bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probiotics, Prebiotics, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, and Dietary Patterns in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Noguera‐Fernández Noah , Candela‐González Joana , Orenes‐Piñero Esteban
Published: August 2024

Scope

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the most common chronic and debilitating functional bowel disorders affecting around 11% of the population across the world. IBD is associated with 3.6 million physician visits per year, being the most common reason visiting a gastroenterologist and the second most common reason to be absent from work, sharply increasing the health care costs.

Methods and Results

Several treatments seem to be effective in IBD symptoms relief, such as probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and dietary patterns. Probiotics (living microorganisms that can be supplemented) can protect against pathogenic bacteria due to their antimicrobial qualities. Prebiotics (nondigestible food ingredients) promote the growth of beneficial microbial strains in the gut, giving a health benefit to the host. FMT is supposed to directly change the recipient's microbial composition when a transfer of gastrointestinal microbiota from a healthy donor is carried out. And finally, dietary patterns are in the spotlight, due to the presence of certain nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract affecting gastrointestinal motility, sensitivity, barrier function, and gut microbiota.

Conclusion

It is particularly important to know what treatment options are available and which are the most efficient in relieving IBD symptoms and improving IBD patient's quality of life.
Metal‐loaded slot antenna with flat gain and one‐sided radiation
Authors: Qiu Peiyi , Meng Jinghui , Yang Xiaoyu , Kanaya Haruichi
Published: August 2024

A metal‐loaded double‐layer unidirectional radiation slot antenna with flat gain is proposed for millimeter‐wave (mm‐wave) operations. Our presented antenna is constituted of a slot antenna with metal vias, an inner floating metal, a metal line, and ground patch. With the help of inner metal excited by the coupling of the slot antenna, an additional resonance point around 26 GHz could be obtained and the antenna gain is enhanced. To verify the design, the antenna has been fabricated with the prepreg technology. The whole fabricated size is only 0.62 × 0.62λ0² with a thickness of 0.057λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at 26 GHz). The measured impedance bandwidth is from 25.1 to 26.55 GHz. Moreover, the proposed antenna obtains a wide flat gain (5.78 ± 0.48 dBi) within the bandwidth and stable one‐sided radiation patterns. The above characteristics show that the proposed antenna is a competitive choice for mm‐wave systems.
Identification and functional validation of rare coding variants in genes linked to monogenic obesity
Authors: Köroğlu Çiğdem , Traurig Michael , Muller Yunhua L. , Day Samantha E. , Piaggi Paolo , Wiedrich Kim , Vazquez Laura , Hanson Robert L. , Van Hout Cristopher V. , Alkelai Anna , Shuldiner Alan R. , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Rare cases of monogenic obesity, which may respond to specific therapeutics, can remain undetected in populations in which polygenic obesity is prevalent. This study examined rare DNA variation in established monogenic obesity genes within a community using whole‐exome sequence data from 6803 longitudinally studied individuals.

Methods

Exome data across 15 monogenic obesity genes were analyzed for nonsynonymous variants observed in any child with a maximum BMI z score > 2 (N = 279) but not observed in a child with a maximum BMI z score ≤ 0 (n = 1542) or that occurred in adults in the top 5th percentile of BMI (n = 263) but not in adults below the median BMI (n = 2629). Variants were then functionally analyzed using luciferase assays.

Results

The comparisons between cases of obesity and controls identified eight missense variants in six genes: DYRK1B, KSR2, MC4R, NTRK2, PCSK1, and SIM1. Among these, MC4R p.A303P and p.R165G were previously shown to impair MC4R function. Functional analyses of the remaining six variants suggest that KSR2 p.I402F and p.T193I and NTRK2 p.S249Y alter protein function.

Conclusions

In addition to MC4R, rare missense variants in KSR2 and NTRK2 may potentially explain the severe obesity observed for the carriers.
Patterns of Teprotumumab‐Induced Hearing Dysfunction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wong Kevin , Arya Priya , Salmeron Yansy , Bigelow Douglas C. , Ruckenstein Michael J. , Banerjee Shubhasree , Tamhankar Madhura , Brant Jason A. , Hwa Tiffany P.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Hearing loss has been reported after administration of the monoclonal antibody teprotumumab. The purpose of this study was to review available evidence regarding the patterns of teprotumumab‐related ototoxicity.

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

A systematic review was performed using standardized methodology. Studies were included if they included subjects who were prescribed teprotumumab. Exclusion criteria included non‐English articles, abstracts, letters/commentaries, case reports, and reviews. Subjects without both pre‐ and posttreatment audiometric data were also excluded. Bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

From an initial search of 76 articles, 7 studies reporting on 109 unique patients were included. Four studies were level 4 evidence, 1 study was level 3 evidence, and 2 studies were level 2 evidence. Mean age was 55 ± 14 years with a female predominance (64%). The most commonly reported symptoms were hearing loss (22%), followed by fullness (18%) and tinnitus (14%). In total, 41% of patients with available data met criteria for ototoxicity, all exhibiting shifts in the middle frequencies or higher. Fifteen (14%) patients underwent ultrahigh frequency audiometric testing and 8 (53%, 8/15) demonstrated shifts exclusively in this range.

