consecutive years of poor age-0 recruitment in the South Branch Potomac River, West Virginia. We used fall nighttime boat electrofishing surveys during 2009–2022 to monitor this population before and after the poor-recruitment time frame (2016–2018).

Result

Age-0 CPUE was greater during the time frame prior to the poor-recruitment time frame. However, there was no difference in the CPUE of quality-length Smallmouth Bass between the two time frames and CPUE of preferred-length fish was greater during the poor-recruitment time frame. Growth and relative weight increased during the poor-recruitment time frame. There was no significant difference detected in mortality between the recruitment time frames. Streamflow during the spawning period was a significant factor influencing fall recruitment of age-0 Smallmouth Bass. A Ricker density-dependent model with an added streamflow term performed as well as a basic, log-linear streamflow model and a density-independent model that also incorporated a streamflow term.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence of density-dependent structuring in this population. Decreases in population density increased population dynamic rates that maintained or improved size structure. High adult biomasses did not increase age-0 recruitment. Many riverine Smallmouth Bass populations may display favorable density-dependent responses to declines in juvenile recruitment. Thus, management agencies should better understand the resiliency of these populations prior to establishing expensive programs or regulations, which may be ineffective, to combat alterations in juvenile recruitment.
Hepatic and adipose tissue transcriptome analysis highlights a commonly deregulated autophagic pathway in severe MASLD
Authors: Meroni Marica , De Caro Emilia , Chiappori Federica , Longo Miriam , Paolini Erika , Mosca Ettore , Merelli Ivan , Lombardi Rosa , Badiali Sara , Maggioni Marco , Orro Alessandro , Mezzelani Alessandra , Valenti Luca , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Dongiovanni Paola
Published: March 2024

Objective

The incidence of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly ramping up due to the spread of obesity, which is characterized by expanded and dysfunctional visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Previous studies have investigated the hepatic transcriptome across MASLD, whereas few studies have focused on VAT.

Methods

We performed RNA sequencing in 167 hepatic samples from patients with obesity and in a subset of 79 matched VAT samples. Circulating cathepsin D (CTSD), a lysosomal protease, was measured by ELISA, whereas the autophagy‐lysosomal pathway was assessed by Western blot in hepatic and VAT samples (n = 20).

Results

Inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and mitochondrial dysfunction were upregulated in severe MASLD in both tissues, whereas autophagy and oxidative phosphorylation were reduced. Tissue comparative analysis revealed 13 deregulated genes, including CTSD, which showed the most robust diagnostic accuracy in discriminating mild and severe MASLD. CTSD expression correlated with circulating protein, whose increase was further validated in 432 histologically characterized MASLD patients, showing a high accuracy in foreseeing severe liver injury. In addition, the assessment of serum CTSD increased the performance of fibrosis 4 in diagnosing advanced disease.

Conclusions

By comparing the hepatic and VAT transcriptome during MASLD, we refined the concept by which CTSD may represent a potential biomarker of severe disease.
Wearable Electrochemical Sensor for Sweat‐Based Potassium Ion and Glucose Detection in Exercise Health Monitoring
Authors: Ma Lei , Hou Wenhao , Ji Zhi , Sun Ziheng , Li Muxi , Lian Bolin
Published: March 2024

The increasing prevalence of wearable devices has sparked a growing interest in real‐time health monitoring and physiological parameter tracking. This study focuses on the development of a cost‐effective sweat analysis device, utilizing microfluidic technology and selective electrochemical electrodes for non‐invasive monitoring of glucose and potassium ions. The device, through real‐time monitoring of glucose and potassium ion levels in sweat during physical activity, issues a warning signal when reaching experimentally set thresholds (K+ concentration at 7.5 mM, glucose concentrations at 60 μM and 120 μM). This alerts users to potential dehydration and hypoglycemic conditions. Through the integration of microfluidic devices and precise electrochemical analysis techniques, the device enables accurate and real‐time monitoring of glucose and potassium ions in sweat. This advancement in wearable technology holds significant potential for personalized health management and preventive care, promoting overall well‐being, and optimizing performance during physical activities.
How we use angiopoietin‐2 in the diagnosis and management of vascular anomalies
Authors: Engel Elissa R. , Le Cras Timothy D. , Ricci Kiersten W.
Published: March 2024

