bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention strategies and U = U among adult sexual and gender minorities in Brazil
Authors: Silva Kayser Rogerio Oliveira , Ferreira Rayane Cupolillo , Coelho Lara E. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Torres Thiago S. , Luz Paula M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Although strong scientific evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of treatment‐as‐prevention (TasP) is available, full endorsement of the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U = U) and “zero‐risk” messages could be improved. Increasing knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment is a critical component of care efforts. The study assessed knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention strategies, and the perceived accuracy of the slogan U = U among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Brazil.

Methods

Cross‐sectional web‐based survey targeting adult SGM living in Brazil (2021−2022) recruited on social media and dating apps. We used the 12‐item HIV Knowledge Assessment (HIV‐KA) questionnaire to assess HIV knowledge, three items of which address pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post‐exposure prophylaxis and TasP. Perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan was assessed with the question: “With regards to HIV‐positive individuals transmitting HIV through sexual contact, how accurate do you believe the slogan U = U is?”. We a priori grouped the study population into three mutually exclusive groups: people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV negative and HIV unknown. We used logistic regression models to assess factors associated with high HIV knowledge and perception of the U = U as completely accurate.

Results

Of 50,222 individuals accessing the questionnaire, 23,981 were included: 5071 (21.0%) PLHIV, 17,257 (71.5%) HIV negative and 1653 (6.9%) HIV unknown. The proportion of participants with high knowledge was significantly higher for PLHIV and HIV negative (48.1% and 45.5%, respectively) compared to 26.1% of HIV unknown. More PLHIV perceived U = U as completely accurate (80.4%), compared to 60.0% of HIV negative and 42.9% of HIV unknown. HIV knowledge correlates with perceived accuracy of the U = U slogan across all groups. Higher HIV knowledge was associated with higher income and education regardless of HIV status. Among HIV‐negative participants, PrEP awareness and use were associated with higher knowledge and accurate perception of the U = U slogan.

Conclusions

Our findings show that HIV knowledge and perceived accuracy of U = U are strongly correlated, that knowledge differs according to HIV status, and that poor socio‐economic is linked to poor knowledge among SGM from Brazil. Educational strategies regarding TasP, U = U and zero risk targeting socio‐economically vulnerable populations are urgent in Brazil.
Improvements in Between‐Vendor MRI Harmonization of Renal T2 Mapping using Stimulated Echo Compensation
Authors: Li Hao , Daniel Alexander J. , Buchanan Charlotte E. , Nery Fábio , Morris David M. , Li Shaohang , Huang Yuan , Sousa João A. , Sourbron Steven , Mendichovszky Iosif A. , Thomas David L. , Priest Andrew N. , Francis Susan T.
Published: February 2024

Background

T2 mapping is valuable to evaluate pathophysiology in kidney disease. However, variations in T2 relaxation time measurements across MR scanners and vendors may occur requiring additional correction.

Purpose

To harmonize renal T2 measurements between MR vendor platforms, and use an extended‐phase‐graph‐based fitting method (“StimFit”) to correct stimulated echoes and reduce between‐vendor variations.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

8 healthy “travelling” volunteers (37.5% female, 32 ± 6 years) imaged on four MRI systems across three vendors at four sites, 10 healthy volunteers (50% female, 32 ± 8 years) scanned multiple times on a given MR scanner for repeatability evaluation. ISMRM/NIST system phantom scanned for evaluation of T2 accuracy.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, multiecho spin‐echo sequence.

Assessment

T2 images fit using conventional monoexponential fitting and “StimFit.” Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of phantom measurements with reference T2 values. Average cortex and medulla T2 values compared between MR vendors, with masks obtained from T2‐weighted images and T1 maps. Full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) T2 distributions to evaluate local homogeneity of measurements.

Statistical Tests

Coefficient of variation (CV), linear mixed‐effects model, analysis of variance, student's t‐tests, Bland–Altman plots, P‐value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

In the ISMRM/NIST phantom, “StimFit” reduced the MAPE from 4.9%, 9.1%, 24.4%, and 18.1% for the four sites (three vendors) to 3.3%, 3.0%, 6.6%, and 4.1%, respectively. In vivo, there was a significant difference in kidney T2 measurements between vendors using a monoexponential fit, but not with “StimFit” (P = 0.86 and 0.92, cortex and medulla, respectively). The intervendor CVs of T2 measures were reduced from 8.0% to 2.6% (cortex) and 7.1% to 2.8% (medulla) with StimFit, resulting in no significant differences for the CVs of intravendor repeat acquisitions (P = 0.13 and 0.05). “StimFit” significantly reduced the FWHM of T2 distributions in the cortex and whole kidney.

