bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facial and opercular muscles in the Anguilliformes (Elopomorpha: Teleostei): Comparative anatomy and phylogenetic implications for the basal position of Protanguilla
Authors: Espíndola Vinicius C. , Johnson G. David , De Pinna Mario C. C.
Published: January 2023

The teleost order Anguilliformes, true eels, comprises more than 1000 described species in 20 families, commonly known as eels, congers, morays, and gulper eels. Comprehensive studies of Anguilliformes are limited, resulting in a lack of consensus for morphology‐based phylogenetic hypotheses. A detailed morphological analysis of the cephalic and opercular myology offers a promising new source of characters to help elucidate the intrarelationships of Anguilliformes. Our study is the most extensive myological analysis for the group and includes 97 terminal taxa, with representatives from each of the 20 families of Anguilliformes plus outgroup clades. Results demonstrate that muscle characters inform phylogenetic relationships within Anguilliformes, and we propose two new synapomorphies for all extant members, including Protanguilla palau, the “living fossil”—adductor mandibulae originating on the parietal (vs. restricted to suspensorium) and segmentum mandibularis absent (vs. present). Exceptions for the first condition characterize highly modified saccopharyngoids, and for the second one, Notacanthidae. More importantly, we suggest three new synapomorphies for the remaining extant anguilliforms (except in highly modified saccopharyngoids)—adductor mandibulae originates on the frontals (vs. frontals naked), adductor mandibulae stegalis is separated from the rictalis (vs. ricto‐stegalis fused into a single piece), and the levator operculi inserts on the lateral surface of the opercle (vs. medial surface of the opercle). Our phylogenetic optimization strongly corroborates the hypothesis that Protanguilla is the sister group of all other extant eels. A further goal of this paper is to clearly document the substantive conflicts between the available molecular data and the extensive and diverse morphological evidence.
Estimation of tropical cyclone (TC) rainfall risk in South Korea using the integrated TC track and semi‐physical TC rainfall models
Authors: Alcantara Angelika L. , Ahn Kuk‐Hyun
Published: January 2023

Utilizing historical records is limited in estimating the full distribution of plausible tropical cyclone (TC) risk due to insufficient samples. To alleviate this limitation, this study presents a semi‐physical TC rainfall model to produce spatially and temporally resolved TC rainfall sequences for a proper TC risk assessment. The model incorporates a statistical‐based track model that follows the Markov renewal process to generate synthetic TC tracks for any number of years, with a physics‐based model that acknowledges the interaction between TCs and the environment to generate tropical cyclone rainfall. After simulating the TC rainfall data, we then fit it to a probability distribution function to explore the spatially heterogeneous risk induced by landfalling TCs. The procedure is applied in South Korea as a case study to conduct a country‐scale‐based vulnerability evaluation from damaging TC impacts. As a result, we show that the proposed TC model is promising in producing sufficient numbers of TC tracks that do not only follow the spatial distribution of the historical data but also reveal hidden paths that could be utilized in examining scenarios outside what have been historically observed. Results also demonstrate that the model is suitable for properly estimating the amount of TC‐induced rainfall across various locations over the study area. The generated TC rainfall sequences allow us to reliably characterize higher return periods that are often underestimated or overlooked when the observed data is employed due to sampling limitations. Moreover, our model can properly capture the distribution of rainfall extremes that follow a heterogeneous pattern throughout the study area and vary per return period. Overall, our results show that the proposed approach is effective in providing sufficient TC sequences that could help in improving TC risk assessment.
Recognizing neonatal refeeding syndrome and thiamin supplementation: A case report
Authors: Bradley Caitlin , Hansen Anne , Levy Philip , Hashim Emily
Published: January 2023

Refeeding syndrome (RS) is a condition characterized by electrolyte derangements, thiamin deficiency, and organ dysfunction after the provision of nutrition to an individual who had been deprived of nutrients. Published guidelines outlining the recognition and definition of RS exist for adult and children, but there are limited newborn‐specific guidelines because of a paucity of available literature and variation in reporting. We describe a small‐for‐gestational‐age, full‐term newborn with neonatal encephalopathy who underwent therapeutic hypothermia. Electrolyte derangements and lactic acidosis developed and persisted after the introduction of intravenous nutrition. After the exclusion of other etiologies, neonatal RS was suspected, and the newborn was treated with thiamin. We provide a brief review of the current literature on neonatal RS, present a case report consistent with neonatal RS, and provide suggestions for the utility of thiamin replacement in newborns with suspected neonatal RS.
Digital evaluation of tea aroma intensity and odor characteristics changes during processing
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Wang Yuchao , Hong Lei , Wang Yuze , Huang Yixiang , Chen Yiling , Li Mingzhe , Jia Yun , Wu Zeyan , Wang Haibin
Published: January 2023

Background

Huangjingui (Camellia sinensis)，a kind of oolong tea, is native to Anxi County, Fujian Province, China, and is a national tea tree species. Tea processing is the key link in the formation of its aroma characteristics, and it is important to analyze the influence of each processing process on the aroma intensity and odor characteristics of tea, in order to optimize the tea processing process and improve the quality of tea.

