bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐assisted annealing treatment to improve physicochemical and digestive properties of banana flour
Authors: Keeratiburana Thewika , Siangwengwang Nattika , Somphunga Wipha , Fu Tian , Blennow Andreas
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Banana flour can provide a solution to people with gluten intolerance, as it is gluten‐free. Native banana flour may have limited functionality in certain applications. In this study, banana flour was modified by ultrasonic (US) and annealing (ANN) treatments at four incubation time spans, namely 12, 24, 36 and 72 h, separately or combined sequentially (US–ANN) to enhance the physicochemical and digestive properties.

RESULTS

US led to exposed granular surfaces and damaged non‐starch components. Both treatments, at extended incubation time, increased crystallinity, resulting in a narrower starch gelatinization temperature range. The swelling power was significantly lower for ANN and US–ANN compared to US alone, providing a delay of gelatinization temperature. However, none of the treatments affected the gelatinization enthalpy. Furthermore, US increased peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity and setback whereas the opposite results were obtained for ANN and US–ANN. Additionally, US prior to ANN significantly increased the resistant starch (RS) content for annealing times over 24 h, especially for the US–ANN treatment for 72 h, which provided the highest RS content (49.3%) compared to ANN treatment for 72 h (44.0%) and native flour (36.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

US prior to ANN treatment offers an alternative method to improve the functional and digestive properties of banana flour, extending the range of applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Increasing Prevalence of Voice Disorders in the USA: Updates in the COVID Era
Authors: Naunheim Matthew R. , DeVore Elliana K. , Huston Molly N. , Song Phillip C. , Franco Ramon A. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: March 2024

Objective

To estimate the current prevalence of voice disorders among adults in the United States; to determine the association of individual factors with voice disorders.

Methods

The 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was analyzed to identify adults reporting voice problems in the past 12 months. Demographics were assessed, as well as the duration, severity, and resolution of the voice problem. The relationship between voice problems, gender, lost workdays, and long COVID was investigated. A comparison to the 2012 NHIS was made to determine changes in voice disorder prevalence.

Results

29.9 million Americans (95%CI[28.3–31.5]) annually report a voice problem, representing 12.2% of the population (95%CI[11.7–12.8%]). Overall, 26.8% and 13.2% reported the severity of their voice problem as moderate or severe, respectively. Only 5.1% (95%CI[4.3–6.0%]) of respondents sought treatment. Most voice problems were resolved within 1 week (53.0%,95%CI[50.9–55.1%]). Females were more likely than males to report a voice problem (14.4% vs. 10.0%,95%CI[13.7–15.1] and [9.3–10.7], respectively). The 17.6 million Americans with long COVID symptoms were more likely to have voice complaints than those without (21.1% vs. 11.6%,95%CI[18.9–23.5%] and [11.1–12.1%], respectively). Lost workdays were not significantly higher for those with voice disorders compared to those without (17.1 vs. 12.9 days,95%CI[12.0–22.1] and [11.0–14.8], respectively).

Conclusions

Voice problems affect approximately 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. annually, demonstrating an alarming increased prevalence since 2012 using the same survey methodology. Relatively few individuals seek care for their voice problem, despite significant self‐reported impact. Further study is required regarding the impact of COVID and changes in voice use patterns on voice disorders.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3713–3718, 2024
Well‐posedness of quantum stochastic differential equations driven by fermion Brownian motion in noncommutative Lp‐space
Authors: Jing Guangdong , Wang Penghui , Wang Shan
Published: March 2024

This paper is concerned with quantum stochastic differential equations driven by the fermion field in noncommutative space
for
. First, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of
‐solutions of quantum stochastic differential equations in an infinite time horizon by using the noncommutative Burkholder–Gundy inequality given by Pisier and Xu and the noncommutative generalized Minkowski inequality. Then, we investigate the stability, self‐adjointness, and Markov properties of
‐solutions and analyze the error of numerical schemes of quantum stochastic differential equations. The results of this paper can be utilized for investigating the optimal control of quantum stochastic systems with infinite dimensions.
Repeatability ofOpen‐MOLLI: An open‐source inversion recovery myocardialT1mapping sequence for fast prototyping
Authors: Gaspar Andreia S. , Silva Nuno A. , Ferreira António M. , Nunes Rita G.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To develop an open‐source prototype of myocardial T1 mapping (Open‐MOLLI) to improve accessibility to cardiac T1 mapping and evaluate its repeatability. With Open‐MOLLI, we aim to enable faster implementation and testing of sequence modifications and to facilitate inter‐scanner and cross‐vendor reproducibility studies.

Methods

Open‐MOLLI is an inversion‐recovery sequence using a balanced SSFP (bSSFP) readout, with inversion and triggering schemes based on the 5(3)3 MOLLI sequence, developed in Pulseq. Open‐MOLLI and MOLLI sequences were acquired in the ISMRM/NIST phantom and 21 healthy volunteers. In 18 of those subjects, Open‐MOLLI and MOLLI were repeated in the same session (test–retest).

