bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry’s Take on Challenges in the Agricultural Post-Harvesting Industry
Authors: Smith Logan , Bowen Matthew B. , Rezaei Niloofar , Mozaffar Fatemeh , Rahmanpour Mozhdeh , Das Runu Proma , Morkos Beshoy
Published: November 2023

The food industry is continually facing challenges associated with food waste and losses, particularly with the rise in human population. One area of major food loses is processing, where food is transformed from its plant form to the consumer. Throughout this process, the food will undergo various manufacturing processes to transform it to a ready-to-eat food. During this process, there are significant losses experienced. This is mitigated by utilizing advanced technologies such as Industry 4.0 in food production and manufacturing facilities. However, industries such as agricultural post harvesting have traditionally lagged in Industry 4.0 implementation. There is a need to explore this gap to determine where it is occurring in the product lifecycle and propose solutions both industrially and academically. To study this, the pecan industry was used as a case study for determining industry needs. In this paper, survey data was collected from 53 industry members in the pecan harvesting and post-harvesting industry. In doing so, current and future challenges faced by the pecan processing industry are highlighted, as it relates to manufacturing. From this data, key challenge areas were identified, with an emphasis on three: (1) adding and maintaining moisture in products; (2) efficiency of shelling and cracking equipment; and (3) improving postprocessing practices. These challenges are measured against existing Industry 4.0 solutions to determine how they may be used to address the existing industry gaps.
Toward Artificial Empathy for Human-Centered Design: A Framework
Authors: Zhu Qihao , Luo Jianxi
Published: November 2023

In the early stages of the design process, designers explore opportunities by discovering unmet needs and developing innovative concepts as potential solutions. From a human-centered design perspective, designers must develop empathy with people to truly understand their needs. However, developing empathy is a complex and subjective process that relies heavily on the designer’s empathetic capability. Therefore, the development of empathetic understanding is intuitive, and the discovery of underlying needs is often serendipitous. This paper aims to provide insights from artificial intelligence research to indicate the future direction of AI-driven human-centered design, taking into account the essential role of empathy. Specifically, we conduct an interdisciplinary investigation of research areas such as data-driven user studies, empathetic understanding development, and artificial empathy. Based on this foundation, we discuss the role that artificial empathy can play in human-centered design and propose an artificial empathy framework for human-centered design. Building on the mechanisms behind empathy and insights from empathetic design research, the framework aims to break down the rather complex and subjective concept of empathy into components and modules that can potentially be modeled computationally. Furthermore, we discuss the expected benefits of developing such systems and identify current research gaps to encourage future research efforts.
Quantitative, not qualitative, differences in word classification errors as a function of language dominance
Authors: Soo Rachel , Fung Fion , Babel Molly
Published: November 2023

This paper reports the results of a Cantonese word categorization task that maximized lexical competition. Cantonese-English early bilinguals were presented with a Cantonese word, followed by four images depicting the target word and a tone, rhyme, and onset competitor. English-dominant listeners made more errors than Cantonese-dominant listeners, but the proportions of error types were equivalent across language dominance profiles. Cantonese listeners' error patterns suggest a hierarchy of phonological units with respect to what most robustly differentiates lexical items, corroborating previous research.
Latin Dance Effects on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Function in Middle-Aged and Older Latino Adults
Authors: Lopez Omar , Kaushal Navin , Jaldin Michelle A. , Marquez David X.
Published: November 2023

We tested if a dance trial yielded improvements in physical function and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in middle-aged/older Latino adults. Physical activity was assessed using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors, physical function with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) protocol, and estimated CRF with the Jurca nonexercise test model. Multivariate analysis of covariance models found significant change in SPPB protocol total scores, F(1, 329) = 4.23, p = .041, and CRF, F(1, 329) = 5.16, p = .024, between the two study arms in favor of the dance group. Mediation models found moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity to mediate to mediate between group and SPPB scores (β = 0.054, 95% confidence interval [0.0142, 0.1247]). Moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity and total physical activity were found to partially mediate between group and CRF (β = 0.02, 95% confidence interval [−0.0261, 0.0751]), with the direct pathway no longer being significant (p > .05). This provides support for Latin dance programs to have an effect on SPPB protocol and CRF.
From the Classroom to the Industry: An Exploration of Sport Management Students’ Transitions to Employment
Authors: Gardner Ashley , Love Adam
Published: November 2023

Thousands of students graduate from academic sport management programs annually with hopes of breaking into the sport industry. However, securing full-time employment becomes a challenge for many sport management graduates. To examine the transitional period in which graduates seek employment, the current study interviewed people who had recently earned a sport management degree (n = 16) to explore their experiences during the job search process. Given the racial demographics of participants (eight Black, eight White), the findings provide particular insight regarding racial differences and barriers Black graduates face. Findings illuminate the importance of sport management graduates strategically networking, developing targeted experiences, and considering a realistic entry point when transitioning from the classroom to the industry.
Dynamics of the sedimentary bacterial communities in a plain river network: similar coalescence patterns with bacterioplankton communities driven by distinct assembly processes
Authors: Xu Sai , Zhang Tao , Zhang Xinyi , Gui Qiyao , Sun Fengbin , Zhang Yimin
Published: November 2023