The diagnosis of vascular anomalies remains challenging due to significant clinical heterogeneity and uncertain etiology. Evaluation using biopsy and/or genetic testing for somatic variants is invasive, expensive, and prone to sampling error. There is great need for noninvasive and easily measured blood laboratory biomarkers that can aid not only in diagnosis, but also management of treatments for vascular anomalies. Angiopoietin‐2, a circulating blood angiogenic factor, is highly elevated in patients with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon and kaposiform lymphangiomatosis. Here, we describe our clinical experience using serum angiopoietin‐2 as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment.
Causes and management of urinary system problems in children on long‐term home invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Soylu Alper , Kavukcu Salih
Published: March 2024

Many ventilator‐dependent children have comorbid conditions including urinary tract disorders. We aimed to present a focused review of the literature describing the causes and management of urinary system problems in children with long‐term home mechanical ventilation. We performed a literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science with keywords “children,” “home mechanical ventilation,” “urinary system,” “urinary tract,” “neurogenic bladder,” “clean intermittent catheterization,” “urinary tract infection,” “urolithiasis,” and “acute kidney injury.” We included original articles, reviews, guidelines, and case reports published in English. Ventilator‐dependent children may have neurogenic bladder/bowel dysfunction which renders them prone to urinary tract infection, high bladder pressure, vesicoureteral reflux, hydronephrosis, and renal dysfunction. These children require bladder catheterization, medications affecting parasympathetic/sympathetic nervous systems, or surgical procedures to prevent urinary infections, and to maintain continence and renal functions. However, bladder catheterization or surgical procedures like augmentation cystoplasty may also be complicated with urinary infections, urolithiasis, or urethral strictures. Urolithiasis frequency is also increased due to immobilization‐related hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia caused by antiepileptic drugs, urinary stasis, and urinary infections. On the other hand, mechanical ventilation can impair renal function by reduction of cardiac output, redistribution of intrarenal blood flow and stimulation of sympathetic and hormonal pathways. Children requiring long‐term invasive home mechanical ventilation may have other comorbid conditions, including urinary system diseases, which become manifest as these patients are being kept alive due to the advances in ventilation strategies. These children must be carefully observed for urological complications and managed accordingly to prevent kidney injury.
Transitioning children using home invasive mechanical ventilation from hospital to home: Discharge criteria, disparities, and ethical considerations
Authors: Henningfeld Jennifer , Friedrich Annie B. , Flanagan Grace , Griffith Cynthia , Hughes Anna , Molkentine Lisa , Steuart Rebecca , Wilkinson Stuart , Baker Christopher D.
Published: March 2024

Children using home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV), a valuable therapeutic option for chronic respiratory failure, constitute a growing population. Transitioning children using HIMV from hospital to home care is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community resources. Medical stability, caregiver competence, and home environment suitability are essential factors in determining discharge readiness. Caregiver education and training play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and effective home care. Simulation training and staged education progression are effective strategies for equipping caregivers with necessary skills. Resource limitations, inadequate home nursing support, and disparities in available community resources are common obstacles to successful HIMV discharge. International perspectives shed light on diverse healthcare systems and challenges faced by caregivers worldwide. While standardizing guidelines for HIMV discharge may be complex, collaboration among healthcare providers and the development of evidence‐based regional guidelines can improve outcomes for children using HIMV and their caregivers. This review seeks to synthesize literature, provide expert guidance based on experience, and highlight components to safely discharge children using HIMV. It further assesses disparities and divergences within regional and international healthcare systems while addressing relevant ethical considerations.
Quantification of surgical workflow during robotic proctectomy
Authors: Gillani Mishal , Rupji Manali , Devin Courtney L. , Purvis Lilia A. , Paul Olson Terrah J. , Jarc Anthony , Shields Mallory C. , Liu Yuan , Rosen Seth A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Surgical workflow assessments offer insight regarding procedure variability. We utilised an objective method to evaluate workflow during robotic proctectomy (RP).