Results

The processing process favored the accumulation of volatile compounds in oolong tea, as evidenced by the increase in their content from 9.793 to 123.052 μg/kg, of which the highest content was mainly in terpenoids, alcohols and esters substances. The aroma formation of oolong tea was mainly composed of 14 key compounds, among which the most critical compounds were four substances such as geraniol, α‐pinene, methyl salicylate and trans‐β‐ionone. The typical odor characteristics of oolong tea were floral and wood, among which the formation of floral odor mainly came from geraniol and methyl salicylate, and the formation of wood odor characteristics mainly came from α‐pinene and trans‐β‐ionone. Further analysis showed that the aroma quality of oolong tea could be improved by focusing on key processes such as fermentation and kneading during the processing of oolong tea.

Conclusion

The processing was conducive to the accumulation of aroma compounds of oolong tea, improving the aroma intensity of tea leaves and forming the unique floral and wood odor characteristics of oolong tea.
Esterified unpopped foxnut (Euryale ferox) starch: molecular and rheological characterization
Authors: Bhat Mohmad Sayeed , Arya Shalini S.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Acetylated‐based starches are broadly used in the food industry as emulsifiers, and as thickening and film‐forming agents. Better understanding of the structural and rheological parameters would facilitate the selection of optimal acetylated starches for particular applications. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and rheological properties, including elasticity (G'), loss (G") moduli, complex viscosity (η*) and study shear stress (δ), were determined for acetylated fox nut starch (FNS) samples.

RESULTS

The degree of substitution (DS) varied significantly with increasing acetyl concentration from 2–6%. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of acetylated FNS showed an additional chemical shift at 2.08 ppm in comparison with native FNS, confirming the linking of the H or the –OCH3 group. The acetylated FNS starches showed better short‐range ordering of molecules, as confirmed by FTIR. A significant increase in the functional and gelatinization properties with increasing acetyl concentration was observed. The power law parameters (n, K) and dynamic moduli (G' and G") increased with increasing acetyl concentration and presented shear thinning behavior. The gelatinization peak temperature and enthalpy decreased with increasing acetyl concentration.

CONCLUSION

The observed DS below 2.5 would mean safe food consumption and the significant alteration of functional and structural properties with varying acetyl content will extend the use of FNS in food and allied industries. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Robotics in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer
Authors: Freyaldenhoven Samuel T. , Tsukada Hisashi
Published: January 2023

The diagnosis of peripheral small lung lesions by electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy is still inferior to computed tomography (CT) guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy. Robotic bronchoscopy is a new technology that may be a potential breakthrough in the diagnosis of small lung lesions. Real‐time tools such as electromagnetic navigation, radial‐endobronchial ultrasound, and cone beam CT may further improve the diagnostic yield rate may further improve the diagnostic yield rate. In this article, we reviewed early experience of robotic bronchoscopy for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.
Observing customer stress and engagement: An intercultural perspective
Authors: Temerak Mohamed Sobhy , Zhang Ruby Wenjiao , Lages Cristiana Raquel
Published: January 2023

Since observing customers outnumber focal customers in most service interactions, service managers aim to engage them despite triggers, such as service incivility. This research contributes to the understanding of the role of stress in observing customers' engagement (CE). It answers two RQs: (1) What is the relationship between their stress and engagement?; (2) What are the triggers of stress? Since ethnically different people pay different levels of attention to contextual and social factors, two sequential scenario‐based experiments are adopted to study two triggers of stress (i.e., availability of information about an incivility incident, and ethnic similarity between the observing customer and the mistreated employee), which impacts CE in an intercultural service encounter. Study 1 compares being exposed to full versus partial information and demonstrates that full information about the incivility incident increases observers' psychological stress, which reduces their behavioral and emotional engagement. Study 2 compares how white and black observers react to ethnic similarity between the observing customer and the mistreated employee. Results show that incivility triggers outward psychological stress in white and black observers. In turn, black observers' outward stress reduces their behavioral engagement, while white observers' behavioral engagement is reduced by both their inward and outward stress.
Effect of β3‐adrenoceptor agonist on the micromotion of bilateral major pelvic ganglion‐excised rat bladder
Authors: Son Hee Seo , Moon Soo Young , Kwon Joonbeom , Kim Jang Hwan
Published: January 2023

Aims

Micromotion is an autonomous intramural movement of the bladder, and is believed to be an initial step in the generation of urinary urgency. Therefore, controlling micromotion may be a novel target in overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. However, developing micromotion treatment has been limited by the absence of a standardized animal model. We attempted to create a micromotion animal model and investigated the effectiveness of a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist (CL316,243) on micromotion.

Methods

Bilateral major pelvic ganglia (MPGs) were excised in 18 male Sprague–Dawley rats, resulting in an almost completely denervated bladder. On postoperative Day 7, cystometry was performed. Rats were divided into three treatment groups: CL316,243; β3‐adrenoceptor antagonist (SR59230A) pretreated CL316,243; and a nonselective antimuscarinic agent (oxybutynin). Changes in micromotion were evaluated after the intra‐arterial administration of each agent.

