bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Testicular Hormone Production in Infertile Patients with Idiopathic Oligoasthenospermia
Authors: SCAGLIA HUGO E. , CARRERE CARLOS A. , MARIANI VIRGINIA A. , ZYLBERSZTEIN CECILIA C. , REY‐VALZACCHI GASTON J. , KELLY EDUARDO E. , AQUILANO DANIEL R.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: We studied the kinetics of testicular response to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in oligoasthenospermic and asthenospermic patients (OAZ‐AZ). The responses of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), 17 OH‐progesterone (17OHP), and estradiol (E2) were evaluated in 60 OAZ‐AZ patients and compared to those of 10 normal men. The responses of T, A, and 17OHP to hCG in the control group displayed a biphasic pattern with an initial peak at 4 hours and a second peak after 24 hours. The E2 response showed a single peak between 24 and 48 hours after hCG administration. OAZ‐AZ patients had two types of T responses: group 1 (n = 40) had no first peak and group 2 (n = 20) had a normal response pattern. The response of A was similar to that of T, and the E2 response was normal in both groups. There were three types of 17OHP responses in group 1 (low, high, or normal); however, the 17OHP response was normal in group 2. Treatment of group 1 with aromatase inhibitors (aminoglutethimide or testolactone) induced an improvement of the acute T response only in patients with high or normal 17OHP response to hCG, whereas no effects were observed in patients with low 17OHP response. In group 2, the aromatase inhibitors induced no changes in the T response. These results demonstrate that in some OAZ‐AZ patients (group 1, blunted T response) testicular hormone production is altered. They also suggest the presence of two enzyme blocks: one at the 17,20 desmolase level, mediated by E2, and another at early biosynthetic steps, not mediated by E2.
Endocytosis of Androgen‐Binding Protein, Cluster in, and Transferrin in the Efferent Ducts and Epididymis of the Ram
Authors: VEERAMACHANENI D. N. RAO , AMANN RUPERT P.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The amount of androgen‐binding protein (ABP) In luminal fluid from the central caput epididymidis of the ram, on a per sperm basis, remains the same as that in rete testis fluid (RTF) entering the ductuli efferentes, although >85% of the testicular protein is absorbed in proximal sites. To determine if ABP is spared from endocytosis in proximal sites and if proteins are differentially and selectively absorbed at specific sites in the excurrent ducts, we studied the endocytosis of ABP, clusterin, transferrin, and a 26/35‐kd dimer isolated from ovine RTF. Each protein was labeled with colloidal gold and microinjected into the lumen of a ductulus efferens and five specific sites in the ductus epididymidis; uptake was quantified by electron microscopy. Endocytosis of each protein, including ABP, was substantially greater in the ductuli efferentes than in any site in the ductus epididymidis. More ABP was endocytosed in proximal regions of the epididymis than any other protein studied. Endocytosis of the 26/35‐kd dimer, like ABP, was greater in proximal sites of the epididymis, whereas endocytosis of clusterin and transferrin was greater in distal sites. Thus, there was a differential absorption, since proteins were endocytosed in one or another specific region of the epididymis, depending on the protein. ABP was endocytosed in the ductuli efferentes and caput epididymidis in amounts similar to or greater than other major testicular proteins, and was not spared from endocytosis in the proximal excurrent ducts. Previously reported maintenance of a similar amount of ABP, on a per sperm basis, throughout the ovine caput epididymidis probably results from recycling of endocytosed ABP or from epididymal secretion of ABP.
Experimental Cryptorchidism in the Adult Mouse
Authors: MENDIS‐HANDAGAMA S. M. L. CHAMINDRANI , KERR JEFFREY B. , de KRETSER DAVID M.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The morphology of Leydig cells of control and 28‐day‐old cryptorchld mice was studied by electron microscopy and stereologic techniques. Leydig cell profiles of control mice were larger in section when compared to cryptorchid mice, but no differences were observed in the distribution of organelles in Leydig cells in the two groups. Quantitatively, the absolute volumes of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), mitochondria, lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, peroxisomes, cytoplasmic matrix, nucleus, lipid droplets, membrane whorls, ribosomal aggregates, and annulate lamellae per Leydig cell were reduced significantly after 28 days of cryptorchidism. However, the absolute volumes of these organelles per testis were not significantly different between control and cryptorchid mice, due to the increase in Leydig cell number per testis in the cryptorchid testis, compared to the controls, except that the absolute volume of Golgi per Leydig cell was not significantly different between control and cryptorchid rats, but the absolute volume of Leydig cell Golgi was significantly lower in control rats. Based on these results, we conclude that, morphologically, a 28‐day cryptorchid mouse Leydig cell clearly approximates a “half unit” of a control Leydig cell.
Diffuse Lymphoid Tissue Associated with the Human Bulbourethral Gland: An Immunohistologic Characterization
Authors: MIGLIARI ROBERTO , RIVA ALESSANDRO , LANTINI MARIA SERENELLA , MELIS MARIO , USAI ENZO
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the presence and distribution of immunocompetent cells in bulbourethral glands obtained from four multiorgan transplant donors. Monoclonal antibodies reacting with B (Leu 12 +) and T (Leu 4 +) cells, suppressor‐cytotoxic cells (Leu 2a +), helper‐inducer (Leu 3a +) and natural killer (Leu 7 +) phenotypes, monocyte‐macrophages, (LeuM3 +), and cells expressing interleukin‐2 receptor and HLA‐DR antigen were tested in all specimens using an indirect immunoperoxidase staining procedure. T lymphocytes were estimated to represent 10% of the mucosal cell population. Almost all intraepithelial lymphocytes were suppressor‐cytotoxic (CD8 +) cells. The results demonstrate the presence of a defined distribution of immunocompetent cells in these sex accessory glands. Their role in combatting infections or other chronic genitourinary diseases is still undefined.