Methods

We annotated 31 RPs and used Spearman's correlation to measure the correlation of step time and step visit frequency with console time (CT) and total operative time (TOT).

Results

Strong correlations were seen with CT and step times for inferior mesenteric vein dissection and ligation (ρ = 0.60, ρ = 0.60), lateral‐to‐medial splenic flexure mobilisation (SFM) (ρ = 0.63), left rectal dissection (ρ = 0.64) and mesorectal division (ρ = 0.71). CT correlated strongly with medial‐to‐lateral (ρ = 0.75) and supracolic SFM visit frequency (ρ = 0.65). TOT correlated strongly with initial exposure time (ρ = 0.60), and medial‐to‐lateral (ρ = 0.67) and supracolic SFM visit frequency (ρ = 0.65).

Conclusion

This study correlates surgical steps with CT and TOT through standardised annotation, providing an objective approach to quantify workflow.
Deformable Smart DNA Nanomachine for Synergistic Intracellular Cancer‐Related miRNAs Imaging and Chemo‐Gene Therapy of Drug‐Resistant Tumors
Authors: Dong Chen , Wang Yeran , Chen Zhilong , Yan Chenlong , Zhang Jingjing , Song Chunyuan , Wang Lianhui
Published: March 2024

Diagnosis and treatment of tumor especially drug‐resistant tumor remains a huge challenge, which requires intelligent nanomedicines with low toxic side effects and high efficacy. Herein, deformable smart DNA nanomachines are developed for synergistic intracellular cancer‐related miRNAs imaging and chemo‐gene therapy of drug‐resistant tumors. The tetrahedral DNA framework (MA‐TDNA) with fluorescence quenched component and five antennas is self‐assembled first, and then DOX molecules are loaded on the MA‐TDNAs followed by linking MUC1‐aptamer and Mcl‐1 siRNA to the antennas of MA‐TDNA, so that the apt‐MA‐TDNA@DOX‐siRNA (DNA nanomachines) is constructed. The DNA nanomachine can respond to two tumor‐related miRNAs in vitro and in vivo, which can undergo intelligent miRNA‐triggered opening of the framework, resulting in the “turn on” of the fluorescence for sensitively and specifically sensing intracellular miRNAs. Meanwhile, both miRNA‐responded rapid release and pH‐responded release of DOX are achieved for chemotherapy of tumor. In addition, the gene therapy of the DNA nanomachines is achieved due to the miRNA‐specific capture and the RNase H triggered release of Mcl‐1 siRNA. The DNA nanomachines intergrading both tumor imaging and chemo‐gene therapy in single nanostructures realized efficient tumor‐targeted, image‐guided, and microenvironment‐responsive tumor diagnosis and treatment, which provides a synergetic antitumor effect on drug‐resistant tumor.
An Automated Single‐Cell Droplet‐Digital Microfluidic Platform for Monoclonal Antibody Discovery
Authors: Ahmadi Fatemeh , Tran Hao , Letourneau Natasha , Little Samuel R. , Fortin Annie , Moraitis Anna N. , Shih Steve C. C.
Published: March 2024

