bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEW CONGRUENCES FOR THE TRUNCATED APPELL SERIES
$F_1$
Authors: WANG XIAOXIA , YU WENJIE
Published: April 2024

Liu [‘Supercongruences for truncated Appell series’, Colloq. Math.158(2) (2019), 255–263] and Lin and Liu [‘Congruences for the truncated Appell series
$F_3$
and
$F_4$
’, Integral Transforms Spec. Funct.31(1) (2020), 10–17] confirmed four supercongruences for truncated Appell series. Motivated by their work, we give a new supercongruence for the truncated Appell series
$F_{1}$
, together with two generalisations of this supercongruence, by establishing its q-analogues.
Building nutritionally meaningful classification for grocery product groups: the LoCard Food Classification process
Authors: Kanerva Noora , Kinnunen Satu , Nevalainen Jaakko , Vepsäläinen Henna , Fogelholm Mikael , Saarijärvi Hannu , Meinilä Jelena , Erkkola Maijaliisa
Published: April 2024

Analysing customer loyalty card data is a novel method for assessing nutritional quality and changes in a population’s food consumption. However, prior to its use, the thousands of grocery products available in stores must be reclassified from the retailer’s original hierarchical structure into a structure that is suitable for the use of nutrition and health research. We created LoCard Food Classification (LCFC) and examined how it reflects the nutritional quality of the grocery product groups. Nutritional quality was considered the main criterion guiding the reclassification of the 3574 grocery product groups. Information on the main ingredient of the product group, purpose of use and carbon footprint was also used at the more granular levels of LCFC. The main challenge in the reclassification was a lack of detailed information on the type of products included in each group, and some of the groups included products that have opposite health effects. The final LCFC has four hierarchical levels, and it is openly available online. After reclassification, the product groups were linked with the Finnish food composition database, and the nutrient profile was assessed by calculating the Nutrient-Rich Food Index (NRFI) for each product group.sdin NRFI decreased from 0·21 of the least granular level to 0·08 of the most granular level of LCFC indicating that the most granular level of LCFC has more homogeneous nutritional quality. Studies that apply LCFC to examine loyalty card data with health and environmental outcomes are needed to further demonstrate its validity.
Preconception diet in adolescence and its association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preterm birth. Results from the HUNT study
Authors: Wills Andrew Keith , Hillesund Elisabet Rudjord , van Lippevelde Wendy , Barker Mary , Vik Frøydis Nordgård , Øverby Nina Cecilie
Published: April 2024

Our aim was to estimate associations of adolescent dietary patterns and meal habits with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and preterm birth. We used data from a prospective cohort study (Norwegian Young-HUNT1) where dietary information was collected during adolescence and pregnancy outcomes were obtained through record linkage to the Norwegian national birth registry. The outcomes were HDP, hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and preterm birth in the first pregnancy and in any pregnancy. Diet was self-reported from validated questionnaires, and exposures were dietary indexes (healthy; unhealthy; fruit and vegetable; fibre index) and meal habits. Recruitment took place in schools. Eligible participants were females aged 13–19 years at the time of dietary assessment with a subsequent singleton pregnancy (n 3622). Women who reported a higher fibre intake in adolescence had a lower risk of pre-eclampsia in the first pregnancy (Relative Risk: 0·84; 95 % CI 0·7, 1·0), although this was weaker in sensitivity analyses. Regular meal habits in mid-adolescence (aged 13–15 years), particularly breakfast and lunch, were weakly associated with a lower risk of hypertension in pregnancy. Our results are the first to indicate an association between aspects of diet and dietary behaviour in mid-adolescence and subsequent HDP. More evidence is needed from larger studies to replicate the results and from alternative study designs to disentangle causality.
Seasonality in regional brain glucose metabolism
Authors: Zhang Rui , Tomasi Dardo , Shokri-Kojori Ehsan , Manza Peter , Demiral Sukru Baris , Wang Gene-Jack , Volkow Nora D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Daylength and the rates of changes in daylength have been associated with seasonal fluctuations in psychiatric symptoms and in cognition and mood in healthy adults. However, variations in human brain glucose metabolism in concordance with seasonal changes remain under explored.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we examined seasonal effects on brain glucose metabolism, which we measured using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET in 97 healthy participants. To maximize the sensitivity of regional effects, we computed relative metabolic measures by normalizing the regional measures to white matter metabolism. Additionally, we explored the role of rest–activity rhythms/sleep–wake activity measured with actigraphy in the seasonal variations of regional brain metabolic activity.

Results

We found that seasonal variations of cerebral glucose metabolism differed across brain regions. Glucose metabolism in prefrontal regions increased with longer daylength and with greater day-to-day increases in daylength. The cuneus and olfactory bulb had the maximum and minimum metabolic values around the summer and winter solstice respectively (positively associated with daylength), whereas the temporal lobe, brainstem, and postcentral cortex showed maximum and minimum metabolic values around the spring and autumn equinoxes, respectively (positively associated with faster daylength gain). Longer daylength was associated with greater amplitude and robustness of diurnal activity rhythms suggesting circadian involvement.