Evidence that Testosterone Regulates Leydig Cell 3β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase‐Isomerase Activity by a Trans‐Acting Factor Distal to the Androgen Receptor
Authors: STALVEY JOHN R. D. , CLAVEY SUZANNE M.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Leydig cells are a target for their own steroid product, testosterone, and thus could be subject to short‐loop feedback regulation by androgens. The authors previously reported that 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐isomerase (3βHSD) activity was higher in freshly isolated Leydig cells from C57BL/6J than those from C3H/HeJ inbred mice. To determine whether this strain‐related difference in 3βHSD activity could be mediated by differential sensitivity to feedback effects of testosterone, Leydig cells from the two strains were cultured in the presence or absence of testosterone, the synthetic androgen receptor agonist, mibolerone, or the nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone. After 7 days of treatment, all three androgens significantly decreased 3βHSD activity in Leydig cells from C57BL/6J, but not from C3H/HeJ mice. When Leydig cells were cultured with hydroxyflutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, the effect of testosterone was negated. To determine whether the strain‐related difference in sensitivity to testosterone was mediated by a difference in the androgen receptor protein, Leydig cells from reciprocal F1 hybrid lines of mice were cultured in the presence or absence of testosterone. Testosterone treatment inhibited 3βHSD activity in both F1 lines to the same extent as observed for Leydig cells from C57BL/6J mice. Thus, there is a strain‐related difference in the response to testosterone, but it cannot account for the strain‐related difference in Leydig cell 3βHSD activity because the high 3βHSD strain (C57BL/6J) is the sensitive strain. Although the effect on C57BL/6J Leydig cells is androgen receptor‐mediated, the dominant effect of testosterone on both F1 lines rules out a difference in the androgen receptor protein per se. However, the data are consistent with the difference being in a trans‐acting factor distal to the androgen receptor.
New Measures of Sperm Motion I. Adaptive Smoothing and Harmonic Analysis
Authors: DAVIS RUSSELL O. , NISWANDER PAUL W. , KATZ DAVID F.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Several kinematic measures from computer‐aided sperm analysis (CASA) instruments depend critically upon the computation of the spatially averaged path of a sperm's curvilinear swimming trajectory. Presently available instruments compute the average path by smoothing the curvilinear trajectory using a fixed‐length running average. We demonstrate that this method significantly distorts the spatially averaged path for irregularly swimming sperm, both within and between trajectories, resulting in inaccurate calculations for the velocity of the average path (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), beat‐cross frequency (BCF), wobble of the curvilinear trajectory (WOB), and straightness of the curvilinear trajectory (STR). The authors introduce an alternative approach, based on engineering signal processing techniques, where the width of the running average is adapted to the changing wavelengths of the major spatial oscillations of each curvilinear trajectory. How this adaptive method results in less distortion of the average path and produces more accurate characterizations of the above measures is shown. This method is implemented in a computer program developed by the authors, called PathTool.* It is also demonstrated that the simple methods used to characterize the frequency and amplitude of the major oscillation in a sperm's curvilinear trajectory (ie, BCF and ALH) are only accurate for the most periodic, progressive, and symmetrical trajectories. Three new measures are introduced, based on mathematical harmonic analysis, that are more robust alternatives to the present methods. These new methods and measures are initially evaluated using prototypical sperm trajectories from human semen. Results suggest that adaptive smoothing and harmonic analysis produce more accurate estimates of the frequency and magnitude of oscillations in sperm trajectories than the method based on fixed‐length smoothing, BCF, and ALH.
A retrospective comparison of pharmacist and psychiatrist‐led medication management clinics in an outpatient setting
Authors: Olson Christopher , Vallabh Anuja
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The need for mental health care continues to outpace available providers in the United States. Clinical pharmacists trained in mental health are an available resource for mental health care delivery. To our knowledge, studies have not compared patient outcomes between pharmacist and psychiatrist medication management clinics. The aim of this study is to assess if a significant difference exists between pharmacist and psychiatrist medication management clinics with regard to escalation of care, evidence‐based medication prescribing, and medication adherence.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who received an outpatient prescription from a mental health provider between January 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018 at an urban Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. The primary outcome was a composite of hospital admissions and emergency department visits due to a psychiatric or substance use condition. Secondary outcomes assessed in this study included treatment aspects related to escalation of care, medication prescribing, and adherence to treatment.

