bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Polyantimonic-Based Materials’ Moisture Response with Binder Content Tuning
Authors: Mendes Sofia , Kurapova Olga , Faia Pedro
Published: July 2023

Humidity sensors are of huge importance in diverse domains. Several types of materials present a moisture-sensing capacity; however, frequently, their electrical response does not display time stability. Due to its high thermal stability, high ionic conductivity, and different conduction mechanism contributing to its overall conductivity, polyantimonic acid (PAA) is seen as a promising material for humidity-sensing devices. In the present work, crystalline PAA was obtained via a simple and safe hydrolysis technique using SbCl3 as a precursor. Bulky sensor samples were produced using different amounts of polyvinyl alcohol (10–20 wt.% PVA) as a binder. The obtained PAA solid sensors were tested at room temperature (RT) in order to evaluate their moisture detection/measuring ability in the relative humidity range 0–100%; the evaluation was carried out with electrical impedance spectroscopy. The sample’s structure and morphology were studied using diverse experimental techniques (porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and thermogravimetry analysis, etc.). The sensors’ electrical response was in line with the found structural and morphological features. The slope of the resistance variation with an RH percentage concentration between 1 kΩ and 1.5 kΩ was noted for all sensors (showing no changes with time) in the interval between 30 and 100% RH. A good repeatability and reproducibility of the evaluated sensors’ electrical response was observed: the ones that displayed a higher sensitivity were the ones with a high PVA binder content, higher than previously published results for PAA, as well as a very good time stability along the time and low hysteresis.
Mediterranean Diet and Airway Inflammation in School-Aged Children
Authors: Rodrigues Mónica , de Castro Mendes Francisca , Padrão Patrícia , Delgado Luís , Paciência Inês , Barros Renata , Rufo João Cavaleiro , Silva Diana , Moreira André , Moreira Pedro
Published: July 2023

There seems to exist an intricate relationship between airway inflammation, body mass index (BMI), and diet. The intake of specific foods or food groups has been suggested to suppress the oxidative stress and inflammatory processes that characterize airway inflammation, but little is known about dietary patterns and their complex interplay with BMI and airway inflammation. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to explore the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), a characteristic European diet, and levels of airway inflammation in school-aged children, taking into account their BMI. This cross-sectional analysis comprised 660 children: 49.1% females, 7–12 years old. Adherence to the MD was assessed through the alternate Mediterranean score (aMED). Higher scores represent a healthier diet (0–8). Airway inflammation was assessed measuring exhaled fractional nitric oxide (eNO). Two categories of BMI were considered: non-overweight/non-obese (p < 85th) and overweight/obese (p ≥ 85th). The associations between diet and airway inflammation were estimated using logistic regression models. Higher scores of the aMED were associated with decreased odds of having eNO ≥ 35 ppb, but only in non-overweight/non-obese children (OR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61–0.97). For overweight/obese children, the previous association was not significant (OR = 1.57, 95% CI, 0.88–2.79). Our findings suggest that adherence to the MD is associated with lower levels of airway inflammation among non-overweight/non-obese children.
The Role of Technology in the Perpetration of Childhood Sexual Abuse: The Importance of Considering Both In-Person and Online Interactions
Authors: Jeglic Elizabeth L. , Winters Georgia M.
Published: July 2023

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive global problem. To date, prevention efforts have largely focused on legislative efforts, parent and child education, and environmental protections. Due to the proliferation of the Internet, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, recent prevention efforts have focused on online CSA. However, the extent to which technology is being used in the perpetration of in-person, contact CSA remains unclear. This study examined the role of technology in the perpetration of in-person, contact CSA using a sample of 332 adult CSA survivors who completed an anonymous online survey. Overall, we found that only 8.5% of the sample reported that they met the perpetrator online through social media, chatrooms, and other online applications. When looking at the role of technology in the perpetration of the abuse, 35% reported texting with the perpetrator, 27% reported engaging in online chats, and 33% spoke to the perpetrator on the phone. Few participants reported sending (11%) or receiving (13%) photographs or videos that were sexual in nature. Technology use was reported more frequently in CSA involving adolescents than CSA involving children aged 12 and under. There were no differences in the use of technology based on the age of the person who perpetrated the CSA. These findings will be discussed as they pertain to prevention efforts for CSA.
Association between Phase Angle and Body Composition of Children and Adolescents Diagnosed with HIV Infection
Authors: Martins Priscila Custódio , de Lima Luiz Rodrigo Augustemak , Silva Analiza Mónica , Silva Diego Augusto Santos
Published: July 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate how phase angle (PhA) is associated with subtotal and lumbar spine bone mineral density [BMD], lean soft tissue mass [LSTM], total body fat mass, android and gynoid in children and adolescents with HIV according to sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Florianópolis, Brazil, involving 64 children and adolescents vertically transmitted with HIV. Resistance and reactance values were obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and PhA was subsequently calculated. Dual emission X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition. Antiretroviral medication, physical activity (accelerometers) and skeletal maturation (wrist-carpal radiography) were used in the adjusted model. In males, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (βadj: 0.65; R²: 0.38, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (βadj: 0.53; R²: 0.22, p = 0.01), directly associated with LSTM (βadj: 0.76; R²: 0.46, p < 0.01), and inversely associated with gynoid fat (βadj: −0.47; R²: 0.2, p = 0.01), in adjusted models. In females, PhA was directly associated with subtotal BMD (βadj: 0.46; R²: 0.17, p < 0.01) and lumbar spine BMD (βadj: 0.48; R²: 0.19, p < 0.01). It is concluded that PhA was directly associated with subtotal and regional BMD, LSTM, and inversely with gynoid fat in boys with HIV. In girls, PA was directly associated only with subtotal and regional BMD.
Preschoolers’ Beliefs, Emotions and Intended Responses toward Peer Behaviors: Do Children’s Sex, Age, and Social Behavior Make a Difference?
Authors: Guedes Maryse , Verissimo Manuela , Santos António J.
Published: July 2023