Conclusions

The current findings advance our knowledge of seasonal patterns in a key indicator of brain function relevant for mood and cognition. These data could inform treatment interventions for psychiatric symptoms that peak at specific times of the year.
The Experience of the Migration Component of European Identity for the Central Asia Region
Authors: Aspandiyar Saida , Gubaidullina Mara , Nurdavletova Saniya
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the article is to determine the degree of influence of international migration issues on the process of transformation of European identity and to assess the prospects for applying this experience in the countries of Central Asia. The methodological base of the study was built on the basis of a combination of methods of structural-functional, comparative, institutional analysis and forecasting with elements of a descriptive method. The results of the scientific work consist of characterizing the concept of European identity and the main problems of its development in connection with the intensification of migration processes in the world, formulating the features of the incorporation and integration of foreign citizens in the EU states, as well as highlighting the principles and norms used by members of the Commonwealth to regulate migration flows. The materials of this work can be applied in research and applied fields: the article can be useful for scientists whose interests include the formation and development of regional identity in a globalized world, as well as the topics of migration processes and linguistic, cultural and social adaptation of immigrants.
Protein quality enhancement in temperate corn through introgression of o2o2 using marker assisted backcross and shuttle breeding
Authors: Hussan Shamshir ul , Rather Mohammad Ashraf , Dar Zahoor Ahmad , Rashid Munezeh , Khan Azra , Shikari Asif Bashir , Hamid Aflaq , Ali Gowhar , Wani Mohd Altaf , Lone Ajaz Ahmad , Nissa Seerat un
Published: April 2024

Quality protein maize (QPM) has protein quality of opaque 2 (>0.074% tryptopan) with endosperm modifiers which turn its kernels vitreous that is similar to normal maize. Use of QPM as a cereal can significantly improve daily intake of lysine and tryptophan for humans and livestock. However QPM cultivars have lower yields due to trait compensation. Therefore, a breeding programme was carried out to convert parental lines of Shalimar maize hybrid 5 (SMH-5) viz. IML-187 and BML-6 into QPM versions. Marker polymorphism was worked out in donors and recipients. IML-187 was crossed with DQL-2029-1 and BML-6 was crossed with DQL-779-2-9. The first and second backcross generations involving IML-187 as recurrent parent were marked as BC1F1 (A) and BC2F1 (A) respectively, whereas those involving BML-6 were designated as BC1F1 (B) and BC2F1 (B) respectively. The BC2F2 lines derived from two generation of backcrossing coupled with SSR marker and phenotypic background and foreground selection were advanced to BC2F3. Approximately 80–90% of RPG similarity was observed in BC2F2 lines. Eight lines namely IML-187 × DQL-2029-1- BC2F3:06, 07 and 23: BML-6 × DQl-779-2-9: 02,04,09,20 and 13 were identified from BC2F3 to have tryptophan higher than 0.075% and <25% opaqueness. These lines were used for trait fixing and crosses were made to produce QPM version of SMH-5. Six improved versions of SMH-5 were selected for higher grain yield and tryptophan content and are to be employed in further testing and varietal release in Northern Hill Zone (NHZ) in India.
„Wir wollen mitreden!“ – Entwicklung und Validierung von Skalen zur Erfassung motivationaler Regulation bei der Teilnahme an Befragungen zur Evaluation des Studiums (SMR-Eval)
Authors: Koppenborg Markus , Klingsieck Katrin B.
Published: April 2024

Zusammenfassung: Für die Evaluation und Qualitätsentwicklung von Studium und Lehre werden häufig quantitative Befragungen von Studenten eingesetzt. Jedoch ist häufig unklar, aus welcher Motivation Studenten an den Befragungen teilnehmen und inwieweit unterschiedliche motivationale Regulationsstile mit dem Antwortverhalten im Fragebogen zusammenhängen. Ausgehend von der Selbstbestimmungstheorie der Motivation nach Deci und Ryan stellt der Beitrag die Entwicklung der Skalen zur motivationalen Regulation bei Befragungen zur Evaluation (SMR-Eval) vor. Studie 1 zeigt die fünffaktorielle Struktur des Instruments. Studie 2 weist auf eine starke Messinvarianz bezüglich Geschlecht, Abschlussziel und Fakultät hin. Korrelationen mit Drittvariablen belegen die konvergente Validität der fünf Subskalen. In Studie 3 werden latente Profilanalysen über die fünf Regulationsstile berechnet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen vier Profile, welche sich inhaltlich plausibel im Antwortverhalten der Befragten unterscheiden und damit Hinweise auf die Kriteriumsvalidität der Skalen geben. Diskutiert werden theoretische und praktische Implikationen für Evaluationsvorhaben an Hochschulen sowie Übertragungsmöglichkeiten auf andere Evaluationsgegenstände.
Dryland Watersheds in Flux: How Nitrogen Deposition and Changing Precipitation Regimes Shape Nitrogen Export
Authors: Ren Jianning , Hanan Erin J. , D'Odorico Paolo , Tague Christina , Schimel Joshua P. , Homyak Peter M.
Published: April 2024