Results

Phantom T1 values were comparable between methods, specifically for the vial with reference T1 value most similar to healthy myocardium T1 (T1vial3 = 1027 ms): T1MOLLI = 1011 ± 24 ms versus T1Open‐MOLLI = 1009 ± 20 ms. In vivo T1 estimates were similar between Open‐MOLLI and MOLLI (T1MOLLI = 1004 ± 33 ms vs. T1Open‐MOLLI = 998 ± 52 ms), with a mean difference of −17 ms (p = 0.20), despite noisier Open‐MOLLI weighted images and maps. Repeatability measures were slightly higher for Open‐MOLLI (RCMOLLI = 3.0% vs. RCOpen‐MOLLI = 4.4%).

Conclusion

The open‐source sequence Open‐MOLLI can be used for T1 mapping in vivo with similar mean T1 values to the MOLLI method. Open‐MOLLI increases the accessibility to cardiac T1 mapping, providing also a base sequence to which further improvements can easily be added and tested.
Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effects of an online group psychotherapy intervention for adolescents and young adults with cancer
Authors: Tutelman Perri R. , Moran Chelsea , Beattie Sara M. , Khu Melanie , Howlett Melissa , Scheidl Jessica , Boychuk April , Silveira Kristen , Henning Jan‐Willem , Schulte Fiona S. M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; ages 15–29 years) diagnosed with cancer are increasingly recognized as an oncology population with distinct psychosocial needs. However, few specialized psychosocial interventions for AYAs currently exist. This study reports on the development of a novel group‐based psychotherapy intervention to address the psychosocial needs of AYAs. The objective was to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects of the intervention.

Methods

The manualized group psychotherapy program is delivered virtually over an 8‐week period by registered psychologists. Four groups (n = 5–11 AYAs per group) with a total of N = 33 participants (Mage = 20.97 years, SD = 3.68, range = 15–29 years, 76% women) were conducted. Recruitment and retention data assessed intervention feasibility. Patient‐reported psychosocial outcomes were measured at baseline and immediately following the intervention to assess preliminary effects. Acceptability was assessed following the intervention using a self‐report measure of participant satisfaction.

Results

Overall, the completion rate of the intervention was 85% (n = 28). All participants “strongly agreed” (88%) or “agreed” (13%) that they were satisfied with the group. Meeting, sharing experiences, and expressing feelings with other AYAs were identified as the most helpful aspects. Participants reported significant improvements in emotional (p < 0.05) and functional (p < 0.01) quality of life from baseline to immediately post‐intervention with medium effect sizes (d = 0.58–0.70).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the intervention is feasible, acceptable, and shows promise for improving psychosocial outcomes for AYAs. Further research will refine the intervention and establish efficacy in a randomized trial.
Investigation, Monitoring, and Simulation of Permafrost on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau: A Review
Authors: Zhao Lin , Hu Guojie , Liu Guangyue , Zou Defu , Wang Yuanwei , Xiao Yao , Du Erji , Wang Chong , Xing Zanpin , Sun Zhe , Zhao Yonghua , Liu Shibo , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Lingxiao , Zhou Huayun , Zhao Jianting
Published: March 2024

The Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) is the largest permafrost region in the world at low and middle latitudes and high elevation. Permafrost is being degraded on the QTP due to global warming, which has a significant effect on regional climate, hydrological, and ecological processes. This paper provides a summary of recent progress in methods used in permafrost research, the permafrost distribution, and basic data relevant to permafrost research on the QTP. The area of permafrost was 1.32 × 106 km2 over the QTP, which accounts for approximately 46% of the QTP. Moreover, simulation studies of the hydrothermal process and permafrost change were reviewed and evaluated the effect of permafrost degradation on hydrological and ecological processes. The results revealed that the effects of permafrost on runoff were closely related to soil temperature, and the effect of permafrost degradation on the carbon cycle requires further study. Finally, current challenges in simulation of permafrost change processes on the QTP were discussed, emphasizing that permafrost degradation under climate change is a slow and non‐linear process. This review will aid future studies examining the mechanism underlying the interaction between permafrost and climate change, and environmental protection in permafrost regions on the QTP.
Chirality‐Dependent Dynamics and Pinning of Transverse Domain Wall in Constricted Nanowires
Authors: Al Bahri Mohammed , Sbiaa Rachid
Published: March 2024

Magnetic nanowires with domain walls (DWs) are among the most promising future storage devices. In applications involving DWs, controlling their displacement within the device and the pinning strength and their magnetic structure are crucial parameters. In this article, the dynamics of the transverse domain wall (TW) and its pinning in magnetic nanowires are investigated using micromagnetic simulation. The spin‐transfer torque is used to drive the DW at different positions within a magnetic nanowire with a Z junction of length (λ) and depth (d). In this study, four different structures, namely, head‐to‐head transverse domain wall (HTW) and tail‐to‐tail transverse domain wall (TTW) with up and down magnetization configurations for each case, are focused on. It is found that a TW with a down chirality can be displaced faster than a TW with an up chirality with a velocity reaching 400 m s−1. In the simulation results, it is shown that both HTW and TTW have higher depinning current density for the up magnetization configuration compared to the down case. For the same chirality, it is shown that HTW has a greater pinning strength than TTW.
Mass spectral characterisation of cyclic oligoesters in a biodegradable mulch film
Authors: Monkley Charlie , Reay Michaela K. , Evershed Richard P. , Lloyd Charlotte E. M.
Published: March 2024

Rationale

Plastic mulch film manages weed growth and moisture loss on the surface of cropping beds. The chemical components of such plastics include polymer(s), additives and non‐intentionally added substances (NIASs). The unknown chemical nature and behaviours of these constituents require investigation due to their potential to add to the anthropogenic chemical burden in the agrifood system.

