bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nakano Yukiko
Published: April 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of arrhythmia, can cause several adverse effects, such as stroke, heart failure, and cognitive dysfunction, also in addition to reducing quality of life and increasing mortality. Evidence suggests that AF is caused by a combination of genetic and clinical predispositions. In line with this, genetic studies on AF have progressed significantly through linkage studies, genome‐wide association studies, use of polygenic risk scores, and studies on rare coding variations, gradually elucidating the relationship between genes and the pathogenesis and prognosis of AF. This article will review current trends in genetic analysis concerning AF.
East Asian summer precipitation in AWI‐CM3: Comparison with observations and CMIP6 models
Authors: Shi Jian , Stepanek Christian , Sein Dmitry , Streffing Jan , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: April 2023

Owing to the complicated spatial–temporal characteristics of East Asian precipitation (EAP), climate models have limited skills in simulating the modern Asian climate. This consequently leads to large uncertainties in simulations of the past EAP variation and future projections. Here, we explore the performance of the newly developed Alfred Wegener Institute Climate Model, version 3 (AWI‐CM3) in simulating the climatological summer EAP. To test whether the model's skill depends on its atmosphere resolution, we design two AWI‐CM3 simulations with different horizontal resolutions. The result shows that both simulations have acceptable performance in simulating the summer mean EAP, generally better than the majority of individual models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). However, for the monthly EAP from June to August, AWI‐CM3 exhibits a decayed skill, which is due to the subseasonal movement of the western Pacific subtropical high bias. The higher‐resolution AWI‐CM3 simulation shows an overall improvement relative to the one performed at a relatively lower resolution in all aspects taken into account regarding the EAP. We conclude that AWI‐CM3 is a suitable tool for exploring the EAP for the observational period. Having verified the model's skill for modern climate, we suggest employing the AWI‐CM3, especially with high atmosphere resolution, both for applications in paleoclimate studies and future projections.
Vortragstitel Reformulierung von Lebensmitteln: Erste Ergebnisse der sensorischen Optimierung von natriumreduziertem Schnittkäse (Senopt‐Käse) anhand der Vorstufe Käsegeschmacksmatrix mit Hilfe von Salzsubstituten
Authors: Bartsch K. , Schrader K. , Kabisch J. , Fritsche J.
Published: April 2023

Eine Reduktion der Zufuhr von Natrium (Na), das meist als Natriumchlorid (NaCl, Kochsalz) aufgenommen wird, ist ein wesentlicher Faktor in der Prävention von Hypertonie und kardiovaskulären Krankheiten. Das Speisesalz ist aber nicht nur Geschmacksträger, sondern wirkt unmittelbar auf andere Zutaten und damit auf den Herstellungsprozess. Es wirkt als Barriere gegen pathogene und Verderbnis erregende Bakterien, kontrolliert die Aktivität der Starterkulturen und moduliert Nichtstarter‐Milchsäurebakterien (NSMSB) sowie die Mikrobiota. Ebenso beeinflusst es die Aktivität vieler Enzyme. Darüber hinaus kontrolliert es Synärese und Wassergehalt, Textur und funktionelle Eigenschaften der Käse. Um Na zu reduzieren, kann es daher nicht einfach weggelassen werden, sondern muss ab einer Reduktion von 10% mittels Salzaustauschstoffen substituiert werden.

Ziel des aktuellen Projekts ist es, den Natriumgehalt von Schnittkäse um mindestens 30% zu senken, ohne dass sich die sensorischen Eigenschaften drastisch verändern.

Um die Projektlaufzeit effektiver nutzen zu können, wurde die Auswirkungen einer NaCl‐Reduzierung auf einen nicht reifebedingten, bitteren oder anderen Fremdgeschmack mit Hilfe eines trainierten Panels zunächst in einer flüssigen Käsegeschmacksmatrix untersucht. Die Untersuchungen an der Käsegeschmacksmatrix zielen darauf ab, den Einfluss von kommerziell verfügbaren Mineralsalzsubstituten für NaCl auf die Ausprägung unerwünschter geschmacklicher Eigenschaften mit dem Fokus auf dem Attribut „bitter“ zu prüfen. Es wird erwartet, dass durch die Mineralsalze bedingte Veränderungen, die durch die Käsereifung noch verstärkt werden, schon im flüssigen Produkt vorliegen. Die flüssige Käsegeschmacksmatrix enthält die geschmacksaktiven Aminosäuren, organischen Säuren und Mineralstoffe in Konzentrationen, wie sie in Gouda‐Käse von Toelstede und Hofmann, 2008, bestimmt wurden. Wird der Natriumgehalt mit höherem Kaliumgehalt, stammend aus Kaliumchlorid um 30% gesenkt, fällt neben dem erwartungsgemäß weniger salzigen Geschmack ein erkennbar bitterer, metallischer Geschmack auf. Möglicherweise überdeckt oder unterdrückt ein höherer Kochsalzgehalt die Wahrnehmung von Bitterkeit. Daher wurden weitere auf dem Markt erhältliche Salzsubstitute getestet. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass beim Einsatz des Salzsubstitutes sub4salt50plus der Firma Jungbunzlauer in geeigneter Konzentration der Na Gehalt um knapp 30% gesenkt werden konnte, ohne Geschmack einzubüßen. Eine Übertragung der Ergebnisse auf das Zwischenprodukt Modellkäse mit Schnittkäse‐ähnlicher, halbfester Konsistenz und auf Schnittkäse nach Gouda Art hergestellt im Technikumsmaßstab ist noch ausstehend.
Electrically Functional Self‐Healing Polymers: Design, Assessment, and Progress
Authors: Geng Yuhao , Zhong Wei , Zhou Shuai , Yao Bowen , Fu Jiajun
Published: April 2023

