bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Chemistry and Pharmacy: Diagnostic Check of the Thermochemistry of Ibuprofen
Authors: Emel'yanenko Vladimir N. , Zherikova Kseniya V. , Verevkin Sergey P.
Published: March 2024

The thermodynamic data on ibuprofen available in the literature shows that the disarray of experimental results is unacceptable for this very important drug. The data on ibuprofens available in the literature were collected, combined with our complementary experimental results and evaluated. The enthalpies of combustion and formation of the crystalline RS‐(±)‐ and S‐(+)‐ibuprofens were measured using high‐precision combustion calorimetry. The temperature dependence of the vapour pressure of S‐(+)‐ibuprofen was measured using the transpiration method and the enthalpy of vaporization was derived from this measurement. The enthalpies of fusion of both compounds were measured using DSC. The G4 calculations have been carried out to determine the enthalpy of formation in the gaseous state of the most stable conformer. Thermochemical properties of the compounds studied were evaluated and tested for consistency with the “centerpiece approach”. A set of reliable and consistent values of thermodynamic properties of ibuprofens at 298.15 K is recommended for thermochemical calculations of the pharmaceutical processes. The diagnostic protocol was developed to distinguish between the “sick” or “healthy” thermodynamic data. This diagnostic is also applicable to other drugs with a different structure than ibuprofen.
Effect of Zirconium Content on Defect Structure and Light Damage Resistance of Zr:Dy:LiNbO3 Crystals
Authors: Dai Li , Zhang Lin , Wang Houliang , Lai Ning
Published: March 2024

In this paper, Zr:Dy:LiNbO3 crystals are prepared by traditional pull‐up method, in which Zr4+ doping concentrations are 0, 1, 2, and 4 mol%, respectively. In this paper, the defective structure of Zr:Dy:LiNbO3 crystals and their resistance to photodamage under different Zr4+ concentration doping are studied. Firstly, the influence of Zr4+ doping concentration on the defective structure of Zr:Dy:LiNbO3 crystal and the occupancy of doped ions under different Zr4+ concentrations are tested and discussed by infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy and ultraviolet‐visible near‐infrared (UV–vis–NIR) absorption spectroscopy. The Judd–Ofelt theoretical analysis results show that when the concentration of doped Zr4+ is 2 mol%, the spectral quality factor (X) of Dy3+ in lithium niobate crystals is significantly improved compared with that of Dy3+ in other crystals. Secondly, resistance to photodamage of Zr:Dy:LiNbO3 crystals is studied and analyzed by the light scattering exposure energy flow threshold method. The results show that when the concentration of doped Zr4+ ions reaches 4 mol%, the exposure energy value is increased by 210 times compared with the no doping, which greatly improves the anti‐photodamage performance of the crystal.
V‐MXenes for Energy Storage/Conversion Applications
Authors: Hussain Iftikhar , Kewate Onkar Jaywant , Hanan Abdul , Bibi Faiza , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Rosaiah P. , Ahmad Muhammad , Chen Xi , Shaheen Irum , Hanif Muhammad Bilal , Bhatti Ali Hassan , Assiri Mohammed Ali , Zoubi Wail Al , Zhang Kaili
Published: March 2024

MXenes, a two‐dimensional (2D) material, exhibit excellent optical, electrical, chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. Titanium‐based MXene (Ti‐MXene) has been extensively studied and serves as the foundation for 2D MXenes. However, other transition metals possess the potential to offer excellent properties in various applications. This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of the properties, challenges, key findings, and applications of less‐explored vanadium‐based MXenes (V‐MXenes) and their composites. The current trends in V‐MXene and their composites for energy storage and conversion applications have been thoroughly summarized. Overall, this review offers valuable insights, identifies potential opportunities, and provides key suggestions for future advancements in the MXenes and energy storage/conversion applications.
Long‐term effects of a tornado: Impacts on woody native vegetation and invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) in an urban forest
Authors: Culley Theresa M. , Bécus Marjorie S. , Cameron Guy N.
Published: March 2024