Children’s self-imposed isolation in the company of others (social withdrawal due to shyness or unsociability) and active isolation due to direct aggressive behaviors can challenge successful engagement in the peer group. The developmental attributional perspective acknowledges that children’s intended affiliative responses are, in part, guided by their emotions and beliefs toward peers’ social behaviors and may differ depending on children’s sex, age group, and social behavior. This study aimed to (1) describe preschoolers’ beliefs, emotions, and intended affiliative preferences toward aggressive, shy, and unsociable peers, depending on children’s sex and age group, and (2) explore the associations between preschoolers’ beliefs, emotions and intended affiliative preferences, depending on children’s social behaviors and children’s sex or age group. A total of 158 preschoolers aged 3–6 years were interviewed, using the Child Attributions Interview to assess their beliefs, emotions and intended affiliative preferences toward peers. Teachers completed the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation Scale to assess children’s prosocial behaviors, aggressive-anger, and anxious-withdrawal. Preschoolers’ perspectives toward shy and unsociable peers were less negative than toward aggressive peers. However, participants in our sample were not fully aware of the different intentionality and social motivations of shy and unsociable peers. Higher levels of perceived social standing, social motivation and sympathy predicted higher affiliative preferences toward shy, unsociable, and aggressive peers. However, the magnitude of the associations between preschoolers’ beliefs, emotions and intended affiliative preferences differed, depending on children’s sex, age group and prosocial behavior, especially toward aggressive and shy peer behaviors. These findings are in line with the developmental attributional perspective, but highlight the need to account for developmental specificities, sex differences in peer relationships and children’s individual differences in social behaviors.
Infantile Haemangioma in the Romanian Paediatric Population—Characteristics and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Raicu Anca-Maria , Danila George-Florin , Secheli Ionut Fernando , Bratu Eugenia Claudia , Minca Dana Galieta
Published: July 2023

Infantile haemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumour in childhood, with an incidence of 4% to 12%. Aim: to describe the characteristics of infantile haemangioma in a sample of Romanian children <2 years old at diagnosis, types of treatment applied, recorded complications and the response to the therapeutic approach. A two-year prospective case series study (August 2019 to August 2021) was carried out. Sample: 117 patients <24 months of age diagnosed with IH at the Emergency Hospital for Children “Marie Sklodowska Curie”, in Bucharest, Romania. Five therapeutic approaches were used: oral treatment with propranolol, local treatment with timolol, surgical treatment, topical treatment with steroids and no treatment (“wait and see”). Recorded factors mentioned in the literature were also present in this study population: female patients—68.4%; phototype I—58%. In 53% of cases, IHs had a head and neck location and 10% developed local complications (traumatic bleeding). The majority of patients (86%) required one type of therapy: oral propranolol (51%). A low relapse rate was recorded (4%). We consider that any child with a vascular anomaly should be referred to a highly specialised medical service for therapeutic approach.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Testing Using Candy: A Sweet Solution to Improve Screening in Children with Cystic Fibrosis?
Authors: Weeks Caroline , Jackson Sarah , Demirel Nadir , Olson Janelle , Dean Vicki , Pyrz Caitlin , Creo Ana L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Oral glucose tolerance testing is recommended for all children with CF older than 9 years, yet compliance remains poor across centers. Methods: We performed a small pilot study assessing the glycemic curves and participant satisfaction in seven children and adolescents. Results: We chose a dextrose-based candy (Nerds®) free of any fat, fiber, gelatin, or corn syrup and performed the candy OGTT 1–4 days following the standard oral dextrose solution OGTT. Glucose values at 120 min were similar between the candy and oral dextrose solution (p = 0.8986). Conclusions: Our small pilot suggests that a carefully selected candy alternative may result in similar glycemic OGTT when compared to the standard oral dextrose solution. However, some participants preferred the oral dextrose solution to candy due to having to consume a large volume in a short period of time. This may have significant implications as centers consider candy alternatives to increase OGTT adherence rates.
Cerebral Myelination in a Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Murine Model
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Wang Ran , Chen Chao
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a devastating disease in preterm infants concurrent with neurodevelopmental disorders. Chronic hyperoxia exposure might also cause brain injury, but the evidence was insufficient. Methods: Neonatal C57BL/6J mice were exposed to hyperoxia from P0 to induce a BPD disease model. Lung histopathological morphology analyses were performed at P10, P15, and P20. Cerebral myelination was assessed using MBP (myelin basic protein, a major myelin protein), NfH (neurofilament heavy chain, a biomarker of neurofilament heavy chain), and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of astrocytes) as biomarkers by western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: Mice exposed to hyperoxia exhibited reduced and enlarged alveoli in lungs. During hyperoxia exposure, MBP declined at P10, but then increased to a comparable level to the air group at P15 and P20. Meanwhile, GFAP elevated significantly at P10, and the elevation sustained to P15 and P20. Conclusion: Neonatal hyperoxia exposure caused an arrest of lung development, as well as an obstacle of myelination process in white matter of the immature brain, with a decline of MBP in the generation period of myelin and persistent astrogliosis.
Determining the Annealing Temperature Dependency of Wetting and Mechanical Features on Fe3Si Films
Authors: Borwornpornmetee Nattakorn , Achirawongwat Chawapon , Traiprom Thawichai , Saekow Bunpot , Porntheeraphat Supanit , Paosawatyanyong Boonchoat , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi , Promros Nathaporn
Published: July 2023