Riverine microorganisms are major players in driving biogeochemical cycling. The dynamics of hydrological conditions have been observed to influence the microbial communities in rivers, but their specific impacts on the coalescence patterns of the bacterial communities remain largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the dynamics of the sedimentary bacterial communities and their coalescence patterns with bacterioplankton communities in a plain river network under dynamic hydrological conditions. Our results revealed significant temporal variations in the diversity, structure, and taxonomic composition of the sedimentary bacterial communities across the wet, normal, and dry seasons (
P
< 0.01). Despite the varying hydrological conditions, similar coalescence patterns were observed between the sedimentary bacterial communities and bacterioplankton communities. The bacterial communities from the same habitat type showed higher proportions of overlapped species, and the coalescence was more prominent within the same medium (intra-medium) compared to that between different media (inter-medium). However, the proportions of stochasticity in community assembly were distinct during different hydrological conditions, with evidently increased stochasticity observed in the wet season compared with other seasons. These results implied that the similar coalescence patterns between the sedimentary bacterial communities and bacterioplankton communities were driven by distinct assembly processes. The results of this study expanded our understanding of microbial coalescence in a river network and might shed light on how microbial communities are assembled in river ecosystems.

IMPORTANCE

Microorganisms play important roles in driving the biogeochemical cycles within river ecosystems. It has been suggested that hydrologic conditions could influence microbial communities in rivers, but their specific effects on the behaviours of microbial coalescence have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, the dynamics of sedimentary bacterial communities within a plain river network were analyzed by amplicon sequencing followed by several ecological models to uncover the underlying assembly processes. Additionally, a comparative analysis between bacterioplankton communities and sedimentary bacterial communities was performed to unveil their coalescence patterns. The results suggested that similar coalescence patterns between sedimentary bacterial and bacterioplankton communities were driven by distinct assembly processes under dynamic hydrological conditions. These findings enhanced our understanding of microbial diversity features within river ecosystems.
Development and validation of a next-generation sequencing assay with open-access analysis software for detecting resistance-associated mutations in CMV
Authors: Mallory Melanie A. , Hymas Weston C. , Simmon Keith E. , Pyne Michael T. , Stevenson Jeffery B. , Barker Adam P. , Hillyard David R. , Hanson Kimberly E.
Published: November 2023

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) resistance testing by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple genes. We developed and validated an amplicon-based Ion Torrent NGS assay to detect CMV resistance mutations in UL27, UL54, UL56, and UL97 and compared the results to standard Sanger sequencing. NGS primers were designed to generate 83 overlapping amplicons of four CMV genes (~10 kb encompassing 138 mutation sites). An open-access software plugin was developed to perform read alignment, call variants, and interpret drug resistance. Plasmids were tested to determine NGS error rate and minor variant limit of detection. NGS limit of detection was determined using the CMV WHO International Standard and quantified clinical specimens. Reproducibility was also assessed. After establishing quality control metrics, 185 patient specimens previously tested using Sanger were reanalyzed by NGS. The NGS assay had a low error rate (<0.05%) and high accuracy (95%) for detecting CMV-associated resistance mutations present at ≥5% in contrived mixed populations. Mutation sites were reproducibly sequenced with 40× coverage when plasma viral loads were ≥2.6 log IU/mL. NGS detected the same resistance-associated mutations identified by Sanger in 68/69 (98.6%) specimens. In 16 specimens, NGS detected 18 resistance mutations that Sanger failed to detect; 14 were low-frequency variants (<20%), and six would have changed the drug resistance interpretation. The NGS assay showed excellent agreement with Sanger and generated high-quality sequence from low viral load specimens. Additionally, the higher resolution and analytic sensitivity of NGS potentially enables earlier detection of antiviral resistance.
Gene duplication as a major force driving the genome expansion in some giant viruses
Authors: Machado Talita B. , Picorelli Agnello C. R. , de Azevedo Bruna L. , de Aquino Isabella L. M. , Queiroz Victória F. , Rodrigues Rodrigo A. L. , Araújo João Pessoa , Ullmann Leila S. , dos Santos Thiago M. , Marques Rafael E. , Guimarães Samuel L. , Andrade Ana Cláudia S. P. , Gularte Juliana S. , Demoliner Meriane , Filippi Micheli , Pereira Vyctoria M. A. G. , Spilki Fernando R. , Krupovic Mart , Aylward Frank O. , Del-Bem Luiz-Eduardo , Abrahão Jônatas S.
Published: November 2023