Conclusion

Ototoxicity may occur in patients treated with teprotumumab. Hearing loss occurs primarily in higher frequencies, and routine hearing screening with ultrahigh frequency testing may be warranted. The true incidence of ototoxicity with teprotumumab remains unknown, and more data is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and develop strategies to minimize risks.
Enhancing physiotherapists' knowledge and perceptions of telerehabilitation: A before‐after educational intervention study
Authors: Bonet‐Collantes Milena , Niño‐Pinzón Diana Marcela , Chaustre‐Porras Angie Dayana , Salas‐Poloche Yuli Andrea , Angarita‐Fonseca Adriana
Published: August 2024

Background and purpose

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, telerehabilitation is emerging as a pivotal modality, especially in delivering services to vulnerable populations. With the increasing reliance on digital health solutions, there is a pressing need for physiotherapists to be adequately trained in telerehabilitation. This training is essential for them to adapt to new technologies and methodologies, ensuring effective and efficient patient care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a telerehabilitation educational intervention on physiotherapists' knowledge and perceptions in Bucaramanga and its metropolitan area.

Methods

A group of 27 physiotherapists underwent an educational intervention focused on telerehabilitation. Before‐ and after‐intervention assessments were conducted to gauge their perceptions and knowledge.

Results

Participants generally held a positive perception of telerehabilitation both before and after the intervention [Before Median (Md) and interquartile range (IQR): Md = 2.5 (IQR = 2.1–3); after: Md = 2.7 (IQR = 2.4–3.1), p = 0.256]. A significant increase in their knowledge after‐intervention was observed [Before: Md = 55.5 (IQR = 33.3–66.6)]; after: Md = 77.7 (IQR = 66.6–88.8), p = <0.001, emphasizing the potential benefits of targeted educational interventions.

Conclusions

The educational intervention significantly improved physiotherapists' knowledge of telerehabilitation, underscoring the importance of professional training in this domain. While perceptions remained consistently positive, the notable increase in knowledge suggests that such educational programs are crucial for enhancing the adoption and effective use of telerehabilitation in physiotherapy practice.
Dietary plants for oral cancer prevention and therapy: A review of preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Bishayee Anupam , Penn Amanda , Bhandari Neha , Petrovich Riley , DeLiberto Lindsay K. , Burcher Jack T. , Barbalho Sandra Maria , Nagini Siddavaram
Published: August 2024

Oral cancer is a disease with high mortality and rising incidence worldwide. Although fragmentary literature on the anti‐oral cancer effects of plant products has been published, a comprehensive analysis is lacking. In this work, a critical and comprehensive evaluation of oral cancer preventative or therapeutic effects of dietary plants was conducted. An exhaustive analysis of available data supports that numerous dietary plants exert anticancer effects, including suppression of cell proliferation, viability, autophagy, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis while promoting cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Plant extracts and products target several cellular mechanisms, such as the reversal of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and the promotion of oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction by modulation of various signaling pathways. These agents were also found to regulate cellular growth signaling pathways by action on extracellular signal‐regulated kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase, inflammation via modulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1, COX‐2, and nuclear factor‐κB p65, and metastasis through influence of cadherins and matrix metalloproteinases. In vivo studies support these findings and demonstrate a decrease in tumor burden, incidence, and hyperplastic and dysplastic changes. Clinical studies also showed decreased oral cancer risk. However, high‐quality studies should be conducted to establish the clinical efficacy of these plants. Overall, our study supports the use of dietary plants, especially garlic, green tea, longan, peppermint, purple carrot, saffron, tomato, and turmeric, for oral cancer prevention and intervention. However, further research is required before clinical application of this strategy.
A neural network to retrieve cloud cover from all‐sky cameras: A case of study over Antarctica
Authors: González‐Fernández Daniel , Román Roberto , Antuña‐Sánchez Juan Carlos , Cachorro Victoria E. , Copes Gustavo , Herrero‐Anta Sara , Herrero del Barrio Celia , Barreto África , González Ramiro , Ramos Ramón , Martín Patricia , Mateos David , Toledano Carlos , Calle Abel , de Frutos Ángel
Published: August 2024

We present a new model based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) to predict daytime cloud cover (CC) from sky images captured by all‐sky cameras, which is called CNN‐CC. A total of 49,016 daytime sky images, recorded at different Spanish locations (Valladolid, La Palma, and Izaña) from two different all‐sky camera types, are manually classified into different CC (oktas) values by trained researchers. Subsequently, the images are randomly split into a training set and a test set to validate the model. The CC values predicted by the CNN‐CC model are compared with the observations made by trained people on the test set, which serve as reference. The predicted CC values closely match the reference values within 1 oktas in 99% of the cloud‐free and overcast cases. Moreover, this percentage is above 93% for the rest of partially cloudy cases. The mean bias error (MBE) and standard deviation (SD) of the differences between the predicted and reference CC values are calculated, resulting in  oktas and  oktas. The MBE and SD are also represented for different intervals of measured aerosol optical depth and Ångström exponent values, revealing that the performance of the CNN‐CC model does not depend on aerosol load or size. Once the model is validated, the CC obtained from a set of images captured every 5 min, from January 2018 to March 2022, at the Antarctic station of Marambio (Argentina) is compared against direct field observations of CC (not from images) taken at this location, which is not used in the training process. As a result, the model slightly underestimates the observations with an MBE of 0.3 oktas. The retrieved data are analyzed in detail. The monthly and annual CC values are calculated. Overcast conditions are the most frequent, accounting for 46.5% of all observations throughout the year, rising to 64.5% in January. The annual mean CC value at this location is 5.5 oktas, with a standard deviation of approximately 3.1 oktas. A similar analysis is conducted, separating data by hours, but no significant diurnal cycles are observed except for some isolated months.
A multilayer neural‐network‐based fault estimation and fault tolerant control scheme for uncertain system
Authors: Akhtar Zainab , Naqvi Syed Zilqurnain Abbas , Hamayun Mirza Tariq , Ijaz Salman
Published: August 2024