Results

In this study, 111 patients were included in the pharmacist group and 110 patients in the psychiatrist group with patients matched based on diagnoses. The primary outcome was similar between groups (p = 0.646). The pharmacist clinic had a significantly higher medication possession ratio (p < 0.00001) and laboratory monitoring (p = 0.0015). The psychiatrist clinic had a significantly higher ratio of clinic appointments attended (p = 0.0025).

Discussion

Psychiatric pharmacists may serve as an additional resource to provide evidence‐based medication management and improve medication adherence without the need for escalation of care. Increased utilization of psychiatric pharmacists can help improve access to quality care with the psychiatrist shortage.
Treatment Options for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A Real‐World, Single‐Center Experience with Systematic Literature Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Scalia Bruna , Collotta Ausilia Desiree , Giacchi Valentina , Cimino Carla , Ruggieri Martino
Published: October 2023

The optimal therapeutic management of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) remains elusive. The objective of this study was to document our clinical experience in the Pediatric Department of San Marco Hospital and to survey the literature on pediatric CVS treatment, aiming to update the guidance on the most effective treatment strategies for this not‐so‐uncommon condition. Data from 70 patients with CVS, admitted to our Pediatric Department between September 2011 and December 2021, were aggregated and included in the study. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS‐2) tool and the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR‐2) method. Treatment responses, as observed both in the literature and in our own experience, are variable. In our cohort, topiramate demonstrated superiority over other pharmacological treatments, exhibiting an efficacy of 85% in the patients treated. A universally accepted treatment protocol for pediatric CVS has yet to be established. The efficacy of first‐line treatments is generally suboptimal, suggesting that topiramate might serve as a safe and effective primary therapeutic option for pediatric CVS.
The role of extracellular vesicles in skeletal muscle wasting
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Zhao Yanxia , Yan Wei
Published: October 2023

Skeletal muscle wasting is a complicated metabolic syndrome accompanied by multiple diseases ranging from cancer to metabolic disorders and infectious conditions. The loss of muscle mass significantly impairs muscle function, resulting in poor quality of life and high mortality of associated diseases. The fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms inducing muscle wasting have been well established, and those related pathways can be activated by a variety of extracellular signals, including inflammatory cytokines and catabolic stimuli. As an emerging messenger of cell‐to‐cell communications, extracellular vesicles (EVs) also get involved in the progression of muscle wasting by transferring bioactive cargoes including various proteins and non‐coding RNAs to skeletal muscle. Like a double‐edged sword, EVs play either a pro‐wasting or anti‐wasting role in the progression of muscle wasting, highly dependent on their parental cells as well as the specific type of cargo they encapsulate. This review aims to illustrate the current knowledge about the biological function of EVs cargoes in skeletal muscle wasting. Additionally, the potential therapeutic implications of EVs in the diagnosis and treatment of skeletal muscle wasting are also discussed. Simultaneously, several outstanding questions are included to shed light on future research.
A radial‐flow device for the biopurification of a model VOC‐ and wood‐smoke‐ contaminated confined space
Authors: San Martin‐Davison Jessica , Scott Felipe , Vergara‐Ojeda Christian , Moreno‐Casas Patricio , Hort Cecile , Vergara‐Fernández Alberto
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Indoor air pollution is a growing problem worldwide that causes a series of health issues in the population. Effective devices for abatement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are currently restricted to adsorption systems based on active carbon. The objective of this study was to evaluate the operation of a new design of radial‐flow biopurifier using a model mixture of toluene, benzo(α)pyrene (BaP) and formaldehyde, initially inoculated with the filamentous fungus Fusarium solani and the bacterium Rhodococcus erythropolis.

RESULTS

The results show that, under the range of inlet load tested and under continuous operation, the biopurification system achieved removal efficiencies above 90%, translating into a purifier air refreshment capacity of 0.62, 2.5 and 0.8 h−1 for BaP, formaldehyde and toluene, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The system was operated for 8 months, without a decrease in the single‐pass removal efficiency, and withstood up to 15 days starvation periods with a marginal effect on its air refreshment capacity once the feeding of pollutants was restarted. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Biochemical signatures of disease severity in multiple sulfatase deficiency
Authors: Adang Laura A. , Mowafy Samar , Herbst Zackary M. , Zhou Zitao , Schlotawa Lars , Radhakrishnan Karthikeyan , Bentley Brenna , Pham Vi , Yu Emily , Pillai Nishitha R. , Orchard Paul J. , De Castro Mauricio , Vanderver Adeline , Pasquali Marzia , Gelb Michael H. , Ahrens‐Nicklas Rebecca C.
Published: October 2023