Data Conclusion

Stimulated‐echo correction reduces renal T2 variation across MR vendor platforms.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Estimating the extent of selective reporting: An application to economics
Authors: Bruns Stephan B. , Deressa Teshome K. , Stanley T. D. , Doucouliagos Chris , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: February 2024

Using a sample of 70,399 published p‐values from 192 meta‐analyses, we empirically estimate the counterfactual distribution of p‐values in the absence of any biases. Comparing observed p‐values with counterfactually expected p‐values allows us to estimate how many p‐values are published as being statistically significant when they should have been published as non‐significant. We estimate the extent of selectively reported p‐values to range between 57.7% and 71.9% of the significant p‐values. The counterfactual p‐value distribution also allows us to assess shifts of p‐values along the entire distribution of published p‐values, revealing that particularly very small p‐values (p < 0.001) are unexpectedly abundant in the published literature. Subsample analysis suggests that the extent of selective reporting is reduced in research fields that use experimental designs, analyze microeconomics research questions, and have at least some adequately powered studies.
An enhanced productivity of pink oyster mushroom with improved nutritional profile, characterization and attempt for commercial exploitation
Authors: Jayaseelan Priyadharshini , Rajan Aishwarya , Banerjee Rintu
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

An attempt has been made to explore the nutritional profile of pink oyster mushrooms that have been grown in various agricultural residues, including sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, coconut coir and sawdust, along with other nutrient supplements such as defatted mustard and chickpea powder, for appropriate growth and fruiting body formation in a short span of time. The spawn production was experimented with five different grain varieties. The study became interesting when the observations differed slightly from the traditional practices, with the addition of defatted mustard supplements resulting in a positive correlation with respect to reducing the fruiting time, as well as improving yield and the nutritional profile of Pleurotus djamor.

RESULTS

An elevated yield of 651.93 g kg−1 was recorded in the medium where the RS and DM were used in the ratio of 1:0.01 (rice straw +1% w/w defatted mustard) bag, whereas, in terms of protein content, a maximum yield of 32.57 ± 0.79 mg g−1 was observed when SB:DM was in the same ratio (sugarcane bagasse +1% w/w defatted mustard) bag.

CONCLUSION

To confer the best outcomes from the screened substrates, a series of experiments were performed by varying the concentration of RS and SB, with 1% w/w DM. It is worth noting that the highest protein content of 32.76 ± 0.38 mg g−1 was obtained along with the total yield of 702.56 ± 2.9 g kg−1 of mushroom when the ratio of RS:SB was 0.7:0.3. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cassava retting ability and textural attributes of fufu for demand‐driven cassava breeding
Authors: Chijioke Ugo , Abah Simon Peter , Achonwa Oluchi , Okoye Benjamin , Ayetigbo Oluwatoyin , Ejechi Mercy , Iro Ugochi Jane , Njoku Damian , Ogunka Nwamaka , Osodeke Sonia , Ogbete Chukwudi , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Madu Tessy , Ceballos Hernán , Dufour Dominique , Egesi Chiedozie
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Cassava retting ability and the textural qualities of cooked fufu are important quality traits. Cassava retting is a complex process in which soaking causes tissue breakdown, starch release, and softening. The rate at which various traits linked to it evolve varies greatly during fufu processing. According to the literature, there is no standard approach for determining retting ability. The retting indices and textural properties of fufu were measured using both manual and instrumental approaches.

RESULTS

Different protocols were developed to classify 64 and 11 cassava genotypes into various groups based on retting ability and textural qualities, respectively. The retting protocols revealed considerable genetic dissimilarities in genotype classification: foaming ability and water clarity should be measured at 24 h, while penetrometer, hardness, turbidity, pH, and total titratable acidity data are best collected after 36 h. The stepwise regression model revealed that pH, foaming ability, and dry matter content are the best multivariates (with the highest R2) for predicting cassava retting. These predictors were used to develop an index for assessing the retting ability of cassava genotypes. The retting index developed showed a significant relationship with dry matter content and fufu yield. The study also showed significant correlations between instrumental cohesiveness and sensory smoothness (r = −0.75), moldability (r = −0.62), and stretchability (r = 0.78). Instrumental cohesiveness can correctly estimate fufu smoothness (R2 = 0.56, P = 0.008) and stretchability (R2 = 0.60, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

pH, foaming ability, and dry matter content are the best traits for predicting cassava retting ability, while instrumental cohesiveness can effectively estimate fufu smoothness and stretchability. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The Role of Steroids in the Preservation of Hearing and Vestibular Function in Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Pimentel de Morais Catarina , Branco Pedro , Pereira André , Castelhano Luís , Donato Mariana , Correia Filipe , O'Neill Assunção , Santos Ricardo , Escada Pedro
Published: February 2024

Objective

Cochlear implant surgery is guided by principles of atraumatic insertion as to protect the inner ear. Previous studies suggest the potential benefit of steroids in patients undergoing cochlear implantation (CI), although the optimal route of administration has yet to be determined. We aim to systematically review the human studies of hearing and vestibular function preservation in patients undergoing CI receiving perioperative steroids and to discuss their role.

Data Sources

Search performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases in December 2023.

Review Methods

Studies comparing several methods of steroid delivery and conventional management for patients undergoing CI were identified. Primary outcomes included hearing and vestibular function preservation. Secondary outcomes included reported adverse events, routes of steroid administration, and the presence of a control group without steroid administration.

Results

A total of 15 studies (N = 659) met inclusion criteria. Methodology, doses, route of steroid administration, and follow‐up duration differed between most studies. Audiometric, vestibular, and hearing preservation (HP) results were inconsistent. In 12 studies, perioperative steroids were associated with either increased HP or vestibular function preservation. Only two studies reported adverse events related to oral corticosteroid therapy.