Self‐healing is a natural characteristic observed in organisms capable of repairing themselves following mechanical damage. Inspired by this attractive feature, researchers have developed self‐healing polymers with various functionalities to create advanced self‐healing devices that offer substantially enhanced durability and longevity. This paper provides an overview of self‐healing polymers and their assessment methods, followed by the design strategy for electrically functional self‐healing polymers, with a particular focus on the latest research findings. Finally, the paper discusses future prospects and challenges in this field.
Critical metrics of the volume functional on three‐dimensional manifolds
Authors: He Huiya
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we prove the three‐dimensional conjecture with nonnegative Ricci curvature. Moreover, we establish rigidity theorems for three‐dimensional compact, oriented, connected V‐static metrics with nonnegative Ricci curvature. Finally, we obtain classification results on three‐dimensional vacuum static space and Miao–Tam critical metric with nonnegative Ricci curvature.
Existence of the equivariant minimal model program for compact Kähler threefolds with the action of an abelian group of maximal rank
Authors: Zhong Guolei
Published: April 2023

Let X be a ‐factorial compact Kähler klt threefold admitting an action of a free abelian group G, which is of positive entropy and of maximal rank. After running the G‐equivariant log minimal model program, we show that such X is either rationally connected or bimeromorphic to a Q‐complex torus. In particular, we fix an issue in the proof of our previous paper [23, Theorem 1.3].
Synthesis of a New Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐g‐Chitosan Amphiphilic Graft Copolymer with a “Reverse” Structure
Authors: Delorme Victor , David Ghislain , Dejean Stéphane , Mouton Julia , Garric Xavier , Coudane Jean , Van Den Berghe Hélène
Published: April 2023

Hydrophilic chitosan (CHT) and hydrophobic polyε‐caprolactone (PCL) are well‐known biocompatible and biodegradable polymers that have many applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. But the mixtures of these two compounds are considered incompatible, which makes them not very interesting. To avoid this problem and to further extend the properties of these homopolymers, the synthesis of a new graft copolymer, the fully biodegradable amphiphilic poly(ε‐caprolactone‐g‐chitosan) (PCL‐g‐CHT) is described, with an unusual “reverse” structure formed by a PCL backbone with CHT grafts, unlike the “classic” CHT‐g‐PCL structure with a CHT main chain and PCL grafts. This copolymer is prepared via a copper‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition between propargylated PCL (PCL‐yne) and a new azido‐chitosan (CHT‐N3). In order to obtain an amphiphilic copolymer regardless of the pH, chitosan oligomers, soluble at any pH, are prepared and used. The amphiphilic PCL‐g‐CHT copolymer spontaneously self‐assembles in water into nanomicelles that may incorporate hydrophobic drugs to give novel drug delivery systems.
Sequential application of copy number variation sequencing and quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction in genetic analysis of miscarriage and stillbirth
Authors: Chen Quan , Zhang Hao , Li Xue , Li Junxing , Chen Huijuan , Liu Lin , Zhou Shijie , Xu Zhihong
Published: April 2023

Background

Copy number variation sequencing (CNV‐seq) could detect most chromosomal abnormalities except polyploidy, and quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF‐PCR) is a supplementary method to CNV‐seq in triploid detection. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of sequential application of CNV‐seq and QF‐PCR in genetic analysis of miscarriage and stillbirth.

Methods

A total of 261 fetal specimens were analyzed by CNV‐seq, and QF‐PCR was only further performed for samples with normal female karyotype identified by CNV‐seq. Cost and turnaround time (TAT) was analyzed for sequential detection strategy. Subgroup analysis and logistic regression were carried out to evaluate the relationship between clinical characteristics (maternal age, gestational age, and number of pregnancy losses) and the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities.

Results

Abnormal results were obtained in 120 of 261 (45.98%) cases. Aneuploidy was the most common abnormality (37.55%), followed by triploidy (4.98%) and pathogenic copy number variations (pCNVs) (3.45%). CNV‐seq could detect the triploidy with male karyotype, and QF‐PCR could further identify the remaining triploidy with female karyotype. In this study, we found more male triploidies than female triploidies. With the same ability in chromosomal abnormalities detection, the cost of sequential strategy decreased by 17.35% compared with combined strategy. In subgroup analysis, significant difference was found in the frequency of total chromosomal abnormalities between early abortion group and late abortion group. Results of logistic regression showed a trend that pregnant women with advanced age, first‐time abortion, and abortion earlier than 12 weeks were more likely to detect chromosomal aberrations in their products of conception.