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition and climate change are transforming the way N moves through dryland watersheds. For example, N deposition is increasing N export to streams, which may be exacerbated by changes in the magnitude, timing, and intensity of precipitation (i.e., the precipitation regime). While deposition can control the amount of N entering a watershed, the precipitation regime influences rates of internal cycling; when and where soil N, plant roots, and microbes are hydrologically coupled via diffusion; how quickly plants and microbes assimilate N; and rates of denitrification, runoff, and leaching. We used the ecohydrological model RHESSys to investigate (a) how N dynamics differ between N‐limited and N‐saturated conditions in a dryland watershed, and (b) how total precipitation and its intra‐annual intermittency (i.e., the time between storms in a year), interannual intermittency (i.e., the duration of dry months across multiple years), and interannual variability (i.e., variance in the amount of precipitation among years) modify N dynamics and export. Streamflow nitrate (NO3−) export was more sensitive to increasing rainfall intermittency (both intra‐annual and interannual) and variability in N‐limited than in N‐saturated model scenarios, particularly when total precipitation was lower—the opposite was true for denitrification which is more sensitive in N‐saturated than N‐limited scenarios. N export and denitrification increased or decreased more with increasing interannual intermittency than with other changes in precipitation amount. This suggests that under future climate change, prolonged droughts that are followed by more intense storms may pose a major threat to water quality in dryland watersheds.
Global Lake Health in the Anthropocene: Societal Implications and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Chukwuka Azubuike V. , Anneville Orlane , Brookes Justin , Carvalho Carolinne R. , Cotner James B. , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Hamilton David P. , Hanson Paul C. , Hejzlar Josef , Hilt Sabine , Hipsey Matthew R. , Ibelings Bas W. , Jacquet Stéphan , Kangur Külli , Kragh Theis , Lehner Bernhard , Lepori Fabio , Lukubye Ben , Marce Rafael , McElarney Yvonne , Paule‐Mercado Ma. Cristina , North Rebecca , Rojas‐Jimenez Keilor , Rusak James A. , Sharma Sapna , Scordo Facundo , de Senerpont Domis Lisette N. , Sø Jonas Stage , Wood Susanna (Susie) A. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. , Zhou Yongqiang
Published: April 2024

The world's 1.4 million lakes (≥10 ha) provide many ecosystem services that are essential for human well‐being; however, only if their health status is good. Here, we reviewed common lake health issues and classified them using a simple human health‐based approach to outline that lakes are living systems that are in need of oxygen, clean water and a balanced energy and nutrient supply. The main reason for adopting some of the human health terminology for the lake health classification is to increase the awareness and understanding of global lake health issues. We show that lakes are exposed to various anthropogenic stressors which can result in many lake health issues, ranging from thermal, circulatory, respiratory, nutritional and metabolic issues to infections and poisoning. Of particular concern for human well‐being is the widespread lake drying, which is a severe circulatory issue with many cascading effects on lake health. We estimated that ∼115,000 lakes evaporate twice as much water as they gain from direct precipitation, making them vulnerable to potential drying if inflowing waters follow the drying trend, putting more than 153 million people at risk who live in close vicinity to those lakes. Where lake health issues remain untreated, essential ecosystem services will decline or even vanish, posing a threat to the well‐being of millions of people. We recommend coordinated multisectoral and multidisciplinary prevention and treatment strategies, which need to include a follow‐up of the progress and an assessment of the resilience of lakes to intensifying threats. Priority should be given to implementing sewage water treatment, mitigating climate change, counteracting introductions of non‐native species to lakes and decreasing uncontrolled anthropogenic releases of chemicals into the hydro‐, bio‐, and atmosphere.
Potential Common Mechanisms of Cytotoxicity Induced by Organophosphorus Pesticides via NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Sui Xin , Sun Yangyang , Cui Ziqi , Ma Ning , Wang Shuai , Yang Jun , Liu Fengying , Yang Weijie , Xiao Zhenyu , Zhu Tong , Luo Yuan , Wang Yongan
Published: April 2024

The Multi‐Threat Medical Countermeasure (MTMC) technique is crucial for developing common biochemical signaling pathways, molecular mediators, and cellular processes. This study revealed that the Nod‐like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway may be a significant contributor to the cytotoxicity induced by various organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). The study demonstrated that exposure to six different types of OPPs (paraoxon, dichlorvos, fenthion, dipterex, dibrom, and dimethoate) led to significant cytotoxicity in BV2 cells, which was accompanied by increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome complexes (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‐1) and downstream inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐18), in which the order of cytotoxicity was dichlorvos > dipterex > dibrom > paraoxon > fenthion > dimethoate, based on the IC50 values of 274, 410, 551, 585, 2,158, and 1,527,566 μM, respectively. The findings suggest that targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway could be a potential approach for developing broad‐spectrum antitoxic drugs to combat multi‐OPPs‐induced toxicity. Moreover, inhibition of NLRP3 efficiently protected the cells against cytotoxicity induced by these six OPPs, and the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‐1, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 decreased accordingly. The order of NLRP3 affinity for OPPs was dimethoate > paraoxon > dichlorvos > dibrom > (fenthion and dipterex) based on KD values of 89.8, 325, 1,460, and 2,690 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the common molecular mechanism of NLRP3‐OPPs was clarified by the presence of toxicity effector groups (benzene ring, nitrogen/oxygen‐containing functional group); =O, ‐O‐, or =S (active) groups; and combination residues (Gly271, Asp272). This finding provided valuable insights into exploring the common mechanisms of multiple threats and developing effective therapeutic strategies to prevent OPPs poisoning.
Projected Global Temperature Changes After Net Zero Are Small But Significant
Authors: Borowiak Alex , King Andrew D. , Brown Josephine R. , Jones Chris D. , Ziehn Tilo , Meinshausen Malte , Cassidy Liam
Published: April 2024