Giant viruses with their gigantic genomes are among the most intriguing components of the virosphere. How these viruses attained such giant genomes remains unclear, despite considerable efforts to understand this phenomenon. Here, we describe the discovery of cedratvirus pambiensis, an amoebal giant virus isolated in Brazil. Although the virion morphology and replication cycle of c. pambiensis are very similar to those described for other cedratviruses, whole genome sequencing revealed the largest cedratvirus genome ever described, with 623,564 base pairs and 842 predicted protein-coding genes (among them, 76 ORFans). Genome analysis has revealed an unprecedented number of paralogous genes, with ~73% of the c. pambiensis genome being composed of genes with two or more copies. Large families of functionally diverse paralogous genes included up to >70 copies and were distributed across the genome. The in-depth investigation of the mechanisms and origins of gene duplications revealed that both tandem-like duplications and distal transfer of syntenic blocks of genes contributed to the c. pambiensis genomic expansion. Finally, a comprehensive genome analysis of viruses from all known giant virus families suggested that gene duplication is one of the key mechanisms underlying genomic gigantism across the phylum
Nucleocytoviricota
. The expansion of viral genomes through successive duplications followed by subfunctionalization and exaptation of the paralogous gene copies may promote the adaptation of giant viruses to a variety of niches.

IMPORTANCE

Giant viruses are noteworthy not only due to their enormous particles but also because of their gigantic genomes. In this context, a fundamental question has persisted: how did these genomes evolve? Here we present the discovery of cedratvirus pambiensis, featuring the largest genome ever described for a cedratvirus. Our data suggest that the larger size of the genome can be attributed to an unprecedented number of duplicated genes. Further investigation of this phenomenon in other viruses has illuminated gene duplication as a key evolutionary mechanism driving genome expansion in diverse giant viruses. Although gene duplication has been described as a recurrent event in cellular organisms, our data highlights its potential as a pivotal event in the evolution of gigantic viral genomes.
Domoic Acid in Cultures of the Diatom Genus Pseudo-nitzschia H. Peragallo in H. Peragallo & M. Peragallo, 1900 and in Bivalve Samples from the Russian Waters of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Waters of Kamchatka
Authors: Stonik I. V. , Popov R. S. , Tsurpalo A. P. , Dmitrenok P. S. , Shchelkanov M. Yu. , Orlova T. Yu.
Published: November 2023

The content of a dangerous amnesic toxin, that is, domoic acid (DA), was determined in cultures of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia and in bivalve samples collected in the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan and off the Pacific coast of Kamchatka. For the first time, the presence of DA has been confirmed in cultures of Pseudo-nitzschia pungens (Grunow ex Cleve) G.R. Hasle, 1993 and P. delicatissima (Cleve) Heiden, 1928 from the Pacific coast of Kamchatka with the use of the competitive enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (cELISA). Relatively high concentrations of DA were recorded in the horse mussel Modiolus kurilensis F.R. Bernard, 1983 (2.92 mg/kg based on high-performance chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and 2.8 mg/kg based on cELISA) and in the Gray mussel Crenomytilus grayanus (0.07 mg/kg based on HPLC-MS and 0.2 mg/kg based on cELISA) collected in the Sea of Japan. It has been shown that for assessing relatively low concentrations of amnesiotoxin (less than 5 ng/mL in microalgal cultures and less than 0.05 mg/kg in mollusks) the cELISA assay is an alternative to HPLC, which does not allow one to detect DA in such samples.
Natal and neonatal teeth: early diagnosis and management
Authors: Anusha Durairaj Bala , Gajula Shivashankarappa Prathima , Muthukrishnan Kavitha , Saraswat Yatika
Published: November 2023

The eruption of teeth in newborns is a rare disorder of the oral cavity and are called ‘natal teeth’ when they are present at birth or ‘neonatal teeth’ when they erupt within the first month of life. In most of these cases, they are prematurely erupted deciduous teeth or supernumerary teeth. Supportive management should be given, to facilitate child’s feeding and to prevent further complications, such as aspiration as the tooth could be mobile. This study describes a series of cases that were reported to our department, involving teeth located in the mandibular anterior region either at birth or within a few days after birth. The choice of treatment for each child was based on individual assessment of the case, considering options such as monitoring and extraction along with their associated complications.
Unilateral chorea linked to cavernous haemangioma involving the putamen improved by surgery
Authors: Ito Yosuke , Fukuda Masafumi , Ota Tomoyoshi , Oishi Makoto
Published: November 2023

Unilateral chorea movements caused by cavernous haemangioma in the putamen are extremely rare. We report a case with chorea movements linked to cavernous haemangioma, localised to an area including the putamen in which pharmacotherapy was found to be ineffective. Symptoms were, however, improved by resection of the cavernous haemangioma. In cases where chorea movements linked to cavernous haemangioma, involving the putamen, prove intractable with watchful waiting or pharmacotherapy, improvement can be expected with surgical removal of the cavernous haemangioma. It is also possible to reduce the risk of complications through the use of intraoperative navigation and monitoring.
Effect of exercise interventions on hospital length of stay and admissions during cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mizrahi David , Lai Jonathan King Lam , Wareing Hayley , Ren Yi , Li Tong , Swain Christopher T V , Smith David P , Adams Diana , Martiniuk Alexandra , David Michael
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess the effect of participating in an exercise intervention compared with no exercise during cancer treatment on the duration and frequency of hospital admissions.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro and Cochrane Central Registry of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised studies published until August 2023 evaluating exercise interventions during chemotherapy, radiotherapy or stem cell transplant regimens, compared with usual care, and which assessed hospital admissions (length of stay and/or frequency of admissions).