The impact of thermal annealing under temperature alteration on the wetting and mechanical attributes of Fe3Si films built through facing target sputtering (FTS) is an essential topic for study in order to identify their characteristics under varying temperatures. Consequently, we introduced a thermal annealing process in a vacuum for two hours under varying temperatures of 300, 600, and 900 °C to our Fe3Si films created via FTS. The primary purpose of this current research is to examine the effect of the thermal annealing technique under temperature alteration on the wetting and mechanical traits of Fe3Si films. In this research, Fe3Si films were built onto the Si wafer by FTS and divided for use in thermal annealing under temperature alteration. The structural, morphological, wetting, and mechanical traits of the Fe3Si films under thermal annealing are provided in the present work. Based on our information, this work represents an original study on the change in wetting and mechanical traits of Fe3Si films through thermal annealing under temperature alteration.
Enhanced Performance of Nickel–Cobalt Oxides as Selective Coatings for Flat-Plate Solar Thermal Collector Applications
Authors: Bacelis-Martínez Reyna Dianela , Herrera-Zamora Dallely Melissa , Ávila Santos Manuel , García-Valladares Octavio , Franco-Bacca Adriana Paola , Rodríguez-Gattorno Geonel , Ruiz-Gómez Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2023

Solar thermal collectors represent a practical option to capture energy from the sun, providing low-cost domestic and industrial heating and decreasing the dependency on fossil fuels. Spinel-type metal oxides show interesting physicochemical properties and so can be used as active materials for converting solar energy to electrical, chemical, and heat energy. We report the synthesis and characterization of nickel–cobalt mixed metal oxides used as an active phase in selective paints for solar absorber coatings applied to a domestic flat collector. The nickel–cobalt mixed oxides crystallized in the cubic phase related to the spinel structure, exhibiting good thermal stability and reproducibility. These mixed oxides presented oxidation states (2+ and 3+) for both nickel and cobalt. The coatings fabricated from the selective paints based on nickel–cobalt mixed oxides showed a solar absorptance value of 94%, while for the commercial paint Solkote®, the value was 93%. A representative coating based on the NiCo2O4 composition was evaluated for the first time in a domestic-type flat solar collector for water heating under real operating conditions, achieving an outstanding performance that competes with that of commercial collectors. The potential application of nickel–cobalt mixed oxides in solar collectors opens up new opportunities for future innovations and developments in functional absorber coatings.
Battery-Type Behavior of Al-Doped CuO Nanoflakes to Fabricate a High-Performance Hybrid Supercapacitor Device for Superior Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Pallavolu Mohan-Reddy , Banerjee Arghya-Narayan , Joo Sang-Woo
Published: July 2023

The ever-increasing energy demands have prompted researchers to develop innovative charge-storage devices. Here, aluminum-doped copper-oxide nanoflakes were fabricated via a simple co-precipitation method to investigate the electrochemical properties, which depicted a novel dominant battery-type charge-storage mechanism, manifested by the porous morphology of the electrodes to enhance the diffusion-controlled process. Copper oxide was chosen as the electroactive material due to its low cost, easy processability, environmental friendliness, and multiple oxidation states, all of which are very important for practical applicability in charge-storage devices. Additionally, aluminum was chosen as a dopant due to its elemental abundance, non-toxicity, and energetically favorable ionic radius for substitutional doping. A maximum 272 C/g (@1 A/g current-density) specific capacity was observed for 5 wt% Al-doped CuO. Evidently, higher Al-doping provided increased defects and doping sites to enhance the redox activity in order to improve the supercapacitive performance. A combinatorial battery−capacitor charge-storage mechanism was proposed in terms of the accumulation and intercalation of charges at the inner electroactive sites of the nanoflakes through a large number of voids and cavities in order to contribute towards dominant battery-type diffusion capacitance, while optimum Al-doping created considerable redox-active sites to promote surface-controlled pseudocapacitance. The optimized Al-CuO electrode revealed extraordinary long-term cycling stability with 99% capacity retention over 5000 charge/discharge cycles. A hybrid two-electrode device, made up of a battery type Al-CuO positrode and capacitor-type activated-carbon negatrode, demonstrated a remarkable energy-power performance with a maximum energy density of 30 Wh/kg and a maximum power density of 7.25 kW/kg, with an excellent cycle life (98% capacity retention over 5000 cycles). This work demonstrates a novel strategy to fabricate high-performance hybrid supercapacitors for the next generation charge-storage devices.
Effect of Coating on Stress Corrosion Performance of Bridge Cable Steel Wire
Authors: Zhang Zeling , Wang Linfeng , Song Shenyou , Tang Liang , Zhang Hailiang , Zhou Hao , Fang Feng
Published: July 2023