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery plays a prominent role in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Droplet microfluidics has become a standard technology for high‐throughput screening of antibody‐producing cells due to high droplet single‐cell confinement frequency and rapid analysis and sorting of the cells of interest with their secreted mAbs. In this work, a new method is described for on‐demand co‐encapsulation of cells that eliminates the difficulties associated with washing in between consecutive steps inside the droplets and enables the washing and addition of fresh media. The new platform identifies hybridoma cells that are expressing antibodies of interest using antibody‐characterization assays to find the best‐performing or rare‐cell antibody candidates.
Direct Laser Writing of Silica Nanoparticle Nanocomposites: Probing Mechanical Reinforcement and Understanding Structural Color from Design Parameters
Authors: Augustine Amrutha , Qian Jing , Faraone Teodora , Kolagatla Srikanth , Prochukhan Nadezda , Morris Michael A. , Bradley A. Louise , Florea Larisa , Delaney Colm
Published: March 2024

Nanocomposite materials have been thoroughly exploited in additive manufacturing, as a means to alter physical, chemical, and optical properties of resulting structures. Herein, nanocomposite materials suitable for direct laser writing (DLW) by two‐photon polymerization are presented. These materials, comprising silica nanoparticles, bring significant added value to the technology through physical reinforcement and controllable photonic properties. Incorporation into acrylate photoresists, via a one‐step fabrication process, enables the formation of complex structures with large overhangs. The inclusion of 150 nm silica nanoparticles in DLW photoresists at high concentrations, allows for the fabrication of composite microstructures that show reflected color, a product of the relative contributions from the quasi‐ordering and random scattering. Using common DLW design parameters, such as slicing distance and structure dimension, a wide gamut of structural color, in solution, using a set concentration of nanoparticles is demonstrated. Numerical modeling is employed to predict the reflected wavelength of the pixel arrays, across the visible spectrum, and this information is used to encode reflected colors into different pixel arrays.
Transient X‐Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure Spectroscopy Using Broadband Free‐Electron Laser Pulses
Authors: Juranić Pavle , Cirelli Claudio , Mamyrbayev Talgat , Uemura Yohei , Vila‐Comamala Joan , Lima Frederico Alves , Bacellar Camila , Johnson Philip J. M. , Prat Eduard , Reiche Sven , Wach Anna , Bykova Iuliia , Kahraman Abdullah , Kabanova Victoria , Milne Christopher , David Christian
Published: March 2024

A new method for time‐resolved X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy that enables faster data acquisition and requires smaller sample quantities for high‐quality data, thus allowing the analysis of more samples in a shorter time is introduced. The method uses large bandwidth free electron laser pulses to measure laser‐excited XANES spectra in transmission mode. A beam‐splitting grating configuration allows simultaneous measurements of the spectra of the incoming X‐ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) pulses and transmission XANES, which is crucial for compensating the pulse‐dependent intensity and spectrum fluctuations due to the self‐amplified spontaneous emission operation. The implementation of this new methodology is applied on a liquid solution of ammonium iron(III) oxalate jet and is compared to previous results, showing great improvements in the speed of acquisition and spectral resolution, and the ability to measure a large 2‐D spectral‐time map quickly.
Parallel BFS through pennant data structure with reducer hyper‐object based data hiding for 3D mesh images
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sakhi , Mukherjee Subhadip , Mukhopadhyay Somnath , Sarkar Sunita
Published: March 2024

Data hiding refers to the technique employed to conceal sensitive data within various forms of multimedia, such as video, audio, text, 2D images, 3D images, and more, while also being able to successfully extract said information from the multimedia file. Although numerous data hiding techniques exist for 2D images, research on data hiding in 3D images is still in its early stages. Current 3D image steganography methods suffer from limitations in terms of embedding capacity and time complexity. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a novel 3D image steganographic technique using Parallel Breadth First Search (PBFS) with hyper‐object. Our approach utilizes the PBFS searching strategy, along with layer synchronization, to embed private information within the vertices of the 3D mesh images. To maximize the effectiveness of the process and minimize time, cost, complexity, and execution, we involved the data structure “bag” to parallelize the BFS. The implementation of bags is based on the pennant data structure. This methodology obtained an impressive Embedding Capacity (EC) of 9.00 bits per vertex (bpv) while maintaining superior visual quality and time complexity. Consequently, the proposed methodology holds great potential for widespread utilization across numerous sectors, including private and government organizations such as intelligence agencies, intellectual property rights management, cloud data security, defense, covert communication, medical imagery, and more.
Key Roles of Initial Calcination Temperature in Accelerating the Performance in Proton Ceramic Fuel Cells via Regulating 3D Microstructure and Electronic Structure
Authors: Cui Jingzeng , Zhang Yuxuan , Liu Ze , Hu Zhiwei , Wang Han‐Ping , Cho Po‐Yu , Kuo Chang‐Yang , Chin Yi‐Ying , Chen Chien‐Te , Zhu Jianqiu , Zhou Jing , Kim Guntae , Wang Jian‐Qiang , Zhang Linjuan
Published: March 2024