Study appraisal and synthesis

Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment. Meta-analyses were conducted by pooling the data using random-effects models.

Results

Of 3918 screened abstracts, 20 studies met inclusion criteria, including 2635 participants (1383 intervention and 1252 control). Twelve studies were conducted during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation regimens. There was a small effect size in a pooled analysis that found exercise during treatment reduced hospital length of stay by 1.40 days (95% CI: −2.26 to −0.54 days; low-quality evidence) and lowered the rate of hospital admission by 8% (difference in proportions=−0.08, 95% CI: −0.13 to −0.03, low-quality evidence) compared with usual care.

Conclusion

Exercise during cancer treatment can decrease hospital length of stay and admissions, although a small effect size and high heterogeneity limits the certainty. While exercise is factored into some multidisciplinary care plans, it could be included as standard practice for patients as cancer care pathways evolve.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of an exogenous thyrotoxicosis epidemic in prison
Authors: Pattarawongpaiboon Chidchanok , Srisawat Nattachai , Tungsanga Kriang , Champunot Ratapum , Somboonjun Jukrin , Srichomkwun Panudda
Published: November 2023

Introduction

An outbreak of exogenous thyrotoxicosis is an uncommon cause of thyrotoxicosis. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of exogenous thyrotoxicosis and electrolyte imbalance in a prison during an outbreak of exogenous thyrotoxicosis in the Phitsanulok, Thailand prison.

Methods

This study collected cross-sectional data during an outbreak of thyrotoxicosis among inmates at Phitsanulok prison between 29 December 2019 and 17 January 2020. In the first phase, a total of 2815 prisoners were screened for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), potassium levels and pulse rate. In the second phase, samples from 490 male prisoners were collected for test on thyroid function, serum electrolytes and urine electrolytes. Thyroglobulin levels were also measured in patients with thyrotoxicosis. A questionnaire was used to obtain patient information about signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.

Results

The prevalence of subclinical thyrotoxicosis was 78.1%. The pulse rate was significantly higher in the subclinical thyrotoxicosis group. Weight loss, palpitation, muscle weakness and fatigue were found predominantly in the subclinical thyrotoxicosis group. The prevalence of hypokalaemia was 38.4%; however, there was no difference between subclinical thyrotoxicosis and normal TSH. The mean magnesium levels were significantly lower in the subclinical thyrotoxicosis group. Patients with hypokalaemia mainly showed potassium loss through the kidneys. Almost all patients with suppressed TSH levels had low to normal thyroglobulin levels. In addition, the mean of calculated total step-up deiodinase activity in patients with subclinical thyrotoxicosis was lower than 30 nmol/s, which was an additional clue to confirm exogenous thyrotoxicosis. The frozen meat during the outbreak had higher levels of thyroid hormone compared with the control group.

Conclusions

With an outbreak of thyrotoxicosis, most likely due to exposure to exogenous thyroid hormone in frozen meat, our findings have raised awareness of nutritional problems in prison. The development of surveillance systems to prevent outbreaks is urgently needed.
Association between fluid overload and mortality in children with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fernández-Sarmiento Jaime , Sierra-Zuñiga Marco Fidel , Salazar González María Paula , Lucena Natalia , Soares Lanziotti Vanessa , Agudelo Sergio
Published: November 2023

Background

Sepsis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Fluid resuscitation is among the most common interventions and is associated with fluid overload (FO) in some patients. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarise the available evidence on the association between FO and morbimortality in children with sepsis.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Google Scholar up to December 2022 (PROSPERO 408148), including studies in children with sepsis which reported more than 10% FO 24 hours after admission to intensive care. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2, considering it absent if <25% and high if >75%. A sensitivity analysis was run to explore the impact of the methodological quality on the size of the effect. Mantel-Haenszel’s model of random effects was used for the analysis. The primary outcome was to determine the risk of mortality associated with FO and the secondary outcomes were the need for mechanical ventilation (MV), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and length of hospital stay associated with FO.

Results

A total of 9 studies (2312 patients) were included, all of which were observational. Children with FO had a higher mortality than patients without overload (46% vs 26%; OR 5.06; 95% CI 1.77 to 14.48; p<0.01). We found no association between %FO and the risk of MODS (OR: 0.97; 95% CI 0.13 to 7.12; p=0.98). Children with FO required MV more often (83% vs 47%; OR: 4.78; 95% CI 2.51 to 9.11; p<0.01) and had a longer hospital stay (8 days (RIQ 6.5–13.2) vs 7 days (RIQ 6.1–11.5); p<0.01).