As more countries make net zero greenhouse gas emissions pledges, it is crucial to understand the effects on global climate after achieving net zero emissions. The climate has been found to continue to evolve even after the abrupt cessation of CO2 emissions, with some models simulating a small warming and others simulating a small cooling. In this study, we analyze if the temperature and precipitation changes post abrupt cessation of CO2 emissions are significantly different compared to natural climate variations. We find that the temperature changes are outside of natural variability for most models, whilst the precipitation changes are mostly non‐significant. We also demonstrate that post‐net zero temperature changes have implications for the remaining carbon budget. The possibility of further global warming post‐net zero adds to the evidence supporting more rapid emissions reductions in the near‐term.
A Simplified Method of True Height Analysis to Estimate the Real Height of Sporadic E Layers
Authors: Haldoupis Christos , Haralambous Haris , Meek Chris
Published: April 2024

The sporadic E (Es) layer virtual height and the ordinary wave critical frequency are routinely measured ionogram parameters, used to characterize the Es altitude occurrence and intensity. It has become common practice to take the real height to be about equal to by assuming that signal propagation delays in the E region plasma below the layer are small and can be neglected. Although this applies for nighttime, during daytime it may overestimate significantly. The present paper relies on true height analysis theory to devise a simplified method and propose an algorithm that can estimate Es real heights reasonably well. The method relies on and ionosonde measurements and E region electron density profiles obtained from the International Reference Ionosphere model. The algorithm is applied to a typical set of Digisonde observations to compute and examine real height variations and functional dependencies. Whereas  ≃  at nighttime, during daytime there are notable  −  differences taking values less than 10 km for most of the observed layers. During the early morning and early afternoon hours, however, when weak layers appear at upper heights, the virtual to real height differences become larger reaching 20–25 km. The method proposed here for the estimation of can be easily applied to improve the accuracy of the results of sporadic E layer studies.
Caspase 8 deletion causes infection/inflammation-induced bone marrow failure and MDS-like disease in mice
Authors: Liu Shanhui , Joshi Kanak , Zhang Lei , Li Wenyan , Mack Ryan , Runde Austin , Hagen Patrick A. , Barton Kevin , Breslin Peter , Ji Hong-Long , Kini Ameet R. , Wang Zhiping , Zhang Jiwang
Published: April 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of pre-leukemic hematopoietic disorders characterized by cytopenia in peripheral blood due to ineffective hematopoiesis and normo- or hypercellularity and morphologic dysplasia in bone marrow (BM). An inflammatory BM microenvironment and programmed cell death of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are thought to be the major causes of ineffective hematopoiesis in MDS. Pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis (collectively, PANoptosis) are observed in BM tissues of MDS patients, suggesting an important role of PANoptosis in MDS pathogenesis. Caspase 8 (Casp8) is a master regulator of PANoptosis, which is downregulated in HSPCs from most MDS patients and abnormally spliced in HSPCs from MDS patients with SRSF2 mutation. To study the role of PANoptosis in hematopoiesis, we generated inducible Casp8 knockout mice (Casp8−/−). Mx1-Cre-Casp8−/− mice died of BM failure within 10 days of polyI:C injections due to depletion of HSPCs. Rosa-ERT2Cre-Casp8−/− mice are healthy without significant changes in BM hematopoiesis within the first 1.5 months after Casp8 deletion. Such mice developed BM failure upon infection or low dose polyI:C/LPS injections due to the hypersensitivity of Casp8−/− HSPCs to infection or inflammation-induced necroptosis which can be prevented by Ripk3 deletion. However, impaired self-renewal capacity of Casp8−/− HSPCs cannot be rescued by Ripk3 deletion due to activation of Ripk1-Tbk1 signaling. Most importantly, mice transplanted with Casp8−/− BM cells developed MDS-like disease within 4 months of transplantation as demonstrated by anemia, thrombocytopenia and myelodysplasia. Our study suggests an essential role for a balance in Casp8, Ripk3-Mlkl and Ripk1-Tbk1 activities in the regulation of survival and self-renewal of HSPCs, the disruption of which induces inflammation and BM failure, resulting in MDS-like disease.
Communication spectrum prediction method based on convolutional gated recurrent unit network
Authors: Yuan Lige , Nie Lulu , Hao Yangzhou
Published: April 2024

In modern wireless communication systems, the scarcity of spectrum resources poses challenges to the performance and efficiency of the system. Spectrum prediction technology can help systems better plan and schedule resources to respond to the dynamic changes in spectrum. Dynamic change in the spectrum refers to the changes in the radio spectrum in a wireless communication system. It means that the available spectrum resources may change at different times and locations. In response to this current situation, this study first constructs a communication collaborative spectrum sensing model using channel aliasing dense connection networks. Then, combining convolutional neural network and gated cyclic unit network in deep learning technology, a communication spectrum prediction model is built. It aims to achieve accurate perception and prediction of spectrum resources through the aforementioned spectrum sensing and prediction models. The results confirm that the proposed perception model has inconsistent perception accuracy under different number of secondary users, with a maximum of 0.99. It is verified that the proposed spectrum prediction model achieves a high prediction accuracy of 0.95 within 208 s and its performance outperforms current similar models. The results are based on the model's deep learning analysis of massive historical communication data, in which the optimized shuffle dense net model plus convolutional gated recurrent unit model is the key to achieve fast and accurate prediction. On the contrary, the highest spectrum prediction accuracy of Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Convolutional Neural Networks-Long Short-Term Memory (ConvLSTM) models are 0.86, 0.90, and 0.85, respectively. And the model needs to run for a longer period of time, up to 324, for ConvLSTM to reach the prediction accuracy value of 0.95. In summary, the perception and prediction model built by this research has good performance, and its application in the field of wireless communication can assist staff in better monitoring spectral changes, thereby making more efficient use of spectral resources.
Assessment of bioremediation potential of Calotropis procera and Nerium oleander for sustainable management of vehicular released metals in roadside soils
Authors: Anjum Sumreen , Sarwar Mubeen , Ali Qurban , Alam Muhammad Waqar , Manzoor Muhammad Tariq , Mukhtar Adnan
Published: April 2024