Hot galvanization on steel surfaces can isolate the steel from corrosive environments and alleviate the stress corrosion cracking caused by the anodic dissolution mechanism. However, the cathodic protection potential of the coating is excessively negative, which may aggravate the hydrogen embrittlement problem. The effect of a coating on the stress corrosion performance of bridge cable wire was studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), a thermal desorption analysis (TDA), an electrochemical workstation, and an FIP test. The results show that hot-dip ZnAl and ZnAlMg alloy coatings can significantly prolong the stress corrosion fracture time of steel wire substrates. From a macroscopic perspective, the stress corrosion cracking fracture is a brittle fracture caused by hydrogen embrittlement. Moreover, the coating type has little effect on the fracture morphology of bridge cable wire. In NH4SCN solution (50 °C, 20 wt.%), a corrosion product layer composed of ZnS and Al2O3 was formed on the surface of the coated steel wire. The electrochemical analysis showed that the corrosion resistance of the ZnAlMg coating was better than that of the ZnAl coating, which was the main reason for the improvement of the stress corrosion performance.
Development of Visible Multi−Bandpass Filter Based on F−P Structure
Authors: Jiang Hongyan , Fan Rongwei , Ji Yiqin , Guo Kai , Xiong Shifu , Sun Bing , Zhang Chen , Wang Xing , Chen Deying
Published: July 2023

In order to reduce the noise interference of smart wearable devices, spectral filtering technology is used to suppress noise. This technology prevents interference signals from entering the detector from the source, thereby achieving high−precision noise reduction processing. According to the system requirements, a multi−bandpass filter with a wavelength range of 400~1000 nm was designed and prepared on a BK7 substrate. Ta2O5 and SiO2 were selected as the high− and low−refractive−index materials, respectively. By analyzing the −Fabry–Perot narrowband theory, the bandwidth matching coefficient was computed, and the interference order was calculated using the interval of the transmission peak wavelengths. Multiple F−P coating systems were connected through the matching layer to adjust the position of the transmission peak and broaden the bandwidth range. The design was optimized using Macloed film system design software, resulting in the design of a wide half−wave and cutoff multi−bandpass filter. The appropriate preparation process was chosen based on changes in refractive index, surface roughness, and the temperature gradient of the materials. The filter was then produced using Leybold SYRUSpro1110. Sensitivity, filter roughness, and the weak absorption of the film system were tested, and the results met the system requirements.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of the CrAl/CrAlN and CrAl/CrAlN-(a-CNx) Multilayers Deposited by HIPIMS
Authors: Martínez-González Cecilio , Flores-Jiménez Max , Bravo-Barcenas David , Jiménez-Alemán Omar , Flores-Martínez Martín
Published: July 2023

In this study, two CrAl/CrAlN multilayer coatings of 1.5 µm and 1.2 µm thicknesses were deposited from a (50:50) CrAl sectioned target by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) onto A11 tool steel to evaluate the effect over mechanical and tribological properties by the addition of an (a-CNx) top layer. XRD analysis showed a CrAlN FCC structure (111) and a Cr phase (110). A glass-like morphology was observed in the CrAl layer and in the (a-CNx) top layer, while the CrAlN layers exhibited a columnar morphology according to the FE-SEM analysis. Raman analysis results confirmed characteristic peaks G and D for the carbon amorphous structure of the (a-CNx) top layer. Nanoindentation results showed comparable hardnesses (23.08 GPa ± 2.8 and 20.58 GPa ± 1.8) in both multilayer coatings. The CrAl/CrAlN multilayer with an (a-CNx) top layer increased the absorption energy capacity and the mechanical potential energy stored. The nano scratch test showed the strongest crack resistance and highest adhesive energy values for the CrAl/CrAlN multilayer. The addition of an (a-CNx) top layer improved the tribological behavior when higher normal loads were applied during the fretting test. Raman analysis showed an increase in the I(D)/I(G) ratio and a formation of a carbon sp2 structure (i.e., graphite-like structure) over the worn surfaces, as well as dissipated energy (J/m) during the fretting test.
Advances of Sulfonated Hyaluronic Acid in Biomaterials and Coatings—A Review
Authors: Iqbal Mujahid , Yasin Aqeela , Akram Ambreen , Li Jing-An , Zhang Kun
Published: July 2023