Conclusion

In children with sepsis, more than 10% FO 24 hours after intensive care admission is associated with higher mortality, the need for MV and length of hospital stay.
Feasibility and acceptability of mobile phone-based triage tool to identify discharged trauma patients in need of further care in Cameroon
Authors: Richardson Shannon , Oke Rasheedat , Mbianyor Mbiarikai A , Carvalho Melissa , Yakue Florentine , Essomba Frank , Mbuh Golda E , Chichom-Mefire Alain , Juillard Catherine , Christie Sabrinah Ariane
Published: November 2023

Background

Lack of routine follow-up for trauma patients after hospital discharge likely contributes to high rates of injury-related complications in Cameroon. Mobile phone contact may facilitate timely follow-up and reduce disability for high-risk patients. A previous single-center study showed promising feasibility of mobile health (mHealth) triage, but generalizability remains unknown. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a postdischarge mHealth triage tool at four hospitals in Cameroon.

Methods

Trauma patients from four Cameroonian hospitals were contacted at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months postdischarge. Program feasibility was assessed by calculating the proportion of successful contacts and overall cost. Odds of successful contact were compared using generalized estimating equations across patient socioeconomic status. Acceptability was assessed using a structured patient survey at 2 weeks and 6 months postdischarge.

Results

Of 3896 trauma patients, 59% were successfully contacted at 2 weeks postdischarge. Of these, 87% (1370/1587), 86% (1139/1330), and 90% (967/1069) were successfully reached at the 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month timepoints, respectively. The median cost per patient contact was US$3.17 (IQR 2.29–4.29). Higher socioeconomic status was independently associated with successful contact; rural poor patients were the least likely to be reached (adjusted OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.35). Almost all surveyed patients reported phone-based triage to be an acceptable follow-up method.

Conclusion

Telephone contact is a feasible and acceptable means to triage postdischarge trauma patients in Cameroon. While scaling an mHealth follow-up program has considerable potential to decrease injury morbidity in this setting, further research is needed to optimize inclusion of socioeconomically marginalized groups.

Level of evidence

Level III, prospective observational study.
Mexican mixed-species forest shows resilience to high-intensity fire
Authors: Azpeleta Tarancón Alicia , Fulé Peter Z. , García Arévalo Abel
Published: November 2023

In the aftermath of a high-intensity wildfire in La Michilía Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, an initial study suggested a shift from an oak–pine forest to a grass–savanna ecosystem. We conducted repeated measurements on 60 permanent plots 1, 5, 10, and 20 years after the original wildfire at paired burned and unburned study sites to capture spatial and temporal dynamics in forest composition and structure. We found that the burned site regained most pre-wildfire characteristics two decades after the wildfire. The ongoing regeneration in the burned site suggests that despite the remaining differences, the site is approaching a complete recovery, with forest characteristics analogous to the unburned site. Our findings indicate that the combination of seeders' wildfire resistance and resprouters’ post-wildfire sprouting strategies in mixed-species forests provides high resilience to high-intensity wildfire. Moreover, protecting La Michilía as a biosphere reserve and heightened public awareness of the natural environment likely played an indispensable role in facilitating the recovery of the post-wildfire ecosystem.
Electrocatalytic oxidation of petroleum, toluene and xylene on the Ni-porphyrin-modified graphite electrode
Authors: Bahrami Arezo , Jafarian Majid , Ferdowsi Ghodsiyeh Sadat , Rayati Saeed
Published: November 2023

In this study, electrochemical oxidation of petroleum was performed for the first time. Since petroleum is a rich source of hydrocarbons, its oxidation and electron production resulting in the production of electricity which is green energy is much more efficient than burning it. Electrochemical oxidation of petroleum with Ni-porphyrin-modified graphite electrode in alkaline media and by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were investigated. Due to the existence of two aqueous and organic phases, adsorption played a vital role in the process. To further confirm the accuracy of petroleum electrooxidation, electrooxidation of its compounds such as xylene and toluene was performed with the Ni-porphyrin electrode and by the mentioned techniques, which confirmed the previous data.
Water Salinity Sensing with UAV-Mounted IR-UWB Radar
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Fan Guiyun , Ding Rong , Jin Haiming , Hao Wentian , Tao Mingyuan
Published: November 2023

The quality of surface water is closely related to human’s production and livelihood. Water salinity is one of the key indicators of water quality assessment. Recently, there has been an increased salinization problem of surface water in many regions of the world, making it necessary to timely monitor the salinity of surface water. Water salinity sensing could be challenging when it comes to surface water with complicated basin and tributaries, where existing methods fail to satisfy both efficiency and accuracy requirements. To address this problem, we propose a novel water salinity sensing system USalt, which leverages the high mobility of UAV and the contactless sensing ability of IR-UWB radar, and realizes fast and accurate water salinity sensing for surface water. Specifically, we design novel methods to eliminate the contamination in raw received radar signals and extract salinity-related features from radar signals. Furthermore, we adopt a neural network model ssNet to precisely estimate water salinity using the extracted features. To efficiently adapt ssNet to different environments, we customize meta learning and design a meta-learning framework mssNet. Extensive real-world experiments carried out by our UAV-based system illustrate that USalt can accurately sense the salinity of water with an MAE of 0.39 g/100 mL.
A Facile One-Pot Synthetic Approach Towards CB@PCN-222(Fe) Composites for Simultaneous Electrochemical Detection of Dihydroxybenzene Isomers
Authors: Chen Wen-Yi , Li Xu-Shan , Zou Xin , Sun Qian , Gao En-Qing
Published: November 2023