Sulfatases catalyze essential cellular reactions, including degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). All sulfatases are post‐translationally activated by the formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) which is deficient in multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD), a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease. Historically, patients were presumed to be deficient of all sulfatase activities; however, a more nuanced relationship is emerging. Each sulfatase may differ in their degree of post‐translational modification by FGE, which may influence the phenotypic spectrum of MSD. Here, we evaluate if residual sulfatase activity and accumulating GAG patterns distinguish cases from controls and stratify clinical severity groups in MSD. We quantify sulfatase activities and GAG accumulation using three complementary methods in MSD participants. Sulfatases differed greatly in their tolerance of reduction in FGE‐mediated activation. Enzymes that degrade heparan sulfate (HS) demonstrated lower residual activities than those that act on other GAGs. Similarly, HS‐derived urinary GAG subspecies preferentially accumulated, distinguished cases from controls, and correlated with disease severity. Accumulation patterns of specific sulfatase substrates in MSD provide fundamental insights into sulfatase regulation and will serve as much‐needed biomakers for upcoming clinical trials. This work highlights that biomarker investigation of an ultra‐rare disease can simultaneously inform our understanding of fundamental biology and advance clinical trial readiness efforts.
Chemical characteristics and biological activity screening of Pistacia lentiscus mastic gum and leaves from Türkiye
Authors: Boke Sarikahya Nazli , Sumer Okkali Gaye , Coven Furkan Ozan , Isen Fulya , Goren Ahmet C. , Nalbantsoy Ayse
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Mastic gum is a resin that is produced by Pistacia lentiscus. It has many traditional uses, dating from ancient times, such as the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and as a food additive. In this study, the leaves and mastic gum of trees of different ages from Karaburun and the Cesme peninsula in Türkiye were examined chemically and biologically. Flavonoids, and phenolic and fatty acid components were evaluated by a liquid chromatography system coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC‐FID). Cytotoxicity was screened against several cancer and healthy cell lines using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition was determined on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) cells. Antiviral activity was measured against avian coronavirus using an in ovo virucidal antiviral activity assay.

RESULTS

The main phenolic constituents of the gum were found to be salicylic, rosmarinic, and caffeic acids whereas the most abundant compounds detected were flavonoids in the leaf extracts. The most abundant fatty acids in hexane extracts were palmitic and oleic acids. All gum extracts except 3‐year‐old gum had significant cytotoxic activity on HeLa (IC50 1.74 ± 0.03–4.76 ± 0.95) and PC‐3 (0.64 ± 0.25–6.22 ± 1.40) cells. Moreover, reducing virus activity by fivefold or sixfold logarithmically between the range of 5–10 μg g−1 of 30‐year‐old gum extracts underscored the biological activity.

CONCLUSION

In ovo antiviral activity studies on the P. lentiscus were conducted for the first time. The mastic gum and leaves obtained from P. lentiscus may have strong potential in terms of their chemical content and antiviral and cytotoxic activity. As a consequence of these properties, it is a sustainable, renewable natural resource that can be used as an additive and flavoring in the food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Highly accelerated multi‐shot intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging in brain enabled by parametric POCS‐based multiplexed sensitivity encoding
Authors: Chen Shihui , Chu Mei‐Lan , Liang Liyuan , Liu Yi‐Jui , Chen Nan‐Kuei , Wang He , Juan Chun‐Jung , Chang Hing‐Chiu
Published: October 2023

Recently, intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has also been demonstrated as an imaging tool for applications in neurological and neurovascular diseases. However, the use of single‐shot diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging for IVIM DWI acquisition leads to suboptimal data quality: for instance, geometric distortion and deteriorated image quality at high spatial resolution. Although the recently commercialized multi‐shot acquisition methods, such as multiplexed sensitivity encoding (MUSE), can attain high‐resolution and high‐quality DWI with signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) performance superior to that of the conventional parallel imaging method, the prolonged scan time associated with multi‐shot acquisition is impractical for routine IVIM DWI. This study proposes an acquisition and reconstruction framework based on parametric‐POCSMUSE to accelerate the four‐shot IVIM DWI with 70% reduction of total scan time (13 min 8 s versus 4 min 8 s). First, the four‐shot IVIM DWI scan with 17 b values was accelerated by acquiring only one segment per b value except for b values of 0 and 600 s/mm2. Second, an IVIM‐estimation scheme was integrated into the parametric‐POCSMUSE to enable joint reconstruction of multi‐b images from under‐sampled four‐shot IVIM DWI data. In vivo experiments on both healthy subjects and patients show that the proposed framework successfully produced multi‐b DW images with significantly higher SNRs and lower reconstruction errors than did the conventional acceleration method based on parallel imaging. In addition, the IVIM quantitative maps estimated from the data produced by the proposed framework showed quality comparable to that of fully sampled MUSE‐reconstructed images, suggesting that the proposed framework can enable highly accelerated multi‐shot IVIM DWI without sacrificing data quality. In summary, the proposed framework can make multi‐shot IVIM DWI feasible in a routine MRI examination, with reasonable scan time and improved geometric fidelity.
Fully reliable iteration method based on simplification of the original operator
Authors: Samrowski Tatiana S.
Published: October 2023