This work introduces a new actuator fault estimation approach coupled with a fault‐tolerant control (FTC) strategy for uncertain systems in an output feedback framework. The proposed method involves constructing a Multi‐Layer Neural Network (MLNN) observer‐based fault estimation unit to accurately predict system states and potential faults in the actuator channel. An online control allocation (CA) scheme is then developed, utilizing the derived estimates to actively reconfigure the virtual control signals among the healthy redundant actuators in the event of actuator malfunction. Furthermore, an adaptive neural network‐based output integral sliding mode control scheme is designed based on the virtual control. This integration enhances the overall system's robustness and significantly reduces the chattering effect. The stability analysis of the proposed fault estimations scheme is initially performed using MLNN structure, followed by a comprehensive closed‐loop stability analysis to establish the stability of the entire system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated on a nonlinear six‐degree‐of‐freedom model of multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle aircraft. Numerical simulations under different fault and failure scenarios validate the efficacy of the proposed method. The comparative analysis of the proposed scheme is conducted with the static output feedback control allocations and adaptive allocation strategy. This analysis focuses on evaluating performance using metrics such as root mean square error and mean square deviation, particularly in the presence of faults and failures. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme in fault/failure conditions.
Fixed‐time rotating consensus control of second‐order multi‐agent systems
Authors: Kou Liwei , Huang Yi , Zuo Guangyu , Jian Long , Dou Yinke
Published: August 2024

This article investigates the fixed‐time rotating consensus problem of second‐order multi‐agent systems in both the leaderless and leader‐following cases. Specifically, in the leaderless case, a distributed controller is developed to drive all agents to reach rotating consensus in fixed‐time. In the leader‐following case, a distributed fixed‐time observer is first proposed to estimate the position of a rotating leader. Then, a local fixed‐time output feedback controller without any velocity measurements is proposed to achieve the leader‐following motion. Furthermore, an integral sliding mode control technique is applied to handle the case where the multi‐agent system is subject to time varying external disturbances. Based on the bi‐limit homogeneity method and Lyapunov theory, we prove that all the agents reach the rotating consensus within a fixed time independent of initial conditions. Finally, simulations illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controllers.
Cluster consensus for nonlinear multi‐agent systems restricted with input saturation by event triggered control
Authors: Huang Jun , Liu Mingquan , Xu Jing , Sun Yuan
Published: August 2024

This article studies the cluster consensus problem for the nonlinear multi‐agent systems subject to input saturation under the context of event triggered control. Taking ordinary consensus object as a special case, this article considers the problem of cluster consensus. The event triggered mechanism is designed and the Zeno phenomenon is ruled out. The sufficient conditions of control protocol and range estimation of domain of attraction are formulated by the linear matrix inequalities for the constraints of input saturation and nonlinear terms existed in the system dynamics. Finally, the proposed results are validated by one example in the background of spring damping system.
A simulation study of the performance of statistical models for count outcomes with excessive zeros
Authors: Zhou Zhengyang , Li Dateng , Huh David , Xie Minge , Mun Eun‐Young
Published: August 2024

Background: Outcome measures that are count variables with excessive zeros are common in health behaviors research. Examples include the number of standard drinks consumed or alcohol‐related problems experienced over time. There is a lack of empirical data about the relative performance of prevailing statistical models for assessing the efficacy of interventions when outcomes are zero‐inflated, particularly compared with recently developed marginalized count regression approaches for such data. Methods: The current simulation study examined five commonly used approaches for analyzing count outcomes, including two linear models (with outcomes on raw and log‐transformed scales, respectively) and three prevailing count distribution‐based models (ie, Poisson, negative binomial, and zero‐inflated Poisson (ZIP) models). We also considered the marginalized zero‐inflated Poisson (MZIP) model, a novel alternative that estimates the overall effects on the population mean while adjusting for zero‐inflation. Motivated by alcohol misuse prevention trials, extensive simulations were conducted to evaluate and compare the statistical power and Type I error rate of the statistical models and approaches across data conditions that varied in sample size ( to 500), zero rate (0.2 to 0.8), and intervention effect sizes. Results: Under zero‐inflation, the Poisson model failed to control the Type I error rate, resulting in higher than expected false positive results. When the intervention effects on the zero (vs. non‐zero) and count parts were in the same direction, the MZIP model had the highest statistical power, followed by the linear model with outcomes on the raw scale, negative binomial model, and ZIP model. The performance of the linear model with a log‐transformed outcome variable was unsatisfactory. Conclusions: The MZIP model demonstrated better statistical properties in detecting true intervention effects and controlling false positive results for zero‐inflated count outcomes. This MZIP model may serve as an appealing analytical approach to evaluating overall intervention effects in studies with count outcomes marked by excessive zeros.
Tin Lodide Thin Films Growth via Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition and its Optimization Using V–I Probe Impedance Analyser for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Yadav Chandan , Kumar Sushil
Published: August 2024