Land transportation is a major source of heavy metal contamination along the roadside, posing significant risks to human health through inhalation, oral ingestion, and dermal contact. Therefore, this study has been designed to determine the concentrations of vehicular released heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cu) in roadside soil and leaves of two commonly growing native plant species (Calotropis procera and Nerium oleander).Two busy roads i.e., Lahore-Okara road (N-5) and Okara-Faisalabad roads (OFR) in Punjab, Pakistan, were selected for the study. The data were collected from five sites along each road during four seasons. Control samples were collected ~ 50 m away from road. The metal content i.e. lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) were determined in the plant leaves and soil by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Significantly high amount of all studied heavy metals were observed in soil and plant leaves along both roads in contrast to control ones. The mean concentration of metals in soil ranged as Cd (2.20–6.83 mg/kg), Pb (4.53–15.29 mg/kg), Ni (29.78–101.26 mg/kg), and Cu (61.68–138.46 mg/kg) and in plant leaves Cd (0.093–0.53 mg/kg), Pb (4.31–16.34 mg/kg), Ni (4.13–16.34 mg/kg) and Cu (2.98–32.74 mg/kg). Among roads, higher metal contamination was noted along N-5 road. Significant temporal variations were also noted in metal contamination along both roads. The order of metal contamination in soil and plant leaves in different seasons was summer > autumn > spring > winter. Furthermore, the metal accumulation potential of Calotropis procera was higher than that of Nerium oleander. Therefore, for sustainable management of metal contamination, the plantation of Calotropis procera is recommended along roadsides.
Development and validation of the rheumatoid arthritis scale among the system of quality of life instruments for chronic diseases QLICD-RA (V2.0)
Authors: Yang Zheng , Bai Guannan , Ding Haifeng , Chen Mingyang , Xie Tong , Wan Chonghua
Published: April 2024

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a more serious threatening to people and suitable for QOL measurement. A few specific QOL instruments are available without considering Chinese culture. The present study was aimed to develop and validate the Rheumatoid Arthritis Scale among the System of Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases (QLICD-RA V2.0). The data collected from 379 patients with RA was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the scale. The reliability was evaluated by the internal consistency Cronbach’s α, test–retest reliability Pearson correlation r and intra-class correlation (ICC). We evaluated the construct validity and criteria-related validity by correlation analysis and structural equation modeling. We compared the differences in scores of QLICD-RA before and after treatment and used the Standard Response Mean (SRM) to assess the responsiveness. The results showed that the internal consistency coefficient Cronbach’s α values were greater than 0.70. The correlations r and ICCs were greater than 0.80. The correlation analysis and structural equation modeling confirmed good construct validity and criterion-related validity. The SRM ranges from 0.07 to 0.27 for significant domains/facets. It concluded that QLICD-RA (2.0) is a reliable and valid instrument to measure QOL among patients with RA.
Ultrasonographic examination of masticatory muscles in patients with TMJ arthralgia and headache attributed to temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Bae Hyungkyu , Chun Yang-Hyun , Lee Jung-Woo , Kim Hee-Jin
Published: April 2024

This study used ultrasonography to compare the thickness and cross-sectional area of the masticatory muscles in patients with temporomandibular joint arthralgia and investigated the differences according to sex and the co-occurrence of headache attributed to temporomandibular disorders (HATMD). The observational study comprised 100 consecutive patients with TMJ arthralgia (71 females and 29 males; mean age, 40.01 ± 17.67 years) divided into two groups: Group 1, including 86 patients with arthralgia alone (60 females; 41.15 ± 17.65 years); and Group 2, including 14 patients with concurrent arthralgia and HATMD (11 females; 33.00 ± 16.72 years). The diagnosis of TMJ arthralgia was based on the diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders. The parameters of the masticatory muscles examined by ultrasonography were subjected to statistical analysis. The pain area (2.23 ± 1.75 vs. 5.79 ± 2.39, p-value = 0.002) and visual analog scale (VAS) score (3.41 ± 1.82 vs. 5.57 ± 12.14, p-value = 0.002) were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. Muscle thickness (12.58 ± 4.24 mm) and cross-sectional area (4.46 ± 2.57 cm2) were larger in the masseter muscle than in the other three masticatory muscles (p-value < 0.001). When examining sex-based differences, the thickness and area of the masseter and lower temporalis muscles were significantly larger in males (all p-value < 0.05). The area of the masseter muscle (4.67 ± 2.69 vs. 3.18 ± 0.92, p-value = 0.004) and lower temporalis muscle (3.76 ± 0.95 vs. 3.21 ± 1.02, p-value = 0.049) was significantly smaller in Group 2 than in Group 1. An increase in VAS was significantly negatively correlated with the thickness of the masseter (r =  − 0.268) and lower temporalis (r =  − 0.215), and the cross-sectional area of the masseter (r =  − 0.329) and lower temporalis (r =  − 0.293). The masseter and lower temporalis muscles were significantly thinner in females than in males, and their volumes were smaller in patients with TMJ arthralgia and HATMD than in those with TMJ arthralgia alone. HATMD and decreased masseter and lower temporalis muscle volume were associated with increased pain intensity.
Route planning of mobile robot based on improved RRT star and TEB algorithm
Authors: Yin Xiong , Dong Wentao , Wang Xiaoming , Yu Yongxiang , Yao Daojin
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a fusion algorithm based on the enhanced RRT* TEB algorithm. The enhanced RRT* algorithm is utilized for generating an optimal global path. Firstly, proposing an adaptive sampling function and extending node bias to accelerate global path generation and mitigate local optimality. Secondly, eliminating path redundancy to minimize path length. Thirdly, imposing constraints on the turning angle of the path to enhance path smoothness. Conducting kinematic modeling of the mobile robot and optimizing the TEB algorithm to align the trajectory with the mobile robot's kinematics. The integration of these two algorithms culminates in the development of a fusion algorithm. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that, in contrast to the traditional RRT* algorithm, the enhanced RRT* algorithm achieves a 5.8% reduction in path length and a 62.5% decrease in the number of turning points. Utilizing the fusion algorithm for path planning, the mobile robot generates a superior, seamlessly smooth global path, adept at circumventing obstacles. Furthermore, the local trajectory meticulously conforms to the kinematic constraints of the mobile robot.
Effects of a beaver dam on the benthic copepod assemblage of a Mediterranean river
Authors: Di Lorenzo T. , Tabilio Di Camillo A. , Mori E. , Viviano A. , Mazza G. , Pontalti A. , Rogora M. , Fiasca B. , Di Cicco M. , Galassi D. M. P.
Published: April 2024