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that is a versatile material whose biological, chemical, and physical characteristics can be deeply tuned to modifications. However, HA is easy to decompose by hyaluronidase in vivo, and this process will reduce its structure and function stability during application. The sulfonation of HA can improve its stability under the action of hyaluronidase. Sulfated hyaluronic acid (S-HA) can be synthesized by many methods, and it shows significantly slower degradation by hyaluronidase compared with HA. In addition, negatively charged S-HA has other advantages such as anti-adhesive activity, anti-inflammatory, macromolecules by electrostatic interactions, stable site absorption of positively charged molecules, and enhancement of growth factor binding ability. It has numerous applications in medical (anti-aging, inflammation, tissue regeneration, cancer therapy, wound healing, and drug delivery) and cosmetics as biomaterials and coatings. In this article, the advances of S-HA for potential application of biomaterials and biomedical coatings will be reviewed and comprehensively discussed.
Effects of Ti/N Ratio on Coarse-Grain Heat-Affected Zone Microstructure Evolution and Low-Temperature Impact Toughness of High Heat Input Welding Steel
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Jiaji , Hu Fengya , Fu Kuijun , Zhang Zhiqiang , Wu Yumin
Published: July 2023

Coarse-grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) properties of steel deteriorate when it is welded using high heat input, which always restricts the promotion and use of high heat input welding steel. TiN particles significantly inhibit the growth of austenite and improve the microstructure and properties of high heat input welding steel. Effects of different Ti/N ratios on the CGHAZ microstructure and properties of high heat input welding steel were studied using welding thermal simulations and in situ observations. Results showed that a higher Ti/N ratio led to the abnormal growth of austenite grains and promoted the nucleation and growth of lath ferrite, which made the microstructure of the CGHAZ heterogeneous. In contrast, austenite grains were more uniform at a lower Ti/N ratio. Thus, the microstructure was refined, the brittle structure was reduced, and the properties of the CGHAZ were improved. In addition, when Ti/N = 5.85, the impact absorption energy of the CGHAZ obviously fluctuated. However, when Ti/N = 2.82, the impact absorption energy of the CGHAZ was higher and more stable. These results provided a new idea for the development of high heat input welding steel based on TiN theory.
COVID-19 and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Martins Marília Paiva , de Oliveira Rodrigo Bueno
Published: July 2023

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, causing loss of life, economic damage, and social disruption. Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prone to complications and increased mortality related to COVID-19. Efforts have been made to increase understanding of the effects of COVID-19 in individuals with CKD. This paper aims to gather and discuss the state-of-the-art in the COVID-19 and CKD literature, involving the early history of COVID-19, the immunological aspects of CKD (such as abnormalities in neutrophilicand dendritic cells functions), the mechanisms of kidney injury by SARS-CoV-2 (for example, viral tropism to kidney tissue and direct cytotoxicity), the clinical course of the disease and consequences for CKD individuals (including kidney transplant recipients), and the emerging treatments (such as the use of Remdesivir, nirmatrelvir, and monoclonal neutralizing antibodies) and immunization for the CKD population.
Alkali-Induced Phase Transition to β-Spodumene along the LiAlSi2O6-LiAlSi4O10 Join
Authors: Thibault Yves , Gamage McEvoy Joanne
Published: July 2023

Due to the refractory nature of α-spodumene (LiAlSi2O6) and petalite (LiAlSi4O10), two major lithium minerals, conventional lithium recovery processes involve a high-temperature pre-treatment (>1000 °C) to induce a phase transition to tetragonal β-spodumene, an open structure allowing easier access to lithium through ion exchange. Considering that these high temperatures are not dictated by thermodynamics but rather sluggish kinetics, the study investigates the mechanisms enhancing the rate of transformation to β-spodumene at lower temperatures while minimizing the growth of metastable hexagonal β-quartz typically observed at the onset of the conversion. The heat treatment of natural α-spodumene revealed that rapid growth of β-spodumene veinlets is achieved at ≤600 °C by activation of alkali-rich fluid inclusions, through a dissolution–recrystallization process. For petalite, the mechanism of the phase transition, initiated at ≈750 °C is a solid-state transformation keeping crystallographic coincidence with the mineral host. Synthetic growth experiments along the LiAlSi2O6-LiAlSi4O10 join indicate a compositional dependence on the resulting β-phase structure, where minor sodium doping strongly favors β-spodumene, as the tetrahedral framework of β-quartz does not allow the extent of deformation to accommodate the larger alkali. These findings open opportunities for energy-efficient lithium recovery pathways where the phase transition and ion exchange can be achieved simultaneously without a high-temperature pre-treatment.
Simulation of Higher-Dimensional Discrete Time Crystals on a Quantum Computer
Authors: Sims Christopher
Published: July 2023