Conclusion

Sequential application of CNV‐seq and QF‐PCR is an economic and practical strategy to identify chromosomal abnormalities in fetal tissue.
The Incorporation of Curcuminoids in Gamma‐Cyclodextrins Improves Their Poor Bioaccessibility, Which Is due to Both Their Very Low Incorporation into Mixed Micelles and Their Partial Adsorption on Food
Authors: Borel Patrick , Hammaz Faiza , Lecourt Lucie , Marconot Grégory , Gillet Guillian , Rozier Camille , Desmarchelier Charles
Published: April 2023

Scope

Turmeric curcuminoids mainly consist of curcumin (CUR), demethoxycurcumin (dCUR), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (bdCUR). CUR displays low bioavailability, partly due to poor solubilization in the intestinal lumen during digestion, while data for dCUR and bdCUR are scarce. The study aims to investigate the bioaccessibility of curcuminoids from turmeric extracts or from gamma‐cyclodextrins, considering potential interactions with food.

Methods and results

Using an in vitro digestion model (correlation with CUR bioavailability: r = 0.99), the study shows that curcuminoid bioaccessibility from turmeric extract without food is low: bdCUR (11.5 ± 0.6%) > dCUR (1.8 ± 0.1%) > CUR (0.8 ± 0.1%). Curcuminoids incorporated into gamma‐cyclodextrins display higher bioaccessibilities (bdCUR: 21.1 ± 1.6%; dCUR: 14.3 ± 0.9%; CUR: 11.9 ± 0.7%). Curcuminoid bioaccessibility is highest without food (turmeric extract: 2.0 ± 0.1%; gamma‐cyclodextrins: 12.4 ± 0.8%) and decreases with a meat‐ and potato‐based meal (turmeric extract: 1.1 ± 0.2%; gamma‐cyclodextrins: 2.4 ± 0.3%) or a wheat‐based meal (turmeric extract: 0.1 ± 0.0%; gamma‐cyclodextrins: 0.3 ± 0.1%). Curcuminoids exhibit low (<10%) incorporation efficiencies into synthetic mixed micelles (bdCUR > dCUR > CUR).

Conclusions

bdCUR and dCUR show greater bioaccessibilities versus CUR. Food diminishes curcuminoid bioaccessibility, likely by adsorption mechanisms. Gamma‐cyclodextrins improve curcuminoid bioaccessibility.
Analysis of atmospheric turbulence and vibration impact on the performance of satellite–ground laser communication beam
Authors: Xia Fangyuan , Wang Bo , Zhang Furui , Zhang Guoting , Zhang Ruoyu , Zhang Jianhua , Wu Jian
Published: April 2023

With satellite laser communication, advantages can be achieved in high communication rate, precise beam pointing, high confidentiality, and light‐small terminal. Satellite–ground (SG) laser links also play a crucial role as trunk links. However, the SG link is influenced by atmospheric turbulence and platform vibration, these two factors will cause unstable link tracking. This paper focuses on the viewpoint of beam energy transmission, using the low‐frequency harmonic phase compensating method to establish the random phase screen. On the basis of this model, the laser beam energy distribution and the spot mass positioning error are analyzed considering turbulence taking vibration which is not considered in previous studies. The simulation results show that the spot mass center (SMC) is impressionable in strong turbulence under platform vibration, but in a weak turbulent environment, SMC is insensitive to vibration when turbulence and vibration are at the same noise level.
Accelerated submillimeter wave‐encoded magnetic resonance imaging via deep untrained neural network
Authors: Liu Congcong , Cui Zhuo‐Xu , Jia Sen , Cheng Jing , Cao Chentao , Guo Yifan , Zhu Yanjie , Liang Dong , Wang Haifeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Wave gradient encoding can adequately utilize coil sensitivity profiles to facilitate higher accelerations in parallel magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI). However, there are limitations in mainstream pMRI and a few deep learning (DL) methods for recovering missing data under wave encoding framework: the former is prone to introduce errors from the auto‐calibration signals (ACS) signal acquisition and is time‐consuming, while the latter requires a large amount of training data.

Purpose

To tackle the above issues, an untrained neural network (UNN) model incorporating wave‐encoded physical properties and deep generative model, named WDGM, was proposed with additional ACS‐ and training data‐free.

Methods

Generally, the proposed method can provide powerful missing data interpolation capability using the wave physical encoding framework and designed UNN to characterize the MR image (k‐space data) priors. Specifically, the MRI reconstruction combining physical wave encoding and elaborate UNN is modeled as a generalized minimization problem. The designation of UNN is driven by the coil sensitivity maps (CSM) smoothness and k‐space linear predictability. And then, the iterative paradigm to recover the full k‐space signal is determined by the projected gradient descent, and the complex computation is unrolled to the network with optimized parameters by the optimizer. Simulated wave encoding and in vivo experiments are exploited to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. The best quantitative metrics RMSE/SSIM/PSNR of 0.0413, 0.9514, and 37.4862 gave competitive results in all experiments with at least six‐fold acceleration, respectively.

Results

In vivo experiments of human brains and knees showed that the proposed method can achieve comparable reconstruction quality and even has superiority relative to the comparison, especially at a high resolution of 0.67 mm and fewer ACS. In addition, the proposed method has a higher computational efficiency achieving a computation time of 9.6 s/per slice.