Results

Low‐amplitude oscillations in intravesical pressure (micromotion) were observed 1 week after MPGs excision. Micromotion frequency significantly (p = 0.003) decreased (2.17 ± 3.54 times/5 min) with CL316,243 compared with vehicle (6.33 ± 1.97 times/5 min). Micromotion amplitude also decreased with CL316,243 (1.15 ± 1.93 cmH2O) compared with vehicle (5.96 ± 5.12 cmH2O), approaching conventional significance (p = 0.090). No significant decreases in frequency or amplitude were observed with oxybutynin treatment.

Conclusions

Systemic administration of the β3‐adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 effectively controlled micromotion in bilateral MPGs‐excised, almost completely denervated rat bladders. This result indicates that β3‐adrenoceptor agonist may affect the bladder directly, suggesting that it might be effective for overall OAB, regardless of the presence or level of neurological deficits. Bilateral MPGs‐excised rats are considered a plausible micromotion animal model suitable for future research.
Impact of supplemental thiamin on lactate levels in adults with septic shock
Authors: Blakeslee Paul A. , Hyrkäs Kristiina
Published: January 2023

Background

Elevated lactate levels at 24 h are highly predictive of in‐hospital mortality in adults with septic shock. Thiamin is closely involved in carbohydrate metabolism, and in thiamin‐deficient states, increased lactic acid levels can be found, exacerbated by critical illness. This integrative literature review focused on the relationship between supplemental thiamin, lactate clearance, and impact on mortality in sepsis.

Methods

A search in PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL was conducted for literature published between January 2016 and January 2021. We included observational studies and clinical trials with ≥10 participants. We excluded studies involving pediatric (<18 years old) populations, animal studies, case studies, dropout rate of >20%, nonhospitalized patients, or patients receiving comfort measures only.

Results

A total of 48 full‐text articles were assessed for eligibility, with 15 evaluated for this integrative review. Included were five retrospective, two prospective observational, and eight randomized controlled trials. In almost all retrospective studies, thiamin administration was associated with decreased mortality, and in observational studies, with decreased lactate and improved clinical outcomes. In clinical trials, thiamin with or without vitamin C/hydrocortisone did not impact clinical outcomes or mortality. However, four trials testing intravenous thiamin 200–500 mg two to three times daily for up to 3 days reported improved lactate clearance.

Conclusions

Thiamin supplementation may improve lactate clearance when administered in the first 24 h. Those deficient in thiamin may benefit more from supplementation. The combination of thiamin, vitamin C, and/or hydrocortisone may not be advantageous. Lactate reduction in response to thiamin needs further rigorous research.
A diagnostic test to examine early improvement as a predictor of later response to lurasidone in bipolar depression
Authors: Kishi Taro , Nakamura Hiroshi , Kato Tadafumi , Iwata Nakao
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Kato et al. reported results of a 6‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of lurasidone in adults with bipolar depression (BDep).

Aim

We performed a post hoc analysis using data from the lurasidone trial to predict later responses from early improvements.

Methods

An early improvement was defined as a ≥20% reduction in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score at Week 2; response was defined as a ≥50% reduction in MADRS total score at Week 6; symptomatic remission were defined as a score of ≤8 on MADRS total score at Week 6.

Results

Both sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were higher for the remission outcome than for the response outcome. The interpretation of sensitivity and NPV in the lurasidone group when remission is an outcome is as follows. It means (1) that, from all remitters at Week 6, 80.6% was identified as such at Week 2 on the basis of their early improvement and (2) that a patient showing non‐improvement at 2 weeks had 93.5% probability of being a non‐remitters at Week 6. However, the values of specificity for both response and remission in the lurasidone group were not high.

Conclusion

Patients who did not show an early response at Week 2 cannot be predicted with a high probability to also show poor improvement at Week 6. In fact, some patients who did not show early response at 2 weeks might have marked improvement at 6 weeks.
Converter inlet temperature control in flue gas acid‐making process based on equivalent input disturbance and model prediction
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Wang Meiqi , Wang Kang , Liu Zhiqiang , Li Guihai
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the problem of performance degradation of flue gas acid‐making control system caused by system uncertainty and external interference, this paper presents a model predictive control scheme based on an equivalent input disturbance (MPC‐EID) for the temperature tracking control of flue gas acid production systems. First, a nonlinear Wiener model is established for the process, which can well character the nonlinear change of process temperature. Second, design the overall control strategy and complete the design of MPC and EID, the observer estimates the equivalent input disturbance, and compensates the estimated value in a feed‐forward manner to obtain the final composite control rate to achieve the rapidity, accuracy and robustness to the disturbance of the reference temperature tracking. Third, a rigorous stability analysis shows that the closed‐loop system is stable. Finally, simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the MPC combined with EID method is more efficient compared with MPC and MPC‐PID approaches.
Reduced modelling and optimal control of epidemiological individual‐based models with contact heterogeneity
Authors: Courtès C. , Franck E. , Lutz K. , Navoret L. , Privat Y.
Published: January 2023