Tin(ii) iodide (SnI2) faces significant challenges in photodetector applications, primarily due to its sensitivity to moisture and degradation over time. Achieving uniform, high‐quality films with low impurity and defect levels is also a challenge. Potential solutions include advanced deposition techniques to improve film quality and stability, surface passivation and encapsulation, doping and alloying. In this study, SnI2thin films have been deposited for the first time using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) technique to the best of our knowledge. Process parameters like deposition pressure and RF‐power have been optimised via non‐intrusive in‐situ V−I probe impedance analyser. SnI2thin films have been deposited on glass & transparent conducting oxide (TCO) and p‐Si wafer at various RF‐power to make SnI2/p‐Si heterojunction followed by metallization to make Ag/SnI2/p‐Si/Ag heterojunction photodetector. Characterization techniques like thin film thickness measurement, UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy, Photoluminescence spectroscopy, glancing incidence x‐ray diffraction (GIXRD), SEM and I−V measurements were carried out to study its optical, structural and electronic properties. Fabricated devices, Ag/SnI2/p‐Si/Ag heterojunction photodiode exhibits best critical performance for the film deposited at 150 W having rectifying ratio of 6.9×104at 1.0 V and photo‐sensitivity of 1.6×104at 100 mW/cm2light intensity.
Sequential Synthesis of Alkenylated Quinazolines Through sp3 C−H Functionalization and Their Photophysical Properties
Authors: Suresh Sundararajan , Nawaz Khan Fazlur Rahman
Published: August 2024

Quinazolines are biologically potent heterocyclic compounds; however, their synthesis poses high challenges. In this present study, we have developed an inexpensive cobalt metal‐catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative pathway for the sequential synthesis of alkenylated quinazolines from benzhydrol via dehydrogenation, cyclization, and subsequent dehydrogenative sp3 C−H functionalization. This transformation holds potential owing to its commercially available key starting materials, good functional tolerance, moderate reaction conditions, environmental friendliness, and applicability for gram‐scale synthesis. Furthermore, the synthetic utility of the synthesized derivatives has been explored through various reactions, including reduction, halogenation, methoxylation, Michael addition, and spiro cyclization. Additionally, the photophysical properties indicate that the nitrogen atom of the synthesized derivatives readily undergoes a reversible protonation, leading to significant changes in colour. This characteristic presents an opportunity for the creation of pH sensors with colourimetric capabilities.
A Sustainable Recycling Route from Spent Sulfuric Acid Catalysts to Vanadium Pentoxide Precursor for the Production of Low‐Cost Na3V2(PO4)3@C Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Elhoucine Elmaataouy , Hiba Nahi , Abdelwahed Chari , Mustapha Bouzzite , Jones Alami , Mouad Dahbi
Published: August 2024

The extraction of vanadium from spent industrial catalysts is a widely practiced process globally due to the large quantities of material available with appreciable vanadium content. However, some of these spent catalysts are unresponsive to established extraction methods because they have different properties. Therefore, separate studies are necessary to deal with specific cases. This work demonstrates how the leaching step can limit the recovery of vanadium to the solution before the coprecipitation step. The NH4Cl‐H2SO4synergetic system achieved a high vanadium leaching rate of up to 95 %, resulting in the preparation of high‐purity NH4VO3with 75.45 % V2O5content. This demonstrates the potential of the prepared V2O5as a precursor for vanadium materials used in sodium‐ion batteries, allowing for the adjustment of the valence of vanadium. The Na3V2(PO4)3@C particles exhibit a discharge capacity of 110 mAh g−1at a current density of 0.1 C and 90 mAh g−1at 1 C. The synergistic leaching system provides a sustainable method for the recovery and reuse of vanadium from spent vanadium catalysts. This contributes to recycling efforts and the development of sodium‐ion batteries.
Seed‐Assisted Reversible Dissolution/Deposition of MnO2 for Long‐Cyclic and Green Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qi Yifeng , Li Fengfeng , Sheng Hongwei , Zhang Haoshuo , Yuan Jiao , Ma Lingxiao , Bi Huasheng , Ma Yuqi , Li Wenquan , Lan Wei
Published: August 2024