Conclusions

There is a tendency for perioperative steroids to have a positive impact, at least in the short term, on hearing and vestibular function preservation in CI. Topical corticosteroid therapy appears to have a superior risk–benefit profile. There is a need for future carefully designed randomized controlled trials to determine the ideal route of steroid administration and its real impact in the long term. Laryngoscope, 134:3458–3465, 2024
Properties of humin isolated from Polish arable soils: The most recalcitrant fraction of soil organic matter that prevent soil degradation
Authors: Weber Jerzy , Jerzykiewicz Maria , Ukalska‐Jaruga Aleksandra , Ćwieląg‐Piasecka Irmina , Jamroz Elżbieta , Kocowicz Andrzej , Debicka Magdalena , Bekier Jakub , Mielnik Lilla , Bejger Romualda , Grabusiewicz Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the research was to determine the molecular properties of humin (HUM) determined by elemental composition, as well as spectroscopic 13C Magic Angle Splitting Cross Polarisation Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C MAS CP NMR), Fourier transformed infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance and scanning electron microscope energy‐dispersive x‐ray (SEM–EDX) techniques. Soil samples were isolated from the mollic horizon of Phaeozem and Chernozem arable soils derived from different parent materials in Poland. The HUM was isolated as the fraction that was remined after exhaustive extraction of the humic and fulvic acids by NaOH and was followed by removal of the mineral fraction with HF/HCl treatment. The results obtained indicated that the HUM structures isolated by the adopted method are a chemically heterogeneous conglomerate, composed of a complex of many strongly combined units of organic substances. This fraction indicated a highly condensed structure with a predominance of aromatic components (predominating over chain forms ranging from 7.05% to 10.32%) and hydrophobic reactive moieties. The share of hydrophobic forms ranges from 77.41% to 80.83%. The ash content, ranging from 22.89% to 54.50%, as well as SEM–EDX used indicated that the HUM isolated with the adopted procedure is strongly associated with the mineral components of the soil. The aromatic part of HUM is strongly associated with the mineral components of the soil, what provides their stability in the environment. These observations confirm the high resistance of HUM to decomposition and indicate the great importance of this fraction in carbon sequestration and preventing soil degradation.
The publication facts label: A public and professional guide for research articles
Authors: Willinsky John , Pimentel Daniel
Published: February 2024

Key points

The expansion of open access entails a responsibility for supporting this public access with a guide to why, in an ‘Age of Misinformation’, research may be trustworthy.

Such a guide can also provide a check on predatory journals, a fear of which may be unduly limiting researchers tapping into the expanding global scale of research activity.

Journal publishing platforms offer opportunities for automating the gathering and presenting of relevant data for assessing journal adherence to scholarly standards.

Industry organizations, such as ORCID, Crossref, and DOAJ, offer trust and verification networks that can be employed to further strengthen scholarly publishing integrity.
Mapping Subcortico‐Cortical Coupling—A Comparison of Thalamic and Subthalamic Oscillations
Authors: Steina Alexandra , Sure Sarah , Butz Markus , Vesper Jan , Schnitzler Alfons , Hirschmann Jan
Published: February 2024

Background

The ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus (VIM) is an effective target for deep brain stimulation in tremor patients. Despite its therapeutic importance, its oscillatory coupling to cortical areas has rarely been investigated in humans.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify the cortical areas coupled to the VIM in patients with essential tremor.

Methods

We combined resting‐state magnetoencephalography with local field potential recordings from the VIM of 19 essential tremor patients. Whole‐brain maps of VIM–cortex coherence in several frequency bands were constructed using beamforming and compared with corresponding maps of subthalamic nucleus (STN) coherence based on data from 19 patients with Parkinson's disease. In addition, we computed spectral Granger causality.

Results

The topographies of VIM–cortex and STN–cortex coherence were very similar overall but differed quantitatively. Both nuclei were coupled to the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex in the high‐beta band; to the sensorimotor cortex, brainstem, and cerebellum in the low‐beta band; and to the temporal cortex, brainstem, and cerebellum in the alpha band. High‐beta coherence to sensorimotor cortex was stronger for the STN (P = 0.014), whereas low‐beta coherence to the brainstem was stronger for the VIM (P = 0.017). Although the STN was driven by cortical activity in the high‐beta band, the VIM led the sensorimotor cortex in the alpha band.

Conclusions

Thalamo‐cortical coupling is spatially and spectrally organized. The overall similar topographies of VIM–cortex and STN–cortex coherence suggest that functional connections are not necessarily unique to one subcortical structure but might reflect larger frequency‐specific networks involving VIM and STN to a different degree. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Molecular mechanism of emodin in inhibiting the activity of Aeromonas hydrophila via AtpE
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Zhou Jun , Li Xuguang , Deng Yanfei , Ge Xianping , Liu Bo
Published: February 2024

Objective

Aeromonas hydrophila, a leading pathogen of aquatic organisms, poses a significant challenge in terms of effective and safe inhibition.

Methods

Through the method of experiments and molecular simulations, we discovered that emodin effectively inhibits the A. hydrophila via the binding of emodin with AtpE (ATP synthase subunit C). Bacterial inhibition experiments show that emodin effectively inhibits the activity and growth of A. hydrophila.