We consider an iteration method for solving the problem with a complicated positive definite operator A by means of a simpler operator A0 (which inversion is much cheaper than inversion of A). The difference between A and A0 is controlled by some parameter. We prove contraction of the iteration operator and deduce fully computable two– sided a posteriori estimates.
Enhancement of Bifunctional Catalytic Performance of G‐C3N4@ Ag Composite by NaBH4 Etching
Authors: Tang Yue‐Feng , Zhao Meng‐Yun , Han Guo‐Zhi
Published: October 2023

Herein, a novel composite of g‐C3N4 and silver nanoparticles(g‐C3N4@Ag) with enhanced bifunctional catalytic activity through chemical etching is reported. A kind of g‐C3N4@Ag composite by one‐pot route, then treated the product with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) solution for a certain time is first synthesized. The property and morphology of the g‐C3N4@Ag composite changed greatly after the treatment. Compared with the pristine g‐C3N4@Ag composite, the NaBH4‐etching endowed g‐C3N4@Ag composite (RACN) with smoother two‐dimensional plane structure, as well as an extension of the conjugate system which originating from the stronger chemical connection between the Ag nanoparticles and g‐C3N4. Furthermore, research results indicated that the RACN showed superior broad‐spectrum catalytic performance for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds, and the catalytic efficiency of the RACN is enhanced dozens of times by the treatment. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the RACN is also greatly improved. This discovery provides an efficient and facile method toward the enhancement of catalytic activity of semiconductor and metal nanoparticle composites by chemical etching.
International student mobility options following Brexit: An analysis of the genesis of Britain's Turing Scheme
Authors: Fox Odhran , Beech Suzanne E.
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the interplay between geopolitical goals, governance and International Student Mobility (henceforth ISM). It explores how the United Kingdom's newly envisaged domestic credit‐mobility programme (the Turing Scheme) is reshaping the spatiality of their outward student mobility flows to bolster a global sense of internationalisation through ISM. During its emergence, the Turing Scheme was often positioned as an antithesis to the pre‐established Erasmus+ Scheme which had a strong focus on European integration, instead it focused on promoting a ‘Global Britain’ narrative. This paper conducts a content analysis of Hansard (transcripts of debates in the U.K.'s Houses of Parliament), to reflect on ISM decision‐making, debating the choices made and unmade regarding the development of the Turing Scheme. This research illuminated multiple issues, adding to the debate about the importance of ISM for geopolitical purposes, and how these can underpin credit‐mobility schemes, and shape these during periods of large‐scale geopolitical change.
Dual‐Mode Operation of Epitaxial Hf0.5Zr0.5O2: Ferroelectric and Filamentary‐Type Resistive Switching
Authors: Knabe Judith , Berg Fenja , Thorben Goβ Kalle , Boettger Ulrich , Dittmann Regina
Published: October 2023

Since the discovery of its ferroelectricity, hafnium oxide is widely used for applications in ferroelectric field‐effect transistors and ferroelectric tunnel junctions. is especially favored for its robust ferroelectricity and high remanent polarization at low thicknesses. In addition, is well established as amorphous or crystalline oxide layer in resistive switching devices. Herein, ferroelectric switching is found coexisting with high on/off ratio resistive switching in sub‐10 nm epitaxial . The resistive switching shows typical characteristics of a filamentary‐type valence change memory (VCM), clearly contradicting the polarization charges as the origin of different resistance states. In contrast to previous observations, no electroforming step is required to initiate VCM switching. The bottom electrode enables a RESET to the virgin state, allowing subsequent ferroelectric hysteresis measurements. It is possible to change between both switching schemes repeatedly without impacting the ferroelectric performance. This indicates that ferroelectric switching and oxygen vacancy movement do not interfere with each other, and both switching phenomena can exist independently. This finding opens up ways to unite the different strengths of both switching mechanisms in the same stack. It becomes possible to assign the two operating principles to artificial neural network training and inference according to their respective advantages.
Origin of Multiferroism of Ion Doped at Different Sites: Bi4Ti3O12 Bulk and Nanoparticles
Authors: Apostolova Iliana N. , Apostolov Angel T. , Trimper Steffen , Wesselinowa Julia M.
Published: October 2023

Based on a microscopic model and the Green's function theory, the temperature, size, magnetic field, and ion doping dependence of the magnetic, electric, and dielectric properties in Fe‐and Nd‐doped ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 bulk and nanoparticles is investigated. The multiferroism can be achieved in two ways. At once the magnetism appears by substitution of the nonmagnetic Ti ion with Fe or other transition metal ions in bulk Bi4Ti3O12. Otherwise, the simultaneous existence of Fe and Fe gives rise to a superexchange mechanism responsible for ferromagnetic interaction. Moreover, multiferroism is possible also in pure Bi4Ti3O12 nanoparticles. Due to surface effects and oxygen vacancies leading to different valence states on the surface of Ti or Ti with spin value , there appears weak magnetism, which can be improved by Fe ion doping. It is demonstrated that doping with rare earth ions, for example Nd, at the Bi site is able to improve the ferroelectric, multiferroic, and dielectric properties.
Modulation of tropical cyclone rapid intensification by mesoscale asymmetries
Authors: Nolan David S. , Nebylitsa Samantha , McNoldy Brian D. , Majumdar Sharanya J.
Published: October 2023