The study of topologically ordered states has given rise to a growing interest in symmetry-protected states in quantum matter. Recently, this theory has been extended to quantum many-body systems, which demonstrate ordered states at low temperatures. An example of this is the discrete time crystal (DTC), which has been demonstrated in a real quantum computer and in driven systems. These states are periodic in time and are protected from disorder to a certain extent. In general, DTCs can be classified into two phases: the stable many-body localization (MBL) state and the disordered thermal state. This work demonstrates the by generalizing DTCs to two dimensions, where there was an decrease in the thermal noise and an increase in the operating range of the MBL range in the presence of disorder.
Genetic Variation and Evolutionary History of the Threatened Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn. Detected Using Microsatellites
Authors: Duc Nguyen Minh , Hoang Nguyen Huy , Giang Tran Thi Huong , Huong Nguyen Thi Thuy , Duy Vu Dinh , Hong Nguyen Phan Lan , Minh Truong Ngoc , Tam Nguyen Minh
Published: July 2023

Dipterocarpus turbinatus C.F.Gaertn. is a valuable timber tree indigenous to the lowland tropical forests of southern and central Vietnam. It is in danger of extinction due to fragmented habitats and overexploitation. Therefore, assessing the genetic diversity and demographic history of this species is essential to providing a platform for conservation activities. Herein, we analyzed 281 D. turbinatus trees from 10 populations representing their natural distribution range in Vietnam using nine polymorphic microsatellites to provide valuable information for conservation activities. We detected genetic diversity within these populations (0.285 and 0.328 for observed and expected heterozygosity, respectively), as well as population genetic differentiation (a Wei and Cockerham value of 0.202 and a Hedrick value of 0.32). Clustering analysis based on different approaches revealed three genetic clusters which were significantly correlated to gene flow across the geographic distribution range of D. turbinatus in tropical evergreen forests. Approximate Bayesian computation suggested that the D. turbinatus populations had an evolutionary history consistent with divergence during the last glacial maximum. Based on our results, we recommend the in situ conservation of several populations with high genetic diversity, high allelic richness, or private alleles, and the gathering of the seeds of the remaining populations for ex situ conservation.
Ontogeny of Different Tetrad Types in the Single Microsporangium of Mitrephora tomentosa (Annonaceae)
Authors: Li Bingxin , Liu Xiu , Cheng Mei , Xu Fengxia , Liao Haimin
Published: July 2023

Annonaceae, comprising approximately 107 genera and 2400 species, is the largest family among early-divergent Magnoliales. Previous studies have concentrated on the binding mechanism that holds together the four members of tetrads in Annonaceae. However, the development mechanisms of different tetrad types remain largely unknown. Mitrephora tomentosa was found to exhibit five permanent tetrad types, with two or three of them existing in the same microsporangium, which is ideal for studying the formation mechanisms of different permanent tetrad pollens in a single microsporangium and explaining the relationship between cytokinesis and pollen tetrad types. The ontogenetic development of the different tetrads in M. tomentosa was investigated using electron microscopy technologies, histochemical staining, and immunocytochemistry. During meiosis, pollen mother cells produce decussate and tetragonal tetrads by successive cytokinesis and produce tetrahedral and rhomboidal tetrads by simultaneous cytokinesis. Bidirectional callose deposition was observed in tetrahedral, tetragonal, rhomboidal, and decussate tetrads. The variations in the process of microsporogenesis randomly accumulate and manifest as different combinations of cytokinesis and callose deposition, leading to the formation of differently shaped tetrads. In mature permanent tetrad pollens, four microspores are connected by both simple cohesion and cytoplasmic channels, which also play an important role in maintaining the synchronization of the tetrad members.
Role of Tree Vegetation and Associated Environmental Factors on the Understory Herb-Layer Composition in a Reforested Area: A Study from “Kulon Progo Community Forestry”
Authors: Siswo  , Yun Chung-Weon , Lee Jeongeun
Published: July 2023

We assessed the understory herb-layer species composition in response to tree vegetation and its associated environmental factors in the reforested area of the Kulon Progo Community Forestry, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The understory herb-layer composition among different stand types, including Pinus (PN), Aleurites-Swietenia (AS), Swietenia-Acacia (SA), Melaleuca-Acacia (MA) and Tectona-Dalbergia (TD), was compared using some comparison analyses. The influence of tree vegetation characteristics and associated environmental factors on the understory herb-layer species was analyzed by employing canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Our result showed variation in understory herb-layer species composition despite equality in richness and diversity indices. Among all stand types, the MA stand showed fewer shade-tolerant species, and the TD stand exhibited the smallest number of shade-intolerant species. Seedling availability also varied between AS and MA, which contained fewer seedling species. One of the main species in the two stands did not even regenerate. Moreover, all indicator species in MA were shade-intolerant species with invasive characteristics, while those in TD were shade-tolerant and semi-shade-tolerant species. CCA showed that stand types held an important role in the herb-layer species composition, where the number of shade-tolerant and seedling species commonly native to forest were directly proportional to tree canopy coverage, silt proportion in soil texture and concentration of soil organic carbon yet inversely proportional to below-stand utilization. In contrast, the number of shade-intolerant species had positive correlation to below-stand utilization and inversely to other correlated factors. Our study also indicated the possibility of tree vegetation controlling several environmental factors, where the increase in canopy coverage was followed by an increasing proportion of silt in soil texture and concentration of soil organic carbon, as well as a decreasing percentage of below-stand utilization. Accordingly, we recommend tree species enrichment with dense-canopy trees and adaptive management of below-stand utilization for better forest development and tree regeneration. This finding provides important knowledge for evaluation and improvement in the ecological restoration of degraded forests.
Feihu Dong, a New Hotspot Cave of Subterranean Biodiversity from China
Authors: Huang Sunbin , Zhao Mingzhi , Luo Xiaozhu , Bedos Anne , Wang Yong , Chocat Marc , Tian Mingyi , Liu Weixin
Published: July 2023