As tornados become increasingly common with global climate change, recovery of the woody vegetation in temperate forests is imperative to maintain an intact ecosystem. In many urbanized landscapes, invasive species are also increasing and could interfere with natural recovery from environmental disturbance. We quantified the impact and 17‐year recovery from a major tornado in a temperate deciduous forest. We used vegetational surveys in southwestern Ohio at the Harris M. Benedict Nature Preserve, where approximately a third of this site was damaged by a tornado in 1999. Plots were established in the tornado‐damaged area and the nearby undisturbed forest to examine forest recovery of trees/saplings, shrubs and vines, and tree seedlings during 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2016/2017. The number of tree saplings, shrubs, and vines increased immediately after the tornado, but then declined by 2010, relative to the undisturbed forest. Forest tree recruitment was lower in tornado‐damaged sites with fewer tree seedlings, but more saplings. Tree diversity was also affected by Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash borer) which targeted native ash trees within this time period. Despite an initial increase in shrubs and vines in the damaged area, the diversity and density of shrubs approached equality in both sites by 2016. Most shrubs in both sites were the invasive Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle). In tornado sites, honeysuckle thinned out over time, leaving larger shrubs with greater mean basal diameter compared to the undisturbed forest. Other woody invasive species were also more prevalent in the damaged area, but increased in number in both locations by 2017. The forest has the capability to begin to recover from the initial tornado, but its future composition may differ from its initial trajectory due to invasive species, loss of ash trees, and anthropogenic impacts within the urban landscape.
Effects of short‐ and long‐term plant functional group loss on alpine meadow community structure and soil nutrients
Authors: Wei Jingjing , Zhou Huakun , Shao Xinqing , Sun Jian , Ma Li , Zhang Zhonghua , Qin Ruimin , Su Hongye , Hu Xue , Chang Tao , Shi Zhengchen , Ade Haze , Wang Huichun
Published: March 2024

The rapid loss of global biodiversity can greatly affect the normal functioning of ecosystems. However, how biodiversity losses affect plant community structure and soil nutrients is unclear. We conducted a field experiment to examine the short‐ and long‐term effects of removing plant functional groups (Gramineae, Cyperaceae, legumes, and forbs) on the interrelationships among the species diversity, productivity, community structure, and soil nutrients in an alpine meadow ecosystem at Menyuan County, Qinghai Province. The variations in the species richness, above‐ and belowground biomass of the community gradually decreased over time. Species richness and productivity were positively correlated, and this correlation tended to be increasingly significant over time. Removal of the Cyperaceae, legumes, and other forbs resulted in fewer Gramineae species in the community. Soil total nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, and moisture contents increased significantly in the legume removal treatment. The removal of other forbs led to the lowest negative cohesion values, suggesting that this community may have difficulty recovering its previous equilibrium state within a short time. The effects of species removal on the ecosystem were likely influenced by the species structure and composition within the community. Changes in the number of Gramineae species indicated that they were more sensitive and less resistant to plant functional group removal. Legume removal may also indirectly cause distinct community responses through starvation and compensation effects. In summary, species loss at the community level led to extensive species niche shifts, which caused community resource redistribution and significant changes in community structure.
The impact of integrating rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (K5) release with pindone baiting on wild rabbit populations
Authors: Patel Kandarp K. , Austin Catherine , Warner Katrina , Pickett Marcus , Khabiri Aliakbar , Mahzounieh Mohammadreza , Hemmatzadeh Farhid , Taggart Patrick L.
Published: March 2024

Several conventional and recently available tools are available for an integrated control of European rabbits in Australia. We quantified the impact of the release of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus K5 (RHDV K5, hereafter K5) and pindone (2‐pivalyl‐1,3‐indandione) baiting at 13 sites within Cudlee Creek fire scar in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. K5 release was followed by pindone baiting between December 2021 and March 2022; the application of both control methods followed industry best practice. We counted rabbits using spotlights before and after the application of both control methods. Fly samples and livers from dead rabbits were collected to track K5 transmission within and between sites, and to detect the natural circulation of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). K5 release had minimal impact on rabbit populations, with treated populations increasing by a mean of 65.5% at 14 days post‐release and 27.9% at 77 days post‐K5 release across all sites, comparable to the changes at control sites. K5 detection in flies up to 77 days post its release, and its detection in rabbit livers, demonstrates that it can survive and transmit in the environment for prolonged periods and that it can lethally infect some rabbits. This limited impact of K5 is consistent with previous studies and may be explained by pre‐existing RHDV/RHDV2 immunity in the target populations or the presence of young rabbits with natural innate RHDV immunity. The detection of K5 in flies from control sites demonstrates that it was vectored beyond its release location. A reduction in rabbit counts post‐pindone baiting was observed at most treatment sites, with a mean population reduction of 36.6% across all sites. Landholders need to carefully and strategically plan their integrated rabbit control programmes. Not all combinations of controls, even if theoretically logical, achieve meaningful outcomes for rabbit management.
Effects of mining activities on fish communities and food web dynamics in a lowland river
Authors: Scharnweber Kristin , Scholz Carolin , Schippenbeil Victor , Milano Stefania , Hühn Daniel
Published: March 2024