A novel porphyrin-metal organic frameworks (MOFs) based hybrid composite was created by combining conductive carbon black (CB) and PCN-222(Fe) (PCN = porous coordination network) via a one-pot strategy. The proposed material unquestionably takes advantage of the high specific area from MOFs and the strong conductivity of CB, which contributes to the contact with analytes and detection sensitivity. A series of analyses showed that the proposed modified electrode could be an alternative candidate for electrochemical detection of dihydroxybenzene isomers. A good linear correlation occurred between the differential pulse voltammetry current and the concentration of hydroquinone (HQ), catechol (CC) and resorcinol (RC) under the optimized conditions. With low detection limits (0.122, 0.094 and 0.243 μM) at the ranges (0.5–280, 0.5–280 and 0.5–320 μM) of these isomers mentioned above, the sensor exhibited good cost-effectiveness, repeatability and stability. Our methodology drives us to directly analyze the dihydroxybenzene isomers in actual samples with dependable recovery, further broadening the electrochemical detection field for environmental pollutants based on porphyrin MOFs.
Exogenous hydrogen sulfide attenuates hyperoxia effects on neonatal mouse airways
Authors: Bartman Colleen M. , Schiliro Marta , Nesbitt Lisa , Lee Kenge K. , Prakash Y. S. , Pabelick Christina M.
Published: November 2023

Chronic airway disease is a short- and long-term consequence of premature birth. Understanding effects of O2 exposure during the perinatal period is key to identify targetable mechanisms that initiate and sustain adverse airway changes. Our findings show a beneficial effect of exogenous H2S on developing mouse airway structure and function with notable sex differences. H2S donors alleviate effects of O2 on airway hyperreactivity, contractility, airway smooth muscle thickness, and extracellular matrix deposition.
An Efficient Dynamic Programming Algorithm for Finding Group Steiner Trees in Temporal Graphs
Authors: Ge Youming , Chen Zitong , Kong Weiyang , Liu Yubao , Wong Raymond Chi-Wing , Zhang Sen
Published: November 2023

The computation of a group Steiner tree (GST) in various types of graph networks, such as social network and transportation network, is a fundamental graph problem in graphs, with important applications. In these graphs, time is a common and necessary dimension, for example, time information in social network can be the time when a user sends a message to another user. Graphs with time information can be called temporal graphs. However, few studies have been conducted on GST in terms of temporal graphs. This study analyzes the computation of GST for temporal graphs, i.e., the computation of temporal GST (TGST), which is shown to be an NP‐hard problem. We propose an efficient solution based on a dynamic programming algorithm for our problem. This study adopts new optimization techniques, including graph simplification, state pruning, and A∗ search, are adopted to dramatically reduce the algorithm search space. Moreover, we consider three extensions for our problem, namely the TGST with unspecified tree root, the progressive search of TGST, and the top‐N search of TGST. Results of the experimental study performed on real temporal networks verify the efficiency and effectiveness of our algorithms.
Energy Management System for Smart Grid in the Presence of Energy Storage and Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Kermani Alireza , Jamshidi Amir Mahdi , Mahdavi Zahra , Dashtaki Amir ali , Zand Mohammad , Nasab Morteza Azimi , Samavat Tina , Sanjeevikumar P. , Khan Baseem
Published: November 2023

Today, the desire to use renewable energy as a source of clean and available energy in the grid has increased. Due to the unpredictable behavior of renewable resources, it is necessary to use energy storage resources in the microgrid structure. The power generation source and the storage source in microgrids should be selected in such a way that it has the ability to respond to the maximum demand in the state connected to the grid and operate independently. In this article, the optimal capacity and economic performance of a microgrid based on photovoltaic and battery system have been investigated. In this way, first, using the iterative optimization method, the optimal microgrid capacity has been obtained. Then, the dynamic planning method has been used for optimal microgrid energy management. The simulation results show the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed solutions. The proposed controller, while automatically and dynamically adapting to the solar cell output changes, is capable of responding to external requests, such as price signals or satisfying power system constraints or operator requests. In addition, the results indicate that by using the proposed energy management system, the microgrid system can regain stability during one to two cycles, during the occurrence of PV system radiation changes as well as ESS charge changes. And also, according to the ESS charge changes, the voltage changes should be within the defined permissible range between 0.95 and 1.05 pu, which is the result of the unique efficiency of the proposed energy management system.
Chronic Morel-Lavallée Lesion in a Pediatric Patient: An Underrecognized Sequela after Trauma
Authors: Kamson Anthony O. , Lazzari Bradley , Murphy Joshua
Published: November 2023