China is a country with abundant karst landscapes, but research on cave biodiversity is still limited. Currently, only Ganxiao Dong, located in Huanjiang, Guangxi, has been reported as a hotspot for cave biodiversity. Many of the world’s most troglomorphic species in the major groups of cave animals have been recently discovered in China, making the existence of many more hotspots in the country likely. Feihu Dong, one of these potential hotspot caves, has been systematically investigated to complement a preliminary species list of 1995, leading to the discovery of 62 species of animals from the cave. Among them, 27 are considered troglobionts or stygobionts, 26 are considered troglophiles or stygophiles, and nine are classified as trogloxenes or stygoxenes. Research on the cave biodiversity of Feihu Dong has demonstrated that it currently holds the highest number of known cave animal species in China. Among the most remarkable features of this fauna is the co-occurrence of five species of cave-obligate beetles, all modified for cave life. The biological survey was limited to a small part of the cave. Several habitats (like guano) have not been investigated so far, and several important cave groups have been insufficiently or not sampled (like Ostracoda). Meanwhile, the system increases in length with each new caving expedition. Further discoveries of cave organisms in Feihu Dong are therefore expected. As Feihu Dong and Ganxiao Dong are the only caves in China that have been extensively studied for a large range of organisms, and as they are located in karstic areas that are similar in richness to other regions of southern China, it can be confidently assumed that several other caves of high biodiversity will be discovered in the coming years.
Global Potential Distribution of Sarcophaga dux and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis under Climate Change
Authors: Al-Khalaf Areej A. , Nasser Mohamed G. , Hosni Eslam M.
Published: July 2023

Climate change has a direct impact on biodiversity, affecting ecosystems and altering their balance. Many taxa, including insects, are likely to be affected by climate change in terms of geographic distribution. Sarcophagid flies, such as Sarcophaga dux and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis, are important flies because of their apparent ecological, forensic, and medical significance. Global habitat suitability varies as a result of climate change. In wildlife management, models that predict species’ spatial distribution are being used more and more, which emphasizes the need for reliable methods to evaluate their accuracy. Consequently, the statistical robustness of maximum entropy was implemented in Maxent to model the current and future global distribution of both flies, involving occurrence data of 155 and 87 points for S. dux and S. haemorrhoidalis, respectively. Based on the Pearson correlation and Jackknife test, five bioclimatic variables were used for current and future predictive models. For future models, two representative concentration pathways (RCPs), 2.6 and 8.5, for 2050 and 2070 were applied. Both statistical parameters, AUC and TSS, were used to assess the resulting models with values equal to 0.80 (±0.01) and 0.9, respectively, for S. dux and equal to 0.86 (±0.01) and 0.92 for S. haemorrhoidalis. The resulting models for S. dux showed high and very high suitability in Europe, Tropical Africa, India, Canada, the United States from Alaska to Florida, Brazil, and Australia. In the case of S. haemorrhoidalis Europe and North and South America displayed low to medium suitability, but North Africa, including Egypt; Tropical Africa; Asia, including Saudi Arabia, India, and China; and Australia showed increased suitability. Decision-makers are put in conflict with their duties to avert destruction in the economic, medical, and ecological sectors by such anticipated models, and use these predictive models as a cornerstone for building a control strategy for such forensically important flies at local spatial scales.
Association of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Level with Clinical Outcome in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Hong Heejin , Kim Jihyun , Min Hana , Kim Yong , Kim Tae-Youn
Published: July 2023

Objectives: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is used for outcome assessment of various diseases. We designed this study to investigate whether BNP, which has been proven useful in the risk stratification of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) of cardiac etiology, can also prove to be a valuable prognostic tool for SCA also included with non-cardiac etiology. In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between measured BNP levels and clinical outcomes in SCA, regardless of the cause of SCA. Methods: This retrospective multicenter observational study was performed in two tertiary university hospitals and one general hospital between January 2015 and December 2020. The total number of SCA patients was 1625. The patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest over 19 years old and acquired laboratory data, including BNP at emergency department (ED) arrival, were included. BNP was measured during advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). The exclusion criteria were age under 18 years, traumatic arrest, and without BNP. Results: The median BNP was 171.8 (range; 5–5000) pg/mL in the return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC), higher than No-ROSC (p = 0.007). The median BNP concentration was 99.7 (range; 5–3040.68) pg/mL in the survival to discharge, which was significantly lower than the death group (p = 0.012). The odds ratio of survival to discharge decreased proportionally to the BNP level. The odds ratio of neurologic outcome was not correlated with the BNP level. Conclusion: In patients with SCA of all origins, low BNP concentration measured during ACLS correlated with an increased ratio of survival to discharge. However, BNP measured during ACLS was not found to be an independent factor.
Assessment of the Severity of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Stenoses by Enhanced Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography: Validation of a Method Based on the Continuity Equation
Authors: Caiati Carlo , Stanca Alessandro , Lepera Mario Erminio
Published: July 2023