Modelling epidemics using classical population‐based models suffers from shortcomings that so‐called individual‐based models are able to overcome, as they are able to take into account heterogeneity features, such as super‐spreaders, and describe the dynamics involved in small clusters. In return, such models often involve large graphs which are expensive to simulate and difficult to optimize, both in theory and in practice. By combining the reinforcement learning philosophy with reduced models, we propose a numerical approach to determine optimal health policies for a stochastic individual‐based model taking into account heterogeneity in the population. More precisely, we introduce a deterministic reduced population‐based model involving a neural network, designed to faithfully mimic the local dynamics of the more complex individual‐based model. Then the optimal control is determined by sequentially training the network until an optimal strategy for the population‐based model succeeds in also containing the epidemic when simulated on the individual‐based model. After describing the practical implementation of the method, several numerical tests are proposed to demonstrate its ability to determine controls for models with contact heterogeneity.
Novel nanoscale vanillin based covalent triazine framework as a novel carrier for sustained release of imatinib
Authors: Asadi Parvin , Taymouri Somayeh , Khodarahmi Ghadamali , Jalali Hanieh , Zaker Hoorieh , Sadeghi‐Aliabadi Hojjat , Dinari Mohammad
Published: January 2023

This study deal with introducing a novel biocompatible porous nanomaterial for anticancer drug delivery. For this purpose, a porous covalent triazine framework (CTF) was prepared by a solvothermal reaction. The structure and morphology characterization of the synthesized CTF was done through different techniques. Imatinib (IMA) were loaded thoroughly into the CTF to form IMA‐loaded CTF (IMA@CTF) in which drug loading and encapsulation efficiency was calculated to be 82% and 96%, respectively. The releases of 73% and 48%% after 72 h for the IMA@CTF were obtained in pH = 5.3 and pH = 7.4, respectively, which reflected pH‐dependent behavior as well as sustained imatinib release. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity effect of CTF and IMA@CTF assessed after 48 h incubation with normal cell line L929 as well as K562 cells. The biocompatibility study indicated reasonable biosafety of the synthesized CTF and MTT assay on chronic myeloma cancer cells showed no reduction effect in the anticancer activity of IMA after incorporating into CTF. The results demonstrated the synthesized CTF could be as a promise anti‐cancer drug carrier.
Dynamic mechanical, ballistic and tribological behavior of luffa aegyptiaca fiber reinforced coco husk biochar epoxy composite
Authors: Rao H. Jeevan , Nagabhooshanam N. , Kumar D. Sendil , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Verma Rajesh , Jyothirmai Gandeti , Ravindra Manam , Mohanavel V.
Published: January 2023

In the current work, light weight epoxy bio‐composites are created for low‐cost technological applications using luffa aegyptiaca fiber and biochar particles derived from coco husk (CHB). This study aims to evaluate the effects of CHB particles added at different concentrations (3 vol% and 5 vol%) on the dynamic mechanical, ballistic and tribology behavior of epoxy composites constructed from luffa aegyptiaca fiber with different fiber loading (20%, 30% and 40 vol%). The composites are prepared using hand layup process provided with post curing operation. The combination of 3 vol% CHB particles and 40 vol% luffa aegyptiaca fiber having the improved viscoelastic properties by means of high storage modulus (5.05 GPa) and low loss factor (0.31). Moreover, this composite shows better ballistic properties in terms of low velocity impact energy (17.1 J). The optical image of impact damage behavior shows minimum damage of impactor on the composite and penetration effect found to be lower. This luffa aegyptiaca fiber reinforced epoxy composite also shows the lowest value of coefficient of friction (COF) with 0.48 and the lowest specific wear rate of 0.011 mm3/Nm. These epoxy composites made from luffa aegyptiaca fiber and CHB particles may be useful in a variety of engineering applications that can use materials for manufacture sporting goods, home furnishings, food packaging, and transportation.
Brain development is altered in rabbit fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Van der Veeken Lennart , Russo Francesca Maria , Bleeser Tom , Basurto David , Emam Doaa , Regin Yannick , Gsell Willy , Himmelreich Uwe , De Catte Luc , Rex Steffen , Deprest Jan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are at risk for neurodevelopmental delay. Some changes are already present prenatally. Herein, we further examined how the brain develops in fetal rabbits with surgically created DH.

Methods

Two fetuses underwent surgical DH creation on day 23 (term = d31). DH pups and littermate controls were harvested at term. Ten DH pups and 11 controls underwent transcardial perfusion for brain fixation and measurement of brain volume, brain folding, neuron and synaptic density, pre‐oligodendrocyte count, proliferation, and vascularization. Twelve other DH and 11 controls had echocardiographic assessment of cardiac output and aortic and cerebral blood flow, magnetic resonance imaging (9.4 T) for cerebral volumetry, and molecular assessment of vascularization markers.