Morel-Lavallée lesions are serious internal degloving injuries associated with trauma. Its diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. We describe the surgical treatment of a case of a chronic Morel-Lavallée lesion in a pediatric patient who sustained an injury to her left thigh during an all-terrain vehicle accident more than a year ago.
Temperature Distribution Research on Liquid Packaging Structure of Deep UV LEDs
Authors: Xia Zhenghao , Wen Zuojie , Li Bingqian , Wang Fei , Zhang Daming
Published: November 2023

By showing a packaged device model with

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chips, the effects of packaging material, device height, chip spacing, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of silicone oil on temperature distribution of deep ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated by finite element simulation. The results showed that similar temperature distributions in the horizontal and vertical directions were obtained using different packaging materials including gas, solid, and liquid. The lowest maximum temperature (131.7°C) was obtained with liquid packaging compared to the gas packaging (140.8°C) and solid packing (132.5°C). Accompanied by increasing the device height, the maximum temperature of the liquid packaging structure revealed a more significant drop compared to solid packaging. However, that of gas packaging exhibited a rise and saturation. Larger chip spacing and higher thermal conductivity of silicone oil will dramatically reduce the maximum temperature of the liquid packaging device, and a lower maximum temperature and more uniform temperature distribution were obtained by using a lower viscosity packaging material. Therefore, considering the feasibility of the device process, appropriate liquid packaging structures can be optimized, and the maximum temperature of the liquid packaging structure of 102.8°C has been achieved. Liquid packaging may have a certain impact on the reliability of device sealing due to the current immature technology. For high-power light sources, there may also be a certain impact on their lifespan.
IL-35: New Target for Immunotherapy Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Yi Pengcheng , Yu Wenjun , Xiong Yanhong , Dong Yao , Huang Qiang , Lin Yue , Du Yunfei , Hua Fuzhou
Published: November 2023

Interleukin 35(IL-35) is a newly discovered inhibitory cytokine of the IL12 family. More recently, IL-35 was found to be increased in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and peripheral blood of many patients with cancer, indicating that it plays an important role in the TME. Tumors secrete cytokines that recruit myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Treg) into the TME to promote malignant progression, which is a great challenge for cancer treatment. Radiotherapy causes serious adverse effects, and tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is still an unsolved challenge. Thus, new cancer therapy approaches are urgently needed. Numerous studies have shown that IL-35 can recruit immunosuppressive cells to enable tumor immune escape by promoting the conversion of immune cells into a tumor growth–promoting phenotype as well as facilitating tumor angiogenesis. IL-35-neutralizing antibodies were found to boost the chemotherapeutic effect of gemcitabine and considerably reduce the microvascular density of pancreatic cancer in mice. Therefore, targeting IL-35 in the TME provides a promising cancer treatment target. In addition, IL-35 may be used as an independent prognostic factor for some tumors in the near future. This review intends to reveal the interplay of IL-35 with immune cells in the TME, which may provide new options for the treatment of cancer.
Early versus Late Caffeine Therapy Administration in Preterm Neonates: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Karlinski Vizentin Vanessa , Madeira de Sá Pacheco Isabela , Fahel Vilas Bôas Azevêdo Thalita , Florêncio de Mesquita Cynthia , Alvim Pereira Rafael
Published: November 2023

Background: Caffeine is commonly used as therapy for apnea of prematurity and has shown potential in preventing other conditions in preterm neonates. However, the optimal timing for caffeine therapy remains uncertain. Objective: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of early versus late administration of caffeine in preterm neonates. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing 0–2 days to ≥3 days caffeine introduction in preterm neonates. Outcomes included were mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), late-onset sepsis, length of hospital stay, and the composite of BPD or death. RevMan 5.4.1 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 122,579 patients from 11 studies were included, 2 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 63.9% of the neonates received early caffeine administration. The rates of BPD (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: [0.60–0.81]; p < 0.0001), IVH (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: [0.82–0.90]; p < 0.0001), ROP (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: [0.74–0.86]; p < 0.0001), late-onset sepsis (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: [0.79–0.89]; p < 0.00001), and PDA (OR: 0.60; 95% CI: [0.47–0.78]; p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced in the early caffeine group. The composite outcome of BPD or death was also lower in the early caffeine group (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: [0.66–0.88]; p < 0.0003). Mortality rate was higher in the early caffeine group (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12–1.29; p < 0.001). Conclusion: As compared with late caffeine administration, early caffeine is associated with a reduction in BPD, IVH, ROP, late-onset sepsis, and PDA in preterm neonates, albeit increased mortality. Additional RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate whether the effect on mortality may be related to survival bias in observational studies favoring the late treatment group.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Obesity and Insulin Resistance via the GLP-1-VTADA Reward Circuit
Authors: Zhu Ye , Tian Jun , Wei Xiali , Jia Shaohui , Shu Qing
Published: November 2023