As known “ecosystem engineers”, beavers influence river hydrology, geomorphology, biochemistry, and biological assemblages. However, there is a lack of research regarding the effects of beaver activities on freshwater meiofauna. In this study, we investigated the taxonomic and functional composition of the benthic copepod assemblage of a segment of the Tiber River (Italy) where a beaver dam, created about 7 weeks before our survey, had formed a semi-lentic habitat upstream and a lotic habitat downstream of the dam. We also analyzed the copepod assemblage before and after a flood event that destroyed the beaver dam, providing a unique opportunity to observe changes in a naturally reversing scenario. Our analyses revealed that, while the taxonomic composition and functional traits of the copepod assemblage remained largely unchanged across the recently formed semi-lentic and lotic habitats, substantial differences were evident between the dammed and undammed states. The dammed state showed lower copepod abundances, biomass, and functionality than the undammed one. These results highlight the role of beaver dams in changing the composition and functionality of meiofaunal assemblages offering insights into the dynamic interactions within aquatic ecosystems.
Quantum mechanical modeling of high-intensity laser pulse interaction with hydrogen atom with considering the magnetic field and polarization
Authors: Zakavi Marjan , Sabaeian Mohammad
Published: April 2024

In the study of the non-relativistic interaction between high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses and atoms, the influence of the magnetic field is commonly overlooked. This work investigates the effects of the magnetic field in the high-intensity few-cycle laser pulses with non-relativistic intensity of $$3.5 \times 10^{14} { }\;\;{\text{W}}/{\text{cm}}^{2}$$

3.5
×

10
14

W
/

cm

2

at the center wavelength of 800 nm on the high-order harmonic generation (HHG), attosecond pulse train (APT), isolated attosecond pulse (IAP), and the electron trajectory in the hydrogen atom, employing the numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in three dimensions (3D-TDSE). Two polarizations, linear and circular, are considered. A comparison with the scenario where the magnetic field is not considered shows that the magnetic field can apply significant corrections to the results. Particularly, considering the magnetic field for circular polarization can make the cutoff frequency of HHG coincide with the semi-classical relationship of $$\hbar {\upomega }_{{\text{c}}} = {\text{I}}_{{\text{p}}} + 3.17{\text{U}}_{{\text{p}}}$$

ħ

ω
c

=

I
p

+
3.17

U
p

, a case that for circular polarization does not exist without considering the magnetic field. Moreover, accounting for the magnetic field leads to a reduction in the attosecond pulse duration for circular polarization for APT ($$360{\text{ as}}$$

360

as

versus $$241{\text{ as}}$$

241

as

) and for IAP ($$834{\text{ as}}$$

834

as

versus $$602{\text{ as}}$$

602

as

). Additionally, the difference in production efficiency of HHG and APT between linear and circular polarization is reduced by two orders of magnitude, when magnetic field is considered. Although considering the magnetic field complicates the electron trajectory, especially for circular polarization, however, our quantum model provides enhanced insight into how the interaction works, especially when and where the electron collides with the parent nucleus. In this case, the quantum mechanical modeling largely covers the huge difference of not considering the magnetic field in the results predicted by other works.
Soluble programmed death ligand 1 as prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab therapy
Authors: Brun Sinne Søberg , Hansen Torben Frøstrup , Wen Sara Witting Christensen , Nyhus Christa Haugaard , Bertelsen Lisbeth , Jakobsen Anders , Hansen Torben Schjødt , Nederby Line
Published: April 2024