Result

Further molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation revealed that emodin binds directly to AtpE. More specifically, it binds to certain residues of AtpE, including TYR73, LEU70, ALA13, TYR10, MET17, and ALA14, ultimately leading to inhibition of activity.

Conclusion

Consequently, our discovery sheds new light on exploring the molecular mechanism through which emodin displays antimicrobial activity against A. hydrophila.
Porous silicon nanotube bundles as nanocarriers for small interfering RNA delivery
Authors: Le Nguyen T. , Akkaraju Giridhar R. , Coffer Jeffery L.
Published: February 2024

We describe in this work an evaluation of bundles of hollow mesoporous silicon nanotubes to facilitate transfection of HeLa cells using small interfering RNA designed to knock down expression of Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP). These experiments entail direct visualization of the nanotube bundles associated with the cells using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal fluorescence imaging. These nanotube bundles are generated by surface modification of nanotube arrays with aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane (APTES), followed by their ultrasonication in water, to create the amine‐terminated structures capable of electrostatic conjugation of siRNA at an efficiency of 23%–50% (depending on initial siRNA concentration). Delivery and transfection to HeLa cells are verified by quantification of fluorescence imaging; an average percent knockdown of ∼50% eGFP is achieved. As nanoscale drug delivery vehicles are expected to be resorbed in clinical use, we also assess SiNT bundle degradation during the above in vitro timescale using scanning and transmission electron (TEM) microscopies. We conclude with a brief discussion of challenges and opportunities in future experiments involving this platform.
Investigation on para‐aramid fiber‐reinforced poly‐ether ketone‐ketone high‐performance composite for ballistic application
Authors: Mandal Sombit , Bhowmik Shantanu , Ramu M.
Published: February 2024

This investigation highlights the performance of high‐performance polymeric composite for ballistic application. Therefore, reinforcement of para‐aramid fiber in poly‐ether‐ketone‐ketone (PEKK) resin film has been made. The surface of PEKK and para‐aramid fiber was modified by low‐pressure plasma to enhance the surface energy of the polymeric film and reinforcement fiber. The polymeric composite was manufactured by compression molding with a pressure of 2 bar, temperature of 310°C with holding time of 15 min. Due to low‐pressure plasma treatment of PEKK film and para‐aramid fiber, the tensile strength of the composites increases considerably. In the accelerated aging test, the tensile specimens are dipped into concentrated HNO3 and NaOH medium for 15 days. It is observed that there is a decrease in tensile strength. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the virgin specimen was compared to the environmentally aged for 15 days and in this case, also there was a decrease in tensile strength. Two types of composite panels were made (i) 25 layers of PEKK film with 24 layers of para‐aramid fabric and (ii) 45 layers of PEKK film with 44 layers of para‐aramid fabric with 15 mm × 15 mm. The composite panel was tested with four 9 mm handgun bullets fired from a distance of 5 meters with a speed of 430 m/s. In the case of 25 layers of PEKK film with 24 layers of para‐aramid fabric, the composite failed under ballistic test, however, in the case of 45 layers of PEKK film with 44 layers of para‐aramid fabric, the composite was successful under ballistic test.

Highlights

Film stacking method of PEKK and Aramid fiber.

Ballistic composite panel with layers of PEKK and Aramid fiber.

Enhancement of mechanical properties of the composite panel with plasma surface treatment.

Ballistic testing of composite panel.
Bio‐based benzoxazine composites derived from magnolol: Promising solution for sustainable alternatives for dielectric and superhydrophobic applications
Authors: Madesh Priyanka , Krishnasamy Balaji , Arumugam Hariharan , Muthukaruppan Alagar
Published: February 2024

To alleviate the environmental hazard and minimize the practice of utilizing fossil fuel‐based precursors in the production of benzoxazines, sustainable bio‐phenol precursors namely magnolol and bio‐based amine furan‐2yl‐methanamine have been utilized to synthesize bio‐benzoxazine and was cured and characterized. The curing temperature of the synthesized bio‐benzoxazine monomer was found to be 216°C. Utilizing the carbon obtained from two different bio‐sources namely, chicken feather and cashew nut shell cake bio‐polybenzoxazine composites were prepared. The char yield of bio‐carbon reinforced bio‐polybenzoxazine composites was enhanced to 65% compared to that of neat polybenzoxazine (60%). The value of the dielectric constant of neat polybenzoxazine was found to be 5.52 which was further improved to a maximum of 8.9 and 7.8 on reinforcement of 15 wt% chicken feather carbon and 15 wt% cashew nut shell cake carbon respectively. The prepared bio‐polybenzoxazine composites exhibit a near superhydrophobic nature with the value of water repulsive angle at 150° than that of neat matrix (143°). From the obtained results, it is suggested that the sustainable bio‐carbon reinforced bio‐based benzoxazine will be a promising material for thermally stable, high dielectric, and water‐repellent applications.

Highlights

Eco‐friendly, sustainable magnolol‐based bio‐benzoxazine was synthesized.

Waste valorization for bio‐carbon—poultry, and agricultural wastes were utilized.

Bio‐carbon reinforcement marginally increases the thermal stability of composites.

Bio‐carbon reinforced composites exhibit close to superhydrophobic nature.