Methods

Solvent extracts of a commercial 15% polylactic acid (PLA)/85% poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) mulch film were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) with electron ionisation to characterise the additive and NIAS components. The obscurity of some of the NIASs meant their identification was not readily achieved through routine MS library comparisons. As such, the identification of several polymer‐derived compounds required interpretation of the MS data and re‐application of the derived fragmentation patterns with reference to the wider literature. Unknowns were confirmed using commercially available compounds.

Results

Unknown NIASs were identified as cyclic oligoesters comprised of the monomeric building blocks of the polymer system. Cyclic structures derived from the monomers of polybutylene adipate (PBA) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) fragmented through a primary pathway involving 1,5‐ and 1,3‐H transfers at ester linkages. Characteristic ions at m/z 111, 129, 183 and 201 for PBA‐derived cyclic oligoesters and m/z 104, 132, 149 and 221 for PBT‐derived cyclic oligoesters were assigned in the mass spectra of unknowns. Cyclic oligoesters containing sebacate moieties were also identified, indicating the presence of polybutylene sebacate as an unexpected component of the mulch.

Conclusions

Systematic analyses of the sort reported here are valuable for providing alternative approaches for the identification of plastic‐related chemicals. Open publication of MS spectral data is required to build a greater understanding of the mulch film chemical components contributing to the environmental chemical load introduced to agroecosystems.
The inhibition of MARCO by PolyG alleviates pulmonary fibrosis via regulating mitochondrial function in a silicotic rat model
Authors: Chang Meiyu , Li Ning , Zhou Qiang , Yan Yaomin , Xu Weiwei , Zhao Yingzheng , Yao Sanqiao
Published: March 2024

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis is potentially associated with the impairment of mitochondrial function. Previous research found that inhibition of macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) could alleviate particle‐induced lung injury by regulating phagocytosis and mitigating mitochondrial damage. The present study aims to explore the underlying anti‐fibrosis mechanism of polyguanylic acid (PolyG, MARCO inhibitor) in a silicotic rat model. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining were performed to visualize lung tissue pathological changes. Confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscope, western blot analysis, quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content assay were performed to evaluate collagen content, mitochondrial function, and morphology changes in SiO2‐induced rat pulmonary fibrosis. The results suggested that SiO2 exposure contributed to reactive oxygen species aggregation and the reduction of respiratory complexes and ATP synthesis. PolyG treatment could effectively reduce MARCO expression and ameliorate lung injury and fibrosis by rectifying the imbalance of mitochondrial respiration and energy synthesis. Furthermore, PolyG could maintain mitochondrial homeostasis by promoting peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐coactivator 1 α (PGC1α)‐mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and regulating fusion and fission. Together, PolyG could ameliorate SiO2‐induced pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting MARCO to protect mitochondrial function.
Left medial liver lobe torsion with secondary bicavitary effusion and septic peritonitis in a dog with an acute kidney injury following ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Johnson Carley , Spartz Kimberly , Erickson Andrea K. , Finstad Joanna , Carson Brittney
Published: March 2024

A 7‐month‐old, spayed, female, mixed breed dog was referred for a 3‐day duration of elevated liver enzymes, azotaemia, anorexia and lethargy following ovariohysterectomy. Bloodwork showed non‐regenerative anaemia, inflammatory leukogram, moderate thrombocytopenia, severe azotaemia, severe mixed hepatopathy, hyperbilirubinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Point‐of‐care ultrasound identified free fluid and a heterogeneous mass in the mid‐ventral abdomen. Septic peritonitis was confirmed on cytology, and abdominal exploratory with left medial liver lobectomy was performed. Histopathology identified submassive hepatic necrosis and bridging fibrosis with biliary reaction, confirming a liver lobe torsion. The dog recovered perioperatively, but remained hospitalised to receive dialysis for severe renal dysfunction. The dog was transitioned to outpatient dialysis for several treatments. Unfortunately, kidney function continued to decline after dialysis was discontinued, and humane euthanasia was performed approximately 2 months postoperatively. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of liver lobe torsion following routine ovariohysterectomy in a dog.
Phase Separation and Long-Lived Metastable States in Colloid–Polymer Mixtures
Authors: Lekkerkerker Henk N. W. , Tuinier Remco , Vis Mark
Published: March 2024

When a dispersion containing spherical colloids is mixed with a polymer solution two kinds of instabilities can occur, as depicted in Fig. 4.1: (1) bridging flocculation caused by adsorbing polymer chains or (2) unmixing driven by the depletion force.
Multi-layer solid-state ultrasonic additive manufacturing of aluminum/copper: local properties and texture
Authors: Behvar Alireza , Shakil Shawkat I. , Pirgazi Hadi , Norfolk Mark , Haghshenas Meysam
Published: March 2024