Results

DH pups had lower lung‐to‐body weight ratio (1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 2.4 ± 0.3%; p < 0.0001) and lower heart‐to‐body weight ratio (0.007 ± 0.001 vs. 0.009 ± 0.001; p = 0.0006) but comparable body weight and brain‐to‐body weight ratio. DH pups had a lower left ventricular ejection fraction, aortic and cerebral blood flow (39 ± 8 vs. 54 ± 15 mm/beat; p = 0.03) as compared to controls but similar left cardiac ventricular morphology. Fetal DH‐brains were similar in volume but the cerebellum was less folded (perimeter/surface area: 25.5 ± 1.5 vs. 26.8 ± 1.2; p = 0.049). Furthermore, DH brains had a thinner cortex (143 ± 9 vs. 156 ± 13 μm; p = 0.02). Neuron densities in the white matter were higher in DH fetuses (124 ± 18 vs. 104 ± 14; p = 0.01) with comparable proliferation rates. Pre‐oligodendrocyte count was lower, coinciding with the lower endothelial cell count.

Conclusion

Rabbits with DH had altered brain development compared to controls prenatally, indicating that brain development is already altered prenatally in CDH.
Influence of Sulfur Defects on the Electronic and Optical Properties of Torsional NbS2: First‐Principles Calculation
Authors: Ni JunJie , Yang Lu , Wang TianYun , Jiang Sisong
Published: January 2023

For single‐layer NbS2, the effect of torsional deformation on the electronic structure of defect NbS2 is studied by first principles. The electronic structure changes caused by two defect states are recorded: energy band, bond length, defect formation energy, electronic state density, and differential charge density. Single‐air sulfur defect VS and double‐air sulfur defect V2S are studied. Based on the two states, the defect system is twisted. The results show that the indirect bandgap of NbS2 is successfully induced by twisting the defect system, and the single‐layer NbS2 is transited into a diluted semiconductor. At the same time, the electronic characteristics can be controlled regularly. On the other hand, the hybrid system can significantly improve the absorption coefficient and transmittance of single‐layer NbS2 in the visible light region, promote the reflection of ultraviolet light, and effectively improve the optical response and photocatalytic activity in the low‐energy region. The results herein lay a foundation for the flexible application of 1T‐NbS2 according to its electronic and optical properties.
Effect of a Metal–Semiconductor Hetero Nanostructure of Cu/Bi2Se3 on Optical Properties of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Abdolhay Arezoo , Kashaninia Alireza , Banihashemi Mehdi
Published: January 2023

An up to 25% power conversion efficiency and performance improvement of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made them promising products in photovoltaic technology. This study numerically investigates the light trapping and broadband light absorption enhancement of a PSC by introducing bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) as shell material for Cu nanospheres (NSs) to achieve a “core/shell” configuration (Cu/Bi2Se3NSs) in the absorber layer of the PSC. The optimal values of Cu NS radius, Bi2Se3 thickness, periodicity of NSs, and the thickness of the absorber layer of PSC are equal to 40, 35, 172.5, and 410 nm, respectively. This structure has a photocurrent density (JL) of 33.01 mA cm−2 and a maximum normalized absorbed power () of 0.89 compared to the bare PSC with  = 21.8 mA cm−2 and  = 0.87. The results indicate that the increase in the Bi2Se3 thickness up to 35 nm at a fixed Cu NS radius of 40 nm can enhance the absorption in the whole spectrum. However, this enhancement is greater at longer wavelengths. The extinction cross‐section is improved by about 3.5 times in comparison with the bare Cu NSs. The results for the PSC with Cu/Bi2Se3 NSs show a 51.3% absorption enhancement compared to the PSC without NSs.
New EWMA charts for process variance
Authors: Haq Abdul , Kalsoom Umme , Khoo Michael B. C.
Published: January 2023

The EWMA chart is effective in detecting small shifts in the process mean or process variance. Numerous EWMA charts for the process variance have been suggested in the literature. In this article, new one‐sided and two‐sided EWMA charts are developed for monitoring the variance of a normal process. In developing these new EWMA charts, first, new unbiased estimators of the process variance are developed, followed by incorporating the developed estimators into the new EWMA charts' statistics. The Monte Carlo simulation method is adopted to evaluate the zero‐state and steady‐state run‐length performances of the proposed EWMA variance charts, in comparison with that of three existing EWMA variance charts and the weighted adaptive CUSUM variance chart. The findings reveal that the proposed charts generally perform better than the existing charts. An example of application is given to show the implementation of the proposed and existing charts in detecting increases or decreases in the process variance.
Fixed time stability of impulsive stochastic nonlinear time‐varying systems
Authors: Peng Haiqi , Zhu Quanxin
Published: January 2023

The aim of the article is to discuss stochastic fixed‐time (FIXT) stability of impulsive stochastic nonlinear time‐varying systems. By using the multiple Lyapunov method and stochastic analysis theory, several novel stability theorems for determining stochastic FIXT stability are established. Concurrently, the estimation of stochastic settling time is given. Compared with other conclusions about stochastic FIXT stability, the results can be more widely applied to impulsive stochastic nonlinear time‐varying systems, the constraint of the impulse strength factor and the differential operator are also relaxed. Furthermore, some corollaries are obtained to establish stochastic FIXT stability of impulsive stochastic nonlinear time‐varying systems.
Ship waves in rivers: Environmental criteria and analysis methods for measurements
Authors: Fenton John D. , Huber Boris , Klasz Gerhard , Krouzecky Norbert
Published: January 2023