Conclusions

The model proposed in this work addresses two limitations of MRI reconstruction in the wave encoding framework. The first is to eliminate the need for ACS signal acquisition to perform the time‐consuming calibration process and to avoid errors such as motion during the acquisition procedure. Furthermore, the proposed method has clinical application friendly without the need to prepare large training datasets, which is difficult in the clinical. All results of the proposed method demonstrate more confidence in both quantitative and qualitative metrics. In addition, the proposed method can achieve higher computational efficiency.
Neuromuscular ultrasound standardized scanning techniques and protocols: Expert panel recommendations
Authors: Tawfik Eman A. , Cartwright Michael S. , van Alfen Nens , Axer Hubertus , Boon Andrea J. , Crump Nicholas , Grimm Alexander , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Kerasnoudis Antonios , Mandeville Ross , Preston David C. , Sakamuri Sarada , Shahrizaila Nortina , Shin Susan , Shook Steven J. , Wilder‐Smith Einar , Walker Francis O.
Published: April 2023

Neuromuscular ultrasound has become an integral part of the diagnostic workup of neuromuscular disorders at many centers. Despite its growing utility, uniform standard scanning techniques do not currently exist. Scanning approaches for similar diseases vary in the literature creating heterogeneity in the studies as reported in several meta‐analysis. Moreover, neuromuscular ultrasound experts including the group in this study have different views with regards to technical aspects, scanning protocols, and the parameters that should be assessed. Establishing standardized neuromuscular scanning protocols is essential for the development of the subspeciality to ensure uniform clinical and research practices. Therefore, we aimed to recommend consensus‐based standardized scanning techniques and protocols for common neuromuscular disorders using the Delphi approach. A panel of 17 experts participated in the study, which consisted of three consecutive electronic surveys. The first survey included voting on six scanning protocols addressing the general scanning technique and five common categories of suspected neuromuscular disorders. The subsequent surveys focused on refining the protocols and voting on new steps, rephrased statements, or areas of non‐agreement. A high degree of consensus was achieved on the general neuromuscular ultrasound scanning technique and the scanning protocols for focal mononeuropathies, brachial plexopathies, polyneuropathies, amyotophic lateral sclerosis, and muscle diseases. In this study, a group of neuromuscular ultrasound experts developed six consensus‐based neuromuscular ultrasound scanning protocols that may serve as references for clinicians and researchers. The standardized protocols could also aid in achieving high‐quality uniform neuromuscular ultrasound practices.
Bilateral pneumothorax in combination therapy with cetuximab for oral cancer with no lung metastasis: A case report
Authors: Ehara Yuichi , Motohashi Masayuki , Naganawa Koshuke , Ukai Akira , Taniguchi Takuya , Muramatsu Yasunori
Published: April 2023

Background

In oral cancer, several patients with lung metastasis have been reported to develop a pneumothorax. We recently experienced two cases of pneumothorax during combination therapy with cetuximab (Cmab‐therapy) for oral SCC with no lung metastasis.

Case presentation

Two cases were found to have bilateral pneumothoraces during Cmab‐therapy for postoperative recurrence of oral SCC. In both cases, a bulla presented at the apices of the lungs, confirmed by CT scan images taken before the combination therapy.

Conclusion

We suggest the importance of assessing for bulla formation at the lung apex and pneumothorax prophylaxis before starting Cmab‐therapy.
Fracture toughness of PA6/POE‐g‐MA/TiO2 ternary nanocomposites according to the essential work fracture method
Authors: Sajjadi Seyyed Ali , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Fasihi Mohammad , Rajaee Pouya
Published: April 2023

Polymer‐based nanocomposites can be used in a wide variety of applications in the industrial, electronics, and energy segments. In order to attain the application‐specific properties that are desired, good mechanical and fracture efficiency is frequently required. Polyamide 6 (PA6)/polyethylene octene grafted with maleic anhydride (POE‐g‐MA)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites' fracture characteristics were investigated utilizing the essential work of fracture (EWF) approach in this work. Four levels of POE‐g‐MA (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) and three levels of TiO2 (0, 2, and 4 wt%) are therefore utilized. The reliability of the EWF theory is demonstrated via the self‐similarity of the force‐displacement curve and Hill's analysis. Results showed that EWF and non‐essential work of fracture (non‐EWF) were improved by 73% and 54%, respectively, by increasing POE‐g‐MA up to 30 wt%. The improvement of EWF value confirmed the role of POE‐g‐MA as an impact modifier. Nevertheless, by increasing TiO2 up to 4 wt%, EWF, and non‐EWF decrease by 20% and 25%, respectively. Adding 30 wt% POE‐g‐MA reduced tensile strength and enhanced strain at the break by 45% and 109%, respectively. Moreover, the tensile strength was enhanced up to 10% by adding 4 wt% of TiO2 content. However, the strain at break was decreased by 44% by increasing 4 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticle. In addition, the dominant fracture mechanism in polyamide‐based blends and nanocomposites is shear‐yielding and fibrillation structures.
Registration of ‘L 14‐267’ sugarcane
Authors: Pontif Michael , Kimbeng Collins , Gravois Kenneth , Taylor Zachary , Sexton David , Blanchard Brayden , Daigle Mavis , Fontenot Dexter , Hawkins Gertrude , Hoy Jeffrey , Baisakh Niranjan , Wilson Blake , Orgeron Albert , Todd James , Hale Anna , Waguespack Herman
Published: April 2023