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is an advanced joining technique that utilizes ultrasonic vibrations to bond layers of metal foil together. UAM offers several benefits over traditional manufacturing methods, including enhanced design flexibility and reduced material waste, and its potential applications in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering are being actively explored. The study employs a nanoindentation apparatus to investigate the effect of the UAM process on the local mechanical properties of the bonded interface, along with changes in microstructure, which were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction. The results revealed a significant correlation between material hardness and local plasticity. EBSD has revealed that the grain size distribution of Al far from the interface contains 57% of the grains less than 3 µm in size, while at the interface this number rises to approximately 78%, indicating that the average grain size decreases as it approaches the interface. This result is consistent with nanoindentation results that demonstrated a gradual change in the hardness of Al foil far from the interface to close to the interface (the maximum penetration depth near the interface was 500 nm less than far from the interface). Both EBSD and nanoindentation disclose the effect of work hardening close to the interface, which is related to dislocation accumulation with a density of $$8.6\times {10}^{-10} {{\text{cm}}}^{-2}$$

8.6
×

10

-
10

cm

-
2

beneath the interface. The consistency of hardness and Young’s modulus with the pole figures and microscopic images demonstrated that plasticity flow and fine grain distribution would only occur in the vicinity of the interface in the softer metal region. Although the harder metal did not exhibit plasticity or recrystallization, the hardness, and Young’s modulus map indicated the formation of a layer of small grains close to the interface on the aluminum side owing to strain hardening and dynamic recrystallization.
Early history of the study of bone growth (1722–1875)
Authors: Bartoníček Jan , Naňka Ondřej
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Bone growth is a fascinating process, primarily due to its complexity. Equally engaging is the history of its study, which, however, remains unknown to most anatomists and surgeons.

Materials and methods

A literature search was performed in original publications and historical sources.

Results

The early history of bone growth study may be divided into two periods. Firstly, the experimental one, between 1722 and 1847, which consisted in the study of bone growth by the drilling of benchmark holes into the diaphysis, and examination of growing bones in madder-fed animals. In the course of one century, four French scientists (Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau, Marie-Jean-Pierre Flourens, Gaspard Auguste Brullé and Frédéric Léopold Hugueny) and one British researcher (John Hunter) proved experimentally that the longitudinal growth of long bones occurred only at its epiphyseal ends and their final shape resulted from apposition and resorption processes taking place simultaneously both on the periosteal and intramedullary surfaces of the bone. In the second, the microscopic period (1836–1875), the physeal growth cartilage was discovered and described in detail, including its importance for the longitudinal growth of long bones. The first description of growth cartilage was published by a Swiss anatomist Miescher in 1836. Subsequently, this structure was studied by a number of English, German and French anatomists and surgeons. This whole period was concluded by Alfred Kölliker´s extensive study of bone resorption and its significance for typical bone shapes and Karl Langer´s study of the vascular supply of the growing and mature bone.

Conclusion

Research by French, English, German and Swiss scientists between 1727 and 1875 yielded fundamental insights into the growth of long bones, most of which are still valid today.
Spatially resolved measurement of the electrostatic charge of turbulent powder flows
Authors: Xu Wenchao , Jantač Simon , Matsuyama Tatsushi , Grosshans Holger
Published: March 2024

This article reports on measurements of the electrostatic charge of particles in a turbulent duct flow. In contrast to previous charge measurements, which do not apply to turbulent flows or give only the sum of all particles’ charges, the new method resolves the charge of a turbulent powder flow spatially. The experiment consists of a particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) system and electrode plates that generate an electric field. By comparing particle velocities and accelerations with and without the electric field, the time-averaged local particle charge profile is derived. Spatially resolving the charge profiles unveiled bipolar particle flow. The average of the charge profiles agreed well with a conventional Faraday pail measurement, demonstrating the accuracy of our measurements. However, the peak value of the charge profiles was 76 times higher than the average of the particles’ charge.
Incorporation mechanisms and infrared absorption coefficients of water in MgSiO3 orthoenstatite clarified via comprehensive NMR and vibrational spectroscopic measurements, and first-principles calculations
Authors: Xue Xianyu , Kanzaki Masami , Djirar Abd-Erraouf , Gregson Chris
Published: March 2024

We performed1H and29Si NMR and infrared measurements, and first-principles calculations to clarify the nature of OH defects in MgSiO3orthoenstatite. An orthoenstatite sample synthesized at 7 GPa and 1200 °C from a composition of MgSiO3 + 0.1 wt% H2O yielded two1H MAS NMR peaks near 5.9 and 7.6 ppm that are correlated in 2D NMR spectra, and two infrared bands near 3361 and 3066 cm− 1that correspond to the previously reported A3 and A4 bands. The first-principles calculations confirmed that they are due to a pair of protons in a Mg (M2) vacancy. The previously reported A1 and A2 infrared bands near 3687 and 3592 cm− 1for orthoenstatite synthesized at low silica activities were confirmed to arise from four protons in a SiB vacancy. The latter is predicted to give two additional OH stretching bands associated with two strongly hydrogen-bonded O3b-H bonds with frequencies below the spectral range reported thus far. The previously reported infrared absorption coefficients were thus revised to account for the undetected bands.1H NMR may be used to quantitatively detect all four protons (expected at 1–12 ppm). Other mantle minerals should also be examined for potentially overlooked OH defects with strong hydrogen bonding.
Heterozygous loss-of-function variants in DOCK4 cause neurodevelopmental delay and microcephaly
Authors: Herbst Charlotte , Bothe Viktoria , Wegler Meret , Axer-Schaefer Susanne , Audebert-Bellanger Séverine , Gecz Jozef , Cogne Benjamin , Feldman Hagit Baris , Horn Anselm H. C. , Hurst Anna C. E. , Kelly Melissa A. , Kruer Michael C. , Kurolap Alina , Laquerriere Annie , Li Megan , Mark Paul R. , Morawski Markus , Nizon Mathilde , Pastinen Tomi , Polster Tilman , Saugier-Veber Pascale , SeSong Jang , Sticht Heinrich , Stieler Jens T. , Thifffault Isabelle , van Eyk Clare L. , Marcorelles Pascale , Vezain-Mouchard Myriam , Abou Jamra Rami , Oppermann Henry
Published: March 2024