Manganese oxide (MnO2) based aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered to be a promising battery for grid‐scale energy storage. However, they usually suffer from the great challenge of capacity attenuation due to Mn dissolution and irreversible structural transformation. Herein, full use of the shortcomings is made to design high‐performance cathode‐free AZIBs. Manganese‐based Prussian blue analog (Mn‐PBA) is selected as a seed layer to provide a stable MnO2 electrodeposition surface. Thanks to the large specific surface area and manganophilic nature of Mn‐PBA, the deposition/dissolution kinetics between Mn2+ and MnO2 are significantly enhanced. Systematic studies revealed the mechanism of MnO2 deposition‐dissolution related to the reversible transformation of manganese oxide hydroxide and zinc hydroxide sulfate hydrate. Based on this, the developed cathode‐free AZIBs exhibit outstanding rate performance (with a specific capacity of 273.7 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) and extraordinary cycle stability (maintaining a specific capacity of 52.3 mAh g−1 after 50 000 cycles at 20 A g−1). Furthermore, the AZIBs with non‐toxic, biocompatible materials can be directly discarded after use, without causing pollution to the environment, which is expected to help achieve the sustainable development goals.
Progresses and Perspectives of Carbon‐Free Metal Compounds‐Modified Separators for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Lu Yayi , Deng Nanping , Wang Hao , Zhang Fan , Wang Yilong , Jin Yongbing , Cheng Bowen , Kang Weimin
Published: August 2024

Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) have the advantages of high theoretical specific capacity, excellent energy density, abundant elemental sulfur reserves. However, the LSBs is mainly limited by shuttling of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), slow reaction kinetics of sulfur cathode. For solving the above problems, by developing high‐performance battery separators, the reversible capacity, Coulombic efficiency (CE) and cycle life of LSBs can be effectively enhanced. Carbon‐free based metal compounds are expected to be highly efficient separator modifiers for a new generation of high‐performance LSBs by virtue of superior chemical adsorption capacity, strong catalytic properties and excellent lithophilicity to a certain extent. They can give play to the synergistic effect of their “adsorption‐catalysis” sites to accelerate the redox kinetics of LiPSs, and their good lithophilicity can accelerate the Li+ transport kinetics, thus showing more remarkable electrochemical performances. However, a comprehensive summary of carbon‐free metal compounds‐modified separators for LSBs is still lacking. Here, this review systematically summarizes the researching progresses and performance characteristics of carbon‐free‐based metal compounds modified materials for separators of LSBs, and summarizes the corresponding mechanisms of using carbon‐based separators to enhance the performance of LSBs. Finally, the review also looks forward to the prospects of LSBs using carbon‐free metal compounds separators.
Electrochemical Activation Inducing Rocksalt‐to‐Spinel Transformation for Prolonged Service Life of LiMn2O4 Cathodes
Authors: Li Fangyan , Jiao Yiding , Yang Shuo , Mao Wei , Tao Qiantu , Bai Chenyu , He Er , Li Luhe , Ye Tingting , Li Yiran , Wang Jiacheng , Ren Junye , Wang Yuanzhen , Gao Rui , Li Qianming , Lu Jiang , Song Jie , Ma Jing , Deng Yu , Wang Peng , Zhang Ye
Published: August 2024

LiMn2O4 spinel is emerging as a promising cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries, largely due to its open framework that facilitates Li+ diffusion and excellent rate performance. However, the charge–discharge cycling of the LiMn2O4 cathode leads to severe structural degradation and rapid capacity decay. Here, an electrochemical activation strategy is introduced, employing a facile galvano‐potentiostatic charging operation, to restore the lost capacity of LiMn2O4 cathode without damaging the battery configuration. With an electrochemical activation strategy, the cycle life of the LiMn2O4 cathode is extended from an initial 1500 to an impressive 14 000 cycles at a 5C rate with Li metal as the anode, while increasing the total discharge energy by ten times. Remarkably, the electrochemical activation enhances the diffusion kinetics of Li+, with the diffusion coefficient experiencing a 37.2% increase. Further investigation reveals that this improvement in capacity and diffusion kinetics results from a transformation of the redox‐inert LiMnO2 rocksalt layer on the surface of degraded cathodes back into active spinel. This transformation is confirmed through electron microscopy and corroborated by density functional theory simulations. Moreover, the viability of this electrochemical activation strategy has been demonstrated in pouch cell configurations with Li metal as the anode, underscoring its potential for broader application.
Effect of CaO/Al2O3 Ratio in Fluorine‐Free Refining Slag with Low Basicity on the Cleanliness of SWRS82B Steel
Authors: Luo Ruiqi , Zhao Yudong , Wang Linzhu , Chen Chaoyi , Li Junqi
Published: August 2024

A fluorine‐free quaternary CaO–Al2O3–SiO2–MgO refining slag for SWRS82B coil steel is studied by considering the requirements of the steel wire. Laboratory experiments are conducted to study the equilibrium and kinetics of steel–slag reactions. The physical and chemical properties of refining slags, including the melting temperature, viscosity, and MgO solubility, are estimated by FactSage7.2 calculation. The cleanliness of SWRS82B steel refined by slags with a basicity of 1 and C/A ratio in the range of 1.36–7.13 is studied systematically. The plasticity of inclusions is studied by phase diagram and Young modulus calculation. Deoxidizing capacity and desulfurization capacity of refining slags are discussed by kinetic calculation of steel–slag reactions based on FactSage7.2 macro‐editing and the kungliga tekniska högskolan model. Slag with a composition of 42%CaO–47%SiO2–4%Al2O3–7%MgO has the best refining effect, in which impurity elements are lowest and plastic inclusions with the smallest size and least quantity are obtained. The impurity elements oxygen and sulfur in steel can be controlled for 29 and 75 ppm, respectively. The average size of inclusions is 1.54 μm. The majority of inclusions are in a liquid state at 1600 °C and Young modulus of the inclusions ranges from 99.78 to 152.87 GPa.
Starch Nanoparticles Based on Ultrasonication Pretreatment and Enzyme Posttreatment: Preparation, Optimization, and Biophysical Characterization
Authors: Rastmanesh Sahar , Jafarizadeh‐Malmiri Hoda , Javadi Afshin , Anarjan Navideh
Published: August 2024