‘L 14‐267’ (Reg. no. CV‐213, PI 701487) sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) was released for commercial production in Louisiana because of its high yield potential and broad‐spectrum disease resistance. The final testing stage resulted in data from 62 trials at 12 representative sandy silt (light‐textured) and clayey (heavy‐textured) soil locations. Cane yield of L 14‐267 was comparable to that of ‘L 01‐299’, the most widely grown cultivar in the Louisiana sugar industry, in the plant and first ratoon crops but significantly lower in the second ratoon crop. Sucrose content was significantly higher in L 14‐267 than in L 01‐299 in the plant and first ratoon crops and was comparable to that of L 01‐299 in the second ratoon crop. Sugar yield was significantly higher in L 14‐267 than in L 01‐299 in the plant crop, comparable in the first ratoon crop but significantly lower in the second ratoon crop. The performance of L 14‐267 did not differ significantly between the two soil types for any of the traits. L 14‐267 is a mid‐ to late‐season maturing cultivar that appears to respond well to plant growth regulators but poorly to sub‐freezing temperatures. L 14‐267 displayed broad‐spectrum disease resistance, being resistant to mosaic, yellow leaf, smut, and ratoon stunt and moderately resistant to brown rust and leaf scald. L 14‐267 is moderately susceptible to the sugarcane borer and the Mexican rice borer.
Experiencing anxiety in breast cancer survival: Does perceived emotional intelligence matter?
Authors: Ruiz‐González Paula , Guil Rocío
Published: April 2023

Background

The specialized literature shows that breast cancer (BC) survivors have a certain vulnerability to express anxiety about the changes that the disease entails in their lives. Breast cancer is a specific adverse circumstance, but women who have not experienced this disease may also be exposed to other anxiety‐provoking life crises. In both cases, perceived emotional intelligence (PEI)—consisting of emotional attention (EA), emotional clarity (EC), and emotional repair (ER)—seems to impact on such emotional distress.

Objective

To identify the mechanism through which PEI may mediate the relationship between BC survivorship, compared to a controlled group, and anxiety.

Methods

636 women were divided into two groups: 56 BC survivors and 580 healthy controls. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Trait Meta‐Mood Scale were administered.

Results

BC survivors differed from the control group in showing lower levels of EA and higher levels of ER. The global mediation model showed an explanatory capacity of 27% on anxiety (p = 0.000). Four significant indirect effects were obtained: two acted as risk pathways and the other two as protective pathways. The strongest effect indicated an increase in anxiety in BC survivors due to the mediated effect of low EA and EC.

Conclusions

Knowing the impact of PEI on anxiety on disease survival could be the empirical basis for developing interventions to improve psychological adjustment at the end of treatments.
Size Tunable Fabrication of Magnetic Alginate Microparticles Using Flow Focusing Microfluidics
Authors: Rivera‐Llabres Victor G. , Gentry Kara N. , Po Matthew , Rinaldi‐Ramos Carlos M.
Published: April 2023

The size tunable formulation of magnetic alginate microparticles (MAMs) using a 3D flow‐focusing microfluidic device is reported. The droplet phase consists of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in an alginate solution and the continuous phase consists of fluorocarbon oils. The stability of IONP colloids in alginate and calcium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid solutions using optical microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements is studied. These studies suggest that IONPs coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) are most stable. MAMs using the PEG‐coated IONP colloid are then formulated and it is studied how MAM the average size and coefficient of variance vary as a function of droplet and continuous phase flow rates and viscosities. Droplet and MAM size decrease when the carrier flow rate or viscosity increases, and droplet and MAM size increase when droplet flow rate or viscosity increases. Crosslinking and drying of droplets result in MAMs whose diameter is ≈44% less than the original droplets while maintaining a population coefficient of variance below 8%. Conditions are identified that enable fabrication of MAMs with diameters between 30 and 60 µm with coefficients of variance of ≈6–7%. These results may guide future work exploring the role of MAM size on various applications.
Rare airway tumor in a previously healthy adolescent successfully treated with endoscopic resection and oral propranolol
Authors: Gipsman Alexander I. , Treat James R. , Piccione Joseph
Published: April 2023

Airway tumors are rare in children. Pyogenic granuloma (PG), also known as lobular capillary hemangioma, is a benign vascular tumor usually found on the skin or in the oral cavity. Rarely, these lesions occur in the airway and cause significant hemoptysis. Most reported airway PGs have occurred in the trachea of adults. Here, we present a case of an adolescent female who presented with hemoptysis and was found to have a PG in the right lower lobe. Per institutional guidelines, this case report was exempt from institutional review board approval.
Effectiveness of field‐exposed attract‐and‐kill devices against the adults of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): a study on duration, form and storage
Authors: Paoli Francesco , Iovinella Immacolata , Barbieri Francesco , Sciandra Chiara , Sabbatini Peverieri Giuseppino , Mazza Giuseppe , Torrini Giulia , Barzanti Gian Paolo , Benvenuti Claudia , Strangi Agostino , Bosio Giovanni , Mori Emiliano , Roversi Pio Federico , Marianelli Leonardo
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman is an insect pest native to Japan that has spread into North America, the Azores and, recently, into continental Europe. Here, we present a study assessing the effectiveness of a long‐lasting insecticide‐treated net (LLIN), assembled in semiochemical‐baited attract‐and‐kill devices (A&Ks) as a low environmental impact means to control P. japonica in the field. We compared the attractiveness of three different forms of A&Ks that were left outdoors throughout the summer, and the residence time of P. japonica landing on them. Moreover, we performed a preliminary study testing the effectiveness of new LLINs after storage. Collected data also allowed us to investigate the beetles' diel flight patterns in relation to meteorological conditions.