Incorporation of bio‐carbon enhances the value of dielectric constant.
A review on polylactic acid‐based blends/composites and the role of compatibilizers in biomedical engineering applications
Authors: Srivastava Alok , Bhati Pooja , Singh Shweta , Agrawal Mohit , Kumari Nisha , Vashisth Priya , Chauhan Pankaj , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: February 2024

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising biopolymers extensively used in food, packaging, medical and pharmaceutical industries. It is due to favorable physicochemical properties, in‐situ hydrolytic degradation and well‐established processing parameters. However, in medical engineering applications, PLA shows some drawbacks like low cell adhesion, biological inertness, slow degradation rate and high acid inflammation. These shortcomings of pure PLA could be addressed by blending it with other bioresorbable materials and compatibilizers. This review provides comprehensive information on different PLA composites in the field of tissue engineering, implants, injury management and drug delivery systems. The PLA‐based composites are divided into four parts: PLA/polymer, PLA/metal, PLA/ceramic, and PLA/nanoparticles. It also investigates various synthesis process, role of different compatibilizers, in vitro studies and their in vivo applications.

Highlights

Review the trends of bioresorbable PLA blends/composites.

Extensively focused on PLA blend with polymer, metal, ceramic, and nanoparticles.

Role of reinforcement and compatibilizer to overcome shortcomings of PLA implant.

Highlights advantages, limitations, and properties of different types of PLA implants.

Discuss various clinical applications and future of PLA blends/composite scaffolds.
Climate and land‐use change impacts on cultural use berries: Considerations for mitigative stewardship
Authors: Mucioki Megan
Published: February 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Cultural use berries are prized foods and medicines across the United States and Canada, with almost 200 different species used by Indigenous Peoples. Berries are increasingly being impacted by environmental and land‐use change. Berry habitats, how and when berry plants reproduce, and the volume of berries available for harvest each year are shifting widely. These changes are impacting access to, availability of, and consumption of berries. Biocultural stewardship practices, like low‐intensity fire, transplanting, and thinning, can be used in response to these stressors to support berry plant health and productivity as well as a sustained relationship with this important food.

Almost 200 different species of berries are used for food and medicine by Indigenous Peoples, with unparalleled nutritional and cultural significance among plant foods. Environmental and land‐use change is increasingly compromising access to, availability of, and consumption of berries. In this review, I consider (a) how climate and land‐use change are impacting cultural use berries across species and places, as documented by Indigenous Peoples and in the scientific literature, and (b) how stewardship practices are being applied to promote resilience and sustainability in berrying landscapes experiencing stress. Climate impacts on Arctic and subarctic berry species include earlier ripening, changes in taste, or increased variability in abundance. These same regions are experiencing a proliferation of shrubs, while forests throughout the lower 48 and Canada are suffering from suffocating fuel loads and stand densities that are not conducive to berry habitat for many species. In the Pacific West, berries are influenced by prolonged droughts and increasing spring and summer temperatures. Climate change impacts are amplified by shifts in land use for forestry and agriculture. Biocultural stewardship practices, like low‐intensity fire, thinning, transplanting, and cultural care, can be used to mitigate these impacts and promote berry microclimate habitats. There is opportunity for intertribal networking and knowledge sharing around berry stewardship practices that will support local and regional climate change responses.
Spray performance of flexible shield canopy opener and rotor wind integrated boom‐sprayer application in soybean: effects on droplet deposition distribution
Authors: Yu Shihui , Cui Lei , Cui Huiyuan , Liu Xuemei , Liu Jian , Xin Zhenbo , Yuan Jin , Wang Dongwei
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Canopy density is high during mid‐to‐late soybean growth as a result of dense planting to improve yield, which seriously affects the control of pests and diseases. The dilemmas of difficult droplet penetration, nonuniform deposition, and droplet drift in field spraying remain challenges to the precise control of droplet distribution. This paper proposed a novel spraying application mode combined flexible shield canopy opener (FSCO) with rotor wind. The design of the key components of the new boom‐spraying machine are described. The effects of the comparative spraying modes on spray deposition and droplet drift were studied in a field validation test to explore the feasibility of the novel spraying application.

RESULTS

The study found that droplet coverage inside the soybean canopy was significantly affected by spraying mode, rotor wind speed and opener depth. The spraying operation that used the FSCO and rotor wind integrated mode was optimal for droplet uniformity on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the canopy leaves, with droplet uniformity indices of 0.966 and 0.934, respectively. At a rotor wind speed of 6 m s−1 and opener depth of 15 cm, the soybean canopy droplet coverage uniformity effect achieved the highest composite score of 0.937. The spraying mode used in this study improved droplet coverage uniformity by 82.30% and droplet anti‐drift performance improved by 99.73% compared to the conventional boom‐spraying mode.