A literature review shows that the most important physical quantities determining environmental impact of ship waves in a waterway are the fluid velocities, maximum and minimum water levels, and size of drawdown events. Fluid velocity can vary strongly in the vertical so that the usual measurements at a single point are not enough unless made near where the effects are most important, often the bed. Customary use of wave height as a measure of impact has been misleading, because the all‐important fluid velocity is of a scale given by wave height divided by wave period. A good and simple estimate of the surface velocity as a disturbance scale is shown to be given by the time derivative of the free surface height. The most important role of linear wave theory is to explain and understand the physics and measurement procedures, such as done here in several places. Its use for obtaining numerical results is criticised. Instead, three integral measures of impact are proposed, all of which use surface elevation measurements and which require no essential mathematical approximations or wave‐by‐wave analysis. The methods are applied to a study of ship waves on the Danube River. A number of results are presented, including examination of the effects of measurement frequency. After a ship passage, due to repeated shoreline reflections of the wake waves, the river is brought into a long‐lasting state of short‐crested disturbances, with finite fluid velocities. The environmental consequences of this might be important. After the primary and secondary ship waves it could be called the tertiary wave system.
Towards more sustainable diets: Insights from food production responses to diet transitions in China
Authors: Xiang Xiaozhi , Peng Li , Zhang Yaxian
Published: January 2023

Similar to most middle‐income countries, residents' dietary patterns are continuously changing in China. However, their future development directions (for instance, to a more sustainable diet) and impacts on national food production systems remain uncertain. This study links a diets driver module to a dynamic computable general equilibrium (DCGE) framework to identify potential diet changes and the consequent food production responses. The results show that China would shift its dietary structure towards a high consumption of vegetables, fruits and animal‐source foods in ‘conventional paths’, which are a continuation of previous variation trends. This is likely to induce a rapid expansion in the yields of major foods during the period from 2018 to 2030, following which this increase would slow down. However, there would be a considerable decrease in staple foods, meat and egg intakes, as well as a sharp increase in dairy demand when diets shift towards the targets put forth in the Chinese Dietary Guideline. Under this shock, most food production activities would decrease in scale and the ‘cereal–pork’ agricultural priority would be diminished. These findings also stress the importance of synergy between the two endpoints of the food system and potential challenges facing the shift to sustainable diets.
Advances of Electroactive Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Cong Cong , Ma Huaibo
Published: January 2023

The preparation of electroactive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for applications of supercapacitors and batteries has received much attention and remarkable progress during the past few years. MOF‐based materials including pristine MOFs, hybrid MOFs or MOF composites, and MOF derivatives are well designed by a combination of organic linkers (e.g., carboxylic acids, conjugated aromatic phenols/thiols, conjugated aromatic amines, and N‐heterocyclic donors) and metal salts to construct predictable structures with appropriate properties. This review will focus on construction strategies of pristine MOFs and hybrid MOFs as anodes, cathodes, separators, and electrolytes in supercapacitors and batteries. Descriptions and discussions follow categories of electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs), pseudocapacitors (PSCs), and hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) for supercapacitors. In contrast, Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), Lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs), Lithium‐oxygen batteries (LOBs), Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), Sodium‐sulfur batteries (SSBs), Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs), Zinc–air batteries (ZABs), Aluminum‐sulfur batteries (ASBs), and others (e.g., LiSe, NiZn, H+, alkaline, organic, and redox flow batteries) are categorized for batteries.
Passivation Behavior of Different Building Planes of Selective Laser Melting 316L Stainless Steel in 3.5% NaCl Solution
Authors: Gao Tian , Liu Zhihong , Yang Lanlan , Tang Yanbing , Lu Daohua , Yu Yang , Yang Haokun , Qiao Yanxin
Published: January 2023

The passivation behavior of selective laser melting 316L stainless steel (SLM 316L SS) on different building planes is studied in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results show that the XOZ and YOZ planes have a semicircular molten pool structure, and the XOY plane shows a columnar molten pool structure. Meanwhile, the XOZ planes have relatively smaller grain sizes and higher low‐angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) proportionate than that of YOZ and XOY planes. The electrochemical testing results illustrate that the XOZ plane has a lower corrosion tendency than that of YOZ and XOY planes, as the thicker passive film with higher content of Cr2O3 is detected on the XOZ plane. The XOZ plane, which has a higher Crox + hy
/(Feox + hy + Crox + hy
) ratio, has excellent passivation performance and better electrochemical properties than the other two planes.
Plasma Meets MOFs: Synthesis, Modifications, and Functionalities
Authors: Wei Qian , Xue Sen , Wu Weijie , Liu Suli , Li Shanshan , Zhang Chunmei , Jiang Shahua
Published: January 2023