RESULTS

Killing effectiveness of the field‐exposed A&Ks declined steadily over the flight season (from 100% to 37.5%) associated with a decrease in residues of α‐cypermethrin, the active ingredient in the LLINs. The different A&K forms (pyramidal, octahedral and ellipsoidal) attracted similar numbers of beetles. Individual beetles' residence time ranged from 75 to 95 s and differed slightly between A&K forms. Effectiveness of LLINs decreased by ≈30% after 1 year storage. Based on numbers landing on A&Ks, the beetles' flight activity peaked about 14:30 h and was inversely correlated with relative humidity.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that semiochemical‐baited A&Ks are effective for controlling P. japonica in the field. Because of active ingredient decay, the LLINs should be replaced after 30–40 days of field exposure to ensure that the A&Ks remain fully functional. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparing marriage and cohabitation dissolution risks across municipalities: Which characteristics matter?
Authors: Vermeulen Willem R. J. , Zoutewelle‐Terovan Mioara , Kooiman Niels , Liefbroer Aart C.
Published: April 2023

Research has shown considerable municipal‐level variation in divorce rates within countries. Given the large increase in cohabitation over the past decades, this study examines whether similar differences can also be observed in the union dissolution risks of cohabitants. By investigating whether six municipal‐level factors important in understanding spatial variation in divorce are also associated with spatial variation in the dissolution of cohabiting unions (financial uncertainty, gender roles, religiosity, social ties, alternative opportunities and educational attainment), this article aims to improve our understanding of municipal differences in the dissolution of cohabiting unions. This study is conducted on register data from Statistics Netherlands (2017–2018). For this study, unique union dissolution information per union type (marriage and cohabitation) is constructed for 355 Dutch municipalities. Nearly all explanatory factors are defined using publicly available municipal‐level information. We use spatial lag regression models to analyse differences in municipal union dissolution risks for different union types. We find that municipal‐level union dissolution risks of cohabiting and married couples are only moderately correlated, suggesting that the risk of union dissolution for cohabiting couples is not necessary high in municipalities with high divorce rates. Municipal‐level indicators of social ties, religiosity and alternative opportunities are linked to municipal‐level variation in union dissolution risks of married and cohabiting couples, whereas municipal‐level variation in financial uncertainty and educational attainment are only linked to municipal‐level variation in union dissolution risks of married couples.
Cucurbitacin IIb attenuates cancer cachexia induced skeletal muscle atrophy by regulating the IL‐6/STAT3/FoxO signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yaxian , Sun Xipeng , Yang Quanjun , Guo Cheng
Published: April 2023

The main features of cancer cachexia include skeletal muscle atrophy, which can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients. Clinical treatment of cancer cachexia is mainly based on nutritional therapy and physical exercise; medication only improves appetite but does not reverse the symptoms of skeletal muscle wasting. In this work, we systematically studied the underlying molecular mechanisms by which cucurbitacin IIb (CuIIb) ameliorates muscle wasting in cancer cachexia both in vitro and in vivo. CuIIb significantly ameliorated the chief features of cancer cachexia in vivo, alleviating weight loss, food intake, muscle wasting, adipose tissue depletion, and organ weight reductions. In vitro, CuIIb (10 and 20 μM) dose‐dependently attenuated conditioned medium (CM)‐induced C2C12 myotube atrophy. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that CuIIb prevented the upregulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase muscle atrophy Fbox protein (MAFbx), myosin heavy chain (MyHC), and myogenin (MyoG) and impacted protein synthesis and degradation. In addition, CuIIb decreased the phosphorylation of Tyr705 in STAT3 by regulating the IL‐6/STAT3/FoxO pathway to reduce skeletal muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia.
Matrix‐independent boron isotope analysis of silicate and carbonate reference materials by ultraviolet femtosecond laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with application to the cold‐water coral Desmophyllum dianthus
Authors: Steinhoefel Grit , Beck Kristina K. , Benthien Albert , Richter Klaus‐Uwe , Schmidt‐Grieb Gertraud M. , Bijma Jelle
Published: April 2023

Rationale

Boron isotopes are a powerful tool for pH reconstruction in marine carbonates and as a tracer for fluid–mineral interaction in geochemistry. Microanalytical approaches based on laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS) often suffer from effects induced by the sample matrix. In this study, we investigate matrix‐independent analyses of B isotopic ratios and apply this technique to cold‐water corals.

Methods

We employ a customized 193 nm femtosecond laser ablation system (Solstice, Spectra‐Physics) coupled to a MC‐ICP‐MS system (Nu Plasma II, Nu Instruments) equipped with electron multipliers for in situ measurements of B isotopic ratios (11B/10B) at the micrometric scale. We analyzed various reference materials of silicate and carbonate matrices using non‐matrix matched calibration without employing any correction. This approach was then applied to investigate defined increments in coral samples from a Chilean fjord.

Results

We obtained accurate B isotopic ratios with a reproducibility of ±0.9‰ (2 SD) for various reference materials including silicate glasses (GOR132‐G, StHs6/80‐G, ATHO‐G and NIST SRM 612), clay (IAEA‐B‐8) and carbonate (JCp‐1) using the silicate glass NIST SRM 610 as calibration standard, which shows that neither laser‐induced nor ICP‐related matrix effects are detectable. The application to cold‐water corals (Desmophyllum dianthus) reveals minor intra‐skeleton variations in δ11B with average values between 23.01‰ and 25.86‰.