CONCLUSION

The study shows validity of the spraying mode combined FSCO with rotor wind to open dense canopy and improved droplet deposition uniformity in canopy and anti‐drift performance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Transition Metal Impurities as Shallow Donors in β‐Ga2O3
Authors: Karbasizadeh Siavash , Mu Sai , Turiansky Mark E. , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: February 2024

An in‐depth investigation of transition metal impurities (Hf, Zr, Nb, and W) is presented as shallow donors in monoclinic Ga2O3 using first‐principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory. A combination of semilocal and hybrid functionals is used to predict their binding energies and hyperfine parameters. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) allows performing calculations for supercells of up to 2500 atoms, enabling an extrapolation to the dilute limit. The shortcoming of GGA in correctly describing the electron localization is then overcome by the use of the hybrid functional. Results are presented and discussed in light of the application of these transition‐metal elements as shallow donors in Ga2O3 and their identification in the experiment. The methodology applied here can be used in calculations for shallow donors in other systems.
Evaluating atmospheric electricity changes as an indicator of fog formation
Authors: Miller Caleb , Nicoll Keri A. , Westbrook Chris , Harrison R. Giles
Published: February 2024

Fog is a high‐impact weather phenomenon, which is challenging to forecast accurately. Measuring changes in atmospheric electricity has been proposed as a complement to other fog prediction methods, since fog is known to produce changes in the potential gradient (PG). Many aspects of the relationship between PG and fog remain unexplored, to which modern instrumentation for continuous monitoring of PG and visibility brings a new perspective. We describe several automatic methods of detecting fog events and apply them to a large dataset to understand the evolution of the PG during fog development. The median PG increase in fog is found to be 58 V/m, which is statistically significant compared with the 17 V/m standard deviation of PG in the prefog hours. However, the median lead time of this increase before the fog onset was found to be 0.4 h, compared with 0.6 h solely using visibility data. While we were able to predict fewer fog events using PG (55% of cases) than visibility (64% of cases), PG was much more likely to give a longer lead time (of over 2 h) than visibility (30% vs. 13% respectively). This indicates that PG measurements would be a useful additional tool in fog prediction.
Reversible Red‐/Blue‐Shifted Mechanofluorochromic Properties of Indole‐Based Difluoroboron Compounds with Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Xu Maocai , Zhang Bangcui , Tian Jiazhuang , Yang Yanhua , Gao Shulin , Li Fumin , Shao Lin
Published: February 2024

To further explore the relationship between structure and property of the mechanofluorochromic materials, two indole‐based aggregation‐induced emission compounds (I−Ph−BF2 and I−PhNp−BF2) with BF2‐core were designed and synthesized. They displayed intramolecular charge transfer characteristics and dissimilar reversible mechanofluorochromic behaviors (red‐shift for I−Ph−BF2 and blue‐shift for I−PhNp−BF2). Based the powder X‐ray diffraction patterns and quantum chemical calculation results, it was responsible for the blue‐shift mechanofluorochromic behavior of I−PhNp−BF2 that the reduced molecular polarity of the excited state and the undermined partially ordered structure. In contrast, the phase change between an ordered arrangement state and a disordered amorphous state of I−Ph−BF2 solid powder, as well as the appropriate molecular polarity, brought out red‐shift mechanofluorochromic effect. It provided a foundation for further exploration of the mechanofluorochromic property.
Investigating Novel Thiophene Carbaldehyde Based Thiazole Derivatives as Potential Hits for Diabetic Management: Synthesis, In Vitro and In Silico Approach
Authors: Ullah Najeeb , Alam Aftab , Zainab  , Elhenawy Ahmed A. , Naz Saira , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Ahmad Shujaat , Shah Syed Adnan Ali , Ahmad Manzoor
Published: February 2024

This research work is based on synthesis of eleven novel thiazole derivatives (3 a‐k) of thiophene carbaldehyde. All the synthesized compounds were successfully synthesized, characterized by 1H‐NMR and EI‐MS spectroscopic techniques and finally subjected for their in vitro α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. Seven derivatives 3 i (IC50=10.21±1.84 μM), 3 b (IC50=11.14±0.99 μM), 3 f (IC50=13.21±2.76 μM), 3 h (IC50=14.21±0.31 μM), 3 k (IC50=15.21±1.02 μM), 3 e (IC50=16.21±1.32 μM), and 3 c (IC50=18.21±1.89 μM), in the series displayed excellent inhibitory potential better than the standard acarbose. However, two compounds 3 g (IC50=33.21±1.99 μM) and 3 d (IC50=42.31±2.12 μM) showed significant activity while two compounds 3 j and 3 a were found less active with IC50 values of 82.31±0.31 and 88.36±1.21 μM respectively. Additional research revealed that the compounds are not exhibiting any cytotoxic effects. The molecular docking study of these derivatives showed their good binding potential for α‐glucosidase active site with excellent interactions and docking scores.
Hydrogel nanoparticles as new drug delivery system for CNS disorders
Authors: Omar Khudhur Zhikal , Karimian Aida , Asadi Asadollah , Abdolmaleki Arash
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have shown that more than one million individuals suffer from central nervous system (CNS) diseases worldwide. Nanogels are a good way to deliver drugs because they are ultra‐stable, can hold a lot of drugs, have a core‐shell structure, are very permeable, and can get into brain tissue both in the lab and in living organisms. The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) and the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) make it harder to deliver therapies to specific areas of the CNS because drugs can′t get into the brain well enough. However, these barriers help treat neurological disorders like epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumors, and ischemic stroke. A number of biological studies suggest that nano‐additives may improve the shape, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and biological activities of hydrogels. The creation of nanogels for CNS drug delivery, their early preclinical success, and their potential for neurotoxicity are all examined in this research. This study looks at techniques that are almost ready for clinical use, a preclinical delivery system for the CNS, and the use of nanogels as a successful BBB‐penetration method. It also examines the main difficulties that nanogels must overcome in order to provide the most effective therapeutic care for CNS illnesses.
Aqueous Extract of Dillenia indica Fruit (AEDI): A Sustainable Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Pharmacologically Important Bis(indolyl)methanes
Authors: Choudhury Gitashree , Talukdar Hrishikesh , Chandra Deka Dibakar
Published: February 2024