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs), due to their minimum particle size and maximum surface to volume ratio do not have starch limitations such as low solubility and digestibility. SNPs in colloidal form were enzymatically produced using enzyme of α‐amylase in combination toultrasinication technique to accomplished SNPs gelatinization. Results indicated that SNPs with smallest particle size (109 nm) and polydispersity index (0.560), and highest zeta potential (−32.16 mV) and antioxidant activity (30%) values was obtained using 2.10 mL enzyme and ultrasonication time of 69 s. SNPs in powder form were produced using obtained optimum conditions and a laboratory freeze dryer with chamber temperature and pressure of −70 °C and 100 Pa, for 24 h, and characterized Results indicated that the provided native starch had particle size of ranging 6 to 10 µm with zeta potential value of −4.50 mV, prepared SNPs powder had spherical shape and flat surface with mean particle size, zeta potential and specific surface area values of 105 nm, −26.7 mV and 4.70 m2 g−1, respectively. Furthermore, oil separation time for the emulsions having starch and powder of SNPs, were 43 and 297 s, respectively. While, for the sample without emulsifier (control), this time was 22 s.
Exploring the Grammatical Complexity of International Teaching Assistants: A Comparative Corpus Study
Authors: Chang Heesun , Raeisi‐Vanani Amin
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the grammatical complexity features of international teaching assistants' (ITAs) mock‐teaching presentations and to compare the distributions of these features to those found in the Oral English Proficiency Test (a local ITA assessment), university classroom teaching, conversation, and academic writing. The data consisted of 186 prospective ITAs' mock‐teaching presentations collected from two ITA training courses at a large U.S. university: one higher‐level course and one lower‐level course. All presentations were transcribed, proofread, and built into a corpus consisting of 247,043 words. Based on the previous corpus studies, a total of 22 grammatical complexity features were selected for the analysis. Overall, the discourse of ITA mock‐teaching involved a substantial number of both the grammatical complexity features commonly found in spoken conversation (e.g., finite adverbial clauses and modals) and those commonly used in academic writing (e.g., noun premodifiers and prepositional phrases). The frequency distributions of the features differed in complex ways between ITA mock‐teaching and the other registers, as well as between the higher‐level and lower‐level ITAs. Pedagogical implications for ITA training and assessment, and future research directions are discussed at the end.
Elucidation of the genetic architecture of water absorption capacity in hard winter wheat through genome wide association study
Authors: Wondifraw Meseret A. , Winn Zachary J. , Haley Scott D. , Stromberger John A. , Hudson‐Arns Emily E. , Mason R. Esten
Published: August 2024

Water absorption capacity (WAC) influences various aspects of bread making, such as loaf volume, bread yield, and shelf life. Despite its importance in the baking process and end‐product quality, its genetic determinants are less explored. To address this limitation, a genome‐wide association study was conducted on 337 hard wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes evaluated over 5 years in multi‐environmental trials. Phenotyping was done using the solvent retention capacity (SRC) test with water (SRC‐water), sucrose (SRC‐sucrose), lactic acid (SRC‐lactic acid), and sodium carbonate (SRC‐carbonate) as solvents. Individuals were genotyped using genotyping‐by‐sequencing to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms across the wheat genome. To detect the genomic regions that underline the SRCs and gluten performance index (GPI), a genome‐wide association study was performed using six multi‐locus models using the mrMLM package in R. Adjusted means for SRC‐water ranged from 54.1% to 66.5%, while SRC‐carbonate exhibited a narrow range from 84.9% to 93.9%. Moderate to high genomic heritability values were observed for SRCs and GPI, ranging from h2 = 0.61 to 0.88. The genome‐wide association study identified a total of 42 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs), of which five explained over 10% of the phenotypic variation (R2 ≥ 10%). Most of the QTNs were detected on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 3B, and 5B. Few QTNs, such as S1A_5190318, S1B_3282665, S4D_472908721, and S7A_37433960, were located near gliadin, glutenin starch synthesis, and galactosyltransferase genes. Overall, these results show WAC to be under polygenic genetic control, with genes involved in the synthesis of key flour components influencing overall water absorption.
Assessment of Potential Human Health Risks Around Tukwikwi Artisanal Potash Extraction Site River Hadejia Flood Plains, Jigawa, Nigeria
Authors: Mikailu A. , Saleh M. , Bashir Adamu S. , Chiromawa Idris M.
Published: August 2024