Introduction: We investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on improving obesity and insulin resistance (IR) in high-fat diet-induced (HFDI) obese rats by modulating the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neural reward circuit, thereby uncovering a possible central mechanism underlying EA’s actions in improving obesity and IR. Methods: We randomly allocated 45 Wistar male rats to five groups (normal, model, EA, chemogenetic activation, chemogenetic suppression + EA), with 9 rats in each group. All interventions were conducted within 8 weeks after the model was established. We tested rats for obesity phenotypes included body mass, Lee’s index, 24-h food intake, and glucose-metabolism parameters. We observed protein and gene expression for GLP-1 in the NTS and tyrosine hydroxylase in the VTA by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction, as well as their localization by immunofluorescence. We also determined the DA content in the VTA using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Obese rats exhibited marked hyperphagia, accompanied by increased excitability of DA neurons in the VTA region and reduced insulin sensitivity. After EA treatment, obese rats showed augmented excitability of NTS GLP-1 and suppression of VTADA neurons with a diminution in food intake, showing results similar to those in the chemogenetic activation group. After EA treatment and while inhibiting GLP-1 neurons by chemogenetics, the effect of EA on activating GLP-1 neurons and inhibiting VTADA was partially abrogated. The effects of improving obesity and insulin sensitivity were likewise also suppressed. Conclusion: EA effectively activated GLP-1 neurons in the NTS, thereby inhibited the expression of DA in the VTA and improved obesity and insulin sensitivity in HFDI-obese rats.
The Impact of Parental Myopia and High Myopia on the Hyperopia Reserve of Preschool Children
Authors: Pu Jianing , Fang Yuxin , Zhou Zhen , Chen Wei , Hu Jianping , Jin Shanshan , Liu Xinli , Wang Lihua , Feng Jingjing , Tong Huan , Xing Shanshan , Jiao Yonghong
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the association between parental myopia and high myopia with children’s refraction and ocular biometry in large-scale Chinese preschool children from the Beijing Hyperopia Reserve Study. Subjects/Methods: This cross-sectional kindergarten-based study enrolled children aged 3–6 years. Cycloplegic refraction, axial length (AL), and corneal radius (CR) were measured for all children. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire about refractive status (no myopia, mild myopia <−3 D, moderate myopia ≥−3 D and ≤−6, and high myopia >−6 D). Results: The study enrolled 2,053 children (1,069 boys and 984 girls), with a mean age of 4.26 ± 0.96 years and mean spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of 1.11 ± 0.97 diopter. Of the children, 90.7% had at least one myopic parent, and 511 children (24.9%) had at least one highly myopic parent. SER decreased significantly with increasing severity of parental myopia (p < 0.001). Preschool children’s myopia was independently associated with parental myopia (OR, 10.4 and 11.5 for one and two highly myopic parent[s]). Age (OR = 1.1), gender (OR = 1.7; girls as references), near work time (OR = 1.2), and both maternal (OR, 1.4 and 2.0 for moderate and high myopia) and paternal myopia (OR, 1.6 and 1.9 for moderate and high myopia) were independent risk factors for lacking hyperopia reserve. Conclusion: Severe parental myopia was associated with a lower SER, longer AL, and higher AL/CR ratio in preschool children. Parental myopia and near work may predispose children to faster elimination of hyperopia reserves before exposure to higher educational stress.
Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis (Sweet Syndrome) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients: A 28-Year Institutional Experience
Authors: Cowen Emily A. , Barrios Dulce M. , Pulitzer Melissa P. , Moy Andrea P. , Dusza Stephen W. , De Wolf Susan , Geyer Mark B. , Markova Alina
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Sweet syndrome (SS) is well known to be associated with underlying hematologic malignancies. The incidence and qualities of SS among novel targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have not yet been described. Methods: Through retrospective review of 19,432 patients diagnosed with acute/chronic leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS+/−MPN) over 28 years, we calculated the incidence of SS in the setting of select hematologic malignancies and described the clinicopathologic characteristics of SS in patients with onset of SS after initiation of novel AML-targeted therapies. Results: Overall incidence of SS was 0.36% (95% CI: 0.27–0.45%), which was significantly higher among patients with AML (50/5,248, 0.94%; 95% CI: 0.71–1.25%). Nine AML patients were on 4 classes of novel targeted treatments – IDH1/2 inhibitor alone, FLT3 inhibitor, IDH2 and DOT1L inhibitor, and anti-CD33 therapy. In therapies inducing myeloid blast differentiation, SS occurred at later onset following treatment. Conclusions: In AML patients with fever and unusual skin lesions, physicians may consider SS earlier, which may shorten time to diagnosis. Future assessments of SS among patients treated with novel therapies for AML and molecular studies of biopsies may help further explain this dermatologic adverse event with earlier diagnosis and management of neutrophilic dermatoses in these patients.
Is there a comic book industry?
Authors: Woo Benjamin
Published: November 2023

The “American comic book industry” is not American, its true product is not comic books, and it may not even be an industry. This article uses a geospatial map of comic book and graphic novel publishers active in the US market as well as sales estimates derived from both the direct market of specialty comic book retailers and trade book stores to question inherited “mental maps” of comic book publishing, such as the divide between “mainstream” and “alternative”/“independent” publishing. Adopting a relational approach, it suggests that a sociology of comics publishing – and of the cultural industries more generally – must be cautious of taking on board un-sociological concepts like “industry.”