As a porous and network materials consisting of metals and organic ligands, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have become one of excellent crystalline porous materials and play an important role in the era about materials science. Plasma, as a useful tool for stimulating efficient reactions under many conditions, and the plasma‐assisted technology gets more attractions and endows MOFs more properties. Based on its feature, the research about the modifications and functionalities of MOFs have been developing a certain extent. This review contains a description of the methods for plasma‐assisted modification and synthesis of MOFs, with specifically focusing on the plasma‐assisted potential for modifications and functionalities of MOFs. The different applications of plasma‐assisted MOFs were also presented.
Optimization of the energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer for determination of elemental composition of air particulate matter samples
Authors: Ryś Anna , Wróbel Paweł , Samek Lucyna
Published: January 2023

Elemental composition of air particulate matter samples was determined by energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence technique utilizing in‐house constructed secondary target excitation system. The system, based on 3 kW Mo‐anode x‐ray tube with Ni and Mo secondary targets, was operated in air at atmospheric pressure. The sensitivities of the measurement system were determined for a number of elements in the atomic number range from Z = 13 to Z = 39 (K‐series characteristic radiation) and from Z = 44 to Z = 82 (L‐series characteristic radiation). The results of measurement of reference material samples confirmed that the in‐house constructed system is well suited for analysis of air particulate matter deposits on filter substrate with application of the thin‐layer sample model, with sufficiently good detection limits also for low‐Z elements such as Al, Si, P, S, and Cl.
Partition functions and fibering operators on the Coulomb branch of 5d SCFTs
Authors: Closset Cyril , Magureanu Horia
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We study 5d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric field theories on closed five-manifolds $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
5 which are principal circle bundles over simply-connected Kähler four-manifolds, $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
4, equipped with the Donaldson-Witten twist. We propose a new approach to compute the supersymmetric partition function on $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
5 through the insertion of a fibering operator, which introduces a non-trivial fibration over $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
4, in the 4d topologically twisted field theory. We determine the so-called Coulomb branch partition function on any such $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
5, which is conjectured to be the holomorphic ‘integrand’ of the full partition function. We precisely match the low-energy effective field theory approach to explicit one-loop computations, and we discuss the effect of non-perturbative 5d BPS particles in this context. When $$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
4 is toric, we also reconstruct our Coulomb branch partition function by appropriately gluing Nekrasov partition functions. As a by-product of our analysis, we provide strong new evidence for the validity of the Lockhart-Vafa formula for the five-sphere partition function.
Massive gravitino scattering amplitudes and the unitarity cutoff of the new Fayet-Iliopoulos terms
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Guillen Anthony , Rondeau François
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We compute the 2 → 2 gravitino scattering amplitudes at tree level in supergravity theories where supersymmetry is spontaneously broken. In the unitary gauge, the gravitino becomes massive (of mass m3/2) by absorbing the Goldstino, and the scattering amplitudes of its longitudinal polarisations grow with energy as $$ {\kappa}^2{E}^4/{m}_{3/2}^2 $$

κ
2

E
4

/

m

3
/
2

2

, signaling a potential breakdown of unitarity at a scale $$ {\Lambda}^2\sim {m}_{3/2}/\kappa \sim {M}_{\textrm{SUSY}}^2 $$

Λ
2

∼

m

3
/
2

/
κ
∼

M
SUSY
2

. As we show explicitly in the Polonyi model, this leading term is cancelled by the contributions coming from the scalar partner of the Goldstino (sgoldstino), restoring perturbative unitarity up to the Planck scale. This is expected since supersymmetry is spontaneously broken, in analogy with the situation occuring in the Standard Model, where massive gauge bosons scattering preserves unitarity at high energy once we consider the contributions from the Higgs boson. However, when supersymmetry is broken by the new Fayet-Iliopoulos D-term, with ungauged R-symmetry, the above cancellation does not occur. In this case, the unbroken phase is singular and there is no contribution able to cancel the quartic divergences of the amplitudes, leading to a cutoff Λ ~ MSUSY where the effective theory breaks down. The same behaviour is obtained when supersymmetry is non-linearly realised.
A plethora of Type IIA embeddings for d = 5 minimal supergravity
Authors: Couzens Christopher , Macpherson Niall T. , Passias Achilleas
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We construct multiple embeddings of all solutions of d = 5 minimal (un)gauged supergravity into massive Type IIA supergravity. The internal spaces and warpings of such embeddings are the same as those of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric (Mink5) AdS5 vacua, with the slight modification that the U(1) R-symmetry direction becomes fibered over the external space by the d = 5 gauge field. In addition the fluxes are appropriately modified. There are many distinct types of the aforementioned internal spaces and as such many different embeddings of the d = 5 supergravity. As examples of our setup we provide new solutions dual to six-dimensional, $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (1, 0) SCFTs compactified on the product of a constant curvature Riemann surface and a spindle. We also provide a multitude of massive Type IIA embeddings for rotating, asymptotically AdS5 black hole solutions.
Loss of RREB1 in pancreatic beta cells reduces cellular insulin content and affects endocrine cell gene expression
Authors: Mattis Katia K. , Krentz Nicole A. J. , Metzendorf Christoph , Abaitua Fernando , Spigelman Aliya F. , Sun Han , Ikle Jennifer M. , Thaman Swaraj , Rottner Antje K. , Bautista Austin , Mazzaferro Eugenia , Perez-Alcantara Marta , Manning Fox Jocelyn E. , Torres Jason M. , Wesolowska-Andersen Agata , Yu Grace Z. , Mahajan Anubha , Larsson Anders , MacDonald Patrick E. , Davies Benjamin , den Hoed Marcel , Gloyn Anna L.
Published: January 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Genome-wide studies have uncovered multiple independent signals at the RREB1 locus associated with altered type 2 diabetes risk and related glycaemic traits. However, little is known about the function of the zinc finger transcription factor Ras-responsive element binding protein 1 (RREB1) in glucose homeostasis or how changes in its expression and/or function influence diabetes risk.