Background: To verify whether the severity of coronary stenosis could be non-invasively assessed by enhanced transthoracic coronary echo Doppler in convergent color Doppler mode (E-Doppler TTE) over a wide range of values (from mild to severe). Methods: Color-guided pulsed wave Doppler sampling in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was performed in 103 diseased LAD segments (corresponding to 94 patients examined) as assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) or intracoronary ultrasound (IVUS). The E-Doppler TTE examinations consisted of measuring the velocity (vel) at the stenosis site and a reference adjacent segment. Then the continuity equation (C-Eq) was applied to calculate the percent cross-sectional area reduction (%CSA) at the stenosis site. The applied formula was: %CSA = 100 × (1 − [TVIref × 0.5]/TVIs). TVI = the time velocity integral at the stenosis [s] and the reference site [ref], respectively); 0.5 = the correcting factor for a parabolic profile was used only when the % accelerated stenotic flow was >122% (AsF = diastolic peak vel at first site − diastolic peak vel at second site/diastolic peak vel at second site × 100). Results: E-Doppler TTE feasibility was 100%. Doppler and QCA/IVUS-derived %CSA stenosis showed very good agreement over a large range of values (from mild to severe), with no significant bias; the maximum difference between QCA/IVUS and transthoracic Doppler %CSA was mostly around 20% with a few patients exceeding this limit (limits of agreement = −27.53 to 23.5%). The scattering was slightly larger for the non-significant stenoses. The correlation was strong (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). Conclusion: E-Doppler TTE is a feasible and reliable method for assessing the severity of LAD stenosis by applying the C-Eq.
Clinical Characterization and Outcomes of Culture- and Polymerase Chain Reaction-Negative Cases of Infectious Keratitis
Authors: Atta Sarah , Singh Rohan Bir , Samanthapudi Keerthana , Perera Chandrashan , Omar Mahmoud , Nayyar Shannon , Kowalski Regis P. , Jhanji Vishal
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To examine the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative cases of infectious keratitis. Methods: In this retrospective case series, we evaluated the laboratory and medical records of culture- and PCR-negative cases (2016–2020) reported to a tertiary care center, which were presumed to be infectious keratitis on the basis of clinical history and presentation. Results: A total of 121 cases with culture-negative keratitis were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 48.42 ± 1.89 years, and 53.72% were female. At presentation, the presumed etiology was viral in 38.01%, bacterial in 27.27%, fungal in 8.26%, Acanthamoeba in 6.61%, and unlisted in 28.92% of cases. The most common risk factors were a previous history of ocular surface diseases (96.69%) and contact lens use (37.19%). In total, 61.98% of the patients were already on antimicrobial medication at presentation. The initial management was altered in 79 cases (65.29%) during the treatment course. Average presenting and final (post-treatment) visual acuities (VA) were 0.98 ± 0.04 (LogMAR) and 0.42 ± 0.03 (LogMAR), respectively. A significantly higher frequency of patients with a final VA worse than 20/40 (Snellen) had worse VA at initial presentation (p < 0.0001). A history of ocular surface disease, cold sores, and recurrent infection (p < 0.05) were more commonly associated with a presumed diagnosis of viral keratitis. The patients with presumed bacterial etiology were younger and had a history of poor contact lens hygiene (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We observed a distinct difference in clinical features among patients with culture-negative and PCR-negative keratitis managed for presumed viral and bacterial infections. Although there was significant variability in presentation and management duration in this cohort, the visual outcomes were generally favorable.
Laparoscopic Extended Left Lateral Sectionectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Patient with Right-Sided Ligamentum Teres: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Adachi Yuki , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Tomohiro , Hagiwara Masahiro , Imai Koji , Yokoo Hideki
Published: July 2023

Right-sided ligamentum teres (RSLT) is a rare anatomic variant in which the fetal umbilical vein connects to the right portal vein. Patients with RSLT frequently have hepatic vasculature and bile duct anomalies, which increase the risk of complications with hepatectomy. Most patients with RSLT undergo open hepatectomy. Herein, we describe a patient with RSLT and hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy. The patient was a 69-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma located in the left liver based on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging also demonstrated RSLT. Three-dimensional CT analysis revealed independent right lateral type anomalies of the portal vein and bile duct. A laparoscopic extended left lateral sectionectomy was performed after careful surgical planning. Ultrasonography was used frequently during surgery to avoid damaging the right hepatic vasculature. The left lateral and partial left median sections were removed as planned. The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful. Avoiding injury to the right hepatic vasculature is essential when performing left lobectomy, including left lateral sectionectomy, in patients with RSLT. Laparoscopic hepatectomy can be performed safely in patients with RSLT, provided that careful surgical planning is conducted using preoperative three-dimensional CT analysis and intraoperative ultrasonography.