A highly effective green technique for the synthesis of bis(indolyl) methanes mediated by ‘Aqueous Extract of Dillenia indica’ (AEDI) is developed. The reaction involves a simple procedure at a moderate temperature of below 60 °C in air within a short reaction time of 30–60 minutes under conditions free from external promoters, acids, ligands/organic media using our natural water–extracted catalyst, affording moderate to high yield. This protocol offers a mild, effective, and highly economical alternative to the existing protocols and promotes a more environmentally friendly alternative for the protic and Lewis acids catalysts that are already in use.
Highly Practical Aqueous Phase Acylation of Phenols, Amines and Alcohols Employing New Green Acylation Reagents Derived From DBU
Authors: Thangalipalli Swathi , Goud Bandalla Siddarama , Gavinolla Vijayalaxmi , Kairoju Srikanth , Panduga Ramaraju , Neella Chandra Kiran
Published: February 2024

Two new Lewis base adducts (LBAs) of DBU were prepared, isolated in grams scale and are employed as Green reagents for base free benzoylation and pivaloylation in water. The structures of these reagents are unambiguously confirmed and the practicality of these LBAs (transient species) in organic synthesis as operationally simple protecting reagents of various phenols, amines, and alcohols in water at ambient temperature is explored. The products are furnished in very good yields (up to 95 %) and are purified just by filtration followed by recrystallization thus avoiding column chromatography. The Lewis base, DBU is recycled and reused for the preparation of LBAs. The methodology is an environmentally benign due to aqueous phase, base free reaction, chromatography free purificatios, ambient temperature reactions and recycling DBU.
Solution‐Processable Route for Large‐Area Uniform 2D Semiconductor Nanofilms
Authors: Li Wen‐Hua , Li Nan , Wang Xiao‐Li , Wang Wenjuan , Zhang Haobing , Xu Qiang
Published: February 2024

The semiconductor thin film engineering technique plays a key role in the development of advanced electronics. Printing uniform nanofilms on freeform surfaces with high efficiency and low cost is significant for actual industrialization in electronics. Herein, a high‐throughput colloidal printing (HTCP) strategy is reported for fabricating large‐area and uniform semiconductor nanofilms on freeform surfaces. High‐throughput and uniform printing rely on the balance of atomization and evaporation, as well as the introduced thermal Marangoni flows of colloidal dispersion, that suppresses outward capillary flows. Colloidal printing with in situ heating enables the fast fabrication of large‐area semiconductor nanofilms on freeform surfaces, such as SiO2/Si, Al2O3, quartz glass, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), Al foil, plastic tube, and Ni foam, expanding their technological applications where substrates are essential. The printed SnS2 nanofilms are integrated into thin‐film semiconductor gas sensors with one of the fastest responses (8 s) while maintaining the highest sensitivity (Rg/Ra = 21) (toward 10 ppm NO2), as well as an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 46 ppt. The ability to print uniform semiconductor nanofilms on freeform surfaces with high‐throughput promises the development of next‐generation electronics with low cost and high efficiency.
Seismic behavior and shear capacity prediction of coupled concrete‐filled multicellular steel tube composite shear walls
Authors: Zheng Hong , Mi Yuxi , Cai Lele , Wang Guang , Jiang Liqiang , Ma Xiaoming , Lu Guiqiang , Chen Yuanjun
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a coupled concrete‐filled multicellular steel tube composite shear walls structure (CCSSW) is proposed. A finite element model (FEM) is developed to investigate the seismic behavior of CCSSW, and the model was validated by the tests. The effects of four parameters including axial compression ratio (ACR) on the hysteretic behavior of the CCSSW were studied. Then, a theoretical model for predicting the ultimate shear capacity (USC) of CCSSW was established. The results show that the failure mode of coupled walls exchanged from flexural failure to flexural‐shear failure with increasing the ACR, and it is recommended that the ACR should less than 0.6 to ensure the ductility requirement. To better realize the function of the first line of defense of steel coupling beam (SCB), following recommendations are concluded: the span‐to‐depth ratio range of SCB is 4.0–6.0, the wall stiffness ratio is 2.4–4.7, and low yield strength material should be used for SCB. The maximum error on USC between FEM results and theoretical results is 12.8%, and most of them are less than 10%, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical model.
Experimental study on RC beams shear‐strengthened with composite polymer mortar and steel strands wire mesh
Authors: Wang Tao , He Mingsheng , Wu Hongbo , Che Yali , Li Yucheng
Published: February 2024