Methods

A zebrafish model lacking rreb1a and rreb1b was used to study the effect of RREB1 loss in vivo. Using transcriptomic and cellular phenotyping of a human beta cell model (EndoC-βH1) and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived beta-like cells, we investigated how loss of RREB1 expression and activity affects pancreatic endocrine cell development and function. Ex vivo measurements of human islet function were performed in donor islets from carriers of RREB1 type 2 diabetes risk alleles.

Results

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of rreb1a and rreb1b function in zebrafish supports an in vivo role for the transcription factor in beta cell mass, beta cell insulin expression and glucose levels. Loss of RREB1 also reduced insulin gene expression and cellular insulin content in EndoC-βH1 cells and impaired insulin secretion under prolonged stimulation. Transcriptomic analysis of RREB1 knockdown and knockout EndoC-βH1 cells supports RREB1 as a novel regulator of genes involved in insulin secretion. In vitro differentiation of RREB1KO/KO hiPSCs revealed dysregulation of pro-endocrine cell genes, including RFX family members, suggesting that RREB1 also regulates genes involved in endocrine cell development. Human donor islets from carriers of type 2 diabetes risk alleles in RREB1 have altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion ex vivo, consistent with a role for RREB1 in regulating islet cell function.

Conclusions/interpretation

Together, our results indicate that RREB1 regulates beta cell function by transcriptionally regulating the expression of genes involved in beta cell development and function.

Graphical abstract
Immersive movies: the effect of point of view on narrative engagement
Authors: Cannavò Alberto , Castiello Antonio , Pratticò F. Gabriele , Mazali Tatiana , Lamberti Fabrizio
Published: January 2023

Cinematic virtual reality (CVR) offers filmmakers a wide range of possibilities to explore new techniques regarding movie scripting, shooting and editing. Despite the many experiments performed so far both with both live action and computer-generated movies, just a few studies focused on analyzing how the various techniques actually affect the viewers’ experience. Like in traditional cinema, a key step for CVR screenwriters and directors is to choose from which perspective the viewers will see the scene, the so-called point of view (POV). The aim of this paper is to understand to what extent watching an immersive movie from a specific POV could impact the narrative engagement (NE), i.e., the viewers’ sensation of being immersed in the movie environment and being connected with its characters and story. Two POVs that are typically used in CVR, i.e., first-person perspective (1-PP) and external perspective (EP), are investigated through a user study in which both objective and subjective metrics were collected. The user study was carried out by leveraging two live action 360° short films with distinct scripts. The results suggest that the 1-PP experience could be more pleasant than the EP one in terms of overall NE and narrative presence, or even for all the NE dimensions if the potential of that POV is specifically exploited.
Extending the breadth of saliva metabolome fingerprinting by smart template strategies and effective pattern realignment on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic data
Authors: Squara Simone , Manig Friederike , Henle Thomas , Hellwig Michael , Caratti Andrea , Bicchi Carlo , Reichenbach Stephen E. , Tao Qingping , Collino Massimo , Cordero Chiara
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) is one the most powerful analytical platforms for chemical investigations of complex biological samples. It produces large datasets that are rich in information, but highly complex, and its consistency may be affected by random systemic fluctuations and/or changes in the experimental parameters. This study details the optimization of a data processing strategy that compensates for severe 2D pattern misalignments and detector response fluctuations for saliva samples analyzed across 2 years. The strategy was trained on two batches: one with samples from healthy subjects who had undergone dietary intervention with high/low-Maillard reaction products (dataset A), and the second from healthy/unhealthy obese individuals (dataset B). The combined untargeted and targeted pattern recognition algorithm (i.e., UT fingerprinting) was tuned for key process parameters, the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), and MS spectrum similarity thresholds, and then tested for the best transform function (global or local, affine or low-degree polynomial) for pattern realignment in the temporal domain. Reliable peak detection achieved its best performance, computed as % of false negative/positive matches, with a S/N threshold of 50 and spectral similarity direct match factor (DMF) of 700. Cross-alignment of bi-dimensional (2D) peaks in the temporal domain was fully effective with a supervised operation including multiple centroids (reference peaks) and a match-and-transform strategy using affine functions. Regarding the performance-derived response fluctuations, the most promising strategy for cross-comparative analysis and data fusion included the mass spectral total useful signal (MSTUS) approach followed by Z-score normalization on the resulting matrix.