Developing cathode materials with high performance in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is desirable for proton ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) for energy conversion technology. BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3–δ (BCFZY) is widely investigated as a cathode. Herein, BCFZY cathode is used as a paradigmatic example to study the impact of calcination temperature on microstructure, electronic structure, and ORR performance. Ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy indicates BCFZY prepared at 800 °C (BCFZY800) exhibits the largest specific surface area and cathode/electrolyte contact area. BCFZY800 exhibits a peak power density of 1.32 W cm−2 at 650 °C, which is 37% and 193% higher than that of BCFZY prepared at 700 °C (BCFZY700) and 1100 °C (BCFZY1100), respectively. Furthermore, BCFZY800 demonstrates high long‐term stability over 500 h. Soft X‐Ray absorption spectra indicate that the oxidation state of BCFZY800 is reduced, suggesting more catalytically active sites than those of BCFZY700 and BCFZY1100 after the ORR. This work provides a new understanding for enhanced PCFCs performance by proper porosity structure via fine‐tuning the calcination temperature.
Influence of fiber orientation on flexural‐based design of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete slabs: Experimental and numerical program
Authors: Aidarov Stanislav , Nogales Alejandro , Tošić Nikola , de la Fuente Albert
Published: March 2024

Steel fiber‐reinforced concrete (SFRC) has proven to be a suitable structural material for constructing elevated flat slabs, and several existing office and residential buildings, in which SFRC was used for these components, highlighted the positive outcomes from both technical and sustainability perspectives. However, research on the influence of fiber orientation on the flexural performance of SFRC slabs is relatively scarce despite the fact that a number of studies revealed that the use of constitutive models derived from three‐point bending tests on notched beams leads to overestimations of the bearing capacity of statically indeterminate slabs. In this context, this study aims at presenting an extensive experimental program that consisted of testing three SFRC slabs (3.0 × 3.0 × 0.1 m3) subjected to point load under a statically indeterminate test configuration. The testing procedure was followed by the extraction of 88 cores in order to analyze both fiber distribution and orientation by means of a non‐destructive inductive method. The results indicate that lower orientation numbers were observed in cylinders drilled from the slabs in comparison with those observed in the 150 × 150 × 600 mm3 notched reference beams tested to characterize the pre‐ and post‐cracking flexural performance of the SFRC produced. Based on these results, a straightforward design‐oriented approach to compute an orientation factor was proposed and considered to develop the constitutive law used to simulate the structural response of SFRC slabs by means of nonlinear finite element model. The numerical simulation results showed a good agreement with the experimental response, this evidencing that the orientation factor may permit to account for the differences caused by geometric and statistical scale‐induced factors between both the beams used for the SFRC flexural properties characterization and slabs produced with the same SFRC.
How perceived rights and duties influence identity positions in an international TESOL graduate program
Authors: Rabbidge Michael , Gomez Yania Rugama
Published: March 2024