Neurons form the basic anatomical and functional structure of the nervous system, and defects in neuronal differentiation or formation of neurites are associated with various psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dynamic changes in the cytoskeleton are essential for this process, which is, inter alia, controlled by the dedicator of cytokinesis 4 (DOCK4) through the activation of RAC1. Here, we clinically describe 7 individuals (6 males and one female) with variants in DOCK4 and overlapping phenotype of mild to severe global developmental delay. Additional symptoms include coordination or gait abnormalities, microcephaly, nonspecific brain malformations, hypotonia and seizures. Four individuals carry missense variants (three of them detected de novo) and three individuals carry null variants (two of them maternally inherited). Molecular modeling of the heterozygous missense variants suggests that the majority of them affect the globular structure of DOCK4. In vitro functional expression studies in transfected Neuro-2A cells showed that all missense variants impaired neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, Dock4 knockout Neuro-2A cells also exhibited defects in promoting neurite outgrowth. Our results, including clinical, molecular and functional data, suggest that loss-of-function variants in DOCK4 probable cause a variable spectrum of a novel neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly.
$$\alpha _i$$-Metric Graphs: Radius, Diameter and all Eccentricities
Authors: Dragan Feodor F. , Ducoffe Guillaume
Published: March 2024

We extend known results on chordal graphs and distance-hereditary graphs to much larger graph classes by using only a common metric property of these graphs. Specifically, a graph is called $$\alpha _i$$

α
i

-metric ($$i\in {\mathcal {N}}$$

i
∈
N

) if it satisfies the following $$\alpha _i$$

α
i

-metric property for every vertices u, w, v and x: if a shortest path between u and w and a shortest path between x and v share a terminal edge vw, then $$d(u,x)\ge d(u,v) + d(v,x)-i$$

d
(
u
,
x
)
≥
d
(
u
,
v
)
+
d
(
v
,
x
)
-
i

. Roughly, gluing together any two shortest paths along a common terminal edge may not necessarily result in a shortest path but yields a “near-shortest” path with defect at most i. It is known that $$\alpha _0$$

α
0

-metric graphs are exactly ptolemaic graphs, and that chordal graphs and distance-hereditary graphs are $$\alpha _i$$

α
i

-metric for $$i=1$$

i
=
1

and $$i=2$$

i
=
2

, respectively. We show that an additive O(i)-approximation of the radius, of the diameter, and in fact of all vertex eccentricities of an $$\alpha _i$$

α
i

-metric graph can be computed in total linear time. Our strongest results are obtained for $$\alpha _1$$

α
1

-metric graphs, for which we prove that a central vertex can be computed in subquadratic time, and even better in linear time for so-called $$(\alpha _1,\varDelta )$$

(

α
1

,
Δ
)

-metric graphs (a superclass of chordal graphs and of plane triangulations with inner vertices of degree at least 7). The latter answers a question raised in Dragan (Inf Probl Lett 154:105873, 2020), 2020). Our algorithms follow from new results on centers and metric intervals of $$\alpha _i$$

α
i

-metric graphs. In particular, we prove that the diameter of the center is at most $$3i+2$$

3
i
+
2

(at most 3, if $$i=1$$

i
=
1

). The latter partly answers a question raised in Yushmanov and Chepoi (Math Probl Cybernet 3:217–232, 1991).
Synthesis of N-acetylglucosamine analogues modified at C6 position with azido-derived moieties
Authors: Alagia Massimo , Taglietti Lorenzo , La Ferla Barbara
Published: March 2024

We report a simple synthetic scheme for the preparation of several azido-derived analogues of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). The synthesis of GlcNAc analogues has been achieved through a straightforward approach starting from GlcNAc-OMe via an intermediate C6 azido derivative. Products reported in this work were then obtained respectively by azido-alkyne cycloaddition reactions and reductive derivatizations of the same azido-intermediate. This synthetic pathway presents different possibilities of functionalization that can be exploited for the preparation of novel GlcNAc-based drugs.