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the use of composite polymer mortar (CPM) and steel strands wire mesh (SSWM) to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) beams in shear. In order to maximize the shear resistance of the steel strands, a new type of anchor device called wedge‐shaped steel plate hoops (WSSPHs) was developed. And the study aimed to examine the effect of shear‐to‐span ratio and prestressing level on the mechanical properties of the beams. A total of nine beams were constructed and tested under four‐point bending monotonic load, comprising three control beams and six strengthened beams. The study analyzed the damage modes, load‐deflection curves, strength, stiffness, and ductility of the beams. The test results indicated that (1) the mechanical properties of the strengthened beams were improved, with the shear capacity improving by 38.47%–71.37% after strengthening. (2) It was observed that SSWM could be utilized more effectively in high shear‐to‐span ratio beams among the strengthened beams with the same prestressing level. (3) Additionally, the larger prestressing level was found to change the design damage mode of the test beams, with RB‐2.5‐0.5 failing in bending. Finally, a model was proposed to predict the shear capacity of the test beams based on the specification GB 50011‐2010. The model considered the effect of the initial prestressing of the steel strands.
Pitot Tube Sensor Probe System for Simultaneous Airflow and Pressure Measurement of Expiration Inside Pulmonary Airway
Authors: Miyawaki Aoi , Al Farisi Muhammad Salman , Hasegawa Yoshihiro , Matsushima Miyoko , Kawabe Tsutomu , Shikida Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2024

Respiratory diseases, including the cronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. To date, there is no physical examination procedure that can quantify important parameters within a specific lesion area inside the lung. In this study, we propose a novel sensor probe system consisting of a basket forceps and 2 pressure sensors to simultaneously measure the expiratory airflow and the static pressure inside the pulmonary airway. A Pitot tube mechanism using 2 pressure sensors is introduced in the system for measuring both the physical quantities. Small fiber‐optic pressure sensors with 0.3 mm diameter were utilized, and both the airflow rate and the static pressure characteristics were evaluated for obtaining the calibration curves. Finally, the proposed sensor system was implemented to measure both the airflow and pressure in an artificial ventilator and an experimental animal. The measurement of expired airflow and static pressure inside the airway of a rat with the diameter of 1.8 mm were demonstrated. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
64‐Slice ECG‐gated computed tomographic angiography for assessment of coronary arteries in brachycephalic dogs with pulmonary stenosis
Authors: Hallman Clay , Baumwart Ryan , Hallman Ruth Mackenzie
Published: February 2024

Background

Brachycephalic dogs with pulmonary stenosis are known to have a higher incidence of concurrent coronary artery abnormalities than non‐brachycephalic breeds, which increases risk when performing balloon valvuloplasty. The use of ECG‐gated CT angiography has been reported for the evaluation of coronary arteries in normal dogs and dogs with pulmonary stenosis. The purpose of this study was to report findings of coronary artery origination and morphology of main branches using ECG‐gated CT angiography in brachycephalic dogs with pulmonary stenosis.

Methods

An ECG‐gated CT angiographic protocol was used to image coronary artery anatomy in nine brachycephalic dogs with pulmonary stenosis. Images were assessed for quality as well as coronary artery morphology by one veterinary radiologist, one veterinary cardiologist and one veterinary radiology resident.

Results

All nine dogs had good to excellent image quality. Coronary artery anomalies were identified in three of nine dogs: one R2A anomaly, one L2A anomaly and one L2C anomaly. Two dogs were assessed to be poor balloon valvuloplasty candidates based on CT angiographic images.

Limitation

Coronary artery morphology was not confirmed via postmortem examination in all patients.

Conclusion

ECG‐gated CT angiography is a minimally invasive imaging modality capable of diagnosing various coronary artery anomalies in brachycephalic dogs with pulmonary stenosis and aiding in the determination of patient candidacy for balloon valvuloplasty.
International survey of equine orthopaedic specialists reveals diverse treatment strategies for horses with overriding spinous processes
Authors: Treß Dorothea , Lischer Christoph , Merle Roswitha , Ehrle Anna
Published: February 2024

Background

Overriding spinous processes, also known as ‘kissing spines’, are one of the most common causes of back pain in horses. The aim of this study was to investigate which options for diagnosis and treatment are preferred by equine orthopaedic specialists and assess which techniques are used for local injection.

Methods

An online survey was distributed among members of the European/American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the European/American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology and nationally recognised advanced equine orthopaedic practitioners.

Results

The survey was completed by 353 respondents. The injection techniques most commonly used involve placing two needles abaxial to the interspinous space (42%) under ultrasonographic guidance (32%) or one needle in the midline (35%) between two spinous processes. The most popular combination for overriding dorsal spinous process therapy was local injection (26.7%) combined with controlled exercise (25.5%). Manual therapy was considered by 42% of European and 25% of American specialists (p= 0.01). Surgical intervention as a first‐line treatment was recommended mainly by specialists working in the United States, the UK or Ireland (p= 0.001). Overall, most equine orthopaedic veterinarians (71%;n= 201) preferred conservative management and recommended surgery only for horses that did not respond to conservative therapy.

Limitations

Respondents’ personal bias may have skewed the findings.

Conclusions

Despite a growing body of evidence, the therapeutic approach to ‘kissing spines’ in horses is influenced by professional specialisation and regional preferences. Variations in injection techniques and differing criteria for surgical intervention warrant further investigation.