The continued push to internationalize Korean higher education means that international and Korean students are enrolling in courses that are undergoing dynamic changes that neither group may be prepared for. This research investigated how the experiences of international students and Korean students who attended the same TESOL graduate school assigned identity positions to each other and their professors during such courses. Using positioning theory allowed this qualitative study to illustrate how participants assigned perceived rights and duties to act, know, or believe in accordance with who they believed they, and other people were, on their program. Violations of these perceived rights and duties resulted in assigning negative identity positions that previously were limited in description to vague “tensions” which impacted international student performance. Findings explain how cultural differences connected to language, participation, hierarchy, and friendships were keenly felt by all participants, and the perceived rights and duties that were violated due to these differences reinforced the marginalized identity position some international students felt.
Design, synthesis, and biochemical and computational screening of novel oxindole derivatives as inhibitors of Aurora A kinase and SARS-CoV-2 spike/host ACE2 interaction
Authors: Eni Donatus B. , Cassel Joel , Namba-Nzanguim Cyril T. , Simoben Conrad V. , Tietjen Ian , Akunuri Ravikumar , Salvino Joseph M. , Ntie-Kang Fidele
Published: March 2024

Isatin (indol-2,3-dione), a secondary metabolite of tryptophan, has been used as the core structure to design several compounds that have been tested and identified as potent inhibitors of apoptosis, potential antitumor agents, anticonvulsants, and antiviral agents. In this work, several analogs of isatin hybrids have been synthesized and characterized, and their activities were established as inhibitors of both Aurora A kinase and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike/host angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) interactions. Amongst the synthesized isatin hybrids, compounds 6a, 6f, 6g, and 6m exhibited Aurora A kinase inhibitory activities (with IC50 values < 5 $$\mu$$
μ
M), with GScore values of −7.9, −7.6, −8.2 and −7.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Compounds 6g and 6i showed activities in blocking SARS-CoV-2 spike/ACE2 binding (with IC50 values in the range < 30 $$\mu$$
μ
M), with GScore values of −6.4 and −6.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Compounds 6f, 6g, and 6i were both capable of inhibiting spike/ACE2 binding and blocking Aurora A kinase. Pharmacophore profiling indicated that compound 6g tightly fits Aurora A kinase and SARS-CoV-2 pharmacophores, while 6d fits SARS-CoV-2 and 6l fits Aurora A kinase pharmacophore. This work is a proof of concept that some existing cancer drugs may possess antiviral properties. Molecular modeling showed that the active compound for each protein adopted different binding modes, hence interacting with a different set of amino acid residues in the binding site. The weaker activities against spike/ACE2 could be explained by the small sizes of the ligands that fail to address the important interactions for binding to the ACE2 receptor site.
Wettability and microstructural evolution of copper filler in W and EUROFER brazed joints
Authors: Izaguirre Ignacio , de Prado Javier , Sánchez María , Ureña Alejandro
Published: March 2024

In terms of wettability, active systems are characterized by a reduction in interfacial energy as the time at specific conditions is increased. This article aims to investigate the evolution of wettability and microstructure, which undergoes a critical transformation at temperatures and dwell times near brazing conditions due to their significant impact on resultant mechanical properties. The objective is to enhance wettability and prevent the formation of different phases that can occur rapidly within the brazing window conditions. Up to 1105 °C, complete fusion of the filler does not occur. However, once it happens, the expansion of the copper filler in EUROFER increases up to 400%, and the contact angle reduces from 100° to 10°, indicating an active wetting behavior. On the other hand, when copper is used with tungsten, an inert behavior is observed, maintaining the contact angle around 70°. Brazed joints carried out under the most promising wetting conditions demonstrated that at 1110 °C-1 min, various phenomena began to occur. This includes solid-state diffusion of copper in the EUROFER, following the austenitic grain boundaries, and partial dissolution of Fe in the copper braze. Increasing the brazing time from 2 to 5 min achieved high interfacial adhesion properties and controlled the diffusion layer and Fe-rich band formed at the W-braze interface, resulting in the best mechanical results (295 MPa).
A hierarchic isogeometric hyperelastic solid-shell
Authors: Leonetti Leonardo , Verhelst Hugo M.
Published: March 2024