Graphical abstract
From pixels to prognosis: Imaging biomarkers for discrimination and outcome prediction of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Gotta Jennifer , Gruenewald Leon D. , Martin Simon S. , Booz Christian , Mahmoudi Scherwin , Eichler Katrin , Gruber-Rouh Tatjana , Biciusca Teodora , Reschke Philipp , Juergens Lisa-Joy , Onay Melis , Herrmann Eva , Scholtz Jan-Erik , Sommer Christof M. , Vogl Thomas J. , Koch Vitali
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Recent advancements in medical imaging have transformed diagnostic assessments, offering exciting possibilities for extracting biomarker-based information. This study aims to investigate the capabilities of a machine learning classifier that incorporates dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) radiomics. The primary focus is on discerning and predicting outcomes related to pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

The study included 131 participants who underwent pulmonary artery DECT angiography between January 2015 and March 2022. Among them, 104 patients received the final diagnosis of PE and 27 patients served as a control group. A total of 107 radiomic features were extracted for every case based on DECT imaging. The dataset was divided into training and test sets for model development and validation. Stepwise feature reduction identified the most relevant features, which were used to train a gradient-boosted tree model. Receiver operating characteristics analysis and Cox regression tests assessed the association of texture features with overall survival.

Results

The trained machine learning classifier achieved a classification accuracy of 0.94 for identifying patients with acute PE with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91. Radiomics features could be valuable for predicting outcomes in patients with PE, demonstrating strong prognostic capabilities in survival prediction (c-index, 0.991 [0.979–1.00], p = 0.0001) with a median follow-up of 130 days (IQR, 38–720). Notably, the inclusion of clinical or DECT parameters did not enhance predictive performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study underscores the promising potential of leveraging radiomics on DECT imaging for the identification of patients with acute PE and predicting their outcomes. This approach has the potential to improve clinical decision-making and patient management, offering efficiencies in time and resources by utilizing existing DECT imaging without the need for an additional scoring system.
A method to assess the quality of GNSS satellite phase bias products
Authors: Duan Bingbing , Hugentobler Urs , Montenbruck Oliver
Published: March 2024

As part of the International GNSS Service (IGS), several analysis centers provide GPS and Galileo satellite phase bias products to support precise point positioning with ambiguity resolution (PPP-AR). Due to the high correlation with satellite orbits and clock offsets, it is difficult to assess directly the precision of satellite phase bias products. Once outliers exist in satellite phase biases, PPP-AR results are no longer reliable and the combination of satellite phase bias products from IGS analysis centers also gets difficult. In this contribution, we propose a method independent of ground measurements to detect outliers in satellite phase biases by computing the total Difference of satellite Orbits, Clock offsets and narrow-lane Biases at the midnight epoch between two consecutive days. Results over 180 days show that about 0.2, 1.1, 2.0 and 0.1% of the total DOCB values for GPS satellites exceed 0.15 narrow-lane cycles for CODE final, CODE rapid, CNES/CLS final and WUHN rapid satellite products, respectively, while the same outlier-ratios for Galileo satellites are 0.1, 0.9, 0.4 and 0.1%, respectively. As an important contribution to the orbit, clock and bias combination task, we check the consistency of satellite phase bias products between two analysis centers before and after removing these detected outliers from individual analysis centers. It is convincing that the number of large differences of satellite phase biases between two analysis centers is notably reduced.
Pervasiveness of health information in everyday life in Germany: insights from a photo-elicitation diary study on implicit health knowledge using the documentary method
Authors: Geldermann Anna , Thomaschewski Ricarda , Bertram Caren , Woopen Christiane , Jünger Saskia
Published: March 2024

Aim

In an information society, the complexity of health discourses and media–technological developments touch upon processes of finding, understanding, appraising, and using information. Encounters with health information in everyday life are omnipresent. Hence, applying perceived health information to lifeworlds becomes challenging. We were therefore particularly interested in understanding appraisals and practices regarding random encounters with health information.

Subject and methods

A photo-elicitation diary study was designed and conducted to collect data from encounters with health information in everyday life. Drawing on a sociology of knowledge approach and using the documentary method, appraisal patterns of health information were reconstructed.

Results

Four appraisal patterns were reconstructed: control, optimization, responsibility, and confidence.

Conclusion

The findings contribute to a critical reflection on the pervasiveness of health information in lifeworlds, also referred to as infodemic. The identified appraisal patterns and orientation frames offer insights into the impact of random encounters with health information in everyday life; they also provide a foundation for critically discussing quality criteria for health information in a diverse society, and can inform initiatives for strengthening individual and collective health literacy.
Five-year survival prognosis of young, middle-aged, and elderly adult female invasive breast cancer patients by clinical and lifestyle characteristics
Authors: Teng Yu-Tung , Wang Yong Alison , Dong Yaa-Hui , Liu Jason J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Early-onset breast cancer incidence has been increasing globally and in Taiwan. However, previous studies have not comprehensively examined how clinical and lifestyle characteristics influence the 5-year survival of breast cancer diagnosed at different stages of adulthood.

Methods

We analyzed the Taiwan National Cancer Registry and Cause of Death datasets to understand how clinical factors (including tumor and treatment characteristics) and lifestyle factors (including body mass index, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption) were associated with the 5-year survival of 8471 young, 57,695 middle-aged, and 14,074 elderly female adult invasive breast cancer patients respectively diagnosed at age 20–39, 40–64, and ≥ 65 years between 2002 and 2015, with mortality follow-up to 2020. Poisson regression was used for obtaining the crude and adjusted 5-year survival risk ratios.