Computer model simulations are one of the most important tools in current use for understanding tropical cyclone (TC) formation and rapid intensification (RI). These include “idealized” simulations in which a TC‐like vortex is placed in a hypothetical environment with predefined sea surface temperature and vertical profiles of temperature, humidity, and wind that are either constant or slowly varying across a large domain. The vast majority of such simulations begin with a perfectly circular vortex as the precursor to a TC. However, most real TCs form or intensify while interacting with asymmetric wind fields either within or external to the vortex circulation. This study introduces a method to initialize idealized TC simulations with asymmetries, and investigates the extent to which such asymmetries might delay RI in favorable environments. It is shown that mesoscale asymmetries can delay RI and reduce the fastest rates of intensification, and that these effects are statistically significantly increased when relatively low values of vertical shear of the horizontal wind are present. In some cases the asymmetries tilt the vortex directly through advection. In other cases, the wind asymmetries increase the disorganization of the convection or increase the size of the inner‐core wind field, and thus make the weaker TC more susceptible to environmental wind shear. The results suggest that mesoscale asymmetries of the wind field could be useful predictors for delay of RI in otherwise favorable environments.
Virtual qualification using digital twin for product development: A case study on liquid crystal display
Authors: Choi Jung Hee , Ahn Dong Geun , Yoo Jae Min , Jang Joong Soon , Lee Kun Young
Published: October 2023

A virtual qualification (VQ) model is proposed using a digital twin not only for verifying electrical properties of a liquid crystal display (LCD) but also for assessing the effect of environmental stresses. The digital twin is developed to reflect product specifications and distributions of manufacturing process data. The VQ model utilizes the digital twin to infer and verify the changes in electrical characteristic values in the internal circuit under a high‐temperature operating test. Additionally, a procedure is proposed for developing digital twins, and its effectiveness is demonstrated based on a case study of an LCD. The developed digital twin may also be used for similar LCD models for design verification.
Environmental policy vs. Environmental innovation: An examination of policies disclosure on sustainable development from stakeholder theory perspective
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Shahid Khan Muhammad , Warraich Muhammad Akib , Ali Mehwish Asghar
Published: October 2023

Studying environmental policy (EnP) and environmental innovation (EnI) is a crucial domain for addressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. It equips the corporates with the knowledge and tools to develop effective strategies, regulations, and technological advancements that can mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainable practices for the benefit of current and future generations. This study attempts to uncover the influence of both EnP and EnI toward sustainable development (SD) within three dimensions, that is, social aspect, economic aspect, and environmental aspect from Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs). A total of 723 documents were considered for data analysis using the SEM method and SmartPLS tool. The outcomes of the study are found interesting and fruitful where firstly a positive connection between EnP and SD was affirmed within Chinese MNEs. Second, the study found a positive nexus between EnI and SD, respectively. The findings highlight the insights by demonstrating EnP and EnI can help attain ultimate output and can strengthen SD of the Chinese MNEs. Additionally, this study offers several thought‐provoking and useful managerial recommendations as well as implications for both theoretical and managerial issues. Moreover, some possible opportunities are reported for future researchers by assuming the current flaws to carry out more research both within the Chinese market and rest of the regions, worldwide.
Semiparametric estimation and testing for panel count data with informative interval‐censored failure event
Authors: Liu Li , Su Wen , Zhao Xingqiu
Published: October 2023

Panel count data and interval‐censored data are two types of incomplete data that often occur in event history studies. Almost all existing statistical methods are developed for their separate analysis. In this paper, we investigate a more general situation where a recurrent event process and an interval‐censored failure event occur together. To intuitively and clearly explain the relationship between the recurrent current process and failure event, we propose a failure time‐dependent mean model through a completely unspecified link function. To overcome the challenges arising from the blending of nonparametric components and parametric regression coefficients, we develop a two‐stage conditional expected likelihood‐based estimation procedure. We establish the consistency, the convergence rate and the asymptotic normality of the proposed two‐stage estimator. Furthermore, we construct a class of two‐sample tests for comparison of mean functions from different groups. The proposed methods are evaluated by extensive simulation studies and are illustrated with the skin cancer data that motivated this study.
Artificial molecular machines: Design and observation
Authors: Zhang Shu , An Yi , Chen Xu‐man , Li Quan
Published: October 2023

Natural molecular machines have inspired the development of artificial molecular machines, which have the potential to revolutionize several areas of technology. Artificial molecular machines commonly employ molecular switches, molecular motors, and molecular shuttles as fundamental building blocks. The observation of artificial molecular machines constructed by these building blocks can be highly challenging due to their small sizes and intricate behaviors. The use of modern instrumentation and advanced observational techniques plays a crucial role in the observation and characterization of molecular machines. Furthermore, a well‐designed molecular structure is also a critical factor in making molecular machines more observable. This review summarizes the common methods from diverse perspectives used to observe molecular machines and emphasizes the significance of comprehending their behaviors in the design of superior artificial molecular machines.
Nanofountain Pen for Writing Hybrid Plasmonic Architectures
Authors: Kim Won-Geun , Kim Sung-Jo , Lee Il Hyun , Devaraj Vasanthan , Jeon Nara , Park Cherry , Kim Minjun , Lee Donghan , Jeon Il , Lee Jong-Min , Tae Kim Ji , Rho Junsuk , Oh Jin-Woo
Published: October 2023