Fish communities of streams and rivers might be substantially subsidized by terrestrial insects that fall into the water. Although such animal‐mediated fluxes are increasingly recognized, little is known about how anthropogenic perturbations may influence the strength of such exchanges. Intense land use, such as lignite mining, may impact a river ecosystem due to the flocculation of iron (III) oxides, thus altering food web dynamics. We compared sections of the Spree River in North‐East Germany that were greatly influenced by iron oxides with sections located downstream of a dam where passive remediation technologies are applied. Compared to locations downstream of the dam, the abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates at locations of high iron concentrations upstream of the dam was significantly reduced. Similarly, catch per unit effort of all fish was significantly higher in locations downstream of the dam compared to locations upstream of the dam, and the condition of juvenile and adult piscivorous pike Esox lucius was significantly lower in sections of high iron concentrations. Using an estimate of short‐term (i.e., metabarcoding of the gut content) as well as longer‐term (i.e., hydrogen stable isotopes) resource use, we could demonstrate that the three most abundant fish species, perch Perca fluviatilis, roach Rutilus rutilus, and bleak Alburnus alburnus, received higher contributions of terrestrial insects to their diet at locations of high iron concentration. In summary, lotic food webs upstream and downstream of the dam greatly differed in the overall structure with respect to the energy available for the highest tropic levels and the contribution of terrestrial insects to the diet of omnivorous fish. Therefore, human‐induced environmental perturbations, such as river damming and mining activities, represent strong pressures that can alter the flow of energy between aquatic and terrestrial systems, indicating a broad impact on the landscape level.
Intraspecific differentiation of Lindera obtusiloba as revealed by comparative plastomic and evolutionary analyses
Authors: Tian Xiangyu , Guo Jia , Song Yu , Yu Qunfei , Liu Chao , Fu Zhixi , Shi Yuhua , Shao Yizhen , Yuan Zhiliang
Published: March 2024

Lindera obtusiloba Blume is the northernmost tree species in the family Lauraceae, and it is a key species in understanding the evolutionary history of this family. The species of L. obtusiloba in East Asia has diverged into the Northern and Southern populations, which are geographically separated by an arid belt. Though the morphological differences between populations have been observed and well documented, intraspecific variations at the plastomic level have not been systematically investigated to date. Here, ten chloroplast genomes of L. obtusiloba individuals were sequenced and analyzed along with three publicly available plastomes. Comparative plastomic analysis suggests that both the Northern and the Southern populations share similar overall structure, gene order, and GC content in their plastomes although the size of the plasome and the level of intraspecific variability do vary between the two populations. The Northern have relatively larger plastomes while the Southern population possesses higher intraspecific variability, which could be attributed to the complexity of the geological environments in the South. Phylogenomic analyses also support the split of the Northern and Southern clades among L. obtusiloba individuals. However, there is no obvious species boundary between var. obtusiloba and var. heterophylla in the Southern population, indicating that gene flow could still occur between these two varieties, and this could be used as a good example of reticulate evolution. It is also found that a few photosynthesis‐related genes are under positive selection, which is mainly related to the geological and environmental differences between the Northern and the Southern regions. Our results provide a reference for phylogenetic analysis within species and suggest that phylogenomic analyses with a sufficient number of nuclear and chloroplast genomic target loci from widely distributed individuals could provide a deeper understanding of the population evolution of the widespread species.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding of pan trap water to monitor arthropod‐plant interactions
Authors: Kestel Joshua H. , Field David L. , Bateman Philip W. , White Nicole E. , Bell Karen L. , Nevill Paul
Published: March 2024

Globally, the diversity of arthropods and the plants upon which they rely are under increasing pressure due to a combination of biotic and abiotic anthropogenic stressors. Unfortunately, conventional survey methods used to monitor ecosystems are often challenging to conduct on large scales. Pan traps are a commonly used pollinator survey method and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of pan trap water may offer a high‐throughput alternative to aid in the detection of both arthropods and the plant resources they rely on. Here, we examined if eDNA metabarcoding can be used to identify arthropods and plant species from pan trap water, and investigated the effect of different DNA extraction methods. We then compared plant species identified by metabarcoding with observation‐based floral surveys and also assessed the contribution of airborne plant DNA (plant DNA not carried by arthropods) using marble traps to reduce putative false positives in the pan trap dataset. Arthropod eDNA was only detected in 17% of pan trap samples and there was minimal overlap between the eDNA results and morphological identifications. In contrast, for plants, we detected 64 taxa, of which 53 were unique to the eDNA dataset, and no differences were identified between the two extraction kits. We were able to significantly reduce the contribution of airborne plant DNA to the final dataset using marble traps. This study demonstrates that eDNA metabarcoding of pan trap water can detect plant resources used by arthropods and highlights the potential for eDNA metabarcoding to be applied to investigations of arthropod‐plant interactions.
Enhancing fire‐resistant design of reinforced concrete beams by investigating the influence of reliability‐based analysis
Authors: Szép János , Movahedi Rad Majid , Habashneh Muayad
Published: March 2024