Conclusions

Our instrumental set‐up provides accurate and precise B isotopic ratios independently of the sample matrix at the micrometric scale. This approach opens a wide field of application in geochemistry, including pH reconstruction in biogenic carbonates and deciphering processes related to fluid–mineral interaction.
A reinforcement learning‐based approach for near‐optimal sliding‐mode control of output‐constrained uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Mousavi Alireza , Davaie‐Markazi Amir Hossein , Ferrara Antonella
Published: April 2023

This study presents a near‐optimal learning‐based approach for sliding‐mode control of uncertain nonsquare nonlinear systems subject to output constraints. To achieve a compromise between safety and optimality, a reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed to compute the near‐optimal values of the sliding manifold coefficients. In the reinforcement learning algorithm, only measured input‐output data obtained by experiments or simulations are employed. Furthermore, the presented method does not require partial knowledge of the system dynamics to initialize the reinforcement learning process. By employing the tuned sliding vector, an adaptive fuzzy sliding‐mode control (AFSMC) input, including a fuzzy term and a robust term, is generated. The fuzzy term is used to approximate an unknown nonlinear function and the robust term is designed for mismatch compensation. To guarantee that the output constraints are not violated, the adaptation laws for obtaining the fuzzy singletons and the bounds of the approximation errors are designed based on the barrier Lyapunov functions (BLF) theorem. The closed loop asymptotic stability is theoretically analyzed in the article, while the effectiveness of the method is assessed in simulation.
Integrating sustainable development goals into environment impact assessment in India: A conceptual analysis
Authors: Vannadil Preetha Kizhakkekara , Prasanna Chitra Karunakaran
Published: April 2023

The paper presents a systematic exploration of the linkages between environment impact assessment (EIA) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the Indian context through a critical analysis of the socio‐ecological impacts of development projects and the policy climate for environmental clearances. A conceptual framework portraying the interlinkages of the systemic disruptions in the socio‐ecological realms, policy challenges, and SDGs is developed, which argues for integrating the SDGs into the EIA framework in India. The paper argues that the legal fluidity and dilution in the design and enactment of EIA retrogrades the crucial socio‐political transformation required for achieving sustainability. The systematic literature review of empirical, conceptual, and grey literature, undertaken on Indian EIA, highlights its instrumental role as a political tool for achieving developmental sustainability. The paper concludes by highlighting the urgent need to mainstream ecological decision‐making into all governance processes for achieving the SDGs in a transforming society like India.
Rational Control of Near‐Infrared Colloidal Thick‐Shell Eco‐Friendly Quantum Dots for Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Jin Lei , Liu Jiabin , Liu Xin , Benetti Daniele , Selopal Gurpreet Singh , Tong Xin , Hamzehpoor Ehsan , Li Faying , Perepichka Dmytro F. , Wang Zhiming M. , Rosei Federico
Published: April 2023

Thick‐shell colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are promising building blocks for solar technologies due to their size/composition/shape‐tunable properties. However, most well‐performed thick‐shell QDs suffer from frequent use of toxic metal elements including Pb and Cd, and inadequate light absorption in the visible and near‐infrared (NIR) region due to the wide bandgap of the shell. In this work, eco‐friendly AgInSe2/AgInS2 core/shell QDs, which are optically active in the NIR region and are suitable candidates to fabricate devices for solar energy conversion, are developed. Direct synthesis suffers from simultaneously controlling the reactivity of multiple precursors, instead, a template‐assisted cation exchange method is used. By modulating the monolayer growth of template QDs, gradient AgInSeS shell layers are incorporated into AgInSe2/AgInS2 QDs. The resulting AgInSe2/AgInSeS/AgInS2 exhibits better charge transfer than AgInSe2/AgInS2 due to their favorable electronic band alignment, as predicted by first‐principle calculations and confirmed by transient fluorescence spectroscopy. The photoelectrochemical cells fabricated with AgInSe2/AgInSeS/AgInS2 QDs present ≈1.5‐fold higher current density and better stability compared to AgInSe2/AgInS2. The findings define a promising approach toward multinary QDs and pave the way for engineering the QDs’ electronic band structures for solar‐energy conversion.
Mass customization and mass personalization meet at the crossroads of Industry 4.0: A case of augmented digital engineering
Authors: Barata João , Cardoso Jorge C. S. , Cunha Paulo Rupino
Published: April 2023

After mass production and then mass customization, the time is almost ripe for mass personalization. The goal is to offer unique products designed for the needs of each customer. However, production in larger series of products also has its advantages, and the promise of “lot size one” is still far from being the norm in several sectors of the economy. As a result of an action research project in a small household ceramic producer, this paper explores the potential of a hybrid strategy. Augmented digital engineering is adopted to (1) ensure customer participation along the entire product design lifecycle, (2) maintain the benefits of modularization and low cost, (3) minimize the waste of time and materials during product design, and (4) seek a minimum trade‐off between customer desires and engineering strategy. For theory, our work describes Industry 4.0 technology's role in achieving individual customer interaction and value co‐creation in hybrid strategies of mass customization and mass personalization. For practice, we present an example of technological architecture to implement augmented digital engineering in Industry 4.0, accessible to scenarios of hand‐intensive work and creative design processes.
An empirical analysis for software robustness vulnerability in terms of modularity quality
Authors: Abadeh Maryam Nooraei , Mirzaie Mansooreh
Published: April 2023