Self‐assembled colloidal nanostructures enable various interesting fabrication alternatives to current top‐down lithographic approaches for supporting localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Recently, there have been numerous efforts to manipulate the LSPR in structural or compositional engineering using clustered nanoparticles (NPs). However, creating heterogeneous colloidal clusters comprising two or more types of NPs requires a complicated chemical synthesis of the linker molecules on the NP surfaces. Moreover, the traditional assembly methods pose several challenges to 3D manufacturing. Herein, a fountain pen‐inspired open‐microfluidic approach demonstrating an exquisite balance between evaporation and capillary action is reported. This approach enables the direct writing of binary NP clusters. Microcapillaries are designed to precisely control the evaporation and capillary action of the binary NP suspension ink at the tip. This approach effectively guides the growth of NP clusters along the out‐of‐plane direction to fabricate a freeform microarchitecture. The growth characteristics are theoretically explained using a simplified balancing model. In addition, the optical properties can be tuned precisely using multicolloidal NP mixing. A Janus pillar comprising plasmonic NPs and biomolecules is showcased as a microactuator operating under chemical stimuli. It is expected that the proposed method paves the way for manufacturing numerous interesting structures in nanophotonics.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen an Sandwichfassaden als Grundlage für deren Erdbebenauslegung
Authors: Bittner Lara , Hoffmeister Benno , Kuhnhenne Markus
Published: October 2023

Im Rahmen eines laufenden Forschungsprojekts wurde die Performance von Fassadenelementen in Metallleichtbauweise bei Erdbebenbelastung in der Ebene experimentell untersucht, um das zyklische Verhalten, das Dissipationsvermögen und die Funktionsfähigkeit bei seismischen Ereignissen zu beurteilen. Wie Voruntersuchungen zeigten, tragen Wand‐ und Dachelemente aus Metall zur Aussteifung des Gesamttragwerks bei, und damit zur Änderung der Eigenperiode im Vergleich zur Primärtragstruktur, was zu einer Erhöhung der anzusetzenden Erdbebenlasten nach dem Antwortspektrumverfahren führen kann. Davon ausgehend lässt sich ein neuer, verhaltensbasierter Ansatz mit Berücksichtigung des Beitrags der Gebäudehüllen in Metallleichtbauweise entwickeln, mit dem die verbesserte Widerstandsfähigkeit der Bauwerke und die Auswirkung eines Schadenserdbebens auf die Funktionsfähigkeit der Fassade bestimmt werden können. Dieser Aufsatz beinhaltet: (i) einen kurzen Stand der Technik, (ii) eine Vorstellung des Forschungsprojekts, (iii) das Versuchsprogramm, (iv) den detaillierten Versuchsaufbau, (v) die Systemantwort unter monotoner und zyklischer Beanspruchung, (vi) die wichtigsten Ergebnisse, (vii) einen Überblick über die numerischen Untersuchungen sowie laufende und zukünftige Forschungsaktivitäten.
Preparation, Biological Activities, and Application of Plant Polysaccharide Iron Complexes: A Review
Authors: Dai Shasha , Hao Zitong , Gao Yuchao , Sang Yumei , Liu Zechao , Xue Hongkun
Published: October 2023

Iron is an essential trace element in the human body. Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and induce various diseases. Hence, it is urgent to find an iron supplement with minimal side effects and good iron supplementation effect. Natural polysaccharides from plants have various biological activities such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, etc. Increasing research has shown that polysaccharides modified with iron can enhance their biological activities. Among them, polysaccharide iron complex (PIC) has significant anti‐anemia activity. With the powerfully development of PIC, increasing research has found that PIC showed some advantages, including good water solubility, high bioavailability, low gastrointestinal irritation, and high iron content. Therefore, PIC has received widespread attention. Currently, PIC is widely used in various fields such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and clinical treatment. However, there are limited reports on the preparation, biological activities, and applications of PIC. This paper systematically reviews the preparation methods, iron content determination methods, biological activities, and applications of PIC. The results provide important references for the deep development and utilization of PIC.
Necrotising myositis caused by Clostridium clostridioforme and Clostridium difficile in an alpaca following grain overload
Authors: Po Eleonora , Sawran Ami , Ward Rob , Haverson Victoria Ann , Baptista Andre'
Published: October 2023

A 4‐year‐old, female alpaca developed necrotising myositis caused by Clostridium difficile and Clostridium clostridioforme, a clostridia spp. previously unknown to affect camelids, shortly after an event of grain overload. The affected leg was amputated due to the aggressive necrosis. This case reports an interesting sequelae of grain overload in camelids, as well as highlights the presence of bacteria not previously known to be pathogenic in camelids and that may need to be further considered in the list of pathogens of South American camelids.
Improving analgesia provision for sheep: An analysis of farm medicine records and attitudes towards pain relief on sheep farms in Northern Ireland
Authors: Crawford Paul E. , Hamer Kim , Lovatt Fiona , Behnke Malgorzata C. , Robinson Philip A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Management of pain is critical to improve the welfare of farmed livestock and meet consumer expectations. There is limited published information about the use of analgesic drugs in the sheep sector.