A depth investigation into the impact of high temperatures on the load‐bearing capacity of reinforced concrete beams in the case of probabilistic design is presented in this paper, employing advanced finite element analysis techniques. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap in the design of fire‐resistant concrete structures, with specific emphasis on the function of concrete cover. The research aims to enhance the overall safety and reliability of concrete buildings under high temperature conditions by providing valuable insights into the behavior of reinforced concrete beams under thermal loading. The analysis incorporates reliability‐based modeling to account for uncertainties in temperature distribution within the beams. A validated finite element model is employed to simulate the performance of reinforced concrete beams at elevated temperatures. By considering various concrete cover thicknesses and heat distribution scenarios, the influence of these factors on the load‐bearing capacity is thoroughly examined. The results underscore the importance of augmenting the concrete cover to enhance the load‐carrying capacity of the beams. Furthermore, the study examines the impact of temperature distribution uncertainties, unveiling diverse load capacities associated with different configurations of concrete cover.
Design and Technoeconomic Analysis of Fischer–Tropsch Fixed‐Bed Synthesis with Cobalt‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Kern Christoph , Jess Andreas
Published: March 2024

A multitubular Fischer–Tropsch (FT) reactor with gas recycle and a cobalt‐based catalyst is simulated by a 2D fixed‐bed model that considers the complex kinetics, all relevant mass and heat transfer aspects, and also the influence of the changing molar flow rate by the FT reaction, of pressure drop, and of formation of steam, which decreases the reaction rate of FT synthesis. Optimal values of gas velocity and single‐tube diameter and length are determined by a technoeconomic analysis. The comparison of the data of the FT reactor modeled in this work with data of commercial reactors indicates that the used model reflects reality well and is reliable. A superficial gas velocity of 0.5 m s−1, a tube diameter of 3 cm, and a length in a range of 12–20 m are appropriate for a high production rate of C2+‐hydrocarbons with minimal operating costs of the FT unit, even for a large range of the electricity price from 0.06 to 0.3 € kWh−1.
Optimization of hydraulic parameters for pipeline system of hydropower station with super long headrace tunnel based on mayfly algorithm considering operational scenarios
Authors: Wang Le , Guo Wencheng
Published: March 2024

This paper studies the optimization of hydraulic parameters for pipeline system of hydropower station with super long headrace tunnel (HSSLHT) based on mayfly algorithm considering operational scenarios. Firstly, the state equation of HSSLHT under load disturbance is derived. The optimization design of hydraulic parameters for pipeline system based on mayfly algorithm is proposed. Then, the optimization of hydraulic parameters is conducted and analyzed. Finally, the effects of pipeline diameters and transfer coefficients of turbines on the optimization of hydraulic parameters for pipeline systems are revealed. The results show that the optimization of hydraulic parameters for pipeline system is a multiobjective problem, and the several objective functions exhibit significant conflicts. Compared to the firefly algorithm and genetic algorithm, the objective function under mayfly algorithm is improved by 14.7% and 5.1%, respectively. The mayfly algorithm can make the hydraulic parameters for the pipeline system reach the Pareto optimal solution under both load decrease condition and load increase condition. The diameter of penstock has an obvious influence on the robustness of dynamic performance of HSSLHT. When the diameter of penstock increases by 30%, the robustness of HSSLHT becomes worse and the robustness index deteriorates by 57%. The reason is that the flow inertia of penstock becomes smaller with the increase of diameter, and the flow inertia of penstock is favorable for resisting disturbance of HSSLHT. The coefficient of throttled orifice head loss and the lengths and head losses of headrace tunnel and penstock are the key hydraulic parameters for matching the operation of HSSLHT.
Perceptions of Deficiencies in the Basic Conditions for Farm Management and Quality of Life in Coffee‐Growing Households: A Panel Analysis of a Rural Community in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Bartl Anna Lina
Published: March 2024

In the present study, information collected from 360 coffee‐cultivating households (HHs) is used to investigate perceptions of deficiencies in three sub‐counties in Eastern Uganda and to study changes in these perceptions between two survey rounds. The results of an explorative principal components analysis identify five factors affecting farmers’ perceptions. Whereas perceptions of deficiencies in the preconditions for farm management activities differ significantly between the three sub‐counties investigated, indicators of deficiencies in general life quality are distributed more equally. Deteriorations are explained mainly by perceived changes in weather conditions. On the one hand, it can be assumed that the high constraint level will continue to increase in the future due to climate change and its impacts on life quality and the basic conditions required for farm management. On the other hand, access to resources such as water taps but also increased competition between buyers, have improved the situation. Results further indicate that if activities such as the expansion of information access and improvement of road conditions (after land registration) are implemented on a larger scale, these negative trends can be partly counteracted to help farmers maintain the conditions for effective farm management and improve their quality of life in the future.
Transforming the Water‐Energy Nexus in Gaza: A Systems Approach
Authors: Rantissi Tony , Gitis Vitaly , Zong Zhiyuan , Hankins Nick
Published: March 2024