This study quantified the concentrations of trace and heavy elements, including Al, K, Ca, Mg, Zr, Ti, La, Ce, Mn, Cr, Zn, and Nd, in soil samples from Tukwikwi. It also assesses the potential human health risks posed by exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption for both children and adults. The study area lies in Hadejia flood plain between latitudes 12°10′ N to 13°0′ N and longitudes 10°15′ E to 11°30′ E. The result showed that the mean concentrations of Al (47,140 mg/kg), K (23,110 mg/kg), Fe (18,020 mg/kg), Mg (7810 mg/kg), Zr (404 mg/kg), and La (64 mg/kg) exceeded the crustal values of Al (25,000 mg/kg), K (10,700 mg/kg), Fe (9800 mg/kg), Mg (7000 mg/kg), Zr (220 mg/kg), and La (30 mg/kg). By contrast, the concentrations of Ca, Cr, Ce, Mn, Ti, Zn, and Nd were lower than the crustal values. These crustal values were used, as there were no regional values that could be used for comparison. The result of the noncarcinogenic health risk assessment showed that Al exhibited the highest value ranging from to for children and to for adults. The results also revealed that adults have a higher potential risk than children. The results for the carcinogenic risk (CR) showed that the total CR (TCR) values for Cr ranged from 0 to for children and 0 to for adults, which are higher than the acceptable limit of . These suggest that there are health concerns for adults and children in the research area. This necessitates the need for monitoring the soil in the study area to reduce potential environmental issues.
Genetically proxied IL‐6 signaling and risk of Alzheimer's disease and lobar intracerebral hemorrhage: A drug target Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Myserlis Evangelos Pavlos , Ray Anushree , Anderson Christopher D. , Georgakis Marios K.
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Evidence suggests that higher C‐reactive protein (CRP) is associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Whether interleukin (IL)‐6 signaling, an active pharmacological target upstream of CRP, is associated with these amyloid‐related pathologies remains unknown.

METHODS

We used 26 CRP‐lowering variants near the IL‐6 receptor gene to perform Mendelian randomization analyses for AD (111,326 cases, 677,663 controls) and ICH (1545 cases, 1481 controls). We explored the effect of genetically proxied IL‐6 signaling on serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain proteome (971 individuals).

RESULTS

Genetically upregulated IL‐6 receptor‐mediated signaling was associated with lower risk of AD (OR per increment in serum logCRP levels: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79–0.95) and lobar ICH (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.89). We also found associations with 312, 77, and 79 brain, CSF, and plasma proteins, respectively, some of which were previously implicated in amyloid‐clearing mechanisms.

DISCUSSION

Genetic data support that CRP‐lowering through variation in the gene encoding IL‐6 receptor may be associated with amyloid‐related outcomes.

Highlights

Genetic variants proxying IL‐6 inhibition are associated with AD and lobar ICH risk.

The variants are also associated with amyloid clearing‐related proteomic changes.

Whether pharmacologic IL‐6 inhibition is linked to AD or lobar ICH merits further study.
Patient preferences for the diagnosis of coeliac disease: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Shiha Mohamed G. , Wickramasekera Nyantara , Raju Suneil A. , Penny Hugo A. , Sanders David S.
Published: August 2024

Background

There is potential for a paradigm shift from a biopsy‐to a serology‐based diagnosis of coeliac disease in selected adult patients. However, it remains unknown if this approach would be acceptable to patients. We aimed to explore patients' preferences regarding the no‐biopsy approach for coeliac disease diagnosis.

Methods

We developed a discrete choice experiment survey containing 12 different scenarios with two possible alternatives (endoscopy & biopsy or serology) to estimate patient preferences. The scenarios were based on 5 attributes: risk of false positive results, risk of missed diagnosis, waiting time to start treatment, risk of complications, discomfort, or pain. Patient preferences and the relative importance of the attributes were estimated using a mixed logit model.

Results

In total, 385 people (70.6% female, 98.2% white) across the four nations of the United Kingdom completed the survey. Respondents preferred a serology‐based diagnosis over endoscopy and duodenal biopsies (59% vs. 41%, β coefficient 1.54, p < 0.001). Diagnostic test accuracy (p < 0.001), shorter waiting time to start treatment (p < 0.001), and discomfort levels during the procedure (p < 0.001) were the most important attributes to respondents. The risk of complications, including perforation and bleeding, did not significantly influence respondents' choices. Respondents with previous endoscopy experience were more willing to undergo endoscopy compared with those who never had one.