Methods

A mixed‐method approach was followed. The range of analgesic drugs used on 52 Northern Irish sheep farms was determined through analysis of medicine purchase records. Through interview and discussion groups, with both farmer and veterinarian participants, attitudes towards the use and adoption of such medicines were explored.

Results

The use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was widespread and highly variable. One‐third of farmers in the sample did not purchase any NSAID. Meloxicam was the most commonly purchased NSAID by mass (72%) and standardised dose (73%). During interviews and discussions, farmers outlined the benefits they saw in using NSAIDs and how veterinarians influenced their uptake of these medicines. Use of corticosteroid was evidenced on 50% of the farms that supplied medicine records for analysis.

Conclusions

Veterinarians can influence farmers to adopt NSAIDs for the provision of analgesia in their sheep and farmers observed the benefits they delivered. However, many farmers are still to be reached with this message, perhaps due to being largely self‐sufficient and rarely engaging with veterinarians. Veterinarians have the opportunity to challenge farmers about the provision of analgesia, especially when farmers seek antibiotics for painful conditions such as lameness. Currently, the lack of an authorised product in the UK, with associated treatment guidance and industry promotion, may limit veterinarians’ confidence in prescribing drugs for pain control in sheep.
Hydrological modeling of the Silala River basin. 2. Validation of hydrological fluxes with contemporary data
Authors: Yáñez‐Morroni Gonzalo , Suárez Francisco , Muñoz José F. , Lagos Magdalena Sofía
Published: October 2023

A companion paper in this Special Issue reviewed the development of a hydrological model of the Silala River basin, using long‐term data (1969–1992) to determine the basin's water balance and plausible groundwater recharge scenarios. In the context of a remote river basin with limited in situ data, this article reviews the potential of in situ and remotely collected data, available for a relatively short period (2018–2019), to validate various aspects of the hydrological model performance. These include the spatiotemporal evolution of snow cover areal fraction (SCF), actual evapotranspiration (ETa) in the basin's extensive alluvial deposits, and wetland ETa. The observed SCF dynamics are well represented by the model at annual and monthly timescales, with monthly mean simulated SCF biases between −5.6% and 8%. At daily timescales, the model successfully captures snowstorm occurrence, although there are limitations on snow spatial patterning. Simulated ETa over alluvial deposits agrees with in situ observations during periods of high ETa, although the simulated values underestimate site‐specific observations during low ETa periods, due to the presence of lateral subsurface flows. In the wetlands, satellite‐based ETa estimates follow the seasonal pattern of in situ observations, but with values ~50% higher than those determined from elevation‐corrected eddy‐covariance (EC) measurements. Nonetheless, this difference is within the expected precision of the remote sensing method. Although based on a limited period, the validation results are encouraging, and demonstrate the utility of satellite tools and limited period in situ data for watersheds with scarce long‐term data.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
On the Efficiency of a Class of Combined Schulz's Methods for Bounding the Inverse Matrix
Authors: Petkoviá M. S. , Herzberger J.
Published: October 2023

A family of efficient methods of Schulz‐type for bounding the inverse matrix has been proposed in the recent paper [7]. This family depends on two parameters concerning the orders of convergence of the applied iterative methods in floating‐point arithmetic as well as in interval arithmetic. In this paper we find optimal values of these parameters with respect to the efficiency index that provide the construction of the most efficient algorithm from the considered family of combined methods.
UVB‐emitting LEDs for reptile lighting: Identifying the risks of nonsolar UV spectra
Authors: Wunderlich Sarina , Griffiths Thomas , Baines Frances
Published: October 2023

UVB lamps are used to provide reptiles housed indoors with the UV radiation necessary to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin. Since 2019, UVB‐LED lamps have been on sale for use in reptile husbandry. We performed spectral analysis and mapped the UV irradiance for 18 of these lamps. The positive benefits of UVB‐LED lamps over traditional products include greater energy efficiency, freedom from mercury and easy installation without external ballasts. However, the spectra of all the UVB‐LED lamps tested had little similarity to the solar UV spectrum. Some lamps emitted short‐wavelength, non‐terrestrial, radiation known to cause acute photo‐kerato‐conjunctivitis; we report one case. All lamps were lacking significant output in the range 315–335 nm, essential for natural self‐regulation of cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis, preventing overproduction. We describe a possible risk of serious hypervitaminosis D based on our spectral analysis. We call for long‐term animal studies to assess this risk, in which the reptiles under these lamps are exposed to species‐appropriate UV index levels according to their Ferguson Zone allocation and serum levels of vitamin D3 and 25(OH)D3 monitored. Spectral modifications of the lamps to make the spectrum more like sunlight may be an essential way of mitigating this risk.