The acute water and electricity shortages in Gaza necessitate comprehensive solutions that recognize the interconnected nature of these vital resources. This article presents pragmatic solutions to align supply with fundamental needs in both domains, offering viable pathways for achieving strategic water‐energy security in Gaza. Baseline data reveals a deficit in the current water supply, falling below the international minimum of 100 L per capita per day, while the reported 137–189 MW per day electricity supply significantly lags behind the estimated 390 MW per day peak demand. To meet projected 2024 residential, commercial, and industrial demands, this study proposes actionable measures including expanding wastewater treatment to enable over 150 MCM per year tertiary effluents for agricultural reuse and adopting energy‐efficient forward osmosis‐reverse osmosis and osmotically assisted reverse osmosis desalination methods to increase potable water supply to 150 MCM per year. Electricity supply strategies include scaling renewable capacity towards 110 MW per day, exploring regional cooperation to unlock over 360 MW of power per day, and potentially recovering up to 60 MW per day through system efficiencies. These recommendations aim to prevent exacerbated scarcity and alleviate hardships in Gaza.
Creating welcoming and supportive campus climates for Buddhist students: Barriers and opportunities
Authors: Edwards Sachi
Published: March 2024

There is scant available research and scholarly discourse related to the unique needs and experiences of Buddhist students in US higher education—even in the small but growing body of literature on religiously minoritized college students. In this chapter, I summarize what little research does exist on Buddhist students, and explain the broader historical, societal, and cultural factors that serve as important context for making sense of that research. Focus points include curriculum, institutional policy, and student affairs. In the end, I offer recommendations to faculty, administrators, and student affairs professionals regarding what they can do to help create more welcoming and supportive campus climates for Buddhist students.

Practical Takeaways

Buddhism is internally diverse and Buddhist students often understand religion and express religiousness in ways that greatly differ from Christian and many other religious students. For that reason, creating welcoming and supportive campus climates for them looks different from common ways institutions attempt to do that for students from other religious groups.

Creating a designated Buddhist prayer space on campus may not be very helpful to Buddhist students. Things that are more likely to help include: providing religious literacy education to all students, creating an inclusive religious accommodations policy and interfaith calendar, permitting the use of incense in residence halls, hiring a full‐time student affairs professional dedicated to working with Buddhist students, regulating proselytizing on campus, avoiding appropriation of Buddhist traditions, and engaging with Buddhist students directly.
Misconceptions and misunderstandings in agricultural water management: Time for revisiting, reflection and rethinking
Authors: Ragab Ragab
Published: March 2024

Over the past years, several concepts in water management have emerged and were further developed. They included approaches for saving water and improving water use efficiency and productivity, sustainable water management strategies, salinity control, remote sensing applications to estimate crop evapotranspiration (ETc), soil moisture, crop yield and land cover, using models as water management tools and for designing reservoirs and dams. The intention was great, but the application of the concepts did not always match the intention. Examples of misunderstandings and misconceptions include incorrect application of deficit irrigation, using water use efficiency instead of water productivity, misunderstanding the water accounting system elements, misuse of the term sustainability, leaching with every irrigation, using the term upscaling instead of aggregation, incorrect use of long‐term average flow for designing dams and reservoirs, believing that remote sensing data are direct measurements for ETc or soil moisture and believing that well‐calibrated/validated models do not have inaccuracy and uncertainty in their results. This paper highlights these concepts and their misuse and misunderstandings as well as explains the true meaning and application of each concept. The paper also explains why concepts were misunderstood and suggests approaches to improve the understanding and accurate application of the concepts.
Cultivating critical race theory awareness with secondary pre‐service teachers through examination of Black Lives Matter‐themed literature
Authors: Hill K. Dara
Published: March 2024

This study documents secondary pre‐service teachers (PSTs) who examined Black Lives Matter (BLM)‐themed young adult literature (YAL) embedded in contemporary realistic fiction and graphic novels, as part of coursework for an online YAL course required for secondary teacher certification. An analysis of instructor mentoring, online discussions, literature evaluations, and interviews demonstrates enhanced awareness of the need to implement BLM‐themed literature, against the grain of rigid curricular requirements and policies that ban critical race theory (CRT) dialogue in numerous school districts. Moreover, PSTs identified these texts as a source to guide CRT to raise awareness of the history and permanence of systemic racism and its influence on contemporary society and the implementation of culturally relevant literature.
Predicting the propene stereoselectivity on transition metal catalysts: A daunting task for density functional theory
Authors: D'Anania Olga , Romano Eugenio , Barone Vincenzo , Talarico Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Thanks to recent developments in hardware and software, quantum chemical methods are increasingly used for interpreting the complex mechanisms underlying polymerization reaction by homogeneous catalysis. Unfortunately, the dimensions of even the smallest realistic models are too large to permit the use of state‐of‐the‐art composite wave function methods. Under these circumstances, density functional theory still offers the best compromise between cost and accuracy. However, comprehensive benchmarks of different functionals are not yet available for this important research field. The main aim of the present paper is to fill this gap by performing an unbiased comparison of several density functionals and continuum solvent models for the stereo‐control in the propylene polymerization on prototypical catalysts inducing different reaction mechanisms. While it was not possible to define a unique computational protocol providing the best results in all the situations, the B3PW91 functional in conjunction with D3 empirical dispersions and the solvent model density solvent model performs remarkably well for three out of the four investigated catalysts. Under such circumstances, it is recommended to compare the results delivered by different models when approaching additional classes of catalysts.
Application of Patient‐Based Real‐Time Quality Control Based on Artificial Intelligence Monitoring Platform in Continuously Quality Risk Monitoring of Down Syndrome Serum Screening
Authors: Yang Xuran , Chen Qianlan , Pan Zhifeng , Cheng Jingmao , Zheng Wenting , Liang Yingliang , Chen Hui , Chen Guanghui , Wang Wandang
Published: March 2024