The present study aims to develop an original solid-like shell element for large deformation analysis of hyperelastic shell structures in the context of isogeometric analysis (IGA). The presented model includes a new variable to describe the thickness change of the shell and allows for the application of unmodified three-dimensional constitutive laws defined in curvilinear coordinate systems and the analysis of variable thickness shells. In this way, the thickness locking affecting standard solid-shell-like models is cured by enhancing the thickness strain by exploiting a hierarchical approach, allowing linear transversal strains. Furthermore, a patch-wise reduced integration scheme is adopted for computational efficiency reasons and to annihilate shear and membrane locking. In addition, the Mixed-Integration Point (MIP) format is extended to hyperelastic materials to improve the convergence behaviour, hence the efficiency, in Newton iterations. Using benchmark problems, it is shown that the proposed model is reliable and resolves locking issues that were present in the previously published isogeometric solid-shell formulations.
Long short-term memory prediction of user’s locomotion in virtual reality
Authors: Mayor Jesus , Calleja Pablo , Fuentes-Hurtado Felix
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, there is still a challenge in virtual reality to obtain an accurate displacement prediction of the user. This could be a future key element to apply in the so-called redirected walking methods. Meanwhile, deep learning provides us with new tools to reach greater achievements in this type of prediction. Specifically, long short-term memory recurrent neural networks obtained promising results recently. This gives us clues to continue researching in this line to predict virtual reality user’s displacement. This manuscript focuses on the collection of positional data and a subsequent new way to train a deep learning model to obtain more accurate predictions. The data were collected with 44 participants and it has been analyzed with different existing prediction algorithms. The best results were obtained with a new idea, the use of rotation quaternions and the three dimensions to train the previously existing models. The authors strongly believe that there is still much room for improvement in this research area by means of the usage of new deep learning models.
Long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with and without chemosensory disorders at disease onset: a psychophysical and magnetic resonance imaging exploratory study
Authors: Cecchini Maria Paola , Pizzini Francesca Benedetta , Boschi Federico , Marcon Alessandro , Moro Lucia , Gordon Elizabeth , Guizard Nicolas , Cavedo Enrica , Ricatti Maria Jimena , Veronese Sheila , Tamburin Stefano , Tinazzi Michele , Mansueto Giancarlo , Sbarbati Andrea
Published: March 2024

A preserved sense of smell and taste allows us to understand many environmental “messages” and results in meaningfully improvements to quality of life. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear how important these senses are for social and nutritional status and catapulted this niche chemosensory research area towards widespread interest. In the current exploratory work, we assessed two groups of post-COVID-19 patients who reported having had (Group 1) or not (Group 2) a smell/taste impairment at the disease onset. The aim was to compare them using validated smell and taste tests as well as with brain magnetic resonance imaging volumetric analysis. Normative data were used for smell scores comparison and a pool of healthy subjects, recruited before the pandemic, served as controls for taste scores. The majority of patients in both groups showed an olfactory impairment, which was more severe in Group 1 (median UPSIT scores: 24.5 Group 1 vs 31.0 Group 2, p = 0.008), particularly among women (p = 0.014). No significant differences emerged comparing taste scores between Group 1 and Group 2, but dysgeusia was only present in Group 1 patients. However, for taste scores, a significant difference was found between Group 1 and controls (p = 0.005). No MRI anatomical abnormalities emerged in any patients while brain volumetric analysis suggested a significant difference among groups for the right caudate nucleus (p = 0.028), although this was not retained following Benjamini–Hochberg correction. This exploratory study could add new information in COVID-19 chemosensory long-lasting impairment and address future investigations on the post-COVID-19 patients’ research.
Eutrophication hotspots, nitrogen fluxes and climate impacts in estuarine ecosystems: A model study of the Odra estuary system
Authors: Pein Johannes , Staneva Joanna
Published: March 2024