Many studies have focused on the prognostic role of soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but outcomes are ambiguous and further investigations are needed. We addressed the matter by studying sPD-L1 in baseline samples and in longitudinal samples taken prior to three subsequent cycles of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 treatments. Eighty patients with NSCLC were enrolled. Median sPD-L1 level at baseline was 52 pg/mL [95% confidence interval (CI) 49–57]. In patients treated with pembrolizumab and nivolumab, the concentration of sPD-L1 remained rather stable throughout treatment. In contrast, sPD-L1 rose by 50-fold following the first cycle of atezolizumab therapy. We found the baseline level of sPD-L1 to be related to overall survival (OS) after two years of follow-up in simple Cox analysis (p = 0.006) and multiple Cox Regression, hazard ratio 1.02 (95% CI 1.00–1.03) (p = 0.033). There was no association between sPD-L1 and tissue PD-L1 expression, overall response rate, or progression free survival. In conclusion, sPD-L1 measured in baseline serum samples may be associated with OS in NSCLC patients receiving anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1 treatment. Importantly, the results signify that further research is warranted to explore the clinical utility of sPD-L1 in patients treated with anti-PD-L1.
Design of a recombinant asparaginyl ligase for site-specific modification using efficient recognition and nucleophile motifs
Authors: Tang Jiabao , Hao Mengling , Liu Junxian , Chen Yaling , Wufuer Gulimire , Zhu Jie , Zhang Xuejie , Zheng Tingquan , Fang Mujin , Zhang Shiyin , Li Tingdong , Ge Shengxiang , Zhang Jun , Xia Ningshao
Published: April 2024

Asparaginyl ligases have been extensively utilized as valuable tools for site-specific bioconjugation or surface-modification. However, the application is hindered by the laborious and poorly reproducible preparation processes, unstable activity and ambiguous substrate requirements. To address these limitations, this study employed a structure-based rational approach to obtain a high-yield and high-activity protein ligase called OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351. It was observed that OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351 exhibits appreciable catalytic activities across a wide pH range, and the addition of the Fe3+ metal ion effectively enhances the catalytic power. Importantly, this study provides insight into the recognition and nucleophile peptide profiles of OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351. The ligase demonstrates a higher recognition ability for the “Asn-Ala-Leu” motif and an N-terminus “Arg-Leu” as nucleophiles, which significantly increases the reaction yield. Consequently, the catalytic activity of OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351 with highly efficient recognition and nucleophile motif, “Asn-Ala-Leu” and “Arg-Leu” under the buffer containing Fe3+ is 70-fold and 2-fold higher than previously reported OaAEP1-C247A and the most efficient butelase-1, respectively. Thus, the designed OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351, with its highly efficient recognition and alternative nucleophile options, holds promising potential for applications in protein engineering, chemo-enzymatic modification, and the development of drugs.
Co3O4/activated carbon nanocomposites as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: de Lima Andrei F. V. , Lourenço Annaíres de A. , Silva Vinícius D. , Menezes de Oliveira André L. , Rostas Arpad M. , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Leostean Cristian , Pana Ovidiu , da Silva Rodolfo B. , Macedo Daniel A. , da Silva Fausthon F.
Published: April 2024

Three Co3O4/C electrocatalysts were obtained from ZIF-67/activated carbon composites. The nanocomposites showed excellent OER electrocatalytic performance compared to the literature, and active carbon boosts the catalytic activity.
Novel PLGA-based nanoformulation decreases doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Drinković Nikša , Beus Maja , Barbir Rinea , Debeljak Željko , Tariba Lovaković Blanka , Kalčec Nikolina , Ćurlin Marija , Bekavac Ana , Gorup Dunja , Mamić Ivan , Mandić Dario , Micek Vedran , Turčić Petra , Günday-Türeli Nazende , Türeli Emre , Vinković Vrček Ivana
Published: April 2024

Nanoformulations decrease systemic toxicity effects of antitumor agents.
Prediction of mass spectrometry ionization efficiency based on COSMO-RS and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Nie Cheng-Zhen , Liu Hao , Huang Xu-Hui , Zhou Da-Yong , Wang Xu-Song , Qin Lei
Published: April 2024

Non-targeted analysis of high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) can identify thousands of compounds, which also gives a huge challenge to their quantification.
Statistical approaches to Raman imaging: principal component score mapping
Authors: Marin Elia , Bristol Davide Redolfi , Rondinella Alfredo , Lanzutti Alex , Riello Pietro
Published: April 2024

We propose and benchmark test a universal protocol for the analysis of huge Raman imaging datasets, by applying PCA on raw, unprocessed data.
A two carbon homologation of Friedel–Crafts alkylation enabled by photochemical alkene stitching: modular assembly of cyclolignans
Authors: Pramanik Shyamal , Samanta Apurba , Maity Soumitra
Published: April 2024

A two carbon homologation strategy for Friedel–Crafts alkylation using feedstock alkenes as extension linkers under mild, organo-photocatalytic conditions was developed to access synthetically useful γ-aryl-carbonyls.
S-scheme heterojunction based on CuWO4/WO3 microspheres with an improved photocatalytic property under visible light irradiation
Authors: Sun Yangang , Ge Jianhua , Xu Jiaqi , Wang Jinguo
Published: April 2024

An S-scheme CuWO4/WO3 nano-heterojunction photocatalyst is successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal route and impregnation–calcination method. The S-scheme nano-heterojunction significantly improves the visible light degradation rate of MB dyes.
A prismatic alkali-ion environment suppresses plateau hysteresis in lattice oxygen redox reactions
Authors: Yu Hao , Gao Ang , Rong Xiaohui , Shen Shipeng , Zheng Xinqi , Yan Liqin , Wang Haibo , Su Dan , Hu Zilin , Kan Wang Hay , Chen Huaican , Yin Wen , Lu Yaxiang , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Delmas Claude , Chen Liquan , Wang Shouguo , Hu Yong-Sheng
Published: April 2024