Background

Patient‐based real‐time quality control (PBRTQC) has gained attention because of its potential to continuously monitor the analytical quality in situations wherein internal quality control (IQC) is less effective. Therefore, we tried to investigate the application of PBRTQC method based on an artificial intelligence monitoring (AI‐MA) platform in quality risk monitoring of Down syndrome (DS) serum screening.

Methods

The DS serum screening item determination data and relative IQC data from January 4 to September 7 in 2021 were collected. Then, PBRTQC exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) and moving average (MA) procedures were built and optimized in the AI‐MA platform. The efficiency of the EWMA and MA procedures with intelligent and traditional control rules were compared. Next, the optimal EWMA procedures that contributed to the quality assurance of serum screening were run and generated early warning cases were investigated.

Results

Optimal EWMA and MA procedures on the AI‐MA platform were built. Comparison results showed the EWMA procedure with intelligent QC rules but not traditional quality rules contained the best efficiency. Based on the AI‐MA platform, two early warning cases were generated by using the optimal EWMA procedure, which finally found were caused by instrument failure. Moreover, the EWMA procedure could truly reflect the detection accuracy and quality in situations wherein traditional IQC products were unstable or concentrations were inappropriate.

Conclusions

The EWMA procedure built by the AI‐MA platform could be a good complementary control tool for the DS serum screening by truly and timely reflecting the detection quality risks.
Historizing the present: Research agenda and implications for consumer behavior
Authors: Goor Dafna , Keinan Anat , Ordabayeva Nailya
Published: March 2024

This paper conceptualizes the phenomenon of historizing the present, defined as emphasizing the historical significance of present events and treating the present from the perspective of history. The authors identify four modes of historizing the present (emphasizing that: (1) the present will shape history; (2) the present is a unique moment in history; (3) the present will be remembered in history; (4) the present echoes history) and demonstrate how historizing can be employed by marketers of for‐profit and nonprofit organizations in a variety of contexts. The paper examines the psychological implications of appreciating the historical significance of the present and outlines a research agenda for studying the downstream behavioral consequences of historizing the present across diverse substantive consumer domains. It concludes with an examination of the broader societal implications of historizing the present as well as its implications for consumer well‐being.
Protein plant factories: production and resource use efficiency of soybean proteins in vertical farming
Authors: Righini Isabella , Graamans Luuk , van Hoogdalem Mark , Carpineti Caterina , Hageraats Selwin , van Munnen Daniel , Elings Anne , de Jong Rick , Wang Shuna , Meinen Esther , Stanghellini Cecilia , Hemming Silke , Marcelis Leo FM
Published: March 2024

Background

Controlled environment agriculture, particularly vertical farms (VF), also called plant factories, is often claimed as a solution for global food security due to its ability to produce crops unaffected by weather or pests. In principle, essential macronutrients of the human diet, like protein, could technically be produced in VF. This aspect becomes relevant in the era of protein transition, marked by an increasing consumer interest in plant‐based protein and environmental challenges faced by conventional farming. However, the real question is: what does the cultivation of protein crops in VF imply in terms of resource use? To address this, a study was conducted using a VF experiment focusing on two soybean cultivars.

Results

With a variable plant density to optimize area use, and because of the ability to have more crop cycles per year, protein yield per square metre of crop was about eight times higher than in the open field. Assuming soy as the only protein source in the diet, the resources needed to get total yearly protein requirement of a reference adult would be 20 m2of crop area, 2.4 m3of water and 16 MWh of electricity,versus164 m2, 111 m3and 0.009 MWh in the field.

Conclusions

The study's results inform the debate on protein production and the efficiency of VF compared to conventional methods. With current electricity prices, it is unlikely to justify production of simple protein crops in VF or promote it as a solution to meet global protein needs. © 2024 The Authors.Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculturepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gender Differences in Task Specific Dystonia: What Can we Learn from Musician's Dystonia?
Authors: Doll‐Lee Johanna , Passarotto Edoardo , Altenmüller Eckart , Lee André
Published: March 2024

Background

Musician's Dystonia (MD) is a task specific, focal dystonia which usually occurs only at the instrument. The pathophysiology is not fully understood, but several risk factors like over‐practice and genetic predisposition are known. Interestingly, 80% of those affected are men, which stands in contrast to the gender distribution in other focal dystonias, such as cervical dystonia.

Objectives

Our aim was to evaluate the difference in women and men with regard to risk factors leading to MD.