Conclusion

The no‐biopsy approach to diagnosing coeliac disease is acceptable and preferred by patients over endoscopy and biopsy. Our findings highlight the importance of patient‐centred care and shared decision‐making in guiding diagnostic strategies for optimal patient outcomes.
A novel numerical approach for the third order Emden–Fowler type equations
Authors: Sakar Mehmet Giyas , Saldır Onur , Aydın Fatih , Rece M. Yasin
Published: August 2024

This article aims to achieve robust numerical results by applying the Chebyshev reproducing kernel method without homogenizing the initial‐boundary conditions of the Emden–Fowler (E‐F) equation, thereby introducing a new perspective to the literature. A novel numerical approach is presented for solving the initial‐boundary value problem of third‐order E‐F equations using Chebyshev reproducing kernel theory. Unlike previous applications, which were confined to homogeneous initial‐boundary value problems or required homogenization, the proposed method is effective for both homogeneous and nonhomogeneous cases. To handle the initial‐boundary conditions of the E‐F equations, additional basis functions are introduced rather than imposing conditions on the reproducing kernel Hilbert space. The method's effectiveness is demonstrated through five examples, which validate the theoretical analysis. Overall, the results emphasize the method's efficiency.
Food Supply
Authors: Hansen Henning Otte
Published: August 2024

The topic of food supply includes subjects such as the world food situation, food crises, food security and global diversion of production. The topic gives rise to many questions. An important question is whether access to food will be a limiting factor for the world's development and population growth. At the global level, to date, food production has been able to keep pace with population growth. The improved food situation in recent decades has largely been achieved by increasing productivity. As a result, the level of food security—calculated as the prevalence of malnourishment in the world—has improved. Food crises have played a major role in food supply and in the global security of supply, and it seems likely that food crises will occur more frequently in the future.
Markets
Authors: Hansen Henning Otte
Published: August 2024

Markets are important for agriculture and for the supply and processing industries in the entire food sector. Efficient markets are necessary to reduce transaction costs, avoid bottlenecks, optimize specialization in value chains, ensure effective competition, etc. At the same time, markets develop and change continuously. The importance of international trade markets is increasing, but the trend is much stronger for industrial goods than it is for agricultural products. The agricultural and food markets are characterized by some specific conditions compared to other markets. One characteristic is that prices generally and in the slightly longer term rise at a slower rate than inflation, i.e., there is a real price fall. Studies also find an increasing price spread (from farm-to-fork) and a decline in farmers’ terms of trade and in real food retail prices.
Resources
Authors: Hansen Henning Otte
Published: August 2024

Agricultural and food production is fundamentally about exploiting natural resources. Resource utilization in agriculture is especially important now and will continue to be in the future due to the scarcity of natural resources. Both agricultural land and water are becoming increasingly scarce resources worldwide. Increasing production on existing agricultural land is necessary, which demands a greater focus on resource utilization and increasing productivity. The richer and more developed a country, the higher the agricultural productivity. During economic growth, labor productivity increases while labor leaves agriculture. Increasing productivity in agriculture represents both an opportunity and a necessity. Increasing productivity is also achieved by new technology, but parallel to this, organic production and consumption is also an increasing trend. Technological advances resulting in increasing productivity and innovation is constantly driving the agricultural treadmill.
A de Sitter S-matrix from amputated cosmological correlators
Authors: Melville Scott , Pimentel Guilherme L.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Extending scattering to states with unphysical mass values (particles “off their mass shell”) has been instrumental in developing modern amplitude technology for Minkowski spacetime. Here, we study the off-shell correlators which underpin the recently proposed S-matrix for scattering on de Sitter spacetime. By labelling each particle with both a spatial momentum and an independent “energy” variable (the de Sitter analogue of a 4-momentum), we find that the practical computation of these correlators is greatly simplified. This allows us to derive compact expressions for all 3- and 4-particle S-matrices at tree-level for scalar fields coupled through any derivative interactions. As on Minkowski, we find that the 3-particle and exchange part of the 4-particle S-matrices are unique (up to crossing). The remaining contact part of the 4-particle S-matrix is an analytic function of just two differential operators, which become the usual Mandelstam variables in the Minkowski limit. Finally, we introduce a spectral decomposition for the tree-level exchange of a heavy field responsible for a cosmological collider signal. Once projected onto physical mass eigenstates, these S-matrix elements encode the statistical properties of the early inflationary perturbations.
Dark Matter physics in general NMSSM
Authors: Meng Lei , Cao Junjie , Li Fei , Yang Shenshen
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the General Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (GNMSSM), singlet particles may form a secluded sector of dark matter (DM), in which Singlino-like DM could achieve the observed relic abundance through various channels such as $$ {\overset{\sim }{\chi}}_1^0{\overset{\sim }{\chi}}_1^0\to {h}_s{h}_s $$

χ
~

1
0

χ
~

1
0

→

h
s

h
s

, AsAs, hsAs, where hs and As represent singlet-dominated CP-even and CP-odd Higgs bosons. We provide analytical formulas for both the spin-independent and spin-dependent cross sections of Singlino DM scattering with nucleons, illustrating their dependence on the model’s parameters in a clear manner. We also present analytic expressions for the annihilation cross sections of these three important channels. Based on these preparations, we conducted Bayesian analyses of the GNMSSM and concluded that the theory significantly favored Singlino-dominated DM over Bino-like DM across a much broader range of parameters. The combined results from our numerical analyses and the formulas distinctly highlight crucial aspects of DM physics within the GNMSSM.
A geometric dual of F-maximization in massive type IIA
Authors: Couzens Christopher , Lüscher Alice
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Using equivariant localization we construct a geometric dual of F-maximization in massive type IIA supergravity. Our results use only topological data to quantize the fluxes, compute the free-energy and conformal dimensions of operators in the dual field theory without the need for explicit solutions. We utilize our formalism to study various classes of solutions, including examples where an explicit solution is not known.