The Odra estuary in the southern Baltic Sea comprises the Odra (Szczecin) Lagoon, the Pomeranian Bay and a number of other shallow water areas and channels. Known for its abundance of fish, eutrophication in the Odra Lagoon is a pressing issue for science and environmental management representing a global problem: What determines the seasonal variability of nitrogen and nitrogen turnover in shallow water areas, and how does seasonal variability change due to climatic changes such as warming and sea level rise? How do such changes affect nutrient exports to the regional ocean? This study employs a high-resolution unstructured model system to investigate physical-biogeochemical interactions, nitrogen turnover, and conditions leading to nitrogen export to the Baltic Sea within the Odra estuary. The research comprises hindcast and a climatic experiment with modified water level and temperature inputs. The model reproduces the thermohaline dynamics of brackish shallow water areas, phytoplankton blooms and the variability of inorganic nitrogen. The simulations identify the dynamic partitioning of the Odra Lagoon into the highly eutrophic, lake-like Small Lagoon and more frequently flushed, zooplankton-rich Great Lagoon. Although the two years of the hindcast simulation feature very different boundary conditions in terms of river forcing, comparable patterns of seasonal nitrogen export emerge. In a climate change experiment with increased sea levels and global temperatures, the system appears sensitive, but remains stable with regard to nutrient transport and is therefore predictable. The climate change experiment reveals enhanced primary producer biomass concentrations, suggesting heightened eutrophication. While in the shallow waters of Odra Lagoon oxygen concentration remains relatively stable, oxygen depletion intensifies as the lagoon outflows enter the Pomeranian Bay. This phenomenon is linked to increased denitrification within the stratified Odra plume. Deeper, meandering channels, such as Swina, demonstrate resilience to oxygen reduction, influenced by sea level rise and enhanced currents. Based on the temporal-spatial high-resolution coupled, validated simulations, it is possible to develop tailor-made management solutions without having to run expensive and complicated observation campaigns in the shallow waters with complex topography.
Characterization and decontamination of deposited dust: a management regime at a museum
Authors: Hameed A. A. Abdel , El-Gendy S. , Saeed Y.
Published: March 2024

Deposited dust represents a nutritional niche for microflora. Inhibiting microflora-associated deposited dust is a critical approach to manage cultural heritage buildings. Knowledge on the effectiveness of commercial disinfection on microflora in a real field environment is limited. The present study aims to: (1) characterize deposited dust composition, and (2) assess the effectiveness of several commercial biocides/and an air ionizer on microflora-associated floor surface and air before and after treatment. Deposited dust was collected using a dust collector and microbial air sampling was conducted via a volumetric impactor sampler. Susceptibility of microorganisms to biocide/ionizer was performed in a naturally ventilated unoccupied room with a floor area of 18 m2. One-treatment protocol, a daily disinfection mode, was applied to each biocide/ionizer. The surface floor was adjacently sprayed by a biocide, and the ionizer was turned on for 30 min. Indoor deposited dust rates varied between 0.75 and 8.7 mg/m2/day with indoor/outdoor ratio of ~ 1:100. Ion concentrations of NH4+, Cl−, SO42− and NO3− were higher indoor than outdoor. The concentration of microorganisms-associated deposited dust averaged 106 CFU/g; 105 CFU/g and 104 CFU/g for bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, respectively. A total of 23 fungal taxa were identified, with Aspergillus flavus, Asp. fumigatus and Asp. niger were the predominant taxa. Biocides quickly reduced floor surface and airborne microbial loads. The biocidal effect was time limited, as microflora loads increased again after ~ 4 days of the treatment protocol. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) out-performed other biocides, showed a relatively permanent microbial inhibiting effect. The air ionizer reduced airborne microorganisms and increased surface floor ones. Characterizing of deposited dust (rate and composition) and choice an appropriate biocide may effectively reduce biodeterioration. Further real field treatment trials under various microenvironmental conditions are needed to determine the effectiveness of disinfection treatment.