The prismatic environment of the alkali metal ion is demonstrated to control plateau hysteresis in lattice oxygen redox materials.
Computational modeling for the enhancement of thermosonicated Sohphie (Myrica esculenta) fruit juice quality using artificial neural networks (ANN) coupled with a genetic algorithm
Authors: Das Puja , Nayak Prakash Kumar , Kesavan Radha krishnan
Published: April 2024

Sophie fruits are antioxidant-rich and reducing chronic disease risk. Optimization of TS parameters using ANN maximized the yield and bioactive compounds. TS is promising for large-scale juice extraction, enhancing market competitiveness.
Integrating climate policies in the sustainability analysis of green chemicals
Authors: Nabera Abhinandan , José Martín Antonio , Istrate Robert , Pérez-Ramírez Javier , Guillén-Gosálbez Gonzalo
Published: April 2024

The grand transition towards green pathways for chemical production, alongside ambitious climate policies, could achieve 90% reduction in climate change impacts by 2050, while fossil routes offer a reduction of 10% in the best case.
Raman fingerprint provides deep insights into alternations in Ganoderma lingzhi triterpene-induced molecular events in cells
Authors: Shen Shuwei , Huang Binbin , Peng Zhiyi , Yu Luting , Ren Lili , Liu Jia , Chen Guoguang
Published: April 2024

Precisely monitoring the alternations of biomolecules in traditional Chinese medicine-induced cells via a novel Raman fingerprint based analytical strategy.
Solvent and stoichiometry-dependent versatile organogelation and robust crystallization from the supramolecular association of adipic acid and triethanolamine
Authors: Lepcha Gerald , Pal Indrajit , Majumdar Santanu , Dhasmana Yogesh , Mondal Sanjay , Zangrando Ennio , Chopra Deepak , Dey Biswajit
Published: April 2024

Depending on stoichiometry, concentrations of chemical-constituents and solvent media, the formation strategy of robust supramolecular crystalline systems and two diverse supramolecular organogels is explored and characterized.
A rapid and selective “on–off” fluorescence detection of lethal pulmonary agent phosgene supplemented with theoretical approach: a cost-effective sensing tool for household bleach and soil analysis
Authors: Kumar Malavika S. , Dolai Malay , Kumar Das Avijit
Published: April 2024

A fluorescent probe, 4-(di-phenylamino)-benzaldehyde oxime was developed for the selective “on–off” fluorescence detection of lethal phosgene with the dimer formation of probe through carbonate linkage generated from phosgene.
Functionalized Schiff-base containing phenothiazine and cholic acid as a paper-based fluorescence turn-off sensor for Sn(ii) ion detection and its application
Authors: Bariya Dipakkumar , Mishra Satyendra
Published: April 2024

The development of the cholyl hydrazide Schiff base of phenothiazine as a paper-based sensor for the detection of Sn(ii) ions with chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching sensing mechanism and its possible integration into a logic gate system.
A simple reaction pathway allowing easy EPR characterization of N-oxyl radicals
Authors: Costes Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2024

Mixing a dinuclear CuII complex with a primary or secondary amine in excess in the presence of dioxygen with or without toluene yields N-oxyls radicals, here (CH3)2CHNHO·, and CuI entities.
Ferroelectric field enhanced tribocatalytic hydrogen production and RhB dye degradation by tungsten bronze ferroelectrics
Authors: Zhu Zhihong , Jin Zuheng , Jiang Chuan , Wu Sha , Hu Changzheng , Liu Laijun , Fang Liang , Cheng Zhenxiang
Published: April 2024

The BSNT ferroelectric submicron powder tribocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen with rate of 200 μmol/h/g and tribocatalytic degradation of RhB dyes with efficiency 96% in 2 hours, •OH and •O2− play crucial roles in tribocatalysis.
Exploring the mechanism of the reductive amination of acetophenones via the Borch approach: the role of the acid catalyst
Authors: Souza João P. A. , Jacobs Amanda K. , Piovan Leandro , Campos Renan B.
Published: April 2024

In the reductive amination process, the acid catalyst plays a crucial role not only in the elimination of water but also in the nucleophilic step, particularly when electron-donating groups are installed at the para-position of the acetophenone.
Burst traffic: Congestion management and performance optimization strategies in heterogeneous cognitive radio networks
Authors: Yan Jie , Zhang Bo , Wang Shi , Lan Hao , Wang Xin
Published: April 2024

In order to solve the network congestion problem caused by burst service flows in heterogeneous cognitive radio networks (Het‐CRN), a two‐stage dual‐threshold random early detection (TD‐RED) control mechanism is proposed here. Meanwhile, a three‐state Markov modulated Poisson process (MMPP‐3) is used to model the burst service to analyze its arrival in depth. Moreover, a performance evaluation system (PES) is proposed to quantify the interference of burst services to different classes of services and their quality of service, which can comprehensively evaluate the performance enhancement of the TD‐RED control mechanism for each service. The system examines performance metrics such as packet loss rate, average delay, average captain etc. PES simulation results show that TD‐RED significantly reduces the packet rejection rate and transmission delay compared to the no congestion control (NCC) and random early detection (RED) methods, thus providing superior quality of service to all services. thereby providing a superior quality of service to cognitive users. Its lower average captain fully proves that TD‐RED can effectively alleviate congestion.