Methods

We investigated known risk factors for MD in a large cohort of 364 MD patients by retrospectively collecting data on practice behavior and family history.

Results

In line with previous studies, we found a ratio of ~4:1 men to women. Age at onset of MD was significantly lower in women; however, subsequent analysis revealed that it was a positive family history (FH+) and not gender that was associated with a lower age at onset. Furthermore, we found that those with negative family history had accumulated more practice time until onset of MD.

Conclusions

These results imply that the earlier age at onset in women did not depend on gender but was due to the higher proportion of a positive family history. In contrast, men were less likely to have a positive family history, suggesting that genetic factors may not be the primary reason for the higher prevalence of MD in men. Instead, differences in practice behaviors between men and women may contribute to this gender disparity.
Impact of Acute Dopamine Replacement on Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Seemiller Joseph , Morrow Christopher , Hinkle Jared T. , Perepezko Kate , Kamath Vidyulata , Pontone Gregory M. , Mills Kelly A.
Published: March 2024

Background

PD causes striatal dopaminergic denervation in a posterior/dorsal to anterior/ventral gradient, leaving motor and associative cortico‐striato‐pallido‐thalamic loops differentially susceptible to hyperdopaminergic effects with treatment. As the choice and titration of symptomatic PD medications are guided primarily by motor symptoms, it is important to understand their cognitive implications.

Objective

To investigate the effects of acute dopaminergic medication administration on executive function in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Participants with idiopathic PD were administered the oral Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT; n = 181) and the Stroop test (n = 172) in the off‐medication and “best on” medication states. ANCOVA was used to test for differences between off‐medication and on‐medication scores corrected for age and years of education.

Results

After administration of symptomatic medications, scores worsened on the SDMT (F = 11.70, P < 0.001, d = −0.13), improved on the Stroop color (F = 26.89, P < 0.001, d = 0.184), word (F = 6.25, P = 0.013, d = 0.09), and color‐word (F = 13.22, P < 0.001, d = 0.16) test components, and the Stroop difference and ratio‐based interference scores did not significantly change. Longer disease duration correlated with lower scores on the SDMT, Stroop color, word, and color‐word scores; however, longer disease duration and higher levodopa‐equivalents correlated with higher Stroop difference‐based interference scores.

Conclusions

Symptomatic medication differentially affects performance on two cognitive tests in PD. After acute treatment, core Stroop measures improved, Stroop interference was unchanged, and SDMT performance worsened, likely reflecting complex changes in processing speed and executive function related to acute treatment. When considering motor symptom therapies in PD, an individual's cognitive demands and expectations, especially regarding executive function, should be considered.
Stabilization by discrete‐time feedback control for highly nonlinear hybrid neutral stochastic functional differential equations with infinite delay
Authors: Yu Han , Wu Ailong
Published: March 2024

The problem of stabilizing an unstable highly nonlinear hybrid neutral stochastic functional differential equation with infinite delay (HNSFDEwID) is addressed in this article. The objective of this study is to propose a discrete‐time feedback control (DTFC) approach for stabilizing the original system. Sufficient conditions are derived for the existence and uniqueness of the system's solution, as well as its boundedness, prerequisites for studying the system's dynamic behavior. Four distinct criteria for stabilizing the controlled system are provided, including
stabilization, asymptotic stabilization, exponential stabilization, and almost surely exponentially stabilization. Additionally, the upper limit of the time interval for discrete observations is calculated based on these criteria. Finally, the proposed theory is validated through an illustrative example.
Hyperpolarized 15N caffeine, a potential probe of liver function and perfusion
Authors: von Morze Cornelius , Shaw Ashley , Blazey Tyler
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To demonstrate hyperpolarization of 15N‐caffeine and report exploratory findings as a potential probe of liver function and perfusion.

Methods

An amorphous formulation of [1,3‐15N2]caffeine was developed for hyperpolarization via dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization. Polarizer hardware was augmented to support monitoring of solid‐state 15N MR signals during the buildup of hyperpolarization. Liquid state hyperpolarized 15N MR signals were obtained in a preclinical 3T magnet by interfacing an external spectrometer console with home‐built RF surface coils. 15N signal decay constants were estimated in H2O and in vivo in liver and brain regions of rats at 3 T. Decays were also measured at 9.4 T to assess the effect of B0, and in the presence of albumin to assess the impact of protein binding.

Results

Polarization levels of 3.5% and aqueous T1 relaxation times of nearly 200 s were attained for both N1 and N3 positions at 3 T. Shorter apparent decay constants were observed in vivo, ranging from 25 s to 43 s, with modest extensions possible by exploiting competitive binding of iophenoxate with plasma albumin. Downstream products of caffeine could not be detected on in vivo 15N‐MR spectra of the liver region, even with metabolic stimulation by ‐naphthoflavone treatment. Considering the high perfusion rate of brain, persistence of caffeine signal in this region is consistent with potential value as a perfusion imaging agent.