Results

Clinical and lifestyle characteristics were distributed differently but had mostly similar direction of association with 5-year survival for the three age groups. Receiving any treatment was associated with better survival, especially for elderly patients. Being underweight at initial cancer treatment was associated with worse survival than having normal weight, especially for elderly patients. Current smokers had worse survival than never smokers for middle-aged and elderly patients. The 5-year breast cancer-specific survival was not significantly higher for those of age 45–49 years than 40–44 years, despite the recommended starting screening age is 45 years in Taiwan.

Conclusion

Our findings contribute to the understanding of early-onset and later-onset female breast cancer characteristics and prognosis, which may inform surveillance and treatment strategies to achieve better breast cancer prognosis.
Can Turbidity Data from Remote Sensing Explain Modelled Spatial and Temporal Sediment Loading Patterns? An Application in the Lake Tana Basin
Authors: Nkwasa Albert , Getachew Rediet Esayas , Lekarkar Katoria , Yimer Estifanos Addisu , Martínez Analy Baltodano , Tang Ting , van Griensven Ann
Published: March 2024

Understanding the spatial and temporal patterns of sediment loading in water bodies is crucial for effective water quality management. Remote sensing (RS) has emerged as a valuable and reliable tool for monitoring turbidity, which can provide insights into sediment dynamics in water bodies. In this study, we investigate the potential of turbidity data derived from RS to explain simulated spatial and temporal sediment loading patterns in the Lake Tana basin, Ethiopia. Utilizing existing RS lake turbidity data from Copernicus Global Land Service (CGLS) and simulated seasonal and multiyear trends of river sediment loadings into Lake Tana from the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT + model), we estimate correlations at different river inlets into Lake Tana. The results reveal a strong positive correlation (R2 > 0.66) between the multiyear monthly average sediment load from inflow rivers and RS lake turbidity at most river inlets. This indicates that the simulated river sediment loads and lake turbidity at river inlets exhibit similar seasonal patterns. Notably, higher turbidity levels are observed at the river inlet with the highest sediment load export. These findings highlight the potential of RS turbidity products in characterizing temporal and spatial patterns of sediment loadings, particularly in data-scarce regions, contributing to a better understanding of water quality dynamics in such areas.
Evidence-Based Guidelines for Low-Risk Ethics Applicants: A Qualitative Analysis of the Most Frequent Feedback Made by Human Research Ethics Proposal Reviewers
Authors: McLinton Sarven S. , Menz Sarah N. , Guerin Bernard , McInnes Elspeth
Published: March 2024

Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) reviewers often provide similar feedback across applications, which suggests that the problem lies in researcher awareness of key issues rather than novel, unsolvable challenges. If common problems can be addressed before lodgement by applicants referencing clear evidence-based supports (e.g., FAQs on common application shortcomings), it would improve efficiency for HREC members and expedite approvals. We aim to inform such supports by analysing the patterns in the most frequent feedback made by HREC members during review processes. We collected every instance (N = 4,195) of feedback made on N = 197 ‘low-risk’ protocols by all HREC staff (N = 16) at one institution over the course of a full year (2019). Reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes (and content analysis to determine relative frequency) revealed that the top three themes are consistent with existing literature: Consent, Administrative, and Methodological concerns. However, we identified important new themes that are not captured in previous research, including ‘Risk to Researchers’, ‘Commercial benefit, scope and scale’, ‘Diversity’ (covering issues of cultural sensitivity, language and accessibility), as well as fair right to a complaints process. Our thorough exploration of information-rich primary data marks an important methodological improvement over previous studies and offers a theoretical contribution to understanding themes that have heretofore been overlooked in the ethics review process. By identifying the common challenges experienced in HREC review we can better inform tailored supports to applicants (by extension reducing workload burdens on HREC systems) and reduce their perceived barriers to engaging in challenging but meaningful research.
Bright soliton of the third-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with power law of self-phase modulation in the absence of chromatic dispersion
Authors: Durmus Selvi Altun , Ozdemir Neslihan , Secer Aydin , Ozisik Muslum , Bayram Mustafa
Published: March 2024

In this article, we are interested in two principal topics. First, the bright optical soliton solutions of the third-order (1+1)-nonlinear Schrödinger equation including power law nonlinearity with inter-modal and spatio-temporal dispersions are perused by taking advantage of the new Kudryashov method. Second, the impacts of power law nonlinearity parameters on soliton attitude are investigated for acquired bright soliton form. With the proposed technique, the bright optical soliton solution is acquired, and 3D, contour, and 2D plots are depicted. Then, the impact of power law nonlinearity parameters on the soliton attitude has been successfully demonstrated. As is clear from this perusal power law parameters have an important impact on the soliton attitude, and this impact alters based on the soliton form. As regards our investigation, this form of the equation has not been studied with the power law nonlinearity in the absence of the chromatic dispersion for nonlinear models and the proposed method has not been applied the introduced equation before. It is expected that the consequences which are acquired in this study will shed light on the studies in this field.
Machine learning-aided search for ligands of P2Y6 and other P2Y receptors
Authors: Puhl Ana C. , Lewicki Sarah A. , Gao Zhan-Guo , Pramanik Asmita , Makarov Vadim , Ekins Sean , Jacobson Kenneth A.
Published: March 2024