Modern software architectures such as microservices provide a high degree of scalability, changeability, and maintainability in application development. Furthermore, enabling controlled failure of microservices can provide abstract‐level solutions to design more resilient applications. In this paper, we introduce modularity vulnerability to analyze the vulnerability of a modular software design model under the failure of m top‐rank modules by the proposed structural metrics. The study analyzes the modularity quality coefficient (MQC) under the failure of the critical modules identified using the proposed parameter‐based greedy strategy. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the software design generated by well‐known models and online datasets and provide a perspective for reasoning about the correlation between modularity metrics. The results show that the failure of the modules with the highest cluster factor (CF) value leads to a maximum decrease in the software modularity quality. Finally, we show a linear correlation between CF and the variations of the MQC, implying stability in the software modularity analysis (SMA) problem.
Piperaceae Raddianae: A taxonomic and nomenclatural study of Giuseppe Raddi's Brazilian Piperaceae
Authors: Guimarães Elsie Franklin , de Queiroz George Azevedo , Delprete Piero G. , Baldini Riccardo M.
Published: April 2023

Giuseppe Raddi collected in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 1817 to June 1818. He published 12 new names in the family Piperaceae in an article that appeared in 1828. Raddi's article has not been cited in specialized literature and these names were never properly studied. In the present study, these names are typified, and their identity is clarified. Five new combinations are here presented, namely Peperomia callitrichoides, P. catesbaeifolia, P. cylindrica, P. gracillima, and P. plantaginifolia. The new name Piper raddianum is published, honoring him and his botanical accomplishments. In addition, the names Piper scutatum, Piper scolopendrifolium, Piper truncatum, Piper fluminense, Steffensia ampla (≡ Piper amplum), Piper variabile, Piper catesbaeafolium, Piper cylindricum, Piper pumilum, Peperomia martiana, and Piper gracillimum are here lectotypified.
Comprehensive Solution Method Considering Load Distribution for Determining Low‐Voltage Network Configurations
Authors: Yokota Hiroki , Zoka Yoshifumi , Noriyuki Hiroki , Yorino Naoto , Sasaki Yutaka , Fukuba Shinya , Akagi Satoru
Published: April 2023

Significant photovoltaic (PV) penetration accelerates voltage problems in distribution networks. We have so far studied what kind of low voltage system configurations are desired in the planning stage. In our previous studies, possible equipment measures were classified into several categories, formulating the ‘low‐voltage system configuration determination problem’; in addition, a solution algorithm based on the practical priorities of classified measures was proposed. In this study, we propose a more efficient and comprehensive solution method while considering load distribution. Several numerical simulations were conducted to verify the performance of the proposed method. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A comprehensive study on flocculation of anionic dyes using the bioflocculant produced by Bacillus thuringiensis: Kinetics, affecting factors, and perspectives
Authors: Wu Chun‐Yung , Zhong Zhi‐Chen , Wu Xin‐Ping , Chen Yu‐Jie , Shu Che‐Chi
Published: April 2023

Bioflocculants have received more and more attention as alternatives to chemical flocculants because of their innocuousness, environmental friendliness, and high effectiveness. This study aims to investigate various factors that influence the performance of the novel bioflocculant produced by Bacillus thuringiensis (BF‐TWB10) and analyze its adsorption kinetics to optimize its flocculation performance for real applications. The best‐fit kinetic model was pseudo‐second order with R2 = 0.999. The effects of pretreatment temperature, pH, and the presence of cations on flocculation were assessed. Further investigations of flocculation, including zeta potential analysis and particle size analysis, were also conducted. Thermal pretreatment of BF‐TWB10 or the presence of divalent cations could stimulate the decolorization efficiency of the bioflocculant. BF‐TWB10 manifested outstanding dye removal performances with over 90% for all tested anionic dyes at pH 2 and 3. Its decolorization efficiency on anionic dyes decreased with the increase of pH values. Zeta potential analysis revealed that the electrostatic repulsion between anionic dyes decreased after the addition of BT‐TWB10 and further diminished by adjusting the reaction mixture to pH 2 before flocculation, suggesting the occurrence of adsorption bridging and charge neutralization. These findings proposed that BF‐TWB10 might be a promising bioflocculant for the removal of dyes in textile wastewater.

Practitioner Points

Bioflocculant BF‐TWB10 shows outstanding performance in flocculation.

Adsorption process follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model.

Flocculation process is pH‐responsive.

High‐temperature pretreatment or divalent cations enhance its flocculation performance.

The analyses suggest the occurrence of charge neutralization and adsorption bridging.
Correction to: Slow Violence and Slow Going: Encountering Beckett in the Time of Climate Catastrophe
Authors: Salisbury Laura
Published: April 2023

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Transforming Quantified Boolean Formulas Using Biclique Covers
Authors: Kullmann Oliver , Shukla Ankit
Published: April 2023

We introduce the global conflict graph of DQCNFs (dependency quantified conjunctive normal forms), recording clashes between clauses on such universal variables on which all existential variables depend (called “global variables”). The biclique covers of this graph correspond to the eligible clause-slices of the DQCNF which consider only the global variables. We show that all such slices yield satisfiability-equivalent variations. This opens the possibility to realise this slice using as few global variables as possible. We give basic theoretical results and first supporting experimental data.