Conclusion

These results establish the feasibility of hyperpolarization of hyperpolarized 15N‐caffeine, but further work is necessary to establish the role of this new agent to probe liver metabolism and perfusion.
An extended phase graph‐based framework for DANTE‐SPACE simulations including physiological, temporal, and spatial variations
Authors: de Buck Matthijs H. S. , Jezzard Peter , Hess Aaron T.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The delay alternating with nutation for tailored excitation (DANTE)–sampling perfection with application‐optimized contrasts (SPACE) sequence facilitates 3D intracranial vessel wall imaging with simultaneous suppression of blood and CSF. However, the achieved image contrast depends closely on the selected sequence parameters, and the clinical use of the sequence is limited in vivo by observed signal variations in the vessel wall, CSF, and blood. This paper introduces a comprehensive DANTE‐SPACE simulation framework, with the aim of providing a better understanding of the underlying contrast mechanisms and facilitating improved parameter selection and contrast optimization.

Methods

An extended phase graph formalism was developed for efficient spin ensemble simulation of the DANTE‐SPACE sequence. Physiological processes such as pulsatile flow velocity variation, varying flow directions, intravoxel velocity variation, diffusion, and effects were included in the framework to represent the mechanisms behind the achieved signal levels accurately.

Results

Intravoxel velocity variation improved temporal stability and robustness against small velocity changes. Time‐varying pulsatile velocity variation affected CSF simulations, introducing periods of near‐zero velocity and partial rephasing. Inclusion of diffusion effects was found to substantially reduce the CSF signal. Blood flow trajectory variations had minor effects, but differences along the trajectory reduced DANTE efficiency in low‐ areas. Introducing low‐velocity pulsatility of both CSF and vessel wall helped explain the in vivo observed signal heterogeneity in both tissue types.

Conclusion

The presented simulation framework facilitates a more comprehensive optimization of DANTE‐SPACE sequence parameters. Furthermore, the simulation framework helps to explain observed contrasts in acquired data.
High‐field downfield MR spectroscopic imaging in the human brain
Authors: Özdemir İpek , Etyemez Semra , Barker Peter B.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of downfield MR spectroscopic imaging (DF‐MRSI) in the human brain at 7T.

Methods

A 7T DF‐MRSI pulse sequence was implemented based on the previously described methodology at 3T, with 3D phase‐encoding, spectral‐spatial excitation, and frequency selective refocusing. Data were pre‐processed followed by analysis using the “LCModel” software package, and metabolite maps created from the LCModel results. Total scan time, including brain MRI and a water‐reference MRSI, was 24 min. The sequence was tested in 10 normal volunteers. Estimated metabolite levels and uncertainty values (Cramer Rao lower bounds, CRLBs) for nine downfield peaks were compared between seven different brain regions, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), centrum semiovale (CSO), corpus callosum (CC), cerebellar vermis (CV), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and thalamus (Thal).

Results

DF peaks were relatively uniformly distributed throughout the brain, with only a small number of peaks showing any significant regional variations. Most DF peaks had average CRLB<25% in most brain regions. Average SNR values were higher for the brain regions ACC and DLPFC (˜7 ± 0.95, mean ± SD) while in a range of 3.4–6.0 for other brain regions. Average linewidth (FWHM) values were greater than 35 Hz in the ACC, CV, and Thal, and 22 Hz in CC, CSO, DLPFC, and PCC.

Conclusion

High‐field DF‐MRSI is able to spatially map exchangeable protons in the human brain at high resolution and with near whole‐brain coverage in acceptable scan times, and in the future may be used to study metabolism of brain tumors or other neuropathological disorders.
TensorFit: A torch‐based tool for ultrafast metabolite fitting of large MRSI data sets
Authors: Turco Federico , Capiglioni Milena , Weng Guodong , Slotboom Johannes
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To introduce a tool (TensorFit) for ultrafast and robust metabolite fitting of MRSI data based on Torch's auto‐differentiation and optimization framework.

Methods

TensorFit was implemented in Python based on Torch's auto‐differentiation to fit individual metabolites in MRS spectra. The underlying time domain and/or frequency domain fitting model is based on a linear combination of metabolite spectroscopic response. The computational time efficiency and accuracy of TensorFit were tested on simulated and in vivo MRS data and compared against TDFDFit and QUEST.

Results

TensorFit demonstrates a significant improvement in computation speed, achieving a 165‐times acceleration compared with TDFDFit and 115 times against QUEST. TensorFit showed smaller percentual errors on simulated data compared with TDFDFit and QUEST. When tested on in vivo data, it performed similarly to TDFDFit with a 2% better fit in terms of mean squared error while obtaining a 169‐fold speedup.

Conclusion

TensorFit enables fast and robust metabolite fitting in large MRSI data sets compared with conventional metabolite fitting methods. This tool could boost the clinical applicability of large 3D MRSI by enabling the fitting of large MRSI data sets within computation times acceptable in a clinical environment.