The P2Y6 receptor, activated by uridine diphosphate (UDP), is a target for antagonists in inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders, yet few potent and selective antagonists are known to date. This prompted us to use machine learning as a novel approach to aid ligand discovery, with pharmacological evaluation at three P2YR subtypes: initially P2Y6 and subsequently P2Y1 and P2Y14. Relying on extensive published data for P2Y6R agonists, we generated and validated an array of classification machine learning model using the algorithms deep learning (DL), adaboost classifier (ada), Bernoulli NB (bnb), k-nearest neighbors (kNN) classifier, logistic regression (lreg), random forest classifier (rf), support vector classification (SVC), and XGBoost (XGB) classifier models, and the common consensus was applied to molecular selection of 21 diverse structures. Compounds were screened using human P2Y6R-induced functional calcium transients in transfected 1321N1 astrocytoma cells and fluorescent binding inhibition at closely related hP2Y14R expressed in CHO cells. The hit compound ABBV-744, an experimental anticancer drug with a 6-methyl-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridine scaffold, had multifaceted interactions with the P2YR family: hP2Y6R inhibition in a non-surmountable fashion, suggesting that noncompetitive antagonism, and hP2Y1R enhancement, but not hP2Y14R binding inhibition. Other machine learning-selected compounds were either weak (experimental anti-asthmatic drug AZD5423 with a phenyl-1H-indazole scaffold) or inactive in inhibiting the hP2Y6R. Experimental drugs TAK-593 and GSK1070916 (100 µM) inhibited P2Y14R fluorescent binding by 50% and 38%, respectively, and all other compounds by < 20%. Thus, machine learning has led the way toward revealing previously unknown modulators of several P2YR subtypes that have varied effects.
Binary effects of fluoxetine and zinc on the biomarker responses of the non-target model organism Daphnia magna
Authors: Atli Gülüzar , Sevgiler Yusuf
Published: March 2024

The antidepressant effect of zinc on mammals has been documented in recent decades, and the concentration of the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLX) in aquatic environments has been rising constantly. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the combined toxicity of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (FLX) and Zn2+ on a non-target aquatic model organism Daphnia magna. Animals were exposed to single and binary combinations of FLX (20.5 and 41 µg/L for subchronic and 41 and 82 µg/L for acute exposures) and Zn2+ (40 µg/L for subchronic and 80 µg/L for acute exposures). In vivo experiments were done for 7 days subchronic and 48 h acute exposure, while subcellular supernatants of whole Daphnia lysate (WDL) were directly treated with the same concentrations used in the acute experiments. Morphological characteristics, Ca2+-ATPase, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation were examined. There was antioxidant system suppression and Ca2+-ATPase inhibition despite the diverse response patterns due to duration, concentration, and toxicant type. After acute exposure, biomarkers showed a diminishing trend compared to subchronic exposure. According to integrated biomarker response index (IBR) analysis, in vivo Zn2+ exposure was reasonably effective on the health of D. magna, whereas exposure of WDL to Zn2+ had a lesser impact. FLX toxicity increased in a concentration-dependent manner, reversed by the combined exposure. We concluded that potential pro-oxidative and adverse Ca2+-ATPase effects of FLX and Zn2+ in D. magna may also have harmful impact on ecosystem levels. Pharmaceutical exposure (FLX) should be considered along with their potential to interact with other toxicants in aquatic biota.

Graphical Abstract
Synthesis of an innovative SF/NZVI catalyst and investigation of its effectiveness on bio-oil production in liquefaction process alongside other parameters
Authors: Ersöz Kübra , Bayrak Bahar , Gündüz Figen , Karaca Hüseyin
Published: March 2024

Today, new energy sources alternative to fossil fuels are needed to meet the increasing energy demand. It is becoming increasingly important to constitute new energy sources from waste biomass through the liquefaction process. In this study, walnut shells (WS) were liquefied catalytically and non-catalytically under different parameters using the liquefaction method. In this process, the effect of silica fume/nano zero-valent iron (SF/NZVI) catalysts on the conversion rates was investigated. The catalyst was synthesized by reducing NZVI using a liquid phase chemical reduction method on SF. The SF/NZVI catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy- energy dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The effect of various process parameters on the liquefaction process was investigated. In this context, the reaction temperature ranged from 300 to 400 °C, the solid/solvent ratio ranged from 1/1 to 1/3, the reaction time ranged from 30 to 90 min, and the catalyst concentration ranged from 1 to 6%. According to the results obtained, the most suitable operating conditions for non-catalytic experiments in liquefaction of WS were found to be temperature of 400 °C, reaction time of 60 min, and solid/solvent of 1/3. In catalytic conditions, the optimum values were obtained as temperature of 375 °C, reaction time of 60 min, solid/solvent ratio of 1/3, and catalyst concentration of 6%. The highest total conversion and (oil + gas) % conversion were 90.4% and 46.7% under non-catalytic conditions and 90.7% and 62.3% under catalytic conditions, respectively. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed the bio-oil was mainly composed of aromatic compounds (benzene, butyl-, indane and their derivatives,) and polyaromatic compounds (naphthalene, decahydro-, cis-, naphthalene, 1-methyl-.). The aim of increasing the quantity and quality of the light liquid product in the study has been achieved.